What does Cassius mean when he says Brutus can thank himself for the offending tongue?

Answer 1

The line is "Flatterers! Now, Brutus, thank yourself: This tongue had not offended so to-day, If Cassius might have ruled." in Act V Scene 1. Antony, Octavian, Brutus and Cassius are engaged in the traditional pre-battle shouting match. Antony has just let go with an attack on Brutus and Cassius, calling them flatterers because they sucked up to Caesar while Casca snuck up on him from behind. This is why Cassius says "Flatterers!" Then he turns to speak to Brutus, and says, "This tongue had not offended so today if Cassius might have ruled." "This tongue" is Cassius's tongue and it has, he thinks, offended Antony, so what he is saying is that his tongue would not have offended Antony so much if Cassius had his way. Or possibly it might mean Antony's tongue which has offended Cassius. Either way, what he is talking about is that conversation way back in Act 2 Scene 1 (remember?) where Cassius said "I think it is not meet Mark Antony, so well beloved of Caesar, should outlive Caesar." He means that if Brutus had agreed with Cassius at that point Antony would be dead and would not be around to take or give offence (or, more importantly, to lead an army against them three acts later). Thanks a heap, Brutus. Or in other words, "Now Brutus, thank yourself."