Believe me for mine honour; and have respect to mine honour,
that you may believe. Censure me in your wisdom; and awake your senses,
that you may the better judge. If there be any in this assembly--any dear
friend of Caesar's--to him I say, that Brutus' love to Caesar was no less
than his. If, then, that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this
is my answer:--Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more. Had
you rather Caesar were living, and die all slaves, than that Caesar were
dead, to live all freemen? As Caesar loved me, I weep for him; as he was
fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was valiant, I honour him; but, as he was
ambitious, I slew him. There are tears, for his love; joy, for his fortune;
honour, for his valour; and death for his ambition! Who is here so base,
that would be a bondman? If any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is
here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any, speak; for him have I
offended. Who is here so vile that will not love his country? If any,
speak; for him have I offended.
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