Duet Of Julius Caesar Act 1.2

The context of the passage is that Cassius is trying to convince Brutus that Caesar is weak and that he shouldn't get the crown and become king. This passage is significant because it characterizes Cassius and Brutus at the start of the play. It characterizes them because of how they act. For example, Cassius is saying the Mighty Caesar is weak and that he is far stronger than him, This shows Cassius being jealous and envious of Caesar. Brutus here is characterized as honorable and yet gullible because even though he won't accept helping Cassius to overthrow Caesar but he is still inquisitive to listen what he has to say.

ACT 1, SCENE 2, PAGE 28-32, LINES 35-88:

Haris-Cassius

Lucas-Brutus

BRUTUS
Cassius,
Be not deceived: if I have veil'd my look,
I turn the trouble of my countenance
Merely upon myself. Vexed I am
Of late with passions of some difference,
Conceptions only proper to myself,
Which give some soil perhaps to my behaviors;
But let not therefore my good friends be grieved--
Among which number, Cassius, be you one--
Nor construe any further my neglect,
Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war,
Forgets the shows of love to other men.

CASSIUS
Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion;
By means whereof this breast of mine hath buried
Thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations.
Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?

BRUTUS
No, Cassius; for the eye sees not itself,
But by reflection, by some other things.

CASSIUS
'Tis just:
And it is very much lamented, Brutus,
That you have no such mirrors as will turn
Your hidden worthiness into your eye,
That you might see your shadow. I have heard,
Where many of the best respect in Rome,
Except immortal Caesar, speaking of Brutus
And groaning underneath this age's yoke,
Have wish'd that noble Brutus had his eyes.

BRUTUS
Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius,
That you would have me seek into myself
For that which is not in me?