Page:Julius Caesar (1919) Yale.djvu/18

6 Be not deceiv'd: if I have veil'd my look, I turn the trouble of my countenance

Merely upon myself. Vexed I am

Of late with passions of some difference,

Conceptions only proper to myself,

Which give some soil perhaps to my behaviours;

But let not therefore my good friends be griev'd,—

Among which number, Cassius, be you one,—

Nor construe any further my neglect.

Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war.

Forgets the shows of love to other men.

Cas. Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion;

By means whereof this breast of mine hath buried

Thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations.

Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?

Bru. No, Cassius; for the eye sees not itself,

But by reflection, by some other things.

Cas. 'Tis just:

And it is very much lamented, Brutus,

That you have no such mirrors as will turn

Your hidden worthiness into your eye,

That you might see your shadow. I have heard

Where many of the best respect in Rome,—

Except immortal Cæsar,—speaking of Brutus,

And groaning underneath this age's yoke.

Have wish'd that noble Brutus had his eyes.

Bru. Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius,

That you would have me seek into myself

For that which is not in me?

Cas. Therefore, good Brutus, be prepar'd to hear;  37 Be not deceiv'd: do not misjudge me

39 Merely: altogether

40 of difference: conflicting

41 proper: belonging, relating

42 soil: blemish

45 construe: read meaning into

49 By whereof: because of which mistake

54 just: true, right

59 respect: standing

62 had eyes: had his eyes about him 