Scene 3.6

Q

The night growes on; and you are for your meeting: I will therefore end in few. Be resolute, And put your enterprise in act: The morèÀctions of depth, and danger are consider'd,

``The lesse assuredly they are perform'd.

And thence it hapneth, that the brauest plots (Not executed straight) have been discouer'd.

Say, you are constant, or another, a third, Or more; there may be yet one wretched spirit, With whom the feare of punishment shall worke

'Boue all the thoughts of honor, and reuenge.

You are not, now, to think what is best to do, As in beginnings; but, what must be done, Being thus entred: and slip no aduantage That may secure you. Let them call it mischiefe;

``When it is past, and prosper'd, it will be vertue.

``They are petty crimes are punish'd, great rewarded.

Nor must you think of perill; since, `Àttempts,

``Begunne with danger, still do end with glory:

`Ànd, when neede spurres, despaire will be call'd wisdome.

Lesse ought the care of men, or fame to fright you;

``For they, that winne, do seldome receiue shamèÒf victory: how ere it be atchiu'd; And vengeance, least. For who, besieg'd with wants, Would stop at death, or any thing beyond it?

Come, there was neuer any great thing thing, yet, Aspired, but by violence, or fraud: And he that stickes (for folly of a conscience) To reach it -- .

A

Is a good religious foole.

Q

A superstitious slaue, and will die beast.

Good night. You know what Crassus thinks, and I, By this: Prepare you wings, as large as sayles, To cut through ayre, and leaue no print behind you.

A Serpent, ere he comes to be a Dragon, Does eate a Bat: and so must you a Consul, That watches. What you do, do quickly Sergius.

You shall not stir for me.

A

Excuse me, lights there.

Q

By no meanes.

A

Stay then. All good thoughts to Cæsar.

And like to Crassus.

Q

Mind but your friends counsels.