Be not deceiv'd: if I have veil'd my look,
I turn the trouble of my countenance
Merely upon myself. Vexed I am
Of late with passions of some difference, 40
Conceptions only proper to myself,
Which give some soil perhaps to my behaviours;
But let not therefore my good friends be griev'd,—
Among which number, Cassius, be you one,—44
Nor construe any further my neglect.
Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war.
Forgets the shows of love to other men.
Cas. Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion; 48
By means whereof this breast of mine hath buried
Thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations.
Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?
Bru. No, Cassius; for the eye sees not itself, 52
But by reflection, by some other things.
Cas. 'Tis just:
And it is very much lamented, Brutus,
That you have no such mirrors as will turn 56
Your hidden worthiness into your eye,
That you might see your shadow. I have heard
Where many of the best respect in Rome,—
Except immortal Cæsar,—speaking of Brutus, 60
And groaning underneath this age's yoke.
Have wish'd that noble Brutus had his eyes.
Bru. Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius,
That you would have me seek into myself 64
For that which is not in me?
Cas. Therefore, good Brutus, be prepar'd to hear;
37 Be not deceiv'd: do not misjudge me
39 Merely: altogether
40 of . . . difference: conflicting
41 proper: belonging, relating
42 soil: blemish
45 construe: read meaning into
49 By . . . whereof: because of which mistake
54 just: true, right
59 respect: standing
62 had . . . eyes: had his eyes about him
