Act 4 — IV. 2 Scene II.[22][23] Before Brutus's tent, in the camp near Sardis
Reading edition
IV. 2 Scene II.[22][23] Before Brutus's tent, in the camp near Sardis
Drum. Enter Brutus, Titinius, Lucius, and Soldiers; Lucilius and Pindarus meet them[24]
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 come 5To do you salutation from his master.
[Pindarus gives a letter to Brutus][25]
Brutus. He greets me well.[26] Your master, Pindarus, In his own change,[27][28] or by ill officers, Hath given me some worthy cause to wish Things done undone: but, if he be at hand, I shall be satisfied.
10Pindarus. I do not doubt But that my noble master will appear Such as he is, full of regard and honour.
Brutus. He is not doubted. A word, Lucilius, How[29] he receiv'd you:[30][31] let me be resolv'd.
15Lucilius. With courtesy and with respect enough; But not with such familiar instances,[32] Nor with such free and friendly conference, As he hath us'd of old.
Brutus. Thou hast describ'd A hot friend cooling: ever note, Lucilius, 20When love begins to sicken and decay, It useth an enforced ceremony. There are no tricks in plain and simple faith: But hollow men, like horses hot at hand,[33] Make gallant show and promise of their mettle; 25But when they should endure the bloody spur, They fall[34] their crests, and, like deceitful jades,[35] Sink in the trial. Comes his army on?
Lucilius. They mean this night in Sardis to be quarter'd; The greater part, the horse in general, Are come with Cassius.
[Low march within][36]
30Brutus. Hark! he is arriv'd. March gently on to meet him.
Enter Cassius and his Powers
Cassius. Stand, ho!
Brutus. Stand, ho! Speak the word along.
1 Soldier.[37] Stand!
352 Soldier. Stand!
3 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?
40Cassius. 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, 45Let us not wrangle: bid them move away; Then in my tent, Cassius, enlarge your griefs,[38] And I will give you audience.
Cassius. Pindarus, Bid our commanders lead their charges off A little from this ground.
50Brutus. Lucilius,[39] do you the like; and let no man Come to our tent till we have done our conference. Let Lucius[40][41] and Titinius guard our[42] door.
[Exeunt]