Page:Julius Caesar (1919) Yale.djvu/99

Julius Cæsar, V. i  And partly credit things that do presage. Coming from Sardis, on our former ensign Two mighty eagles fell, and there they perch'd, Gorging and feeding from our soldiers' hands; Who to Philippi here consorted us: This morning are they fled away and gone, And in their stead do ravens, crows, and kites Fly o'er our heads, and downward look on us, As we were sickly prey: their shadows seem A canopy most fatal, under which Our army lies, ready to give up the ghost.

Mes. Believe not so.

Cas. I but believe it partly, For I am fresh of spirit and resolv'd To meet all perils very constantly.

Bru. Even so, Lucilius.

Cas. Now, most noble Brutus, The gods to-day stand friendly, that we may, Lovers in peace, lead on our days to age! But since the affairs of men rest still incertain, Let's reason with the worst that may befall. If we do lose this battle, then is this The very last time we shall speak together: What are you, then, determined to do?

Bru. Even by the rule of that philosophy By which I did blame Cato for the death Which he did give himself—(I know not how, But I do find it cowardly and vile, For fear of what might fall, so to prevent The time of life)—arming myself with patience,  80 former ensign: banner at the front of our column 83 consorted: accompanied 87 As: as if sickly prey: so sick as soon to be their prey 88 fatal: fateful, doom-foreboding 94 The gods: may the gods 97 reason with: consider 102 Cato: of Utica; committed suicide, 46 B. C. 