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JULIUS CAESAR
A monologue from Act III, Scene ii
by: William Shakespeare
| NOTE: Julius Caesar was first published in the folio of 1623. It is now a public domain work and may be performed without royalties. |
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BRUTUS: Romans, countrymen, and lovers [1],
hear me for my cause, and be silent that you may hear. Believe
me for mine honor, and have respect to mine honor, that you may
believe. Censure me in your wisdom, and awake your senses, that
you may the better judge. If there be any in this assembly, and
dear friend of Caesar's, to him I say that Brutus' love to Caesar
was no less than his. If then that friend demand why Brutus rose
against Caesar, this is my answer: Not that I loved Caesar less,
but that I loved Rome more. Had you rather Caesar were living,
and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all freemen?
As Caesar loved me, I weep for him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice
at it; as he was valiant, I honor him; but -- as he was ambitious,
I slew him. There is tears for his love; joy for his fortune;
honor for his valor; and death for his ambition. Who is here
so base that would be a bondman? If any, speak; for him have
I offended. Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If
any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so vile that
will not love his country? If any, speak; for him have I offended.
I pause for a reply.
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