NUNTIUS

The man of whom the world in doubt remained, If that his mind, or fortune was more great, Whose valour conquered, clemency retained All nations subject to the Roman state; Him fraud harmed more then force, friends more then, foes Ah, must this sad discourse by me be made? What fatal warnings did forego his end, Which by his stay to frustrate some did try? But he that scorned excuses to pretend, Was by the Destinies drawn forth to die. While by the way he chanced encounter one That had his deaths-day named, he to him said; Now ides of March be comed, but yet not gone, Straight tho'other answered, and still constant stayed. Another brought a letter with great speed, Which the conspiracy at length did touch, And gave it Caesar in his hand to read, Protesting that it did import him much. Yet did he lay it up where still it rests, As do the great whom happy earth reputes, That grieved to be importuned by requests, Of simple supplicants neglect the suits: Or he of it the reading did defer, Still troubled by attendanrs at the gate, While some to show their credit did confer To flatter some, for something some entreat. Not only did the gods by diverse signs Give Caesar warning of his threatened harms, But did disturb all adversaries designs, And to their troubled thoughts gave strange alarms. A Senator that by some words we find, To the conspirators (though none of theirs) Had shown himself familiar with their mind, Then chanced to deal with Caesar in affairs. That sighed their souls did with confusion fill, For thinking that he told their purposed deeds; They straight themselves, or Caesar thought to kill A guilty conscience no accuser needs. But marking that he used (when taking leave) The gesture of a suitor that gave thanks, They of their course did greater Hope's conceive, And ranged themselves according to their ranks. Then Caesar marched forth to the fatal place, Near Pompyes theater where the Senate was, Where when he had remained a little space, All the confederates flocked about. Calph. Alas. First for the form Metellus Cimber craved, To have his brother from exile restored; Yet with the rest a rude repulse received, While it they all too earnestly implored. Then Cimber that in strife with him did stand, Did draw the gown over Caesars sacred head: But the first blow was given by Casca's hand, Which on his neck a little wound but made. Then Caesar starting while the stroke he spied, By strength from further striking Casca stayed: While both the two burst out at once and cried, Th'one traitor Casca, th'other brother aid. Then all the rest against him did arise Like desperate men, whose fury force affords, That Caesar on no side could set his eyes, But every look r'encountred with some swords. Yet as a Lion when by nets surprised, Stands struggling still so long as he hath strength; So Caesar, as he had their pour despised, Did with great rage resist; till at the length He thus cried out (when spying Brutus come) And thou mya son? then grief did back rebound, Nought but unkindness Caesar could overcome, That of all things does give the deepest wound. Ah, taking then no more delight in light, As which would then his life have bitter framed: Or then from Brutus blow t'absent his sighed, As of so great ingratitude ashamed. He with his gown being covered first over all, As one that neither sought, nor wished relief; Not wronging majesty in state did fallen, No sighs consenting to betray his grief. Yet (if by chance or force I cannot tell,) Even at the place whereas his statue stood, As craving Pompcy pardon Caesar fell, That in revenge it might exhaust his blood. But when his corpse abandoned quite by breath Did Fortune's frailties monument remain, That all might have Like interest in his death; And guilty alike, look for Like praise or pain. Then Cassius, Brutus, and the rest began With that great Emperors blood imbrue their hands: What beast in earth more cruel is than man, When over his reason passion once commands? The whole conspirators remained in doubt, Had he and Caesar joined, to be undone; And so caused one him t'entertaine without, Who feigned a conference till the fact was done. Then knowing well in such tumultuous broils, That the first danger always is the worst, He fled in haste, disguised with unknown spoils, For rage and for disdain being Like to burst. Of those that in the Senate-house did fit, As grieved so sad and object to behold: Or feared what further murderers might commit, Each towards his house a several way did hold. This act with horror did confound their sighed, And unawares their judgement did surprise, When any hasty harms unlooked for light, The resolution hath not time to rise. That man on whom the world did once rely, By all being reverenced, and adored by some, Had none t'attend him left, but two and I. Ther's none of us but must remember still, How that the gods by many a wondrous sign, Did show as 'twere how that against their will, The destinies would Caesars days confine. A monstrous star amid the heaven hath been, Still since they first against him did conspire, The solitary birds at noon were seen, And men to walk environed all with fire. What wonder though the heavens at such a time, Upbraid the earth with apparitions strange, Then while intending such a monstrous crime, Unnatural men make nature's course to change. Shall sorrow through the waves of woes to sail Have still your tears for seas, your sighs for winds, T'affliction what do base complaints avail? A higher course becomes heroic minds. None are orecom'd save only those that yield, Though they from froward fortune blows have born. Let Virtue be t'Aduersitie a shield, No greater grief to grief than enemies scorn. This makes your foes but laugh to see you weep; At least these tears but for your self bestow, And not for that great sprite, whose spoils heavens keep, For he no doubt rests deified ere now.