Caesar seems very annoyed that these men are fawning all over him concerning this one request. to readmit Publius, whom he had banished, to Rome. I think he distrusts “These couchings and these lowly courtesies” displayed by these men who ask this of him. Caesar goes on to characterize the supplications of Metellus and the rest as “sweet words, / Low-crooked curtsies, and base spaniel fawning” (3.1 48-49). He asserts he banished Publius for a purpose (and we don’t know what that is), and will not reverse it based on such behavior of these men, which he seems to find embarrassing. While it is true he compares himself to a star to describe and valorize his constancy, we can also understand that as a leader he is trying to be fair rather than play favorites with his friends. Does he lack compassion? Probably. Does he act like a strong leader? Definitely. He says (paraphrasing this passage), “give me good reason and I’ll think about it, otherwise I won’t change my mind” (39-79).
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