Benchè indegno, ministro, et instrumento
Della giustizia tua: nè perchè sacro
Luogo alla morte del Tiranno abbiamo
Eletto, riputar, ch’in noi s’annidi
Altro pensier, che pio: Rimira al cuore,
Che, se l’atto è profano, il cuore è pio,
E pietà sola è di tal atto madre.”
Here is a man ready to kill Caesar because of a dream! The Brutus of Shakespeare would kill him not because of what he is, but for what he might become. The same statement regarding tyranny, ancient liberties, etc., occurs again and again throughout “Cesare.” Cassius repeats them in the very next speech; but all is very vague, very indefinite. Brutus and Cassius later indulge in a lofty dialogue concerning liberty, and Brutus says that the only thing which has kept him alive is the hope that some day he may be able to help Rome regain her ancient liberties. That alone, he feels sure, has also kept Cassius from desiring to outlive the dead Republic.[[115]]
Perhaps the strongest statement is contained in Brutus’ speech at the beginning of the fifth act.[[116]]
“Cittadini, Il Tiranno hà col suo sangue