For my English class, we had to write a diary of Cassius descirbing the following:
1. How do you feel about Caesar?
2. What do you think Rome's government should be?
3. What do you think Brutus should do?
Here's my attempt:
The Very Secret Diary of Cassius
(16 February 44 B.C.) Caesar was offered the crown today. To further impress the crowd, the fool declined it thrice. Ai, they fell for it, too. Perhaps I am the only sane one who can see the manipulation Caesar is currently undertaking. Dictator of Rome already-- what difference would it make to become Rome's king? Those imprudent commoners love him all the more for his refusals-- "He is modest and glorious, for sure he deserves the crown?"-- and that was Caesar's aim, I am sure. If he could unite those capricious blockheads-- who, incidentally, know more of their trade than public affairs, or even those sinew-bound empty chambers of air that they call heads-- then he could easily take Rome and make her into whatever he desires. That moment is soon at hand, if not already passed.
'Twould be false to say that Caesar has not frightened me. A few victories in battle and now he has all of Rome at his fingertips! (What would the great Romulus say should he see her now?) It is not that I hate Caesar or even greatly despise him. We were once friends, genuine friends, but why should he be more glorified than I? I fought alongside him in those battles, I saw those same men slain as he did, and yet Cassius is once again in the shadows. And Caesar is permitted to do most whatever he desires with the government.
Monarchy. The mere word is painful even in writing. That is, I fear, Caesar's ultimate goal, and with everyone blinded by his specious rule-- his fake glamour, his unfound courage-- he will succeed. Who then is to stop him? Brutus is too cowardly-- oh he could, I know that for a fact, but he respects (and, I suspect, fears) Caesar too greatly to be of much use. It is Cassius, then, who shall have to rescue Rome in her greatest time of need, for she will never last under the rule of a monarch. Yes, the plot is forming in my mind as I write.
If I could find some way to appeal to Brutus, to make him see the danger Caesar poses, then perhaps we have a chance. Brutus may seize the throne of Rome, and from there I shall take charge. There is no chance of Cassius sitting on that throne, no, Cassius threw that chance away long ago. Either hated or distrusted in the eyes of our people, I hold no chance of governing them in the open. But Brutus, ah Brutus, he is not quite as strong as he appears. I know this. With a little cajoling I, Cassius, may run the government as I see fit through Brutus. I know what Rome truly needs-- a republic, the citizens, no matter how dim, having a voice, appealing to the government… the truly knowledgeable patricians having the most power. Yes, this is the government I have always favored, envisioned, the government my beloved Rome needs.
The night is waning and it will yet be morn. I have decided to begin appealing to Brutus' pride by forging letters from the people about how great he is. I shall begin tonight. Soon there shall be a republic, with Cassius as consul… in spirit at least.
What do you think? I know I took a slight liberty here... in the book Cassius says right after Brutus leaves what his plan is, and here in diary it seems like that night... but I suppose you could PRETEND that Cassius had the diary on him and wrote that... ah, whatever. Constructive Criticism, as always, very welcome!