Cassius focuses specifically on Brutus, one of Caesar's closest friends, in order to gain support from someone the Roman public overwhelmingly loved and respected. In a private conversation with Brutus, Cassius asks him "why should [Caesar] be more pronounced than / [Brutus]" and assures that ""Brutus" will create a spirit from "Caesar". » (1.2.149-156). By asserting that Brutus has as much support as Caesar, if not more, Cassius is implying that Brutus is more than fit to fill the position that Caesar currently holds. This reveals Cassius' true motives as it shows that he only intends to use Brutus as a puppet or figurehead who can distract people from Caesar and open an opportunity for Cassius to obtain the power. Brutus reluctantly accepts some of Cassius' arguments, but still remains conflicted about the right thing to do. Cassius offers to be a “reflection” and allows Brutus to “modestly discover… That of [Brutus] of which [he] does not yet know” (1.2.74-76). By comparing himself to a mirror, Cassius assures Brutus that he only speaks the honest and impartial truth. This reinforces the legitimacy of whatever Cassius plans to include in his argument and also opens the door to new manipulation techniques. He can say anything within reason to convince Brutus to join him, and Brutus will simply believe Cassius because of his unwavering commitment to telling the truth. After Brutus excuses himself from this conversation, Cassius remarks that “[his] honorable courage may be worked / Hence he is willing…. for who is firm enough not to be deceived? (1.2.320-324). Cassius openly admits that he plans to bend Brutus to his will, since no one is completely safe from manipulative rhetoric. This illustrates how much Cassius desires power, as he stoops as low as possible.