How does Cassius persuade Brutus to join the conspiracy against Caesar?

How does Cassius persuade Brutus to join the conspiracy against Caesar?

Cassius is an arch-conspirator, actuated by a motive of jealousy against Julius Caesar's growing powers. In this respect he stands as a foil to Brutus, whose motives are purely disinterested and noble. Cassius knows it well that Brutus is essential for the conspiracy if it is to win the support from the people. So his first effort is to win over Brutus to join the conspiracy.

 As the procession at Lupercalia passes, Cassius and Brutus are left to themselves. Taking this advantage he unfolds to Brutus his plan very subtly. He begins indirectly by saying that Brutus, of late has become rather cold to him in their friendship. The philosopher confesses that the general spirit of the time has so much 'vexed' him of late that it has given some soil to his behaviour to his friend.

Cassius says in reply, he, too, has some "thoughts of great value, worthy of cogitations" buried within his mind. Then he proceeds by subtle insinuations to say that Brutus had his eyes to see himself. All this is too subtle for Brutus to understand and he asks Cassius—"lnto what dangers would you lead me?" Exactly at this time a shout is heard at a distance and Brutus is heard   do fear people choose Caesar for their king".

Seizing the opportunity, Cassius says, if Brutus fears it, he would not have it so. Then Brutus says that he will not hesitate to face

danger to save honour. Cassius declares that 'honour' is the subject of his story. Thus encouraged by the partial success of his policy, Cassius indulges in open disparagement of Caesar. He says how in swimming competition in the angry Tiber, Caesar was about to be drowned and he saved him by carrying him on his shoulders. He also refers to his fever in Spain under the influence of which he shook. He cannot understand how such a feeble man can get the start of the majestic world. Caesar is now a mighty man and they are his underlings. Another general shout is heard at that time and Brutus fears that some new honours are being heaped on Caesar.

Cassius now tries to stir up jealousy in Brutus by comparing Brutus and Caesar and showing that Brutus is in no way inferior to Caesar. This fails to produce effect. He then appeals to the family pride and republican ardour of Brutus by saying that there was once a Brutus, a worthy forefather of his, who might have rather permitted the reign of a devil than of a king in Rome. The lofty idealism of Brutus is stirred up and he promises to ponder over the matter and find a convenient time to talk out the matter with Caesar. 

Thus Cassius is overjoyed at his success in persuading Brutus to collaborate with him in his conspiracy against Caesar.

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