Page:Plutarch's Lives (Clough, v.5, 1865).djvu/329

 MARCUS BKUTUS. 321 such a lover of glory as Antony, stirred up with emular tion of their great attempt, might, if Csosar were once re- moved, lay hold of the occasion to be joint restorer vnth them of the liberty of his country. Thus did Brutus save Antony's life. But he, in the general consternation, put himself into a plebeian habit, and fled. But Brutus and his party marched up to the capitol, in their way showing their hands all bloody, and their naked swords, and pro- claiming liberty to the people. At first all places were filled with cries and shouts ; and the wild running to and fro, occasioned by the sudden surprise and passion that every one was in, increased the tumult in the city. But no other bloodshed following,. and no plundering of the goods in the streets, the senators and many of the people took courage and went up to the men in the capitol ; and, a multitude being gathered togethei', Brutus made an ora- tion to them, very popular, and proper for the state that affairs were then in. Therefore, when they applauded his speech, and cried out to him to come down, they all took confidence and descended into the forum ; the rest promis- cuously mingled with one another, but many of the most eminent persons, attending Brutus, conducted him in the midst of them with great honor from the capitol, and placed him in the rostra. At the sight of Brutus, the crowd, though consisting of a confused mixture and all disposed to make a tumult, were struck with reverence, and expected what he would say with order and with silence, and, when he began to speak, heard him with quiet and attention. But that all were not pleased with this action they plainly showed when, Cinna beginning to speak and accuse Csesar, they broke out into a sudden rage, and railed at him in such language, that the whole party thought fit again to withdraw to the capitol. And there Brutus, expecting to be besieged, dismissed the most eminent of those that had accompanied them thither, not VOL. v. 21