To start with, it is Cassius, in this scene, who suggests
that all the conspirators take an oath that they will stand together. The fact that
Shakespeare uses this speech as a way for Brutus to disagree with Cassius foreshadows
all the conflict that will emerge between these two characters later in the
play.
Aside from opposing Cassius, Brutus is taking a stand
based upon the driving force of his character -- honor. He wants the conspirators to
stand together based upon their word as Romans ("what other oath than honesty to honest
engaged"), rather than swearing to it. Shakespeare is able to show, in this moment when
the conspirators don't swear an oath, that they are more strongly swayed by Brutus than
by Cassius, so his honor is a strength for him among his
comrades.
However, honor is key to Brutus' strength
and his weakness. The Rome that Shakespeare portrays, doesn't
offer much political success to Brutus and his honor. He is driven out of Rome on the
heels of Antony's emotional plea to the citizens to avenge the death of Caesar. It is
interesting to note that Antony repeatedly calls Brutus an "honorable" man in this
speech, and it's unclear whether it intends it as a compliment or
not.
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