Question

read the passage from act 5, scene 4, of the tragedy of julius caesar antony. this is not brutus, friend, but, i assure you, a prize no less in worth. keep this man safe. give him all kindness. i had rather have such men my friends than enemies. go on, and see whether brutus be alive or dead, and bring us word unto octavius tent how everything is chanced. which piece of evidence best expresses the theme of this passage? \keep this man safe.\ \i had rather have / such men my friends than enemies.\ \see whether brutus be alive or dead.\ \bring us word unto octavius tent / how everything is chanced.\

Explanation:

The passage centers on Antony valuing a former opponent as a potential ally, prioritizing gaining respectful, capable people as friends over making them enemies. The other lines focus on immediate actions, but this quote directly captures the core theme of valuing worthy foes as friends.

Answer:

"I had rather have / Such men my friends than enemies."