The result of it could not possibly be any
other than that which did follow the deed.
Caesar was cautioned by Hirtius and Pansa, both wise men of noble
character, especially the former, who saw that the republic must become
consolidated and not thrown into fresh convulsions. They advised Caesar
to be careful, and to take a bodyguard; but he replied that he would
rather not live at all than be in constant fear of losing his life.
Caesar once expressed to some of his friends his conviction that Brutus
was capable of harboring a murderous design, but he added that as he,
Caesar, could not live much longer, Brutus would wait, and not be guilty
of such a crime. Caesar's health was at that time weak, and the general
opinion was that he intended to surrender his power to Brutus as the
most worthy. While the conspirators were making their preparations,
Porcia, the wife of Brutus, inferred from the excitement and
restlessness of her husband that some fearful secret was pressing on his
mind; but as he did not show her any confidence, she seriously wounded
herself with a knife and was seized with a violent wound-fever.
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