He were no lion, were not Romans hinds.
Those that with haste will make a mighty fire
Begin it with weak straws; what trash is Rome,108
What rubbish, and what offal, when it serves
For the base matter to illuminate
So vile a thing as Cæsar! But, O grief,
Where hast thou led me? I, perhaps, speak this112
Before a willing bondman; then I know
My answer must be made: but I am arm'd,
And dangers are to me indifferent.
Casca. You speak to Casca, and to such a man116
That is no fleering tell-tale. Hold, my hand:
Be factious for redress of all these griefs,
And I will set this foot of mine as far
As who goes furthest.
Cas. There's a bargain made.120
Now know you, Casca, I have mov'd already
Some certain of the noblest-minded Romans
To undergo with me an enterprise
Of honourable-dangerous consequence;124
And I do know by this they stay for me
In Pompey's porch: for now, this fearful night,
There is no stir, or walking in the streets;
And the complexion of the element128
In favour's like the work we have in hand,
Most bloody, fiery, and most terrible.
Casca. Stand close awhile, for here comes one in haste.
106 hinds: female of red deer; also, servants, rustics
107-111 Cf. n.
114 My . . . made: I shall have to answer for my words
117 That: as
fleering: mocking
Hold, my hand: here, take this handclasp as pledge
118 factious: active
griefs: grievances
123 undergo: undertake
125 by this: by this time
126 Pompey's porch; cf. n.
128 complexion . . . element: visible condition of the sky
131 Stand close: avoid notice
