Characters of Shakespeare's Plays by William Hazlitt
page 59 of 332 (17%)
page 59 of 332 (17%)
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And therefore are they very dangerous.
I rather tell thee what is to be fear'd Than what I fear; for always I am Caesar. Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf, And tell me truly what thou think'st of him. We know hardly any passage more expressive of the genius of Shakespeare than this. It is as if he had been actually present, had known the different characters and what they thought of one another, and had taken down what he heard and saw, their looks, words, and gestures, just as they happened. The character of Mark Antony is further speculated upon where the conspirators deliberate whether he shall fall with Caesar. Brutus is against it: And for Mark Antony, think not of him: For "he can do no more than Caesar's arm, When Caesar's head is off." Cassius. Yet do I fear him: For in th' ingrafted love he bears to Caesar-- Brutus. Alas, good Cassius, do not think of him: If he love Caesar, all that he can do Is to himself, take thought, and die for Caesar: And that were much, he should; for he is giv'n To sports, to wildness, and much company. Trebonius. There is no fear in him; let him not die. |
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