CASSIUS. 'Tis just;

And it is very much lamented, Brutus,60
That you have no such mirrors as will turn
Your hidden worthiness into your eye,
That you might see your shadow. I have heard
Where many of the best respect in Rome—
Except immortal Caesar—speaking of Brutus,65
And groaning underneath this age’s yoke,
Have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes.

Which summary of the passage is the most accurate?

Cassius says it is a shame Brutus does not look in the mirror often enough to see how handsome he is.
Cassius explains that he laments that Brutus does not have “such mirrors as will turn your hidden worthiness into your eye,” for if Brutus did, “you might see your shadow.”
Cassius says that it is too bad Brutus cannot see his hidden greatness. People are tired and grumbling about the government under Caesar’s rule, and while Caesar doesn’t see the greatness in Brutus, Cassius has heard others wishing that Brutus could be their leader.
Cassius tells Brutus that he should take Caesar’s job once he becomes confident enough.

1 answer

The most accurate summary of the passage is:

Cassius says that it is too bad Brutus cannot see his hidden greatness. People are tired and grumbling about the government under Caesar’s rule, and while Caesar doesn’t see the greatness in Brutus, Cassius has heard others wishing that Brutus could be their leader.

This summary captures the essence of Cassius's lament regarding Brutus's inability to recognize his own worthiness and the desire of others for Brutus to take a more prominent role in leadership.