l. 55-57.—Anger and bewilderment give way to a sense of having been wronged: the last sentence is almost pathetic in its humility.
l. 57.—Anger and contempt.
l. 58.—Cassius’ passion is again beginning to rise.
l. 59-62.—Note the increasing astonishment in the speeches of Cassius, and the superciliousness of Brutus.
l. 63-64.—A threat uttered not so much in anger as in fear that he may not be able to control his feelings.
l. 65.—Have and should are the emphatic words.
l. 65-82.—This speech needs no commentary. It is a plain and unmistakable arraignment, uttered in unequivocal language, and in simple, direct manner.
l. 82.—Cassius is pained that his friend should so misunderstand him. From now to line 93 Cassius seems to throw himself upon the mercy of his friend, while the latter repels his advances, each time with greater harshness.
l. 93-107.—Cassius’ heart is broken. If his best friend can so wantonly misunderstand him, what can he hope from his enemies? There is nothing left to live for, and he would eagerly welcome death even at the hands of Antony. The passage is overflowing with heartbreak, and gains our sympathy for one who else would seem but a crafty, self-seeking schemer.
l. 107.—The speech of Cassius brings Brutus back to himself. Here is the real Brutus, full of tenderness and love.