Page:The Emperor Marcus Antoninus - His Conversation with Himself.djvu/148

 xcvi this? If the danger pointed at none but my Person, I would give my self little trouble about it, (for I don't pretend to be immortal;) but now since the Revolt is general, the storm bears down upon us all. I heartily wish Cassius would come hither, and refer his Pretentions, and make you, or the Senate Judge of them : For if after such a Debate 'twas thought Serviceable to the Publick, I should willingly resign to him without striking a stroak. 'Tis only for the sake of the State that I have thus long harrass'd and ventured my Person: 'Tis only upon this Account that I have as it were banish'd my self my Native Country, and denied an old and infirm Body the Conveniencies of Italy, and that I can very seldom enjoy one easy Minute, either to Eat or Sleep in. But Cassius will never consent to this Proposal. For how can he trust himself with me, after his barbarous Usage, and Breach of Faith ? As for you Gentlemen, you have great reason to keep up your Spirits, for the Cilicians, Syrians, Egyptians, and Jews, were never yet your Equals in Bravery, nor ever will be, tho' they exceeded your Numbers as much as now they fall short of them. Nay even Cassius himself, as good a General as he is, and after all the great