adminREMEMBER last week after Caesar’s train had passed, Cassius and Brutus lingered in discussion. They heard shouts from the multitude that followed them. The shouts somehow disturbed Brutus and Cassius who thought they meant more honours were being heaped upon Caesar. They thought Caesar was being crowned king, therefore Rome was to become a monarch state.
These two, Brutus and Cassius were republicans and could not stand the idea of having a monarch. Cassius is in the forefront questioning what is unfolding before them. He says: “Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world like a Colossus; and we petty men walk under his huge legs, and peep about to find ourselves dishonourable graves”. He states that men control their fate at one time or the other; but that they remain slaves is not the fault of the stars that influences their birth; it is their fault that they are underlings.
Cassius’s actual words are: “Men at some time are masters of their fate: The fault dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings.” He asks Brutus what should be in that Caesar? Why should Caesar’s name be sounded more than that of Brutus? Write them together, Brutus’s name is as fair a name. Sound them together, it does become the mouth as well, meaning his will fill the mouth as well when pronounced together with that of Caesar.
If weighed together Brutus’ name would be as heavy as that of Caesar. Conjure with them, Brutus will start a spirit as soon as Caesar.
Cassius goes further to ask in the names of all their gods upon what meat does this Caesar feed, that he has become so great? He cries out that Rome has lost the breed of noble bloods. He cannot believe that Rome now has room for one man only. He falls back on history which tells them that there was a Brutus once that would have brook’d the eternal to keep his state in Rome as easily as a king. Cassius here reminds Brutus of one of his ancestors, who would never have tolerated or permitted such tyranny of having a monarch.
All things are going to Cassius’ plans. Brutus is almost convinced by Cassius’ words. He parts with encouraging words to Cassius. He says: “. . . What you have said I will consider, what you have to say I will with patience hear, and find a time both meet to hear and answer such high things.” He says in the meantime he would ask Cassius to consider that Brutus would rather be a villager than to repute himself a son of Rome under these hard conditions. Is this not obvious that Cassius has almost won over Brutus to his side?
Cassius is delighted by what is unfolding. He reveals his delight with words full of irony when he says: “I am glad that my weak words have struck but thus much show of fire from Brutus.” Were those weak words or they were calculated? Meanwhile the games are over, but Brutus was not there and is keen to know what happened there. Cassius suggests to Brutus to pull Casca by the sleeve who will after his usual sour manner tell them what transpired.
Things have not gone well in the games. Brutus notices an angry spot glowing on Caesar and he informs Cassius. The rest of the people look like a chidden train: Calpurnia’s cheek is pale, and Cicero’s eyes are red as they have seen him in the Capitol when crossed in conference by some senators. When Caesar sees Cassius he turns to Mark Antony and remarks that Cassius “has a lean and hungry look, he thinks too much; such men are dangerous.”
However, Mark Antony misjudges Cassius’ character telling Caesar not to fear him for he is not dangerous, he is noble and well given. Caesar goes on to describe Cassius’ character after dismissing the thought that he is afraid of him. He says he is not afraid of him and does not know of any other man that he would avoid than that lean and thin Cassius.
Caesar says Cassius reads much, he is a great observer, and he looks through the deeds of men, and their real purpose. He is not fond of games like Antony. He hears no music, seldom smiles, and smiles in such a sort as if he is mocked himself. Such men are never at peace in their hearts when they see a man greater than themselves, and thus are dangerous. He says he tells of what should be feared than what he fears.
Caesar’s arrogance is shown here when he says, “For I am always Caesar who is afraid of nothing.” More of this arrogance is shown in later scenes and acts and will be revealed as we move on with the play. Brutus and Cassius learn from Casca that there was a crown offered to Caesar which he put aside with the back of his hand, thus the people began shouting. The crown was offered to Caesar thrice and each time he refused it and people shouted.
We will pick it up from here next week. Do not miss the next episode. For views link up with [email protected]
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