MARCUS BRUTUS. 341 ardice only ; whereas now we are liable to the accusation of injustice, after all our pain and dangers which we en- dure." * By which we may perceive what was Brutus's purpose, and the rule of his actions. About the time that they were going to pass out of Asia into Europe, it is said that a wonderful sign was seen by Brutus. He was naturally given to much watching, and by practice and moderation in his diet had reduced his allowance of sleep to a very small amount of time. He never slept in the daytime, and in the night then only when all his business w^as finished, and when, every one else being gone to rest, he had nobody to discourse with him. But at this time, the war being begun, having the whole state of it to consider and being solicitous of the event, after his first sleep, which he let himself take after his supper, he spent all the rest of the night in settling his most urgent affairs ; which if he could despatch early and so make a saving of any leisure, he employed himself in reading until the third watch, at which time the centurions and tribunes were used to come to him for orders. Thus one night before he passed out of Asia, he was ver}' late all alone in his tent, with a dim light burning b}^ him, all the rest of the camp being hushed and silent ; and reasoning about something with himself and very thoughtful, he fancied some one came in, and, looking up towards the door, he saw a terrible and strange appearance of an unnatural and frightful body standing by him without speaking. Brutus boldly asked it, " What are you, of men or gods, and ujjon what business come to me ? " The figure answered, "I am your evil genius, Brutus; you shall see
- The last words are uncertain ; translation has had for Plutarch's
the common reading seems in part translators an authority almost like to be derived from Amyot, whose that of the Vulgate.
