Julius Caesarby William Shakespeare

Table of Contents

Dramatis Personae1. Act I2. Act II3. Act III4. Act IV5. Act V6.

Dramatis Personae

PERSONS REPRESENTED

JULIUS CAESAROCTAVIUS CAESAR, Triumvir after his death.MARCUS ANTONIUS, " " "M. AEMIL. LEPIDUS " " "CICERO, PUBLIUS, POPILIUS LENA, Senators.MARCUS BRUTUS, Conspirator against Caesar.CASSIUS, " " "CASCA, " " "TREBONIUS, " " "LIGARIUS, " " "DECIUS BRUTUS, " " "METELLUS CIMBER, " " "CINNA, " " "FLAVIUS, tribuneMARULLUS, tribuneARTEMIDORUS, a Sophist of Cnidos.A SoothsayerCINNA, a poet. Another Poet.

Julius Caesar 1

LUCILIUS, TITINIUS, MESSALA, young CATO,and VOLUMNIUS, Friends to Brutus and Cassius.

VARRO, CLITUS, CLAUDIUS, STRATO, LUCIUS,DARDANIUS, Servants to BrutusPINDARUS, Servant to CassiusThe Ghost of CaesarSenators, Citizens, Soldiers, Commoners,Messengers, and Servants

CALPURNIA, wife to CaesarPORTIA, wife to Brutus

SCENE: Rome, the conspirators' camp nearSardis, and the plains of Philippi.

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Act I

Scene 11. Scene 22. Scene 33.

Scene 1

Rome. A street.

[Enter Flavius, Marullus, and a Throng of Citizens.]

FLAVIUS.Hence! home, you idle creatures, get you home!Is this a holiday? What! know you not,Being mechanical, you ought not walkUpon a laboring day without the signOf your profession?−−Speak, what trade art thou?

FIRST CITIZEN.Why, sir, a carpenter.

MARULLUS.Where is thy leather apron and thy rule?What dost thou with thy best apparel on?−−You, sir; what trade are you?

SECOND CITIZEN.Truly, sir, in respect of a fine workman, I am but, asyou

Rome. A street.

[Enter Flavius, Marullus, and a Throng of Citizens.]

FLAVIUS.Away! Go home, you idle creatures, go home!Is this a holiday? What! Don’t you know,Being trades people, that you shouldn’t walk aboutOn a workday without the toolsOf your trade?—Speak, what’s your trade?

FIRST CITIZEN.Why, sir, I’m a carpenter.

MARULLUS.Where is your leather apron and your ruler?Why do you have your best clothes on?—You, sir, what’s your trade?

SECOND CITIZEN.Truly, sir, in respect of a fine worker, I’m only, as youwould say a cobbler.

Act I 2

would say, a cobbler.

MARULLUS.But what trade art thou? Answer me directly.

SECOND CITIZEN.A trade, sir, that, I hope, I may use with a safeconscience, which is indeed, sir, a mender of badsoles.

MARULLUS.What trade, thou knave? Thou naughty knave, whattrade?

SECOND CITIZEN.Nay, I beseech you, sir, be not out with me; yet,if you be out, sir, I can mend you.

MARULLUS.What mean'st thou by that? Mend me, thou saucyfellow!

SECOND CITIZEN.Why, sir, cobble you.

FLAVIUS.Thou art a cobbler, art thou?

SECOND CITIZEN.Truly, Sir, all that I live by is with the awl; I meddlewithno tradesman's matters, nor women's matters, butwith awl.I am indeed, sir, a surgeon to old shoes; when theyare ingreat danger, I re−cover them. As proper men asever trod uponneat's−leather have gone upon my handiwork.

FLAVIUS.But wherefore art not in thy shop today?Why dost thou lead these men about the streets?

SECOND CITIZEN.Truly, sir, to wear out their shoes to get myself intomorework. But indeed, sir, we make holiday to seeCaesar and torejoice in his triumph.

MARULLUS.But what’s your trade? Just tell me that.

SECOND CITIZEN.A trade, sir, that I hope I may use with a clearconscience, which is indeed, sir, a mender of bad soles.

MARULLUS.What’s your trade, you deceitful man? You naughty,Deceitful man, what’s your trade?

SECOND CITIZEN.No, Please, sir, don’t be angry with me; yet,if you’re angry, sir, I can mend you.

MARULLUS.What do you mean by that? Mend me, you rude fellow!

SECOND CITIZEN.Yes, sir, mend you.

FLAVIUS.You’re a mender, are you?

SECOND CITIZEN.Truly, Sir, all that I live by is with the sharp little tool; Idon’t stickmy nose into any tradesman's matters, or women'smatters, but with awl.I’m indeed, sir, a surgeon to old shoes; when they’re ingreat danger, I re−cover them. Many proper men thatever walkedon cowhide leather have walked on my work.

FLAVIUS.But why aren’t you in your shop today?Why do you lead these men in the streets?

SECOND CITIZEN.Truly, sir, so I can wear out their shoes to get myselfmorework. But, really, sir, we have taken a holiday to seeCaesar and torejoice in his triumph.

MARULLUS.Why rejoice? What conquest does he bring home?What people who pay him tribute follow him to Rome,To decorate his chariot’s wheels with their chains andbonds?

Act I 3

MARULLUS.Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home?What tributaries follow him to Rome,To grace in captive bonds his chariot wheels?You blocks, you stones, you worse than senselessthings!O you hard hearts, you cruel men of Rome,Knew you not Pompey? Many a time and oftHave you climb'd up to walls and battlements,To towers and windows, yea, to chimney tops,Your infants in your arms, and there have satThe livelong day with patient expectationTo see great Pompey pass the streets of Rome.And when you saw his chariot but appear,Have you not made an universal shoutThat Tiber trembled underneath her banksTo hear the replication of your soundsMade in her concave shores?And do you now put on your best attire?And do you now cull out a holiday?And do you now strew flowers in his wayThat comes in triumph over Pompey's blood?Be gone!Run to your houses, fall upon your knees,Pray to the gods to intermit the plagueThat needs must light on this ingratitude.

FLAVIUS.Go, go, good countrymen, and, for this fault,Assemble all the poor men of your sort,Draw them to Tiber banks, and weep your tearsInto the channel, till the lowest streamDo kiss the most exalted shores of all.

[Exeunt CITIZENS.]

See whether their basest metal be not moved;They vanish tongue−tied in their guiltiness.Go you down that way towards the Capitol;This way will I. Disrobe the images,If you do find them deck'd with ceremonies.

MARULLUS.May we do so?You know it is the feast of Lupercal.

FLAVIUS.It is no matter; let no imagesBe hung with Caesar's trophies. I'll aboutAnd drive away the vulgar from the streets;

You blocks, you stones, you worse than senselessthings!O you hard hearts, you cruel men of Rome,Didn’t you know Pompey? Many times,You’ve climbed up to the walls and lookout posts,To the towers and windows, yes, to chimney tops,Your infants in your arms, and you’ve sat thereThe entire day, waiting patientlyTo see great Pompey pass through the streets of Rome.And when you saw his chariot appear,Haven’t you made one great big shout that was so loudThe Tiber River trembled underneath her banksTo hear the echo of your soundsThat bounced off her hollow shores?And do you now put on your best attire?And now you decide to call a holiday?And now you throw flowers in the way if the manThat comes in triumph over Pompey's death?Get going!Run to your houses, fall on your knees,Pray to the gods to stop the plagueThat must be the punishment for this ingratitude.

FLAVIUS.Go, go, good countrymen, and, for this mistake,Get all the poor men like you together,Bring them to the Tiber River’s banks and weep yourtearsInto the water, until the lowest streamFloods the highest shores of heaven.

[Exit CITIZENS.]

See whether they’ll really do what you suggested;Their guilt made them vanish in silence.You go down that way towards the Capitol;I’ll go this way. Take their decorations off the statues,If you find them covered with laurel and flowers.

MARULLUS.May we do that?You know it is the feast of the priest Lupercus.

FLAVIUS.It doesn’t matter; don’t let the statuesBe hung with Caesar's trophies. I'll go aroundAnd drive the low people away from the streets;You do this too, where you see many of them gatheredtogether.These people who are showing such support for Caesar

Act I 4

So do you too, where you perceive them thick.These growing feathers pluck'd from Caesar's wingWill make him fly an ordinary pitch,Who else would soar above the view of men,And keep us all in servile fearfulness.

[Exeunt.]

Will make him think he is higher than he is,That he is above ordinary men,And he’ll keep us all in slavery and fear.

[Exit.]

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Scene 2

The same. A public place.

[Enter, in procession, with music, Caesar; Antony,for thecourse; Calpurnia, Portia, Decius, Cicero, Brutus,Cassius, andCasca; a great crowd following, among them aSoothsayer.]

CAESAR.Calpurnia,−−

CASCA.Peace, ho! Caesar speaks.

[Music ceases.]

CAESAR.Calpurnia,−−

CALPURNIA.Here, my lord.

CAESAR.Stand you directly in Antonius' way,When he doth run his course.−−Antonius,−−

ANTONY.Caesar, my lord?

CAESAR.Forget not in your speed, Antonius,To touch Calpurnia; for our elders say,The barren, touched in this holy chase,Shake off their sterile curse.

The same. A public place.

[Enter, in procession, with music, Caesar; Antony, for thecourse; Calpurnia, Portia, Decius, Cicero, Brutus, Cassius,andCasca; a great crowd following, among them aSoothsayer.]

CAESAR.Calpurnia,—

CASCA.Peace, oh! Caesar speaks.

[Music ceases.]

CAESAR.Calpurnia,—

CALPURNIA.I’m here, my lord.

CAESAR.Stand directly in Antony’s way,When he runs his course.—Antony,—

ANTONY.Caesar, my lord?

CAESAR.Don’t run so fast, Antony, that you forgetTo touch Calpurnia; because, as our elders say,That a woman unable to get pregnantCan become pregnant if the lead runner touches them.

ANTONY.

Scene 2 5

ANTONY.I shall remember.When Caesar says "Do this," it is perform'd.

CAESAR.Set on; and leave no ceremony out.

[Music.]

SOOTHSAYER.Caesar!

CAESAR.Ha! Who calls?

CASCA.Bid every noise be still.−−Peace yet again!

[Music ceases.]

CAESAR.Who is it in the press that calls on me?I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music,Cry "Caesar"! Speak, Caesar is turn'd to hear.

SOOTHSAYER.Beware the Ides of March.

CAESAR.What man is that?

BRUTUS.A soothsayer bids you beware the Ides of March.

CAESAR.Set him before me; let me see his face.

CASSIUS.Fellow, come from the throng; look upon Caesar.

CAESAR.What say'st thou to me now? Speak once again.

SOOTHSAYER.Beware the Ides of March.

CAESAR.He is a dreamer; let us leave him. Pass.

[Sennet. Exeunt all but BRUTUS and CASSIUS.]

I’ll remember.When Caesar says, "Do this," I do it.

CAESAR.Go on, and don’t leave any ritual out.

[Music.]

SOOTHSAYER.Caesar!

CAESAR.Ha! Who calls?

CASCA.Everyone, quiet.— Peace!

[Music ceases.]

CAESAR.Who’s calling for me?I hear a voice that is more shrill than all the musicYelling, "Caesar"! Speak, I’m listening.

SOOTHSAYER.Beware the Ides of March.

CAESAR.Who is that man?

BRUTUS.A man who can tell the future is telling you to bewareMarch 15.

CAESAR.Bring him here; let me see his face.

CASSIUS.Fellow, come here; look at Caesar.

CAESAR.What do you say to me now? Speak again.

SOOTHSAYER.Beware the Ides of March.

CAESAR.He’s a dreamer; let’s get away from him. Let’s go.

[Trumpets. Exit all but BRUTUS and CASSIUS.]

Scene 2 6

CASSIUS.Will you go see the order of the course?

BRUTUS.Not I.

CASSIUS.I pray you, do.

BRUTUS.I am not gamesome; I do lack some partOf that quick spirit that is in Antony.Let me not hinder, Cassius, your desires;I'll leave you.

CASSIUS.Brutus, I do observe you now of late:I have not from your eyes that gentlenessAnd show of love as I was wont to have:You bear too stubborn and too strange a handOver your friend that loves you.

BRUTUS.Cassius,Be not deceived: if I have veil'd my look,I turn the trouble of my countenanceMerely upon myself. Vexed I amOf late with passions of some difference,Conceptions only proper to myself,Which give some soil perhaps to my behaviors;But let not therefore my good friends begrieved−−Among which number, Cassius, be you one−−Nor construe any further my neglect,Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war,Forgets the shows of love to other men.

CASSIUS.Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion;By means whereof this breast of mine hath buriedThoughts of great value, worthy cogitations.Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?

BRUTUS.No, Cassius, for the eye sees not itselfBut by reflection, by some other thing.

CASSIUS.'Tis just:And it is very much lamented, Brutus,

CASSIUS.Will you go see the order of the winners of the race?

BRUTUS.Not I.

CASSIUS.Please, go see it.

BRUTUS.I don’t like games; I lack some partOf that quick spirit that Antony has.Don’t let me hold you up, Cassius, go if you like;I'll leave you.

CASSIUS.Brutus, I’ve been watching you lately.I haven’t seen that gentleness in your eyesAnd friendship that I used to see.You’re too stubborn and too strangeTo your friend that loves you.

BRUTUS.Cassius,Don’t be deceived. If I don’t have my usual face,I only turn my unhappy faceOn myself. I’m annoyed latelyWith different passions,Ideas that only I can know,Which are perhaps seen in my behavior;But don’t let my good friends be upset—Cassius, you’re one of them—Or try to understand my indifference any furtherThan that poor Brutus, at war with himself,Forgets to show friendship to other men.

CASSIUS.Then, Brutus, I have really misunderstood your passions,Which is why this my heart has forgottenThoughts of great value, worthy thoughts.Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?

BRUTUS.No, Cassius, because the eye can only see itselfIn a mirror or by some other thing like it.

CASSIUS.It’s a morally upright face.And it’s very much lamented, Brutus,That you don’t have any mirrors that will

Scene 2 7

That you have no such mirrors as will turnYour hidden worthiness into your eye,That you might see your shadow. I have heardWhere many of the best respect in Rome,−−Except immortal Caesar!−− speaking of Brutus,And groaning underneath this age's yoke,Have wish'd that noble Brutus had his eyes.

BRUTUS.Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius,That you would have me seek into myselfFor that which is not in me?

CASSIUS.Therefore, good Brutus, be prepared to hear;And since you know you cannot see yourselfSo well as by reflection, I, your glass,Will modestly discover to yourselfThat of yourself which you yet know not of.And be not jealous on me, gentle Brutus;Were I a common laugher, or did useTo stale with ordinary oaths my loveTo every new protester; if you knowThat I do fawn on men, and hug them hardAnd after scandal them; or if you knowThat I profess myself, in banqueting,To all the rout, then hold me dangerous.

[Flourish and shout.]

BRUTUS.What means this shouting? I do fear the peopleChoose Caesar for their king.

CASSIUS.Ay, do you fear it?Then must I think you would not have it so.

BRUTUS.I would not, Cassius; yet I love him well,But wherefore do you hold me here so long?What is it that you would impart to me?If it be aught toward the general good,Set honor in one eye and death i' the otherAnd I will look on both indifferently;For let the gods so speed me as I loveThe name of honor more than I fear death.

CASSIUS.I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus,

Let you see your own hidden worthiness,Any mirrors that you might let you see your shadow.I have heard that many of the best−respected men inRome,—Except immortal Caesar!— speak about Brutus,And groaning underneath the political burden of this age,Have wished that noble Brutus could see what they see.

BRUTUS.What dangers would you lead me into, Cassius,That you want me to search for somethingThat I don’t have in myself?

CASSIUS.For that reason, good Brutus, get ready to hear what Ihave to say;And since you know you can’t see yourselfExcept in a mirror, I’ll be your mirror,And will modestly let you seeThat in yourself which you don’t know about.And don’t be angry with me, gentle Brutus;I wish I were a common comedian, or usedTo urinating on my friendship with ordinary oathsTo every new opponent; if you knowThat I show false friendship to some men, and hug themhardAnd after that, tell lies about them, or if you knowThat I profess myself at feasts to be friends withThe entire place, then think about me dangerous.

[Flourish and shout.]

BRUTUS.What does this shouting mean? I’m afraid the peopleAre going to choose Caesar for their king.

CASSIUS.Yes, you fear it?Then I must think you wouldn’t want it.

BRUTUS.I wouldn’t, Cassius; but I really like him,But why are you keeping me here so long?What do you want to tell me?If it’s anything for the common good,Put honor in one of my eyes and death in the otherAnd I’ll look on both equally;Because, let the gods strike me dead, I loveThe name of honor more than I’m afraid death.

Scene 2 8

As well as I do know your outward favor.Well, honor is the subject of my story.I cannot tell what you and other menThink of this life; but, for my single self,I had as lief not be as live to beIn awe of such a thing as I myself.I was born free as Caesar; so were you:We both have fed as well; and we can bothEndure the winter's cold as well as he:For once, upon a raw and gusty day,The troubled Tiber chafing with her shores,Caesar said to me, "Darest thou, Cassius, nowLeap in with me into this angry floodAnd swim to yonder point?" Upon the word,Accoutred as I was, I plunged in,And bade him follow: so indeed he did.The torrent roar'd, and we did buffet itWith lusty sinews, throwing it asideAnd stemming it with hearts of controversy;But ere we could arrive the point proposed,Caesar cried, "Help me, Cassius, or I sink!I, as Aeneas, our great ancestor,Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulderThe old Anchises bear, so from the waves of TiberDid I the tired Caesar: and this manIs now become a god; and Cassius isA wretched creature, and must bend his body,If Caesar carelessly but nod on him.He had a fever when he was in Spain;And when the fit was on him I did markHow he did shake: 'tis true, this god did shake:His coward lips did from their color fly;And that same eye whose bend doth awe theworldDid lose his luster. I did hear him groan:Ay, and that tongue of his that bade the RomansMark him, and write his speeches in their books,Alas, it cried, "Give me some drink, Titinius,"As a sick girl.−−Ye gods, it doth amaze me,A man of such a feeble temper shouldSo get the start of the majestic world,And bear the palm alone.

[Shout. Flourish.]

BRUTUS.Another general shout!I do believe that these applauses areFor some new honors that are heap'd on Caesar.

CASSIUS.I know you’ve that virtue, Brutus,As well as I know your face.Well, honor is the subject of my story.I can’t tell what you and other menThink of this life; but, for myself alone,I would rather not live to beIn awe of such a thing as I’m.I was born free as Caesar; so were you.We both have eaten as well, and we can bothEndure the winter's cold as well as he does,Because once, on a raw and windy day,The troubled Tiber River beating against her banks,Caesar said to me, "Do you dare, Cassius,Leap in with me into this angry flood nowAnd swim over there to that point?" On the word,Dressed as I was, I plunged in,And asked him to follow me. And indeed he did so.The waters roared, and we hit at itWith lusty muscles, throwing it asideAnd stopping it with hearts that had no doubts;But before we could arrive the proposed point,Caesar cried, "Help me, Cassius, I sink!”Then I, just as Aeneas, our great ancestor,Bore the old Anchises from the flames of TroyOn his shoulder, I carried the tired CaesarFrom the waves of Tiber. And now this manHas become a god, and Cassius isA wretched creature, and must bow,Even if Caesar only nods at him carelessly.He had a fever when he was in Spain,And, when the fit was on him, I noticedHow he shook. It’s true, this god shook!He lost all the color in his coward lips;And that same eye that the world owes a bow toLost its shine. I heard him groan.Yes, and that tongue of his that asked the RomansTo notice him and write his speeches in their books,Cried, "Give me some drink, Titinius,"Just as a sick girl does.—You gods, it amazes me thatA man of such a feeble temper shouldInstantly get the majestic world,And wear the glory alone.

[Shout. Flourish.]

BRUTUS.Another general shout!I believe that this applause isFor some new honors that are to be heaped on Caesar.

Scene 2 9

CASSIUS.Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow worldLike a Colossus; and we petty menWalk under his huge legs and peep aboutTo find ourselves dishonorable graves.Men at some time are masters of their fates:The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,But in ourselves,that we are underlings."Brutus" and "Caesar": what should be in that"Caesar"?Why should that name be sounded more thanyours?Write them together, yours is as fair a name;Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well;Weigh them, it is as heavy; conjure with them,"Brutus" will start a spirit as soon as "Caesar."Now, in the names of all the gods at once,Upon what meat doth this our Caesar feedThat he is grown so great? Age, thou art shamed!Rome, thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods!When went there by an age since the great flood,But it was famed with more than with one man?When could they say, till now, that talk'd ofRome,That her wide walls encompass'd but one man?Now is it Rome indeed, and room enough,When there is in it but one only man.O, you and I have heard our fathers sayThere was a Brutus once that would have brook'dTh' eternal devil to keep his state in Rome,As easily as a king!

BRUTUS.That you do love me, I am nothing jealous;What you would work me to, I have some aim:How I have thought of this, and of these times,I shall recount hereafter; for this present,I would not, so with love I might entreat you,Be any further moved. What you have said,I will consider; what you have to say,I will with patience hear; and find a timeBoth meet to hear and answer such high things.Till then, my noble friend, chew upon this:Brutus had rather be a villagerThan to repute himself a son of RomeUnder these hard conditions as this timeIs like to lay upon us.

CASSIUS.I am glad that my weak words

CASSIUS.Why, man, he stands on top of the narrow worldLike the Colossus of Rhodes, and we little menWalk under his huge legs and peep aboutTo find ourselves disgraceful graves.Sometimes, men are masters of their fates.The mistake, dear Brutus, isn’t in our stars,But in ourselves, that we are underlings."Brutus" and "Caesar.” What is in that name, "Caesar?"Why should that name be sounded any more than yours?Write them down together; your name is just as good;Say them out loud; your name sounds just as good;Think about their importance, yours is just as important;Use them to contact ghosts, "Brutus" will bring a spiritAs soon as "Caesar." Now, in the names of all the gods atonce,What meat does this our Caesar eatThat he’s grown so great? Age, shame on you!Rome, there are no more people of noble bloods in you!Has there ever been any age since Noah and the floodThat was not famous because of more than one man?When could they say, until now, those that talked aboutRome,That her wide walls were ruled by only one man?Is Rome still Rome, and does it have room enough,When there is in it only one man?O, you and I have heard our fathers sayThere was a Brutus once that would have foughtThe eternal devil to keep his status in Rome,As easily as he would fight a king!

BRUTUS.I’m not angry that you’re my friend;As for what you’re persuading me to do, I have someplans.I’ll tell you later what I’ve thought about thisAnd about these times,; for now,Please don’t to try to persuade me any further.I’ll think about what you’ve said;I’ll patiently hear what you’ve to say, and find a timeWhen I can both meet with you to hear and answer suchhigh things.Until then, my noble friend, chew on this.Brutus would rather be a villagerThan to say he is a son of RomeUnder the hard conditionsthat these timesAre likely to lay on us.

CASSIUS.I’m glad that my weak words

Scene 2 10

Have struck but thus much show of fire fromBrutus.

BRUTUS.The games are done, and Caesar is returning.

CASSIUS.As they pass by, pluck Casca by the sleeve;And he will, after his sour fashion, tell youWhat hath proceeded worthy note today.

[Re−enter Caesar and his Train.]

BRUTUS.I will do so.−−But, look you, Cassius,The angry spot doth glow on Caesar's brow,And all the rest look like a chidden train:Calpurnia's cheek is pale; and CiceroLooks with such ferret and such fiery eyesAs we have seen him in the Capitol,Being cross'd in conference by some senators.

CASSIUS.Casca will tell us what the matter is.

CAESAR.Antonius,−−

ANTONY.Caesar?

CAESAR.Let me have men about me that are fat;Sleek−headed men, and such as sleep o' nights:Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look;He thinks too much: such men are dangerous.

ANTONY.Fear him not, Caesar; he's not dangerous;He is a noble Roman and well given.

CAESAR.Would he were fatter! But I fear him not:Yet, if my name were liable to fear,I do not know the man I should avoidSo soon as that spare Cassius. He reads much;He is a great observer, and he looksQuite through the deeds of men: he loves noplays,As thou dost, Antony; he hears no music:

Have brought out this show of fire from Brutus.

BRUTUS.The games are finished, and Caesar is returning.

CASSIUS.As they pass by, grab Casca by the sleeve;And he’ll, in his sour way, tell youWhat notable events have happened today.

[Re−enter Caesar and his Train.]

BRUTUS.I’ll do so.—But, look, Cassius,Caesar is looking very angry,And all the rest look as though they’ve been scolded.Calpurnia's cheek is pale, and CiceroLooks with the same beady and fiery eyesThat we have seen on him in the Capitol,When some senators disagreed with him in a meeting.

CASSIUS.Casca will tell us what’s wrong.

CAESAR.Antonius,—

ANTONY.Caesar?

CAESAR.Make sure the men around me are fat;Bald men, and men that sleep all night.Cassius over there has a lean and hungry look;He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous.

ANTONY.Don’t be afraid of him, Caesar; he's not dangerous;He’s a noble Roman and has a good disposition.

CAESAR.I wish he were fatter! But I’m not afraid of him.Yet, if I were afraid of him,I don’t know of any other the man I should avoidSo much as that skinny Cassius. He reads a lot;He’s a great observer, and actually he looksThrough the deeds of men. He doesn’t like any playsAs you do, Antony; he doesn’t like any music.He seldom smiles, and smiles in such a wayAs if he were laughing at himself and cursed his spirit

Scene 2 11

Seldom he smiles; and smiles in such a sortAs if he mock'd himself and scorn'd his spiritThat could be moved to smile at any thing.Such men as he be never at heart's easeWhiles they behold a greater than themselves;And therefore are they very dangerous.I rather tell thee what is to be fear'dThan what I fear, for always I am Caesar.Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf,And tell me truly what thou think'st of him.

[Exeunt Caesar and his Train. Casca stays.]

CASCA.You pull'd me by the cloak; would you speak withme?

BRUTUS.Ay, Casca, tell us what hath chanced today,That Caesar looks so sad.

CASCA.Why, you were with him, were you not?

BRUTUS.I should not then ask Casca what had chanced.

CASCA.Why, there was a crown offer'd him; and beingoffer'd him,he put it by with the back of his hand, thus; andthen thepeople fell a−shouting.

BRUTUS.What was the second noise for?

CASCA.Why, for that too.

CASSIUS.They shouted thrice: what was the last cry for?

CASCA.Why, for that too.

BRUTUS.Was the crown offer'd him thrice?

CASCA.

For being moved to smile at anything.Such men as he is are never at ease in their heartsWhen they see a man greater than themselves;And for that reason they are very dangerous.I would rather tell you what to be afraid ofMore than what I am afraid of, for I’m always Caesar.Come over here my right side, because I am deaf in thisear,And tell me what you really think of him.

[Exit Caesar and his Train. Casca stays.]

CASCA.You pulled my sleeve; do you want to speak with me?

BRUTUS.Yes, Casca, tell us what has happened todayThat makes Caesar look so sad.

CASCA.Why, you were with him, weren’t you?

BRUTUS.If I was, then I shouldn’t ask Casca what had happened.

CASCA.Why, there was a crown offered to him, and when it wasOffered to him, he pushed it away with the back of hishand, like this,And then the people started shouting.

BRUTUS.What was the second noise for?

CASCA.Why, for that too.

CASSIUS.They shouted three times. What was the last cry for?

CASCA.Why, for that too.

BRUTUS.Was the crown offered to him three times?

CASCA.Yes, damn it, it was, and he pushed it aside three times,Every time more gently than the last, and at each pushingaside,

Scene 2 12

Ay, marry, was't, and he put it by thrice, everytime gentlerthan other; and at every putting−by mine honestneighborsshouted.

CASSIUS.Who offer'd him the crown?

CASCA.Why, Antony.

BRUTUS.Tell us the manner of it, gentle Casca.

CASCA.I can as well be hang'd, as tell the manner of it: itwasmere foolery; I did not mark it. I saw MarkAntony offer him acrown;−−yet 'twas not a crown neither, 'twas oneof thesecoronets;−−and, as I told you, he put it by once:but, for allthat, to my thinking, he would fain have had it.Then heoffered it to him again: then he put it by again:but, to mythinking, he was very loath to lay his fingers off it.And thenhe offered it the third time; he put it the third timeby; andstill, as he refused it, the rabblement shouted, andclapp'dtheir chopt hands, and threw up their sweatynight−caps, anduttered such a deal of stinking breath becauseCaesar refusedthe crown, that it had almost choked Caesar, forhe swooned andfell down at it: and for mine own part, I durst notlaugh forfear of opening my lips and receiving the bad air.

CASSIUS.But, soft! I pray you. What, did Caesar swoon?

CASCA.He fell down in the market−place, and foam'd atmouth, and was

My honest neighbors shouted.

CASSIUS.Who offered him the crown?

CASCA.Why, Antony.

BRUTUS.Tell us how it happened, gentle Casca.

CASCA.I may as well be hanged as to tell how it happened. It wasmerely a joke; I didn’t pay attention to it. I saw MarkAntony offer him acrown;—yet it wasn’t a crown either, it was one of theselarge hats;—and, as I told you, he pushed it aside once.but, for allthat, to my thinking, he seemed eager to have it. Then heoffered it to him again. Then he pushed it aside again. but,to mythinking, he was very reluctant to remove his fingers offit. And thenhe was offered it the third time; he pushed it aside thethird time, andstill, as he refused it, the crowd shouted, and clappedtheir rough hands, and threw their sweaty night hats intothe air, anduttered such a great deal of stinking breath because Caesarrefusedthe crown, that the smell almost choked Caesar, becausehe fainted andfell down from it. And, for mine part, I didn’t dare laughforfear of opening my lips and inhaling the bad air.

CASSIUS.But, wait! Please. What, did Caesar faint?

CASCA.He fell down in the market place, foamed at the mouth,and wasspeechless.

BRUTUS.It’s very likely. He has epilepsy.

CASSIUS.No, Caesar doesn’t have it; but you, and I,And honest Casca, we have epilepsy.

Scene 2 13

speechless.

BRUTUS.'Tis very like: he hath the falling−sickness.

CASSIUS.No, Caesar hath it not; but you, and I,And honest Casca, we have the falling−sickness.

CASCA.I know not what you mean by that; but I am sureCaesar felldown. If the tag−rag people did not clap him andhiss him,according as he pleased and displeased them, asthey use to dothe players in the theatre, I am no true man.

BRUTUS.What said he when he came unto himself?

CASCA.Marry, before he fell down, when he perceived thecommonherd was glad he refused the crown, he pluck'd meope hisdoublet, and offered them his throat to cut: an Ihad been aman of any occupation, if I would not have takenhim at a word,I would I might go to hell among therogues:−−and so he fell.When he came to himself again, he said, if he haddone or saidany thing amiss, he desired their worships to thinkit was hisinfirmity. Three or four wenches where I stoodcried, "Alas,good soul!" and forgave him with all their hearts.But there'sno heed to be taken of them: if Caesar had stabb'dtheirmothers, they would have done no less.

BRUTUS.And, after that he came, thus sad away?

CASCA.Ay.

CASCA.I don’t know what you mean by that, but I’m sure Caesarfelldown. If the common people didn’t applaud him and hissat him,since he pleased and displeased them, as they used to dotothe actors in the theatre, then I’m not really a man.

BRUTUS.What said he when he came to?

CASCA.Damn it, before he fell down, when he thought thecommonherd was glad he had refused the crown, he opened hisshirt, and offered to cut his throat. If I had been aman of any occupation, if I wouldn’t have taken him at aword,I might have gone ahead and stood among therogues.—and so he fell.When he came to again, he said, if he had done or saidanything out of order, he wanted the people to think it washisinfirmity. Three or four wenches where I stood cried,"Alas,good soul!" and forgave him with all their hearts. But youcan’t listen to them.If Caesar had stabbed their mothers, they would havedone the same thing.

BRUTUS.And, after that he came, away sad?

CASCA.Yes.

CASSIUS.Did Cicero say anything?

CASCA.Yes, he spoke in Greek.

CASSIUS.How did that work?

CASCA.No, if I tell you that, I'll never look you in the faceagain. but those that understood him smiled at one anotherand

Scene 2 14

CASSIUS.Did Cicero say any thing?

CASCA.Ay, he spoke Greek.

CASSIUS.To what effect?

CASCA.Nay, an I tell you that, I'll ne'er look you i' thefaceagain: but those that understood him smiled at oneanother andshook their heads; but for mine own part, it wasGreek to me. Icould tell you more news too: Marullus andFlavius, for pullingscarfs off Caesar's images, are put to silence. Fareyou well.There was more foolery yet, if could remember it.

CASSIUS.Will you sup with me tonight, Casca?

CASCA.No, I am promised forth.

CASSIUS.Will you dine with me tomorrow?

CASCA.Ay, if I be alive, and your mind hold, and yourdinner worththe eating.

CASSIUS.Good; I will expect you.

CASCA.Do so; farewell both.

[Exit CASCA.]

BRUTUS.What a blunt fellow is this grown to be!He was quick mettle when he went to school.

CASSIUS.So is he now in execution

shook their heads; but, for mine own part, it was Greek tome. Icould tell you more news too. Marullus and Flavius havebeen killedfor pulling scarves off Caesar's images. Goodbye.There was more nonsense, if I could only remember it.

CASSIUS.Will you have dinner with me tonight, Casca?

CASCA.No, I’ve got another engagement.

CASSIUS.Will you dine with me tomorrow?

CASCA.Yes, if I’m alive, and your mind hold, and your dinnerworththe eating.

CASSIUS.Good, I’ll expect you.

CASCA.Please do. Goodbye to both of you.

[Exit CASCA.]

BRUTUS.What a blunt fellow he’s turned out to be!He was becoming very spirited when he was in school.

CASSIUS.So he is now in getting any bold orNoble job done;However, he pretends to be slow in nature.This rudeness is the topping to his good traits,Which lets men accept his wordsWith better understanding.

BRUTUS.And so it is. I’ll leave you now.Tomorrow, if you want to speak with me,I’ll come to your house; or, if you like,Come to my house, and I’ll wait for you.CASSIUS.OK, that’s fine. Until then, think of the world.—

[Exit Brutus.]

Scene 2 15

Of any bold or noble enterprise,However he puts on this tardy form.This rudeness is a sauce to his good wit,Which gives men stomach to digest his wordsWith better appetite.BRUTUS.And so it is. For this time I will leave you:Tomorrow, if you please to speak with me,I will come home to you; or, if you will,Come home to me, and I will wait for you.

CASSIUS.I will do so: till then, think of the world.−−

[Exit Brutus.]

Well, Brutus, thou art noble; yet, I see,Thy honorable metal may be wrought,From that it is disposed: therefore 'tis meetThat noble minds keep ever with their likes;For who so firm that cannot be seduced?Caesar doth bear me hard, but he loves Brutus;If I were Brutus now and he were Cassius,He should not humor me. I will this night,In several hands, in at his windows throw,As if they came from several citizens,Writings all tending to the great opinionThat Rome holds of his name; wherein obscurelyCaesar's ambition shall be glanced at:And after this let Caesar seat him sure;For we will shake him, or worse days endure.

[Exit.]

Well, Brutus, you’re noble; yet, I see,Your honorable disposition may be hammered intoA different shape than it has now. That’s why it’sappropriateThat noble minds stay with people that are like them,Because who is so strong that they can’t be seduced?Caesar doesn’t like me very much, but he loves Brutus;If I were Brutus now and he were Cassius,He wouldn’t humor me. Tonight,I will throw writings in his windows,All tending to the great opinion that Rome holds hisname,by several different hands, as if they came from severalcitizens,In these writings, I will analyze, although obscurely,Caesar's ambition.And after this, let Caesar sit more securely on his throne,Because we will shake him from there, or endure worsedays.

[Exit.]

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Scene 3

The same. A street.

[Thunder and lightning. Enter, from oppositesides, CASCA, withhis sword drawn, and CICERO.]

CICERO.Good even, Casca: brought you Caesar home?Why are you breathless, and why stare you so?

The same. A street.

[Thunder and lightning. Enter, from opposite sides,CASCA, withhis sword drawn, and CICERO.]

CICERO.Good evening, Casca. Did you bring Caesar home?Why are you breathless, and why are you staring like that?

Scene 3 16

CASCA.Are not you moved, when all the sway of earthShakes like a thing unfirm? O Cicero,I have seen tempests, when the scolding windsHave rived the knotty oaks; and I have seenTh' ambitious ocean swell and rage and foam,To be exalted with the threatening clouds:But never till tonight, never till now,Did I go through a tempest dropping fire.Either there is a civil strife in heaven,Or else the world too saucy with the gods,Incenses them to send destruction.

CICERO.Why, saw you anything more wonderful?

CASCA.A common slave−−you'd know him well bysight−−Held up his left hand, which did flame and burnLike twenty torches join'd, and yet his handNot sensible of fire remain'd unscorch'd.Besides,−−I ha' not since put up my sword,−−Against the Capitol I met a lion,Who glared upon me, and went surly by,Without annoying me: and there were drawnUpon a heap a hundred ghastly women,Transformed with their fear; who swore theysawMen, all in fire, walk up and down the streets.And yesterday the bird of night did sitEven at noonday upon the marketplace,Howling and shrieking. When these prodigiesDo so conjointly meet, let not men say"These are their reasons; they are natural";For I believe they are portentous thingsUnto the climate that they point upon.

CICERO.Indeed, it is a strange−disposed time.But men may construe things after their fashion,Clean from the purpose of the thingsthemselves.Comes Caesar to the Capitol tomorrow?

CASCA.He doth, for he did bid AntoniusSend word to you he would be there to−morrow.

CICERO.

CASCA.Aren’t you moved, when the entire earthIs shaking uncontrollably? Oh, Cicero,I have seen major storms, when the scolding windsHave torn the knotty oaks to pieces, and I have seenThe strong ocean swell and rage and foam,To be intensified by threatening clouds.But never until tonight, never until now,Have I gone through a tempest that is raining fire.Either there is a civil strife in heaven,Or else the world has been too impudent with the gods,Incensing them to send destruction.

CICERO.Why, have you seen anything more wonderful?

CASCA.A common slave—you’d know him well by sight—Held up his left hand, which flamed and burnedLike twenty torches all together, and yet his hand,Not feeling any fire, wasn’t even scorched.Besides,—I haven’t used my sword since—I met a lion, in front of the Capitol,Who glared at me, and angrily passed me by,Without attacking me, and there were a hundred ghastlyWomen gathered in a heap,Transformed by their fear; who swore they sawMen, all on fire, walking up and down the streets.And yesterday, the night bird satIn the marketplace, in the middle of the day,Howling and shrieking. When these omensAll happen at the same time, don’t let men say"These things have their reasons; they’re natural,"For I believe they’re warning signsThat predict the climate that they point to.

CICERO.Indeed, time has a strange dispositionBut men may interpret things in whatever way they like,Far from the purpose of the things themselves.Does Caesar come to the Capitol tomorrow?

CASCA.He does, because he asked Antonius toSend word to you that he would be there tomorrow.

CICERO.Good then, Casca. This disturbed skyIsn’t one to walk in.

Scene 3 17

Good then, Casca: this disturbed skyIs not to walk in.

CASCA.Farewell, Cicero.

[Exit Cicero.]

[Enter Cassius.]

CASSIUS.Who's there?

CASCA.A Roman.

CASSIUS.Casca, by your voice.

CASCA.Your ear is good. Cassius, what night is this!

CASSIUS.A very pleasing night to honest men.

CASCA.Who ever knew the heavens menace so?

CASSIUS.Those that have known the earth so full offaults.For my part, I have walk'd about the streets,Submitting me unto the perilous night;And, thus unbraced, Casca, as you see,Have bared my bosom to the thunder−stone;And when the cross blue lightning seem'd toopenThe breast of heaven, I did present myselfEven in the aim and very flash of it.

CASCA.But wherefore did you so much tempt theHeavens?It is the part of men to fear and tremble,When the most mighty gods by tokens sendSuch dreadful heralds to astonish us.

CASSIUS.You are dull, Casca;and those sparks of lifeThat should be in a Roman you do want,

CASCA.Goodbye, Cicero.

[Exit Cicero.]

[Enter Cassius.]

CASSIUS.Who's there?

CASCA.A Roman.

CASSIUS.Casca, I can tell by your voice.

CASCA.You have a good ear. Cassius, what night this is!

CASSIUS.A very pleasing night to honest men.

CASCA.Who ever knew the heavens could be so threatening?

CASSIUS.Those men that know the earth is full of faults.For my part, I have walked about the streets,Giving in to the dangerous night;And, undressed like this, Casca, as you can see,I have bared my chest to the thunder bolts;And when the angry, blue lightning seemed to openThechest of heaven, I put myselfEven in the direction and the very flash of it.

CASCA.But why did you tempt the sky like that?It is part of men to be afraid and trembleWhen the most mighty gods sendLightening to astonish us.

CASSIUS.You’re not too sharp, Casca, and those sparks of lifeThat should be in a Roman, you want,Or else, you don’t use what you have. You look pale anddazed,And put on fear and make yourself wonder,To see the strange behavior of the Heavens.But if you would think about the true cause,Why all these fires, why all these gliding ghosts,

Scene 3 18

Or else you use not. You look pale and gaze,And put on fear and cast yourself in wonder,To see the strange impatience of the Heavens:But if you would consider the true causeWhy all these fires, why all these gliding ghosts,Why birds and beasts,from quality and kind;Why old men, fools, and children calculate;−−Why all these things change from theirordinance,Their natures, and preformed facultiesTo monstrous quality;−−why, you shall findThat Heaven hath infused them with thesespirits,To make them instruments of fear and warningUnto some monstrous state. Now could I, Casca,Name to thee a man most like this dreadfulnight;That thunders, lightens, opens graves, and roars,As doth the lion in the Capitol;A man no mightier than thyself or meIn personal action; yet prodigious grown,And fearful, as these strange eruptions are.

CASCA.'Tis Caesar that you mean; is it not, Cassius?

CASSIUS.Let it be who it is: for Romans nowHave thews and limbs like to their ancestors;But, woe the while! our fathers' minds are dead,And we are govern'd with our mothers' spirits;Our yoke and sufferance show us womanish.

CASCA.Indeed they say the senators to−morrowMean to establish Caesar as a king;And he shall wear his crown by sea and land,In every place save here in Italy.

CASSIUS.I know where I will wear this dagger then;Cassius from bondage will deliver Cassius:Therein, ye gods, you make the weak moststrong;Therein, ye gods, you tyrants do defeat:Nor stony tower, nor walls of beaten brass,Nor airless dungeon, nor strong links of ironCan be retentive to the strength of spirit;But life, being weary of these worldly bars,Never lacks power to dismiss itself.

Why birds and beasts, from quality and kind;Why old men, fools, and children think about it—Why all these things change from their usual order,Change their natures, and their normal eventsTo monstrous disorder—why, you shall findThat Heaven has infused the lightening with these spirits,To make them instruments of fear and warningAbout some monstrous state. Now I could, Casca,Name a man to you that is most like this dreadful night,One that thunders, send lightening, opens graves, and roars,As the lion in the Capitol does;A man no mightier in personal action;Than you or I, yet he’s grown monstrous,And fearful, just as these strange eruptions are.

CASCA.It’s Caesar that you mean, isn’t it, Cassius?

CASSIUS.Let it be who it is, because Romans nowHave strong muscles and limbs just like their ancestors;But, now! our fathers' minds are dead,And we are governed by our mothers' spirits;Our burden and suffering makes us look womanish.

CASCA.Indeed they say that the senatorsMean to establish Caesar as a king tomorrow,And that hewill be king everywhere,In every place, except here in Italy.

CASSIUS.I know where I’ll wear this dagger then.Cassius will deliver Cassius from slavery.In that event, you gods, you make the weak the strongest;In that event, you gods, you defeat tyrants.No stony tower, no walls of beaten brass,No airless dungeon, no strong chains of ironCan hold the strength of the spirit;But life, tired of these worldly bars,Never lacks the power to kill itself.If I know this, and know the whole world too,I can shake off at pleasureThat part of tyranny that I endure.

[Thunders still.]

CASCA.I can too.And so every slave has in his own hand

Scene 3 19

If I know this, know all the world besides,That part of tyranny that I do bearI can shake off at pleasure.

[Thunders still.]

CASCA.So can I:So every bondman in his own hand bearsThe power to cancel his captivity.

CASSIUS.And why should Caesar be a tyrant then?Poor man! I know he would not be a wolf,But that he sees the Romans are but sheep:He were no lion, were not Romans hinds.Those that with haste will make a mighty fireBegin it with weak straws: what trash is Rome,What rubbish, and what offal, when it servesFor the base matter to illuminateSo vile a thing as Caesar! But, O grief,Where hast thou led me? I perhaps speak thisBefore a willing bondman: then I knowMy answer must be made; but I am arm'd,And dangers are to me indifferent.

CASCA.You speak to Casca; and to such a manThat is no fleering tell−tale. Hold, my hand:Be factious for redress of all these griefs;And I will set this foot of mine as farAs who goes farthest.

CASSIUS.There's a bargain made.Now know you, Casca, I have moved alreadySome certain of the noblest−minded RomansTo undergo with me an enterpriseOf honorable−dangerous consequence;And I do know by this, they stay for meIn Pompey's Porch: for now, this fearful night,There is no stir or walking in the streets;And the complexion of the elementIs favor'd like the work we have in hand,Most bloody, fiery, and most terrible.

CASCA.Stand close awhile, for here comes one in haste.

CASSIUS.

The power to cancel his captivity.

CASSIUS.And why should Caesar be a tyrant then?Poor man! I know he wouldn’t be a wolf,But he sees that the Romans are nothing but sheep.He wouldn’t be a lion if Romans weren’t female deer.Those that are in a hurry will make a mighty fire andStart it with flimsy straws. What trash Rome is,What rubbish, and what garbage, when it servesAs the fuel to start a fire that will throw lightOn so vile a thing as Caesar! But, O grief,Where have you taken me? Perhaps I say thisBefore a willing slave. Then I know thatMy answer must be made; but I’m armed,And dangers are not important to me.

CASCA.You are speaking to Casca, and to me what you’reSaying is no ridiculous telling of secrets. Stay, take myhand.Be a rebel for revenge for all these problems,And I’ll support you as farAs the man who goes the farthest.

CASSIUS.It’s a deal.Now you know, Casca, I have already persuadedSome certain of the noblest−minded RomansTo join me in an undertakingOf honorable/dangerous consequence;And I know by this, they are waiting for meIn Pompey's Porch. For now, because of this fearful night,There’s no noise or walking in the streets,And the weather reflectsThe work we have at hand,Most bloody, fiery, and most terrible.

CASCA.Stand next to me for a while, because someone is cominghastily.

CASSIUS.It’s Cinna. I know his walk.He’s a friend.—

[Enter Cinna.]

Cinna, where are you going in such a rush?

Scene 3 20

'Tis Cinna; I do know him by his gait;He is a friend.−−

[Enter Cinna.]

Cinna, where haste you so?

CINNA.To find out you. Who's that? Metellus Cimber?

CASSIUS.No, it is Casca, one incorporateTo our attempts. Am I not stay'd for, Cinna?

CINNA.I am glad on't. What a fearful night is this!There's two or three of us have seen strangesights.

CASSIUS.Am I not stay'd for? tell me.

CINNA.Yes,You are. O Cassius, if you could but winThe noble Brutus to our party,−−

CASSIUS.Be you content. Good Cinna, take this paper,And look you lay it in the praetor's chair,Where Brutus may but find it; and throw thisIn at his window; set this up with waxUpon old Brutus' statue: all this done,Repair to Pompey's Porch, where you shall findus.Is Decius Brutus and Trebonius there?

CINNA.All but Metellus Cimber, and he's goneTo seek you at your house. Well, I will hieAnd so bestow these papers as you bade me.

CASSIUS.That done, repair to Pompey's theatre.−−

[Exit Cinna.]

Come, Casca, you and I will yet, ere day,See Brutus at his house: three parts of himIs ours already; and the man entire,

CINNA.To find you. Who's that? Metellus Cimber?

CASSIUS.No, it is Casca, one who agreesWith our attempts. Isn’t someone waiting for me, Cinna?

CINNA.I’m glad about it. What a fearful night is this!There's two or three of us who have seen strange sights.

CASSIUS.Isn’t someone waiting for me? Tell me.

CINNA.Yes,They are. O Cassius, if you could only persuadeThe noble Brutus to join us—

CASSIUS.Don’t worry. Good Cinna, take this paper,And see that you lay it on the praetor's chair,Where Brutus may find it, and throw thisIn at his window. Seal this up with waxOn old Brutus' statue. When you’ve done all that,Go to Pompey's Porch, where you shall find us.Are Decius Brutus and Trebonius there?

CINNA.All but Metellus Cimber, and he's goneTo your house to find you. Well, I’ll get goingAnd so deliver these papers as you asked me.

CASSIUS.That done, go to Pompey's theatre.—

[Exit Cinna.]

Come, Casca, you and I will, before day,Still see Brutus at his house. Three parts of himAre ours already, and, at our next meeting,The whole man will be ours.

CASCA.O, he sits high in all the people's hearts!And his face, like the best method of changingWater to gold, will change whatever seemsTo be offensive in us,To goodness and to worthiness.

Scene 3 21

Upon the next encounter, yields him ours.

CASCA.O, he sits high in all the people's hearts!And that which would appear offense in us,His countenance, like richest alchemy,Will change to virtue and to worthiness.

CASSIUS.Him, and his worth, and our great need of him,You have right well conceited. Let us go,For it is after midnight; and, ere day,We will awake him, and be sure of him.

[Exeunt.]

CASSIUS.You’ve judge his worth, and our great need of him,Very well. Let’s go,Because it is after midnight, and, before day,We’ll wake him up, and be sure that he’s with us.

[Exit.]

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Act II

Scene 11. Scene 22. Scene 33. Scene 44.

Scene 1

Rome. BRUTUS'S orchard.

[Enter Brutus.]

BRUTUS.What, Lucius, ho!−−I cannot, by the progress of the stars,Give guess how near to day.−−Lucius, I say!−−I would it were my fault to sleep so soundly.−−When, Lucius, when! Awake, I say! What,Lucius!

[Enter Lucius.]

LUCIUS.Call'd you, my lord?

BRUTUS.Get me a taper in my study, Lucius:When it is lighted, come and call me here.

Rome. BRUTUS' orchard.

[Enter Brutus.]

BRUTUS.Hey, Lucius, oh!—I can’t tell how close sunrise isBy the progress of the stars. —Lucius, I say!—I wish I had the problem of sleeping so soundly.—When, Lucius, when! Wake up, I say! Hey, Lucius!

[Enter Lucius.]

LUCIUS.You called, my lord?

BRUTUS.Light a candle in my study, Lucius.When it is lit, come back and call me here.

Act II 22

LUCIUS.I will, my lord.

[Exit.]

BRUTUS.It must be by his death: and, for my part,I know no personal cause to spurn at him,But for the general. He would be crown'd:How that might change his nature, there's thequestion:It is the bright day that brings forth the adder;And that craves wary walking. Crownhim?−−that:And then, I grant, we put a sting in him,That at his will he may do danger with.Th' abuse of greatness is, when it disjoinsRemorse from power; and, to speak truth ofCaesar,I have not known when his affections sway'dMore than his reason. But 'tis a common proof,That lowliness is young ambition's ladder,Whereto the climber−upward turns his face;But, when he once attains the upmost round,He then unto the ladder turns his back,Looks in the clouds, scorning the base degreesBy which he did ascend: so Caesar may;Then, lest he may, prevent. And, since the quarrelWill bear no color for the thing he is,Fashion it thus,−−that what he is, augmented,Would run to these and these extremities:And therefore think him as a serpent's eggWhich hatch'd, would, as his kind growmischievous;And kill him in the shell.

[Re−enter Lucius.]

LUCIUS.The taper burneth in your closet, sir.Searching the window for a flint I foundThis paper thus seal'd up, and I am sureIt did not lie there when I went to bed.

BRUTUS.Get you to bed again; it is not day.Is not tomorrow, boy, the Ides of March?

LUCIUS.I know not, sir.

LUCIUS.I will, my lord.

[Exit.]

BRUTUS.He must die, and, for my part,I don’t know a personal cause to throw at him,But for the general complaints. He wants to be crowned.There's the question: how that might change his nature.A bright day brings out the black, poison snake,And that means we must walk carefully. Crown him?—that.And then, I admit, he may do danger, at his will, withA sting that we put in him.The abuse of greatness is when it disconnectsRemorse from power, and, to speak truth about Caesar,I haven’t known a time when his emotions were swayedMore than his reason. But it’s common knowledgeThat being lowly is young ambition's ladderWhere the one who would climb upward looks for help,But, when he once he gets to the top,He then turns his back to the ladder andLooks to the clouds, scorning the common ladderBy which he ascended. Caesar might do the same thing.Then, because he might, we must prevent it. And, sincethe quarrelis rather thin for the thing he is,We must make it sound like this—that what he is,With some additions, would run to these and theseextremities.And for that reason we must think of him as a serpent'seggWhich hatched, would, as his kind grow dangerous,And kill him in the shell.

[Re−enter Lucius.]

LUCIUS.The candle burns in your bedroom, sir.Searching the window for a match, I foundThis paper sealed up like this, and I’m sureIt wasn’t there when I went to bed.

BRUTUS.Go back to bed; it isn’t day.Isn’t tomorrow, boy, the Ides of March?

LUCIUS.I don’t know, sir.

Act II 23

BRUTUS.Look in the calendar, and bring me word.

LUCIUS.I will, sir.

[Exit.]

BRUTUS.The exhalations, whizzing in the airGive so much light that I may read by them.−−

[Opens the letter and reads.]"Brutus, thou sleep'st: awake and see thyself.Shall Rome, &c. Speak, strike, redress−−!Brutus, thou sleep'st: awake!−−"Such instigations have been often dropp'dWhere I have took them up."Shall Rome, & c." Thus must I piece it out:Shall Rome stand under one man's awe? What,Rome?My ancestors did from the streets of RomeThe Tarquin drive, when he was call'd a king.−−"Speak, strike, redress!"−−Am I entreated, then,To speak and strike? O Rome, I make theepromise,If the redress will follow, thou receivestThy full petition at the hand of Brutus!

[Re−enter Lucius.]

LUCIUS.Sir, March is wasted fifteen days.

[Knocking within.]

BRUTUS.'Tis good. Go to the gate, somebody knocks.−−

[Exit Lucius.]

Since Cassius first did whet me against CaesarI have not slept.Between the acting of a dreadful thingAnd the first motion, all the interim isLike a phantasma or a hideous dream:The genius and the mortal instrumentsAre then in council; and the state of man,Like to a little kingdom, suffers thenThe nature of an insurrection.

BRUTUS.Look at the calendar, and come back and tell me.

LUCIUS.I will, sir.

[Exit.]

BRUTUS.The vapors, whizzing in the airGive off so much light that I can read by them.—

[Opens the letter and reads.]"Brutus, you sleep. Wake up and see yourself.Shall Rome, etc. Speak, strike, revenge—!Brutus, you sleep. Wake up!—"Such instigations have often been droppedWhere I have picked them up."Shall Rome, etc." Accordingly, I have to figure this out.Shall Rome stand under one man's awe? What, Rome?My ancestors drove Tarquin from the streets of RomeWhen he was called a king.—"Speak, strike, revenge!"—Am I begged, then,To speakand strike? O Rome, I promise you,If revenge follows, you will receiveEverything you ask for at the hand of Brutus!

[Re−enter Lucius.]

LUCIUS.Sir, it’s the fifteenth day of March.

[Knocking inside.]

BRUTUS.Good. Go ahead answer the door; somebody knocks.—

[Exit Lucius.]

Since Cassius first persuaded me to go against Caesar,I have not slept.Between talking about a dreadful thingAnd doing it, all the time in between isLike an illusion or a hideous dream.The mind and the physical instrumentsAre then in agreement, and the state of man,Like a little kingdom, suffersThe pains of rebellion.

[Re−enter Lucius].

Act II 24

[Re−enter Lucius].

LUCIUS.Sir, 'tis your brother Cassius at the door,Who doth desire to see you.

BRUTUS.Is he alone?

LUCIUS.No, sir, there are more with him.

BRUTUS.Do you know them?

LUCIUS.No, sir, their hats are pluck'd about their ears,And half their faces buried in their cloaks,That by no means I may discover themBy any mark of favor.

BRUTUS.Let 'em enter.−−

[Exit Lucius.]

They are the faction.−−O conspiracy,Shamest thou to show thy dangerous brow bynight,When evils are most free? O, then, by dayWhere wilt thou find a cavern dark enoughTo mask thy monstrous visage? Seek none,conspiracy;Hide it in smiles and affability:For if thou pass, thy native semblance on,Not Erebus itself were dim enoughTo hide thee from prevention.

[Enter Cassius, Casca, Decius, Cinna, MetellusCimber, andTrebonius.

CASSIUS.I think we are too bold upon your rest:Good morrow, Brutus; do we trouble you?

BRUTUS.I have been up this hour, awake all night.Know I these men that come along with you?

LUCIUS.Sir, it’s your brother, Cassius, at the door,Who wants to see you.

BRUTUS.Is he alone?

LUCIUS.No, sir, there are more with him.

BRUTUS.Do you know them?

LUCIUS.No, sir, their hats are drawn over their ears,And half their faces are buried in their cloaks,So that I couldn’t tell from their clothes or facesWho any of them are.

BRUTUS.Let them in.—

[Exit Lucius.]

They’re the rebels.—O conspiracy,Shame on you for showing your dangerous eyes by nightWhen evils are most free? O, then, by dayWhere will you find a cavern dark enoughTo hide your monstrous face? Don’t find any, conspiracy;Hide it in smiles and friendliness,Because, if you pass, your real face on,Not even the dark place between heaven and hell itselfIs dim enough to hide you from being stopped.

[Enter Cassius, Casca, Decius, Cinna, Metellus Cimber,andTrebonius.]

CASSIUS.I think we are too bold to interrupt your sleep.Good morning, Brutus; are we troubling you?

BRUTUS.I’ve been up this hour. I was wake up all night.Do I know these men that come along with you?

CASSIUS.Yes, every one of them, and every man hereRespects you, and every one wishesYou had that opinion of yourself

Act II 25

CASSIUS.Yes, every man of them; and no man hereBut honors you; and every one doth wishYou had but that opinion of yourselfWhich every noble Roman bears of you.This is Trebonius.

BRUTUS.He is welcome hither.

CASSIUS.This Decius Brutus.

BRUTUS.He is welcome too.

CASSIUS.This, Casca; this, Cinna; and this, MetellusCimber.

BRUTUS.They are all welcome.−−What watchful cares do interpose themselvesBetwixt your eyes and night?

CASSIUS.Shall I entreat a word?

[BRUTUS and CASSIUS whisper apart.]

DECIUS.Here lies the east: doth not the day break here?

CASCA.No.

CINNA.O, pardon, sir, it doth, and yon grey linesThat fret the clouds are messengers of day.

CASCA.You shall confess that you are both deceived.Here, as I point my sword, the Sun arises;Which is a great way growing on the South,Weighing the youthful season of the year.Some two months hence, up higher toward theNorthHe first presents his fire; and the high EastStands, as the Capitol, directly here.

Which every noble Roman has for you.This is Trebonius.

BRUTUS.He’s welcome here.

CASSIUS.This, Decius Brutus.

BRUTUS.He’s welcome too.

CASSIUS.This, Casca; this, Cinna, and this, Metellus Cimber.

BRUTUS.They’re all welcome.—What worries are keeping youFrom sleeping?

CASSIUS.May I have a word with you?

[BRUTUS and CASSIUS whisper apart.]

DECIUS.This direction is east. Doesn’t the day break here?

CASCA.No.

CINNA.O, pardon, sir, it does, and the gray lines over thereThat adorn the clouds are the messengers of dawn.

CASCA.You’ll see that you’re both wrong.Here, where I point my sword, the Sun rises,Which is going a great way to the South,Bringing in spring.Some two months away, up higher toward the North,He first shines, and the high EastStands, just as the Capitol, directly here.

BRUTUS.Let’s shake hands all over again, one by one.

CASSIUS.And let’s swear our determination.

Act II 26

BRUTUS.Give me your hands all over, one by one.

CASSIUS.And let us swear our resolution.

BRUTUS.No, not an oath: if not the face of men,The sufferance of our souls, the time's abuse−−If these be motives weak, break off betimes,And every man hence to his idle bed;So let high−sighted tyranny range on,Till each man drop by lottery. But if these,As I am sure they do, bear fire enoughTo kindle cowards, and to steel with valourThe melting spirits of women; then, countrymen,What need we any spur but our own causeTo prick us to redress? what other bondThan secret Romans, that have spoke the word,And will not palter? and what other oathThan honesty to honesty engaged,That this shall be, or we will fall for it?Swear priests, and cowards, and men cautelous,Old feeble carrions, and such suffering soulsThat welcome wrongs; unto bad causes swearSuch creatures as men doubt: but do not stainThe even virtue of our enterprise,Nor th' insuppressive mettle of our spirits,To think that or our cause or our performanceDid need an oath; when every drop of bloodThat every Roman bears, and nobly bears,Is guilty of a several bastardy,If he do break the smallest particleOf any promise that hath pass'd from him.

CASSIUS.But what of Cicero? Shall we sound him?I think he will stand very strong with us.

CASCA.Let us not leave him out.

CINNA.No, by no means.

METELLUS.O, let us have him! for his silver hairsWill purchase us a good opinion,And buy men's voices to commend our deeds:It shall be said, his judgment ruled our hands;

BRUTUS.No, not an oath. If not the face of men,The suffering of our souls, the waste of time—If these motives are weak, let’s break it off now,And every man go away to his lazy rest,Let high−sighted tyranny range onUntil each man drops by chance. But if these events,As I’m sure they do, bear fire enoughTo kindle cowards, and to hardenThe melting spirits of women with valor, then,countrymen,What do we need any other motivation except our owncauseTo prod us to revenge? What other bondsThan secret Romans, that have spoken the word,And will not negotiate without honor? And what otheroathThan honesty to honesty promisedThat this promise shall be, or we will die for it?Swear priests and cowards, and deceitful men,Old feeble dead bodies and such suffering soulsThat welcome wrongs; swear to bad causes thatSuch creatures as men doubt, but don’t stainThe even goodness of our undertaking,or the unsuppressed character of our spirits,To think that our cause and our performanceNeed oaths, when every drop of bloodThat every Roman carries, and carries nobly,Is guilty of causing the birth of several bastards,If he breaks the smallest particleOf any promise that he has made.

CASSIUS.But what about Cicero? Shall we check him out?I think he’ll stand with us very strongly.

CASCA.Let’s not leave him out.

CINNA.No, by no means.

METELLUS.O, let’s have him! Because his silver hairsWill also give us a good opinion with the peopleAnd buy men's votes to commend our deeds.It shall be said that his judgment ruled our hands;Our youths and wildness won’t appear at all,But all be buried in his seriousness.

BRUTUS.

Act II 27

Our youths and wildness shall no whit appear,But all be buried in his gravity.

BRUTUS.O, name him not! let us not break with him;For he will never follow any thingThat other men begin.

CASSIUS.Then leave him out.

CASCA.Indeed, he is not fit.

DECIUS.Shall no man else be touch'd but only Caesar?

CASSIUS.Decius, well urged.−−I think it is not meet,Mark Antony, so well beloved of Caesar,Should outlive Caesar: we shall find of himA shrewd contriver; and you know his means,If he improve them, may well stretch so farAs to annoy us all: which to prevent,Let Antony and Caesar fall together.

BRUTUS.Our course will seem too bloody, Caius Cassius,To cut the head off, and then hack the limbs,Like wrath in death, and envy afterwards;For Antony is but a limb of Caesar.Let us be sacrificers, but not butchers, Caius.We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar;And in the spirit of men there is no blood:O, that we then could come by Caesar's spirit,And not dismember Caesar! But, alas,Caesar must bleed for it! And, gentle friends,Let's kill him boldly, but not wrathfully;Let's carve him as a dish fit for the gods,Not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds;And let our hearts, as subtle masters do,Stir up their servants to an act of rage,And after seem to chide 'em. This shall markOur purpose necessary, and not envious;Which so appearing to the common eyes,We shall be call'd purgers, not murderers.And for Mark Antony, think not of him;For he can do no more than Caesar's armWhen Caesar's head is off.

O, don’t ask him! Let’s not break with him,Because he’ll never follow anythingThat other men begin.

CASSIUS.Then leave him out.

CASCA.Indeed, he’s not fit.

DECIUS.Shall any other man be killed besides Caesar?

CASSIUS.Decius, well asked.—I think it isn’t fair thatMark Antony, whom Caesar loves so well,Should outlive Caesar. We shall find that he isA shrewd schemer, and you know his ways.If he improves them, he may well stretch so farAs to annoy us all. To prevent this,Let Antony and Caesar die together.

BRUTUS.Our plan will seem too bloody, Caius Cassius,To cut off the head, and then hack off the arms and legs,Like anger in death and jealousy afterwards,Because Antony is but a limb of Caesar.Let’s be sacrificers, but not butchers, Caius.We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar,And, in the spirit of men, there is no blood.O, that we could come by Caesar's spirit thenAnd not dismember Caesar! But, alas,Caesar must bleed for it! And, gentle friends,Let's kill him boldly, but not angrily.Let's carve him as a dish fit for the gods,Not chop him into pieces as a carcass fit for hounds;And let our hearts, as subtle gentlemen do,Stir up their servants to an act of rage,And after seem to scold them. This shall labelOur purpose as necessary and not jealous,Which appearing to be respectful to common eyes,We shall be called purgers, not murderers.And for Mark Antony, don’t think abut him,Because he can do no more than Caesar's arm can doWhen Caesar's head is cut off.

CASSIUS.I still fear him,Because in the acquired love he bears to Caesar—

Act II 28

CASSIUS.Yet I do fear him;For in th' ingrafted love he bears to Caesar−−

BRUTUS.Alas, good Cassius, do not think of him:If he love Caesar, all that he can doIs to himself,−−take thought and die for Caesar.And that were much he should; for he is givenTo sports, to wildness, and much company.

TREBONIUS.There is no fear in him; let him not die;For he will live, and laugh at this hereafter.

[Clock strikes.]

BRUTUS.Peace! count the clock.

CASSIUS.The clock hath stricken three.

TREBONIUS.'Tis time to part.

CASSIUS.But it is doubtful yetWhether Caesar will come forth today or no;For he is superstitious grown of late,Quite from the main opinion he held onceOf fantasy, of dreams, and ceremonies.It may be these apparent prodigies,The unaccustom'd terror of this night,And the persuasion of his augurersMay hold him from the Capitol to−day.

DECIUS.Never fear that: if he be so resolved,I can o'ersway him, for he loves to hearThat unicorns may be betray'd with trees,And bears with glasses, elephants with holes,Lions with toils, and men with flatterers:But when I tell him he hates flatterers,He says he does, being then most flattered.Let me work;For I can give his humor the true bent,And I will bring him to the Capitol.

CASSIUS.

BRUTUS.Alas, good Cassius, don’t think of him.If he loves Caesar, all that he can doIs what he can do to himself — think and die for Caesar.And that’s as much he should do, because he’s givenTo sports, to wildness, and to having a lot of company.

TREBONIUS.There nothing to fear from him. Don’t let him die,Because he’ll live, and laugh at this dead later.

[Clock strikes.]

BRUTUS.Quiet! Listen to the clock.

CASSIUS.The clock has struck three.

TREBONIUS.It’s time to leave.

CASSIUS.But it is still doubtfulWhether Caesar will come out today or not,Because he’s grown superstitious lately,Quite a distance from the main opinion he once heldAbout fantasy, dreams, and ceremonies.It may be these apparent signs,The unaccustomed weather of this night,And persuasion of his men who tell the futureMay keep him from the Capitol today.

DECIUS.Don’t be afraid of that. If he decides not to come,I can change his mind, because he loves to hearThat unicorns may be betrayed with trees,And bears with glasses, elephants with holes,Lions with toils, and men with flatterers.But when I tell him he hates flatterers,He says he does, being then most flattered.I’ll work on this,Because I can give his state of mind true purpose,And I’ll bring him to the Capitol.

CASSIUS.No, we’ll all be there to go get him.

BRUTUS.By eight o’clock. Is that the latest?

Act II 29

Nay, we will all of us be there to fetch him.

BRUTUS.By the eighth hour: is that the uttermost?

CINNA.Be that the uttermost; and fail not then.

METELLUS.Caius Ligarius doth bear Caesar hard,Who rated him for speaking well of Pompey:I wonder none of you have thought of him.

BRUTUS.Now, good Metellus, go along by him:He loves me well, and I have given him reason;Send him but hither, and I'll fashion him.

CASSIUS.The morning comes upon 's. We'll leave you,Brutus;−−And, friends, disperse yourselves, but allrememberWhat you have said, and show yourselves trueRomans.

BRUTUS.Good gentlemen, look fresh and merrily;Let not our looks put on our purposes,But bear it as our Roman actors do,With untired spirits and formal constancy:And so, good morrow to you every one.−−

[Exeunt all but Brutus.]

Boy! Lucius!−−Fast asleep? It is no matter;Enjoy the honey−heavy dew of slumber:Thou hast no figures nor no fantasies,Which busy care draws in the brains of men;Therefore thou sleep'st so sound.

[Enter Portia.]

PORTIA.Brutus, my lord!

BRUTUS.Portia, what mean you? wherefore rise you now?It is not for your health thus to commitYour weak condition to the raw−cold morning.

CINNA.Let that be the latest, and be on time.

METELLUS.Caius Ligarius doesn’t like Caesar,Who berated him for speaking well of Pompey.I wonder why none of you’ve thought about him.

BRUTUS.Now, good Metellus, go ask him.He likes me very well, and I have given him cause to;Just send him here, and I'll train him.

CASSIUS.The morning is coming. We'll leave you, Brutus;—And, friends, scatter yourselves, but all rememberWhat you’ve said, and show yourselves to be trueRomans.

BRUTUS.Good gentlemen, look fresh and merry.Don’t let our plan show in your faces,But carry it as our Roman actors do,With untired spirits and formal constancy.And so, good morning to every one of you.—

[Exit all but Brutus.]

Boy! Lucius!—Fast asleep? It’s not important;Enjoy your honey−sweet sleep.You haven’t got dreams or fantasiesWhich busy care draws in the brains of men.For that reason, you sleep so soundly.

[Enter Portia.]

PORTIA.Brutus, my lord!

BRUTUS.Portia, what are you doing? Why are you up now?It isn’t healthy to exposeYour weak condition to the raw−cold morning like this.

PORTIA.Not for you either. Brutus, you've stolen from my bedUnkindly. Last night, at supper,You suddenly arose, and walked about,Musing and sighing, with your arms crossed;And, when I asked you what the matter was,You stared at

Act II 30

PORTIA.Nor for yours neither. You've ungently, Brutus,Stole from my bed: and yesternight, at supper,You suddenly arose, and walk'd about,Musing and sighing, with your arms across;And, when I ask'd you what the matter was,You stared upon me with ungentle looks:I urged you further; then you scratch'd your head,And too impatiently stamp'd with your foot:Yet I insisted, yet you answer'd not;But, with an angry wafture of your hand,Gave sign for me to leave you. So I did;Fearing to strengthen that impatienceWhich seem'd too much enkindled; and withalHoping it was but an effect of humour,Which sometime hath his hour with every man.It will not let you eat, nor talk, nor sleep;And, could it work so much upon your shapeAs it hath much prevail'd on your condition,I should not know you, Brutus. Dear my lord,Make me acquainted with your cause of grief.

BRUTUS.I am not well in health, and that is all.

PORTIA.Brutus is wise, and, were he not in health,He would embrace the means to come by it.

BRUTUS.Why, so I do. Good Portia, go to bed.

PORTIA.Is Brutus sick? and is it physicalTo walk unbraced and suck up the humoursOf the dank morning? What, is Brutus sick,And will he steal out of his wholesome bedTo dare the vile contagion of the night,And tempt the rheumy and unpurged airTo add unto his sickness? No, my Brutus;You have some sick offense within your mind,Which, by the right and virtue of my place,I ought to know of: and, upon my knees,I charge you, by my once commended beauty,By all your vows of love, and that great vowWhich did incorporate and make us one,That you unfold to me, yourself, your half,Why you are heavy, and what men to−nightHave had resort to you; for here have beenSome six or seven, who did hide their faces

me with angry looks.I asked you again, then you scratched your head,And stamped your foot very impatiently.Still I insisted; still you didn’t answer,But, with an angry wave of your hand,You gave me a sign to leave you. So I did,Fearing that I might make you more impatientWhen you seemed already fired up, and besides,I was hoping it was just a bad mood,Which sometimes hits every man.It won’t let you eat, or talk, or sleep;And, if it could affect your face and bodySo much that it conquers your spirit,I shouldn’t know you, Brutus. My dear lord,Please tell me the cause of your grief.

BRUTUS.I’m not feeling well, and that’s all.

PORTIA.Brutus is wise, and, if he were not in good health,He would do something about it.

BRUTUS.Why, I do. Good Portia, go ahead to bed.

PORTIA.Is Brutus sick? And is it some kind of medicineTo walk undressed and inhale the vaporsOf a damp morning? What, is Brutus sick,And will he steal out of his wholesome bedTo challenge the evil diseases of the night,And tempt the thick and unclean airTo add to his sickness? No, my Brutus;You’ve got some sick worry on your mind,Which, by the right and virtue of my place,I ought to know of, and, on my knees,I order you, by my once commended beauty,By all your vows of love, and that marriage vowWhich joined us and made us one,That you tell me, yourself, your half of me,Why you’re so depressed, and what menHave come to you tonight, because there have beenSome six or seven here, who hid their facesEven from darkness.

BRUTUS.Don’t kneel, gentle Portia.

PORTIA.

Act II 31

Even from darkness.

BRUTUS.Kneel not, gentle Portia.

PORTIA.I should not need, if you were gentle Brutus.Within the bond of marriage, tell me, Brutus,Is it excepted I should know no secretsThat appertain to you? Am I yourselfBut, as it were, in sort or limitation,−−To keep with you at meals, comfort your bed,And talk to you sometimes? Dwell I but in thesuburbsOf your good pleasure? If it be no more,Portia is Brutus' harlot, not his wife.

BRUTUS.You are my true and honorable wife;As dear to me as are the ruddy dropsThat visit my sad heart.

PORTIA.If this were true, then should I know this secret.I grant I am a woman; but withalA woman that Lord Brutus took to wife:I grant I am a woman; but withalA woman well reputed, Cato's daughter.Think you I am no stronger than my sex,Being so father'd and so husbanded?Tell me your counsels, I will not disclose 'em.I have made strong proof of my constancy,Giving myself a voluntary woundHere in the thigh: can I bear that with patienceAnd not my husband's secrets?

BRUTUS.O ye gods,Render me worthy of this noble wife!

[Knocking within.]

Hark, hark, one knocks: Portia, go in awhile;And by and by thy bosom shall partakeThe secrets of my heart:All my engagements I will construe to thee,All the charactery of my sad brows.Leave me with haste.

[Exit Portia.]

I shouldn’t need to, if you were acting like gentle Brutus.Inside the bond of marriage, tell me, Brutus,Is my knowing secrets that appertain to youAn exception to our vows? Am I part of youBut, as it were, in sort or limitation,—To keep you company at meals, sleep in your bed,And talk to you sometimes? Do I only live outsideOf your good pleasure? If it’s no more than this,Then Portia is Brutus' whore, not his wife.

BRUTUS.You’re my true and honorable wife,As dear to me as are the red tearsThat visit my sad heart.

PORTIA.If this is true, then I should know this secret.I’ll grant you that I’m a woman, but I am, besides,A woman that Lord Brutus married.I’ll grant you that I’m a woman, but I am, besides,A woman of good reputation, Cato's daughter.Do you think that I’m no stronger than my sex,Being so fathered and so married?Tell me your secrets, I won’t reveal them.I have given you strong proof of my constancy,Giving myself a voluntary woundHere in the thigh. can I suffer that with patienceBut not my husband's secrets?

BRUTUS.O you gods,Make me worthy of this noble wife!

[Knocking inside.]

Listen, listen, someone is knocking. Portia, go in awhile,And by and by, your heart shall hearThe secrets of my heart.I’ll tell you all about my meetings,All the reasons for my sad brows.Leave me quickly.

[Exit Portia.]

—Lucius, who's knocking?

[Re−enter Lucius with Ligarius.]

LUCIUS.Here is a sick man that would speak with you.

Act II 32

−−Lucius, who's that knocks?

[Re−enter Lucius with Ligarius.]

LUCIUS.Here is a sick man that would speak with you.

BRUTUS.Caius Ligarius, that Metellus spake of.−−Boy, stand aside.−−Caius Ligarius,−−how?

LIGARIUS.Vouchsafe good−morrow from a feeble tongue.

BRUTUS.O, what a time have you chose out, brave Caius,To wear a kerchief! Would you were not sick!

LIGARIUS.I am not sick, if Brutus have in handAny exploit worthy the name of honour.

BRUTUS.Such an exploit have I in hand, Ligarius,Had you a healthful ear to hear of it.

LIGARIUS.By all the gods that Romans bow before,I here discard my sickness. Soul of Rome!Brave son, derived from honorable loins!Thou, like an exorcist, hast conjured upMy mortified spirit. Now bid me run,And I will strive with things impossible;Yea, get the better of them. What's to do?

BRUTUS.A piece of work that will make sick men whole.

LIGARIUS.But are not some whole that we must make sick?

BRUTUS.That must we also. What it is, my Caius,I shall unfold to thee, as we are going,To whom it must be done.

LIGARIUS.Set on your foot;And with a heart new−fired I follow you,To do I know not what: but it sufficeth

BRUTUS.Caius Ligarius, the one Metellus spoke of.—Boy, stand aside.—Caius Ligarius,—how are you?

LIGARIUS.Allow a good morning from a feeble tongue.

BRUTUS.O, what a time have you chosen to wear a kerchiefOut, brave Caius, I wish you weren’t sick!

LIGARIUS.I’m not sick, if Brutus have any exploitWorthy of the name of honor in hand.

BRUTUS.I have such an exploit in hand, Ligarius,That you would hear if you weren’t sick.

LIGARIUS.By all the gods that Romans bow before,I here discard my sickness. Soul of Rome!Brave son, fathered from honorable loins!You, like an exorcist, have brought my deadSpirit back to life. Tell me to run now,And I’ll do impossible things,Yes, and get the better of them. What needs to be done?

BRUTUS.A piece of work that will make sick men well again.

LIGARIUS.But aren’t some well that we must make sick?

BRUTUS.That we must do that also. What it is, my Caius,I’ll tellyou, as we are walking,As to whom it must be done.

LIGARIUS.Start walking,And I’ll follow you with a new, fired up heart,To do I don’t know what, but it’s enoughThat Brutus leads me on.

BRUTUS.Follow me then.

[Exit.]

Act II 33

That Brutus leads me on.

BRUTUS.Follow me then.

[Exeunt.]» Back to Section Index» Back to Table of Contents

Scene 2

A room in Caesar's palace.

[Thunder and lightning. Enter Caesar, inhis nightgown.]

CAESAR.Nor heaven nor earth have been at peacetonight:Thrice hath Calpurnia in her sleep criedout,"Help, ho! They murder Caesar!"−−Who'swithin?

[Enter a Servant.]

SERVANT.My lord?

CAESAR.Go bid the priests do present sacrifice,And bring me their opinions of success.

SERVANT.I will, my lord.

[Exit.]

[Enter Calpurnia.]

CALPURNIA.What mean you, Caesar? Think you towalk forth?You shall not stir out of your houseto−day.

CAESAR.Caesar shall forth: the things that threaten

A room in Caesar's palace.

[Thunder and lightning. Enter Caesar, in his nightgown.]

CAESAR.Neither heaven nor earth have been at peace tonight.Three times Calpurnia has cried out in her sleep,"Help, oh! They murder Caesar!"—Who's there?

[Enter a Servant.]

SERVANT.My lord?

CAESAR.Go tell the priests to do the sacrifice now,And bring me their opinions of success.

SERVANT.I will, my lord.

[Exit.]

[Enter Calpurnia.]

CALPURNIA.What do you mean, Caesar? Do you intend to walk outside?You shall not go out of your house today.

CAESAR.Caesar shall go out. The things that threaten meNever look on anything but my back; when they seeThe face of Caesar, they disappear.

CALPURNIA.Caesar, I never believed in omens,Yet now they frighten me. Besides the things that

Scene 2 34

meNe'er look but on my back; when theyshall seeThe face of Caesar, they are vanished.

CALPURNIA.Caesar, I never stood on ceremonies,Yet now they fright me. There is onewithin,Besides the things that we have heard andseen,Recounts most horrid sights seen by thewatch.A lioness hath whelped in the streets;And graves have yawn'd, and yielded uptheir dead;Fierce fiery warriors fight upon the clouds,In ranks and squadrons and right form ofwar,Which drizzled blood upon the Capitol;The noise of battle hurtled in the air,Horses did neigh, and dying men didgroan;And ghosts did shriek and squeal about thestreets.O Caesar,these things are beyond all use,And I do fear them!

CAESAR.What can be avoidedWhose end is purposed by the mightygods?Yet Caesar shall go forth; for thesepredictionsAre to the world in general as to Caesar.

CALPURNIA.When beggars die, there are no cometsseen;The heavens themselves blaze forth thedeath of princes.

CAESAR.Cowards die many times before theirdeaths;The valiant never taste of death but once.Of all the wonders that I yet have heard,It seems to me most strange that menshould fear;Seeing that death, a necessary end,

We have heard and seen, there is a man insideRecounting the most horrid sights seen by the guards.A lioness has given birth in the streets;And graves have opened up and given up their dead;Fierce fiery warriors fight on the clouds,In ranks and squadrons and right forms of war,Which drizzled blood on the Capitol;The noise of battle screaming into the air,Horses neighed, and dying men groaned;And ghosts shrieked andsquealed around the streets.O Caesar, these things are past all customs,And I’m afraid them!

CAESAR.What we avoidWhen the mighty gods dictate how things go?Still, Caesar shall go out, because these predictionsAre not only for Caesar but also for the world in general.

CALPURNIA.When beggars die, there are no comets seen in the sky.The heavens themselves mark the death of princes with fire.

CAESAR.Cowards die many times before their deaths;The valiant only taste of death once.Of all the wonders that I yet have heard,It seems most strange to me that men should fear death,Seeing that death, a necessary end,Will come when it will come.—

[Re−enter Servant.]

What say the fortune−tellers?

SERVANT.They say not to go out today.Looking at the guts of an offering,They couldn’t find a heart inside the beast.

CAESAR.The gods do this in shame of cowardice.Caesar should be a beast without a heart,If he stays at home today because he’s afraid.No, Caesar shall not. Danger knows full wellThat Caesar is more dangerous than he.We are two lions born on the same day,And I am older and more terrible;And Caesar shall go out.

Scene 2 35

Will come when it will come.−−

[Re−enter Servant.]

What say the augurers?

SERVANT.They would not have you to stir forthto−day.Plucking the entrails of an offering forth,They could not find a heart within thebeast.

CAESAR.The gods do this in shame of cowardice:Caesar should be a beast without a heart,If he should stay at home today for fear.No, Caesar shall not: danger knows fullwellThat Caesar is more dangerous than he:We are two lions litter'd in one day,And I the elder and more terrible;And Caesar shall go forth.

CALPURNIA.Alas, my lord,Your wisdom is consumed in confidence!Do not go forth to−day: call it my fearThat keeps you in the house, and not yourown.We'll send Mark Antony to theSenate−house,And he shall say you are not well to−day:Let me, upon my knee, prevail in this.

CAESAR.Mark Antony shall say I am not well,And, for thy humor, I will stay at home.

[Enter Decius.]

Here's Decius Brutus, he shall tell them so.

DECIUS.Caesar, all hail! Good morrow, worthyCaesar:I come to fetch you to the Senate−house.

CAESAR.And you are come in very happy time

CALPURNIA.Alas, my lord,Your wisdom is consumed in confidence!Don’t go out today. Call it my fearThat keeps you in the house, and not your own.We'll send MarkAntony to the Senate−house,And he shall say you’re not well today.Let me, on my knee, win this argument.

CAESAR.Mark Antony shall say I’m not well,And, to make you happy, I’ll stay home.

[Enter Decius.]

Here's Decius Brutus, he shall tell them so.

DECIUS.Caesar, all hail! Good morning, worthy Caesar.I come to go get you to the Senate−house.

CAESAR.And you’ve come at a very happy timeTo bear my greeting to the Senators,And tell them that I can’t come today.“Can’t” is false, and I don’t dare make a falser excuse.I’ll not come today. Tell them so, Decius.

CALPURNIA.Say he’s sick.

CAESAR.Shall Caesar send a lie?Have I fought so hard in battle,To be afraid to tell grey−beards the truth?—Decius, go tell them Caesar will not come.

DECIUS.Most mighty Caesar, let me know some reason,In case I’m laughed at when I tell them so.

CAESAR.The cause is my will; I’ll not come.That is enough to satisfy the Senate.But, for your private satisfaction,Because I love you, I’ll let you know.Calpurnia here, my wife, wants me to stay home.She dreamed tonight that she saw my statue,Which, like a fountain with an hundred spouts,Ran with pure blood, and many lusty Romans

Scene 2 36

To bear my greeting to the Senators,And tell them that I will not come to−day.Cannot, is false; and that I dare not, falser:I will not come to−day. Tell them so,Decius.

CALPURNIA.Say he is sick.

CAESAR.Shall Caesar send a lie?Have I in conquest stretch'd mine arm sofar,To be afeard to tell grey−beards thetruth?−−Decius, go tell them Caesar will not come.

DECIUS.Most mighty Caesar, let me know somecause,Lest I be laugh'd at when I tell them so.

CAESAR.The cause is in my will; I will not come:That is enough to satisfy the Senate.But, for your private satisfaction,Because I love you, I will let you know:Calpurnia here, my wife, stays me athome:She dreamt to−night she saw my statua,Which, like a fountain with an hundredspouts,Did run pure blood; and many lustyRomansCame smiling and did bathe their hands init:And these does she apply for warnings andportentsAnd evils imminent; and on her kneeHath begg'd that I will stay at hometo−day.

DECIUS.This dream is all amiss interpreted:It was a vision fair and fortunate.Your statue spouting blood in many pipes,In which so many smiling Romans bathed,Signifies that from you great Rome shallsuckReviving blood; and that great men shall

Came smiling and bathed their hands in it.And these sheinterprets for warnings and portentsAnd imminent evil, and on her knee,Has begged me to stay home today.

DECIUS.This dream is interpreted all wrong.It was a fair and fortunate vision.Your statue spouting blood in many pipes,In which so many smiling Romans bathed,Signifies that, from you, great Rome shall suckReviving blood, and that great men shall askFor tinctures, stains, relics, and recognition.This is what Calpurnia’s dream means.

CAESAR.And in this way, you have explained it very well.

DECIUS.I have, when you’ve heard what I can sayAnd you know it now. The Senate has concludedTo give a crown to mighty Caesar this day.If you send them word you’ll not come,They may change their minds. Besides, it’s might beInterpreted as silly, because someone says"Break up the Senate until another time,When Caesar's wife shall have better dreams."If Caesar hides himself, won’t they whisper"Lo, Caesar is afraid"?Pardon me, Caesar; because my dear, dear loveTo your advancement bids me tell you this;And reason is responsible to my love.

CAESAR.How foolish your fears seem now, Calpurnia!I’m ashamed that I gave in to them.Give me my robe, because I’ll go.

[Enter Publius, Brutus, Ligarius, Metellus, Casca,Trebonius, and Cinna.]

And look where Publius is coming to go get me.

PUBLIUS.Good morning, Caesar.

CAESAR.Welcome, Publius.—What, Brutus, are you up so early too?—Good morning, Casca.—Caius Ligarius,

Scene 2 37

pressFor tinctures, stains, relics, andcognizance.This by Calpurnia's dream is signified.

CAESAR.And this way have you well expounded it.

DECIUS.I have, when you have heard what I cansay;And know it now: The Senate haveconcludedTo give this day a crown to mighty Caesar.If you shall send them word you will notcome,Their minds may change. Besides, it werea mockApt to be render'd, for someone to say"Break up the Senate till another time,When Caesar's wife shall meet with betterdreams."If Caesar hide himself, shall they notwhisper"Lo, Caesar is afraid"?Pardon me, Caesar; for my dear dear loveTo your proceeding bids me tell you this;And reason to my love is liable.

CAESAR.How foolish do your fears seem now,Calpurnia!I am ashamed I did yield to them.Give me my robe, for I will go.

[Enter Publius, Brutus, Ligarius, Metellus,Casca,Trebonius, and Cinna.]

And look where Publius is come to fetchme.

PUBLIUS.Good morrow, Caesar.

CAESAR.Welcome, Publius.−−What, Brutus, are you stirr'd so earlytoo?−−Good morrow, Casca.−−Caius Ligarius,

Caesar was never so much your enemyAs he is enemy to that same illness which has made you lean.—What time is it?

BRUTUS.Caesar, it’s eight o'clock.

CAESAR.I thank you for your pains and courtesy.

[Enter Antony.]

See! Antony, that parties all through the night,Is, nonetheless up.—Good morning, Antony.

ANTONY.Good morning, most noble Caesar.

CAESAR.Ask them prepare inside.I’m to blame to be waited for like this.—Now, Cinna;—now, Metellus;—what, Trebonius!I have an hour−long speech in store for you.Remember that you call on me today;Be near me so that I may remember you.

TREBONIUS.Caesar, I will. [Aside.] and so near will I be,That your best friends shall wish I had been further away.

CAESAR.Good friends, go in, and taste some wine with me;And we, like friends, will go ahead together straightaway.

BRUTUS.[Aside.] That every “like” isn’t the same, O Caesar,That the heart of Brutus yearns to think about!

[Exit.]

Scene 2 38

Caesar was ne'er so much your enemyAs that same ague which hath made youlean.−−What is't o'clock?

BRUTUS.Caesar, 'tis strucken eight.

CAESAR.I thank you for your pains and courtesy.

[Enter Antony.]

See! Antony, that revels long o'nights,Is notwithstanding up.−−Good morrow,Antony.

ANTONY.So to most noble Caesar.

CAESAR.Bid them prepare within:I am to blame to be thus waited for.−−Now, Cinna;−−now, Metellus;−−what,Trebonius!I have an hour's talk in store for you:Remember that you call on me to−day;Be near me, that I may remember you.

TREBONIUS.Caesar, I will. [Aside.] and so near will Ibe,That your best friends shall wish I hadbeen further.

CAESAR.Good friends, go in, and taste some winewith me;And we, like friends, will straightway gotogether.

BRUTUS.[Aside.] That every like is not the same, OCaesar,The heart of Brutus yearns to think upon!

[Exeunt.]» Back to Section Index» Back to Table of Contents

Scene 2 39

Scene 3

A street near the Capitol.

[Enter Artemidorus, reading paper.]

ARTEMIDORUS."Caesar, beware of Brutus; take heed of Cassius;comenot near Casca; have an eye to Cinna; trust notTrebonius; markwell Metellus Cimber; Decius Brutus loves theenot; thou hastwrong'd Caius Ligarius. There is but one mind inall these men,and it is bent against Caesar. If thou be'st notimmortal, lookabout you: security gives way to conspiracy. Themighty godsdefend thee!Thy lover, Artemidorus."Here will I stand till Caesar pass along,And as a suitor will I give him this.My heart laments that virtue cannot liveOut of the teeth of emulation.−−If thou read this, O Caesar, thou mayest live;If not, the Fates with traitors do contrive.

[Exit.]

A street near the Capitol.

[Enter Artemidorus, reading paper.]

ARTEMIDORUS."Caesar, beware of Brutus; be careful of Cassius; don’tcomenear Casca; watch Cinna; don’t trust Trebonius; payattention toMetellus Cimber; Decius Brutus doesn’t love you;you’vesinned against Caius Ligarius. There is only one mind inall these men,and it is bent against Caesar. If you’re not immortal,lookaround you. Security gives way to conspiracy. Themighty godsdefend you!Your lover, Artemidorus."Here I’ll stand here until Caesar passes along,And as a petitioner, I will give him this note.My heart is sad that virtue can’t liveOut of the teeth of emulation.—If you read this, O Caesar, you may live;If not, the Fates are working against you.

[Exit.]» Back to Section Index» Back to Table of Contents

Scene 4

Another part of the same street, before the house ofBrutus.

[Enter Portia and Lucius.]

PORTIA.I pr'ythee, boy, run to the Senate−house;Stay not to answer me, but get thee gone.Why dost thou stay?

LUCIUS.To know my errand, madam.

Another part of the same street, before the house ofBrutus.

[Enter Portia and Lucius.]

PORTIA.Boy, run to the Senate−house;Don’t wait to answer me, but get going.What are you waiting for?

LUCIUS.To know what my errand is, madam.

Scene 3 40

PORTIA.I would have had thee there, and here again,Ere I can tell thee what thou shouldst do there.−−[Aside.] O constancy, be strong upon my side!Set a huge mountain 'tween my heart and tongue!I have a man's mind, but a woman's might.How hard it is for women to keep counsel!−−Art thou here yet?

LUCIUS.Madam, what should I do?Run to the Capitol, and nothing else?And so return to you, and nothing else?

PORTIA.Yes, bring me word, boy, if thy lord look well,For he went sickly forth: and take good noteWhat Caesar doth, what suitors press to him.Hark, boy! what noise is that?

LUCIUS.I hear none, madam.

PORTIA.Pr'ythee, listen well:I heard a bustling rumour, like a fray,And the wind brings it from the Capitol.

LUCIUS.Sooth, madam, I hear nothing.

[Enter Artemidorus.]

PORTIA.Come hither, fellow:Which way hast thou been?

ARTEMIDORUS.At mine own house, good lady.

PORTIA.What is't o'clock?

ARTEMIDORUS.About the ninth hour, lady.

PORTIA.Is Caesar yet gone to the Capitol?

ARTEMIDORUS.

PORTIA.I would have rather had you there, and back here again,Before I can tell you what you should do there.—[Aside.] O constancy, be strong on my side!Set a huge mountain between my heart and tongue!I have a man's mind, but a woman's might.How hard it is for women to keep counsel!—Are you still here?

LUCIUS.Madam, what should I do?Run to the Capitol, and nothing else?And so return to you, and nothing else?

PORTIA.Yes, bring me word, boy, if your lord looks well,Because he was sick when he went out. And take goodnoteOf what Caesar does, what suitors offer him theirpetitions.Listen, boy! What is that noise?

LUCIUS.I didn’t hear anything, madam.

PORTIA.Please, listen well.I heard a bustling rumor, like a riot,And the wind brings it from the Capitol.

LUCIUS.Really, madam, I hear nothing.

[Enter Artemidorus.]

PORTIA.Come here, fellow.Where have you been?

ARTEMIDORUS.At mine own house, good lady.

PORTIA.What time is it?

ARTEMIDORUS.Almost nine o’clock, lady.

PORTIA.Has Caesar gone to the Capitol?

Scene 3 41

Madam, not yet: I go to take my standTo see him pass on to the Capitol.

PORTIA.Thou hast some suit to Caesar, hast thou not?

ARTEMIDORUS.That I have, lady: if it will please CaesarTo be so good to Caesar as to hear me,I shall beseech him to befriend himself.

PORTIA.Why, know'st thou any harm's intended towardshim?

ARTEMIDORUS.None that I know will be, much that I fear maychance.Good morrow to you.−−Here the street is narrow:The throng that follows Caesar at the heels,Of Senators, of Praetors, common suitors,Will crowd a feeble man almost to death:I'll get me to a place more void, and thereSpeak to great Caesar as he comes along.

[Exit.]

PORTIA.I must go in.−−[Aside.] Ah me, how weak a thingThe heart of woman is!−−O Brutus,The heavens speed thee in thine enterprise!−−Sure, the boy heard me.−−Brutus hath a suitThat Caesar will not grant.−−O, I grow faint.−−Run, Lucius, and commend me to my lord;Say I am merry: come to me again,And bring me word what he doth say to thee.

[Exeunt.]

ARTEMIDORUS.Madam, not yet. I’m going ahead to get my spotTo see him pass on his way to the Capitol.

PORTIA.You’ve got some petition to Caesar, haven’t you?

ARTEMIDORUS.That I have, lady. If it will please CaesarTo be so good to Caesar as to hear what I have to say,I shall beg him to take care of himself.

PORTIA.Why, do you know if any harm's intended towards him?

ARTEMIDORUS.None that I know definitely, but I’m very afraid there’s achance.Good morning to you.—Here the street is narrow.The throng that follows Caesar at his heels,Of Senators, of Praetors, common suitors,Will crowd a feeble man almost to death.I'll get me to a place with more space, and thereSpeak to great Caesar as he comes along.

[Exit.]

PORTIA.I must go in.—[Aside.] Ah me, how weak a thingThe heart of woman is!—O Brutus,The heavens speed you in your undertaking!—I’m surethe boy heard me.—Brutus has a petitionThat Caesar will not grant.—O, I feel faint.—Run, Lucius, and commend me to my lord;Say I’m merry. Come back to me again,And bring me word about what he says to you.

[Exit.]» Back to Section Index» Back to Table of Contents

Act III

Scene 11. Scene 22. Scene 33.

Act III 42

Scene 1

Rome. Before the Capitol; the Senate sitting.

[A crowd of people in the street leading to the Capitol,amongthem Artemidorus and the Soothsayer. Flourish. EnterCaesar,Brutus, Cassius, Casca, Decius, Metellus, Trebonius, Cinna,Antony, Lepidus, Popilius, Publius, and others.]

CAESAR.The Ides of March are come.

SOOTHSAYER.Ay, Caesar; but not gone.

ARTEMIDORUS.Hail, Caesar! read this schedule.

DECIUS.Trebonius doth desire you to o'er−read,At your best leisure, this his humble suit.

ARTEMIDORUS.O Caesar, read mine first; for mine's a suitThat touches Caesar nearer: read it, great Caesar.

CAESAR.What touches us ourself shall be last served.

ARTEMIDORUS.Delay not, Caesar; read it instantly.

CAESAR.What, is the fellow mad?

PUBLIUS.Sirrah, give place.

CASSIUS.What, urge you your petitions in the street?Come to the Capitol.

[Caesar enters the Capitol, the rest following. All theSenatorsrise.]

POPILIUS.

Rome. Before the Capitol; the Senate sitting.

[A crowd of people in the street leading to theCapitol, amongthem Artemidorus and the Soothsayer.Flourish. Enter Caesar,Brutus, Cassius, Casca, Decius, Metellus,Trebonius, Cinna,Antony, Lepidus, Popilius, Publius, andothers.]

CAESAR.The Ides of March are here.

SOOTHSAYER.Yes, Caesar, but not gone.

ARTEMIDORUS.Hail, Caesar! Read this petition.

DECIUS.Trebonius wants you to read thisHumble suit at your leisure.

ARTEMIDORUS.O Caesar, read mine first, because mine's a suitThat touches Caesar nearer. Read it, greatCaesar.

CAESAR.What concerns ourselves shall be the last thingconsidered.

ARTEMIDORUS.Don’t delay, Caesar; read it instantly.

CAESAR.What, is the fellow mad?

PUBLIUS.Servant, get away.

CASSIUS.What, do you present your petitions in thestreet?Come to the Capitol.

Scene 1 43

I wish your enterprise to−day may thrive.

CASSIUS.What enterprise, Popilius?

POPILIUS.Fare you well.Advances to Caesar.

BRUTUS.What said Popilius Lena?

CASSIUS.He wish'd to−day our enterprise might thrive.I fear our purpose is discovered.

BRUTUS.Look, how he makes to Caesar: mark him.

CASSIUS.Casca, be sudden, for we fear prevention.−−Brutus, what shall be done? If this be known,Cassius or Caesar never shall turn back,For I will slay myself.

BRUTUS.Cassius, be constant:Popilius Lena speaks not of our purposes;For, look, he smiles, and Caesar doth not change.

CASSIUS.Trebonius knows his time, for, look you, Brutus,He draws Mark Antony out of the way.

[Exeunt Antony and Trebonius. Caesar and the Senators taketheirseats.]

DECIUS.Where is Metellus Cimber? Let him go,And presently prefer his suit to Caesar.

BRUTUS.He is address'd; press near and second him.

CINNA.Casca, you are the first that rears your hand.

CASCA.Are we all ready?

[Caesar enters the Capitol, the rest following.All the Senatorsrise.]

POPILIUS.I wish your undertaking today may thrive.

CASSIUS.What undertaking, Popilius?

POPILIUS.Goodbye.Greetings to Caesar.

BRUTUS.What did Popilius Lena say?

CASSIUS.He wished that our undertaking today mightthrive.I’m afraid our plan has been discovered.

BRUTUS.Look, how he gets Caesar’s attention. Watchhim.

CASSIUS.Casca, do it quickly, because we’re afraidwe’ll be stopped.—Brutus, what’s going to be done? If this isknown,Cassius or Caesar shall never turn back,Because I’ll kill myself.

BRUTUS.Cassius, stop worrying.Popilius Lena doesn’t speak about our plan,Because, look, he smiles, and Caesar doesn’tnotice anything.

CASSIUS.Trebonius when to act, because, look, Brutus,He’s taking Mark Antony out of the way.

[Exit Antony and Trebonius. Caesar and theSenators take theirseats.]

DECIUS.Where is Metellus Cimber? Let him come,

Scene 1 44

CAESAR.What is now amissThat Caesar and his Senate must redress?

METELLUS.Most high, most mighty, and most puissant Caesar,Metellus Cimber throws before thy seatAn humble heart.

[Kneeling.]

CAESAR.I must prevent thee, Cimber.These couchings and these lowly courtesiesMight fire the blood of ordinary men,And turn pre−ordinance and first decreeInto the law of children. Be not fond,To think that Caesar bears such rebel bloodThat will be thaw'd from the true qualityWith that which melteth fools; I mean, sweet words,Low−crooked curtsies, and base spaniel−fawning.Thy brother by decree is banished:If thou dost bend, and pray, and fawn for him,I spurn thee like a cur out of my way.

METELLUS.Caesar, thou dost me wrong.

CAESAR.Caesar did never wrong but with just cause,Nor without cause will he be satisfied.

METELLUS.Is there no voice more worthy than my own,To sound more sweetly in great Caesar's earFor the repealing of my banish'd brother?

BRUTUS.I kiss thy hand, but not in flattery, Caesar;Desiring thee that Publius Cimber mayHave an immediate freedom of repeal.

CAESAR.What, Brutus?

CASSIUS.Pardon, Caesar; Caesar, pardon:As low as to thy foot doth Cassius fall,To beg enfranchisement for Publius Cimber.

And now tell Caesar what it is that he wants.

BRUTUS.He’s ready; get closer and back him up.

CINNA.Casca, you’re the first one to strike.

CASCA.Are we all ready?

CAESAR.What’s the problemThat Caesar and his Senate must fix?

METELLUS.Most high, most mighty, and most powerfulCaesar,Metellus Cimber falls before youMost humbly.

[Kneeling.]

CAESAR.I must stop you, Cimber.These lying down and these lowly courtesiesMight move ordinary men,And turn previous laws and the first decreeInto the laws of children. Don’t be so silly asTo think that Caesar has such rebel bloodThat will be changed byThe same things that change fools; I mean,sweet words,Low, crooked curtsies, and playing up to melike a puppy.Your brother is banished by decree.If you do bend, and pray, and play up to me forhim,I reject you out of my way like a stray dog.

METELLUS.Caesar, you’re wrong.

CAESAR.Caesar has never been wrong, only with goodreason,And he will not be satisfied without goodreason.

METELLUS.

Scene 1 45

CAESAR.I could be well moved, if I were as you;If I could pray to move, prayers would move me:But I am constant as the northern star,Of whose true−fix'd and resting qualityThere is no fellow in the firmament.The skies are painted with unnumber'd sparks,They are all fire, and every one doth shine;But there's but one in all doth hold his place:So in the world; 'tis furnish'd well with men,And men are flesh and blood, and apprehensive;Yet in the number I do know but oneThat unassailable holds on his rank,Unshaked of motion: and that I am he,Let me a little show it, even in this,−−That I was constant Cimber should be banish'd,And constant do remain to keep him so.

CINNA.O Caesar,−−

CAESAR.Hence! wilt thou lift up Olympus?

DECIUS.Great Caesar,−−

CAESAR.Doth not Brutus bootless kneel?

CASCA.Speak, hands, for me!

[Casca stabs Caesar in the neck. Caesar catches hold of hisarm.He is then stabbed by several other Conspirators, and at lastbyMarcus Brutus.]

CAESAR.Et tu, Brute?−− Then fall, Caesar!

[Dies. The Senators and People retire in confusion.]

CINNA.Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!−−Run hence, proclaim, cry it about the streets.

CASSIUS.Some to the common pulpits and cry out,

Is there any voice more worthy than mineTo speak more sweetly into great Caesar's earTo ask for a repeal of my banished brother’ssentence?

BRUTUS.I kiss your hand but not in flattery, Caesar.I ask you for an immediate repeal forPublius Cimber.

CAESAR.What, Brutus?

CASSIUS.Pardon, Caesar; Caesar, pardon.Cassius falls as low as your foot,To beg freedom for Publius Cimber.

CAESAR.I could be persuaded, if I were like you;If I could pray to be persuaded, prayers wouldpersuade me.But I’m constant as the north star,Whose true−fixed and resting qualityIs unequalled in the sky.The skies are painted with an infinite numberof stars,They’re all fire, and every one shines;But there's only one north star.It’s the same in the world; it has many men,And men are flesh and blood, and fearful;Yet in that number, I only know oneThat holds on his rank not open to attack,Unshaken by persuasion. And I’m that man.Let me show it a little, even in this,—That I was resolved that Cimber should bebanished,And remain resolved to keep him so.

CINNA.O Caesar,—

CAESAR.Go away! Will you move the mountain of thegods?

DECIUS.Great Caesar,—

CAESAR.

Scene 1 46

"Liberty, freedom, and enfranchisement!"

BRUTUS.People and Senators, be not affrighted;Fly not; stand still; ambition's debt is paid.

CASCA.Go to the pulpit, Brutus.

DECIUS.And Cassius too.

BRUTUS.Where's Publius?

CINNA.Here, quite confounded with this mutiny.

METELLUS.Stand fast together, lest some friend of Caesar'sShould chance−−

BRUTUS.Talk not of standing.−−Publius, good cheer!There is no harm intended to your person,Nor to no Roman else: so tell them, Publius.

CASSIUS.And leave us, Publius; lest that the peopleRushing on us, should do your age some mischief.

BRUTUS.Do so;−−and let no man abide this deedBut we the doers.

[Re−enter Trebonius.]

CASSIUS.Where's Antony?

TREBONIUS.Fled to his house amazed.Men, wives, and children stare, cry out, and run,As it were doomsday.

BRUTUS.Fates, we will know your pleasures:That we shall die, we know; 'tis but the timeAnd drawing days out, that men stand upon.

Doesn’t Brutus kneel without success?

CASCA.Speak, hands, for me!

[Casca stabs Caesar in the neck. Caesarcatches hold of his arm.He is then stabbed by several otherConspirators and at last byMarcus Brutus.]

CAESAR.You too, Brutus?— Then fall, Caesar!

[Dies. The Senators and People retire inconfusion.]

CINNA.Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!—Run away, proclaim, cry it about the streets.

CASSIUS.Some of you go to the common people in thesquaresAnd cry out, "Liberty, freedom, andliberation!"

BRUTUS.People and Senators, don’t be afraid;Don’t flee; stand still; ambition has paid itsdebt.

CASCA.Go ahead to the square, Brutus.

DECIUS.And Cassius too.

BRUTUS.Where's Publius?

CINNA.Here, quite confused by this mutiny.

METELLUS.Stand together solidly, for fear that somefriend of Caesar'sShould happen —

BRUTUS.

Scene 1 47

CASCA.Why, he that cuts off twenty years of lifeCuts off so many years of fearing death.

BRUTUS.Grant that, and then is death a benefit:So are we Caesar's friends, that have abridgedHis time of fearing death.−−Stoop, Romans, stoop,And let us bathe our hands in Caesar's bloodUp to the elbows, and besmear our swords:Then walk we forth, even to the market−place,And waving our red weapons o'er our heads,Let's all cry, "Peace, freedom, and liberty!"

CASSIUS.Stoop then, and wash. How many ages henceShall this our lofty scene be acted o'erIn States unborn and accents yet unknown!

BRUTUS.How many times shall Caesar bleed in sport,That now on Pompey's basis lies alongNo worthier than the dust!

CASSIUS.So oft as that shall be,So often shall the knot of us be call'dThe men that gave their country liberty.

DECIUS.What, shall we forth?

CASSIUS.Ay, every man away:Brutus shall lead; and we will grace his heelsWith the most boldest and best hearts of Rome.

BRUTUS.Soft, who comes here?

[Enter a Servant.]

A friend of Antony's.

SERVANT.Thus, Brutus, did my master bid me kneel;Thus did Mark Antony bid me fall down;And, being prostrate, thus he bade me say:Brutus is noble, wise, valiant, and honest;Caesar was mighty, bold, royal, and loving;

Don’t talk about standing.—Publius, goodcheer!We don’t intend to harm you,Or any other Roman. Tell them so, Publius.

CASSIUS.And leave us, Publius for fear that the peopleWill attack us, doing some mischief to yourold body.

BRUTUS.Do so;— and let no man pay for this deedBut we who did it.

[Re−enter Trebonius.]

CASSIUS.Where's Antony?

TREBONIUS.Fled to his house amazed.Men, wives, and children stare, cry out, andrun,As it were doomsday.

BRUTUS.Destiny, tell us what comes next.We know we shall die, we know; it’s only timeAnd drawing days out that men live on.

CASCA.Why, he that spends twenty years fearing deathCuts twenty years off his life.

BRUTUS.I agree, and then is death a benefit.So do we, Caesar's friends, that have cutHis time of fearing death.— Bend, Romans,bend,And let’s wash our hands in Caesar's bloodUp to the elbows, and smear our swords withit.Then we will walk out, even to themarket−place,And waving our red weapons over our heads,Let's all cry, "Peace, freedom, and liberty!"

CASSIUS.Bend then, and wash. How often will our deedBe acted over and over for future generations

Scene 1 48

Say I love Brutus and I honor him;Say I fear'd Caesar, honour'd him, and loved him.If Brutus will vouchsafe that AntonyMay safely come to him, and be resolvedHow Caesar hath deserved to lie in death,Mark Antony shall not love Caesar deadSo well as Brutus living; but will followThe fortunes and affairs of noble BrutusThorough the hazards of this untrod stateWith all true faith. So says my master Antony.

BRUTUS.Thy master is a wise and valiant Roman;I never thought him worse.Tell him, so please him come unto this place,He shall be satisfied and, by my honour,Depart untouch'd.

SERVANT.I'll fetch him presently.

[Exit.]

BRUTUS.I know that we shall have him well to friend.

CASSIUS.I wish we may: but yet have I a mindThat fears him much; and my misgiving stillFalls shrewdly to the purpose.

BRUTUS.But here comes Antony.−−

[Re−enter Antony.]

Welcome, Mark Antony.

ANTONY.O mighty Caesar! Dost thou lie so low?Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,Shrunk to this little measure? Fare thee well.−−I know not, gentlemen, what you intend,Who else must be let blood, who else is rank:If I myself, there is no hour so fitAs Caesar's death−hour, nor no instrumentOf half that worth as those your swords, made richWith the most noble blood of all this world.I do beseech ye, if you bear me hard,Now, whilst your purpled hands do reek and smoke,

In States and languages yet unknown!

BRUTUS.How many times will Caesar bleed inamusement,That lies now next to Pompey's statue,No worthier than the dust!

CASSIUS.So often as that shall be,So often shall the group of us be calledThe men that gave their country liberty.

DECIUS.What, shall we go?

CASSIUS.Yes, every man away.Brutus shall lead, and we will follow himWith the most boldest and best hearts ofRome.

BRUTUS.Wait, who’s coming here?

[Enter a Servant.]

A friend of Antony's.

SERVANT.Like this, Brutus, my master told me to kneel;Like this, Antony told me to fall down;And, being stretched out, on my face, he askedme say,like this: Brutus is noble, wise, valiant, andhonest;Caesar was mighty, bold, royal, and loving;Say I love Brutus and I honor him;Say I’m afraid of Caesar, honored him, andloved him.If Brutus will guarantee that AntonyMay safely come to him and is ready to tellHow Caesar deserved to die,Mark Antony shall love Brutus livingBetter than Caesar dead, and will followThe fortunes and affairs of noble Brutus withall true faithThorough the hazards of this unconqueredstate.That is what my master Antony says.

Scene 1 49

Fulfill your pleasure. Live a thousand years,I shall not find myself so apt to die:No place will please me so, no means of death,As here by Caesar, and by you cut off,The choice and master spirits of this age.

BRUTUS.O Antony, beg not your death of us!Though now we must appear bloody and cruel,As, by our hands and this our present actYou see we do; yet see you but our handsAnd this the bleeding business they have done:Our hearts you see not; they are pitiful;And pity to the general wrong of Rome−−As fire drives out fire, so pity pity−−Hath done this deed on Caesar. For your part,To you our swords have leaden points, Mark Antony;Our arms in strength of amity, and our heartsOf brothers' temper, do receive you inWith all kind love, good thoughts, and reverence.

CASSIUS.Your voice shall be as strong as any man'sIn the disposing of new dignities.

BRUTUS.Only be patient till we have appeasedThe multitude, beside themselves with fear,And then we will deliver you the causeWhy I, that did love Caesar when I struck him,Have thus proceeded.

ANTONY.I doubt not of your wisdom.Let each man render me his bloody hand:First, Marcus Brutus, will I shake with you;−−Next, Caius Cassius, do I take your hand;−−Now, Decius Brutus, yours;−−now yours, Metellus;−−Yours, Cinna;−−and, my valiant Casca, yours;−−Though last, not least in love, yours, good Trebonius.Gentlemen all−−alas, what shall I say?My credit now stands on such slippery ground,That one of two bad ways you must conceit me,Either a coward or a flatterer.−−That I did love thee, Caesar, O, 'tis true:If then thy spirit look upon us now,Shall it not grieve thee dearer than thy deathTo see thy Antony making his peace,Shaking the bloody fingers of thy foes,−−Most noble!−−in the presence of thy corse?

BRUTUS.Your master is a wise and valiant Roman;I always thought so.Tell him, if it pleases him come to this place,He shall get an explanation and, by my honor,Leave here safely.

SERVANT.I'll go get him now.

[Exit.]

BRUTUS.I know that we shall have him as a friend.

CASSIUS.I hope that we may, but my heart is stillVery much afraid of him, and my gut feeling isthatHe cannot be trusted.

BRUTUS.But here comes Antony.—

[Re−enter Antony.]

Welcome, Mark Antony.

ANTONY.O mighty Caesar! Do you lie so low?Do all your conquests, glories, triumphs,spoils,Boil down to this? Goodbye.—I don’t know, gentlemen, what you intend,Who else must be killed, who else is corrupt.If I’m going be killed, there is no time likeCaesar's death−hour, or any instrumentHalf as worthy as your swords, decoratedrichlyWith the most noble blood in this whole world.Please, if you hate me, kill me nowWhile your purpled hands smeared with freshblood.Live a thousand years, andI won’t find myself so eager to die.No place will please me so much, no means ofdeath,As to be killed here by Caesar, and killed byyou,The choice and master spirits of this age.

Scene 1 50

Had I as many eyes as thou hast wounds,Weeping as fast as they stream forth thy blood,It would become me better than to closeIn terms of friendship with thine enemies.Pardon me, Julius! Here wast thou bay'd, brave hart;Here didst thou fall; and here thy hunters stand,Sign'd in thy spoil, and crimson'd in thy death.−−O world, thou wast the forest to this hart;And this, indeed, O world, the heart of thee.−−How like a deer strucken by many princes,Dost thou here lie!

CASSIUS.Mark Antony,−−

ANTONY.Pardon me, Caius Cassius:The enemies of Caesar shall say this;Then, in a friend, it is cold modesty.

CASSIUS.I blame you not for praising Caesar so;But what compact mean you to have with us?Will you be prick'd in number of our friends,Or shall we on, and not depend on you?

ANTONY.Therefore I took your hands; but was indeedSway'd from the point, by looking down on Caesar.Friends am I with you all, and love you all,Upon this hope, that you shall give me reasonsWhy and wherein Caesar was dangerous.

BRUTUS.Or else were this a savage spectacle:Our reasons are so full of good regardThat were you, Antony, the son of Caesar,You should be satisfied.

ANTONY.That's all I seek:And am moreover suitor that I mayProduce his body to the market−place;And in the pulpit, as becomes a friend,Speak in the order of his funeral.

BRUTUS.You shall, Mark Antony.

CASSIUS.

BRUTUS.O Antony, don’t beg your death from us!Although we must appear bloody and cruelnow,As you can see by our hands and this recentdeed;Still you can only see our handsAnd this bleeding business they have done.You don’t see our hearts; they’re full of pity;Pity the general injury of Rome —As fire drives out fire, so pity drives out pity—Has done this deed on Caesar. For your part,Our swords have leaden points to you, MarkAntony;Our arms in strength of friendship, and ourheartsOf brotherly disposition, receive youWith all kind love, good thoughts, andreverence.

CASSIUS.Your voice shall be as strong as any man'sIn giving out the new honorable offices.

BRUTUS.Only be patient until we have pacifiedThe multitude, who are beside themselves withfear,And then we will tell you the reasonWhy I, that loved Caesar when I struck him,Have acted this way.

ANTONY.I don’t doubt your wisdom.Let each man give me his bloody hand.First, Marcus Brutus, I will shake with you;—Next, Caius Cassius, I take your hand;—Now, Decius Brutus, yours;—now yours,Metellus;—Yours, Cinna;—and, my valiant Casca,yours;—Though last, not least in love, yours, goodTrebonius.Gentlemen all—alas, what shall I say?My reputation now stands on such slipperyground,That you must think of me one of two badways,Either a coward or a flatterer.—

Scene 1 51

Brutus, a word with you.[Aside to Brutus.] You know not what you do; do not consentThat Antony speak in his funeral:Know you how much the people may be movedBy that which he will utter?

BRUTUS.[Aside to Cassius.] By your pardon:I will myself into the pulpit first,And show the reason of our Caesar's death:What Antony shall speak, I will protestHe speaks by leave and by permission;And that we are contented Caesar shallHave all true rights and lawful ceremonies.It shall advantage more than do us wrong.

CASSIUS.[Aside to Brutus.] I know not what may fall; I like it not.

BRUTUS.Mark Antony, here, take you Caesar's body.You shall not in your funeral speech blame us,But speak all good you can devise of Caesar;And say you do't by our permission;Else shall you not have any hand at allAbout his funeral: and you shall speakIn the same pulpit whereto I am going,After my speech is ended.

ANTONY.Be it so;I do desire no more.

BRUTUS.Prepare the body, then, and follow us.

[Exeunt all but Antony.]

ANTONY.O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth,That I am meek and gentle with these butchers!Thou art the ruins of the noblest manThat ever lived in the tide of times.Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood!Over thy wounds now do I prophesy,−−Which, like dumb mouths do ope their ruby lipsTo beg the voice and utterance of my tongue,−−A curse shall light upon the limbs of men;Domestic fury and fierce civil strifeShall cumber all the parts of Italy;

That I loved you, Caesar, O, it’s true.If then your spirit looks on us now,Won’t it hurt you more than your deathTo see your Antony making his peace,Shaking the bloody fingers of your foes,—Most noble!—in the presence of your corpse?If I had as many eyes as you’ve got wounds,Weeping as fast as they let your blood out,It would suit me better than to closeIn terms of friendship with your enemies.Pardon me, Julius! Here you were surrounded,brave deer;Here you fell, and here your hunters stand,Marked by your destruction, and turned red byyour death.—O world, you were the forest to this deer;And this, indeed, O world, the heart of you.—How much you look like a deer stricken bymany princes,Lying here!

CASSIUS.Mark Antony,—

ANTONY.Pardon me, Caius Cassius.The enemies ofCaesar shall say all this;Then, in a friend, it is cold shame.

CASSIUS.I don’t blame you for praising Caesar so;But what agreement do mean you to have withus?Will you be counted in the number of ourfriends,Or shall we go on and not depend on you?

ANTONY.I shook your hands for that reason; but I wasreallyDistracted from the point by looking down onCaesar.I am friends with you all, and love you all,On this hope, that you shall give me reasonsWhy and how Caesar was dangerous.

BRUTUS.Or else this was a savage spectacle.Our reasons are so full of good regardThat were you, Antony, the son of Caesar,

Scene 1 52

Blood and destruction shall be so in use,And dreadful objects so familiar,That mothers shall but smile when they beholdTheir infants quarter'd with the hands of war;All pity choked with custom of fell deeds:And Caesar's spirit, ranging for revenge,With Ate' by his side come hot from Hell,Shall in these confines with a monarch's voiceCry "Havoc!" and let slip the dogs of war,That this foul deed shall smell above the earthWith carrion men, groaning for burial.−−

[Enter a Servant].

You serve Octavius Caesar, do you not?

SERVANT.I do, Mark Antony.

ANTONY.Caesar did write for him to come to Rome.

SERVANT.He did receive his letters, and is coming;And bid me say to you by word of mouth,−−[Seeing the body.] O Caesar!−−

ANTONY.Thy heart is big, get thee apart and weep.Passion, I see, is catching; for mine eyes,Seeing those beads of sorrow stand in thine,Began to water. Is thy master coming?

SERVANT.He lies tonight within seven leagues of Rome.

ANTONY.Post back with speed, and tell him what hath chanced.Here is a mourning Rome, a dangerous Rome,No Rome of safety for Octavius yet;Hie hence, and tell him so. Yet stay awhile;Thou shalt not back till I have borne this corseInto the market−place: there shall I try,In my oration, how the people takeThe cruel issue of these bloody men;According to the which thou shalt discourseTo young Octavius of the state of things.Lend me your hand.

[Exeunt with Caesar's body.]

You should be satisfied.

ANTONY.That's all I find.And I am, moreover, asking that I mayTake his body to the market place;And on the platform, as becomes a friend,Speak in the order of his funeral.

BRUTUS.You shall do it, Mark Antony.

CASSIUS.Brutus, a word with you.[Aside to Brutus.]You don’t know what you’re doing; don’tconsentThat Antony speak at his funeral.Do you know how much the people may beaffectedBy what he’ll say?

BRUTUS.[Aside to Cassius.]Please.I’ll go onto the platform first,And explain our Caesar's death.Whatever Antony shall speak, I’ll formerlydeclareThat he speaks with our permissionAnd that we are happy that Caesar shallHave all true rights and lawful ceremonies.It’ll be to our advantage more than doing usharm.

CASSIUS.[Aside to Brutus.]I don’t know what may happen; I don’t like it.

BRUTUS.Mark Antony, here, take Caesar's body.You shall not blame us in your funeral speech,But speak all the good that you can imagineabout Caesar;And say you do it by our permission;Or else you won’t have any part at allIn his funeral. And you shall speakAfter my speech is endedOn the same platform where I’m going to be.

Scene 1 53

ANTONY.OK;I don’t desire any more.

BRUTUS.Prepare the body, then, and follow us.

[Exit all but Antony.]

ANTONY.O, forgive me, you bleeding piece of earth,That I’m meek and gentle with these butchers!You’re the ruins of the noblest manThat ever lived in the tide of times.Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood!I now predict over your wounds now,—Which, like dumb mouths, open their ruby lipsTo ask the voice and action of my tongue,—A curse shall fall on the limbs ofmen;Domestic fury and fierce civil strifeShall break out in all the parts of Italy;Blood and destruction shall be so widespread,And dreadful objects so familiar,That mothers shall only smile when they seeTheir infants cut into pieces by the hands ofwar;All pity choked with usual practice of savagedeeds.And Caesar's spirit, raging for revenge,Coming hot from Hell with chief witch by hisside,Shall cry "Havoc!" in these regions, with amonarch's voiceAnd let the dogs of war loose,That this foul deed shall smell above the earthWith decaying men, groaning for burial.—

[Enter a Servant].

You serve Octavius Caesar, don’t you?

SERVANT.I do, Mark Antony.

ANTONY.Caesar wrote for him to come to Rome.

SERVANT.He received his letters, and is coming;And told me to say to you by word of

Scene 1 54

mouth,—[Seeing the body.] O Caesar!—

ANTONY.Your heart is big, go some place private andweep.Passion, I see, is catching; for my eyes,Seeing those beads of sorrow stand in yours,Began to tear. Is your master coming?

SERVANT.He lies tonight within twenty−one miles ofRome.

ANTONY.Get back to him quickly speed, and tell himwhat has happened.Here is a mourning Rome, a dangerous Rome,A Rome not safe for Octavius yet;Get going, and tell him so. Stay here for a bit;You shall not go back until I have carried thiscorpseInto the market place. There I shall test,In my speech, how the people takeThe cruelactions of these bloody men;Once I know that, you shall tellYoung Octavius the state of things.Lend me your hand.

[Exit with Caesar's body.]» Back to Section Index» Back to Table of Contents

Scene 2

The same. The Forum.

[Enter Brutus and Cassius, with a throng of Citizens.]

CITIZENS.We will be satisfied; let us be satisfied.

BRUTUS.Then follow me, and give me audience, friends.−−Cassius, go you into the other streetAnd part the numbers.−−Those that will hear me speak, let 'em stay here;Those that will follow Cassius, go with him;

The same. The Forum.

[Enter Brutus and Cassius, with a throng ofCitizens.]

CITIZENS.We will be satisfied; let’s be satisfied.

BRUTUS.Then follow me, and listen to me, friends.—Cassius, you go into the other streetAnd separate the crowd.—Those that will hear me speak, let them stay here;

Scene 2 55

And public reasons shall be renderedOf Caesar's death.

FIRST CITIZEN.I will hear Brutus speak.

SECOND CITIZEN.I will hear Cassius; and compare their reasons,When severally we hear them rendered.

[Exit Cassius, with some of the Citizens. Brutus goes into therostrum.]

THIRD CITIZEN.The noble Brutus is ascended: silence!

BRUTUS.Be patient till the last.Romans, countrymen, and lovers! Hear me for my cause; andbesilent, that you may hear: believe me for mine honour, andhaverespect to mine honor, that you may believe: censure me inyourwisdom; and awake your senses, that you may the betterjudge.If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar's,tohim I say that Brutus' love to Caesar was no less than his. Ifthen that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, thisismy answer,−−Not that I lov'd Caesar less, but that I lov'dRomemore. Had you rather Caesar were living, and die all slaves,thanthat Caesar were dead, to live all freemen? As Caesar lovedme, Iweep for him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he wasvaliant, I honour him; but, as he was ambitious, I slew him.There is tears for his love; joy for his fortune; honour for hisvalour; and death for his ambition. Who is here so base thatwould be a bondman? If any, speak; for him have I offended.Whois here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any, speak; forhimhave I offended. Who is here so vile that will not love hiscountry? If any, speak; for him have I offended. I pause for areply.

CITIZENS.

Those that will follow Cassius, go with him;And public reasons shall be givenAbout Caesar's death.

FIRST CITIZEN.I’ll hear Brutus speak.

SECOND CITIZEN.I’ll hear Cassius, and compare their reasons,Once they have all been told.

[Exit Cassius, with some of the Citizens. Brutus goesinto therostrum.]

THIRD CITIZEN.The noble Brutus is on the platform. Silence!

BRUTUS.Please wait until I finish.Romans, countrymen, and friends! Listen to mycause, and besilent, so you can hear. Believe me based on myhonor, and haverespect for my honor, so you can believe. Judge mein yourwisdom, and wake up your senses, so you can be abetter judge.If there is anyone in this assembly, any dear friend ofCaesar's, tohim I say that Brutus' love to Caesar was no less thanhis love. Ifthen that friend demands why Brutus rose againstCaesar, this ismy answer,—Not that I loved Caesar less, but that Iloved Romemore. Would you rather Caesar were living, and youall die slaves, thanthat Caesar were dead, so you all live freemen? AsCaesar loved me, Iweep for him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; ashe wasvaliant, I honor him; but, as he was ambitious, Ikilled him.There are tears for his love; joy for his fortune;honor for hisvalor, and death for his ambition. Who is here so lowthatthey would rather be a slave? If there are any,speak, because I have offended him. Who here is sorude that they wouldn’t be a Roman? If there are

Scene 2 56

None, Brutus, none.

BRUTUS.Then none have I offended. I have done no more to Caesarthan you shall do to Brutus. The question of his death isenroll'd in the Capitol, his glory not extenuated, wherein hewas worthy;, nor his offenses enforced, for which he suffereddeath.

[Enter Antony and others, with Caesar's body.]

Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony, who,though he hadno hand in his death, shall receive the benefit of his dying, aplace in the commonwealth; as which of you shall not? WiththisI depart−− that, as I slew my best lover for the good ofRome, Ihave the same dagger for myself, when it shall please mycountryto need my death.

CITIZENS.Live, Brutus! live, live!

FIRST CITIZEN.Bring him with triumph home unto his house.

SECOND CITIZEN.Give him a statue with his ancestors.

THIRD CITIZEN.Let him be Caesar.

FOURTH CITIZEN.Caesar's better partsShall be crown'd in Brutus.

FIRST CITIZEN.We'll bring him to his house with shouts and clamours.

BRUTUS.My countrymen,−−

SECOND CITIZEN.Peace! silence! Brutus speaks.

FIRST CITIZEN.Peace, ho!

any, speak, because I have offended him. Who ishere so vile that he will not love his country? If thereare any, speak, because I offended him. I’ll stop soyou can reply.

CITIZENS.None, Brutus, none.

BRUTUS.Then I have offended none. I have done no more toCaesarthan you shall do to Brutus. The question of hisdeath isrecorded on rolls in the Capitol, his glory not madethin, where hewas worthy; nor are his offenses recorded, for whichhe suffereddeath.

[Enter Antony and others, with Caesar's body.]

Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony,who, although he hadno hand in his death, shall receive the benefit of hisdying, aplace in the commonwealth, just as you all will. Withthis,I leave — that, as I killed my best friend for the goodof Rome, Ihave the same dagger for myself, to be used when itshallplease my country to need my death.

CITIZENS.Live, Brutus! Live, live!

FIRST CITIZEN.Bring him home with triumph to his house.

SECOND CITIZEN.Give him a statue with his ancestors.

THIRD CITIZEN.Let him be Caesar.

FOURTH CITIZEN.Caesar's better partsShall be crowned in Brutus.

FIRST CITIZEN.

Scene 2 57

BRUTUS.Good countrymen, let me depart alone,And, for my sake, stay here with Antony:Do grace to Caesar's corpse, and grace his speechTending to Caesar's glory; which Mark Antony,By our permission, is allow'd to make.I do entreat you, not a man depart,Save I alone, till Antony have spoke.

[Exit.]

FIRST CITIZEN.Stay, ho! and let us hear Mark Antony.

THIRD CITIZEN.Let him go up into the public chair;We'll hear him.−−Noble Antony, go up.

ANTONY.For Brutus' sake, I am beholding to you.

[Goes up.]

FOURTH CITIZEN.What does he say of Brutus?

THIRD CITIZEN.He says, for Brutus' sake,He finds himself beholding to us all.

FOURTH CITIZEN.'Twere best he speak no harm of Brutus here.

FIRST CITIZEN.This Caesar was a tyrant.

THIRD CITIZEN.Nay, that's certain:We are blest that Rome is rid of him.

SECOND CITIZEN.Peace! let us hear what Antony can say.

ANTONY.You gentle Romans,−−

CITIZENS.Peace, ho! let us hear him.

ANTONY.

We'll bring him to his house with shouts andclamors.

BRUTUS.My countrymen,—

SECOND CITIZEN.Peace! silence! Brutus speaks.

FIRST CITIZEN.Peace, oh!

BRUTUS.Good countrymen, let me leave alone,And, for my sake, stay here with Antony.Respect Caesar's corpse, and respect his speechAbout Caesar's glory, which Mark AntonyIs allowed to make with our permission.Please, no man leave,Except I alone, until Antony has spoken.

[Exit.]

FIRST CITIZEN.Stay, oh! and let’s hear Mark Antony.

THIRD CITIZEN.Let him go up onto the platform;We'll hear him.—Noble Antony, go up.

ANTONY.For Brutus' sake, I’m grateful to you.

[Goes up.]

FOURTH CITIZEN.What does he say about Brutus?

THIRD CITIZEN.He says, for Brutus' sake,He finds himself grateful to us all.

FOURTH CITIZEN.It’s best that he doesn’t speak harm about Brutushere.

FIRST CITIZEN.This Caesar was a tyrant.

THIRD CITIZEN.

Scene 2 58

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears;I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.The evil that men do lives after them;The good is oft interred with their bones:So let it be with Caesar. The noble BrutusHath told you Caesar was ambitious:If it were so, it was a grievous fault;And grievously hath Caesar answer'd it.Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest,−−For Brutus is an honourable man;So are they all, all honorable men,−−Come I to speak in Caesar's funeral.He was my friend, faithful and just to me:But Brutus says he was ambitious;And Brutus is an honourable man.He hath brought many captives home to Rome,Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill:Did this in Caesar seem ambitious?When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept:Ambition should be made of sterner stuff:Yet Brutus says he was ambitious;And Brutus is an honourable man.You all did see that on the LupercalI thrice presented him a kingly crown,Which he did thrice refuse: was this ambition?Yet Brutus says he was ambitious;And, sure, he is an honourable man.I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke,But here I am to speak what I do know.You all did love him once,−−not without cause:What cause withholds you, then, to mourn for him?−−O judgment, thou art fled to brutish beasts,And men have lost their reason!−−Bear with me;My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar,And I must pause till it come back to me.

FIRST CITIZEN.Methinks there is much reason in his sayings.

SECOND CITIZEN.If thou consider rightly of the matter,Caesar has had great wrong.

THIRD CITIZEN.Has he not, masters?I fear there will a worse come in his place.

FOURTH CITIZEN.Mark'd ye his words? He would not take the crown;Therefore 'tis certain he was not ambitious.

Yes, that's certain.We are blessed that Rome is rid of him.

SECOND CITIZEN.Peace! Let’s hear what Antony can say.

ANTONY.You gentle Romans,—

CITIZENS.Peace, oh! Let’s hear him.

ANTONY.Friends, Romans, countrymen, listen to me;I come here to bury Caesar, not to praise him.The evil that men do lives after them;The good is often buried with their bones.So let it be with Caesar. The noble BrutusHas told you that Caesar was ambitious.If it’s true, it was a serious mistake;And seriously Caesar has paid for it.Here, with the permission of Brutus and the rest,—Because Brutus is an honorable man;And they are all, all honorable men,—I come to speak in Caesar's funeral.He was my friend, faithful and just to me.But Brutus says he was ambitious;And Brutus is an honorable man.Caesar brought many captives home to Rome,Whose ransoms filled the national treasury.Did this seem ambitious in Caesar?When the poor have cried, Caesar has wept.Ambition should be made of stiffer stuff.Yet Brutus says he was ambitious;And Brutus is an honorable man.You all saw that, on the feast of the priest Lupercus,I presented a kingly crown to him three times,Which he refused three times. Was this ambition?Yet Brutus says he was ambitious;And, sure, he’s an honorable man.I don’t speak to disprove what Brutus spoke,But I’m here to speak what I know.You all loved him once,—not without reason.What reasons keep you, then, from mourning him?—O judgment, you’ve turned into brutish beasts,And men have lost their reason!— Bear with me;My heart is there with Caesar in the coffin,And I must pause until it comes back to me.

FIRST CITIZEN.

Scene 2 59

FIRST CITIZEN.If it be found so, some will dear abide it.

SECOND CITIZEN.Poor soul! his eyes are red as fire with weeping.

THIRD CITIZEN.There's not a nobler man in Rome than Antony.

FOURTH CITIZEN.Now mark him; he begins again to speak.

ANTONY.But yesterday the word of Caesar mightHave stood against the world: now lies he there,And none so poor to do him reverence.O masters, if I were disposed to stirYour hearts and minds to mutiny and rage,I should do Brutus wrong and Cassius wrong,Who, you all know, are honourable men:I will not do them wrong; I rather chooseTo wrong the dead, to wrong myself, and you,Than I will wrong such honourable men.But here's a parchment with the seal of Caesar,−−I found it in his closet,−−'tis his will:Let but the commons hear this testament,−−Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read,−−And they would go and kiss dead Caesar's wounds,And dip their napkins in his sacred blood;Yea, beg a hair of him for memory,And, dying, mention it within their wills,Bequeathing it as a rich legacyUnto their issue.

FOURTH CITIZEN.We'll hear the will: read it, Mark Antony.

CITIZENS.The will, the will! We will hear Caesar's will.

ANTONY.Have patience, gentle friends, I must not read it;It is not meet you know how Caesar loved you.You are not wood, you are not stones, but men;And, being men, hearing the will of Caesar,It will inflame you, it will make you mad.'Tis good you know not that you are his heirs;For if you should, O, what would come of it!

FOURTH CITIZEN.

I think there is a lot of reason in what he’s saying.

SECOND CITIZEN.If you rightly think about the matter,Caesar has had great wrong done to him.

THIRD CITIZEN.Hasn’t he, gentlemen?I’m afraid that a worse man will take his place.

FOURTH CITIZEN.Did you pay attention to his words? Caesar wouldn’ttake the crown;It’s certain he wasn’t ambitious for that reason.

FIRST CITIZEN.If it’s found to be so, someone will dearly pay for it.

SECOND CITIZEN.Poor soul! His eyes are red as fire with weeping.

THIRD CITIZEN.There's not a nobler man in Rome than Antony.

FOURTH CITIZEN.Now watch him; he begins to speak again.

ANTONY.Only yesterday, the word of Caesar mightHave stood against the world. Now lies he there,And there is no one too poor to pay him respect.O gentlemen, if I wanted to stirYour hearts and minds to mutiny and rage,I would do Brutus and Cassius wrong,Who, as you all know, are honorable men.I won’t do them wrong; I would rather chooseTo wrong the dead, to wrong myself, and you,Before I’ll wrong such honorable men.But here's a parchment with the seal of Caesar,—I found it in his bedroom,—it’s his will.Let only the common people hear this testament,—Which, pardon me, I don’t mean to read,—And they would go and kiss dead Caesar's wounds,And dip their napkins in his sacred blood;Yes, beg a hair of him for memory,And, dying, mention that hair in their wills, Leavingit as a rich legacyTo their children.

FOURTH CITIZEN.

Scene 2 60

Read the will! we'll hear it, Antony;You shall read us the will,−−Caesar's will!

ANTONY.Will you be patient? will you stay awhile?I have o'ershot myself to tell you of it:I fear I wrong the honorable menWhose daggers have stabb'd Caesar; I do fear it.

FOURTH CITIZEN.They were traitors: honourable men!

CITIZENS.The will! The testament!

SECOND CITIZEN.They were villains, murderers. The will! read the will!

ANTONY.You will compel me, then, to read the will?Then make a ring about the corpse of Caesar,And let me show you him that made the will.Shall I descend? and will you give me leave?

CITIZENS.Come down.

SECOND CITIZEN.Descend.

[He comes down.]

THIRD CITIZEN.You shall have leave.

FOURTH CITIZEN.A ring! stand round.

FIRST CITIZEN.Stand from the hearse, stand from the body.

SECOND CITIZEN.Room for Antony!−−most noble Antony!

ANTONY.Nay, press not so upon me; stand far' off.

CITIZENS.Stand back; room! bear back.

We'll hear the will. Read it, Mark Antony.

CITIZENS.The will, the will! We will hear Caesar's will.

ANTONY.Have patience, gentle friends, I must not read it;It isn’t proper that you know how Caesar loved you.You aren’t wood, you aren’t stones, you are men;And, being men, hearing the will of Caesar,It will inflame you; it will make you crazy.It’s good that you don’t know that you’re his heirs;Because if you did, O, what would happen!

FOURTH CITIZEN.Read the will! We'll hear it, Antony;You shall read us the will,—Caesar's will!

ANTONY.Won’t you be patient? Won’t you wait a minute?I went beyond what I was going to say to tell youabout it.I’m afraid I wrong the honorable menWhose daggers have stabbed Caesar; I really do fearit.

FOURTH CITIZEN.They were traitors. Honorable men!

CITIZENS.The will! The testament!

SECOND CITIZEN.They were villains, murderers. The will! Read thewill!

ANTONY.You’ll force me, then, to read the will?Then make a circle around the corpse of Caesar,And let me show you the man who made the will.Shall I come down? And will you give mepermission?

CITIZENS.Come down.

SECOND CITIZEN.Come down.

[He comes down.]

Scene 2 61

ANTONY.If you have tears, prepare to shed them now.You all do know this mantle: I rememberThe first time ever Caesar put it on;'Twas on a Summer's evening, in his tent,That day he overcame the Nervii.Look, in this place ran Cassius' dagger through:See what a rent the envious Casca made:Through this the well−beloved Brutus stabb'd;And as he pluck'd his cursed steel away,Mark how the blood of Caesar follow'd it,−−As rushing out of doors, to be resolvedIf Brutus so unkindly knock'd, or no;For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar's angel:Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him!This was the most unkindest cut of all;For when the noble Caesar saw him stab,Ingratitude, more strong than traitors' arms,Quite vanquish'd him: then burst his mighty heart;And, in his mantle muffling up his face,Even at the base of Pompey's statua,Which all the while ran blood, great Caesar fell.O, what a fall was there, my countrymen!Then I, and you, and all of us fell down,Whilst bloody treason flourish'd over us.O, now you weep; and, I perceive, you feelThe dint of pity: these are gracious drops.Kind souls, what, weep you when you but beholdOur Caesar's vesture wounded? Look you here,Here is himself, marr'd, as you see, with traitors.

FIRST CITIZEN.O piteous spectacle!

SECOND CITIZEN.O noble Caesar!

THIRD CITIZEN.O woeful day!

FOURTH CITIZEN.O traitors, villains!

FIRST CITIZEN.O most bloody sight!

SECOND CITIZEN.We will be revenged.

CITIZENS.

THIRD CITIZEN.You shall have permission.

FOURTH CITIZEN.A circle! Stand round.

FIRST CITIZEN.Stand from the hearse, stand from the body.

SECOND CITIZEN.Room for Antony!—most noble Antony!

ANTONY.No, don’t press so close to me; stand a bit away.

CITIZENS.Stand back; Make room! Move back.

ANTONY.If you’ve got tears, get ready to shed them now.You all know this cloak. I rememberThe first time Caesar ever put it on;It was on a summer's evening, in his tent,That day he overcame Belgium.Look, Cassius ran his dagger through in this place.See what a tear the envious Casca made.Through this one, the well−beloved Brutus stabbed;And as he withdrew his cursed knife away,Pay attention to how the blood of Caesar followedit,—As rushing out of doors, to be openedIf Brutus so unkindly knocked or not;Because Brutus, as you know, was Caesar's angel.Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him!This was the most unkindest cut of all,Because, when the noble Caesar saw Brutus stabhim,Ingratitude, stronger than traitors' arms,Quite defeated him. Then his mighty heart burst,And, in his cloak covering up his face,Even at the base of Pompey's statue,Which was covered in blood, great Caesar fell.O, what a fall there was, my countrymen!Then I, andyou, and all of us fell down,While bloody treason bloomed over us.O, now you weep and I can see that you feelThe blow of pity. These tears are full of grace.Kind souls, what, do you weep when you only seeOur Caesar's clothes wounded? Look here,Here he is, disfigured, as you can see, by traitors.

Scene 2 62

Revenge,−−about,−−seek,−−burn,−−fire,−−kill,−−slay,−−letnot atraitor live!

ANTONY.Stay, countrymen.

FIRST CITIZEN.Peace there! hear the noble Antony.

SECOND CITIZEN.We'll hear him, we'll follow him, we'll die with him.

ANTONY.Good friends, sweet friends, let me not stir you upTo such a sudden flood of mutiny.They that have done this deed are honourable:What private griefs they have, alas, I know not,That made them do it; they're wise and honourable,And will, no doubt, with reasons answer you.I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts:I am no orator, as Brutus is;But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man,That love my friend; and that they know full wellThat gave me public leave to speak of him:For I have neither wit, nor words, nor worth,Action, nor utterance, nor the power of speech,To stir men's blood: I only speak right on;I tell you that which you yourselves do know;Show you sweet Caesar's wounds, poor dumb mouths,And bid them speak for me: but were I Brutus,And Brutus Antony, there were an AntonyWould ruffle up your spirits, and put a tongueIn every wound of Caesar, that should moveThe stones of Rome to rise and mutiny.

CITIZENS.We'll mutiny.

FIRST CITIZEN.We'll burn the house of Brutus.

THIRD CITIZEN.Away, then! come, seek the conspirators.

ANTONY.Yet hear me, countrymen; yet hear me speak.

CITIZENS.Peace, ho! hear Antony; most noble Antony!

FIRST CITIZEN.O piteous spectacle!

SECOND CITIZEN.O noble Caesar!

THIRD CITIZEN.O sad day!

FOURTH CITIZEN.O traitors, villains!

FIRST CITIZEN.O most bloody sight!

SECOND CITIZEN.We will have revenge.

CITIZENS.Revenge,—go,—find,—burn,—fire,—kill,—slay,—don’t let atraitor live!

ANTONY.Wait, countrymen.

FIRST CITIZEN.Peace there! Hear the noble Antony.

SECOND CITIZEN.We'll hear him, we'll follow him, we'll die with him.

ANTONY.Good friends, sweet friends, don’t let me stir you upTo such a sudden flood of rebellion.They who have done this deed are honorable.What private sorrows they have that made them doit,Alas, I don’t know,They're wise and honorable,And will, no doubt,answer you with reasons.I didn’t come, friends, to steal away your hearts.I’m no orator, as Brutus is;I am only, as you all know, a plain blunt man,That loved my friend, and that is known full wellBy they who gave me public permission to speakabout him,Because I don’t have wit, or words, or worth,Action, or utterance, or the power of speech,To stir men's blood. I only speak directly;

Scene 2 63

ANTONY.Why, friends, you go to do you know not what.Wherein hath Caesar thus deserved your loves?Alas, you know not; I must tell you then:You have forgot the will I told you of.

CITIZENS.Most true; the will!−−let's stay, and hear the will.

ANTONY.Here is the will, and under Caesar's seal.To every Roman citizen he gives,To every several man, seventy−five drachmas.

SECOND CITIZEN.Most noble Caesar!−−we'll revenge his death.

THIRD CITIZEN.O, royal Caesar!

ANTONY.Hear me with patience.

CITIZENS.Peace, ho!

ANTONY.Moreover, he hath left you all his walks,His private arbors, and new−planted orchards,On this side Tiber: he hath left them you,And to your heirs forever; common pleasures,To walk abroad, and recreate yourselves.Here was a Caesar! when comes such another?

FIRST CITIZEN.Never, never.−−Come, away, away!We'll burn his body in the holy place,And with the brands fire the traitors' houses.Take up the body.

SECOND CITIZEN.Go, fetch fire.

THIRD CITIZEN.Pluck down benches.

FOURTH CITIZEN.Pluck down forms, windows, any thing.

[Exeunt Citizens, with the body.]

I tell you what you yourselves already know.I show you sweet Caesar's wounds, poor dumbmouths,And ask them to speak for me. But if I were Brutus,And if Brutus were Antony, there would be anAntony toRuffle up your spirits, and put a tongueIn every wound of Caesar, that would moveThe stones of Rome to rise and rebel.

CITIZENS.We'll rebel.

FIRST CITIZEN.We'll burn the house of Brutus.

THIRD CITIZEN.Away, then! Come, find the conspirators.

ANTONY.But hear me, countrymen; still hear me speak.

CITIZENS.Peace, oh! hear Antony; most noble Antony!

ANTONY.Why, friends, you go ahead to do you don’t knowwhat.Where has Caesar deserved your loves like this?Alas, you don’t know; I must tell you then.You’ve forgotten the will I told you of.

CITIZENS.Most true; the will!—let's stay, and hear the will.

ANTONY.Here is the will, and under Caesar's seal.To every Roman citizen he givesSeventy−five dollars each.

SECOND CITIZEN.Most noble Caesar!—we'll revenge his death.

THIRD CITIZEN.O, royal Caesar!

ANTONY.Hear me with patience.

CITIZENS.

Scene 2 64

ANTONY.Now let it work.−−Mischief, thou art afoot,Take thou what course thou wilt!−−

[Enter a Servant.]

How now, fellow?

SERVANT.Sir, Octavius is already come to Rome.

ANTONY.Where is he?

SERVANT.He and Lepidus are at Caesar's house.

ANTONY.And thither will I straight to visit him:He comes upon a wish. Fortune is merry,And in this mood will give us any thing.

SERVANT.I heard 'em say Brutus and CassiusAre rid like madmen through the gates of Rome.

ANTONY.Belike they had some notice of the people,How I had moved them. Bring me to Octavius.

[Exeunt.]

Peace, oh!

ANTONY.Moreover, he has left you all his fields,His private gardens, and just planted orchards,On this side Tiber. He has left them you,And to your heirs forever, common pleasures,To walk abroad and relax yourselves.Here was a Caesar! When does another like himcome?

FIRST CITIZEN.Never, never.—Come, away, away!We'll burn his body in the holy place,And we’ll set the traitors' houses on fire with thetorches.Pick up the body.

SECOND CITIZEN.Go, go get fire.

THIRD CITIZEN.Grab down benches.

FOURTH CITIZEN.Grab down chairs, windows, anything.

[Exit Citizens, with the body.]

ANTONY.Now let it work.—Mischief, you’re working!Take you what course you’ll!—

[Enter a Servant.]

What is it now, fellow?

SERVANT.Sir, Octavius has already come to Rome.

ANTONY.Where is he?

SERVANT.He and Lepidus are at Caesar's house.

ANTONY.And I’ll go there straight to visit him.He comes on a wish. Fortune is merry,And in this mood will give us anything.

Scene 2 65

SERVANT.I heard them say Brutus and CassiusAre riding like madmen through the gates of Rome.

ANTONY.It’s likely they had some notice from the people,How I had moved them. Take me to Octavius.

[Exit.]» Back to Section Index» Back to Table of Contents

Scene 3

The same. A street.

[Enter Cinna, the poet.]

CINNA.I dreamt to−night that I did feast with Caesar,And things unluckily charge my fantasy:I have no will to wander forth of doors,Yet something leads me forth.

[Enter Citizens.]

FIRST CITIZEN.What is your name?

SECOND CITIZEN.Whither are you going?

THIRD CITIZEN.Where do you dwell?

FOURTH CITIZEN.Are you a married man or a bachelor?

SECOND CITIZEN.Answer every man directly.

FIRST CITIZEN.Ay, and briefly.

FOURTH CITIZEN.Ay, and wisely.

THIRD CITIZEN.

The same. A street.

[Enter Cinna, the poet.]

CINNA.I dreamt tonight that I feasted with Caesar,And unlucky things directed my imagination.I don’t want to go out of doors,Yet something leads me there.

[Enter Citizens.]

FIRST CITIZEN.What is your name?

SECOND CITIZEN.Where are you going?

THIRD CITIZEN.Where do you live?

FOURTH CITIZEN.Are you a married man or a bachelor?

SECOND CITIZEN.Answer every man directly.

FIRST CITIZEN.Yes, and briefly.

FOURTH CITIZEN.Yes, and wisely.

THIRD CITIZEN.

Scene 3 66

Ay, and truly; you were best.

CINNA.What is my name? Whither am I going? Where do I dwell?Am Ia married man or a bachelor? Then, to answer every mandirectlyand briefly, wisely and truly. Wisely I say I am a bachelor.

SECOND CITIZEN.That's as much as to say they are fools that marry; you'll bearme a bang for that, I fear. Proceed; directly.

CINNA.Directly, I am going to Caesar's funeral.

FIRST CITIZEN.As a friend, or an enemy?

CINNA.As a friend.

SECOND CITIZEN.That matter is answered directly.

FOURTH CITIZEN.For your dwelling,−−briefly.

CINNA.Briefly, I dwell by the Capitol.

THIRD CITIZEN.Your name, sir, truly.

CINNA.Truly, my name is Cinna.

FIRST CITIZEN.Tear him to pieces! he's a conspirator.

CINNA.I am Cinna the poet, I am Cinna the poet.

FOURTH CITIZEN.Tear him for his bad verses, tear him for his bad verses.

CINNA.I am not Cinna the conspirator.

FOURTH CITIZEN.

Yes, and truly; you had better answer.

CINNA.What is my name? Where am I going? Wheredo I live? Am Ia married man or a bachelor? Then, to answerevery man directlyand briefly, wisely and truly. Wisely, I say I’ma bachelor.

SECOND CITIZEN.That's as much as to say that fools that curse it;you'll geta heavy blow from me for that, I’m afraid. Goon; directly.

CINNA.Directly, I’m going to Caesar's funeral.

FIRST CITIZEN.As a friend or an enemy?

CINNA.As a friend.

SECOND CITIZEN.That matter is answered directly.

FOURTH CITIZEN.For your house,—briefly.

CINNA.Briefly, I live by the Capitol.

THIRD CITIZEN.Your name, sir, truly.

CINNA.Truly, my name is Cinna.

FIRST CITIZEN.Tear him to pieces! He's a conspirator.

CINNA.I’m Cinna the poet; I’m Cinna the poet.

FOURTH CITIZEN.Tear him apart for his bad verses, tear himapart for his bad verses.

Scene 3 67

It is no matter, his name's Cinna; pluck but hisname out of his heart, and turn him going.

THIRD CITIZEN.Tear him, tear him! Come; brands, ho! firebrands. ToBrutus', to Cassius'; burn all. Some to Decius' house, andsometo Casca's, some to Ligarius': away, go!

[Exeunt.]

CINNA.I’m not Cinna the conspirator.

FOURTH CITIZEN.It doesn’t matter, his name's Cinna; grab onlyhisname out of his heart, and turn him around asyou do.

THIRD CITIZEN.Tear him, tear him! Come; brands, oh! torches.ToBrutus', to Cassius'; burn them all. Some go toDecius' house, and someto Casca's, some to Ligarius'. away, go!

[Exit.]» Back to Section Index» Back to Table of Contents

Act IV

Scene 11. Scene 22. Scene 33.

Scene 1

Rome. A room in Antony's house.

[Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus, seated at atable.]

ANTONY.These many then shall die; their names areprick'd.

OCTAVIUS.Your brother too must die: consent you,Lepidus?

LEPIDUS.I do consent,−−

OCTAVIUS.Prick him down, Antony.

Rome. A room in Antony's house.

[Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus, seated at a table.]

ANTONY.These many men then shall die; their names are checked onthe list.

OCTAVIUS.Your brother must die too. Do you consent, Lepidus?

LEPIDUS.I do consent,—

OCTAVIUS.Mark him down, Antony.

LEPIDUS.—On the condition that Publius shall not live,

Act IV 68

LEPIDUS.−−Upon condition Publius shall not live,Who is your sister's son, Mark Antony.

ANTONY.He shall not live; look, with a spot I damn him.But, Lepidus, go you to Caesar's house;Fetch the will hither, and we shall determineHow to cut off some charge in legacies.

LEPIDUS.What, shall I find you here?

OCTAVIUS.Or here, or at the Capitol.

[Exit Lepidus.]

ANTONY.This is a slight unmeritable man,Meet to be sent on errands: is it fit,The three−fold world divided, he should standOne of the three to share it?

OCTAVIUS.So you thought him;And took his voice who should be prick'd todie,In our black sentence and proscription.

ANTONY.Octavius, I have seen more days than you:And, though we lay these honors on this man,To ease ourselves of divers slanderous loads,He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold,To groan and sweat under the business,Either led or driven, as we point the way;And having brought our treasure where wewill,Then take we down his load and turn him off,Like to the empty ass, to shake his earsAnd graze in commons.

OCTAVIUS.You may do your will;But he's a tried and valiant soldier.

ANTONY.So is my horse, Octavius;and for thatI do appoint him store of provender:

Who is your nephew, Mark Antony.

ANTONY.He shall not live; look, I condemn him with a check.But, Lepidus, go to Caesar's house;Go get the will here, and we shall determineHow to cut off some appointments in legacies.

LEPIDUS.What, shall I find you here?

OCTAVIUS.Here, or at the Capitol.

[Exit Lepidus.]

ANTONY.This is a foolish man without merit,Good to be sent on errands. Is it fitting that,With the world divided into three parts, he should beOne of the three to share it?

OCTAVIUS.You thought so,And took his side when we decided who should die,In our black punishment and condemning to death.

ANTONY.Octavius, I am older than you.And, although we lay these honors on this man,To ease ourselves of different, disgraceful burdens,He shall only carry them as the donkey carries gold,Groaning and sweating under the load,Either led or driven, as we point the way;And having brought our treasure where we choose,We then unload him and let him loose,Like an unloaded donkey, to shake his earsAnd graze in the common fields.

OCTAVIUS.You may do what you want to,But I say he's a tried and valiant soldier.

ANTONY.So is my horse, Octavius, and for that,I appoint him keeper of the hay.My horse is a creature that I teach to fight,To wind, to stop, to run directly on,His bodily motions ruled by my whims.And, in some taste, is Lepidus but so;

Act IV 69

It is a creature that I teach to fight,To wind, to stop, to run directly on,His corporal motion govern'd by my spirit.And, in some taste, is Lepidus but so;He must be taught, and train'd, and bid goforth:A barren−spirited fellow; one that feedsOn objects, arts, and imitations,Which, out of use and staled by other men,Begin his fashion: do not talk of himBut as a property. And now, Octavius,Listen great things. Brutus and CassiusAre levying powers: we must straight makehead;Therefore let our alliance be combined,Our best friends made, our means stretch'd;And let us presently go sit in council,How covert matters may be best disclosed,And open perils surest answered.

OCTAVIUS.Let us do so: for we are at the stake,And bay'd about with many enemies;And some that smile have in their hearts, Ifear,Millions of mischiefs.

[Exeunt.]

He must be taught, and trained, and told to go out.He’s a spiritless fellow, one that feedsOn objects, arts, and imitating other people,Which, when they are outdated and discarded by other men,Become his habits. Don’t talk of himExcept as a property. And now, Octavius,Listen to great things. Brutus and CassiusAre planning our government. we must revolt against themRight away; for that reason, let’s join forces,Our best friends are false, and we stretchedBeyond our means, And let’s go sit in council now,So that secret matters may be revealed in the best way,And open dangers met safely.

OCTAVIUS.Let’s do so, because we are on trial,And surrounded by many enemies,And some that have smiles in their hearts, I’m afraid,Are capable of millions of evil deeds.

[Exit.]

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Scene 2

Before Brutus' tent, in the camp near Sardis.

[Drum. Enter Brutus, Lucilius, Titinius, andSoldiers; Pindarusmeeting them; Lucius at some distance.]

BRUTUS.Stand, ho!

LUCILIUS.Give the word, ho! and stand.

BRUTUS.What now, Lucilius! is Cassius near?

Before Brutus' tent, in the camp near Sardis.

[Drum. Enter Brutus, Lucilius, Titinius, and Soldiers; Pindarusmeeting them; Lucius at some distance.]

BRUTUS.Stop, oh!

LUCILIUS.Give the word, oh! and stop.

BRUTUS.Is that you, Lucilius! Is Cassius near?

LUCILIUS.

Scene 2 70

LUCILIUS.He is at hand; and Pindarus is comeTo do you salutation from his master.

[Pindarus gives a letter to Brutus.]

BRUTUS.He greets me well.−−Your master, Pindarus,In his own change, or by ill officers,Hath given me some worthy cause to wishThings done, undone: but, if he be at hand,I shall be satisfied.

PINDARUS.I do not doubtBut that my noble master will appearSuch as he is, full of regard and honour.

BRUTUS.He is not doubted.−−A word, Lucilius:How he received you, let me be resolved.

LUCILIUS.With courtesy and with respect enough;But not with such familiar instances,Nor with such free and friendly conference,As he hath used of old.

BRUTUS.Thou hast describedA hot friend cooling: ever note, Lucilius,When love begins to sicken and decay,It useth an enforced ceremony.There are no tricks in plain and simple faith;But hollow men, like horses hot at hand,Make gallant show and promise of theirmettle;But, when they should endure the bloodyspur,They fall their crests, and, like deceitful jadesSink in the trial. Comes his army on?

LUCILIUS.They meant his night in Sard is to bequarter'd:The greater part, the Horse in general,Are come with Cassius.

[March within.]

He’s close by, and Pindarus has comeTo bring you greetings from his master.

[Pindarus gives a letter to Brutus.]

BRUTUS.He greets me well.—Your master, Pindarus,Because of his own change of heart or of bad advice,Has given me some worthy reasons to wish that theThings that have been done, should be undone.But, if he is close, I’ll be happy.

PINDARUS.I don’t doubtThat my noble master will appear.Men as he is are full of respect and honor.

BRUTUS.I don’t doubt him.—A word, Lucilius.How did he receive you, let me be convinced.

LUCILIUS.With courtesy and with respect enough,Only not with such familiar instances,Or with such free and friendly conversation,As he used to in the old days.

BRUTUS.You’ve describedA hot friend cooling off. Always note, Lucilius,When lovebegins to sicken and decay,It uses a stiff, cold ritual.There are no tricks in plain and simple trust,But hollow men, like horses very eager about something,Make gallant show and promises of their spirit, but, whenThey are supposed to endure a spur that will make themBleed, they are humbled, and, like false, worthless horsesDisappear from the fight. Is his army coming?

LUCILIUS.They mean to spend this night in Sard.The greater part of the army, mostly the horses,Have come with Cassius.

[March inside.]

BRUTUS.Listen! He’s arrived.March gently ahead to meet him.

Scene 2 71

BRUTUS.Hark! he is arrived.March gently on to meet him.

[Enter Cassius and Soldiers.]

CASSIUS.Stand, ho!

BRUTUS.Stand, ho! Speak the word along.

FIRST SOLDIER.Stand!

SECOND SOLDIER.Stand!

THIRD SOLDIER.Stand!

CASSIUS.Most noble brother, you have done me wrong.

BRUTUS.Judge me, you gods! wrong I mine enemies?And, if not so, how should I wrong a brother?

CASSIUS.Brutus, this sober form of yours hideswrongs;And when you do them−−

BRUTUS.Cassius, be content;Speak your griefs softly, I do know you well.Before the eyes of both our armies here,Which should perceive nothing but love fromus,Let us not wrangle; bid them move away;Then in my tent, Cassius, enlarge your griefs,And I will give you audience.

CASSIUS.Pindarus,Bid our commanders lead their charges offA little from this ground.

BRUTUS.Lucilius, do you the like; and let no man

[Enter Cassius and Soldiers.]

CASSIUS.Stand, oh!

BRUTUS.Stop, oh! Pass the word along.

FIRST SOLDIER.Stop!

SECOND SOLDIER.Stop!

THIRD SOLDIER.Stop!

CASSIUS.Most noble brother, you have done me wrong.

BRUTUS.Judge me, you gods! Do I wrong my enemies?And, if that’s not true, how should I wrong a brother?

CASSIUS.Brutus, this sober face of yours hides wrongs;And when you do them—

BRUTUS.Cassius, please.Speak your complaints softly. I know you well.Before the eyes of both our armies here,Which should only see friendship between us,Let’s not fight; ask them to move away;Then in my tent, Cassius, tell me all your complaints,And I’ll listen to you.

CASSIUS.Pindarus,Ask our commanders to lead their men a littleAway from this place.

BRUTUS.Lucilius, you do likewise, and let no manCome to our tent until we have finished our meeting.—Lucius and Titinius, guard our door.

[Exit.]

Scene 2 72

Come to our tent till we have done ourconference.−−Lucius and Titinius, guard our door.

[Exeunt.]» Back to Section Index» Back to Table of Contents

Scene 3

Within the tent of Brutus.

[Enter Brutus and Cassius.]

CASSIUS.That you have wrong'd me doth appear inthis:You have condemn'd and noted LuciusPellaFor taking bribes here of the Sardians;Whereas my letters, praying on his sideBecause I knew the man, were slightedoff.

BRUTUS.You wrong'd yourself to write in such acase.

CASSIUS.In such a time as this it is not meetThat every nice offense should bear hiscomment.

BRUTUS.Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourselfAre much condemn'd to have an itchingpalm,To sell and mart your offices for goldTo undeservers.

CASSIUS.I an itching palm!You know that you are Brutus that speakthis,Or, by the gods, this speech were elseyour last.

BRUTUS.

Inside the tent of Brutus.

[Enter Brutus and Cassius.]

CASSIUS.That you’ve wronged me shows in this action:You’ve condemned and punished Lucius PellaFor taking bribes from the Sardians here,And my letters, taking his sideBecause I knew the man, were blown off.

BRUTUS.You wronged yourself to write me letters in such a case.

CASSIUS.In such a time as this, it isn’t fairThat every silly offense should uphold his criticism.

BRUTUS.Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourselfAre much condemned for being greedy,To sell and advertise your officesTo unworthy people for gold.

CASSIUS.I’m greedy!Thank your stars that you’re Brutus that speaksThis way, or, by the gods, this speech would be your last.

BRUTUS.The name of Cassius honors this corruption,And, for that reason, punishment hides his head.

CASSIUS.Punishment!

BRUTUS.Remember March, remember the fifteenth of March?

Scene 3 73

The name of Cassius honors thiscorruption,And chastisement doth therefore hide hishead.

CASSIUS.Chastisement!

BRUTUS.Remember March, the Ides of Marchremember:Did not great Julius bleed for justice'sake?What villain touch'd his body, that didstab,And not for justice? What! shall one of us,That struck the foremost man of all thisworldBut for supporting robbers,−−shall wenowContaminate our fingers with base bribesAnd sell the mighty space of our largehonoursFor so much trash as may be graspedthus?I had rather be a dog, and bay the moon,Than such a Roman.

CASSIUS.Brutus, bay not me,I'll not endure it: you forget yourself,To hedge me in; I am a soldier, ay,Older in practice, abler than yourselfTo make conditions.

BRUTUS.Go to; you are not, Cassius.

CASSIUS.I am.

BRUTUS.I say you are not.

CASSIUS.Urge me no more, I shall forget myself;Have mind upon your health, tempt me nofarther.

BRUTUS.

Didn’t great Julius bleed for justice's sake?What villain that stabbed him, touched his body,Didn’t do it for justice? What! Shall one of usWho killed the most important man in all this worldJust to support robbers,— shall we nowContaminate our fingers with lowly bribesAnd sell the mighty positions of our great honorsFor so muchtrash as may be grabbed like this?I had rather be a dog, and howl the moon,Than be such a Roman.

CASSIUS.Brutus, don’t scold me,I won’t put up with it. You forget yourself,To fence me in; I’m a soldier, yes,More experienced, more capable than youTo make treaties.

BRUTUS.Go ahead; you aren’t, Cassius.

CASSIUS.I am.

BRUTUS.I say you aren’t.

CASSIUS.Don’t provoke me any more, or I shall forget myself;Think about your health. Don’t push me any further.

BRUTUS.Away, skinny man!

CASSIUS.Is it possible?

BRUTUS.Listen to me, because I will speak.Must I give way and room to your rash anger?Shall I be afraid when a madman stares at me?

CASSIUS.O gods, you gods! Must I endure all this?

BRUTUS.All this? Yes, more. Be angry until your proud heart breaks;Go show your slaves how angry you are,And make your slaves shake in their boots. Must I give in?Must I watch you? Must I stand and bend

Scene 3 74

Away, slight man!

CASSIUS.Is't possible?

BRUTUS.Hear me, for I will speak.Must I give way and room to your rashcholer?Shall I be frighted when a madman stares?

CASSIUS.O gods, ye gods! must I endure all this?

BRUTUS.All this? ay, more: fret till your proudheart break;Go show your slaves how choleric youare,And make your bondmen tremble. Must Ibudge?Must I observe you? Must I stand andcrouchUnder your testy humour? By the gods,You shall digest the venom of yourspleen,Though it do split you; for, from this dayforth,I'll use you for my mirth, yea, for mylaughter,When you are waspish.

CASSIUS.Is it come to this?

BRUTUS.You say you are a better soldier:Let it appear so; make your vaunting true,And it shall please me well: for mine ownpart,I shall be glad to learn of abler men.

CASSIUS.You wrong me every way, you wrong me,Brutus.I said, an elder soldier, not a better:Did I say "better"?

BRUTUS.If you did, I care not.

Under your short−tempered mood? By the gods,You’ll eat the poison of your proud temper,Even if it splits you, because, from this day on,I'll use you for myentertainment, yes, for my laughter,When you’re spiteful.

CASSIUS.Has it come to this?

BRUTUS.You say you’re a better soldier.Let it seem so; make your boastings true,And I’ll be well pleased. For my own part,I’ll be glad to learn from more capable men.

CASSIUS.You wrong me every way, you wrong me, Brutus.I said, an elder soldier, not a better.Did I say "better?"

BRUTUS.If you did, I don’t care.

CASSIUS.When Caesar lived, he wouldn’t dare insult me like this.

BRUTUS.Peace, peace! You wouldn’t have dared to tempt him so.

CASSIUS.I wouldn’t dare?

BRUTUS.No.

CASSIUS.What, not dare to tempt him?

BRUTUS.For your life, you wouldn’t have dared.

CASSIUS.Don’t presume too much about my friendship;I may do something that I’ll be sorry for.

BRUTUS.You’ve done what you should be sorry for.There is no terror, Cassius, in your threats,Because I’m armed so strongly in honesty,That they pass by meas the idle wind

Scene 3 75

CASSIUS.When Caesar lived, he durst not thus havemoved me.

BRUTUS.Peace, peace! you durst not so havetempted him.

CASSIUS.I durst not?

BRUTUS.No.

CASSIUS.What, durst not tempt him?

BRUTUS.For your life you durst not.

CASSIUS.Do not presume too much upon my love;I may do that I shall be sorry for.

BRUTUS.You have done that you should be sorryfor.There is no terror, Cassius, in your threats,For I am arm'd so strong in honesty,That they pass by me as the idle windWhich I respect not. I did send to youFor certain sums of gold, which youdenied me;−−For I can raise no money by vile means:By Heaven, I had rather coin my heart,And drop my blood for drachmas, than towringFrom the hard hands of peasants their viletrashBy any indirection:−−I did sendTo you for gold to pay my legions,Which you denied me: was that done likeCassius?Should I have answer'd Caius Cassius so?When Marcus Brutus grows so covetousTo lock such rascal counters from hisfriends,Be ready, gods, with all your thunderbolts,Dash him to pieces!

Which I don’t respect. I asked youFor certain sums of gold, which you denied me;—Because I cannot raise any money by dirty means.By Heaven, I had rather coin my heart,And drop my blood for drachmas, than to wringTheir vile trash from the hard hands of peasantsIn any devious way.—I askedYou for gold to pay my army,Which you denied me. Was that rejection done like Cassius?Should I have answered Caius Cassius if he asked me?When Marcus Brutus grows so greedy asTo engage his friend in such battles,Be ready, gods, with all your thunderbolts,Cut him into pieces!

CASSIUS.I didn’t deny you.

BRUTUS.You did.

CASSIUS.I didn’t. He was only a foolThat brought my answer back. Brutus has torn my heart.A friend should tolerate his friend's shortcomings,But Brutus makes mine greater than they are.

BRUTUS.I don’t, until you use them on me.

CASSIUS.You’re not my friend.

BRUTUS.I don’t like your faults.

CASSIUS.A friendly eye could never see such faults.

BRUTUS.A flatterer's would not, although they do appearAs huge as high Olympus.

CASSIUS.Come, Antony and young Octavius, come,Revenge yourselves alone on Cassius,Because Cassius is weary of the world,Hated by a friend he loves; threatened by his brother;Attacked like a slave; all his faults noted,Set in a note−book, learned and memorized by heart,

Scene 3 76

CASSIUS.I denied you not.

BRUTUS.You did.

CASSIUS.I did not. He was but a foolThat brought my answer back. Brutus hathrived my heart:A friend should bear his friend'sinfirmities,But Brutus makes mine greater than theyare.

BRUTUS.I do not, till you practise them on me.

CASSIUS.You love me not.

BRUTUS.I do not like your faults.

CASSIUS.A friendly eye could never see such faults.

BRUTUS.A flatterer's would not, though they doappearAs huge as high Olympus.

CASSIUS.Come, Antony and young Octavius, come,Revenge yourselves alone on Cassius,For Cassius is a−weary of the world;Hated by one he loves; braved by hisbrother;Check'd like a bondman; all his faultsobserved,Set in a note−book, learn'd and conn'd byrote,To cast into my teeth. O, I could weepMy spirit from mine eyes!−−There is mydagger,And here my naked breast; within, a heartDearer than Plutus' mine, richer than gold:If that thou be'st a Roman, take it forth;I, that denied thee gold, will give myheart:

To throw back into my face. O, I could weepMy spirit from my eyes!—There is my dagger,And here my naked breast; inside, a heartMore expensive than Plutus' mine, richer than gold.If you are a Roman, take it out.I, who have denied you gold, will give my heart.Strike as you did at Caesar, because I know,When you hated him the worst, you loved him betterThan ever you loved Cassius.

BRUTUS.Put your dagger away.Be angry whenever you want to, it’ll have a purpose;Do whatever you want to, dishonor shall be a joke.O Cassius, you’re connected to a lambThat carries anger as a match makes fire,Who, very irritated, shows a hasty spark,And right away is cold again.

CASSIUS.Has Cassius livedTo be only mirth and laughter to his Brutus,When sadness and ill−tempered blood aggravates him?

BRUTUS.When I spoke that, I was ill−tempered too.

CASSIUS.Do you confess so much? Give me your hand.

BRUTUS.And my heart too.

CASSIUS.O Brutus,—

BRUTUS.What's the matter?

CASSIUS.—Haven’t you got enough love to be patient with me,When that sudden mood which my mother gave meMakes me forgetful?

BRUTUS.Yes, Cassius, and, from here on in,When you’re over−aggressive with your Brutus,He'll think your mother scolds, and leave you alone.

[Noise inside.]

Scene 3 77

Strike as thou didst at Caesar; for I know,When thou didst hate him worst, thoulovedst him betterThan ever thou lovedst Cassius.

BRUTUS.Sheathe your dagger:Be angry when you will, it shall havescope;Do what you will, dishonor shall behumour.O Cassius, you are yoked with a lambThat carries anger as the flint bears fire;Who, much enforced, shows a hastyspark,And straight is cold again.

CASSIUS.Hath Cassius livedTo be but mirth and laughter to his Brutus,When grief, and blood ill−temper'd,vexeth him?

BRUTUS.When I spoke that, I was ill−temper'd too.

CASSIUS.Do you confess so much? Give me yourhand.

BRUTUS.And my heart too.

CASSIUS.O Brutus,−−

BRUTUS.What's the matter?

CASSIUS.−−Have not you love enough to bear withme,When that rash humor which my mothergave meMakes me forgetful?

BRUTUS.Yes, Cassius; and from henceforth,When you are over−earnest with yourBrutus,

POET.[Inside.] Let me go in to see the generals.There is some grudge between them; it’s not properThat they are alone.

LUCILIUS.[Inside.] You shall not come to them.

POET.[Inside.] Nothing but death shall stop me.

[Enter Poet, followed by Lucilius, and Titinius.]

CASSIUS.What’s this? What's the matter?

POET.For shame, you generals! What are you thinking?Love, and be friends as two such men should be,Because I am older, I'm sure, than you.

CASSIUS.Ha, ha! How this sneering fault−finder rhymes so badly!

BRUTUS.Get out, servant; rude fellow, go away!

CASSIUS.Be patient with him, Brutus; it’s the way he is.

BRUTUS.I'll know his disposition when he knows the right time.What should the wars do with these fools that dance jigs?—Fellow, away!

CASSIUS.Away, away, be gone!

[Exit Poet.]

BRUTUS.Lucilius and Titinius, ask the commanders toPrepare to pitch tents for their troops tonight.

CASSIUS.And immediately come yourselves andBring Messala with you to us.

[Exit Lucilius and Titinius.]

Scene 3 78

He'll think your mother chides, and leaveyou so.

[Noise within.]

POET.[Within.] Let me go in to see the generals:There is some grudge between 'em; 'tis notmeetThey be alone.

LUCILIUS.[Within.] You shall not come to them.

POET.[Within.] Nothing but death shall stay me.

[Enter Poet, followed by Lucilius, andTitinius.]

CASSIUS.How now! What's the matter?

POET.For shame, you generals! what do youmean?Love, and be friends, as two such menshould be;For I have seen more years, I'm sure, thanye.

CASSIUS.Ha, ha! How vilely doth this cynic rhyme!

BRUTUS.Get you hence, sirrah; saucy fellow,hence!

CASSIUS.Bear with him, Brutus; 'tis his fashion.

BRUTUS.I'll know his humor when he knows histime:What should the wars do with thesejigging fools?−−Companion, hence!

CASSIUS.Away, away, be gone!

BRUTUS.Lucius, a bowl of wine!

[Exit Lucius.]

CASSIUS.I didn’t think you could be so angry.

BRUTUS.O Cassius, I’m sick because of many sorrows.

CASSIUS.You don’t use your knowledge effectively,If you give into unexpected evil events.

BRUTUS.No man handles sorrow better. Portia is dead.

CASSIUS.Ha! Portia!

BRUTUS.She’s dead.

CASSIUS.How did I escape killing, when I disagreed with you so?—O unbearable and touching loss!—Of what sickness?

BRUTUS.Impatient that I was gone,And upset that young Octavius with Mark AntonyHas made themselves so strong;—because that news cameWith the news of her death;—with all this, she became crazy,And, without her attendants present, swallowed fire.

CASSIUS.And died from that?

BRUTUS.Even from that.

CASSIUS.O you immortal gods!

[Re−enter Lucius, with wine and a candle.]

BRUTUS.Don’t speak any more of her.—Give me a bowl of wine.—With this, I bury all unkindness, Cassius.

Scene 3 79

[Exit Poet.]

BRUTUS.Lucilius and Titinius, bid the commandersPrepare to lodge their companies tonight.

CASSIUS.And come yourselves and bring Messalawith youImmediately to us.

[Exeunt Lucilius and Titinius.]

BRUTUS.Lucius, a bowl of wine!

[Exit Lucius.]

CASSIUS.I did not think you could have been soangry.

BRUTUS.O Cassius, I am sick of many griefs.

CASSIUS.Of your philosophy you make no use,If you give place to accidental evils.

BRUTUS.No man bears sorrow better. Portia isdead.

CASSIUS.Ha! Portia!

BRUTUS.She is dead.

CASSIUS.How 'scaped I killing, when I cross'd youso?−−O insupportable and touching loss!−−Upon what sickness?

BRUTUS.Impatient of my absence,And grief that young Octavius with MarkAntonyHave made themselves so strong;−−for

[Drinks.]

CASSIUS.My heart is thirsty for that noble pledge.Fill the cup, Lucius, until the wine overflows;I can’t drink too much of Brutus' friendship.

[Drinks.]

BRUTUS.Come in, Titinius!—

[Exit Lucius.]

[Re−enter Titinius, with Messala.]

Welcome, good Messala.—Now let’s sit close to this candle here,And decide what we need.

CASSIUS.Portia, are you gone?

BRUTUS.No more, Please.—Messala, I have received letters here,That young Octavius and Mark AntonyCome down on us with a mighty power,Taking their forces toward Philippi.

MESSALA.I have letters that say the same thing.

BRUTUS.With what addition?

MESSALA.That Octavius, Antony, and LepidusHave put to death an hundred SenatorsBy decrees of death and bills in defiance of the law.

BRUTUS.Our letters don’t agree with that information.Mine speak of seventy Senators that diedBy their decrees of death, Cicero being one.

CASSIUS.Cicero one!

MESSALA.

Scene 3 80

with her deathThat tidings came;−−with this she felldistract,And, her attendants absent, swallow'd fire.

CASSIUS.And died so?

BRUTUS.Even so.

CASSIUS.O ye immortal gods!

[Re−enter Lucius, with wine and a taper.]

BRUTUS.Speak no more of her.−−Give me a bowlof wine.−−In this I bury all unkindness, Cassius.

[Drinks.]

CASSIUS.My heart is thirsty for that noble pledge.Fill, Lucius, till the wine o'erswell thecup;I cannot drink too much of Brutus' love.

[Drinks.]

BRUTUS.Come in, Titinius!−−

[Exit Lucius.]

[Re−enter Titinius, with Messala.]

Welcome, good Messala.−−Now sit we close about this taper here,And call in question our necessities.

CASSIUS.Portia, art thou gone?

BRUTUS.No more, I pray you.−−Messala, I have here received letters,That young Octavius and Mark AntonyCome down upon us with a mighty power,

Cicero is dead,And by decree of death.—Did you get the letters from your wife, my lord?

BRUTUS.No, Messala.

MESSALA.And nothing in your letters was written about her?

BRUTUS.Nothing, Messala.

MESSALA.I think that’s strange.

BRUTUS.Why do you ask? Did you hear anything about her in yours?

MESSALA.No, my lord.

BRUTUS.Now, as you’re a Roman, tell me the truth.

MESSALA.Then like a Roman accept the truth I tell.Because it is certain she’s dead and in a strange way.

BRUTUS.Why, goodbye, Portia. We must die, Messala.I think that, since she must die once,I have the patience to endure it now.

MESSALA.Even so great men should endure great losses.

CASSIUS.I have as much of this skill as you,But still I couldn’t bear such new like that.

BRUTUS.Well, let’s get to our work. What do you thinkOf marching to Philippi now?

CASSIUS.I don’t think it’s a good idea.

BRUTUS.Your reason?

Scene 3 81

Bending their expedition toward Philippi.

MESSALA.Myself have letters of the selfsame tenour.

BRUTUS.With what addition?

MESSALA.That by proscription and bills of outlawryOctavius, Antony, and LepidusHave put to death an hundred Senators.

BRUTUS.There in our letters do not well agree:Mine speak of seventy Senators that diedBy their proscriptions, Cicero being one.

CASSIUS.Cicero one!

MESSALA.Cicero is dead,And by that order of proscription.−−Had you your letters from your wife, mylord?

BRUTUS.No, Messala.

MESSALA.Nor nothing in your letters writ of her?

BRUTUS.Nothing, Messala.

MESSALA.That, methinks, is strange.

BRUTUS.Why ask you? hear you aught of her inyours?

MESSALA.No, my lord.

BRUTUS.Now, as you are a Roman, tell me true.

MESSALA.

CASSIUS.It’s this.It’s better that the enemy finds us.That way, he shall waste supplies, wear out his soldiers,Doing great harm to himself; while we, lying still,Are full of rest, defense, and flexibility.

BRUTUS.Good reasons must, of course, yield to better reasons.The people between Philippi and this fieldAre only our friends because we force them to,Because they are unwilling to give us support.The enemy, marching along with them,Will increase their numbers with them, andAttack refreshed,reinforced, and encouraged;We shall cut him off from that advantage,If we face him at Philippi, withThese people behind us.

CASSIUS.Listen to me me, good brother.

BRUTUS.Excuse me. You must note besides,That we have gotten the utmost from our friends,Our legions are full of men, our cause is ready for action.The enemy increases every day;We, at our best, are ready to fail in force.There is a tide in the affairs of menWhich, if taken at high tide, leads to good luck;Not taken, all the voyages of their livesAre bound to end in shallows and in miseries.We are now afloat on such a high tide,And we must take the opportunity when it presents itself,Or lose our one lucky chance.

CASSIUS.Then, with your will, go on.We'll be along soon and meet them at Philippi.

BRUTUS.The deep of night has crept over our talk,And nature must obey necessity;Which we will put off with a little rest.Is there anything else to say?

CASSIUS.No more. Good night.We will rise early tomorrow, and be on our way.

Scene 3 82

Then like a Roman bear the truth I tell:For certain she is dead, and by strangemanner.

BRUTUS.Why, farewell, Portia. We must die,Messala:With meditating that she must die once,I have the patience to endure it now.

MESSALA.Even so great men great losses shouldendure.

CASSIUS.I have as much of this in art as you,But yet my nature could not bear it so.

BRUTUS.Well, to our work alive. What do youthinkOf marching to Philippi presently?

CASSIUS.I do not think it good.

BRUTUS.Your reason?

CASSIUS.This it is:'Tis better that the enemy seek us;:So shall he waste his means, weary hissoldiers,Doing himself offense; whilst we, lyingstill,Are full of rest, defense, and nimbleness.

BRUTUS.Good reasons must, of force, give place tobetter.The people 'twixt Philippi and this groundDo stand but in a forced affection;For they have grudged us contribution:The enemy, marching along by them,By them shall make a fuller number up,Come on refresh'd, new−added, andencouraged;From which advantage shall we cut himoff,

BRUTUS.Lucius!—My gown.—Goodbye now, good Messala.—Good night, Titinius.—noble, noble Cassius,Good night, and good repose.

CASSIUS.O my dear brother!This was a bad beginning of the night.Never let such disagreements come between our souls!Don’t let it, Brutus.

BRUTUS.Everything is OK.

CASSIUS.Good night, my lord.

BRUTUS.Good night, good brother.

TITINIUS. MESSALA.Good night, Lord Brutus.

BRUTUS.Goodbye, everyone.—

[Exit Cassius, Titinius, and Messala.]

[Re−enter Lucius, with the gown.]

Give me the gown. Where is your harp?

LUCIUS.Here in the tent.

BRUTUS.What, you speak drowsily. Poor knave, I don’t blameYou; you’ve been wake up too long. Call Claudius and someOthers of my men; I'll have them sleep on cushions in my tent.

LUCIUS.Varro and Claudius!

[Enter Varro and Claudius.]

VARRO.Calls my lord?

BRUTUS.Please, sirs, lie in my tent and sleep;

Scene 3 83

If at Philippi we do face him there,These people at our back.

CASSIUS.Hear me, good brother.

BRUTUS.Under your pardon. You must notebesides,That we have tried the utmost of ourfriends,Our legions are brim−full, our cause isripe:The enemy increaseth every day;We, at the height, are ready to decline.There is a tide in the affairs of menWhich, taken at the flood, leads on tofortune;Omitted, all the voyage of their lifeIs bound in shallows and in miseries.On such a full sea are we now afloat;And we must take the current when itserves,Or lose our ventures.

CASSIUS.Then, with your will, go on:We'll along ourselves, and meet them atPhilippi.

BRUTUS.The deep of night is crept upon our talk,And nature must obey necessity;Which we will niggard with a little rest.There is no more to say?

CASSIUS.No more. Good night:Early to−morrow will we rise, and hence.

BRUTUS.Lucius!−−My gown.−−Farewell now,good Messala:−−Good night, Titinius:−−noble, nobleCassius,Good night, and good repose.

CASSIUS.O my dear brother!This was an ill beginning of the night.

I might wake you up in a little whileAbout business to my brother Cassius.

VARRO.Please, we will stand here and wait for your instructions.

BRUTUS.I don’t want that; lie down, good sirs.It may be I shall change my mind.—Look, Lucius, here's the book I was looking for;I put it in the pocket of my gown.

[Servants lie down.]

LUCIUS.I was sure your lordship didn’t give it me.

BRUTUS.Be patient with me, good boy, I’m very forgetful.Can you keep your heavy eyes open awhile,And play a song or two on your harp?

LUCIUS.Yes, my lord, if it pleases you.

BRUTUS.It does, my boy.I bother you too much, but you’re willing.

LUCIUS.It is my duty, sir.

BRUTUS.I shouldn’t make you do your duty past your strength;I know young bloods look for time of rest.

LUCIUS.I have already slept, my lord.

BRUTUS.You did well, and you shall sleep again;I’ll not keep you long. If I live,I’ll be good to you.—

[Lucius plays and sings until he falls asleep.]

This is a sleepy tune.—O murderous Slumber,Do you lay your leaden club on my boyThat plays music for you?—Gentle knave, good night;I won’t do you so much wrong as to wake you up.

Scene 3 84

Never come such division 'tween oursouls!Let it not, Brutus.

BRUTUS.Every thing is well.

CASSIUS.Good night, my lord.

BRUTUS.Good night, good brother.

TITINIUS. MESSALA.Good night, Lord Brutus.

BRUTUS.Farewell, everyone.−−

[Exeunt Cassius, Titinius, and Messala.]

[Re−enter Lucius, with the gown.]

Give me the gown. Where is thyinstrument?

LUCIUS.Here in the tent.

BRUTUS.What, thou speak'st drowsily:Poor knave, I blame thee not, thou arto'er−watch'd.Call Claudius and some other of my men;I'll have them sleep on cushions in mytent.

LUCIUS.Varro and Claudius!

[Enter Varro and Claudius.]

VARRO.Calls my lord?

BRUTUS.I pray you, sirs, lie in my tent and sleep;It may be I shall raise you by−and−byOn business to my brother Cassius.

If you nod, you’ll break your harp;I'll take it from you, and, good boy, good night.—Let me see, letme see; isn’t the page turned downWhere I left reading? Here it is, I think.

[Enter the Ghost of Caesar.]

How badly this candle burns! Ha! Who’s coming here?I think it is the weakness of my eyesThat sees this monstrous ghost.It comes to me.—Are you anything?Are you some god, some angel, or some devil,That makes my blood cold and my hair to stand on end?Tell what you are.

GHOST.Your evil spirit, Brutus.

BRUTUS.Why do you come?

GHOST.To tell you that you shall see me at Philippi.

BRUTUS.Well; then I shall see you again?

GHOST.Yes, at Philippi.

BRUTUS.Why, I’ll see you at Philippi, then.

[Ghost vanishes.]

Now I feel better, you have vanished.Evil spirit, I would like to talk more with you.—Boy! Lucius!—Varro! Claudius! Sirs, wake up!—Claudius!

LUCIUS.The strings, my lord, are false.

BRUTUS.He thinks he is still playing his harp.—Lucius, wake up!

LUCIUS.My lord?

BRUTUS.

Scene 3 85

VARRO.So please you, we will stand and watchyour pleasure.

BRUTUS.I would not have it so; lie down, good sirs:It may be I shall otherwise bethink me.−−Look, Lucius, here's the book I sought forso;I put it in the pocket of my gown.

[Servants lie down.]

LUCIUS.I was sure your lordship did not give itme.

BRUTUS.Bear with me, good boy, I am muchforgetful.Canst thou hold up thy heavy eyes awhile,And touch thy instrument a strain or two?

LUCIUS.Ay, my lord, an't please you.

BRUTUS.It does, my boy:I trouble thee too much, but thou artwilling.

LUCIUS.It is my duty, sir.

BRUTUS.I should not urge thy duty past thy might;I know young bloods look for a time ofrest.

LUCIUS.I have slept, my lord, already.

BRUTUS.It was well done; and thou shalt sleepagain;I will not hold thee long: if I do live,I will be good to thee.−−

[Lucius plays and sings till he fallsasleep.]

Were you dreaming, Lucius, that you cried out like that?

LUCIUS.My lord, I don’t know that I did cry.

BRUTUS.Yes, you did. Did you see anything?

LUCIUS.Nothing, my lord.

BRUTUS.Sleep again, Lucius.—Servant Claudius!—

[To Varro.] Fellow you, wake up!

VARRO.My lord?

CLAUDIUS.My lord?

BRUTUS.Sirs, why did you cry out like that your sleep?

VARRO. CLAUDIUS.Did we, my lord?

BRUTUS.Yes. Did you see anything?

VARRO.No, my lord, I saw nothing.

CLAUDIUS.Nor I, my lord.

BRUTUS.Go and commend me to my brother Cassius;Ask him to start moving his troops, whileThere is yet time. And we will follow.

VARRO. CLAUDIUS.I’ll do that, my lord.

[Exit.]

Scene 3 86

This is a sleepy tune.−−O murderousSlumber,Lay'st thou thy leaden mace upon my boy,That plays thee music?−−Gentle knave,good night;I will not do thee so much wrong to wakethee:If thou dost nod, thou breakst thyinstrument;I'll take it from thee; and, good boy, goodnight.−−Let me see, let me see; is not the leafturn'd downWhere I left reading? Here it is, I think.

[Enter the Ghost of Caesar.]

How ill this taper burns! Ha! who comeshere?I think it is the weakness of mine eyesThat shapes this monstrous apparition.It comes upon me.−−Art thou any thing?Art thou some god, some angel, or somedevil,That makest my blood cold and my hair tostare?Speak to me what thou art.

GHOST.Thy evil spirit, Brutus.

BRUTUS.Why comest thou?

GHOST.To tell thee thou shalt see me at Philippi.

BRUTUS.Well; then I shall see thee again?

GHOST.Ay, at Philippi.

BRUTUS.Why, I will see thee at Philippi, then.

[Ghost vanishes.]

Now I have taken heart, thou vanishest:Ill spirit, I would hold more talk with

Scene 3 87

thee.−−Boy! Lucius!−−Varro! Claudius! Sirs,awake!−−Claudius!

LUCIUS.The strings, my lord, are false.

BRUTUS.He thinks he still is at his instrument.−−Lucius, awake!

LUCIUS.My lord?

BRUTUS.Didst thou dream, Lucius, that thou socriedst out?

LUCIUS.My lord, I do not know that I did cry.

BRUTUS.Yes, that thou didst: didst thou see anything?

LUCIUS.Nothing, my lord.

BRUTUS.Sleep again, Lucius.−−Sirrah Claudius!−−

[To Varro.] Fellow thou, awake!

VARRO.My lord?

CLAUDIUS.My lord?

BRUTUS.Why did you so cry out, sirs, in yoursleep?

VARRO. CLAUDIUS.Did we, my lord?

BRUTUS.Ay: saw you any thing?

VARRO.

Scene 3 88

No, my lord, I saw nothing.

CLAUDIUS.Nor I, my lord.

BRUTUS.Go and commend me to my brotherCassius;Bid him set on his powers betimes before,And we will follow.

VARRO. CLAUDIUS.It shall be done, my lord.

[Exeunt.]» Back to Section Index» Back to Table of Contents

Act V

Scene 11. Scene 22. Scene 33. Scene 44. Scene 55.

Scene 1

The plains of Philippi.

[Enter Octavius, Antony, and their Army.]

OCTAVIUS.Now, Antony, our hopes are answered.You said the enemy would not come down,But keep the hills and upper regions:It proves not so; their battles are at hand:They mean to warn us at Philippi here,Answering before we do demand of them.

ANTONY.Tut, I am in their bosoms, and I knowWherefore they do it: they could be contentTo visit other places; and come downWith fearful bravery, thinking by this faceTo fasten in our thoughts that they havecourage;

The plains of Philippi.

[Enter Octavius, Antony, and their Army.]

OCTAVIUS.Now, Antony, our prayers are answered.You said the enemy would not come down,But keep the hills and upper regions.Turns out to be untrue; their battles are nearby.They mean to warn us here at Philippi,Answering us before we demand answers of them.

ANTONY.Nonsense, I’m in their hearts, and I knowWhy they do it. They could be contentTo go to other places, and come downWith fearful bravery, thinking that by this faceTo impress our minds, they have courage;But it’s not true.

Act V 89

But 'tis not so.

[Enter a Messenger.]

MESSENGER.Prepare you, generals:The enemy comes on in gallant show;Their bloody sign of battle is hung out,And something to be done immediately.

ANTONY.Octavius, lead your battle softly on,Upon the left hand of the even field.

OCTAVIUS.Upon the right hand I; keep thou the left.

ANTONY.Why do you cross me in this exigent?

OCTAVIUS.I do not cross you; but I will do so.

[March. Drum. Enter Brutus, Cassius, andtheir Army;Lucilius, Titinius, Messala, and Others.]

BRUTUS.They stand, and would have parley.

CASSIUS.Stand fast, Titinius: we must out and talk.

OCTAVIUS.Mark Antony, shall we give sign of battle?

ANTONY.No, Caesar, we will answer on their charge.Make forth; the generals would have somewords.

OCTAVIUS.Stir not until the signal.

BRUTUS.Words before blows: is it so, countrymen?

OCTAVIUS.Not that we love words better, as you do.

[Enter a Messenger.]

MESSENGER.Prepare yourselves, generals.The enemy comes on in a show full of noble daring;Their bloody sign of battle is hung out,And something has to be done immediately.

ANTONY.Octavius, lead your battle quietly on,On the left hand of the even field.

OCTAVIUS.I will be on the right hand; you keep to the left.

ANTONY.Why do you cross me in this command?

OCTAVIUS.I don’t cross you, but I will.

[March. Drum. Enter Brutus, Cassius, and their Army;Lucilius, Titinius, Messala, and Others.]

BRUTUS.They stop and want to talk.

CASSIUS.Stand firm, Titinius. We must go out and talk.

OCTAVIUS.Mark Antony, shall we give sign of battle?

ANTONY.No, Caesar, we will respond to their attack.Stay here; the generals want to talk.

OCTAVIUS.Don’t move until the signal.

BRUTUS.Words before blows. Is that the way it is, countrymen?

OCTAVIUS.Not because we love words better, as you do.

BRUTUS.Good words are better than bad strokes, Octavius.

ANTONY.

Act V 90

BRUTUS.Good words are better than bad strokes,Octavius.

ANTONY.In your bad strokes, Brutus, you give goodwords:Witness the hole you made in Caesar's heart,Crying, "Long live! Hail, Caesar!"

CASSIUS.Antony,The posture of your blows are yet unknown;But for your words, they rob the Hybla bees,And leave them honeyless.

ANTONY.Not stingless too.

BRUTUS.O, yes, and soundless too,For you have stol'n their buzzing, Antony,And very wisely threat before you sting.

ANTONY.Villains, you did not so when your viledaggersHack'd one another in the sides of Caesar:You show'd your teeth like apes, and fawn'dlike hounds,And bow'd like bondmen, kissing Caesar'sfeet;Whilst damned Casca, like a cur, behindStruck Caesar on the neck. O flatterers!

CASSIUS.Flatterers!−−Now, Brutus, thank yourself:This tongue had not offended so to−day,If Cassius might have ruled.

OCTAVIUS.Come, come, the cause: if arguing makes ussweat,The proof of it will turn to redder drops.Look,−−I draw a sword against conspirators:When think you that the sword goes upagain?Never, till Caesar's three and thirty woundsBe well avenged; or till another Caesar

In your bad strokes, Brutus, you give good words.Witness the hole you made in Caesar's heart,Crying, "Long live! Hail, Caesar!"

CASSIUS.Antony,The position of your blows are still unknown;But, for your words, they take honey from the bees,And are so sweet that the bees must be honeyless.

ANTONY.Not stingless too.

BRUTUS.O, yes, and soundless too,Because you’ve stolen their buzzing, Antony,And very wisely threaten before you sting.

ANTONY.Villains, you didn’t think so when your vile daggersHacked one another into the sides of Caesar.You showed your teeth like apes, and wagged your tailsLike hounds, and bowed like slaves, kissing Caesar's feet;While damned Casca, like a wild dog, struck CaesarFrom behind on the neck. O flatterers!

CASSIUS.Flatterers!—Now, Brutus, thank yourself.,If Cassius might have ruled,This tongue would not have offended like this today.

OCTAVIUS.Come, come, the reason. If arguing makes us sweat,The proof of it will turn to redder drops.Look,—I draw a sword against conspirators.When do you think that the sword goes up again?Never, until Caesar's thirty−three woundsAre well avenged, or until another CaesarHas added slaughter to the sword of traitors.

BRUTUS.Caesar, you cannot die by traitors' hands,Unless you bring them with you.

OCTAVIUS.I hope so;I was not born to die on Brutus' sword.

BRUTUS.

Act V 91

Have added slaughter to the sword oftraitors.

BRUTUS.Caesar, thou canst not die by traitors' hands,Unless thou bring'st them with thee.

OCTAVIUS.So I hope;I was not born to die on Brutus' sword.

BRUTUS.O, if thou wert the noblest of thy strain,Young man, thou couldst not die morehonourably.

CASSIUS.A peevish school boy, worthless of suchhonour,Join'd with a masker and a reveller!

ANTONY.Old Cassius still!

OCTAVIUS.Come, Antony; away!−−Defiance, traitors, hurl we in your teeth:If you dare fight today, come to the field;If not, when you have stomachs.

[Exeunt Octavius, Antony, and their Army.]

CASSIUS.Why, now, blow wind, swell billow, andswim bark!The storm is up, and all is on the hazard.

BRUTUS.Ho, Lucilius! Hark, a word with you.

LUCILIUS.My lord?

[Brutus and Lucilius talk apart.]

CASSIUS.Messala,−−

MESSALA.What says my General?

O, if you were the noblest of your strain,Young man, you could not die more honorably.

CASSIUS.A peevish schoolboy, worthless of such honor,Joined with a man in a mask and a party man!

ANTONY.Old Cassius, be still!

OCTAVIUS.Come, Antony; away!—We hurl “Defiance, traitors,” in your teeth.If you dare to fighttoday, come to the field;If not, come when you’ve got stomachs.

[Exit Octavius, Antony, and their Army.]

CASSIUS.Why, now, blow wind, swell seas, and swim ships!The storm is coming up, and everything is at stake.

BRUTUS.Oh, Lucilius! Listen, may I have a word with you?

LUCILIUS.My lord?

[Brutus and Lucilius talk apart.]

CASSIUS.Messala,—

MESSALA.What does my General say?

CASSIUS.Messala,This is my birthday; Cassius was bornOn this very day. Give me your hand, Messala.You be my witness that, against my will,As Pompey was, I am compelled to setAll our liberties on one battle.You know that I strongly held Epicurus,And his opinion. Now I change my mind,And partly credit things that have been predicted.Coming from Sardis, two mighty eagles fellOn our former ensign, and they perched there,Gorging and feeding from our soldiers' hands;Who were associated with us here in Philippi.

Act V 92

CASSIUS.Messala,This is my birth−day; as this very dayWas Cassius born. Give me thy hand,Messala:Be thou my witness that against my will,As Pompey was, am I compell'd to setUpon one battle all our liberties.You know that I held Epicurus strong,And his opinion: now I change my mind,And partly credit things that do presage.Coming from Sardis, on our former ensignTwo mighty eagles fell; and there theyperch'd,Gorging and feeding from our soldiers'hands;Who to Philippi here consorted us:This morning are they fled away and gone;And in their steads do ravens, crows, andkitesFly o'er our heads and downward look on us,As we were sickly prey: their shadows seemA canopy most fatal, under whichOur army lies, ready to give up the ghost.

MESSALA.Believe not so.

CASSIUS.I but believe it partly;For I am fresh of spirit, and resolvedTo meet all perils very constantly.

BRUTUS.Even so, Lucilius.

CASSIUS.Now, most noble Brutus,The gods to−day stand friendly, that wemay,Lovers in peace, lead on our days to age!But, since th' affairs of men rest stillincertain,Let's reason with the worst that may befall.If we do lose this battle, then is thisThe very last time we shall speak together:What are you then determined to do?

BRUTUS.Even by the rule of that philosophy

This morning, they have fled away and are gone;And in their places, ravens, crows, and kitesFly over our heads and look down on usAs if we were sickly prey. Their shadows seem likeA killing canopy under whichOur army lies, ready to surrender.

MESSALA.Don’t believe it.

CASSIUS.I only believe part of it,Because my spirit is fresh, and I am resolvedTo meet all perils very constantly.

BRUTUS.Even like that, Lucilius.

CASSIUS.Now, most noble Brutus,The gods are friendly today, so that we may,Friends in peace, increase our days to old age!But, since the affairs of men still seem uncertain,Let's think about the worst that can happen.If we lose this battle, then this isThe very last time we shall speak together.What are you determined to do then?

BRUTUS.Even by the rule of that knowledgeBy which I blamed Cato for his suicide—I don’t know why,But I think it’s cowardly and vile to takeYour own life because of the fear of what might happen—Arming myself with the patienceTo wait for the help of some high powersThat govern us here below.

CASSIUS.Then, if we lose this battle,You’re contented to be led in triumphThorough the streets of Rome?

BRUTUS.No, Cassius, no. I don’t think so, you noble Roman,That Brutus will ever go bound to Rome;He has too great a mind, but this same dayMust end that work that the Fifteenth of March began;And whether we shall meet again, I don’t know.For that reason, take our last, eternal goodbye.

Act V 93

By which I did blame Cato for the deathWhich he did give himself;−−I know nothow,But I do find it cowardly and vile,For fear of what might fall, so to preventThe time of life;−−arming myself withpatienceTo stay the providence of some high powersThat govern us below.

CASSIUS.Then, if we lose this battle,You are contented to be led in triumphThorough the streets of Rome?

BRUTUS.No, Cassius, no: think not, thou nobleRoman,That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome;He bears too great a mind. But this same dayMust end that work the Ides of Marchbegun;And whether we shall meet again I knownot.Therefore our everlasting farewell take:For ever, and for ever, farewell, Cassius!If we do meet again, why, we shall smile;If not, why, then this parting was well made.

CASSIUS.For ever and for ever farewell, Brutus!If we do meet again, we'll smile indeed;If not, 'tis true this parting was well made.

BRUTUS.Why then, lead on. O, that a man mightknowThe end of this day's business ere it come!But it sufficeth that the day will end,And then the end is known.−−Come, ho!away!

[Exeunt.]

Forever, and forever, goodbye, Cassius!If we do meet again, why, we’ll smile;If not, why, then this parting was the right thing to do.

CASSIUS.Forever and forever goodbye, Brutus!If we do meet again, we'll smile indeed;If not, it’s true this parting was the right thing to do.

BRUTUS.Why then, lead on. O, that a man might knowHow today's business ends before it comes!But it’s enough that the day will end,And then the end is known.—Come, oh! away!

[Exit.]

» Back to Section Index» Back to Table of Contents

Act V 94

Scene 2

The same. The field of battle.

[Alarum. Enter Brutus and Messala.]

BRUTUS.Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give these billsUnto the legions on the other side:Let them set on at once; for I perceiveBut cold demeanor in Octavius' wing,And sudden push gives them the overthrow.Ride, ride, Messala: let them all come down.

[Exeunt.]

The same. The field of battle.

[Alarum. Enter Brutus and Messala.]

BRUTUS.Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give these billsTo the legions on the other side.Let them start the battle immediately because I seeOnly cold appearances in Octavius' part of the army,And a sudden push will overthrow them.Ride, ride, Messala. Let all the soldiers come down.

[Exit.]» Back to Section Index» Back to Table of Contents

Scene 3

Another part of the field.

[Alarum. Enter Cassius and Titinius.]

CASSIUS.O, look, Titinius, look, the villains fly!Myself have to mine own turn'd enemy:This ensign here of mine was turning back;I slew the coward, and did take it from him.

TITINIUS.O Cassius, Brutus gave the word too early;Who, having some advantage on Octavius,Took it too eagerly: his soldiers fell to spoil,Whilst we by Antony are all enclosed.

[Enter Pindarus.]

PINDARUS.Fly further off, my lord, fly further off;Mark Antony is in your tents, my lord:Fly, therefore, noble Cassius, fly far' off.

CASSIUS.This hill is far enough.−−Look, look, Titinius;Are those my tents where I perceive the fire?

Another part of the field.

[Alarum. Enter Cassius and Titinius.]

CASSIUS.O, look, Titinius, look, the enemy flies!I have turned enemy to my own.This ensign of mine here was turning back;I killed the coward and took it from him.

TITINIUS.O Cassius, Brutus gave the word too early,Who, having some advantage on Octavius,Took it too eagerly. His soldiers were destroyedWhile we are all surrounded by Antony.

[Enter Pindarus.]

PINDARUS.Fly further off, my lord, fly further off;Mark Antony is in your tents, my lord.Fly, for that reason, noble Cassius, fly far off.

CASSIUS.This hill is far enough.—Look, look, Titinius;Are those my tents on fire?

Scene 2 95

TITINIUS.They are, my lord.

CASSIUS.Titinius, if thou lovest me,Mount thou my horse and hide thy spurs in him,Till he have brought thee up to yonder troopsAnd here again; that I may rest assuredWhether yond troops are friend or enemy.

TITINIUS.I will be here again, even with a thought.

[Exit.]

CASSIUS.Go, Pindarus, get higher on that hill:My sight was ever thick: regard Titinius,And tell me what thou notest about the field.−−

[Pindarus goes up.]

This day I breathed first: time is come round,And where I did begin, there shall I end;My life is run his compass.−−Sirrah, what news?

PINDARUS.[Above.] O my lord!

CASSIUS.What news?

PINDARUS.[Above.] Titinius is enclosed round aboutWith horsemen, that make to him on the spur:Yet he spurs on. Now they are almost on him.−−Now, Titinius!−−Now some 'light. O, he 'lights too:He's ta'en; [Shout.] and, hark! they shout for joy.

CASSIUS.Come down; behold no more.−−O, coward that I am, to live so long,To see my best friend ta'en before my face!

[Pindarus descends.]

Come hither, sirrah:In Parthia did I take thee prisoner;And then I swore thee, saving of thy life,That whatsoever I did bid thee do,

TITINIUS.They are, my lord.

CASSIUS.Titinius, if you love me,Mount my horse and hide your spurs in him,Until he has brought you up to the troops over thereAnd back here again that I may rest assuredWhether the troops over there are friend or enemy.

TITINIUS.I’ll be here again, even with a thought.

[Exit.]

CASSIUS.Go, Pindarus, get higher on that hill.My sight was always bad. Observe Titinius,And tell me what you notice about the field.—

[Pindarus goes up.]

This day when I first breathed. Times has come backTo where I began, there I shall end;My life has come full circle.—Servant, what news?

PINDARUS.[Above.] O my lord!

CASSIUS.What news?

PINDARUS.[Above.] Titinius is surroundedBy horsemen that make him spur his horse.Still he spurs on. Now they’re almost on him.—Now, Titinius!—Now some dismount. O, hedismounts too.He's been taken; [Shout.] and, listen! They shout forjoy.

CASSIUS.Come down; Don’t look any more.—O, coward that I am, to live so long,To see my best friend taken right in front of my face!

[Pindarus descends.]

Come here, servant.In Parthia I took you prisoner;

Scene 2 96

Thou shouldst attempt it. Come now, keep thine oath;Now be a freeman; and with this good sword,That ran through Caesar's bowels, search this bosom.Stand not to answer: here, take thou the hilts;And when my face is cover'd, as 'tis now,Guide thou the sword.−−Caesar, thou art revenged,Even with the sword that kill'd thee.

[Dies.]

PINDARUS.So, I am free, yet would not so have been,Durst I have done my will.−−O Cassius!Far from this country Pindarus shall run,Where never Roman shall take note of him.

[Exit.]

[Re−enter Titinius with Messala.]

MESSALA.It is but change, Titinius; for OctaviusIs overthrown by noble Brutus' power,As Cassius' legions are by Antony.

TITINIUS.These tidings would well comfort Cassius.

MESSALA.Where did you leave him?

TITINIUS.All disconsolate,With Pindarus his bondman, on this hill.

MESSALA.Is not that he that lies upon the ground?

TITINIUS.He lies not like the living. O my heart!

MESSALA.Is not that he?

TITINIUS.No, this was he, Messala,But Cassius is no more.−−O setting Sun,As in thy red rays thou dost sink to night,So in his red blood Cassius' day is set,The sun of Rome is set! Our day is gone;

And then I made you swear, since I saved your life,That whatever I asked you to do,You should attempt it. Come now, keep your oath;Now be a freeman, and, search this chest with thisgood sword,That ran through Caesar's bowels.Don’t stand there to answer. Here, you take thehandle,And when my face is covered, as it is now,Stab me with it.—Caesar, you’re revenged,Even with the sword that killed you.

[Dies.]

PINDARUS.So, I’m free, yet I wouldn’t have been so,If I dared to do my own will.—O Cassius!Pindarus shall run far from this country,Where no Roman shall ever notice him.

[Exit.]

[Re−enter Titinius with Messala.]

MESSALA.It is only change, Titinius, because OctaviusIs overthrown by noble Brutus' power,As Cassius' armies are by Antony.

TITINIUS.These tidings would comfort Cassius very well.

MESSALA.Where did you leave him?

TITINIUS.All very upset,With Pindarus his slave, on this hill.

MESSALA.Isn’t that he who lies on the ground?

TITINIUS.He doesn’t lie like the living. O my heart!

MESSALA.Isn’t that he?

TITINIUS.No, this was he, Messala,

Scene 2 97

Clouds, dews, and dangers come; our deeds are done!Mistrust of my success hath done this deed.

MESSALA.Mistrust of good success hath done this deed.O hateful Error, Melancholy's child!Why dost thou show to the apt thoughts of menThe things that are not? O Error, soon conceived,Thou never comest unto a happy birth,But kill'st the mother that engender'd thee!

TITINIUS.What, Pindarus! where art thou, Pindarus?

MESSALA.Seek him, Titinius, whilst I go to meetThe noble Brutus, thrusting this reportInto his ears: I may say, thrusting it;For piercing steel and darts envenomedShall be as welcome to the ears of BrutusAs tidings of this sight.

TITINIUS.Hie you, Messala,And I will seek for Pindarus the while.−−

[Exit Messala.]Why didst thou send me forth, brave Cassius?Did I not meet thy friends? And did not theyPut on my brows this wreath of victory,And bid me give it thee? Didst thou not hear theirshouts?Alas, thou hast misconstrued every thing!But, hold thee, take this garland on thy brow;Thy Brutus bid me give it thee, and IWill do his bidding.−−Brutus, come apace,And see how I regarded Caius Cassius.−−By your leave, gods: this is a Roman's part:Come, Cassius' sword, and find Titinius' heart.

[Dies.]

[Alarum. Re−enter Messala, with Brutus, young Cato,Strato, Volumnius, and Lucilius.]

BRUTUS.Where, where, Messala, doth his body lie?

MESSALA.Lo, yonder, and Titinius mourning it.

But Cassius is dead.—O setting Sun,Just as you sink to night in your red rays,So Cassius' day is set in his red blood,The sun of Rome is set! Our day is gone;Come clouds, dews, and dangers; our deeds are done!Lack of trust in my success has done this deed.

MESSALA.Lack of trust in good success has done this deed.Ohateful Mistake, Depression’s child!Why do you show the things that aren’t trueto the suitable thoughts of men? O Mistake, soonconceived,You never come to a happy birth,Only kill the mother that had you!

TITINIUS.What, Pindarus! Where are you, Pindarus?

MESSALA.Find him, Titinius, while I go ahead to meetThe noble Brutus, thrusting this reportInto his ears. I may say, thrusting it,Because piercing steel and poison dartsShall be as welcome to the ears of BrutusAs the news of this sight.

TITINIUS.Get going, Messala,And I’ll find for Pindarus the while.—

[Exit Messala.]Why did you send me away, brave Cassius?Didn’t I meet your friends? And didn’t theyPut this wreath of victory on my brows,And told me to give it you? Didn’t you hear theirshouts?Alas, you’ve misunderstood everything!But, wait, take this garland for your head.Your Brutus told me to give it to you, and IWill do what he asks.—Brutus, come quickly,And see how I respected Caius Cassius.—By your permission, gods, this is a Roman's part.Come, Cassius' sword, and find Titinius' heart.

[Dies.]

[Alarum. Re−enter Messala, with Brutus, young Cato,Strato, Volumnius, and Lucilius.]

Scene 2 98

BRUTUS.Titinius' face is upward.

CATO.He is slain.

BRUTUS.O Julius Caesar, thou art mighty yet!Thy spirit walks abroad, and turns our swordsIn our own proper entrails.

[Low alarums.]

CATO.Brave Titinius!Look whether he have not crown'd dead Cassius!

BRUTUS.Are yet two Romans living such as these?−−The last of all the Romans, fare thee well!It is impossible that ever RomeShould breed thy fellow.−−Friends, I owe more tearsTo this dead man than you shall see me pay.−−I shall find time, Cassius, I shall find time.−−Come therefore, and to Thassos send his body:His funerals shall not be in our camp,Lest it discomfort us.−−Lucilius, come;−−And come, young Cato;−−let us to the field.−−Labeo and Flavius, set our battles on:−−'Tis three o'clock; and Romans, yet ere nightWe shall try fortune in a second fight.

[Exeunt.]

BRUTUS.Where, where, Messala, does his body lie?

MESSALA.Behold, over there, and Titinius’ mourning it.

BRUTUS.Titinius' face is upward.

CATO.He’s slain.

BRUTUS.O Julius Caesar, you’re mighty yet!Your spirit walks abroad, and turns our swordsInto our own guts.

[Low alarums.]

CATO.Brave Titinius!Look whether he has crowned dead Cassius or not!

BRUTUS.Are there still two Romans living such as these?—The last of all the Romans, goodbye!It is impossible that RomeShould ever breed more men like you.—Friends,I owe more tears to this dead man than you shallSee me pay.— I shall find time, Cassius, I shall findtime.—Come for that reason and send his body to Thassos.His funerals shall not be in our camp,For fear that it will discourage us.—Lucilius, come;—And come, young Cato;—let’s go to the field.—Labeo and Flavius, bring our battles on.—It’s three o'clock, and Romans, we shall tryOur luck in a second fight still before night.

[Exit.]» Back to Section Index» Back to Table of Contents

Scene 4

Another part of the field.

[Alarum. Enter, fighting, Soldiers of both armies; then

Another part of the field.

[Alarum. Enter, fighting, Soldiers of both

Scene 4 99

Brutus,young Cato, Lucilius, and Others.]

BRUTUS.Yet, countrymen, O, yet hold up your heads!

CATO.What bastard doth not? Who will go with me?I will proclaim my name about the field:−−I am the son of Marcus Cato, ho!A foe to tyrants, and my country's friend;I am the son of Marcus Cato, ho!

[Charges the enemy.]

BRUTUS.And I am Brutus, Marcus Brutus, I;Brutus, my country's friend; know me for Brutus!

[Exit, charging the enemy. Cato is overpowered, and falls.]

LUCILIUS.O young and noble Cato, art thou down?Why, now thou diest as bravely as Titinius;And mayst be honour'd, being Cato's son.

FIRST SOLDIER.Yield, or thou diest.

LUCILIUS.Only I yield to die:There is so much that thou wilt kill me straight;

[Offering money.]

Kill Brutus, and be honour'd in his death.

FIRST SOLDIER.We must not. A noble prisoner!

SECOND SOLDIER.Room, ho! Tell Antony, Brutus is ta'en.

FIRST SOLDIER.I'll tell the news. Here comes the General.−−

[Enter Antony.]

Brutus is ta'en, Brutus is ta'en, my lord.

armies; then Brutus,young Cato, Lucilius, and Others.]

BRUTUS.Yet, countrymen, O, still hold up your heads!

CATO.What bastard doesn’t? Who will go with me?I’ll proclaim my name about the field.—I’m the son of Marcus Cato, oh!A foe to tyrants, and my country's friend;I’m the son of Marcus Cato, oh!

[Charges the enemy.]

BRUTUS.And I’m Brutus, Marcus Brutus;Brutus, my country's friend; know me asBrutus!

[Exit, charging the enemy. Cato isoverpowered, and falls.]

LUCILIUS.O young and noble Cato, are you down?Why, now you die as bravely as Titinius,And may be honored, being Cato's son.

FIRST SOLDIER.Yield, or you die.

LUCILIUS.But I yield to die.There is so much money if you’ll kill me now;

[Offering money.]

Kill Brutus, and be honored in his death.

FIRST SOLDIER.We must not. A noble prisoner!

SECOND SOLDIER.Room, oh! Tell Antony, Brutus is taken.

FIRST SOLDIER.I'll tell the news. Here comes the General.—

[Enter Antony.]

Scene 4 100

ANTONY.Where is he?

LUCILIUS.Safe, Antony; Brutus is safe enough:I dare assure thee that no enemyShall ever take alive the noble Brutus:The gods defend him from so great a shame!When you do find him, or alive or dead,He will be found like Brutus, like himself.

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 haveSuch men my friends than enemies. Go on,And see whether Brutus be alive or dead;And bring us word unto Octavius' tentHow everything is chanced.

[Exeunt.]

Brutus is taken, Brutus is taken, my lord.

ANTONY.Where is he?

LUCILIUS.Safe, Antony; Brutus is safe enough.I dare to assure you that no enemyShall ever take the noble Brutus alive.The gods defend him from so great a shame!When you do find him, or alive or dead,He’ll be found like Brutus, like himself.

ANTONY.This isn’t Brutus, friend, but, I assure you,A prize no less worthy. Keep this man safe,Give him all kindness; I would rather haveSuch men as my friends than enemies. Go on,And see whether Brutus is alive or dead,And bring us word how everything happenedTo Octavius' tent.

[Exit.]» Back to Section Index» Back to Table of Contents

Scene 5

Another part of the field.

[Enter Brutus, Dardanius, Clitus, Strato, andVolumnius.]

BRUTUS.Come, poor remains of friends, rest on this rock.

CLITUS.Statilius show'd the torch−light; but, my lord,He came not back: he is or ta'en or slain.

BRUTUS.Sit thee down, Clitus: slaying is the word;It is a deed in fashion. Hark thee, Clitus.

[Whispering.]

CLITUS.What, I, my lord? No, not for all the world.

Another part of the field.

[Enter Brutus, Dardanius, Clitus, Strato, and Volumnius.]

BRUTUS.Come, poor remains of friends, rest on this rock.

CLITUS.Statilius showed the torchlight, but, my lord,He didn’t come back. He’s or taken or slain.

BRUTUS.Sit down, Clitus. Slaying is the word;It is a deed that’s in style. Listen, Clitus.

[Whispering.]

CLITUS.What, I, my lord? No, not for all the world.

Scene 5 101

BRUTUS.Peace then! no words.

CLITUS.I'll rather kill myself.

BRUTUS.Hark thee, Dardanius.

[Whispers him.]

DARDANIUS.Shall I do such a deed?

CLITUS.O Dardanius!

DARDANIUS.O Clitus!

CLITUS.What ill request did Brutus make to thee?

DARDANIUS.To kill him, Clitus. Look, he meditates.

CLITUS.Now is that noble vessel full of grief,That it runs over even at his eyes.

BRUTUS.Come hither, good Volumnius; list a word.

VOLUMNIUS.What says my lord?

BRUTUS.Why, this, Volumnius:The ghost of Caesar hath appear'd to meTwo several times by night; at Sardis once,And this last night here in Philippi fields:I know my hour is come.

VOLUMNIUS.Not so, my lord.

BRUTUS.Nay I am sure it is, Volumnius.Thou seest the world, Volumnius, how it goes;Our enemies have beat us to the pit:

BRUTUS.Peace then! Don’t say anything.

CLITUS.I'd rather kill myself.

BRUTUS.Listen, Dardanius.

[Whispers him.]

DARDANIUS.Shall I do such a deed?

CLITUS.O Dardanius!

DARDANIUS.O Clitus!

CLITUS.What wicked request did Brutus make to you?

DARDANIUS.To kill him, Clitus. Look, he meditates.

CLITUS.Now that noble vessel is so full of grief,That it runs over, even from his eyes.

BRUTUS.Come here, good Volumnius; listen to a few words.

VOLUMNIUS.What do you say, my lord?

BRUTUS.Why, this, Volumnius.The ghost of Caesar has appeared to meTwice by night; at Sardis once,And this last night here in Philippi fields.I know I’m going to die.

VOLUMNIUS.Not so, my lord.

BRUTUS.No, I’m sure of it, Volumnius.You see the world, Volumnius, how it’s going;Our enemies have beat us to hell.

Scene 5 102

[Low alarums.]

It is more worthy to leap in ourselvesThan tarry till they push us. Good Volumnius,Thou know'st that we two went to schooltogether;Even for that our love of old, I pr'ythee,Hold thou my sword−hilts, whilst I run on it.

VOLUMNIUS.That's not an office for a friend, my lord.

[Alarums still.]

CLITUS.Fly, fly, my lord! there is no tarrying here.

BRUTUS.Farewell to you;−−and you;−−and you,Volumnius.−−Strato, thou hast been all this while asleep;Farewell to thee too, Strato.−−Countrymen,My heart doth joy, that yet in all my lifeI found no man but he was true to me.I shall have glory by this losing day,More than Octavius and Mark AntonyBy this vile conquest shall attain unto.So, fare you well at once; for Brutus' tongueHath almost ended his life's history:Night hangs upon mine eyes; my bones wouldrestThat have but labour'd to attain this hour.

[Alarums. Cry within, "Fly, fly, fly!"]

CLITUS.Fly, my lord, fly!

BRUTUS.Hence! I will follow.−−

[Exeunt Clitus, Dardanius, and Volumnius.]

I pr'ythee, Strato, stay thou by thy lord:Thou art a fellow of a good respect;Thy life hath had some smack of honor in it:Hold, then, my sword, and turn away thy face,While I do run upon it. Wilt thou, Strato?

STRATO.

[Low alarums.]

It is more worthy for us to leap in ourselvesThan to wait until they push us. Good Volumnius,You know that we two went to school together;Even because that our love of old, please,Hold my sword handle while I run into it.

VOLUMNIUS.That's not a job for a friend, my lord.

[Alarums still.]

CLITUS.Fly, fly, my lord! There’s no hanging around here.

BRUTUS.Goodbye to you;—and you;—and you, Volumnius.—Strato, you’ve seen all this while asleep;Goodbye to you too, Strato.—Countrymen,My heart is joyful, that, still, in all my life,I only found methat were true to me.I shall have glory by this losing day,More than Octavius and Mark AntonyShall get by this evil conquest.So, goodbye now, because Brutus' tongueHas almost ended his life's story.Night hangs on my eyes; my bones that have onlyLabored to attain this hour want to rest.

[Alarums. Cry inside, "Fly, fly, fly!"]

CLITUS.Fly, my lord, fly!

BRUTUS.Away! I’ll follow.—

[Exit Clitus, Dardanius, and Volumnius.]

Please, Strato, stay by your lord.You’re a fellow of a good respect;Your life has some smack of honor in it.Hold my sword, then, and turn away your face,While I run on it. Will you, Strato?

STRATO.Give me your hand first. Goodbye, my lord.

BRUTUS.

Scene 5 103

Give me your hand first: fare you well, my lord.

BRUTUS.Farewell, good Strato.−−Caesar, now be still:I kill'd not thee with half so good a will.

[He runs on his sword, and dies.]

[Alarum. Retreat. Enter Octavius, Antony,Messala, Lucilius, andArmy.]

OCTAVIUS.What man is that?

MESSALA.My master's man.−−Strato, where is thy master?

STRATO.Free from the bondage you are in, Messala:The conquerors can but make a fire of him;For Brutus only overcame himself,And no man else hath honour by his death.

LUCILIUS.So Brutus should be found.−−I thank thee,Brutus,That thou hast proved Lucilius' saying true.

OCTAVIUS.All that served Brutus, I will entertain them.−−Fellow, wilt thou bestow thy time with me?

STRATO.Ay, if Messala will prefer me to you.

OCTAVIUS.Do so, good Messala.

MESSALA.How died my master, Strato?

STRATO.I held the sword, and he did run on it.

MESSALA.Octavius, then take him to follow thee,That did the latest service to my master.

ANTONY.

Goodbye, good Strato.—Now Caesar, be still.I didn’t kill you with half so good a will.

[He runs on his sword, and dies.]

[Alarum. Retreat. Enter Octavius, Antony, Messala,Lucilius, andArmy.]

OCTAVIUS.What man is that?

MESSALA.My master's man.—Strato, where is your master?

STRATO.Free from the bondage you’re in, Messala.The conquerors can only make a fire of him;Because Brutusonly overcame himself,And no other man has honor by his death.

LUCILIUS.So Brutus should be found.—I thank you, Brutus,That you’ve proved Lucilius' saying true.

OCTAVIUS.All that served Brutus, I’ll entertain them.—Fellow, will you spend your time with me?

STRATO.Yes, if Messala will recommend me to you.

OCTAVIUS.Do so, good Messala.

MESSALA.How did my master die, Strato?

STRATO.I held the sword, and he ran into it.

MESSALA.Octavius, then take him to follow you,Who did the latest service to my master.

ANTONY.This was the noblest Roman of them all.All the conspirators, except him,Did that they did out of jealousy of great Caesar;Only he, in a general−honest thought

Scene 5 104

This was the noblest Roman of them all:All the conspirators, save only he,Did that they did in envy of great Caesar;He only, in a general−honest thoughtAnd common good to all, made one of them.His life was gentle; and the elementsSo mix'd in him that Nature might stand upAnd say to all the world, "This was a man!"

OCTAVIUS.According to his virtue let us use himWith all respect and rites of burial.Within my tent his bones to−night shall lie,Most like a soldier, order'd honorably.−−So, call the field to rest; and let's away,To part the glories of this happy day.

[Exeunt.]

And common good to all, made one of them.His life was gentle, and the elementsSo mixed in him that Nature might stand upAnd say to all the world, "This was a man!"

OCTAVIUS.According to his virtue, let’s treat himWith all respect and rites of burial.His bones tonight shall lie inside my tent,Most like a soldier, ordered honorably.—So, call the field to rest, and let's away,To sort out the glories of this happy day.

[Exit.]

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Scene 5 105