JULIUS CAESAR. William Shakespeare

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       And in their steads do ravens, crows, and kites

       Fly o’er our heads and downward look on us,

       As we were sickly prey: their shadows seem

       A canopy most fatal, under which

       Our army lies, ready to give up the ghost.

       MESSALA.

       Believe not so.

       CASSIUS.

       I but believe it partly;

       For I am fresh of spirit, and resolved

       To meet all perils very constantly.

       BRUTUS.

       Even so, Lucilius.

       CASSIUS.

       Now, most noble Brutus,

       The gods to-day stand friendly, that we may,

       Lovers in peace, lead on our days to age!

       But, since th’ affairs of men rest still incertain,

       Let’s reason with the worst that may befall.

       If we do lose this battle, then is this

       The very last time we shall speak together:

       What are you then determined to do?

       BRUTUS.

       Even by the rule of that philosophy

       By which I did blame Cato for the death

       Which he did give himself;—I know not how,

       But I do find it cowardly and vile,

       For fear of what might fall, so to prevent

       The time of life;—arming myself with patience

       To stay the providence of some high powers

       That govern us below.

       CASSIUS.

       Then, if we lose this battle,

       You are contented to be led in triumph

       Thorough the streets of Rome?

       BRUTUS.

       No, Cassius, no: think not, thou noble Roman,

       That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome;

       He bears too great a mind. But this same day

       Must end that work the Ides of March begun;

       And whether we shall meet again I know not.

       Therefore our everlasting farewell take:

       For ever, and for ever, farewell, Cassius!

       If we do meet again, why, we shall smile;

       If not, why, then this parting was well made.

       CASSIUS.

       For ever and for ever farewell, Brutus!

       If we do meet again, we’ll smile indeed;

       If not, ‘tis true this parting was well made.

       BRUTUS.

       Why then, lead on. O, that a man might know

       The end of this day’s business ere it come!

       But it sufficeth that the day will end,

       And then the end is known.—Come, ho! away!

       [Exeunt.]