Sec. Ple. We'll hear him, we'll follow him, we'll die with him!213
Ant. Good friends, sweet friends, let me not stir you up
To such a sudden flood of mutiny.
They that have done this deed are honourable:
What private griefs they have, alas, I know not,217
That made them do it; they are wise and honourable,
And will, no doubt, with reasons answer you.
I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts:
I am no orator, as Brutus is;221
But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man,
That love my friend; and that they know full well
That gave me public leave to speak of him.
For I have neither wit, nor words, nor worth,225
Action, nor utterance, nor the power of speech,
To stir men's blood: I only speak right on;
I tell you that which you yourselves do know,
Show you sweet Cæsar's wounds, poor poor dumb mouths,229
And bid them speak for me: but were I Brutus,
And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony
Would ruffle up your spirits, and put a tongue
In every wound of Cæsar, that should move233
The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny.
All. We'll mutiny.
First Ple. We'll burn the house of Brutus.
Third Ple. Away, then! Come, seek the conspirators.237
Ant. Yet hear me, countrymen; yet hear me speak.
All. Peace, ho!—Hear Antony, most noble Antony!
226 Action, nor utterance: orator's powers of gesticulation and elocution
227 right on: with simple straightforwardness
232 ruffle: stir
