the trial of brutus

Our beloved Caesar was shredded from this world by the daggers of hatred and it was Marcus Brutus, who claimed to love the man that led to this tragic murder. Brutus and the conspirators begged that Caesar was killed for the greater good of Rome, and for the benefit of the people, but Caesar was beloved by all. “Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more” (3.2.23) ; being viewed as a noble man among the Roman people proved to be more important to Brutus than to be a good man to someone who he had called his friend.. They were all simply jealous men who could not stand to continue to be overshadowed by the light of greater men’s triumphs. He would never continue the cruelty shown by Rome’s first ruler whom we so feared and hated; there was no reason for Caesar to die. Caesar had owned all of his accolades and was punished for doing so. He was a strong man, becoming the head of his house at age 16, being ousted from the country by Sulla, being captured by pirates and later crucifying them after his release. “I could be well moved, if I were as you; “If I could pray to move, prayers would move me but I am constant as the Northern Star, Of whose true-fixed and resting quality / There is no fellow in the firmament.” (3,1, 63). Caesar expresses how he would be a stable leader for the Romans. He has gone through the trials of war and exile and emerged a stronger man. Caesar has suffered through his life, and to be betrayed by those he trusted is worse than the pain he suffered in death. Although Brutus stands at trial this day it should be noted that he did not act alone. Numerous members of the senate were involved in this heinous act and should be met with the same fate that should happen Brutus; namely the manipulative Gaius Cassius Longinus. These men were meant to serve the republic and the glory of Rome, yet shamed it by staining the floor of the senate with the blood of Rome’s favored son. Caesar gave numerous political reforms and was beloved by his soldiers. Brutus never thought to save his friend. 
“Et tu, Brute?” (3,1, 84) Caesar is astonished that someone who he considered to be his friend would turn on him and end his life. Someone who he believed would be there to support him, when in reality all he was there for was to simply put an end to his beating heart. Never to steer him away from a path that would lead to his death. He never thought to be a bigger man and sway the other man from their thoughts against Caesar. He could’ve saved his life. He could’ve reasoned with both sides as to avoid this bloody mess. But he instead chose a darker path and saw his brother murdered and for that he must be punished. The crime of betrayal is a thing no man should suffer, and the fact that our beloved Caesar felt the sting of it, is among the deepest of tragedies.