"'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 honor him; but as he was ambitious, I slew him. There are tears for his love, joy for his fortune, honor for his valor, 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. I pause for a reply.' "As several citizens cry out, 'None, Brutus, none,' he passes to the conclusion, which is as weak as the discussion. CONCLUSION. "'Then none have I offended. I have done no more to Caesar, than you shall do to Brutus. As I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself, when it, shall please my country to need my death.' "He has gained nothing by the whole speech, save the knowledge that none of the citizens present care at that time to impeach him for his crime; but their minds were open to other influences. Shakespeare thus shows how an able man might use all his powers in the perfection of oratorical and rhetorical forms, without producing a great or effective speech. Antony now comes forward. Behold the contrast! ANTONY'S SPEECH. "The introduction is like and unlike that of Brutus. The same three titles are used; the same call for attention. But there is no repetition, no egotism, no elaboration. The introduction is short, calling attention to his ostensible purpose, and prepares for a beautiful transition to the discussion. INTRODUCTION. "'Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears. I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.' "There is not a superfluous word. But how can Antony glide into those praises of Caesar, which he has disclaimed, but which are necessary to his purpose? The next sentence solves the question: "'The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones; So let it be with Caesar.' "This leads most naturally to the thought of the discussion, which is, 'No event of Caesar's life shows guilty ambition; but many do reveal love to the people and care for the general welfare. He should, therefore, be mourned, and--the next word is not supplied by the orator, but forced from the hearts of the people--avenged! We quote a few only of the well-known words: THE DISCUSSION.