Edward Bruce Hamley

“ For the most part, its plot runs parallel to that of Shakespeare; only Voltaire, according to his principle of admitting nothing into tragedy which is not elevated above common life, gives us none of those scenes between citizens, and none of those sentiments of the mob, which lend so much of life and reality to the English play, and he omits, too, the softening elements supplied by Portia and Calphurnia. On the other hand, he introduces a new and strong point in making Brutus the son of Cæsar. ”

“ Brutus imparts the secret of his birth to the other conspirators, and resolves that it shall not move him from his purpose. In another scene with Cæsar, he so far softens as to kneel to him in entreaty that he will forego the crown at which he aims; both are inflexible, and "the mightiest Julius" is slain. Antony addresses the people, but not with the artful eloquence which renders his speech, in the English play, unequalled as a popular appeal. ”

“ Thus a personal dislike to an author on the part of a seemingly contemptible person, might assume a very practical form when a whisper to somebody who could influence a minister or a censor of the press might have such important consequences. ”