The Comparison of Dion and Brutus   

whilst in favour; when no longer trusted, he grew angry and fell to
arms. And, for this reason, not even were his own friends all of them
satisfied with his undertaking, or quite assured that, having overcome
Dionysius, he might not settle the government on himself, deceiving
his fellow-citizens by some less obnoxious name than tyranny. But
the very enemies of Brutus would say that he had no other end or aim,
from first to last, save only to restore to the Roman people their
ancient government.
And apart from what has just been said, the adventure against Dionysius
was nothing equal with that against Caesar. For none that was familiarly
conversant with Dionysius but scorned him for his life of idle amusement
with wine, women, and dice; whereas it required an heroic soul and
a truly intrepid and unquailing spirit so much as to entertain the
thought of crushing Caesar, so formidable for his ability, his power,
and his fortune, whose very name disturbed the slumbers of the Parthian
and Indian kings. Dion was no sooner seen in Sicily but thousands
ran in to him and joined him against Dionysius; whereas the renown
of Caesar, even when dead, gave strength to his friends; and his very
name so heightened the person that took it, that from a simple boy
he presently became the chief of the Romans; and he could use it for
a spell against the enmity and power of Antony. If any object that
it cost Dion great trouble and difficulties to overcome the tyrant,
whereas Brutus slew Caesar naked and unprovided, yet this itself was
the result of the most consummate policy and conduct, to bring it
about that a man so guarded around, and so fortified at all points,
should be taken naked and unprovided. For it was not on the sudden,
nor alone, nor with a few, that he fell upon and killed Caesar; but
after long concerting the plot, and placing confidence in a great
many men, not one of whom deceived him. For he either at once discerned
the best men, or by confiding in them made them good. But Dion, either
making a wrong judgment, trusted himself with ill men, or else by
his employing them made ill men of good; either of the two would be
a reflection on a wise man. Plato also is severe upon him, for choosing
such for friends as betrayed him.
Besides, when Dion was killed, none appeared to revenge his death.
Whereas Brutus, even amongst his enemies, had Antony that buried him
splendidly; and Caesar also took care his honours should be preserved.
There stood at Milan in Gaul, within the Alps, a brazen statue, which
Caesar in aftertimes noticed (being a real likeness, and a fine work
of art), and passing by it presently stopped short, and in the hearing
of many commanded the magistrates to come before him. He told them
their town had broken their league, harbouring an enemy. The magistrates
at first simply denied the thing, and, not knowing what he meant,
looked one upon another, when Caesar, turning towards the statue and
gathering his brows, said, "Pray, is not that our enemy who stands
there?" They were all in confusion, and had nothing to answer; but
he, smiling, much commended the Gauls, as who had been firm to their
friends, though in adversity, and ordered that the statue should remain
standing as he found it.
THE END