gain
when Calpurnia should have better dreams, what would his
enemies and ill-willers say, and how could they like of his
friends' words? And who could persuade them otherwise, but
that they should think his dominion a slavery unto them and
tyrannical in himself? And yet if it be so,' said he, 'that
you utterly mislike of this day, it is better that you go
yourself in person, and, saluting the Senate, to dismiss them
till another time.' Therewithal he took Caesar by the hand,
and brought him out of his house."--_Julius Caesar._]

[Page 73]

_Enter_ PUBLIUS, BRUTUS, LIGARIUS, METELLUS, CASCA,
TREBONIUS, _and_ CINNA

And look where Publius is come to fetch me.

PUBLIUS. Good morrow, Caesar.

CAESAR. Welcome, Publius.
What, Brutus, are you stirr'd so early too? 110
Good morrow, Casca. Caius Ligarius,
Caesar was ne'er so much your enemy
As that same ague which hath made you lean.
What is 't o'clock?

BRUTUS. Caesar, 't is strucken eight.

CAESAR. I thank you for your pains and courtesy. 115

_Enter_ ANTONY

See! Antony, that revels long o' nights,
Is notwithstanding up. Good morrow, Antony.

ANTONY. So to most noble Caesar.

CAESAR. Bid them prepare within:
I am to blame to be thus waited for.
Now, Cinna; now, Metellus: what, Trebonius! 120
I have an hour's talk in store for you;
Remember that you call on me to-day.
Be near me, that I may remember you.

[Note 108: Scene VI Pope.--_Enter_ PUBLIUS ... | Ff have
Publius after Cinna.]

[Note 114: /o'clock/ Theobald | a Clocke Ff.]

[Note 116: /o' nights/ Theobald | a-nights Ff.]

[Note 108: This was probably Publius Silicius, not a
conspirator. See III, i, 87, where he is described as "quite
confounded with this mutiny."]

[Note 113: This is a graphic and charming touch. Here, for the
first time, we have Caesar speaking fairly in character; for
he was probably the most finished gentleman of his time, one
of the sweetest of men, and as full of kindness as of wisdom
and courage. Merivale aptly styles him "Caesar the politic and
the merciful."]

[Page 74]

TREBONIUS. Caesar, I will. [_Aside_] And so near will I be,
That your best friends shall wish I had been further. 125

CAESAR. Good friends, go in and taste some wine with me;
And we, like friends, will straightway go togethe