Quote 22
CASSIUS
Ay, and that tongue of his that bade the Romans
Mark him and write his speeches in their books,
'Alas,' it cried, 'Give me some drink, Titinius'
As a sick girl. You gods, it doth amaze me
A man of such a feeble temper should
So get the start of the majestic world
And bear the palm alone. (1.2.132-138)
Part of what bothers Cassius about Caesar isn't ambition; it's the sheer gall of Caesar wanting to be immortalized.
Quote 23
CASSIUS
Yes, every man of them, and no man here
But honors you, and every one doth wish
You had but that opinion of yourself
Which every noble Roman bears of you. (2.1.98-101)
What does it mean to be honored by dishonorable men, or men willing to commit a dishonorable act? Do these men see themselves as honorable, or is self-interest at the heart of their plot?
Quote 24
CASSIUS
Decius, well urged. I think it is not meet
Mark Antony, so well beloved of Caesar,
Should outlive Caesar. We shall find of him
A shrewd contriver; and, you know, his means,
If he improve them, may well stretch so far
As to annoy us all; which to prevent,
Let Antony and Caesar fall together. (2.1.168-174)
By suggesting that they also murder Antony, Cassius removes the veil of honor from the plan. This isn't simply about protecting Rome from tyranny; it's making practical moves to protect them from further "annoyances" in whatever it is they plan after the murder.