"As several citizens cry out, 'None, Brutus, none,' he passes to the conclusion, which is as weak as the discussion.
CONCLUSION.
"'Then none have I offended. I have done no more to Caesar, than you shall do to Brutus. As I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself, when it, shall please my country to need my death.'
"He has gained nothing by the whole speech, save the knowledge that none of the citizens present care at that time to impeach him for his crime; but their minds were open to other influences. Shakespeare thus shows how an able man might use all his powers in the perfection of oratorical and rhetorical forms, without producing a great or effective speech. Antony now comes forward. Behold the contrast!
ANTONY'S SPEECH.
"The introduction is like and unlike that of Brutus. The same three titles are used; the same call for attention. But there is no repetition, no egotism, no elaboration. The introduction is short, calling attention to his ostensible purpose, and prepares for a beautiful transition to the discussion.
INTRODUCTION.
"'Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears. I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.'
"There is not a superfluous word. But how can Antony glide into those praises of Caesar, which he has disclaimed, but which are necessary to his purpose? The next sentence solves the question:
"'The evil that men do lives after them;
The good is oft interred with their bones;
So let it be with Caesar.'