Final answer:
The conflict between Brutus and Cassius in Shakespeare's 'The Tragedy of Julius Caesar' is evident when Brutus denounces corruption and Cassius takes umbrage at Brutus' critical tone, signaling tension between them.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passage from Act 4, Scene 3 of Shakespeare's The Tragedy of Julius Caesar does indeed portray conflict between Brutus and Cassius. The dialogue begins with Brutus reminding those present of the ides of March, an allusion to the assassination of Julius Caesar for the sake of justice. Brutus, angered by the notion of receiving base bribes, exclaims his preference to be 'a dog and bay the moon' rather than be a corrupt Roman. This establishes the first instance of conflict as Brutus implies that accepting bribes is dishonorable.
The second clear indication of conflict is in Cassius’ immediate response, 'Brutus, bay not me. / I'll not endure it.' Cassius' outright refusal to be lectured or reprimanded by Brutus underlines their argument. Cassius' pride as a soldier and his reminder to Brutus not to 'hedge me in' further highlight the tension between the two characters.