Such men as he be never at heart's ease,
Whiles they behold a greater than themselves;
And therefore are they very dangerous."
Cassius is a republican, and, as we often see in such men, is more attracted by noble friendship in men than by the tender love of women. Brutus, on the contrary, sacrifices himself for the republic—not because he is by nature a republican, but because he is a hero of virtue, and sees in sacrifice the highest demand of duty. He is susceptible to all soft feelings, and clings with tenderest love to his wife, Portia.
Portia, a daughter of Cato, altogether a Roman woman, is, however, worthy of love, and even in her highest flights of heroism betrays the most feminine feeling and shrewdest womanly nature. With anxious looks of love she watches every shadow on the brow of her husband, betraying his troubled thoughts. She will know what torments him, she will share the burden of the secret which oppresses his soul; and when at last she knows it, she is after all a woman, and being well nigh conquered by the frightful care, cannot conceal it, and must needs confess.
"I have a man's mind, but a woman's might.
How hard it is for a woman to keep counsel!"
