In one instance Whitney (p. 110, l. 32) hits off the characteristics of Brutus and Cassius in a single line,—
“With Brutus boulde, and Cassius, pale and wan.”
It is remarkable how Shakespeare amplifies these two epithets, “pale and wan” into a full description of the personal manner and appearance of Cassius. Cæsar and his train have re-entered upon the scene, and (act. i. sc. 2, l. 192, vol. vii. p. 329) the dictator haughtily and satirically gives order,—
“Cæs. Let me have men about me that are fat,
Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep o’ nights:
Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look;
He thinks too much: such men are dangerous.
Ant. Fear him not, Cæsar; he’s not dangerous;
He is a noble Roman, and well given.
Cæs. Would he were fatter! but I fear him not: