In his own change, or by ill officers,
Hath given me some worthy cause to wish
Things done, undone]
[W: own charge] The arguments for the change proposed are insufficient. Brutus could not but know whether the wrongs committed were done by those who were immediately under the command of Cassius, or those under his officers. The answer of Brutus to the servant is only an act of artful civility; his question to Lucilius proves, that his suspicion still continued. Yet I cannot but suspect a corruption, and would read,
In his own change, or by ill offices.
That is, either changing his inclination of himself, or by the ill offices and bad influences of others. (see 1765, VII, 71, 8)
IV.iii.30 (80,4) To hedge me in] That is, to limit my authority by your direction or censure.
IV.iii.32 (80,5) To make conditions] That is, to know on what terms it is fit to confer the offices which are at my disposal.
IV.iii.86 (82,7)
A friend should bear a friend's infirmities,