Julius Caesar

THE Tragedie of Caesar .

ACT. I. Iuno . THough I a goddesse glance through th' azure round , Whilst the eie-feather'd birds my coach do moue : And am with radiant starres heauens Empresse crown'd , The sister , and the wife of thundring Ioue . And though I banquet in th' Aetheriall bowres , Where Ambrosie and Nectar serues for meate : And at the meeting of th' immortall powres , Am still aduanc'd vnto the highest seate : Yet by those glorious shewes of boundlesse blisse , My martred minde can no way be relieu'd , Since immortalitie affords but this , That I may euer liue being euer grieu'd . In vaine , vaine mortals seeke for helpe at me , With Sacred odours on my Altars throwne : What expectation can they haue to see , One venge their wrongs , that cannot venge her owne ? Might Pallas once drowne thousands in the seas . And metamorphose Diomedes mates ? And must mine enemies alwayes liue in ease , As me to spight , appointed by the fates ? Of all the dying race that liues below , With such indignities none could comport , As wound my breast , whom gods and men do know To be abusde by Ioue in many a sort . Though knowne to me , from others if concealde , His faults might breed me griefe , but yet not shame : Where lo , now both through heauen & earth reuealde , Each slanderous Theater doth his scorne proclame . If heauenly soules diuinely liu'd aloft , Th' inferior world would imitate them then : But humaniz'd by hanting mortals oft , Where men should grow like gods , gods grow like men . My painted Iris in her beauties pride , Smiles not on Phoebus with so many hues : As Ioue in diuers shapes himselfe can hide , When he poore maides by Cupid spurr'd pursues . He Danae in a golden showre deceiude , And did a Swanne in Ledaes bosome light , Then being a Bull Agenors daughter reau'd , And Iö made a Cow to mocke my sight . But would to god that with such wanton dames , He still to sport would as with me remaine , Not able then t' imbrace celestiall flames , All like the drunkards mother might be slaine . Then such a troupe as Rheas bosome stores , Would not hold him and me at endlesse iarres : The heauens are pestred with my husbands whores , Whose lights impure , do taint the purest starres . All iniuries are heauie to digest , Yet th' actors greatnesse doth some griefe remoue : Of whom to suffer wrong it shames one least ; If I were wrongde , I would be wrongde by Ioue . But ( ah ) this long hath tirraniz'd my breast , A man , a boy , a shepheard , yea and worse , The Phrygian fire-brand , the adultrous guest , That first wrought wrong by fraud and then by force . He , he , was he whose verdict mou'd me most , Whilst it on Ida wrong'd my beauties right ; No wonder too though one all iudgement lost , That had three naked goddesses in sight . And yet I know were not his wandring eyes , The Ciprian bribde by some lasciuious smiles , My pompous birds in triumph through the skies , Had borne the golde that oft her nimphes beguiles . Am not I she whose greatnesse is admirde , Whom Ioue for wife , whom thousands court for loue ? Whom haughtie Ixion once t' imbrace desirde , Yet with a clowde deluded did remooue . What needed me a matter to submit , Where my authoritie might haue auailde ? Whilst though I promisde wealth , and Pallas wit , Yet with a yong man Venus gift preuaild . But how durst he t' ones pleasure thus giue place , Where two contemnd their honour would repaire ? Is not our Sexe impatient of disgrace ? Of which there 's none , but loues to be thought faire . T' auenge my selfe no kinde of paine I sparde , And made his greatest gaine his greatest losse : As Venus gaue him Helen for reward , I gaue him Helen for his greatest crosse . Nor did he long her loue with ioy enioy , Whose faithlesse flames his countrey did confound : Whilst armies arm'd , for her did Troy destroy , And leuel'd Neptunes labours with the ground . Whilst Simois seem'de to be a buriall field , Whose streames as streetes were with dead bodies pau'd All Xanthus plaine as turnde t' a sea did yeeld A flood of blood , from Heroes wounds receiu'd By brauing thousands once though much esteem'd , By dust and blood deform'd , of Hector slaine ( Nor like Patrocius by the sword redeem'd ) The bodie basely was bought backe againe . Then by the same mans sonne that kild his sonne , Th' old Priamus surprizde sigh'd forth his breath : And being most harm'd where he for helpe had runne , Whilst taking th' Altar , taken was by death ; Though wrestling long t' auoide the heauens decree , By th' enemies sword being parted from the light , He that lou'de Helen , and was loath de by me , Di'd as a sacrifice t' appease my spight . Last hauing liu'd ( if miserie be a life ) T' entombe all hers , that high mishaps had tride Though once being both , nor mother then , nor wife , The fertile Hecub ' , as being barren dide . Thus by those meanes it would haue seem'd to some , That my scornde beautie had bin highly vengde : But whilst they were ore-com'd they did ore-come , Since they for better states their states haue changde . I in one part , that people did confound , But did enlarge their power in euery place : Al warlike nations through the world renowned , Now from the Phrygian ruines raise their race . And yet two traitors that betraide the rest , ( O heauens , that treason thus should prosper whiles ) Of the Dardanian race did chance the best , More happie then at home in their exiles . Did not Antenor stealing through his foes , Neere to the Euganian mountaines build a towne , Of which some nurslings once shall seeke repose Amidst the waues , and in the depths sit downe ? Their citie spousing Neptune , shall arise The rarest common-wealth that euer was . Whose people , if as stowt , as rich and wise , Might boast to bring miraculous things to passe . Then false Aeneas ( though but borne t' obey ) Did of a fugitiue become a King : And some of his neere Tibers streames that stay , Would all the world to their obedience bring . Their rauenous Eagles soaring ouer all lands , By violence th' imperiall prey haue wonne : That bastard broode of Mars with martiall bands , Haue conquerd both the mansions of the Sunne . Their course by mountaines could not be controlde , No , Neptune could not keepe his bosome free . Th' antartike heate , nor yet the artike colde , No limites to their legions could decree . O of that cittie there could come no good , Whose rising walles with more than barbarous rage , The builder first bath'd with his brothers blood , Which their prodigious conquests did presage . That towne hath oft my soule with anguish filld , Whose new-borne state oft triumpht ouer my wrath : Like my olde foe that in his cradle killd , The serpents that I sent to giue him death . By Sabins , Albans , Tuscans oft assailde , Euen in her infancie I tossde Romes state : Yet stil Laomedons false race preuailde , And angry Iuno could doe nought but hate . Then when the gallant Gaules had vanquisht Rome , That basely bought her libertie with golde : A banisht man Camillus chauncde to come , And her imballanc'd state redeemde of olde . Great Hanniball our common cause pursude , And made his bands within their bounds remaine , With Consuls and with Praetors bloods imbrude , At Thrasimene and at Cannes slaine . In Romans mindes strange thoughts did feare infuse That did attend the taking of their towne : But he that vanquish could , not victory vse , Was by their brasen destinie throwne downe . O what a torrent of Barbarians once , Inunding ouer the Alpes their walles did bost , Whilst Teutons and the Cimbers bigge of bones , Like giants marcht a more than monstrous hoste . But though from vnknowne partes to ruine Rome , I led those troopes that all the world admirde , Yet did the tyrant Marius them orecome , And I in vaine to venge olde wrongs aspirde . By baser meanes I likewise sought her harmes , Whilst Ianus church imported neuer peace , I raisde vp abiect Spartacus in armes , That neere eclipsde Romes glorie with disgrace . Though I that all the world for help haue sought , From Europe , Affrike , and from Asia thus : Gaules , Carthaginians , and Cimbers brought , Yet did the domage still redound to vs . Of heauen and earth I all the powres haue prou'd , And for their wracke haue each aduantage watcht : But they by forraine force could not be mou'd , By Romans , Romans onely may be matcht . And I at last haue kindled ciuill warre , That from their thoughts which now no reason bounds , Not only lawes , but Natures lawes doth barre , The sonne the sire , the brother brother wounds . Whilst th' Eagles are opposde to th' Eagles so , O what contentment doth my mind containe : No wound is wrong bestow'd , each killes a foe , What euer side doth lose I alwayes gaine . But this my soule exceedingly annoyes , All are not subiect to the like mis-hap : The warre helps some as others it destroyes , And those that hate me most , haue still best hap . Whilst with their blood their glory thousands spend , Ah , ones aduauncement aggrauates my woe : That vaunts himselfe from Venus to descend , As if he claimd by kinde to be my foe . I meane the man whose thoughts nought can appease Whilst them too high a blinde ambition bends , Whom as her minion Fortune bent to please , Her rarest treasures prodigally spends . Not onely hath he daunted by the sword , The Gaules , the Germans , and th' Aegyptians now , But of all lordes pretends to be made lord , That who commaund the world to him may bow . Thus dispossessing princes of their thrones , Whilst his ambition nothing can asswage : That the subiected world in bondage grones , The prey of pride , the sacrifice of rage . Men raile on Ioue , and sigh for Saturnes time , And to the present still th' Age past preferre : Then burden would the gods with euery crime , And damne the heauens where only th' earth doth erre . Though Ioue as stupid still with Cupid sportes , And not the humor of prowd Caesar spies : That may ( if forcing thus the worlds chiefe forts ) More powrefull than the Titans scale the skies . Yet lest hee thrall him too that none free leaues , We from the bounds aboue must him repell : To brawle with Pluto in th' vmbragious caues , There since he will be first made first in hell . What ? with that tyrant I will strait be euen , And send his soule to the Tartarian groue : For though Ione be not iealous of his heauen , Yet Iuno must be iealous of her Ioue ; And though none in the heaven would do him ill , He raise vp some in th' earth to haste his death ; Yea though both heauen and earth neglect my will , Hell can afford me ministers of wrath . I le crosse Cocytus and the smoaking lakes , To borrow all my brothers damned bandes : The Furies arm'd with firebrands and with snakes , Shall plant their hell where Rome so stately stands . Whilst by my furie Furies furious made , Do spare the dead to haue the lilting pin'd : O with what ioy will I that armie leade ? Nought than reuenge more sweet t' a wronged minde . I le once make this a memorable age , By this high vengeance that I haue conceiu'd : But what though thousands die t' appease my rage ? So Caesar perish , let no soule be sau'd . Exit .

Chorus . WE should be grieu'd t' offend the gods , That holde vs in a ballance still ; And as they will , May weigh vs vp or downe , Those that by follie ingender pride , And doe deride The terrour of th' eternalls roddes , In seas of sinne their soules doe drowne . And others but abhorre them as vniust , Those that religion want deserue no trust . How dare fraile flesh presume to rise ? Whilst it deserues heauens wrath to proue , On th' earth to moue , Lest that it op'ning straight , Giue death and buriall both at once : How dare such ones Looke vp vnto the skies , For feare to feele the thunders weight ? All th' elements th' immortalls will attend , And are as prompt to plague as men t' offend . None scapes some plague that gods displease : Then whilst he Bacchus rites did scorne , Was Pentheus torne : The Delians high disdaine Made Niobe though turnd t' a stone , With teares still mone , And Pallas spite t' appease , Arrachne weaues loathd webbes in vaine . Heauen hath preparde or euer they beginne , A fall for pride , a punishment for sinne . Loe Iuno yet doth still retaine , That indignation once conceiu'd , For wrong receiu'd , From Paris as we finde , And for his cause , bent to disgrace The Troyan race , Doth hold a high disdaine , Long laide vp in a loftie minde , We should abstaine from irritating those , Whose thoughts ( if wrongd ) not till reuengde repose : Thus those for Paris fond desire , That of his pleasures had no part , For them must smart , Such be the fruites of lust . Can heauenly breasts so long time lodge , A secret grudge , Like mortalls thrall to ire , Till Iustice whiles doth seeme vniust ? Of all the furies that afflict the soule , Lust and reuenge are har hardest to controule : The gods giue them but rarely rest , That do against their will contend , And plagues doe spend That fortunate in nought Their sprites being parted from repose , May still expose Th' vpbraiding troubled breast , A prey to each tyrannicke thought : All selfe-accusing soules no rest can finde , What greater torment than a , troubled minde : Let vs adore th' immortall powres , On whose decree , of euery thing The State doth hing , That farre from barbarous broiles , We of our life this little space May spend in peace , Free from afflictions showres , Or at the least from guiltie toiles , Let vs of rest the treasure striue t' attaine , Without the which nought can be had but paine .

ACT. II.

SCENE I. Iulius Caesar , Marcus Antonius . NOw haue my hopes attain'd th' exspected hauen , In spite of partiall enuies poisnous blasts : My fortune with my courage hath proou'd euen , No monument of miscontentment lasts . Those that corriualld me , by me orethrowne , Did by their falles giue feathers to my flight : I rather in some corner liue vnknowne , Than shine in glorie , and not shine most bright , What common is to two , rests no more , No Phaenix is in all the world saue one : Grieu'd of my deedes that any claimes a share , Would God that I had acted all alone . And yet at last I neede to mourne no more , For enuie of the Macedonians praise ; Since I haue equalld all that went before , My deedes in number doe exceede my dayes . Some earst , ( whose deedes rest registred by fame , ) Did from their conquests glorious titles bring : But greatnes to be great must haue my name , It 's more to be a Caesar than a King . Ant. Those warlike nations that did nations spoile , Are by thy legions now , t' our laws made thrall ; What can not vertue doe by time and toile , True magnanimitie triumphs ouer all . Caesar . Th' outragious Gaules that in most monstrous swarmes , Went wasting Asia , thundring downe all things ; And marching ouer the Macedonians armes , Did insolently make and vnmake kings . Those Gaules that hauing the worlds conq'rors foild , As if the world might not haue matcht them then , Would sacrilegiously haue Delphos spoild : And warrd against the gods , contemning men , Yea those whose auncestors our cittie burn'd . The people that the Romans onely fear'd : By me Romes nursling matcht and orematcht murn'd , So what they first eclipsd againe they clear'd . Then as to subiects hauing giuen decrees , I left the Gaules their rash attempts to rue : And wounding Neptunes bosome with wing'd trees , The world diuided Britaines did subdue . The Germans from their birth inurde to warre , Whose martiall minds still haughty thoughts haue bred , Whilst neither men nor walls my course could barre , Mask'd with my banners saw their Rhene runne red , And th' orientall realmes amidst of late , My comming and orecomming was but one : With little paine so Pompey was calld great , That warrd with those whose glorious daies were gone : But what though thousands set ones praises forth , For fields which shadowes and not swords obtaind ; Yet th' easie rate but vilifies the worth , No glorie without labour can be gain'd . From dangers past my comfort now proceedes , Since all difficulties I did ore come : And in few wordes to comprehend my deedes , Rome conquerd all the world , and Caesar Rome . Anto. Loe , those that striu'de your vertue to suppresse , And were opposde to all your actions still : Whilst labouring but too much to make you lesse , Haue made you to grow great against your will . Great Pompeys pomp is past , his glorie gone , And austere Cato by himselfe lies killd : Than dastard Cicero more you honors none , Thus all your foes are with confusion filld . The Senatours whose wrath could not b' affwag'd , Long to your preiudice their powre abusde , Till at their great ingratitude enrag'd , I saide our swordes would graunt what they refusde . When hauing scap'd , endanger'd , and despisde , That Curio ' and I did to your campe resort , In olde bare gownes like some base slaues disguisde , All sigh'd to see vs wrongd in such a sort . Caesar Th' inhabitants of heauen that know all harts , They know my thoughts as pure as are their starres : And that constrainde I came from forraigne parts , To seeme vnciuill in the ciuill warres . I mooude that warre which all the world bemones , Being vrgde by force to free my selfe from feares : Still when my hand gaue wounds , my heart gaue grones , No Romans blood was shed , but I shed teares . But how could any cleuated spright , That had for honor hazarded his blood ; Yet yeeld by froward foes outragious spight , To be defrauded of th' expected good . When as a multitude of battels wonne , Had made Romes Empire , and my glory great ; And that the Gaules ( oft vanquishde ) had begunne T' embrace the yoke that they disdainde of late . Then pompous Pompey , my prowd sonne in law , And Cato , that still crossde what I designde , From fauouring me the people did withdraw , And vnto me a successour assignde . Not that he should succeed in dangerous broyles , But euen through enuie , as thay had ordain'd , That he might so triumph of all my toyles , And rob the glory that I dearely gain'd . Could one with such indignities comport , That values honor deerer then the light ? No , ( whilst my soule rests soueraigne of this fort ) None shall haue power to rob me of my right . And yet by Ioue , that all the world commands , T' vse any violence I did mislike : And offred oft t' abandon all my bandes , If that my enemies would haue done the like . But the tumultuous multitude that still As waues with windes are carried with conceits , With nought but my disgrace would bound their will , And I committed all vnto the fates . Yet when at Rubicon I stood perplex'd , And weigh'd the horrour of my high attempt , My soule was with a thousand fancies vex'd , Which resolution buried in contempt . Ant. Nought in a captaine more confounds his foes , Then sodaine resolutions swift effects ; For so surpriz'd ere they their thoughts dispose , All good aduice prodigious care neglects . Though when you march'd towards Rome , your power The sodaine newes so thundred in each eare : ( was small , That ( as if heauen had falne vpon them all , ) They bred amazement , and th' amazement feare , Some secret destinie as then appear'd , Doth guide mens actions and their iudgements bounds , Them whom huge armies could not once haue fearde : A shadow or a rumour whiles confounds . I st that th' encroaching danger dulles their sprits . And doth preuent their resolutions power , Or that some destinie distracts their wits , When heauens determin'd haue their fatall houre ? Pompey the great that was growne ag'd in armes , And had triumph'd ouer all the worlds three parts ( Being quite discourag'd with imagin'd harmes ) Fled Rome , though without reach of th' enemies darts . Then as t' a torrent all gaue place to you , Rome whom she cal'd a rebell made her Lord : Your successour Domitius forc'd to bow , Did trust your fauour more than feare your sword . When in th' Iberian bounds you did arriue , There th' aduersarie that did vainely vaunt , Had all th' aduantage that the ground could giue , And wealth of vittailes that with vs were scant . Yet the celeritie that you had vsde Did so discourage their disordered band , That ( as Ioue in their breasts had feare infusde , ) They had no strength against our strokes to stand . And when Romes generall with braue Legions storde Seem'd to possesse all that his soule requirde , Whilst vs t' ouerthrow both famine and the sword , The sea , the land , and all in one conspirde ; Then for your offices they did contend , As those that of the victorie were sure : And where they might th' affaires of state attend In Rome , for lodgings fondly did procure . Yet memorable now that day remaines , When all the world was in two armies rang'd : That Mars went raging through th' Aemathian plaines , And to dispaires high expectations chang'd . That famous field when the Pompeyans lost , ( As Lyons doe their prey ) you did pursue The scattred remnant of that ruin'd hoste , On which new heads still like to Hydra grew . Though victorie in Affricke fatall seem'de To any armie that a Scipio led ; Yet you shew'd there , for worth in warre esteem'd That Rome a better then a Scipio bred : And all our enemies were confounded thus , That vs in number euer did surmount ; But Caesar and his fortune were with vs , Which we did more than many thousands count . Caes. The sweetest comfort that my conquests gaue , It was the meane how to do many good ; For euery day some Romans life I saue , That in the field to fight against me stood . Thus may my minde be iudg'd by the euent , That ( euen when by my greatest foes assailde ) To win the battell neuer was more bent , Then prompt to pardon when I had preuailde . Not couetous of blood of spoyles nor harmes , I ( though being victor ) did insult ouer none , But laid aside all hatred with my armes , A foe in fight , a friend when it was gone . I like the praise of clemencie , more then Of force , that with affliction th' enemie lodes , For force prooues oft the worst thing that 's in men , And clemencie the best thing in the gods . Sterne Cato , but by Cato that would die , And either death or life , if giuen disdain'd ; O , I enuie thy death that didst enuie , The glory that I sauing thee had gaind ' . Yet I to rents and dignities restore Euen those that my destruction had designde : And O , it doth delight my minde farre more By benefits then by constraint to binde . Ant.

I would haue all my foes brought to their endes .

Caes.

I rather haue my foes all made my friends .

Ant.

Their blood whom I suspect'd should quench all strife .

Caes.

So might one doe that lik'd of nought but life .

An.

Still life would be redeemde from dangers forth .

Caes.

Not with a ransome then it selfe more worth .

An.

Than life to man , what thing more deere succeeds ?

Caes

The great contentment that true glory breeds .

An.

Men by all meanes this blast of breath prolong .

Caes. Men should striue to liue well , not to liue long . And I would spend this momentarie breath , To liue by fame for euer after death : For I aspire in spight of fates to liue . Ant.

I feare that some too soone your death contriue .

Caes.

Who dare but lodge such thoughts within their mindes .

Ant.

Those that the shadow of your greatnes blindes .

Caes.

The best are bound to me by gifts in store .

Ant.

But to their countrey they are bound far more .

Caes.

Then loath they me as th' enemie of the state ?

Ant.

You as th' vsurper of the same they hate .

Caes.

I by huge battels haue enlarg'd their bounds .

An.

By that they think your powre to much abounds .

Caes.

Yet I from doing wrong refraine my will .

Ant.

They feare your powre , because it may do ill .

Caes. The present state still miscontentment brings To factious mindes affecting matters strange , That burdens to themselues irke of all things ; And so they change , regard not what they change : In populous townes where many make repaire , ( Whose confluence by conference all things touch ) They further than their bounds extend their care , The idle that doe nothing , must thinke much . Lo , Rome ( though wasted all with ciuill warres , Whilst priuate grudge pretended publike good ; And that equalitie engendring iarres , Did proue too prodigall of Roman blood ; ) Yet hauing through huge toyles attain'd to rest , That it by yeelding t 'one may banish teares : It if constrain'd disdaines t' imbrace the best , This word necessitie so woundes the eares . And th' insolent with vile seditious words , That trembled whilst they heard the trumpets sound : Stirre now their tongues , as we did then our swords , And what Mars sparde , make Mercurie confound . The people thus in time of peace agree , T' abase the greatest still , euen in that forme As in calme dayes they doe disbranch the tree , That shrowded them of late against a storme . But now I look'd for libertie to bost , That once my deeds triumph'd had ouer enuie : As all darke shadowes doe evanish most , Then when the Sunne shines highest in the skie : And though their hatred deepely they disguise , Yet they conceale not so their soules desires : But that their spight rest sparkling through their eies , And bosts to burst out once in open fires . Ant. Since first ( great Caesar ) I discernd thy worth , On all thy actions I did still attend : And therefore what some whisper , I le speake foorth , T' admonish freely it becomes a friend . Since first men did suspect that you aspire T' a Monarchie , the gouernement to change ; They in their soules your ruine do conspire , And their affections farre from you estrange . Since chaste Lucretia by prowd Tarquin stain'd , Wash'd with her blood the violated bed , Whilst by his power supreame Rome was constrain'd All things t' obey , that his curst braine had bred . This gouernment which some tyrranick call , It sounds so odious in the peoples eares , As Tyrants vild , that they detest them all Whose greatnesse giues them any cause of feares . Caes. I not affect the title of a king , For loue of glory , or desire of gaine , Nor for respect of any priuate thing , But that the state may by my trauels gaine . You know Sibillaes bookes that neuer faile , In many mindes haue an opinion bred : That ouer the Parthians Rome cannot preuaile , Till by a soueraigne prince her bands be led . For as confusion is the fruit we finde Of those affaires that diuers thoughts dispose ; So soueraigntie match'd with a gallant mind , Breeds reuerence in ones owne , feare in his foes . And , O it greeues me that these steps of ours , Haue trod so oft on many a millions neckes , Whilst yet the Parthian vilipends our powres , And all our victories vnuanquish'd checkes . Ah , should a Generall of the Romane race Be by Barbarians killd , and not reueng'd ? And should his ensignes , signes of our disgrace , Rest in the ranke of conquer'd relikes rang'd ? No , no , wretch'd Crassus , now thy selfe content , I le pacifie thy ghost with Parthians spoiles : For still my boyling fancies haue bin bent T' ore-match th' vnmatch'd , and daunt th' vndaunted soiles Ant. With victories being cloyd , will you not then Your saftie once , more then new warres respect ? Caes No , though I haue surmounted other men , My fancies yet do greater things affect : In emulation of my selfe at last , Euen enuiouslie I looke on mine owne deedes ; And bent to make the new surpasse things past , Now to my mind old praise no pleasure breeds . Ant. The world hath seene thee ( great man ) for Romes good , In danger oft of many a dangerous shelfe : Whilst for her glory thou engag'd thy blood , Of others carefull , carelesse of thy selfe . Caes. Though whilst in th' April of my blooming age , I from the vulgar rate redeemd my name , Some with my deeds did burden youths hot rage , And an ambitious appetite of fame . Yet since the coldnesse of declining yeares Bosts to congeale the blood that boild of late , Whilst else my life the sunne of glory cleares , That now of all the world remaine most great . I cannot couet that thing which I haue , I haue all honour that can be requirde . And now ( as th' only wanted thing ) would craue , To taste the pleasures of a life retyrde . But onely now t' aduance the state I striue , For , O neglecting th' ecchoes of renowne I could content my selfe vnknowne to liue A priuate man , with a Plebeian gowne . Since ( Anthonie ) thus for the state I care , And all delights that nature loues disdaine : Go , and in time the peoples mindes prepare , That as the rest , I may the title gaine . Yet indirectly at the first , assay To what their doubtfull mindes do most incline : But as without my knowledge , that they may All marke your minde , and yet not thinke of mine . Exeunt .

ACT. II. SCENE . II. Cicero . Decius Brutus . DId I suruiue th' impetuous Sillaes rage , And in a torrent of destruction stood : Whilst tyrants did make Rome a tragicke stage , Through a voluptuous appetite of blood ? Scap'd I confusion in a time so bad , Of libertie and honour once to taste , That bondage now might make my soule more sad , By the remembrance of my fortunes past ? What though I once ( when first by fame made known ) From Catilines strange treason did preserue This town , that 's still endangerd by her owne , Since first the world from equitie did swarue ? A sparke of that conspiracie remaines , Not yet extinguish'd t' haue our state imbroyld ; That now on Rome flames of confusion raines , Thus one was sparde that we might all be spoild . O worthy Cato , in whose wondrous minde , Three rarely matcht things Nature did reueale : Wit , honestie , and courage which designde A cittizen for Platoes common-weale . Whilst curteous Pompey did things as a friend , Thou as a wiseman spake , and still foretold , To what all Caesars deedes would turne in th' end , If that his pride were not in time controlde . And had we him as wisely thou aduisde , Giuen to the Germans whom he had iniur'd : We had not now bin thus like slaues despisde , To see Romes glorie , and our owne obscur'd . But yet I may disbending former cares , A space comport with that prowd tyrants powres ; Age giues assurance by my witherd haires , That death will seale my suretie in few howres . Yet ye whose youth and sprite might haue attaind Those dignities that Caesar hath vndone : O ye haue lost as much as he hath gaind , Whose rising hopes must be retrench'd so soone . Dec. Though innouations at the first seeme strange , Yet oft experience approbation brings : And if with vpright thoughts we weigh this change , On it the safetie of our cittie hings . As in the depths dasht with redoubling waues , A ship by different mindes rests more imbroilde , So was our cittie plag'd with diuerse lawes , By th' all-confounding multitude turmoilde . As whilst t 'one sickenesse diuerse drugges are vsde , Whose powres repugnant in digestion iarre : Th' impatient patients fancies rest confusde , So did we long distressd with ciuill warre . But now great Caesar from tempestuous windes , Romes scattred ruines recollects of late : A Pilote meete to calme tumultuous mindes , A doctor fit for a distemperd state . Ci. The state from storms secure by drowning proues , Now whilst despaire doth doubtful feares appease : He with the life th' infirmitie remoues , Thus is the physicke worse than the disease . This commonweale ( as whiles the world did spie ) Though some prowd sprites in ciuill warres inuolu'd , Yet like blacke cloudes that would obscure the skie , Their tumid humours sodainely dissolu'd . And no disgrace t' our gouernement redounds , But to th' ambitious that had it abusde : Who ( had their powre like Caesars wanted bounds ) Had whilst they rulde a greater rigor vsde . There in all partes are people of all kindes , And as aduauncde some bad men did abide , Of powre their equalls , and of better mindes , Some alwayes vertuous were to curbe their pride . But since that sacred libertie was lost , The publike powre t' a priuate vse one turnes : And as his lawlesse wayes did alwayes bost , The common weale by violence ore-turnes . Dec. Though what you burden Caesar with were true , Him of all crime Necessitie hath clear'd : That was foes force t' eschew , forcde to pursue , Whilst by contempt t' attempt gret things being cheerd : To th' enemies enuie more oblig'd he rests , Then t' his owne wit that no such courses scand , Till by being barrd from vsing of requests , Not lookt for meanes were offred to command . All to mount high his haughtie thoughts did tempt , True worth disdaines to suffer open wrong : And a great courage kindled by contempt , Must by reuenge be quencht whilst rage makes strong . Cic. O Decius , now a wrong accompt you cast , Th' intent ; and not th' euent defines the minde : Treade backe the steppes of all his actions past , And at the marke he hit all aym'd we finde As by some sprite inspirde prowd Scilla saide , That there in Caesar many Marians were : And Rome was warn'd in time to be afraide Of the euill-girded youth , with smoothe-comb'd haire . Then when ( as still to quietnesse a foe , ) The memorie of Marius he renewd : By re-erecting tyrants statues so , His thoughts all bent to tyranny were viewd . That people-pleaser might haue bin perceiu'd , By curteous complements beneath his ranke ; That lauishing forth gifts the world deceiu'd , And to gaine more than his , of his proou'd franke . Though nought at all indulgent to his wife , By prostrated pudicitie disgracde : Yet did he saue th' adultrous Clodius life , To soothe the multitude whose steppes he tracde . Dec. These be the means by which ambition mounts , Without most humble , when most high within : And as it fled from that thing which it hunts , Still wasting most , when most it mindes to winne . Cic. And he that still striu'd tyrannie t' embrace , Was thought conioynd with Catilin to bee ; And had wise Catoes counsell taken place , Had with the rest receiu'd his death by me . Yet hauing suncke himselfe in some mens soules , He with his partiall faction suting oft : Did get the consulship which nought controules , And matching pride with powre did looke aloft . To flatter them that now must flatter him , His powre t' aduaunce vnlawfull lawes preuaild : And those to crosse that scornd he so should clime , He furnisht was with Force , where Reason faild . But yet because he could not well b' assur'd , T' act all alone according to his will ; To gouerne Fraunce he craftily procurde , So to be strengthned with an armie still ; As Rome first warr'd at home till being made strong , She thought her selfe of powre the world t' orecome : So Caesar warr'd against strange nations long , Till that he thought his might might conquer Rome . Then hauing all that force or fate assignes , He cause of discontentment did pretend ; So to dissemble fore-conceiu'd designes , One soone may finde a fault that seekes t' offend . But when he first in a prodigious dreame His mother seemde incestuously to vse : It might haue shewne to his eternall shame , How he the bounds that bare him went t' abuse . Dec. And yet I thinke auoyding threatned harmes , He was constraind t' imbarke in ciuill broiles : Did he not couenant to quit his armes , As not desirous of his countries spoiles ? Cic. Durst he with those that had his charge confind , Stand to prescribe conditions as their mate ; Where t' haue attended and obeyd their minde , It was his duetie , and their due of late . What ? what ? durst he , whom borne t' obey the law , The people all did willingly promote ; The sword which they bad giuen , against them draw , When it was sharpned first to cut their throat ? That had not com'd which all our anguish breedes , If he vnforcde , when as his charge expirde , Till that the Senate censurde had his deedes , Had from his prouince peaceably retirde . No , he hath but betraid his natiue towne , Those bands by which she did him first preferre ; T' extend her borders , and his owne renowne , Those hath he vsde to tyrannize ouer her . My passions ( ah transported as you see , With an excessiue loue to my deere soile , ) Haue made my tongue of my hearts-store too free , By flaming forth what in my breast doth boile . Dec. That Ceasars part might iustly be excusde , Loe , with the cause alleadgd his course accords : Of which th' humanitie that he hath vsde , A testimonie to the world affords . Though forcde to fight , he alwayes had great care , To saue our Cittizens as each man knowes ; And bade his captaines still all Romans spare , But on Barbarians bodies spend their blowes . Of th' aduersaries after bloudie strife , When of the might haue made some captiues smart : Not onelie was he liberall of their life , But pardond them still to take Pompeys part . Euen at th' infortunate Pharsalian field , When he securely might haue vsde the sword : He both did spare all th' enemies that would yeeld , And them to rents and dignities restord . Then when th' Aegyptians so t' obtaine reliefe , Brought to his sight pale Pompeys bloodlesse head ; He testified with teares his inward griefe , And gracde his statues after he was dead . Those his proceedings might appeare t' approue , That he against his will maintain'd this warre ; And to his countrie beares a tender loue , That could comport to reine his rage so farre . Cic. Those counterfeited fauors which he shew , According to ones custome that aspires , Were spent on many as the world might view , T' insinuate himselfe in their desires . But where he thus spar'd some , he spoild ' whole hosts And the Barbarians all to Rome not wrought Such harme as he that of his goodnes boasts , Yet her best men hath to confusion brought . The great man that of no mishap could pause , But still preuaild , whilst warring without right , Armd for the common weale in a good cause , With Caesar did vnfortunately fight . From Lesbos fled with his afflicted wife , Three base-born grooms ( can fortune change so soone ) Stoode to consult vpon great Pompeys life , And did what thousands durst not once haue done . Then he whose knees had oft beene kissd by kings , ( Most highly happy , had he dide in time ) By one of his owne slaues with abiect things , Had his last funeralls framde ( O monstrous crime ) T' entombe Romes greatest captaine all alone , The Roman that arriu'd with reason said , The fatall glory was too great for one , And to haue part of that last honour staid . The teares bestowd by Caesar on his head , Forth from a guiltie minde remorce had throwne , Or else he wept to see his enemy dead , By any others hands than by his owne . Then constant Cato that euen death did scorne , The rare arch-tipe of an accomplisht man , That liu'd as not t 'himselfe but t' all men borne , Moou'd by his tyranny to ruine ranne . He iustly whilst more iust , himselfe more strong Then Caesar thought , that for no Iustice carde , And since discouering what he cloakd so long , Said right , that Caesar and not he was snarde . Thus Caesar conquerd all but Catoes minde , That would not by a tyrants tollerance breathe : But in such sort his famous course confinde , Than Caesars life more glorious was his death . Those great men thus brought to disastrous ends , The authour of their death make me despise , That whilst t' vsurpe th' authoritie he tendes , By treading downe all good men striues to rise . Now made most great by lessening all the great , He prowdly doth triumph in Rome , ouer Rome . And we must seeme t' applaud the present state , Whose doubtfull breath depends vpon his doome . Yet had I not enlargde my griefes so long , To you whom Caesar doth pretend to loue ; Wer 't nor I know touch'd with the common wrong , A iust disdaine all generous mindes must moue . Dec. Had Caesar willingly resignd his armes , And rendred Rome her libertie at last , When as from foes he feard no further harmes , But had repaird his iust displeasures past . More then for all the loue that 's shewd to me , He should haue had an Altar in my breast : As worthy for his vertuous deedes to be Feard by the bad , and honourd by the best . But since though conq'ring all the world by might , He to himselfe a slaue would make Rome thrall ; His benefits are loathsome in my sight , And I am grieu'd that he deserues to fall . My fancies moue not in so lowe a spheare , But I disdaine that one ouer Rome impires ; Yet it is best , that with the time we beare , And with our powre proportion our desires . Though I dissembled first your minde to trie , And tolde what Fame to Caesars praise relates ; Yet was I pleasde that moe were grieu'd than I , All mis-contented men are glad of mates . Cic. Since tyrannie all libertie exiles , We must our selues no more our selues disguise ; Then learne to maske a mourning minde with smiles , And seeme t' extoll that which we most despise . Yet all our deedes not Caesars humor please , That ( since mistrusted once ) esteemes vs still When dumbe disdaineful , flatterers when we praise , If plaine , presumptuous , and in all things ill . Yea we , whose freedome Caesar now restraines , As his attenders all his steppes must trace ; And know , yet not acknowledge his disdaines , But still pretend t' haue interest in his grace . Though all my thoughts detest him as a foe , To honour him a thousand meanes I moue ; Yet But to saue my selfe , and plague him so , No hate more harmes than it that lookes like loue . His pride that through prepostrous honour swels , Hath by the better sort , made him abhorrd ; The gods are iealous , and men enuious els , To see a mortall man so much adord . Dec. Well , Cicero let all meanes be entertaind , That may imbarke vs in his bosomes depths , Till either willingly or then constrain'd , He iustly quite what he vniustly keepes . Exeunt .

Chorus . This life of ours is like a Rose , Which whilst it beauties rare array , Doth then enioy the least repose When virgin-like it blush we see : Then is 't euery hand the prey , And by each wind is blowne away : Yea though from violence scap'd free , ( Whilst time triumphs , it leads all thralles ) Yet doth it languish and decay . O Whilst the courage hottest boiles , And that our life seemes best to be , It is with dangers compast still , Whilst it each little change appalles , The body force without whiles foiles , It th' owne distemprature whiles spoiles : Of which , though none it chance to kill : As nature failes the bodie falles , Of which , saue death , nought bounds the toyles . What is this moouing tower in which we trust ? A little winde closd in a cloud of dust . And yet some spirits though here being pent , In this fraile prisons narrow bounds , With what might suffice not content , Do alwayes bend their thoughts too hie , And aime at all the peopled grounds , Then whilst their breasts ambition wounds , Though feeding as bent straight to die . They build as they might alwayes liue , Being famishd for fames emptie sounds : Of such no end the trauels ends , But a beginning giues whereby They may b' imbroild worse then before , For whilst they still new hopes contriue , Th' exspected good more anguish sends Then the possessde contentment lends , Like beasts that taste not , but deuoure . They swallow much , and for more striue , Whilst still their hope new hap attends : And how can such but still themselues annoy , That know to conquere , but not how t' enioy ? Since as a ship amidst the depthes , Or as an Eagle through the aire , Of which their way no impression keepes , Most swift when seeming least to moue : This breath of which we take such care , Doth tosse the bodie euery where , That it may hence with haste remoue : Life slippes and sleepes alwayes away , Then whence , and as it came goes bare , Whose steps behinde no trace doth leaue . Why should heauen-banish'd soules thus loue The cause , and bounds of their exile , Where they as restlesse strangers stray , And with such pain why should they reaue That which they haue no right to haue : Which with them selues within short while , As sommers beauties must decay , And can giue nought except the graue , Though all things doe to harme him what they can , No greater enemie then himselfe to man : Whilst oft enuiron'd with his foes That threatned death on euery side , Great Caesar parted from repose , As Atlas vnderneath the starres Did of a world the weight abide . But since a prey t' excessiue pride , More then by all the former warres , He now by it doth harmde remaine And of his fortune doth defide Made rich by many a Nations wrack , He breaking through the liquid barres , In Neptunes armes his minion forc'd , Yet still pursude new hopes in vaine . Ah , would th' ambitious looking backe , Of their inferiours knowledge take , They from huge cares might be deuorc'd , Whilst veiwing few more wealth attaine , And many more than they to lacke . Lo , th' only plague from men that rest doth reaue , Is valuing what they want , not what they haue . Since thus the great themselues inuolue In such a laborinth of cares , Whence none to scape can well resolue , But by degrees is forward led Through waues of hopes , rockes of dispaires : Let vs anoyd ambitions snares , And farre from stormes by enuie bred , Still seeke securely a humble rest , With mindes where no prowd thought repaires , That in vaine shadowes doth delight : Thus may our fancies still be fed With that which Nature freely giues . Let vs iniquitie detest , And hold but what we owe of right , Th' eyes treasure is th' al-circling light : Not that vaine pompe for which th' earth striues , Whose glory but a poysnous pest , T' orethrow the soule delights the sight , Ease comes with ease where all by paine buy paine : Rest we in peace , by warre let others raigne .

ACT. III .

SCENE . I. Caius Cassius . Marcus Brutus . NOw , Brutus now , we need no more to doubt , Nor with blind hopes our iudgement to suspend : Lo , all our exspectations are worne out , For now it 's time t' attempt , and not t' attend . Th' imperious people that did th' earth appall , Ah vanquishde by their victories at last , Are by their too much libertie made thrall , Since all their strength but serues themselues to cast . And we that once seemd borne t' aime at great things , Of the worlds mistresse mightie minions once , That might haue labor'd to giue lawes to kings , Lawes from a king , must looke for now with grones . For such of Caesar is the monstrous pride , That though he domineers else at this houre , And to his clients kingdomes doth diuide , With an vnlimitd tyrranicke power . Yet of Dictator he disdaines the name , And seekes a tyrants title with the place : Not for his honour , no , but for our shame , As onely bent to bragge of our disgrace . Marc. Brut. I thought to see that man ( as others are ) Walke reapparrel'd with a priuate gowne , As one that had vnwillingly made warre T' hold vp himselfe , not to cast others downe . So Silla , though more inhumane then he , Whilst hauing all to what his heart aspirde , The soueraigntie resign'd , and set Rome free When all such exspectation was expirde . By Caesars worth we must thinke that he too , Will libertie restore t' our troubled state : When first the world hath viewd what he might doe , His thoughts are generous as his minde is great . And though some insolencies scape him whiles , His dying furie sparkles but a space : Nought th' inspirations quite of Mars exiles , Till one be vsde with th' innocencie of peace . Those that by violence did t' all things tend , Scarse can themselues t' a quiet course conforme : Their stately cariage and franke words offend , Whilst peace cannot comport with warres rude forme . I hope that Caesar setling ciuill broyles , When disaccustomde is intestin rage : Will striue to mitigate his countryes toyles , Bent all those flames that burn'd his brest t' asswage . Ca Cass. Thus of his course you by your own conceiu'd As if like thoughts of both did bound the will : Ah , honest mindes are with least paine deceiu'd : Those that themselues are good dreame not of ill . But of bad mindes to sound th' vnsound deuice , Their inclination must your iudgement sway : The square of vertue cannot measure vice , Nor yet a line that 's straight a crooked way . So Caesar may preuaile t' vsurpe the state , He cares not by what violence nor sleight : O , one may soone deceiue men and grow great , That leaues religion , honestie and right , When as the Senatours ( no more their owne ) Came to that Tyrant whom ambition blinds , And showde him by what honors they had showne , To gratifie his greatnesse gratefull mindes . He in a chaire imperiously being plac'd , Not daign'd to rise nor bow in any sort : As both of them had but their due imbrac'd , When he a hautie , they an humble port . But if he thus , ere we be throughly thrall'd Dare so disdainfully such great men vse : When in a regall throne by vs install'd Then will he breake that which he now doth bruse . Was he not first that euer yet began , To violate the sacred Tribuns place ; And punish'd them for punishing a man , That had transgressde the lawes in time of peace ? The lawes that doe of death all guiltie hold , Whose actions seeme to tirranie inclinde : So earnest were our ancestours of old , To quensh the light of tyrants ere it shinde : And shall our Nephews ( heires of bondage ) blame Vs dastard parents that their hopes deceiu'd , That saw , that suffred , that suruiu'd such shame , Not leauing dead , what we being borne receiu'd ? By Caesars friendes to an assembly brought , The Senators intend to call him king . Brut.

I le not be there .

Cass. But what if we be sought T' assist as Praetors such a publike thing ? Brut. Then I le resist that violent decree ; None of Romes crowne shall long securely bost , For ere that I liue thrall'd , I le first die free : What can be kept when libertie is lost ? Cass. O with what ioy I swallow vp those wordes , Words worthy of thy worth , and of thy name : But Brutus be not fearde , this cause affords Thee many mates in danger , few in fame . When Anthonie prowde Caesars Image crown'd The people by a silent sorrow told , In what a depth of woes their thoughts were drown'd That Comet of confusion to behold . What do those scroules throwne in thy chaire import , Which what thou art to thy remembrance brings ? Be those the fancies of th' inferiour sort ? No , none but noble mindes dreame of great things . Of other Pretors people looke for showes , And distributions whose remembrance dyes : Whilst bloody fencers fall with mutuall blowes , And Affricks monsters made t' amaze their eyes . But from thy hands they libertie attend , A glory hereditarie to thy race , And following thee their blood will frankly spend , So thou succeed in thy great parents place ; That Romes redeemer once did Tarquin foile , Though from his birth obeyd , and without strife , Where thou shouldst but th' aspiring tirant spoile , That would t' extinguish'd tyrrany giue life . Brut. I weigh thy words , with an afflicted heart , That for compassion of my countrey bleedes , And would to God that I might onely smart , So that all others scap'd th' euill that succeeds . Then neuer man himselfe from death did free With a more quiet and contented minde , Then I would perish , if I both could be To Caesar thankefull , and t' our countrey kinde . But though that great mans grace towards mee enlargde May challenge right in my affections store : Yet must the greatest debt be first dischargde , I ow him much , but to my countrey more . This in my breast hath great dissention bred ; I Caesar loue , but yet Romes enemie hate : And as Ioue liues , I could be mou'd to shed My blood for Caesar , Caesars for the state . I for my fathers death loathde Pompey long , Whilst iust disdaine did boyle within my breast , Yet when he warr'd to venge the common wrong , I ioynde with him because his cause was best . A minde t' vsurpe if Caesar now reueale . I will in time precipitate his end Thus being still bent t' aduance the Common-weale , I help'd a foe , and now must hurt a friend . Cass. Least of his fauour thou the poyson proue , From swallowing of such baites ( deere friend ) beware : No tyrant ( trust me ) can intirely loue , Nor none that for himselfe doth only care . He by such curtesies doth but intend T' imbase thy vertues , vndermine thy minde , And thy suspected courage to disbend , Yea ( though with silken bonds he would thee binde . ) This of all tyrants is the common tread , To wreake all those in whom most worth he findes : Or ( whilst that terrors tosse his iealous head , ) T' vse subtilties t' amuse the greatest mindes : As when we for the Pretorship did striue , Then both were held in hope that so deceiu'd We others harmes might studie to contriue , Through emulation and disdaine conceiu'd . Thus subtill Caesar by such sleights hath toyld To sow dissention , that we both may pause Of priuate wrongs ; and by such means imbroil'd , Still courting him , neglect the common cause . But nought from others must our thoughts estrange , That must in time the tyrants course restraine : Let other men lament , we must reuenge , I scorne to beare a sword and to complaine . Brut. Though Caesar ( now ) I must conspire thy fall , My heart towards thee , yet neuer harbor'd hate : But ( pardon me ) who euer make it thrall , From bondage Brutus must redeeme the state , Of this my course what euer others iudge , Heere I protest it is for good design'd ; My thoughts are guiltie of no priuate grudge , For reason , and not furie moues my minde . Nor is 't ambition that inflames my breast , With a prodigious appetite to raigne , That when I haue made Caesar Plutoes guest , I in his rowme a monarch may remaine . No , if that glorie did my fancies charme , To which blind-folded tyrants doe aspire ; I needed not to do , nor suffer harme , But with lesse paine might compasse my desire . For if I would but temporize a space , Till Time , or Death diminish Caesars might . He thinkes that I deserue t' enioy his place , And I could make my day succeede his night . Yet doe I not endeere my selfe so much , That I le seeke honor by my countries shame , But O , I would ( my zeale to it is such ) To saue it from reproch seeme worthy of blame . Yea so , that I may free with honourd wounds , My soile than is my soule more deere to me : I care not strait to be barr'd from the bounds , That at so deere a rate I would set free . Cass. What man doth breath of Mars his martiall race , But will with Brutus sacrifice his blood , And chargde with armes ere tyranie take place , Dare venture all things for his countries good ? Can any iudgement be deceiu'd so farre , But that it else most cleerely may beholde , How that this change Rome greatnes strait will marre , And raze the trophees that she rear'd of olde . Of olde in Rome all those that once had worne The peace-importing gowne , or warrelike shield , Of dignities as capable being borne , Durst aime at all that libertie could yeeld . Those in affaires to deale that would set forth , Were not discourag'd by their birth , though base , And pouertie could not holde backe true worth , From hauing honour both by warre and peace . Then emulation violently driu'd All gallant mindes t' attempt great actions still ; That in the loue of venue riualls liu'd , Whilst Glorie in their bosomes balme did still . Fabricius first was from the plow aduauncde , The rudder of the commonwealth to hold ; Yet by no meanes his priuate wealth enhauncde , As rich in vertue still , as poore in golde . Rude Marius too , to match red Mars in fame Forth from the vulgar drosse his race remou'd , And loe , of Cicero the ridiculous name , As famous as the Fabians now hath prou'd . Each abiect mind disdaind to be obscure , When still preferrement followd loftie cares , And that one might by dangers past procure , Fame to himselfe , and honour to his heires . But since that state by Caesar is oreturn'd , Whilst all our liues depend vpon ones lips ; Of breasts that once with loue of glorie burn'd , From soaring thoughts this course the feathers clips . Aduauncement now attends not on desert , But on th' opinion of a flattred minde ; That to th' applauding hireling doth impart , High honours that true worth can hardly finde . To these all tyrants most addicted proue , Whom without reason they haue raisde too hie , As thinking those that stand but by their loue , To entertaine the same all meanes must trie . Where they whose vertue reapes a due reward , Not building onely on th' aduauncers grace , Doe by deserts not gaine so great regarde , Whilst they maintaine , as they obtaine their place . And if a worthie man to worke great things , Wing'd with th' vsurpers fauors raise his flight . The highest course to him most harme still brings , That till he fall , can not haue leaue to light . Those that by force would haue th' affection mou'd , When willingly men hold such gallants deare . They rage that any should be freely lou'd , Whose vertue makes their vice more vile appeare . The man that now to be preferrd aspires , Must with effronted flatteries seruile forme , Still soothing Caesar , seale all his desires , And in some shadow lurke t' auoyde a storme , A number else of that prowd rebells foes , Grieu'd to behold th' occasion of their griefe . Striue in obscuritie t' entombe their woes , So waiting , and not working for reliefe . But we whose lofty mindes disdaine to lowre , As those that seeke but their owne safetie thus ; When shall we spend an indignations powre , That 's worthy of true Romans , and of vs ; Since no indignitie resolu'd t' indure , I see our mindes doe simpathize in this , Should we by suffering seeke to liue secure , Whose action must amend what is amisse ? No , no such abiect thought must staine our breast , To cure calamitie but by discourse , Whilst but like beasts , affecting foode and rest , Where men by reason should direct their course . Like those of other parts secure from strife , If Caesar had bin borne , or chusde our Prince , Then those that durst attempt to take his life , The world of treason iustly might conuince . For still the states that flourish for the time , By subiects should b' inuiolable thought ; And those no doubt commit a monstrous crime , That lawfull soueraignty prophane in ought . And we must thinke ( though now being brought to bow , The Senate king , a subiect Caesar is , Th' authoritie that violating now , The world must damne as hauing done amisse . We will ( deare Cassius ) for our countries sake , Our selues expose to danger , or to death ; And let vs now aduise what course to take , Whilst nought bur th' aire can beare away our breath . Cass. I thinke this matter needes not many wordes , Since but one deede can bound the common shame ; In Caesars bodie we must sheathe our swordes , And by his death our libertie reclame . But since his fortune did confound them all , That in the fields to match him did beginne ; Whilst he by thousands made their bands to fall , With hoarie legions alwayes vsde to winne . As Pompeys , Scipioes , and Petreius ghosts , In lightlesse shades may by experience tell , That after th' ouerthrow of their numbrous hosts , All famous ( though infortunately ) fell , And since prouided for the Parthian warre , His armie in armes attends on his decree , Where we sequestred from such forces farre , Would , if suspected , strait preuented be ; With some few friends , whom all things now t' assay , A loue to vs , or to their countrie bindes , We to his wracke must walke another way , Whilst ere our tongues , our handes doe tell our mindes . Now when most high , and therefore hated most , Th' assembled Senate seekes to make him king ; We must goe giue the blow before we boast , And him to death , Rome out of bondage bring . Brut. In all this course I onely one thing blame , That we should steale , what we may iustly take , By clothing honour with a cloake of shame , Which may our cause ( thogh good ) more odious make . O , I could wish , with honourable wounds T' affront Romes enemy in the battells dust ; No sweeter musicke than the Trumpets sounds , When Right and Valour keepe a consort iust . Then free if quicke , else dead for nought being feard , I alwayes once contented might remaine ; What tombe t' a man more glorious can be rear'd , Than mountaines made of them that he hath slaine ? But how are my transported thoughts growne such , That they disdaine a measure now t' admit ? As bent not what to doe , but to do much , I on the throne of Glorie striu'd to sit . No , to the state me from my selfe I giue , Free from particular respects , t' expose My life and all for it , and whilst I liue , So that it gaine , I care not what I lose . I le neuer rest till he for euer rest , That giues my country such a cause of griefe ; And that t' effect no forme I will detest , Nor for my fame endanger Romes reliefe . But ( worthy Cassius ) ere we further doe , Let vs the mindes of our familiars feele , Of which I hope to haue assistance too , Who will not hazard for his countries weale . Cass. Now whilst my soule rests rauisht in a traunce , I thinke I see great Rome her courage raise , Bent to beat th' aire with songs , th' earth with a daunce , And crowne thy vertues with deserued praise .

ACT. III. SCENE II. Marcus Brutus , Portia . MY dearest halfe , my comfort , my delight , That onely seru'st to sweeten all my sowres , Thou in my bosome vsde t' vncharge thy spright , And in my presence sparde afflictions powres . Still when domestike broiles disturbde thy rest , Whilst by thy selfe thou labord for reliefe , Thou with calme wordes disguisde a stormie breast , Lest I had bin infected with thy griefe : For such of me was thy respectiue care , No cause of miscontentment was made knowne , But with affections colors painted faire , All that might make me glad , was gladly showne . What makes thee then thy courage thus to lose , That thou can looke so sad , and in my sight ? Lend me ( deere loue ) a portion of thy woes , A burden being diuided doth grow light . I see the Roses fading in thy face , The Lillies languish , Violets take their place . Port. Thou hast ( deere Lord ) preuented my designe , Which was to aske of thee , what makes me pale ; It Phoebus had no light , could Phoebe shine ? No , with the cause of force th' effect must faile . The mirrour but giues backe as it receiues , A iust resemblance of th' obiected forme : And such impression as th' engrauer leaues , The wax retaines still to the stampe conforme . O I 'm the mirrour that reflects thy minde , According to the influence of thine eies , I take the state in which thy state I finde , Such is my colour as thy countnance dies . Then how can I reioyce whilst thou art sad , Whose breast of all thy crosses is the scroule ? I am still as thou art , if grieu'd , or glad , Thy bodies shadow , th' essence of thy soule . On that great planet that diuides the yeares , As th' increase of th' inferiour fields depends ; And as it doth euanish , or appeares , In th' earths cold bosome life beginnes , or ends : Sunne of my soule , so I subsist by thee , Whose course rests to thy secret motions thrall , For when thou art from cloudie fortunes free , I rise in ioyes , but if thou faint , I fall . Bru. This countnance with my custome but accords , That as you know yet neuer from my birth , Light gestures vsde ioynd with lasciuious words , Nor yet ridiculous fashions that mooue mirth . My melancholious nature feedes on cares , Whilst smotherd sorrow by a habite smokes , A thoughtfull breast that 's burdend with affaires , Doth make a silent mouth , and speaking lookes . As for my palenesse it imports but good , Th' abasing of the bodie mounts the mind : Where fatnesse com'd from food , but serues for food , In fattest bodies leanest sprites we finde . Ah , since I saw th' abhorr'd Thessalian bounds All drench'd with blood of Senators and kings : ( As if my soule yet smarted in their wounds , ) A secret sorrow oftentimes me stings . But since thy famous father with strange blowes , In the most hideous form affronted death , To him my minde a sad remembrance owes , Which sorrow shall exact still whilst I breath . Yet am I grieu'd t' haue giuen thee cause of griefe , That thought some new mis-hap did me dismay ; To such olde soares it 's worst to giue reliefe , But time in end may weare my woes away . Por. Why shouldst thou so from me thy thoghts conceale ? From thine owne soule that in thy bosome sleepes , To whom , though shewne , thou dost them not reueale , But in thy selfe more inwardly them keepst ? And thou canst hardly hide thy selfe from me , That straight in thee each alteration spie , I can comment on all that comes from thee , True loue still lookes with a suspitious eye . Rests not within our bosome euery thought , Tun'd by a simpathy of mutuall loue ? Thou marrst the musicke if thou change in ought , Which straight by my distemperature I proue . Soule of my soule , vnfold what is amisse , My minde some great disaster doth diuine , And euen excuse my couriousnesse in this , Since it concernes thy state , and therefore mine . Brut. I wonder that thou dost thy frailtie shew , All women are by nature curious still ; And yet till now thou neuer crau'd to know , More then I pleasde t' impart of my free will . Nought saue the wife a man within the walles , Nor nought saue him without fits her t' embrace : And it 's vnseemely though it sometime falles , When any sexe vsurpes anothers place . Deere , their wounted course thy cares inure ; I may haue matters that import the state , Whose opning vp might my disgrace procure , Whose weight would for thy weaknesse be too great . Port. I was not ( Brutus ) match'd with thee , to bee A partner only of thy boorde and bed , Each seruile whore in those might equall me , That did her selfe to nought but pleasure wed ; No , Portia spousde thee with a minde t' abide Thy fellow in all fortunes , good , or ill . With chaines of mutuall loue together tyde , As those that haue two breasts , one heart , two soules , one will . With sacred bands whom holy Hymen bindes , They tweene them should communicate all things ; Yea both the bodies labors , and the mindes , Whence either pleasure or displeasure springs . If thus thou seeke thy sorrowes to conceale Through a disdaine , or a mistrust of me ; Then to the world what way can I reueale , How great a matter I would doe for thee . And though our sexe too talkatiue be deem'd , As those whose tongues import our greatest powres , For secrets still bad treasurers esteem'd Of others greedy , prodigall of ours ; Good education may reforme defects , And I this vantage haue t' a vertuous life , Which other mindes do want , and mine respects : I 'm Catoes daughter , and I 'm Brutus wife ; Yet would I not repose my trust in ought , Still thinking that thy crosse was great to beare , Till that my courage was t' a triall brought , Which suffring for thy cause can nothing feare . For first t' experience how I could comport , With sterne afflictions spirit-enfeebling blowes , Ere I would seeke t' assault thee in this sort , To whom my soule a duteous reuerence owes . Loe , heere a wound , which makes me not to smart , Though by my selfe being made , to make me knowne , Since thy distresse strikes deeper in my heart , Thy griefe ( lifes ioy ) makes me neglect mine owne . Brut. Thou must ( deare loue ) that which thou sought receiue , Thy heart so high a saile t' a tempest beares , That thy great courage doth deserue to haue Our enterprise entrusted to thine eares . Thy magnanimitie preuailes so farre , That it my resolution must controule : And of my bosome doth the depths vnbarre , To lodge thee in the centre of my soule . Thou seest in what a state the state now stands , Of whose strong pillars Caesar spoil'd the best : Whilst by his owne preuenting others handes , Our famous father fell amongst the rest . That insolent vsurper doth presume To re-erect detested Tarquines throne , Thus the worlds mistresse all-commanding Rome , Must entertaine no minion now but one . Th' old blood of Mars that marks to what he tends , Swells with disdaine , their countryes scorne to see , And I 'm one of the number that intends By his death , or mine owne , to be made free . Port. And without me can thou resolue so soone T' assay the dangers of a doubtfull strife ? As if dispair'd and alwayes to b' vndone , Being tyr'd of me , yea tyr'd of thy life . Yet since thou thus thy rash designe hath showne , Leaue Portias portion , venter not her part : Endanger nought but that which is thine owne , Go where thou lik'st , I will hold still thy heart . But lest by holding of thy best part backe , That th' other perish t' aggrauate my grones , That would be so thought guiltie of thy wrack , Take all thy treasure to the Seaes at once . Like th' Asian Monarks wife that with short haires , ( Sad signes of bondage ) past still where he past , To weare away , or beare away thy cares , I le folow thee , and of thy fortune taste . These hands that were with my owne blood imbru'd , To strike another may more strength afford : At least when thou by th' enemie art pursu'de , I le set my selfe betwixt thee and his sword . But if too great a priuiledge I claime , Whose actions all should be disposde by thee : Ah , pardon me ( deare Brutus , ) do but blame These my excessiue sorrowes , and not mee . Brut. Thou ask'st what thou shouldst giue , forgiue deare mate , This ventrous course of mine , which must haue place , Though it make fortune tyrant of our state , Whose fickle foot-steps vertue grieues to trace . And wonder not , though this towards thee I proue , Since priuate passions now all powre haue left ; For I regard not glory , profit , loue , Nor no respect that doth import me most : So to the land of which I hold my life , I may performe the worke that I intend , Let me be call'd vnkind vnto my wife : Yea worst of all , ingrate vnto my friend : But as th' instinct of nature makes vs know , There are degrees of dutie to be past : Of which the first we to th' immortalls owe , The next t' our Countrey , and t' our friends the last . Prowd tyrants from his natiue bounds to driue , Did th' author of my race with ardent zeale , Make those to die whom he had made to liue , And spoild himselfe to aduance the commonweale ? To raise the state which Caesar now ore-throwes , That bred so many braue men whilst it stood , He with the Tyrant interchanging blowes , Most gloriously did offer vp his blood . And did that man t' oppresse the common fo , Then damne his sonnes to death ? and with drie eyes ? And is his successor degenerd so , That he in abiect bondage basely lyes ? No , his posteritie his name not staines , That t' imitate his steps doth yet draw neere ; Yet of his spirit in vs some sparke remaines , That more then life our libertie hold deare . Port. Then prosecute thy course , for I protest , Though with some griefe , my soule the same approues : This resolution doth become thy breast , Where in the spheare of honor vertue moues . And doe this interprise no more deferre , What thee contents , to me contentment brings ; I to my life thy saftie doe preferre , But hold thy honor deare aboue all things . It would but let the world my weaknesse see , If I sought my delights , not thy desires : Though it giue griefe , and threaten death to me , Goe follow forth that which thy fame requires . Though nature , sexe , and education breed No power in me , that 's with my purpose euen ; He lend assistance to th' intended deed , If vowes and prayers may penetrate the heauen : But difficulties huge my fancie findes , Saue the successe nought can defray my feare : Ah , Fortune alwayes frownes on worthy mindes , As hating all that trust in ought saue her . Yet I dispaire not but thou may preuaile , And by this course t' appease my present grones , I this aduantage haue which cannot faile , I le be a freemans wife , or else be nones . For if all prosper not as we pretend , And that the heauens Romes bondage do decree , Straight with thy libertie my life shall end , Who haue no comfort but what comes from thee . My father hath me taught what way to die , By which if I be barr'd t' encounter death , Another meanes ( though farre more strange ) I le trie , For after Brutus none shall see me breathe . Brut. Thou for my cause abandon'd others else , But now forsakst thy selfe t' adhere to me , That of thy passions thus the powre repells , And with thy minde discords with mine t' agree . I le since by thee approou'd securely goe , And vilipend the dangers of this life , Heauens make my enterprise to prosper so , That I prooue worthy of so worthy a wife . But ah ! of all thy words those grieue me most , That bost me with th' abridgement of thy dayes ; What ? though I in so good a cause were lost , None flies th' appointed fate that for him staies . Do not defraud the world of thy rare worth , But of thy Brutus the remembrance loue , And from so faire a prison breake not forth , Till first the fates haue forcde thee to remoue . Port. I feare the heauens haue our confusion sworne , Since this ill age can with no good accord ; Thou and my father ( ah ) should haue bin borne , When Vertue was aduauncde , and Vice abhorrd . Then ere the light of vertue was declinde , Your worth had reuerencde bin , not throwne away , Where now ye both haue but in darkenes shinde , As starres by night , that had bin sunnes by day . Brut. My treasure , striue to pacifie thy breast , Lest sorrowes but sinistrously presage , That which thou would not wish , and hope the best , Though vertue now must act on Fortunes stage . Exeunt .

Chorus . THan libertie of earthly things What more delights a generous breast ? That doth receiue , And can conceiue , The matchlesse treasure that it brings ; It making men securely rest , As all perceiue , Doth none deceiue , Whilst weigh'd with doubts none ballanc'd hings , But feard for nought , doth what seemes best : Then men are men when they are all their owne , Not but by others badges when made knowne . Yet should we not mis-spending houres , A freedome seeke , as oft it falles , With an intent , But to content These vaine delights and appetites of ours , For then but being made greater thralles , We might repent , Our not being pent In stricter bounds by others powres , Whilst feare licentious thoughts appalles : Of all the tyrants that the world affords , Ones owne affections are the fiercest Lords . As Libertines those onely liue , That from the bands of vice set free , Vile thoughts cancell , And seeke t' excell In all that doth true glorie giue , From which when as no tyrants be , Them to repell , And to compell They deedes against their thoughts to striue , They blestare in a high degree , For such of same the scroules can hardly fill , Whose wit is bounded by anothers will . That Rome from Tarquins yoke redeemde , Who first obtaind , And then maintaind Their libertie so deerely lou'd ; They from all things that odious seemd , Though not constraind , Themselues restraind , And willingly all good approu'd , Bent to be much , yet wel esteemd ; And how could such but aime at some great end , Whom libertie did leade , and glory attend ? They leading valorous legions foorth , Though wanting kings , triumph'd ouer kings , And still aspird , By Mars inspir'd To conquer all from South to North ; Then lending Fame their Eagles wings , They all acquir'd , That was requir'd , To make them rare for rarest things , The world being witnesse of their Worth : Thus those great minds that domineer'd ouer all . Did make themselues first free , then others thrall : But we that hold nought but their name , From that to which they in times gone , Did high ascend , Must low discend , And bound their glory with our shame . Whilst on an abiect tyrants throne We basely attend , And doe intend , Vs for our fortune still to frame , Not it for vs , and all for one : As libertie a courage doth impart , So bondage doth disbend , els breake the heart . Yet O who knowes but Rome to grace , Another Brutus may arise , That may effect What we affect : And Tarquins steppes make Caesar trace , Though seeming dangers to dispise , He doth suspect , What we exspect , Which from his breast hath banish'd peace , Though fairely he his feares disguise : Of tyrants th' iniurie reuenge affords , All feare but theirs , and they feare all mens swords .

ACT. IIII .

SCENE . I. Decius Brutus Albinus , Marcus Brutus . Caius Cassius . DEare cosin , Cassius did acquaint mine eares , With a designe that toss'd my minde a space , For when strange newes a strangers breath first beares , Then should not trust t' each rash report giue place . I would not then discouer what I thought : Lest he t' entrap my tongue a snare had fram'd , Till I with thee t' a conference first was brought , Whom he for patron of his purpose namde . One should beware to whom his minde he leaues , In dangerous times when tales by walles are tolde , Men make themselues most miserably slaues , Of those to whom their secrets they vnfolde . M. Bru. As Cassius tolde thee pittying Romes distresse , That t' our disgrace in bondage doth remaine , We straight intend what euer we professe , With Caesars blood to wash away this staine . Though for this end a few sufficient are , To whom their vertue courage doth impart , Yet were wee loath to wrong thy worth so farre , As of such glorie to giue thee no part . Since both this cause , and that thy name thee binde , In this aduentrous band to be comprisde , There needes no rhetoricke to raise thy minde , That t' execute which thou should haue deuisde . D. Bru. I thoght no creature shuld my purpose know But he whose intrest promisde mutuall cares , Of those to whom one would his secrets show , No greater pledge of trust than to know theirs . As when two meet being mask'd ( though whiles neare frends ) With them as strangers no respect takes place , But when that friendship one of them pretends , Then th' other likewise doth vncloude his face : So as thou first , I le now at last be bold My breast with the same birth long great hath gone , Yet I t' another durst it not vnfolde , Nor yet attempt to compasse it alone . But since this course , of which I long did pause , On such great pillars now so strongly stands , Whose countanaunce may giue credite t' any cause , It hath my heart , and it shall haue my hands . C. Cass. T' our enterprise propitious signes are sent , So that the gods would giue vs courage thus , For all that euer heard of our intent , Would willingly engage themselues with vs , Let other men discourse of vertuous rites , Ours but by th' action only should be showne , Bare speculation is but for such sprites , As want of powre or courage keepes vnknowne , In those that Vertue view when crown'd with deeds , Whose beauties through the glasse of glory shinde , Sh'a violent desire t' imbrace her breedes , As th' adamant to th' yrne being to the minde . What though a number now in darkenesse lies , That are too weake for matters of such weight , We that are eminent in all mens eies , Let vs still hold the height of honour straight . M. Br. Whilst that our faction might be strangthned thus I labord much to purchase all their powres , Whom hate towards Caesar , loue to Rome , or t 'vs , Might moue t' imbarke in those great hopes of ours . By sickenesse being imprison'd in his bed , Whilst I Ligarius spide whom paines did pricke , When I had said with words that anguish bred , In what a time Ligarius art thou sicke . He answerd straight as I had phisicke brought , Or that he had imagin'd my designe , If worthy of thy selfe thou wouldst do ought , Then Brutus I am whole , and wholie thine . Since Caesar causde him be accusde of late , For taking Pompeys part , yet at this houre , He ( though absolu'd ) doth still the tyrant hate , For being endangerd by his lawlesse powre . Whilst it exasprates thus such great sprites spites , Heauen of our course the progresse doth direct , One inspiration all our soules incites , That haue aduisdly sworne this fact t' effect . D. Br. So I with Cicero did conferre at length , Who I perceiue the present state detests , And though that age deminisht haue his strength , In him a will t' auenge his country rests . M. Br. That man whose loue stil towards his country shind , Would willingly the commonwealth restore , Then he I know , though he conceales his minde , None Caesar more dislikes , nor likes vs more . Yet to his custodie I le not commit , The secrets of our enterprise so soone , Men may themselues be oftentimes not fit , To doe the things that they would wish were done , He still being timorous , and by age growne worse , Might chance to lay our honor in the dust , All cowards must inconstant be of force , With bold designes none fearefull breasts can trust . Then some of ours would holde their hands still pure , That ere they be suspected , for a space Amidst the tumult may remaine secure , And with the people mediate our peace . But who than Tullius fitter for that turne , Whose eloquence is vsde t' enchant their eares ? His banishment they in balcke gownes did mourne , Whose age and merites each one reurence beares . C. Cass. Those studious wits that haue through dangers gone , Would still be out , ere that they enter in ; Who must of many things , resolue of none , And thinking of the end , cannot beginne . The mind that lookes no further than the eie , And more to Nature trusts , than vnto Art , Such doubtfull fortunes fittest is to trie , A furious actor for a desprate parte . We haue enow , and of the best degree , Whose hands are to their hearts , their hearts t 'vs true , And if that we seeke moe , I feare we be T' act close too many , if disclosde , too few . Let vs aduise with an industrious care , Now ere the tyrant intercept our mindes ; The time , the place , the manner , when , and where , That we should trust our treasure to the windes . And since our fortunes in the ballance hing , Let euery point be circumspectly weight'd , A circumstance , or an indifferent thing , May whiles marre all for not being well conueigh'd . M. Br. As for the time , none could be wish'd more fit , Than this that 's present to performe our vow , Since all the people must allow of it , Mou'd by a recent miscontentment now . When represented in his triumph past , Great Catoes mangled entrailes made them weepe , And desprate Scipio whilst he leap'd at last , To seeke a Sanctuarie amidst the depth . Then all those great men that in seuerall partes , Bent for Romes freedome Caesar did ouerthrow , Did by their pictures pierce the peoples harts , And made a pitteous ( though a pompous ) show . So that they did conceiue a iust disdaine , To be vpbraided in so strange a sort , Whilst he that onely by their losse did gaine Of their calamitie but made a sport . But yet his purpose grieues them most of all , Since that he striues to be proclaimd a King , And not contents himselfe to make vs thrall , But to perpetuall bondage would vs bring . Thus whilst the people are with him displeasde , We best may doe that which t' our part belongs ; For after this they may be best appeas'd , If whilst their wrath doth last we venge their wrongs . And since we nought intend but what is right , Whilst from our contrey we remooue disgrace : Let all be acted in the Senates sight , A common cause , and in a common place . Let those whose guiltie thoughts doe damne their deeds In corners like Mineruaes birds abide : That which t' our countrey good , t 'vs glory breeds , May by the lights of heauen and earth be tryde . The Senatours by our ensample mou'd , Pleasde with this action that imports them too , To haue the yoke of tyrranie remou'd , May at the least authorize what we doe . So all the Senatours were said of old , To haue king Romulus amongst them torne : That than to tyrranize was growne to bold , And from his first humanitie had worne . D. Brut. Yea , what though Caesar were immortall made As Romulus , whose deitie him reuiues ? It 's easier as a God t' adore him dead , Then as a king t' obey him whilst he liues . C. Cass. That place indeed , most for our glory makes , A Theater worthy of so great an act : Where in their sight from whom most power he takes , We of the tyrant vengeance may exact . But I must recommend vnto your minde , A course ( though strict ) of which we must allowe , Least it ore-throw all that we haue design'd , Being past recouerie , if neglected now , There is Antonius Caesars greatest friend , A man whose nature tyrranie affects , Whom all the souldiors doe delight t' attend , As one that nought but to command respects . I feare that he when we haue Caesar slaine , To th' other faction furnish still a head : So when we ende , we must beginne againe , Against one liuing worse then he that 's dead . And in my iudgement , I would thinke it best , When sacrifiz'd the prowd vsurper lyes , That that seditious enemie of rest , Should fall with him with whom he first did rise , Thus of our libertie we now may lay , A solid ground that can be shak'd by none : Those of their purpose that a part delay Two labours haue , that might haue had but one . M. Brut. I cannot Cassius condiscend to kill ( Thus from the path of Iustice to decline ) One faultlesse yet , lest after he prooue ill , So to preuent his guiltinesse by mine . No , no , that neither honest were , nor iust , Which rigorous forme would but the worlde affright : Men by this meane our meaning might mistrust , And for a little wrong damne all that 's right ; If we but only kill the common foe , Our zeale t' our countrey must acquire due praise : But if like Tyrants tyrannizing so , We will be thought that which we raze to raise . And where we but intend t' aduance the state , Though by endangering what we hold most deare ; If slaying him as arm'd e by priuate hate , We to the world still partiall will appeare . Ah , ah , we must but too much murder see , That without doing euill cannot do good : And would the gods that Rome could be made free , Without th' effusion of one drope of blood . Then their is hope that Anthonie in ende , When first our vertue doth direct the way : Will leagu'd with vs the libertie defend , And being brought backe will blush for going astray . C. Cass. Well Brutus , I protest against my will , From this blacke clowd , what euer tempest fall , That mercie but most cruellie doth kill . Which thus saues one , that once may plague vs all . D. Brut. When Caesar with the Senators sits downe , In this your iudgements generally accord ; That for affecting wrongfully the crowne , He lawfully may perish by the sword . No greater harme t' our purpose can be brought , Then by protracting of th' appointed time , Least that which acted would b' a vertue thought , Be ( if preuented ) consterd as a crime . Can one thing long in many mindes be pent ? No , purposes would neuer be delaid That are interpreted but by th' euent , If prospering reason , treason if betraid . There may amongst our selues some man remaine , Whom if afraid , his pardon to procure , Or if being greedie for the hope of gaine , Time to disclose his consorts may allure . Then ruine for our recompence we reape , If ought our course by being abortiue marre , For if discouer'd once , we cannot scape , As Tyrants eares heare much , their hands reach farre . C. Cass. The breast in which so deepe a secret dwelles , Would not be long chargde with so weightie cares , For I coniecture by appearance else , Mo priuie are t' our minds then we to theirs : Euen but of late one Casca came to see , That curious was to haue our purpose knowne , And said to him that which thou bidst from me , To me by Brutus hath at length bin showen . Then by some things that he had learn'd before , He of our course deepe in discourse did fall , Till Casca thinking that he had knowne more , Scarse kept his tongue from staggering out with all . Then Laena to vs once came in like sort , And wish'd that our designe might prosper well ; Yet vs to haste did earnestly exhort , Since others told what we refusde to tell : Whilst strangers rest familiar with our minde , And ere t' our knowledge thus t' our counsell rise , Make forward fast , or we will come behind . Fame wing'd with breath most violently flies . M. Brut. Their words but from vncertainties burst forth , For whilst considering of their bondage thus : Of Caesars tyrranie , and of our worth , They thinke this should be done , and done by vs : Such coniurations to confirme of olde , Some drinking others bloods ; swore on their swords , And cursing those that did their course vnfold , Vsde imprecations , execrable words . And yet then this though voluntarily vow'd , Free from all bonds , saue that which vertue bindes , More constantly no course was still allow'd . Till now that th' end must manifest our minds . And since so many frankly keepe their faith , Still what they first design'd t' accomplish bent : No doubt in spight of fickle fortunes wrath , But the successe shall yeeld our soules content . Might some few Thebans from the Spartans pride , By diuers tyrants deaths redeeme their towne ? And one Athenian that his vertue tryde , By thirtie Tyrants ruins win renowne ? And to the Greekes are we inferiour growne , That where they haue so many tyrants spoild , There cannot one be by vs all orethrowne , Whose state yet brangling may be soone imbroyld ? O I 'm resolu'd , and with my thoughts decree , What euer fortune either sweet or sowre , I shall my soyle from tyrannie set free , Or then my selfe free from the tyrants powre . D. Br. By Lepidus inuited this last night , Whilst Caesar went to suppe , and I with him , Of all deaths shapes to talke we tooke delight , So at the table to beguile the time . And whilst our iudgements all about were tride , Straight Caesar ( as transported ) to the rest With a most sodaine exclamation cride , O , of all deaths vnlookt for death is best . For from our selues it steales our selues so fast , That euen the mind no fearefull forme can see , Then is the paine ere apprehended past , All sowres ere tasted would disgested be . The threatned destinie thus he diuinde , It would appeare diuinely being inspirde , For now I hope that he shall shortly finde , That forme of death which he himselfe desirde . C. Cass. Whilst of our band the fury flames most hot , And that their will t' atchiue this worke is such , Lest Caesars absence disappoint the plot , Which would of some abate the courage much , It ( Decius ) were exceedingly well done , That to his lodging you addressd your way , Him by some meanes to further forward soone , Lest by some sodaine chaunce allur'd to stay . D. Br. There where the Senate minds this day to sit , Stand all prepar'd t' approach where danger dwells , And for the sacrifice when all is fit , I le bring an offring consecrated else . Exeunt

ACT. IIII. SCENE II. Caesar , Calphurnia , Decius Brutus . LOng-lookt for time that should the glory yeeld , Which I through Neptunes trustlesse raigne haue sought , And through the dust of many a bloodie field , As by all dangers worthy to be bought . Thy comming now those lowring shadowes cleares , That did th' horizon of my hopes ore-cast , This day defrayes the toyles of many yeares , And brings the haru'st of all my labors past . The Senators a messenger haue sent , Most earnestly entreating me to come , And heare my selfe discernd by their consent , To weare a crowne ouer all excepting Rome . Thus they deuise conditions at this houre , For him , of whom Mars hath made them the prey ; As subiects limite could their soueraignes powre , That must haue minde of nought but to obey . But hauing pacifide those present things , I minde to leade my valorous legions forth , To th' orientall realmes , adoring kings That can exhibite honors due to worth . Than swimme my thoughts in th' Ocean of delight , Whilst on the pillow of soft praise reposde , Those eies to gaze vpon my glories light , That enuy op'ned , admiration closde . Cal. Ah , though your fancies great contentment find , Whilst thus the world your vertue doth aduance , Yet a prepostrous terrour stings my minde , And boasts me with I know not what mischance , My wauering hopes oreballanc'd are with feares , That to my soule sinistrous signes impart , And ominous rumours so assault mine eares , That they almost make breaches in my heart . Caesar . What , doe debattelld Pompeys followers striue To recollect their ruines from the dust ? Dare they that only by my tollerance liue , More to their strength than to my fauour trust ? Or dost thou feare his sonnes deiected state , That steales infamous flying through those floods , Which his great father , Admiral of late , Did plant with ships til all their waues seemd woods ? Then makes his brothers death his courage more , Since by them straited in a bloodie strife , I , that in all the battels giuen before , Did fight for victorie , then fought for life . Or whilst to march toward Parthia I prepare , Doth a suspition thus afflict thy sprite , For Crassus fortune feard that perisht there , Th' opprobrious prey of the Barbarians spight ? To those same bands that Cassius thence brought back , A place amongst my legions I le allow , Whose foes shall find whilst they auenge th' olde wracke Though the same sheep , another shepheard now . Do not imagine matters to bemone , For whilst there stands a world , can Caesar fall ? Though thousand thousands were coniurd in one , I , and my fortune might confound them all . Cal. No , none of those my minde doth miscontent , That vndisguisde still like themselues remaine , Vnlookt for harmes are hardest to preuent , There is no guard against concealde disdaine , But in whom further can your trust repose , Whom danger now ouer all , by all attends , Where priuate men but onely feare their foes , Oft kings haue greatest cause to feare their frends , For since being trusted fittest to betray , Those vnto whom ones fauour force affords , May for his life the worst ambushments lay , Whilst falsest hearts are hid with fairest words . And some report ( though priuately ) yet plaine , That Dolabella and Antonius now , By your destruction do pretend t' obtaine , That which you keepe by making all men bow . Caesar . No corpulent sanguinians make me feare , That with more paine their beards than th' enimies strike And doe themselues like th' epicurians beare , To Bacchus , Mars , and Venus borne alike . Their hearts do alwayes in their mouthes remaine , As streams , whose murmuring shews the course not deep Then still they loue to sport , though grosse and plaine , And neuer dreame of ought but when they sleep . But those high sprites that hold their bodies downe , Whose visage leane their restlesse thoughts records , Whilst they their cares depth in their bosoms drowne , Their silence feares me more than th' others words . Thus Cassius now and Brutus seeme to hold Some great thing in their mind , whose fire whiles smoks What Brutus would , he vehemently would , Thinke what they like , I like not their pale lookes . Yet with their worth this cannot well agree , In whom of vertue th' image seeme to shine , Can those that haue receiu'd their liues from me , Prooue so ingrate againe as to take mine ? Dare Cassius me pursue new hopes to haue , At th' Helespont that fortune feard to trie , And like a dastard did his Gallies leaue , In all ( saue corage ) though more strong than I ? Shall I suspect that Brutus seekes my blood , Whose safetie still I tendred with such care , Who when the heauens from mortalls me seclude , Is only worthy to be Caesars heire ? Cal. The corners of the heart are hard to know , Though of those two the world the best doth deeme , Yet do not trust too much th' externall show , For men may differ much from what they seeme . None oft more fierce than those that look most mild , Impietie sometime appeares deuout , And that the world the more may be beguilde , Whiles Vice can clothe it selfe with Vertues cote . Though that they haue long since laid hatred downe , By benefits bestow'd , you might attend , There 's no respect can counterpoise a crowne , Ambition hath no bounds , nor greed no end . Through vindicatiue hate , and emulous pride , Since some your person , some your place pursue , All threatned dangers to preuent prouide , Being wise in time , lest out of time you rue . Caes.

No armor is that can hold treason out .

Cal.

T' affright your foes with bands be backt about .

Caes.

So dastard tyrants striue themselues to beare .

Cal.

It better is to giue , than to take feare .

Caes.

No stronger guard than is the peoples loue .

Calp.

But nought in th' earth dooth more inconstant proue .

Caes.

Guardes shewing feare t' inuade me men might tempt .

Cal.

Guardes would put them from hope , you from contempt .

Caes.

My breast from terror hath bin alwayes cleare .

Cal.

When one feares least , oft daunger lurkes most neare .

Caes.

It 's better once to die , than still feare death .

Cal.

But worst of all to fall by th' enemies wrath .

Caes. I le not dis-taste my present pleasures so , By apprehending what may chaunce to come , This world affords but too much time for woe , Whilst crosses come contentment to orecome . By ioyes in time we must imbrace reliefe , That when they end , we in some measure may , By their remembrance mitigate the griefe , Which still attends all those on th' earth that stay . I thinke the Senate is assembled now , And for my comming doth beginne to gaze , I le goe condignely once t' adorne my brow , And feast mine eares by drinking in due praise . Cal. Stay , stay ( deere Lord ) retire thy steps againe , And spare one day to prorogate whole yeares , Let not this ominous day beginne thy raigne , That fatall and vnfortunate appeares . An Astrologian through the world renownde , Thy horoscopes iust calculation layes , And doth affirme as he by signes hath found , That th' Ides of March doe boast to bound thy dayes . Walke not this days where harmes may be receiu'd , Since by no great necessity being forcde , For though his iudgement may be farre deceiu'd , In things that touch thy life , suspect the worst . Caes. Whilst I reform'd the Calender by fits , That long disordred th' order of the yeare ; I waded through the depths of all their wits , That of the starres the mysteries make cleare . Those pregnant sprites that walke betwixt the poles , And lodge at all the zodiackes seuerall signes , Do reade strange wonders wrapt in th' azure scroules , Of which our deedes are wordes , our liues are lines . By speculation of superior powres , Some Natures secrets curious are to know , As how celestiall bodies rule ouer ours , And what their influence effects below . Yea they sometime may strange coniectures make , Of those whose parts they by their birth doe proue , Since naturally all inclination take , From Planets then predominant aboue . And yet no certaintie can so be had , Some vertuously against their starres haue striu'd , As Socrates that grew , ( though borne but bad , ) The most accomplisht man that euer liu'd . But of the houre ordain'd to close our lights , No earth-clogd soule can to the knowledge come ; For O the destinies farre from our sights , In clowds of darknes haue inuolu'd our doome . And some but onely guesse at great mens falles , By bearded comets , and prodigious starres , Whose sight-distracting shapes the world appalles , As still denouncing terrour , death , or warres . The time vncertaine is of certaine death , And that fantastike man farre past his bounds , He is too bold that with ambiguous breath , Not speaks of things to come , whose deeps none sounds Cal. But this all day did my repose extort , And from my breast of cares a tribute clam'd , Now vilipend not that which I le report , Though but a dreame , and by a woman dreamd . I thought ( alas ) the thought yet wounds my breast , Then whilst we both as those whom Morpheus weds , Lay softly buried with a pleasant rest , I in thy bosome , thou within the beds . Then from my soule strange terrours did withdrawe Th' exspected peace by apprehended harmes ; For I imagin'd , no , no doubt I saw , And did imbrace thee bloodie in mine armes . Thus whilst my soule by sorrowes was surchargde , Of which huge weight it yet some burden beares ; I big with griefe two elements enlargde , Th' aire with my sighes , the water with my teares . Caesar . That which I heard , with thy report accords , Whilst thou all seemd dissolu'd in griefe at once , A heauy murmuring made with mangled words , Was interrupted oft by tragicke grones . The memory , but not the iudgement makes Th' impression thus of passions in the braine , For what the soule most suffers when it wakes , With it asleepe it doth turmoyld remaine . From superstitious feares this care proceedes , Which stil would watch o're that which thou dost loue , And in thy minde melancholy thus breedes , Which doth those strange imaginations moue . Cal. Ah , in so light account leaue off to hold Those fatall warnings that the heauens haue made , Which by all meanes most manifest vnfold , What dangers huge do hing aboue thy head . He with the sacred garlands that diuines , By th' entrailes of the consecrated beast , Sees in the sacrifice sinistrous signes , And I intreate thee do not hence make haste . Caes. When I in Spaine against yong Pompey went , Thus the diuiner threatned me before , Yet did I prosecute my first intent , Which with new laurells did my browes decore . Cal. And yet you hardly there as whiles I heare , From dangers ( farre engagde ) redeemd your life , But now more monstrous tokens do appeare , And I suspect farre worse than open strife . Caes. Lest I too much seeme wedded to my will , As one that others counsels scornes t' alow , With iealous eyes I le search about me still , And euen mistrust my selfe to trust thee now . Yet if I stay the Senators deceiu'd , May my beginning straight begin to hate , So might I perish seeking to be sau'd , By flying , many fall vpon their fate . But heere one comes that can resolue me much , With whom I vse t' aduise affaires of weight : Whence comst thou Decius , that thy haste is such ? Is ought occurr'd that craues our knowledge straight ? Decius . I come to tell you how the Senate staies , Till your exspected presence blesse their sight , And the conclusion yet of all delayes , Till that your approbation make it right . T' accomplish your contentment they intend , And all their thoughts seeme at one obiect bent , Saue that they doe amongst themselues contend , Who you to please shall strangest wayes inuent . Caes. Than that no treasure to my soule more deere , Which straight t' enioy from hence I long to part , But yet I know not what arrests me heere , And makes my feet rebellious to my heart . From thee ( deare friend ) I neuer do conceale The waightiest secrets that concerne me most : And at this time I likewise will reueale , How heauens by signes me with destruction bost : To superstition though not being inclinde , My wife by dreames doth now presage my fall : It a Sooth-sayer likewise hath diuin'd , The sacrifice prodigious seemes t 'vs all ; So that till this disastrous day be gone , All companie I purpose to disuse . And to the Senators I le send some one To paint my absence with a faire excuse . D. Brut. Do not repose on superstitious signes , You to suspect the people thus to bring , Whilst soueraigne-like you limit their designes , Seeme not a tyrant seeking to be king . How can we satisfie the worlds conceit , Whose tongues still in all eares your praise proclames ? O! shal we bid them leaue to deale in state , Till that Calphurnia first haue better dreames ? If that this day you priuate would remayne , The Senate to dissolue your selfe must goe , And then incontinent come backe againe , When you haue showne towards it some reuerence so . Caes. With thy aduise ( as powrefull ) I agree , The Senators shall haue no cause to grudge : A little space , all part apart from mee , And I le be shortly ready to dislodge . Caesar alone . WHence come this huge and admirable change , That in my brest hath vncouth thoghts infus'd ? Doth th' earth then erst yield terrors now more strange , Or but my minde lesse courage then it vsde ? What spitefull fate against my state contends , That I must now t' vnlook'd for plagues giue place , By foes not mou'd , yet fear'd amongst my friends , By warre secure , endanger'd but by peace ? T' encounter me when strongest troups did come , Then did my heart the highest hopes conceiue : I warr'd with many , many to ouercome , The greatest battels , greatest glory gaue . As th' enemies number still my courage grew , Oft haue I through the depths of dangers past , Yet neuer did those boundlesse labors rue , To haue none greater first , none equall last . When as the Gaules fear'd by their neighbours falles , Had from the fields , no , from my furie fled , And hid themselues with armes , their armes with walles , Whilst I my troupes t' inclose Alexia led : Then though there swarm'd foorth from the bounds about , Huge hostes to compasse me , enflam'd with wrath , That the besieger being besieg'd about Seem'd drawne with danger in the nets of death . Yet I that could not with the pride comport , That those Barbarians by vaine bosts bewrayd , Did reassault th' assaulters in such sort , That words by wounds , wounds were by death repayd , Of those within the towne t' asswage their toyles , Till being ore-com'd their comming was not knowne : Who straight vpbrayded by the barbarous spoiles , Did yeeld themselues with th' others as ore-throwne , Then whilst with liquid legions tumid bosts , The trident-bearer striu'd my spoyles to beare : Though threatned thrise amidst his humid hosts , I alwayes scorn'd t' acquaint my selfe with feare . I vsde those Pirats that had me surpriz'd , Still as my seruants thundring threatnings forth , And gaue them money more than they deuisde , Greeu'd to be rated at too little worth . Yet gathering ships , I sign'd not long the shore , But trac'd their printles steps through th' vnpau'd way : And taking them , as I had vow'd before , By nought but death their ransome would defray . Then when without th' aduise of others minds , Iventred through the hoarie waues by night , Whilst in a little barke against great winds , That euen the Pilote look'd not for the light The roaring waues themselues seem'd to diuide , That in their grauell I might chuse a graue . And in a christall arch aboue me bide , That I of me a tombe might worthy haue . Whilst dangers seem'd to merite Caesars death , As Neptune raisde his head , raisde my heart ; And shewing what I was with constant breath , t' amazde Amiclas courage did impart , Was I not once amidst large Nilus flot , Whilst me to wound a wood of darts did flie , Yet swim'd so carelesse of my enemies shot , That in my hand I held some papers drie ? With open dangers thus in euery place , I whilst being compass'd both by sea and land , Did vndismaid looke horror in the face , As borne for nought but onely to commaund . But since a world of victories haue fill'd , With Trophees Temples , Theaters with my praise , That bath'd with balme from th' oyle of glory still'd , With friends in peace I look'd to spend my daies . The chambers musicke now affrights me more , Then once the trumpets sound amids the field , And gownes ( though signes of peace ) worse , then before The pompous splendour of a flaming shield . Those thoughts of late that had disdain'd to doubt , Though I alone had march'd amongst my foes , Lo , whilst amongst my friends I 'm back'd about , Doe greater dangers now then th' eies disclose . If ought t' assemble any number brings , I insurrections feare from common wrath ; Yea , if two talke apart of priuate things , Straight I suspect that they conspire my death . When suddaine rumors rise from vulgar smoake , Whilst th' inward motions roule my restlesse eies ; I at each corner for ambushments looke , And start astonish'd least some tumult rise . When rising Titans beames renew th' earths toiles , I still dispaire to re-enioy the night , And when mine eyes th' all-couering darknesse spoiles , I neuer looke t' enrich them with the light . For when that light with darknesse makes a change , To flatter mortals with a dreame of rest , What ougly Gorgons , what Chimeraes strange , Do bost the little world within my breast ? Th' appointed time t' appease impetuous cares Doth double mine , that view most when being blind : I apprehen'd huge horrors and dispaires , Whilst th' outward obiect not distract my minde . What comfort of my conquests now remaines ? Where is the peace pursude by many a strife ? Haue I but taken paine t' abound in paines , And sought by dangers for a dangerous life ? Is this the period of aspiring powers , In promisde calmes to be most plagu'd by stormes ? Lurke poisnous serpents vnder fairest flowers . And hellish furies vnder heauenly formes ? It will not greeue my gost below to goe , If circumuented in the warres I end , As bold Marcellus by Romes greatest foe , That gaue his ashes honor as a friend . Or like Epaminondas prosprous death , O would to God I had amidst th' alarmes Being chargde with recent spoyles , bin spoil'd of breath , Whilst I toward Pluto might haue march'd in armes . Yet t' end this life that nought but toyles affords , I le pay to death the tribute that he owes , Straight with my blood set some come die their swords , My body shall be bar'd t' embrace their blowes . But ah , how haue the furies seaz'd my breast , And poison'd thus my sprit with desp'rate rage : That with their horrid serpents barr'd from rest , Nought can imagin'd be my toiles t' asswage . No , Atropos , yet spare my threed a space , That ere I to the Stigian streames go downe , I may of honor haue the highest place , And if I fall , yet fall beneath a crowne . Whilst I would bend my eares t' applauding shoutes , My thoughts diuided are within my breast , And my tossde soule doth flote between two doubts , Yet knowes not on what ground to build her rest . The Senators they haue this day designde , To shew the world how they esteeme my worth ; Yet do portentuous signes perturb my minde , By which the heauens would point my danger forth ; The gods from me with indignation gone , Haue charactred in euery thing my death , And must both heauen and earth conspire in one , To quench a little sparke of still-tossde breath ? My saftie would that I should stay within , Till this disastrous day giue darknesse place : But honor hunts me forward to begin , To reape the glory of my painfull race : And I le aduance in spight of threatned broyles , For though the fates effect that which we dreame , When death retires from forcing those fraile spoyles , Though breathlesse , I le be breath'd ouer all by fame . Exit .

Chorus . WHat furie ' is this that filles the breast , With a prodigious rash desire , Which banishing their soules from rest Doth make those liue that high aspire , Whilst it within their bosome boyles As Salamanders in the fire , Or like to serpents changing spoiles Their witherd beauties to renew : Like Vipers with vnnaturall toiles , Of such the thoughts themselues pursue , That for all lynes themselues do square , Whilst like Camelions changing hue , They only feed but on the aire . To passe ambition monstrous matters brings . And ( saue contentment ) can attaine all things . This actiue passion doth disdaine To match with any vulgar minde , As in base breasts where terrors raigne , To great a guest to be confinde ; It doth but loftie thoughts frequent , Where it a spatious field may finde , It selfe with honor to content , Where reuerenc'd fame doth lowdest sound : Those at great things that t' aime are bent , ( Farre lifted from this lumpish round ) Would in the spheare of glory moue , Whilst loftie thoughts which nought can bind , All riualls liue in vertues loue : On abiect preyes as th' Eagle neuer lights , Ambition poisons but the greatest sprights . And of this restles vultures brood , If 't grow not to too great a flame , A little sparke may whyles do good , Which makes great minds affecting fame , To suffer still all kinde of paine : There fortune at the bloody game , Who hazard would for hope of gaine . Were not burn'd by a thrist of praise : The learned loe , t' a higher straine , Their wits by emulation raise , As those that hold applauses deare : And what great mind at which men gaze , It selfe can of ambition cleare , Which is being rated at the highest price , A generous error , a heroicke vice . But when this frensie flaming bright Doth so the soules of some surprise , That they can taste of no delight But what from soueraigntie doth rise ; Then huge affliction it affords , Such must themselues so to disguise , Prooue prodigall of courteous words , Giue much to some , and promise all , Then seruile seeme , to be made Lords , Yea first being made to many thrall , Must pittie impart if not support , T' all those that crush'd by fortune fall , And grieue themselues to please each sort : Are not those wretch'd that ouer a dangerous snare Hing but by hopes , being ballanc'd in the aier ? Then when they haue the port attainde , That was through Seas of dangers sought , They ( lo ) at last but losse haue gainde , And by great trouble , trouble bought . There minds are married still with feares , T' engender many a iealous thought , With searching eyes and watching eares , To learne that which they grieue to know . The breast that such a burden beares , What huge afflictions toyle t' orethrow : Thus princes are as all perceiue , No more exalted than brought low , Of many a Lord , to many a slaue . That idoll greatnesse which th' earth doth adore , Is conquerd with great paine , and kept with more He that to this imagin'd good , Did through his countries entrailes tend , Neglecting friendship , duety , blood , And all on which trust can depend , Or by which loue could be conceiu'd , Doth finde of what he did attend , His exspectations farre deceiu'd ; For since suspecting secret snares , His soule hath still of rest bin reau'd . Whilst squadrons of tumultuous cares , Forth from his breast extort depth grones : Thus Caesar now of life despaires , Whose hap his hope exceeded once , And who can long well keepe an euill wonne state ? Those perish must by some whome all men hate .

ACT. V.

SCENE . I. Marcus Brutus , Chorus , Antonius , Caius Cassius , Marcus Tullius Cicero . A Regenerous Romans so degenerd now , That they from honor haue estrangde their hands ? And vsde with burdens do not blush to bow , Yea ( though being broken ) shake not off their bands . This glorious worke was worthy of your paine , Whose best ye may by others dangers haue , But what enchaunts you thus that ye abstaine , That ( which ye should haue taken ) to receiue ? Where be those inundations of delight , That should burst out through thoughts ore-flow'd with ioy , Whilst emulous vertue may your mindes incite , That which we conquerd haue , at least t' enioy ? Or quite conformd vnto your former state , Do still your mindes of seruitude allow , As broken by aduersitie of late , Not capable of better fortune now ? Loe , we that by the tyrants fauour stoode , And grieu'd but at the yoke that you outrag'd , Haue our aduauncement , riches , rest , and blood , All liberally for libertie engag'd . Chor. Thou like thy great progenitour in this , Hast glorie to thy selfe , t 'vs freedome brought , Than libertie what greater treasure is ? Small with it much , without it much seemes nought . But pardon vs ( heroicke man ) though we T' a high perfection hardly can aspire , Though euery man cannot a Brutus be , That which we cannot imitate , w' admire . At this strange course with too much light made blind We our opinions must suspend a space , When any sodaine chance dismayes the minde , The iudgement to the passion first giues place , Ant. What wonder now though this most barbarous deed , Haue with amazement closde your iudgement in , Which O I feare shall great confusion breed , When Caesars toiles did end , Romes did begin . The most suspitious mindes had not beleeu'd , That Romans reuerenc'd for their worth by vs , Would haue presumde to kill , yea , or t' haue greeu'd , A inuiolable hallowd bodie thus . Who would but once haue dreamd of such despight ? What strange hostilitie in time of peace , To slay , though not accusde , against all right , A sacred man , and in a sacred placed C Cass. If Caesar as a Cittizen had liu'de , And had by lawe decided euery strife , Then I would grant those treason had contriu'd , That went without a lawe to take his life . But to peruert the lawes , subuert the state , If all his trauells did directly tend , Then I must say , we did no wrong of late , Why should not tyrants make a tragicke end ? Chor. Since destinies did Caesars soule enlarge , What course can we for his recouerie take ? Ah , th' vnrelenting Charons restlesse barge Stands to transport all ouer , but brings none backe . Of lifes fraile glasse when broken , with vaine grones What earthly powre the ruines can repaire ? Or who can gather vp when scatterd once , Ones blood from th' earth , or yet his breath from th' aire ? Let vs of those that passe Obliuions flood , B' obliuious still since hope of help is gone , And spend our cares where cares may doe most good , Lest Rome waile many , where she wailes but one . Ant. Still concord for the common-weale were best , To reconcile diuided thoughts againe , Then discord to great townes no greater pest , Whose violence no reuerence can restraine . Yet oftentimes those warie wits haue err'd , That would buy wealth and ease at any cost , Let honesty to profit be preferr'd , And t' a vile peace , warre when it wounds vs most . But seeking peace what suretie can we finde ? Can faithlesse men giue faith iust feares to stay ? No sacred band impietie can binde , That sweares for trust , seekes trust but to betray . What help'd it Caesar that we all had sworne , His body still from dangers to redeeme , Those that are once periur'd hold othes in scorne , All are most franke of what they least esteeme . M. Br. None needs in states that are from tirants free , Loathde execrations to confirme his will , Where willingly men would with good agree , And without danger might despise all ill . All odious othes by those are onely crau'd , Whose sute from reason doth a warrant want , Whilst all deceiuers feard to be deceau'd , Seek of men thralld what none being free would grant When Caesar had preuailde in Libia and Spaine , His fortune building on his countries wracke , Of libertie a shadow to retaine , We gaue him all that he was bent to take . The Senate had reseru'd nought but a show , Whose course to it by Caesar was imposde , That lifted vp by bringing others lowe , Of offices and prouinces disposde . Then that our witherd hopes might neuer spring , When bent t' abide the Parthians woodden showre , He for fiue yeares disposde of euery thing , Euen in his absence leauing vs no powre . O how some aggrauate our deede with hate , That durst by violence his body straine , Though consecrated by constraint of late , Yea but reputed holie , yet prophane , And doe forget how he ( a wondrous case ) Did violate the tribune ship t' our scorne , Which our forefathers ( free ) in time of peace , Aduisdly had inuiolable sworne . Did he not once appropriate ( swolne with wrath ) The publike treasure to his priuate vse , And to the sacred Tribune threatned death , That did resist , grieu'd at so great a'abuse ? Tweene Romans and a tyrant what auailes A couenant whilst right rests troad on thus ? Who can build further when the ground first failes ? Could we saue him that sought to ruine vs ? Cic. So absolutely good no man remaines , Whose naturall weakenesse neuer him beguiles , Euen vertues die from vice may take some staines , And worthy mindes foule imperfections whiles . As in fine fruits or weeds fat earth abounds , Euen as the laborers spend or spare their paine , The greatest sprites disdaining vulgar bounds , Of what they seeke the highest height must gaine . They , that the crowne of glory may b' enioyd , As onely borne to be in action still , Had rather be ( than idle ) euill employd , Great sprites must doe great good , or then great ill . The glorious Sunne that golden raies doe arme , The treasure of the world that doth most good , Whilst on a time misgouernd did much harme , Till th' ouerbold Coach-man fell amidst a flood . Then whilst he by the rules of reason liu'd , When lawfully elected by the State , What glorious deedes by Caesar were atchiu'd , Which all the world as wonders must relate . But when of right he buried all respects , As blind ambition had bewitcht his minde , What harme ensude by pittifull effects . We at the first , he at the last did finde . Whilst like Narcissus with himselfe in loue , He with our bondage banqueted his sight , And for a while vncertaine ioyes to proue , Would sawce with all our sorrowes his delight , How could such gallant vertuous men as those , That of their countries weale are iealous still , But stowtly to all stormes their states expose , So th' authour of their infamy to kill ? But since our freedome flowes from Caesars blood , Let vs imbrace that which too long we lacke , Peace giues to Iustice powre , and it t' all good , Where war breeds wrong , and wrong al kind of wracke . This cittie hath experienc'd with great paine , Th' all-burdning troubles of intestine strife , Which by her ruines registred remaine , Since first the Gracchi gaue contention life . When Silla once and Marius ( mad through pride ) Seemd but to striue who most tyrannicke prou'd , What memorable miseries were tride From Romans mindes can neuer be remou'd . Then last by Caesar and his sonne in lawe , What thousands ghosts to Pluto were dispatchd ? Ah that the world those hosts diuided sawe , Which ioynd in one no world of worlds had matchd . Yet with this wit that we haue dearely bought , Let vs abhorre th' apparance of such broiles , Lest when we haue our selues to ruine brought , In end Barbarians beare away our spoyles . Chor. Rome to those great men hardly can afford , A recompence according to their worth , That by a tyrants ore-throw haue restord , The light of libertie that was put forth . Yet by due praises with their merites euen , Let vs illustrate their illustrous mindes , And to their charge let prouinces be giuen ; Still vertue growes when it preferrement findes . Anton. Those barbarous realmes by whose respectiue wil , Of Caesars conquests monuments are showne , As if they held them highly honord still , That warrd with Caesar though they were orethrowne . Can this disgrace by their prowde minds be borne , Whilst we dishonor whom they honor thus , And shall we not ( whilst as a tyrant torne , ) Giue him a tombe that gaue the world to vs ? Must his decrees be all reducde againe , And those degraded whom he gracde of late , As worthy men vnworthily did gaine Their roomes of reputation in the state ? If as a tyrant we him damne so soone , And for his murd'rers do rewards deuise , Then what he did , must likewise be vndone , For which I feare a fowle confusion rise . Chor. Ah ( great Antonius ) sow not seeds of warre , And if thou alwayes dost delight in armes , The haughty Parthians yet vndaunted are , Which may giue thee great praise , and vs no harmes . Detest in time th' abhominable broiles , For which no conquerour to triumph hath com'd , Whilst this wretch'd towne ( which stil som party spoils ) Must loathe the victor , and lament th' orecomd , And shall we still contend against all good , To make the yoke where we should bound abide ? Must still the commons sacrifize their blood , As onely borne to serue the great mens pride . Ant. Whilst I the depths of my affection found , And reade but th' obligations which I owe , I finde my selfe by othes , and duetie bound , All Caesars foes , or then my selfe t' orethrow . But when I weigh what to the state belongs , The which to plague no passion shall get place , Then I with griefe digesting priuate wrongs , Warre with my selfe to giue my country peace . Yet whilst my thoughts of this last purpose muse , I altogether dis-assent from this , That we should Caesars fame , or bodie abuse , By torturing tyrants as the custome is . Lest guiltie of ingratitude we seeme , ( If guerdoning our benefactors thus ) Great Caesars body from disgrace redeeme , And let his acts be ratified by vs . Then for the publicke weale of which we pause , Towards those that haue him killd t' extend regard , Let them be pardond for their kinsmens cause , Remission giuen for euill is a reward . C. Cass. We stand not dasht like malefactors heere , With a deiected and remorcefull minde , So in your presence supplicants t' appeare , As who themselues of death doe guiltie finde ; But looking boldely with a loftie brow , Through a delight of our designe conceiu'd , We come to challenge gratefulnesse of you , That haue of vs so great a good receiu'd . But if ye will suspend your thoughts a space , Though not the giuers , entertaine the gift , Do vs reiect , yet libertie imbrace , To haue you free , loe , that was all our drift . So Rome her antient liberties enioy , Let Brutus , and let Cassius banisht liue , Thus banishment would breede vs greater ioy , Than what at home a tyrants wealth could giue . Though some misconster may this course of ours , By ignorance or then by hate deceiu'd , Yet truth depends not on opinions powres , But is it selfe how euer misconceiu'd . Though none themselues t' acknowledge vs woulde daigne , Our merite of it selfe is a rewarde , Of doing good none should repent their paine , Though neither getting guerdon nor regard . I le venture yet my fortune in the fielde , With euery one that Rome to bondage drawes : And as for me , how euer others yield , I le nought obey but reason and the Lawes . Cicer. What fooles are those that further trauell take , For that which else they past recouery know ? Who can reuiue the dead , or bring time backe ? At least no mortall that remaines below . Great Pompey ( now ) for whom the world still weepes , Lies low , neglected on a barbarous shore ; Selfe-slaughtred Scipio flotes amidst the depthes , Whom it may be sea-monsters do deuoure . Of Libian wolues wise Cato feasts the wombes , Whose death of worth the world defrauded leaues : Thus some that merited Mausolean tombes , Not haue a title grau'd vpon their graues . And yet may Caesar that procur'd their death , By braue men slaine be buried with his race : All ciuill warre being banish'd with his breath , Let him now dead , and vs aliue haue peace . We should desist our thoughts on things to set , That may harme some , and can giue help to none , Learne to forget that which we can not get , And let our cares be gone , of all that 's gone . Those that would striue all crosses to ore-come , Must to the present time conforme their course : And doing the best for that which is to come , Not medle with things past but by discourse . Seeke not the thing which doth not good being found , Since Caesar now is dead , how euer dead ; Let all our griefe goe with him to the ground , For sorrow best becomes a lightlesse shade . It 's best that reconioynde with mutuall loue , We phisicke for this wounded state prepare : Neglecting those that from the world remoue , All men on earth for earthly things must care . Cho. O how those great men friendship can pretend , By soothing others thus with painted windes , And seeme to trust , where treason they attend , Whilst loue their mouth , and malice filles their mindes . Those but to them poore simple soules appeare , Whose countnance doth discouer what they thinke , That make their words as is their meaning cleare , And from themselues can neuer seeme to shrinke . Lo how Anthonius faines to quench all iarres , And kindly the conspirators t' imbrace , Yet as he further'd first the former warres , It 's fear'd he now be enemie to peace . Now where Calphurnia stayes our steps adresse , By this last sodaine chance her losse was chiefe : All visite should their neighbours in distresse , To giue some comfort , or to get some griefe . Exeunt .

Act. V. Scene II. Calphurnia , Nuntius , Chorus . WHen darknesse last imprisond had mine eies , Such monstrous visions did my soule affright , That my deiected sprite still stupid dyes , Through terrors then contracted in the night . A melancholious cloud so dimmes my breast , That it my mind fit for misfortune makes , A lodging well disposde for such a guest , Where nought of sorrow but th' impression lackes . And I imagine euery man I see ( My senses so corrupted are by feares ) A Herauld to denounce mishaps to me , That should infuse confusion in mine cares . O there he comes to violate my peace , In whom the obiect of my thoughts I see : Thy message is charecter'd in thy face , Which by thy lookes directed is to me : Thy troubled eyes rest rouling for releife , As lately frighted by some ougly sight , Thy breath doth pant as if being big with griefe , And fear'd to bring some monstrous birth to light . Nun. The man of whom the world in doubt remain'd , If that his minde , or fortune was more great , Whose valour conquer'd , clemencie retain'd All nations subiect to the Romane state ; Him fraude harm'd more then force , friends more then , foes Ah , must this sad discourse by mee be made ? Calph. Stay ; ere thou further goe defray my woes , How doth my loue ? wher is my life ? Num. Dead . Cal. dead . Cho. Though apprehending horrors in her minde , Now since she hath a certaintie receiu'd , She by experience greater griefe doth finde , Till borne , the passions cannot be conceiu'd . When as a high disaster force affords , O how that tyrant whom affliction beares , Barres th eares from comfort , & the mouth from words . And being obdur'd cannot dissolue in teares . Calph. Ah , since the lights of that great light are set , Why doth not darknesse spread it selfe ouer all ? At least what further comfort can I get Whose pleasures had no period but his fall . O would the gods I alwayes might confine Aetna ' in my breast , and th' Ocean in mine eyes , That t' entertaine so great a griefe as mine , Thence might sufficient furniture arise . Yet I disdaine though by distresse ore-throwne , By such externall meanes to seeke reliefe : The greatest sorrowes are by silence showne , Whilst all the sences are shut vp with griefe : But miserie doth so tyrannicke grow , That it of sighes and teares a tribute claimes : Ah , when the cup is full it must ore-flow , And fires that burne must offer vp some flames . Yet though that thy last words my last might be , Which are deepe sunke within a melted heart , Of my liues death report each point to me , That I for euery circumstance may smart . Nun. What fatall warnings did fore-go his end , Which by his stay to frustrate some did try ? But he that scorn'd excuses to pretend , Was by the Destinies drawne forth to die . Whilst by the way he chanc'd t' encounter one That had his deaths-day nam'd , he to him said ; Now th' Ides of March be com'd , but yet not gone , Straight th' other answerd , and still constant staide . Another brought a letter with great speed , Which the conspiracie at length did touch , And gaue it Caesar in his hand to reade , Protesting that it did import him much . Yet did he lay it vp where still it rests , As do the great whom happy th' earth reputes , That grieu'd to be importun'd by requests , Of simple supplicants neglect the sutes : Or he of it the reading did deferre , Still troubled by attendanrs at the gate , Whilst some to shew their credite did conferre To flatter some , for something some t' entreat . Not only did the gods by diuers signes Giue Caesar warning of his threatned harmes , But did disturbe all th' aduersaries designes , And to their troubled thoughts gaue strange alarmes . A Senator that by some words we finde , To the conspiratours ( though none of theirs ) Had showne himselfe familiar with their minde , Then chanc'd to deale with Caesar in affaires . That sight their soules did with confusion fill , For thinking that he told their purposde deeds ; They straight themselues , or Caesar thought to kill A guiltie conscience no accuser needes . But marking that he vsde ( when taking leaue ) The gesture of a suter that gaue thankes , They of their course did greater hopes conceiue , And rang'd themselues according to their rankes . Then Caesar march'd forth to the fatall place , Neere Pompyes theater where the Senate was , Where when he had remain'd a little space , All the confederates flock'd about . Calph . Alas . Nun. First for the forme Metellus Cimber crau'd , To haue his brother from exile restor'd ; Yet with the rest a rude repulse receiu'd , Whilst it they all too ernestly implor'd . Then Cimber that in strife with him did stand , Did draw the gowne ouer Caesars sacred head : But the first blow was giuen by Cascaes hand , Which on his necke a little wound but made . Then Caesar starting whilst the stroke he spi'd , By strength from further striking Casca stayde : Whilst both the two burst out at once and cry'd , Th' one traitor Casca , th' other brother ayde . Then all the rest against him did arise Like desperate men , whose furie force affords , That Caesar on no side could set his eyes , But euery looke r'encountred with some swordes . Yet as a Lyon when by nets surprisde , Stands strugling still so long as he hath strength ; So Caesar , as he had their powre dispisde , Did with great rage resist ; till at the length He thus cry'd out ( when spying Brutus come ) And thou my sonne ? then griefe did backe rebound , Nought but vnkindnesse Caesar could ore-come , That of all things doth giue the deepest wound . Cho. Ah , when vnkindnes is where loue was thought , A tender passion breakes the strongest heart , For of all those that giue offence in ought , Men others hate , but for th' vnkinde they smart . Nun. Ah , taking then no more delight in light , As which would then his life haue bitter fram'd : Or then from Brutus blow t' absent his sight , As of so great ingratitude asham'd . He with his gowne being couer'd first ouer all , As one that neither sought , nor wisht reliefe ; Not wronging maiestie in state did fall , No sigh consenting to betray his griefe . Yet ( if by chaunce or force I cannot tell , ) Euen at the place whereas his statue stood , As crauing Pompey pardon Caesar fell , That in reuenge it might exhaust his blood . But when his corps abandond quite by breath Did Fortunes frailties monument remaine , That all might haue like interest in his death ; And guilty alike , looke for like praise or paine . Then Cassius , Brutus , and the rest began With that great Emperours blood t' imbrue their hands : What beast in th' earth more cruell is than man , When ouer his reason passion once commands ? Calph. Whilst brutish Brutus , and prowde Cassius thus Romes greatest Captaine vnder trust deceiu'd , Where was Anthonius ( since a friend to vs , ) That he not lost himselfe , or Caesar sau'd ? Nun. The whole conspirators remainde in doubt , Had he and Caesar ioyn'd , to be vndone ; And so causde one him t' entertaine without , Who fain'd a conference till the fact was done . Then knowing well in such tumultuous broyles , That the first danger alwayes is the worst , He fled in haste , disguisde with vnknowne spoiles , For rage and for disdaine being like to burst . Calph. The Senators that were assembled there , When they beheld that great man brought t' an end , What was their part ? to what inclin'd their care ? I feare affliction could not find a friend . Nun. Of those that in the Senate-house did sit , As greeu'd so sad an obiect to behold : Or feard what further murdrers might commit , Each towards his house a seuerall way did hold . This act with horror did confound their sight , And vnawares their iudgement did surprise , When any hastie harmes vnlook'd for light , The resolution hath not time to rise . That man on whome the world did once rely , By all being reuerenc'd , and ador'd by some , Had none t' attend him left , but two and I . Cho. To what an ebbe may fortunes full whiles come : Why should men following on the smoake of pride , Leaue certaine ease to seeke a dream'd delight , Which when they haue by many dangers tride , They neither can with safetie keepe , nor quite ? The people that by force subdude remaine , May pittie those by whome oppressd they rest . They but one tyrant haue , where as there raigne , A thousand Tyrants in one tyrants breast . What though that Caesar once commanded kings , Whose only name whole nations did appall ? Yet now ( let no man trust in worldly things ) A little earth holdes him that held it all . Calph. Ah , had he but beleeu'd my faithfull cares , That t' haue his state establish'd alwayes striu'd : Then scaping this conspiracie of theirs , He honorde still , and I had happie liu'd . Did I not spend of supplications store , That he within his house this day would waste , As I by dreames aduertis'd was before , Which shew'd that was to come , which now is past : Whilst the sooth-sayers sacrifiz'd did finde , A beast without a heart their altars staine : By that presage my soule might haue diuin'd That I without my heart would soone remaine . But all those terrors could not terrors giue , To that great mind whose thoghts could not be tam'd ; But by his fortune confident did liue , As him t' obey the heauens had all things fram'd . Yet though he ended haue his fatall race , T' insult for this let not his murdrers striue , For , O I hope to see within short space , Him dead ador'd , and them abhor'd aliue . Though now his name the multitude respects , Since murdering one that had held him so deare , Whilst th' inward thoughts ech outward thing reflects , Some monstrous shape to Brutus must appeare . Iust Nemesis must plague prowde Cassius soone , And make him kill himselfe from hopes estrang'd ; Once all the wrongs by foes to Caesar done , May by themselues be on themselues reueng'd . Chor. Some for th' earths soueraigne Fortune striue to proue As heauens their course confusdly did aduance , Nought comes to men below , but from aboue , By prouidence , not by a staggering chance . Though to the cause that last foregoes the end , Some attribute th' euent of euery thing , That cause on other causes doth depend , From heauen to earth that chaind together hing . Of those decrees that heauens for vs appoint , Who-euer them approues , or yet disprooues , No mortall man can dissappoint a point , But as they please heere mooues , or hence remooues . We when once com'd the worlds vaine pomp to trie , Led by the fates , t' our iournies end must haste , For when first borne , we striaght begin to die , Lifes first day is a steppe vnto the last . And is there ought more swift than daies and yeares , Which weare away this breath of ours so soone ? Whilst Lachesis to no request giues eares , But spinnes the threedes of life till they be done . Yet foolish worldelings following that which flies , As if they had assurance still to breathe , To fraile preferrement fondly striue to rise , Which but a burden weighes them downe to death . Nun. Ther 's none of vs but must remember still , How that the gods by many a wondrous signe , Did shew as 't were how that against their will , The destinies would Caesars dayes confine . A monstrous starre amidst the heauen hath beene , Stil since they first against him did conspire , The solitary birds at noone were seene , And men to walke enuirond all with fire . What woonder though the heauens at such a time , Vpbraide the earth with apparitions strange , Then whilst intending such a monstrous crime , Vnnaturall men make natures course to change . Cho. Thogh all such things seem wonderful to some , They may by reason comprehended be , Yet if ought more than common custome come , It th' ignorant with wondring eies must see . Those bastard starres not heritours of th' aire , Are first conceiu'd below , then borne aboue , And when fore-knowing things sprites take most care , And by illusions superstition moue . Yet this no doubt a great regard should breed , When Nature hath brought forth a monstrous birth , Where men in secret characters may reade , The wrath of heauen , and wickednesse of earth . The Naturalists , and th' Astrologians skill , May whiles r'encountring manifest like care , Since th' one lookes backe , and th' other forward still , Th' one may tell what , and th' other why things are . Nu. Shall sorrow through the waues of woes to saile Haue still your teares for seas , your sighs for windes , t' affliction what do base complaints auaile ? A higher course becomes heroicke mindes . None are orecom'd saue onely those that yeelde , Though they from froward fortune blowes haue borne . Let Vertue be t' aduersitie a shield , No greater griefe to griefe than th' enemies scorne . This makes your foes but laugh to see you weepe ; At least these teares but for your selfe bestow , And not for that great sprite , whose spoils heauens keep , For he no doubt rests deified ere now . Calp. I onely waile my life , and not his death , That now amongst th' immortalls doth repose , And shall so long as I haue blood or breath , To furnish forth those elements of woes . I care not who reioyce , so I lament , That do to darkenes dedicate my daies , And since the light of my delight is spent , Shall haue in horror all Apolloes raies . I will retire my selfe to waile alone , As do the trustie Turtles for their mates , And my misfortune alwayes bent to mone , Will spurne at pleasures , as empoisond baites . No second guest shall presse great Caesars bed , Warmd by the flames to which he first gaue life , I thinke there may be greater honour had , Being Caesars widow , than anothers wife . This had afforded comfort for my harmes , If I ( ere chancde abandond thus to be , ) Had had a little Caesar in mine armes , That represented had his sire to me . Yet doth that idoll which my thoughts adore , With me of late most strictly match remaine , For where my armes but held him whiles before , Now in my heart I shall him still retaine . That ( though I haue no pretious things t' impart ) Thy deity may by me b' acknowledgde oft , Still offring vp my thoughts vpon my hart , My sacred flame shall alwayes mount aloft . Exeunt

Chorus . WHat fooles are those that do repose their trust , On what this masse of miserie affords ? And bragging but of th' excrements of dust , Of lifelesse treasures labour to be lords : Which like the Syrens songs , or Circes charmes , With shadows of delight hide certaine harmes . Ah whilst they sport on pleasures icie ground , Oft poisond by prosperitie with pride , A sodaine fall doth floating ioyes confound , Of those that stumble after th' eielesse guide , That so inconstantly her selfe doth beare , To hope th' vnhappy , happy haue cause to feare . The fortunate that bathe in flouds of ioyes , To perish whiles amidst their pleasures chaunce , And mirthlesse wretches wallowing in annoyes , Oft by aduersitie themselues aduance : Whilst fortune bent to mocke vain worldlings eares Doth change dispaires in hopes , hopes in dispaires . That gallant Graecian , whose great wit so soone Th' innumerable army did orecome , Were not he was vndone , had bin vndone , And if not banisht had not had a home : To him feare corage gaue ( what wondrous change , ) And many doubts a resolution strange . He that tolde one that then was fortunes childe , As if with horror to congeale his blood , That Caius Marius being from Rome exilde : Wretch'd on the ruines of great Carthage stood : Thogh both being plag'd by griefe , and by disgrace The consulship regain'd , and di'd in peace . And that great Pompey ( all the worlds delight , ) Whom of his theater then th' applauses pleasd , Whilst praise-transported eies endeerd his sight , That by youths toiles should haue his age then easde : He by one blow of fortune lost farre more , Then many a battell conquerd had before . Such sodaine changes so disturbe the soule , That still the iudgement ballancde is by doubt , But on around , what wonder though things roule , And since within a circle turne about ? Whilst heauen on earth strange alterations brings , To scorne our confidence in worldly things . And chancde there euer accidents more strange , Than in this stormie bounds where we remaine ? A shepheardes Staffe did here t' a Scepter change , The nurceling of a woolfe ouer men to raigne : A little village grew a mightie towne , Which whilst it had no king , held many a crowne . Then by how many sundry sortes of men , Hath this great state bin rulde ? though now by none , Which first obeyd but one , then two , then ten , Then by degrees returnd to two , and t 'one , Of which three states their ruine did abide , Two by twoes lusts , and one by two mens pride . What reuolutions huge haue hapned thus , All by a secret violence being led , Though seeming but by accident to vs , Yet in the depths of heauenly breasts first bred ; As arguments demonstratiue to proue , That weaknesse dwells below , and powre aboue . Lo Caesar , though being burdend in short space , Both with strange nations , and his countries spoiles , Euen when he seemd by warre t' haue purchasde peace , And roses of sweete rest from thornes of toiles : Then whilst his minde and fortune raise most hie , Hath bin constraind the last distresse to trie . What warnings large were in a time so short , Of that darke course which by his death now shines ? It speechlesse wonders plainely did report , It men reueald by words , and gods by signes : Yet by the chaines of destinies being bound , He saw the sword , but could not scape the wound . O what a curtine ouer our knowledge hings ! Whiles closde , whiles op'ned by th' aetheriall hoste , Which makes vs sometime sharpe to see small things , And yet quite blinde when as we should see most : That curious braines may rest amazde at it , Whose ignorance makes them presume of it . Then let vs liue , since all things change below , When raisde most high as those that once may fall , And hold when by disasters brought more lowe , The minde still free what euer else be thrall : Those Lordes of Fortune sweeten euery state , That can command themselues , thogh not their fate .

FINIS .