Page:Plutarch's Lives (Clough, v.5, 1865).djvu/373

 DION AND BRUTUS. 365 BO much as to entertain the thought of crushing Caesar, so formidable for his ability, his power, and his fortune, whose very name disturbed the slumbers of the Parthian and Indian kings. Dion was no sooner seen in Sicily but thousands ran in to him and joined him against Diony- sius; whereas the renown of Ciesar, even when dead, gave strength to his friends ; and his very name so heightened the person that took it, that from a simple boy he presently became the chief of the Romans ; and he could use it for a spell against the enmity and power of Antony. K any object that it cost Dion great trouble and difficulties to overcome the tyrant, whereas Brutus slew Cajsar naked and unprovided, yet this itself was the result of the most consummate poUcy and conduct, to bring it about that a man so guarded around, and so for- tified at all points, should be taken naked and unpro- vided. For it was not on the sudden, nor alone, nor with a few, that he fell upon and killed Cajsar ; but after long concerting the plot, and placing confidence in a great many men, not one of whom deceived him. For he either at once discerned the best men, or by confiding in them made them good. But Dion, either making a wrong judgment, trusted himself with ill men, or else by his employing them made ill men of good ; either of the two would be a reflection on a wise man. Plato also is severe upon him, for choosing such for friends as be- trayed him. Besides, when Dion was killed, none appeared to re- venge his death. Whereas Brutus, even amongst his enemies, had Antony that buried him splendidly; and Caesar also took care his honors should be preserved. There stood at Milan in Gaul, within the xllps, a brazen statue, which Caesar in after-times noticed (being a real likeness, and a fine work of art), and passing by it, pres- ently stopped short, and in the hearing of many com-