E già d’insidie non sò, che m’è stato
Susurrato all’ orecchie: ma i disegni
Schernirò di chi tenta oltraggio farmi.
Ma ciò poc’ or mi preme, e mi dà noia:
Più mi dà noia, e preme il ricordarmi
Ch’ invendicata ancor resti la morte
Di Crasso. . . .”—Page 67.
He longs to see the Roman eagle triumphant, and Rome mistress of the world.
This speech of Caesar’s is noteworthy. The dictator affirms that the intoxication of success has not blinded his common sense. He has reason to fear treachery, yet just what is contemplated against him he does not know. He despises those who would harm him. That humbled Rome has not yet wreaked vengeance on the Parthians concerns him far more. Here again this concern of Caesar for the welfare of others finds its echo in Shakespeare’s lines,
“What touches us ourself shall be last served.”