Page:Julius Caesar (1919) Yale.djvu/32

20  He were no lion, were not Romans hinds. Those that with haste will make a mighty fire Begin it with weak straws; what trash is Rome, What rubbish, and what offal, when it serves For the base matter to illuminate So vile a thing as Cæsar! But, O grief, Where hast thou led me? I, perhaps, speak this Before a willing bondman; then I know My answer must be made: but I am arm'd, And dangers are to me indifferent.

Casca. You speak to Casca, and to such a man That is no fleering tell-tale. Hold, my hand: Be factious for redress of all these griefs, And I will set this foot of mine as far As who goes furthest.

Cas. There's a bargain made. Now know you, Casca, I have mov'd already Some certain of the noblest-minded Romans To undergo with me an enterprise Of honourable-dangerous consequence; And I do know by this they stay for me In Pompey's porch: for now, this fearful night, There is no stir, or walking in the streets; And the complexion of the element In favour's like the work we have in hand, Most bloody, fiery, and most terrible.

Casca. Stand close awhile, for here comes one in haste.  106 hinds: female of red deer; also, servants, rustics 107-111 Cf. n. 114 My made: I shall have to answer for my words 117 That: as fleering: mocking Hold, my hand: here, take this handclasp as pledge 118 factious: active griefs: grievances 123 undergo: undertake 125 by this: by this time 126 Pompey's porch; cf. n. 128 complexion element: visible condition of the sky 131 Stand close: avoid notice 