Act IVScene II
Before Brutus’ tent, in the camp near Sardis
Drum. Enter Brutus, Lucilius, Titinius and Soldiers; Pindarus meeting them; Lucius at some distance.
Brutus
Stand, ho!
Lucilius
Give the word, ho! and stand.
Brutus
What now, Lucilius! is Cassius near?
Lucilius
He is at hand, and Pindarus is comeTo do you salutation from his master.
Pindarus gives a letter to Brutus.
Brutus
He greets me well. Your master, Pindarus,In his own change, or by ill officers,Hath given me some worthy cause to wishThings done, undone: but, if he be at hand,I shall be satisfied.
Pindarus
I do not doubtBut that my noble master will appearSuch as he is, full of regard and honour.
Brutus
He is not doubted. A word, Lucilius;How he received you, let me be resolv’d.
Lucilius
With courtesy and with respect enough,But not with such familiar instances,Nor with such free and friendly conference,As he hath us’d of old.
Brutus
Thou hast describ’dA hot friend cooling. Ever note, Lucilius,When love begins to sicken and decayIt useth an enforced ceremony.There are no tricks in plain and simple faith;But hollow men, like horses hot at hand,Make gallant show and promise of their mettle;
Low march within.
But when they should endure the bloody spur,They fall their crests, and like deceitful jadesSink in the trial. Comes his army on?
Lucilius
They meant this night in Sardis to be quarter’d;The greater part, the horse in general,Are come with Cassius.
Enter Cassius and Soldiers.
Brutus
Hark! he is arriv’d.March gently on to meet him.
Cassius
Stand, ho!
Brutus
Stand, ho! Speak the word along.
First Soldier
Stand!
Second Soldier
Stand!
Third Soldier
Stand!
Cassius
Most noble brother, you have done me wrong.
Brutus
Judge me, you gods; wrong I mine enemies?And if not so, how should I wrong a brother?
Cassius
Brutus, this sober form of yours hides wrongs;And when you do them—
Brutus
Cassius, be content.Speak your griefs softly, I do know you well.Before the eyes of both our armies here,Which should perceive nothing but love from us,Let us not wrangle. Bid them move away;Then in my tent, Cassius, enlarge your griefs,And I will give you audience.
Cassius
Pindarus,Bid our commanders lead their charges offA little from this ground.
Brutus
Lucilius, do you the like; and let no manCome to our tent till we have done our conference.Lucius and Titinius, guard our door.
Exeunt.