Read the excerpt from Julius Caesar, act 3, scene 2. [BRUTUS.] If then that friend demand
why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my
not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved
Rome more. Had you rather Caesar were living, and
die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live
all free men? As Caesar loved me, I weep for him.
As he was fortunate, I rejoice at it. As he was
valiant, I honour him. But as he was ambitious, I
slew him.

Which paraphrase of the passage is the best?

Brutus explains that if people ask why he killed Caesar, he will tell them that it is not because he did not love Caesar, but because he loved Rome more. He asks if the people would rather have Caesar alive, and die as slaves, or sadly have Caesar dead be free. He says he is sad because he and Caesar were friends. He honors Caesar’s bravery, but Caesar was too ambitious, so because of that dangerous ambition, Brutus had to take part in killing him.
Brutus asks the people of Rome if they would rather have Caesar alive and they all be slaves, or have Caesar dead so they can live freely.
Brutus explains that he loved Caesar but loves Rome more.
Brutus clarifies that he rose against Caesar not because he did not love Caesar, but because he loved Rome more. He asks, “Had you rather Caesar were living, and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men?”

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