Page:The landmark of freedom.djvu/74

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72

That they pass by me, as the idle wind,
Which I respect not.

Cas. A friend should bear his friend's infirmities,
But Brutus makes mine greater than they are.

Bru. I do not, TILL YOU PRACTISE THEM ON ME.

Cas. You love me not.

Bru.I do not like your faults.

Julius Cæsar, Act 4, Scene 3.

And the colloquy proceeding, each finally comes to understand the other, appreciates his character and attitude, and the impetuous gallant Cassius exclaims, "Give me your hand;" to which Brutus replies, "And my heart too." Afterwards, with hand and heart united, on the field of Philippi they together upheld the liberties of Rome.

The North and the South, Sir, as I fondly trust, amidst all differences, will ever have a hand and a heart for each other; and, believing in the sure prevalence of Almighty Truth, I confidently look forward to the good time, when both will unite, according to the sentiments of the Fathers and the true spirit of the Constitution, in declaring freedom and not slavery national to the end, that the Flag of the Republic, wherever it floats on sea or land within the national jurisdiction, may not cover a single slave. Then will be achieved that Union, contemplated at the beginning, against which the storms of faction and the assaults of foreign power shall beat in vain, as upon the Rock of Ages; and LIBERTY, seeking a firm foothold, will have at last whereon to stand and move the world.