Julius Caesar - thoughtful perspectives spanning the centuries...

This is Brutus speaking in Act III (Scene Two) (The Forum) of Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare.

Be patient till the last.
Romans, countrymen, and lovers, hear me for
my cause, and be silent, that you may hear;
believe me for mine honour, and have respect to
mine honour, that you may believe: censure me
in your wisdom, and awake your senses, that
you may the better judge. If there be any in this
assembly, any dear friend of Caesar's, to him I
say, that Brutus' love to Caesar was no less than
his. If then that friend demand why Brutus
rose against Caesar, this is my answer: Not that
I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.
Had you rather Caesar were living, and die all
slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all free
men? As Caesar loved me, I weep for him; as
he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was
valiant, I honour him; but, as he was ambitious
I slew him. There is tears, for his love; joy, for
his fortune; honour, for his valour; and death,
for his ambition. Who is here so base that
would be a bondman? If any, speak; for him
have I offended. Who is here so rude that
would not be a Roman? If any, speak; for him
have I offended. Who is here so vile that will
not love his country? If any, speak; for him
have I offended. I pause for a reply.


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