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Julius Caesar
Act 1, Scene 1
Original Text All Clear
Enter FLAVIUS, MURELLUS, a CARPENTER, a COBBLER, and certain other FLAVIUS and MURELLUS enter, as do a CARPENTER, a COBBLER, and
COMMONERS over the stage some other commoners from the other end of the stage.
FLAVIUS FLAVIUS
Hence! Home, you idle creatures get you home! Go away! Go home, you lazy creatures, go home! Is today a holi-
Is this a holiday? What, know you not, day? Do you not know that, as working-class men, you shouldn’t
Being mechanical, you ought not walk walk around on a workday without wearing your work clothes?
Upon a laboring day without the sign Hey you, tell me, what’s your profession?
5 Of your profession?—Speak, what trade art thou?
CARPENTER CARPENTER
Why, sir, a carpenter. Well, sir, I’m a carpenter.
MURELLUS MURELLUS
Where is thy leather apron and thy rule? Where’s your leather apron and ruler? Why are you wearing your
What dost thou with thy best apparel on? finest clothes? And you, sir, what’s your job?
—You, sir, what trade are you?
COBBLER COBBLER
10 Truly, sir, in respect of a fine workman, I am but, as you would say, a Well, sir, compared to a skilled workman, you might call me, as
cobbler. they say, a cobbler.
MURELLUS MURELLUS
But what trade art thou? Answer me directly. But what’s your trade? Answer me straightforwardly.
COBBLER COBBLER
A trade, sir, that I hope I may use with a safe conscience, which is, I work a trade, sir, that I hope I can practice with a clear con-
indeed, sir, a mender of bad soles. science. I am a mender of worn soles.
MURELLUS MURELLUS
15 What trade, thou knave? Thou naughty knave, what trade? What trade, boy? You good-for-nothing boy, what trade?
COBBLER COBBLER
Nay, I beseech you, sir, be not out with me. Yet, if you be out, sir, I can I beg you, sir, don’t be angry. Yet, if your soles are worn out, I can
mend you. mend you.
MURELLUS MURELLUS
What mean’st thou by that? “Mend” me, thou saucy fellow? What do you mean by that? “Mend” me, you insolent boy?
COBBLER COBBLER
Why, sir, cobble you. Well, cobble you, sir.
FLAVIUS FLAVIUS
20 Thou art a cobbler, art thou? You’re a cobbler, are you?
COBBLER COBBLER
Truly, sir, all that I live by is with the awl. I meddle with no tradesman’s Yes, sir, I make my living through use of an awl. I don’t meddle in
matters nor women’s matters, but withal I am indeed, sir, a surgeon to politics or in affairs of women. I’m just a surgeon to old shoes.
old shoes. When they are in great danger, I recover them. As proper When they’re in bad shape, I fix them. The most noble men who
25 men as ever trod upon neat’s leather have gone upon my handiwork. have ever walked on leather have walked on my handiwork.
FLAVIUS FLAVIUS
But wherefore art not in thy shop today? But why aren’t you in your shop today? Why are you leading
Why dost thou lead these men about the streets? these men through the streets?
COBBLER COBBLER
Truly, sir, to wear out their shoes to get myself into more work. But in- Well, sir, to wear out their shoes and get myself more work.
30 deed, sir, we make holiday to see Caesar and to rejoice in his triumph. Actually, sir, we took the day off to see Caesar and celebrate his
triumph.
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MURELLUS MURELLUS
Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home? Why celebrate it? What foreign lands has he conquered for
What tributaries follow him to Rome Rome to rule? What foreign princes are chained to his chariot
To grace in captive bonds his chariot wheels? wheels and who will earn Rome ransom? You blockheads, you
You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things, unfeeling men, you worse than stupid things! Oh, you with hard
35 O you hard hearts, you cruèl men of Rome, hearts, you cruel men of Rome, didn’t you know Pompey? Many
Knew you not Pompey? Many a time and oft a time you climbed up on walls and battlements, towers and
Have you climbed up to walls and battlements, windows, yeah, even chimney tops, with your babies in your
To towers and windows, yea, to chimney tops, arms, and sat there all day just waiting to see great Pompey ride
Your infants in your arms, and there have sat through the streets of Rome. And when you saw his chariot,
40 The livelong day with patient expectation didn’t all of you shout all at once so loudly that the river Tiber
To see great Pompey pass the streets of Rome. shook from the sound echoing within its banks? And now you put
And when you saw his chariot but appear, on your finest clothes? And now you choose to take a holiday?
Have you not made an universal shout And now you toss flowers in the path of the man who comes in
That Tiber trembled underneath her banks triumph having defeated Pompey’s sons? Get out of here! Run to
45 To hear the replication of your sounds your houses, fall on your knees, and pray to the gods to spare you
Made in her concave shores? from the terrible punishment that is certain to come down upon
And do you now put on your best attire? you for such ingratitude.
And do you now cull out a holiday?
And do you now strew flowers in his way
50 That comes in triumph over Pompey’s blood?
Be gone!
Run to your houses, fall upon your knees,
Pray to the gods to intermit the plague
That needs must light on this ingratitude.
FLAVIUS FLAVIUS
55 Go, go, good countrymen, and for this fault, Go, go, good countrymen, and to atone for this error in judgment,
Assemble all the poor men of your sort, gather together all the poor men like you, lead them to the banks
Draw them to Tiber banks, and weep your tears of the Tiber river, and weep into the water until it overflows.
Into the channel till the lowest stream
Do kiss the most exalted shores of all.
Exeunt CARPENTER, COBBLER, and all the other commoners The CARPENTER, COBBLER, and all of the commoners exit.
60 See whether their basest metal be not moved. That should move even these coarse and unrefined men. They’re
They vanish tongue-tied in their guiltiness. leaving, and feel so guity they can’t speak. You go that way
Go you down that way towards the Capitol. towards the Capitol building, and I’ll go this way. Undress any
This way will I. Disrobe the images statues you see that have been decorated in honor of Caesar.
If you do find them decked with ceremonies.
MURELLUS MURELLUS
65 May we do so? Can we do that? You know it’s the feast of Lupercal.
You know it is the feast of Lupercal.
FLAVIUS FLAVIUS
It is no matter. Let no images It doesn’t matter. None of the statues should be decorated
Be hung with Caesar’s trophies. I’ll about in honor to Caesar. I’ll make sure the commoners get off the
And drive away the vulgar from the streets. streets, and you do the same wherever you see a bunch of them
70 So do you too, where you perceive them thick. together. If we can pluck the feathers of Caesar’s growing sup-
These growing feathers plucked from Caesar’s wing port among the commoners now, he’ll have to fly at a normal
Will make him fly an ordinary pitch, height. If we don’t, he’ll soar to such heights of power that all of
Who else would soar above the view of men us will live in fear and be his servants.
And keep us all in servile fearfulness.
Exeunt severally They exit in different directions.
Act 1, Scene 2
Flourish Enter CAESAR, ANTONY, dressed for the course, CALPHURNIA, A trumpet sounds. CAESAR enters, along with ANTONY who is dressed
PORTIA, DECIUS, CICERO, BRUTUS, CASSIUS, CASCA, and a SOOTHSAYER for a traditional foot race, as well as CALPHURNIA, PORTIA, DECIUS,
in a throng of plebians. After them, MURELLUS and FLAVIUS CICERO, BRUTUS, CASSIUS, and CASCA, followed by a great crowd
of commoners, including a SOOTHSAYER. MURELLUS and FLAVIUS
follow after.
CAESAR CAESAR
Calphurnia! Calphurnia!
CASCA CASCA
Peace, ho! Caesar speaks. Quiet! Caesar speaks.
CAESAR CAESAR
Calphurnia! Calphurnia!
CALPHURNIA CALPHURNIA
Here, my lord. Here I am, my lord.
CAESAR CAESAR
5 Stand you directly in Antonius’ way Stand directly in Antonius’s path as he runs the race. Antonius!
When he doth run his course.—Antonius!
ANTONY ANTONY
Caesar, my lord. Yes, my lord?
CAESAR CAESAR
Forget not in your speed, Antonius, Antonius, while you’re running don’t forget to touch Calphurnia.
To touch Calphurnia, for our elders say As our elders say, if an infertile woman is touched during this
10 The barren, touchèd in this holy chase, holy race, she’ll escape the curse of sterility.
Shake off their sterile curse.
ANTONY ANTONY
I shall remember. I will remember. When Caesar says “do this,” it is done.
When Caesar says, “do this,” it is performed.
CAESAR CAESAR
Set on, and leave no ceremony out. Go on, then, and don’t leave out any of the proper rituals.
Music Music plays.
SOOTHSAYER SOOTHSAYER
Caesar! Caesar!
CAESAR CAESAR
15 Ha! Who calls? Hey! Who’s calling me?
CASCA CASCA
Bid every noise be still. Peace yet again. Everyone, be quiet! Again, quiet!
Music ceases The music stops.
CAESAR CAESAR
Who is it in the press that calls on me? Who is it in the crowd that’s calling me? I hear a voice, more shrill
I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music, than any of this music, call out “Caesar!” Speak. Caesar is listen-
Cry “Caesar!”—Speak. Caesar is turned to hear. ing.
Beware the ides of March. Beware March fifteenth.
CAESAR CAESAR
20 What man is that? Who is saying that?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March. A soothsayer tells you to beware March fifteenth.
CAESAR CAESAR
Set him before me. Let me see his face. Bring him to me. Let me see his face.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Fellow, come from the throng. Look upon Caesar. Come, man, step out of the crowd. Stand before Caesar.
SOOTHSAYER approaches The SOOTHSAYER approaches.
CAESAR CAESAR
What sayst thou to me now? Speak once again. What are you saying to me now? Say it again.
25 Beware the ides of March. Beware March 15th.
CAESAR CAESAR
He is a dreamer. Let us leave him. Pass! He’s crazy. Let’s leave him. Continue on!
Sennet. Exeunt. Manent BRUTUS and CASSIUS Trumpets play. Everyone exits, except BRUTUS and CASSIUS.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Will you go see the order of the course? Are you going to come watch the race?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Not I. Not me.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
I pray you, do. Please, come and watch it.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
30 I am not gamesome. I do lack some part I’m not a fan of sports. I lack some of Antony’s lively, competitive
Of that quick spirit that is in Antony. spirit. But don’t let me stop you from doing what you want, Cas-
Let me not hinder, Cassius, your desires. sius. I’ll leave you alone.
I’ll leave you.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Brutus, I do observe you now of late Brutus, I’ve been watching you recently. I’ve noticed that you
35 I have not from your eyes that gentleness seem less friendly to me than I’m used to. You’ve been rough and
And show of love as I was wont to have. distant to me, your friend who loves you.
You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand
Over your friend that loves you.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Cassius, Cassius, don’t be fooled. If I seem unfriendly, it’s because my
Be not deceived. If I have veiled my look, troubled looks are actually directed at myself. Lately I’ve been
40 I turn the trouble of my countenance overwhelmed with private thoughts and conflicting emotions,
Merely upon myself. Vexèd I am which must have affected my behavior. But my good friends
Of late with passions of some difference, should not be troubled—and I count you as a good friend, Cas-
Conceptions only proper to myself, sius—and should not see anything more in my distant behavior
Which give some soil perhaps to my behaviors. than that poor Brutus, who is at war with himself, has forgotten
45 But let not therefore, my good friends, be grieved— to show affection to others.
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 CASSIUS
50 Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion, Brutus, I misunderstood your feelings, and for that reason kept
By means whereof this breast of mine hath buried to myself a number of important thoughts. Tell me, good Brutus,
Thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations. can you see your face?
Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
No, Cassius, for the eye sees not itself No, Cassius, because the eye can’t see itself, except in reflections
55 But by reflection, by some other things. on other surfaces.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
‘Tis just. That’s a fact. But it’s a shame, Brutus, that you don’t have any
And it is very much lamented, Brutus, mirrors in which to view your own worthiness. I’ve heard many
That you have no such mirrors as will turn of the most respected Romans—with the exception of immortal
Your hidden worthiness into your eye Caesar—mention you while complaining of the burden of our
60 That you might see your shadow. I have heard current government, and wish that your eyes were working
Where many of the best respect in Rome, better.
Except immortal Caesar, speaking of Brutus
And groaning underneath this age’s yoke,
Have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
65 Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius, Into what dangers are you trying to lead me, Cassius, by asking
That you would have me seek into myself me to look inside myself for something that isn’t in me?
For that which is not in me?
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Therefore, good Brutus, be prepared to hear. Listen, good Brutus. And since you know the best way to see
And since you know you cannot see yourself yourself is by reflection, I’ll act as your mirror and, without
70 So well as by reflection, I, your glass, exaggerating, show to you the parts of yourself of which you are
Will modestly discover to yourself unaware. And don’t be suspicious of what I say, noble Brutus. If I
That of yourself which you yet know not of. were some frivolous fool, or made the same stale vows of friend-
And be not jealous on me, gentle Brutus. ship to every new buddy I met, or if you knew that I flatter men to
Were I a common laugher, or did use their face only to slander them once they’re gone, or if you learn
75 To stale with ordinary oaths my love that I make declarations of friendship to all the mobs of people
To every new protester, if you know while out partying, then, of course, don’t believe me.
That I do fawn on men and hug them hard
And, after, scandal them, or if you know
That I profess myself in banqueting
80 To all the rout, then hold me dangerous.
Flourish, and shout within Trumpets play, and then a shout sounds.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
What means this shouting? I do fear, the people What is the meaning of this shouting? I fear the people have
Choose Caesar for their king. made Caesar their king.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Ay, do you fear it? Really, do you fear that? Then I must guess that you don’t want
Then must I think you would not have it so. that to happen.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
I would not, Cassius. Yet I love him well. I don’t, Cassius, though I love Caesar dearly. But why do you keep
85 But wherefore do you hold me here so long? me here so long? What is it that you want to tell me? If it’s for the
What is it that you would impart to me? general good of Rome, I’d do it even if it meant my death. May the
If it be aught toward the general good, gods grant me good favor only so long as I love honor more than
Set honor in one eye and death i’ th’ other, I fear death.
And I will look on both indifferently,
90 For let the gods so speed me as I love
The name of honor more than I fear death.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus, I see that good quality in you, Brutus. It’s as familiar to me as
As well as I do know your outward favor. your appearance. In fact, honor is what I want to discuss with
Well, honor is the subject of my story. you. I don’t know what you and other men think of this life, but,
95 I cannot tell what you and other men as for me, I’d rather not live at all than stand in awe of a man no
Think of this life, but, for my single self, better than myself. I was born as free as Caesar. So were you. We
I had as lief not be as live to be both have eaten as well, and we can both endure the winter’s
In awe of such a thing as I myself. cold as well as he. Once, on a harsh and windy day, as the river
I was born free as Caesar. So were you. Tiber swelled against its banks, Caesar said to me, “Cassius,
100 We both have fed as well, and we can both would you dare to jump with me into this rough water and swim
Endure the winter’s cold as well as he. to that distant point.” The moment he said that, though still in
For once upon a raw and gusty day, my clothes, I jumped in and told him to follow. He did. The water
The troubled Tiber chafing with her shores, roared, and we fought against it with all our strength, inspired
Caesar said to me, “Darest thou, Cassius, now to overcome it by our competitive natures. But before we could
105 Leap in with me into this angry flood reach our destination, Caesar cried, “Help me, Cassius, or I’ll
And swim to yonder point?” Upon the word, sink!” Like Aeneas, the founder of Rome, carried on his shoulders
Accoutred as I was, I plungèd in his elderly father Anchises from the fires of Troy, so did I carry
And bade him follow. So indeed he did. the tired Caesar from the waves of the Tiber. And this man has
The torrent roared, and we did buffet it now become a god, while I am a wretched creature who must
110 With lusty sinews, throwing it aside bow down if Caesar carelessly nods my way. When he was In
And stemming it with hearts of controversy. Spain, Caesar had a fever, and when he was in its grip I noticed
But ere we could arrive the point proposed, how he shook. It’s true, this “god” was shaking! His cowardly lips
Caesar cried, “Help me, Cassius, or I sink!” lost their color, and that same eye whose gaze now terrifies the
I, as Aeneas, our great ancestor, world lost its gleam. I heard him groan, yes, and that tongue of
115 Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder his that ordered the Romans to listen to him and transcribe his
The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber speeches in their books cried like a sick girl, “Oh, get me a drink,
Did I the tired Caesar. And this man Titinius.” Oh god, it amazes me that a man of such weak constitu-
Is now become a god, and Cassius is tion could get an advantage over the entire world and carry the
A wretched creature and must bend his body prize of victory alone.
120 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 mark
How he did shake. ‘Tis true, this god did shake!
His coward lips did from their color fly,
125 And that same eye whose bend doth awe the world
Did lose his luster. I did hear him groan,
Ay, and that tongue of his that bade the Romans
Mark him and write his speeches in their books—
“Alas,” it cried, “give me some drink, Titinius,”
130 As a sick girl. Ye gods, it doth amaze me
A man of such a feeble temper should
So get the start of the majestic world
And bear the palm alone.
Shout within. Flourish A shout offstage. Trumpets play.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Another general shout! More shouting from the crowd! I think this applause is for some
I do believe that these applauses are new honor given to Caesar.
135 For some new honors that are heaped on Caesar.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world Why, sir, he straddles the narrow world like a giant, and we
Like a Colossus, and we petty men petty men walk under his huge legs and peek out just to find our
Walk under his huge legs and peep about graves, as if we were slaves. Men can be masters of their fate.
To find ourselves dishonorable graves. Our problem, Brutus, is not destiny, it’s ourselves. “Brutus” and
140 Men at some time are masters of their fates. “Caesar”—what’s special about “Caesar”? Why should that name
The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars be shouted more than yours? Write them together—yours looks
But in ourselves, that we are underlings. just as good. Say them—yours is as pleasant to speak. Weigh
Brutus and Caesar—what should be in that “Caesar”? them—it’s just as heavy. Do magic with them, and “Brutus” will
Why should that name be sounded more than yours? call up a spirit just as well as “Caesar.” Now, in the name of all the
145 Write them together, yours is as fair a name. gods, I ask you what meat has Caesar eaten that has made him
Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well. grow to be so great? The people of our time should be ashamed!
Weigh them, it is as heavy. Conjure with ‘em, Rome has lost the ability to raise noble men! When was there an
“Brutus” will start a spirit as soon as “Caesar.” age, since the great mythological flood, that didn’t contain more
Now in the names of all the gods at once, than one famous man? When could anyone speaking of Rome
150 Upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed say, before now, that just one man ruled the entire city. Now,
That he is grown so great? Age, thou art shamed! though, Rome has room only for one man. Oh, you and I have
Rome, thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods! heard our fathers say that there was once a Brutus—your ances-
When went there by an age, since the great flood, tor—who would have let the devil reign in Rome before he would
But it was famed with more than with one man? allow a king.
155 When could they say till now, that talked of Rome,
That her wide walks encompassed but one man?
Now is it Rome indeed, and room enough,
When there is in it but one only man.
Oh, you and I have heard our fathers say,
160 There was a Brutus once that would have brooked
Th’ eternal devil to keep his state in Rome
As easily as a king.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
That you do love me, I am nothing jealous. That you love me, I do not doubt. What you would like me to do,
What you would work me to, I have some aim. I’m starting to understand. What I think about this and about
165 How I have thought of this and of these times what’s happening in Rome, I’ll tell you later. For the moment, in
I shall recount hereafter. For this present, the name of our friendship, I would prefer that you not try to do
I would not, so with love I might entreat you, any more persuading. I’ll think over what you’ve said, I’ll listen
Be any further moved. What you have said patiently to whatever else you have to say, and I’ll find an ap-
I will consider, what you have to say propriate time for us to consider and make a decision about such
170 I will with patience hear, and find a time weighty matters. Until then, my noble friend, think about this: I
Both meet to hear and answer such high things. would rather be some villager than call myself a citizen of Rome
Till then, my noble friend, chew upon this: during the difficult situation this time is likely to put us through.
Brutus had rather be a villager
Than to repute himself a son of Rome
175 Under these hard conditions as this time
Is like to lay upon us.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
I am glad that my weak words I’m glad that my weak words have forced even this small show of
Have struck but thus much show of fire from Brutus. passion from you.
Enter CAESAR and his train, which includes CASCA CAESAR enters with his followers, including CASCA.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
The games are done and Caesar is returning. The games are finished, and Caesar is returning.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
180 As they pass by, pluck Casca by the sleeve, As they pass by, grab Casca by the sleeve. He’ll tell you, in his
And he will, after his sour fashion, tell you sour way, if anything of importance happened today.
What hath proceeded worthy note today.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
I will do so. But, look you, Cassius, I’ll do so. But look there, Cassius, Caesar’s face is full of anger
The angry spot doth glow on Caesar’s brow, while everyone with him look like they’ve been scolded. Calphur-
185 And all the rest look like a chidden train. nia’s face is pale, and Cicero’s eyes are darting and angry just as
Calphurnia’s cheek is pale, and Cicero they do when senators argue with him during sessions at the
Looks with such ferret and such fiery eyes Capitol.
As we have seen him in the Capitol
Being crossed in conference by some senators.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
190 Casca will tell us what the matter is. Casca will tell us what’s happened.
During the exchange between CAESAR and ANTONY, BRUTUS pulls CASCA As CAESAR and ANTONY talk, BRUTUS pulls CASCA by the sleeve.
by the sleeve
CAESAR CAESAR
Antonio. Antonio.
ANTONY ANTONY
Caesar. Caesar.
CAESAR CAESAR
(aside to ANTONY) Let me have men about me that are fat, (speaking quietly to ANTONY) I like the men around me to be fat,
Sleek-headed men and such as sleep a-nights. well-groomed men who sleep soundly through the night. But
195 Yon Cassius has a lean and hungry look. Cassius over there has a lean and hungry look. He thinks too
He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous. much. Such men are dangerous.
ANTONY ANTONY
(aside to CAESAR) Fear him not, Caesar. He’s not dangerous. (speaking quietly to CAESAR) Don’t fear him, Caesar. He’s not
He is a noble Roman and well given. dangerous. He’s a noble Roman with an honorable character.
CAESAR CAESAR
(aside to ANTONY) Would he were fatter! But I fear him not. (speaking quietly to ANTONY) If only he were fatter! But I’m not
200 Yet if my name were liable to fear, afraid of him. Yet, if I myself were capable of fear, I don’t know
I do not know the man I should avoid of any man I would avoid more than skinny Cassius. He reads
So soon as that spare Cassius. He reads much. a great deal. He’s a skilled observer, and he sees the hidden
He is a great observer, and he looks motives behind men’s actions. He doesn’t like plays as you do,
Quite through the deeds of men. He loves no plays, Antony. He never listens to music. He almost never smiles, and
205 As thou dost, Antony. He hears no music. when he does smile he does it as if he’s mocking the part of
Seldom he smiles, and smiles in such a sort himself that could be inspired to smile by anything. Men such as
As if he mocked himself and scorned his spirit him can never be content so long as they know there is someone
That could be moved to smile at anything. better and more powerful than they are, and therefore they’re
Such men as he be never at heart’s ease very dangerous. I’m telling you what should be feared rather
210 Whiles they behold a greater than themselves, than what I fear, because, after all, I am Caesar. Step over to my
And therefore are they very dangerous. right side, because my left ear is deaf, and tell me honestly what
I rather tell thee what is to be feared you think of Cassius.
Than what I fear, for always I am Caesar.
Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf,
215 And tell me truly what thou think’st of him.
Sennet. Exeunt CAESAR and all his train except CASCA Trumpets play. CAESAR exits with all his followers except CASCA.
CASCA CASCA
(to BRUTUS) (to BRUTUS) You pulled on my cloak. You want to speak with me?
You pulled me by the cloak. Would you speak with me?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Ay, Casca. Tell us what hath chanced today Yes, Casca. Tell us what happened today that made Caesar seem
That Caesar looks so sad. so unhappy.
CASCA CASCA
220 Why, you were with him, were you not? Well, weren’t you with him?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
I should not then ask Casca what had chanced. If I were, I wouldn’t be asking what happened.
CASCA CASCA
Why, there was a crown offered him; and, being offered him, he put it Well, a crown was offered to him, and, when it was offered, he
by with the back of his hand, thus; and then the people fell a-shouting. pushed it away with the back of his hand, like this—and then the
people started shouting.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
225 What was the second noise for? What was the second noise for?
CASCA CASCA
Why, for that too. For that same thing.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
They shouted thrice. What was the last cry for? They shouted three times. What was the last cry for?
CASCA CASCA
Why, for that too. For the same thing.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Was the crown offered him thrice? The crown was offered to him three times?
CASCA CASCA
230 Ay, marry, was ’t, and he put it by thrice, every time gentler than other, Yes, that’s right, it was, and he pushed it away three times, but
and at every putting-by mine honest neighbors shouted. each time more gently than the last. And each time he pushed it
away my noble countrymen cheered.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Who offered him the crown? Who offered him the crown?
CASCA CASCA
Why, Antony. Antony.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Tell us the manner of it, gentle Casca. Tell us what it was like, noble Casca.
CASCA CASCA
235 I can as well be hanged as tell the manner of it. It was mere foolery. I I couldn’t describe it even if you hanged me. It was foolishness. I
did not mark it. I saw Mark Antony offer him a crown (yet ’twas not a paid no attention. I saw Mark Antony offer him a crown—though
crown neither, ’twas one of these coronets) and, as I told you, he put it wasn’t a real crown, it was more like a wreath—and, as I told
it by once—but, for all that, to my thinking, he would fain have had it. you, Caesar refused it once—though in my opinion he would’ve
Then he offered it to him again, then he put it by again—but, to my gladly taken it. Then Antony offered it to him again, and Caesar
240 thinking, he was very loath to lay his fingers off it. And then he offered refused it again—though, in my opinion, he didn’t want to take
it the third time. He put it the third time by. And still, as he refused it, his hand off it. Then Antony offered it the third time, and Caesar
the rabblement hooted and clapped their chopp’d hands and threw refused it the third time. Yet even as he refused it the masses
up their sweaty night-caps and uttered such a deal of stinking breath hooted and clapped their chapped hands, and threw up their
245 because Caesar refused the crown that it had almost choked Caesar— sweaty hats, and roared out such a load of stinking breath
for he swooned and fell down at it. And for mine own part, I durst not because Caesar refused the crown that it nearly choked Caesar,
laugh for fear of opening my lips and receiving the bad air. who fainted and fell down. As for me, I didn’t dare laugh because
I feared opening my lips and inhaling the stinking air.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
But soft, I pray you. What, did Caesar swoon? Stop for a moment, please. What, did Caesar faint?
CASCA CASCA
250 He fell down in the marketplace, and foamed at mouth, and was He fell down in the marketplace and foamed at the mouth and
speechless. couldn’t speak.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
‘Tis very like. He hath the falling sickness. That’s very likely. He has epilepsy, the falling sickness.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
No, Caesar hath it not. But you and I No, Caesar doesn’t have it. But you and I, and honest Casca, we
And honest Casca, we have the falling sickness. have the falling sickness.
CASCA CASCA
255 I know not what you mean by that, but I am sure Caesar fell down. I don’t know what you mean by that, but I’m sure Caesar fell
If the tag-rag people did not clap him and hiss him according as he down. If the masses didn’t clap for him or hiss at him based on
pleased and displeased them, as they use to do the players in the whether he pleased or displeased them, just as they do for actors
theatre, I am no true man. in the theater, then I’m a liar.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
What said he when he came unto himself? What did he say when he came to?
CASCA CASCA
260 Marry, before he fell down, when he perceived the common herd was Well, before he fell down, when he realized the commoners were
glad he refused the crown, he plucked me ope his doublet and offered glad he refused the crown, he pulled open his jacket and offered
them his throat to cut. An I had been a man of any occupation, if I them his throat to cut. Had I been a common laborer and and not
would not have taken him at a word, I would I might go to hell among taken him at his word and cut his throat, then to hell with me.
265 the rogues. And so he fell. When he came to himself again, he said, if Then he fainted. When he came to, he said to the crowd that if
he had done or said anything amiss, he desired their worships to think he’d done or said anything wrong, he wanted them to know that
it was his infirmity. Three or four wenches where I stood cried, “Alas, it was caused by his sickness. Three or four women standing near
good soul!” and forgave him with all their hearts. But there’s no heed me cried, “Alas, good soul!” and forgave him with all their hearts.
270 to be taken of them. If Caesar had stabbed their mothers they would But don’t pay any attention to them—if Caesar had stabbed their
have done no less. mothers, they would have done the same.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
And after that he came thus sad away? And after that he came this way looking so serious?
CASCA CASCA
Ay. Yes.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Did Cicero say anything? Did Cicero say anything?
CASCA CASCA
Ay, he spoke Greek. Yeah, he said something in Greek.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
275 To what effect? What did he say?
CASCA CASCA
Nay, an I tell you that, I’ll ne’er look you i’ th’ face again. But those that No, if I told you I understood what he was saying, I wouldn’t be
understood him smiled at one another and shook their heads. But, able to look you in the eye. But those who did understand him
for mine own part, it was Greek to me. I could tell you more news too. smiled at one another and shook their heads. But, speaking for
280 Murellus and Flavius, for pulling scarfs off Caesar’s images, are put to myself, it was Greek to me. I have more to tell you also. Murellus
silence. Fare you well. There was more foolery yet, if I could remember and Flavius have been punished for pulling scarves off of statues
it. of Caesar. Goodbye. There was more foolishness, too, but I can’t
remember it.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Will you sup with me tonight, Casca? Will you have dinner with me tonight, Casca?
CASCA CASCA
No, I am promised forth. No, I have another commitment.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Will you dine with me tomorrow? Will you dine with me tomorrow?
CASCA CASCA
285 Ay, if I be alive and your mind hold and your dinner worth the eating. Yes, if I’m still alive, and you’re still sane, and your dinner is worth
eating.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Good. I will expect you. Good. I’ll expect you.
CASCA CASCA
Do so. Farewell both. Do that. Farewell to both of you.
Exit CASCA CASCA exits.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
What a blunt fellow is this grown to be! What a blunt, dull man he’s become! He was so quick witted
290 He was quick mettle when he went to school. when he was in school.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
So is he now in execution And he’s quick-witted now when it comes to carrying out any
Of any bold or noble enterprise, bold or noble enterprise, despite this show of being dumb.
However he puts on this tardy form. The crudeness of his words is just a kind of tasty sauce for the
This rudeness is a sauce to his good wit, wisdom of what he says, which makes other peole more likely to
295 Which gives men stomach to digest his words listen to him.
With better appetite.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
And so it is. For this time I will leave you. That’s it exactly. For now, I’ll leave you. Tomorrow, if you’d like to
Tomorrow, if you please to speak with me, speak with me, I’ll come to your home. Or, if you want, come to
I will come home to you. Or, if you will, my home, and I’ll wait for you.
300 Come home to me, and I will wait for you.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
I will do so. Till then, think of the world. I’ll do so. Until then, think of what’s best for the world.
Exit BRUTUS BRUTUS exits.
Well, Brutus, thou art noble. Yet I see Well, Brutus, you’re noble. Yet I see that your honorable nature
Thy honorable mettle may be wrought can be turned from its usual inclination. Therefore, it’s better
From that it is disposed. Therefore it is meet for noble men to spend time only with other noble men, because
305 That noble minds keep ever with their likes, who is so firm that he can’t be seduced? Caesar doesn’t like me,
For who so firm that cannot be seduced? but he loves Brutus. If I were Brutus now and he were Cassius,
Caesar doth bear me hard, but he loves Brutus. I wouldn’t have let him persuade me. Tonight I’ll throw through
If I were Brutus now and he were Cassius, his window a few letters—each written with different handwrit-
He should not humor me. I will this night, ing, as if they came from different citizens—all saying how great
310 In several hands, in at his windows throw, his reputation is throughout all of Rome, while also hinting at
As if they came from several citizens, Caesar’s ambition. And after this, Caesar won’t be able to sit
Writings all tending to the great opinion comfortably in his power, because we’ll either overthrow him or
That Rome holds of his name, wherein obscurely suffer worse than we do now.
Caesar’s ambition shall be glancèd at.
315 And after this let Caesar seat him sure,
For we will shake him, or worse days endure.
Exit CASSIUS exits.
Act 1, Scene 3
Thunder and lightning. Enter CASCA and CICERO Thunder and lightning. CASCA and CICERO enter.
CICERO CICERO
Good even, Casca. Brought you Caesar home? Good evening, Casca. Did you walk Caesar home? Why are you
Why are you breathless? And why stare you so? breathless? And why are you looking around like that?
CASCA CASCA
Are not you moved when all the sway of earth Aren’t you disturbed when the entire earth shakes like it was
Shakes like a thing unfirm? O Cicero, sick? Oh Cicero, I’ve seen storms with gusting winds that have
5 I have seen tempests when the scolding winds split ancient oak trees, and I’ve seen the ocean swell, rage, and
Have rived the knotty oaks, and I have seen foam, as if it wanted to rise all the way to the dark clouds above,
Th’ ambitious ocean swell and rage and foam but not until tonight, not until now, have I seen a storm that
To be exalted with the threatening clouds, drops fire. Either there is a civil war in heaven, or else the world,
But never till tonight, never till now, too disrespectful to the gods, so angers them that they send
10 Did I go through a tempest dropping fire. destruction.
Either there is a civil strife in heaven,
Or else the world, too saucy with the gods,
Incenses them to send destruction.
CICERO CICERO
Why, saw you anything more wonderful? Why, did you see anything else that made it seem like it came
from the gods?
CASCA CASCA
15 A common slave—you know him well by sight— A common slave—you’d recognize him—held up his left hand,
Held up his left hand, which did flame and burn which flamed and burned with the strength of twenty torches.
Like twenty torches joined, and yet his hand, And yet his hand did not feel the fire and was not burned. In
Not sensible of fire, remained unscorched. addition—I haven’t sheathed my sword since seeing this—across
20 Besides—I ha’ not since put up my sword— from the Capitol I saw a lion who stared at me and then walked
Against the Capitol I met a lion, by without harming me. And there were a hundred frightened
Who glaz’d upon me and went surly by, women all clustered together, who swore they saw men covered
Without annoying me. And there were drawn in fire walk up and down the streets. And yesterday the owl sat
Upon a heap a hundred ghastly women, hooting and shrieking in the marketplace at noon. When all these
25 Transformèd with their fear, who swore they saw wonders happen at the same time, men should not say, “Here are
Men all in fire walk up and down the streets. the reasons why this is happening; it’s all natural and normal.” I
And yesterday the bird of night did sit believe these are omens regarding what will happen in the place,
Even at noon-day upon the marketplace, Rome, where they occur.
30 Hooting and shrieking. When these prodigies
Do so conjointly meet, let not men say,
“These are their reasons; they are natural.”
For I believe they are portentous things
Unto the climate that they point upon.
CICERO CICERO
Indeed, it is a strange-disposèd time. Yes, these are strange times. But men often interpret things as
But men may construe things after their fashion, it suits them to and misunderstand the actual meaning of the
35 Clean from the purpose of the things themselves. Comes Caesar to things themselves. Is Caesar coming to the Capitol tomorrow?
the Capitol tomorrow?
CASCA CASCA
He doth, for he did bid Antonius He is. He told Antonius to tell you he’d be there tomorrow.
Send word to you he would be there tomorrow.
CICERO CICERO
Good night then, Casca. This disturbèd sky Good night then, Casca. This angry weather isn’t something to
Is not to walk in. walk around in.
CASCA CASCA
40 Farewell, Cicero. Farewell, Cicero
Exit CICERO CICERO exits.
Enter CASSIUS CASSIUS enters.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Who’s there? Who’s there?
CASCA CASCA
A Roman. A Roman.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Casca, by your voice. Casca, I recognize your voice.
CASCA CASCA
Your ear is good. Cassius, what night is this! Your ear is good. Cassius, what a night this is!
CASSIUS CASSIUS
A very pleasing night to honest men. It’s a very pleasing night to honest men.
CASCA CASCA
Who ever knew the heavens menace so? Who’s ever seen the heavens threaten like this?
CASSIUS CASSIUS
45 Those that have known the earth so full of faults. Those who have known how bad things are here on earth. I have
For my part, I have walked about the streets, walked around the streets, exposing myself to the perilous night,
Submitting me unto the perilous night, unbuttoned like this, as you see, Casca, baring my chest to the
And, thus unbracèd, Casca, as you see, thunderbolt. When the forked blue lightning seemed to break
Have bared my bosom to the thunder-stone. open the sky, I put myself right where I thought it would hit.
50 And when the cross blue lightning seemed to open
The breast of heaven, I did present myself
Even in the aim and very flash of it.
CASCA CASCA
But wherefore did you so much tempt the heavens? But why would you tempt the heavens that way? It is mankind’s
It is the part of men to fear and tremble role to fear and tremble when the mightiest gods send such
55 When the most mighty gods by tokens send dreadful signs to warn and shock us.
Such dreadful heralds to astonish us.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
You are dull, Casca, and those sparks of life You’re without spirit, Casca, and you lack the sparks of liveliness
That should be in a Roman you do want, that a Roman should have—or else you just don’t show them.
Or else you use not. You look pale, and gaze, You look pale, you stare, and you throw yourself into fear and
60 And put on fear, and cast yourself in wonder wonder at the strange uproar in the heavens. But if you think
To see the strange impatience of the heavens. about the true cause for all these fires, all these floating ghosts,
But if you would consider the true cause for why birds and animals are acting in ways unlike their normal
Why all these fires, why all these gliding ghosts, behavior, why old men, fools, and children make prophecies, why
Why birds and beasts from quality and kind, all these things have transformed from their natural qualities
65 Why old men fool and children calculate, and become monstrous, then you’d see that heaven put such evil
Why all these things change from their ordinance spirits in them so as to give terrifying warning of an unnatural
Their natures and preformèd faculties government that is coming. Right now, Casca, I could name a man
To monstrous quality—why, you shall find who’s just like this dreadful night. He thunders, shoots lightning,
That heaven hath infused them with these spirits opens up graves, and roars just like the lion in the Capitol. A man
70 To make them instruments of fear and warning no mightier than you or I in ability, yet grown so tremendous and
Unto some monstrous state. Now could I, Casca, frightening as tonight’s shocking sights.
Name to thee a man most like this dreadful night,
That thunders, lightens, opens graves, and roars
As doth the lion in the Capitol—
75 A man no mightier than thyself or me
In personal action, yet prodigious grown,
And fearful as these strange eruptions are.
CASCA CASCA
‘Tis Caesar that you mean. Is it not, Cassius? It’s Caesar you’re talking about, isn’t it, Cassius?
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Let it be who it is. For Romans now Don’t worry about who it is. Romans today may have the same
80 Have thews and limbs like to their ancestors, strong bodies as our ancestors, but—curse this time—we don’t
But—woe the while!—our fathers’ minds are dead, have the will of our fathers. It is as if we have inherited only the
And we are governed with our mothers’ spirits. spirits of our mothers. Our willingness to be enslaved shows us
Our yoke and sufferance show us womanish. to be weak, like women.
CASCA CASCA
Indeed, they say the senators tomorrow Indeed, they say that the senators plan to make Caesar a king to-
85 Mean to establish Caesar as a king, morrow, and he’ll wear his crown at sea and on land everywhere
And he shall wear his crown by sea and land except here in Italy.
In every place save here in Italy.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
I know where I will wear this dagger then. I know where I’ll wear this dagger if that happens. I’ll free myself
Cassius from bondage will deliver Cassius. from slavery by killing myself. Through suicide, you gods, the
90 Therein, ye gods, you make the weak most strong. weak can become strong. Through suicide, you gods, you can de-
Therein, ye gods, you tyrants do defeat. feat tyrants. No stony tower, no brass walls, no airless dungeon,
Nor stony tower, nor walls of beaten brass, no iron chains can imprison a strong spirit. Life, though held by
Nor airless dungeon, nor strong links of iron such prisons, never loses the power to destroy itself. I know, and
Can be retentive to the strength of spirit. may all the world know, that I can overthrow the tyranny I cur-
95 But life, being weary of these worldly bars, rently suffer I whenever I want.
Never lacks power to dismiss itself.
If I know this, know all the world besides,
That part of tyranny that I do bear
I can shake off at pleasure.
Thunder still Thunder sounds again.
CASCA CASCA
So can I. So can I. Every imprisoned man holds in his own hand the ability
100 So every bondman in his own hand bears to escape his captivity.
The power to cancel his captivity.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
And why should Caesar be a tyrant then? So then how can Caesar have become a tyrant? Poor man! I know
Poor man! I know he would not be a wolf he wouldn’t be a wolf if he didn’t see that the Romans were such
But that he sees the Romans are but sheep. sheep. He would not be a lion if the Romans weren’t deer. Some-
105 He were no lion were not Romans hinds. one who wants to quickly make a big fire starts with little twigs.
Those that with haste will make a mighty fire Rome is trash, just rubbish and garbage to be burned, when it
Begin it with weak straws. What trash is Rome, allows itself to light up the ambitions of a thing as worthless
What rubbish and what offal, when it serves as Caesar. But, oh grief! What have you made me say? I might
For the base matter to illuminate be saying this to someone who wants to be a slave, and then I’ll
110 So vile a thing as Caesar! But, O grief, have to face the consequences of my words. But I’m armed, and
Where hast thou led me? I perhaps speak this danger is unimportant to me.
Before a willing bondman. Then I know
My answer must be made. But I am armed,
And dangers are to me indifferent.
CASCA CASCA
115 You speak to Casca, and to such a man You’re speaking to Casca, not some smirking tattletale. Take
That is no fleering telltale. Hold, my hand. my hand. If you’re forming a faction that will right all of these
Be factious for redress of all these griefs, wrongs, I’ll go just as far as the one of you who will go farthest.
And I will set this foot of mine as far
As who goes farthest.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
There’s a bargain made. You’ve got a deal. Now you should know, Casca, I’ve already
120 Now know you, Casca, I have moved already persuaded some of the noblest Romans to join me in an effort
Some certain of the noblest-minded Romans that is at once honorable and dangerous. And I know that by now
To undergo with me an enterprise they’re waiting for me in the lobby of Pompey’s theater. Because,
Of honorable-dangerous consequence. right now, no one is out walking in the streets, and the sky is as
And I do know by this they stay for me bloody, fiery, and terrible as the work we are planning to do.
125 In Pompey’s porch. For now, this fearful night,
There is no stir or walking in the streets,
And the complexion of the element
In favor’s like the work we have in hand,
Most bloody, fiery, and most terrible.
Enter CINNA CINNA enters.
CASCA CASCA
130 Stand close awhile, for here comes one in haste. Hide for a bit—someone is rushing toward us.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
‘Tis Cinna. I do know him by his gait. It’s Cinna. I recognize him by the way he walks. He is a friend.
He is a friend.—Cinna, where haste you so? Cinna, where are you rushing to?
CINNA CINNA
To find out you. Who’s that? Metellus Cimber? To find you. Who’s that? Metellus Cimber?
CASSIUS CASSIUS
No, it is Casca, one incorporate No, it’s Casca, who is an ally in our efforts. Do the others wait for
135 To our attempts. Am I not stayed for, Cinna? me, Cinna?
CINNA CINNA
I am glad on ’t. What a fearful night is this! I’m glad to hear it. What a fearful night this is! There are two or
There’s two or three of us have seen strange sights. three of us who have seen strange sights.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Am I not stayed for? Tell me. Do the others wait for me? Tell me.
CINNA CINNA
Yes, you are. Yes, they do. Oh, Cassius, if you could just persuade noble Brutus
140 O Cassius, if you could to join us—
But win the noble Brutus to our party—
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Be you content. Good Cinna, take this paper, Don’t worry. Good Cinna, take this paper and, listen, put it in the
And look you lay it in the praetor’s chair judge’s chair where Brutus sits and will find it. And throw this one
Where Brutus may but find it. And throw this in through his window. Attach this one with wax to the statue of
145 In at his window. Set this up with wax old Brutus, Brutus’s ancestor. When all this is done, return to the
Upon old Brutus’ statue. All this done, porch of Pompey’s theater, where you will find us. Are Decius
Repair to Pompey’s porch, where you shall find us. Brutus and Trebonius there?
Is Decius Brutus and Trebonius there?
CINNA CINNA
All but Metellus Cimber, and he’s gone Everyone but Metellus Cimber, and he’s gone to look for you at
150 To seek you at your house. Well, I will hie, your house. Well, I’ll get going, and do with these papers as you
And so bestow these papers as you bade me. asked me.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
That done, repair to Pompey’s theatre. When you’re done, return to Pompey’s theater.
Exit CINNA CINNA exits.
Come, Casca, you and I will yet ere day Come, Casca, before the daylight comes you and I will go see
See Brutus at his house. Three parts of him Brutus at his house. Three quarters of him is already on our side,
155 Is ours already, and the man entire and this next meeting will bring him to us completely.
Upon the next encounter yields him ours.
CASCA CASCA
Oh, he sits high in all the people’s hearts, Oh, he is loved and admired by the people. Actions that would
And that which would appear offense in us, look bad if done by us, Brutus’s natural nobility would make look
His countenance, like richest alchemy, virtuous and good—just as an alchemist transforms lead into
160 Will change to virtue and to worthiness. gold.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Him and his worth and our great need of him You’re completely right about both Brutus’s nobility and our
You have right well conceited. Let us go, need for him. Let’s go, because it’s already after midnight, and
For it is after midnight, and ere day before it’s day we must wake him and make sure he’s with us.
We will awake him and be sure of him.
Exeunt They exit.
Act 2, Scene 1
Enter BRUTUS in his orchard BRUTUS enters, in his orchard.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
What, Lucius, ho!— Hello, Lucius, where are you? I can’t tell by the position of the
I cannot by the progress of the stars stars how near it is to dawn. Lucius, where are you? I wish I had
Give guess how near to day.—Lucius, I say!— the weakness of sleeping too deeply. Come, Lucius, come! Wake
I would it were my fault to sleep so soundly.— up, I say! Lucius!
5 When, Lucius, when? Awake, I say! What, Lucius!
Enter LUCIUS LUCIUS enters.
LUCIUS LUCIUS
Called you, my lord? You called, my lord?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Get me a taper in my study, Lucius. Put a candle in my study, Lucius. When it’s lit, come here and get
When it is lighted, come and call me here. me.
LUCIUS LUCIUS
I will, my lord. I will, my lord.
Exit LUCIUS LUCIUS exits.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
10 It must be by his death, and for my part Killing Caesar is the only way. As for me, I have no personal
I know no personal cause to spurn at him reason to harm him other than the common good of the people.
But for the general. He would be crowned. He wants to be crowned. The question is, how might being king
How that might change his nature, there’s the question. change him? Just as sunny days cause poisonous snakes to come
It is the bright day that brings forth the adder outside, bad things can come from what looks good—and so we
15 And that craves wary walking. Crown him that, must step carefully. If we crown him king, then, I admit, we’d be
And then I grant we put a sting in him giving him a power that he could use to do evil if he wanted. The
That at his will he may do danger with. abuse of power comes when it gets separated from compassion.
Th’ abuse of greatness is when it disjoins And, to be honest about Caesar, I’ve never seen his emotions get
Remorse from power. And, to speak truth of Caesar, the better of his reason. But it’s a basic truth that an ambitious
20 I have not known when his affections swayed young man uses humility as a tool to move up the ladder, but
More than his reason. But ’tis a common proof then, when he gets to the top rung, he turns his back on those
That lowliness is young ambition’s ladder, beneath him and shoots for the skies while scorning what he did
Whereto the climber upward turns his face. to get to the top. Caesar might do the same. Therefore, because
But when he once attains the upmost round, he might, we must stop him. And since our argument has nothing
25 He then unto the ladder turns his back, to do with who he is right now, I must think of it this way: who he
Looks in the clouds, scorning the base degrees is now, if he got more power, would transform into the extremes
By which he did ascend. So Caesar may. I’ve described. Therefore we should think of him as a serpent’s
Then, lest he may, prevent. And since the quarrel egg—which, once it’s hatched, grows as dangerous as all serpents
Will bear no color for the thing he is, do. So we must kill him while he’s still in the shell.
30 Fashion it thus: that what he is, augmented,
Would run to these and these extremities.
And therefore think him as a serpent’s egg—
Which, hatched, would as his kind grow mischievous—
And kill him in the shell.
LUCIUS LUCIUS
35 The taper burneth in your closet, sir. The candle is lit in your study, sir. While I was searching on the
Searching the window for a flint, I found window sill for a flint, I found this paper, sealed up like this, and
This paper, thus sealed up, and I am sure I’m sure it wasn’t lying there when I went to bed. (gives BRUTUS
It did not lie there when I went to bed. the letter)
(gives him a letter)
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Get you to bed again. It is not day. Go back to bed again. It’s not daytime yet. Isn’t tomorrow, boy,
40 Is not tomorrow, boy, the ides of March? the 15th of March?
LUCIUS LUCIUS
I know not, sir. I don’t know, sir.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Look in the calendar and bring me word. Check the calendar and let me know.
LUCIUS LUCIUS
I will, sir. I will, sir.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
The exhalations whizzing in the air The meteors whizzing in the sky give so much light that I can
45 Give so much light that I may read by them. read by them. (opens the letter and reads) “Brutus, you’re sleeping.
(opens the letter and reads) Wake up and see yourself for who you are. Will Rome … etc.
“Brutus, thou sleep’st. Awake, and see thyself. Speak, strike, right the wrongs!” “Brutus, you’re sleeping. Wake
Shall Rome, etc. Speak, strike, redress!” up.” I’ve come upon many such encouragements left where I
“Brutus, thou sleep’st. Awake.” would find them. “Is Rome going to … etc.” And so I must com-
Such instigations have been often dropped plete the thought. Will Rome stand in awe of one single man?
50 Where I have took them up. Really, Rome? My ancestors drove Tarquin from the streets of
“Shall Rome, etc.” Thus must I piece it out: Rome when he was pronounced a king. “Speak, strike, right the
“Shall Rome stand under one man’s awe?” What, Rome? wrongs!” Is this asking me to speak and strike? Oh, Rome, I prom-
My ancestors did from the streets of Rome ise you, if a strike would result in the restoration of the Roman
The Tarquin drive when he was called a king. republic, then I would give you everything you’re asking for from
55 “Speak, strike, redress!” Am I entreated my hand!
To speak and strike? O Rome, I make thee promise,
If the redress will follow, thou receivest
Thy full petition at the hand of Brutus!
LUCIUS LUCIUS
Sir, March is wasted fifteen days. Sir, fifteen days of March have passed.
Knock within A knock sounds offstage.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
60 ‘Tis good. Go to the gate. Somebody knocks. That’s good. Go to the gate. Somebody’s knocking.
Since Cassius first did whet me against Caesar, I haven’t slept since Cassius began to turn me against Caesar.
I have not slept. Between the moment when you decide to do something great
Between the acting of a dreadful thing and terrible to the instant when you actually do it, the time spent
And the first motion, all the interim is waiting feels unreal or like an awful dream. The man who waits
65 Like a phantasma or a hideous dream. becomes like a little kingdom, in which the unconscious and the
The genius and the mortal instruments body join together in a conspiracy to overthrow the conscious
Are then in council, and the state of man, mind.
Like to a little kingdom, suffers then
The nature of an insurrection.
LUCIUS LUCIUS
70 Sir, ’tis your brother Cassius at the door, Sir, it’s your brother-in-law Cassius at the door. He wants to see
Who doth desire to see you. you.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Is he alone? Is he alone?
LUCIUS LUCIUS
No, sir, there are more with him. No, sir. There are others with him.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Do you know them? Do you know them?
LUCIUS LUCIUS
No, sir. Their hats are plucked about their ears, No, sir. Their hats are pulled down over their ears and their
And half their faces buried in their cloaks, faces are half hidden behind their cloaks, so I can’t make out any
75 That by no means I may discover them features to identify them.
By any mark of favor.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Let ‘em enter. Let them come in.
They are the faction. O conspiracy, It’s the faction that wants to kill Caesar. Oh, conspiracy, are you
Shamest thou to show thy dangerous brow by night ashamed to show your face even at night, when evil things are
When evils are most free? O, then by day most free? If so, when it’s day, where are you going to find a cave
80 Where wilt thou find a cavern dark enough dark enough to hide your monstrous face? No, don’t bother to
To mask thy monstrous visage? Seek none, conspiracy. find a cave, conspiracy. Instead, hide your true face behind smiles
Hide it in smiles and affability. and friendliness. If you went ahead and exposed your true face,
For if thou path, thy native semblance on, Hell itself wouldn’t be dark enough to keep you from being found
Not Erebus itself were dim enough and stopped.
85 To hide thee from prevention.
Enter the conspirators: CASSIUS, CASCA, DECIUS, CINNA, METELLUS, and The conspirators enter: CASSIUS, CASCA, DECIUS, CINNA, METELLUS,
TREBONIUS and TREBONIUS.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
I think we are too bold upon your rest. I think we may be interrupting your sleep. Good morning, Brutus.
Good morrow, Brutus. Do we trouble you? Are we bothering you?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
I have been up this hour, awake all night. I was up. I’ve been awake all night. Do I know these men who’ve
Know I these men that come along with you? come with you?
CASSIUS CASSIUS
90 Yes, every man of them, and no man here Yes, every one of them. And every one of them admires you and
But honors you, and every one doth wish wishes you had as high an opinion of yourself as every noble Ro-
You had but that opinion of yourself man has of you. This is Trebonius.
Which every noble Roman bears of you.
This is Trebonius.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
95 He is welcome hither. He’s welcome here.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
This, Decius Brutus. This is Decius Brutus.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
He is welcome too. He’s welcome too.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
This, Casca. This, Cinna. And this, Metellus Cimber. This is Casca. This is Cinna. And this is Metellus Cimber.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
They are all welcome. They are all welcome. What nagging worries have stopped you
What watchful cares do interpose themselves from sleeping tonight?
Betwixt your eyes and night?
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Shall I entreat a word? May I have a private word with you?
BRUTUS and CASSIUS withdraw and whisper BRUTUS and CASSIUS step aside and whisper together.
DECIUS DECIUS
100 Here lies the east. Doth not the day break here? Here’s the east. Is that the break of day I see?
CASCA CASCA
No. No.
CINNA CINNA
O, pardon, sir, it doth, and yon gray lines Pardon me, sir, it is. Those gray lines that line the clouds are the
That fret the clouds are messengers of day. messengers of coming dawn.
CASCA CASCA
You shall confess that you are both deceived. You’ll both soon admit that you are mistaken. (he poinst his sword)
(points his sword) Here, where I point my sword, the sun rises, way over toward
105 Here, as I point my sword, the sun arises, the south, since it’s still so early in the year. Two months from
Which is a great way growing on the south, now, the light of dawn will break a good deal further to the north,
Weighing the youthful season of the year. while due east is where the Capitol stands, right there.
Some two months hence up higher toward the north
He first presents his fire, and the high east
110 Stands, as the Capitol, directly here.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
(comes forward with CASSIUS) (coming forward with CASSIUS) Give me your hands, all of you,
Give me your hands all over, one by one. one by one. (he shakes their hands)
(shakes their hands)
CASSIUS CASSIUS
And let us swear our resolution. Now we should swear to our resolve.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
No, not an oath. If not the face of men, No, no swearing. If the unhappy faces of the men around us, the
The sufferance of our souls, the time’s abuse— suffering of our own souls, and the corruption of our current
115 If these be motives weak, break off betimes, time aren’t motivation enough, then we should break it off now
And every man hence to his idle bed. and each one of us of us go back and rest in bed. Then we’ll just
So let high-sighted tyranny range on let the ambitious tyrant rule and kill each one of us when the
Till each man drop by lottery. But if these— whim takes him. But if these reasons are powerful enough—and
As I am sure they do—bear fire enough I’m sure they are—to spark cowards to act and to strengthen
120 To kindle cowards and to steel with valor with courage the failing spirits of our women, then, countrymen,
The melting spirits of women, then, countrymen, what else do we need other than our cause to spur us to make
What need we any spur but our own cause things right? What bond do we need other than being Romans
To prick us to redress? What other bond who have given their word to act and won’t back down? And
Than secret Romans that have spoke the word what oath do we need other than the fact that we have all said to
125 And will not palter? And what other oath each other honestly that either we will make this happen or die
Than honesty to honesty engaged, trying? Swearing is for priests and cowards and cautious men,
That this shall be, or we will fall for it? for people who are old and feeble, and for those weak people
Swear priests and cowards and men cautelous, who like to be mistreated. Oaths are only necessary for men you
Old feeble carrions and such suffering souls wouldn’t trust engaged in causes that are bad. Don’t stain the
130 That welcome wrongs. Unto bad causes swear justness of our efforts or the indomitable core of our spirits by
Such creatures as men doubt. But do not stain thinking that either our cause or performance requires an oath,
The even virtue of our enterprise, when every drop of blood in every noble Roman would be noth-
Nor th’ insuppressive mettle of our spirits, ing more than bastard’s blood if he broke the smallest part of any
To think that or our cause or our performance promise he had made.
135 Did need an oath, when every drop of blood
That every Roman bears—and nobly bears—
Is guilty of a several bastardy
If he do break the smallest particle
Of any promise that hath passed from him.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
140 But what of Cicero? Shall we sound him? But what about Cicero? Should we get a sense of his thoughts? I
I think he will stand very strong with us. think he will strongly join us.
CASCA CASCA
Let us not leave him out. Let’s not leave him out.
CINNA CINNA
No, by no means. No, by no means.
METELLUS METELLUS
O, let us have him, for his silver hairs Yes, we should bring him in. His age and renown will ensure that
Will purchase us a good opinion people see us in a good light and speak in praise of our actions. It
145 And buy men’s voices to commend our deeds. will be said that that Cicero’s good judgment directed our plans.
It shall be said his judgment ruled our hands. Our relative youth and recklessness will be obscured by his
Our youths and wildness shall no whit appear, sober seriousness.
But all be buried in his gravity.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
O, name him not. Let us not break with him, No, don’t mention him. We shouldn’t speak with him, because
150 For he will never follow anything he’ll never follow anything that other men have started.
That other men begin.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Then leave him out. Then leave him out.
CASCA CASCA
Indeed he is not fit. Indeed, he’s not a good fit for this.
DECIUS DECIUS
Shall no man else be touched but only Caesar? Should Caesar be the only one we target?
CASSIUS CASSIUS
155 Decius, well urged. I think it is not meet Decius, well argued. I think it would be a bad idea to allow Mark
Mark Antony, so well beloved of Caesar, Antony, whom Caesar loves so dearly, to outlive Caesar. We’ll
Should outlive Caesar. We shall find of him find that he is a cunning schemer. And, as you know, his wealth
A shrewd contriver. And, you know, his means, and reputation, if he took advantage of them, could hurt us all. To
If he improve them, may well stretch so far prevent this, let Antony die along with Caesar.
160 As to annoy us all; which to prevent,
Let Antony and Caesar fall together.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Our course will seem too bloody, Caius Cassius, What we do will seem seem too bloody, Caius Cassius, if we cut
To cut the head off and then hack the limbs, off Caesar’s head and then also hack away his arms and legs—
Like wrath in death and envy afterwards, because Mark Antony is just one of Caesar’s arms. We want to
165 For Antony is but a limb of Caesar. be sacrificers of Caesar out of necessity, not butchers who are
Let us be sacrificers but not butchers, Caius. just out for blood. We are standing up against Caesar’s spirit,
We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar, what he stands for, and there’s no blood in that. Oh, if only we
And in the spirit of men there is no blood. could overcome Caesar’s spirit without having to cut up Caesar
Oh, that we then could come by Caesar’s spirit himself! But, sadly, our only option is to kill Caesar. Noble friends,
170 And not dismember Caesar! But, alas, let’s kill him boldly but not with anger. Let’s carve him up like a
Caesar must bleed for it. And, gentle friends, dish fit for the gods, not hack him up like a carcass fit for dogs. As
Let’s kill him boldly but not wrathfully. subtle masters do, let’s raise the anger in our hearts to make our
Let’s carve him as a dish fit for the gods, bodies act, and then afterward seem to disapprove of our bodies’
Not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds. bloody deeds. This will make our actions seem necessary and not
175 And let our hearts, as subtle masters do, driven by envy, ensuring that commoners will see as surgeons
Stir up their servants to an act of rage rather than murderers. As for Mark Antony—don’t think about
And after seem to chide ‘em. This shall make him. He’l be able to do no more than Caesar after Caesar’s head
Our purpose necessary and not envious, is cut off.
Which so appearing to the common eyes,
180 We shall be called purgers, not murderers.
And for Mark Antony, think not of him,
For he can do no more than Caesar’s arm
When Caesar’s head is off.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Yet I fear him. But I still fear him, because of the depth of the love he holds for
For in the engrafted love he bears to Caesar— Caesar—
BRUTUS BRUTUS
185 Alas, good Cassius, do not think of him. Alas, good Cassius, don’t think about him. If he loves Caesar,
If he love Caesar, all that he can do then he can only hurt himself—by falling into despair and dying
Is to himself: take thought and die for Caesar. for Caesar. And he’s not likely to do even that, because he enjoys
And that were much he should, for he is given sports, excitement, and parties too much.
To sports, to wildness and much company.
TREBONIUS TREBONIUS
190 There is no fear in him. Let him not die, There’s nothing to fear from him. Let him not die. He’ll live and
For he will live and laugh at this hereafter. laugh at this later on.
Clock strikes A clock strikes.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Peace! Count the clock. Quiet! Count the chimes of the clock.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
The clock hath stricken three. The clock struck three.
TREBONIUS TREBONIUS
‘Tis time to part. It’s time for us to go.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
But it is doubtful yet But it’s still not certain that Caesar will leave his house today.
Whether Caesar will come forth today or no. He’s become superstitious lately, a total shift from the opinions
195 For he is superstitious grown of late, he used to hold about fortune-tellers, dream interpreters, and
Quite from the main opinion he held once rites meant to give readings of the future. It might be that these
Of fantasy, of dreams and ceremonies. strange omens, the unusual terror of this night, and the advice of
It may be, these apparent prodigies, his fortune-tellers will stop him from coming to the Capitol today.
The unaccustomed terror of this night,
200 And the persuasion of his augurers
May hold him from the Capitol today.
DECIUS DECIUS
Never fear that. If he be so resolved, Don’t worry about that. If that’s what he’s planning, I can per-
I can o’ersway him. For he loves to hear suade him otherwise. He loves to hear me tell him how unicorns
That unicorns may be betrayed with trees, can be captured in trees, bears with glasses, elephants in holes,
205 And bears with glasses, elephants with holes, and lions with nets, just as men can be tricked by flatterers.
Lions with toils, and men with flatterers. When I tell him he hates flatterers, he agrees, even though that
But when I tell him he hates flatterers, is the instant when I’m flattering him the most. Let me work on
He says he does, being then most flatterèd. Let me work. him. I can shape his mood in the right direction, and I’ll bring him
For I can give his humor the true bent, to the Capitol.
210 And I will bring him to the Capitol.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Nay, we will all of us be there to fetch him. No, we’ll all go there to bring him.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
By the eighth hour. Is that the uttermost? By eight o’clock. Is that the latest we can do it?
CINNA CINNA
Be that the uttermost, and fail not then. Let’s make that the latest, but be certain not to be any later.
METELLUS METELLUS
Caius Ligarius doth bear Caesar hard, Caius Ligarius doesn’t like Caesar, who berated him for saying
215 Who rated him for speaking well of Pompey. nice things about Pompey. I’m surprised that none of you thought
I wonder none of you have thought of him. about including him.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Now, good Metellus, go along by him. Good Metellus, go to see him. He likes me very much, as I’ve
He loves me well, and I have given him reasons. always been good to him. Send him here and I’ll persuade him.
Send him but hither and I’ll fashion him.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
220 The morning comes upon ’s. We’ll leave you, Brutus. The morning comes. We’ll leave you, Brutus. And friends, go your
—And, friends, disperse yourselves. But all remember separate ways, but all of you remember what you’ve said and
What you have said, and show yourselves true Romans. prove yourselves to be true Romans.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Good gentlemen, look fresh and merrily. Good gentlemen, look happy and well rested. Don’t let our faces
Let not our looks put on our purposes, betray our plans. Instead, carry yourselves as our Roman actors
225 But bear it as our Roman actors do, do, with bright spirits and calm faces. And so, good morning to
With untired spirits and formal constancy. every one of you.
And so good morrow to you every one.
Exeunt. Manet BRUTUS Everyone exits except BRUTUS.
Boy! Lucius!—Fast asleep? It is no matter. Boy! Lucius! Fast asleep? No matter. Enjoy the sweet nectar of
Enjoy the honey-heavy dew of slumber. sleep. You don’t suffer from the phantoms or fantasies which
230 Thou hast no figures nor no fantasies, the cares of the world bring to all men. That’s why you sleep so
Which busy care draws in the brains of men. soundly.
Therefore thou sleep’st so sound.
Enter PORTIA PORTIA enters.
PORTIA PORTIA
Brutus, my lord. Brutus, my lord.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Portia, what mean you? Wherefore rise you now? Portia, why are you here? Why have you woken so early? It’s not
It is not for your health thus to commit good for your health to expose your weak body to the raw, cold
235 Your weak condition to the raw, cold morning. morning.
PORTIA PORTIA
Nor for yours neither. Y’ have ungently, Brutus, It’s not good for yours, either. You rudely snuck out of our bed,
Stole from my bed. And yesternight, at supper, Brutus. And last night, at dinner, you suddenly got up and paced
You suddenly arose and walked about, around with your arms crossed, worrying and sighing. And when
Musing and sighing, with your arms across, I asked you what was the matter, you stared at me with a rude
240 And when I asked you what the matter was, look. I repeated my question, and you scratched your head and
You stared upon me with ungentle looks. stamped your foot impatiently. I insisted, but you did not answer.
I urged you further, then you scratched your head Instead, with an angry wave of your hand you signaled that I
And too impatiently stamped with your foot. should leave you alone. So I did, because I didn’t want to further
Yet I insisted; yet you answered not, strengthen your anger which was already inflamed. Yet I hoped
245 But with an angry wafture of your hand that it was just the result of a bad mood, which can from time to
Gave sign for me to leave you. So I did, time affect anyone. Your bad mood won’t let you eat or talk or
Fearing to strengthen that impatience sleep. If it could affect your appearance as much as it has affected
Which seemed too much enkindled, and withal the way you are acting, I wouldn’t even recognize you, Brutus.
Hoping it was but an effect of humor, My dear lord, tell me about what is making you upset.
250 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 shape
As it hath much prevailed on your condition,
I should not know you, Brutus. Dear my lord,
255 Make me acquainted with your cause of grief.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
I am not well in health, and that is all. I’m not feeling well, that’s all.
PORTIA PORTIA
Brutus is wise, and were he not in health, No, you’re wise, so if you were feeling sick you’d do the right
He would embrace the means to come by it. thing to make yourself better.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Why, so I do. Good Portia, go to bed. And that’s what I’m doing. Good Portia, go to bed.
PORTIA PORTIA
260 Is Brutus sick? And is it physical Are you sick? And is it healthful to walk outside with an open
To walk unbracèd and suck up the humors jacket and breathe the dampness of the morning? Really? You’re
Of the dank morning? What, is Brutus sick, not feeling well, but you sneak out of your warm bed, letting the
And will he steal out of his wholesome bed, humid and dirty air make you even sicker? No, my Brutus. You
To dare the vile contagion of the night have some sickness within your mind, which by my rights as your
265 And tempt the rheumy and unpurgèd air wife I should know about. (kneels) On my knees, I beg you, by my
To add unto his sickness? No, my Brutus. once-praised beauty, by all your vows of love and that great mar-
You have some sick offense within your mind, riage vow which brought the two of us together and made us into
Which by the right and virtue of my place one person, that you reveal to me, who is one half of yourself,
I ought to know of. why you’re unhappy and what men felt they had to visit you
270 (kneels) And upon my knees tonight. For there were six or seven men who came, and who hid
I charm you, by my once-commended beauty, their faces even in the darkness.
By all your vows of love and that great vow
Which did incorporate and make us one
That you unfold to me, your self, your half,
275 Why you are heavy, and what men tonight
Have had to resort to you. For here have been
Some six or seven who did hide their faces
Even from darkness.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Kneel not, gentle Portia. Don’t kneel, noble Portia.
PORTIA PORTIA
(rising) I should not need if you were gentle, Brutus. (getting up) I wouldn’t need to if you were acting nobly, Brutus.
Within the bond of marriage, tell me, Brutus, Tell me, Brutus, don’t the bonds of our marriage mean that I am
280 Is it excepted I should know no secrets supposed to know all the secrets that concern you? Am I part
That appertain to you? Am I yourself of you only in a limited sense—I get to eat meals with you, sleep
But, as it were, in sort or limitation, with you, and talk to you sometimes? Do I exist only only on the
To keep with you at meals, comfort your bed, borders of your happiness? If it’s only that, then I’m your whore,
And talk to you sometimes? not your wife.
285 Dwell I but in the suburbs
Of your good pleasure? If it be no more,
Portia is Brutus’ harlot, not his wife.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
You are my true and honorable wife, You’re my true and honorable wife, as precious to me as the
As dear to me as are the ruddy drops blood that runs through my sad heart.
That visit my sad heart.
PORTIA PORTIA
290 If this were true, then should I know this secret. If that were true, then I’d know your secret. I admit I’m just a
I grant I am a woman, but withal woman, but even so I’m the woman that Lord Brutus took for his
A woman that Lord Brutus took to wife. wife. I admit I’m just a woman, but even so I’m a woman of noble
I grant I am a woman, but withal reputation, and Cato’s daughter. Do you think I’m no stronger
A woman well-reputed, Cato’s daughter. than the rest of my sex, having such a father and such a husband?
295 Think you I am no stronger than my sex, Tell me your secrets. I won’t tell them. I’ve proved my trustwor-
Being so fathered and so husbanded? thiness by giving myself a voluntary wound here in my thigh. If I
Tell me your counsels. I will not disclose ‘em. can bear that pain, can’t I bear my husband’s secrets?
I have made strong proof of my constancy,
Giving myself a voluntary wound
300 Here in the thigh. Can I bear that with patience,
And not my husband’s secrets?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
O ye gods, Oh, gods, make me worthy of this noble wife!
Render me worthy of this noble wife!
Knock within A knock sounds offstage.
Hark, hark! One knocks. Portia, go in awhile. Listen, listen! Someone knocks. Portia, go inside awhile, and soon
And by and by thy bosom shall partake you’ll know the secrets of my heart. I’ll explain to you all that I
305 The secrets of my heart. am planning to do and everything behind my sad face. Leave me
All my engagements I will construe to thee, quickly.
All the charactery of my sad brows.
Leave me with haste.
Exit PORTIA PORTIA exits.
Lucius, who’s that knocking? Lucius, who’s that knocking?

Enter LUCIUS and LIGARIUS LUCIUS and LIGARIUS enter. Ligarius wears a handkerchief wrapped
around his head.
LUCIUS LUCIUS
He is a sick man that would speak with you. Here’s a sick man who’d like to speak with you.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
310 Caius Ligarius, that Metellus spake of.— Caius Ligarius, whom Metellus spoke of. Boy, stand aside. Caius
Boy, stand aside.—Caius Ligarius, how? Ligarius, what is going on?
LIGARIUS LIGARIUS
Vouchsafe good morrow from a feeble tongue. Please accept “good morning” from a sick man.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
O, what a time have you chose out, brave Caius, Oh, what a time you’ve chosen to get ill, brave Caius! I wish you
To wear a kerchief! Would you were not sick! were not sick!
LIGARIUS LIGARIUS
315 I am not sick if Brutus have in hand I won’t be sick if you, Brutus, have something for me to do that is
Any exploit worthy the name of honor. worthy of being called honorable.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Such an exploit have I in hand, Ligarius, I do have just such a thing for you to do, Ligarius, if you were feel-
Had you a healthful ear to hear of it. ing well enough to hear about it.
LIGARIUS LIGARIUS
(removes his kerchief) (takes off his handkerchief) By all the gods that Romans worship, I
By all the gods that Romans bow before, now throw away my sickness! Soul of Rome! Brave son of honor-
320 I here discard my sickness! Soul of Rome, able ancestors! Like an exorcist, you have raised up my dead
Brave son derived from honorable loins, spirit. Now just tell me what to do, and I will take on the impos-
Thou, like an exorcist, hast conjured up sible, and succeed. What is there to do?
My mortifièd spirit. Now bid me run,
And I will strive with things impossible,
325 Yea, get the better of them. What’s to do?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
A piece of work that will make sick men whole. A bit of work that will make sick men healthy.
LIGARIUS LIGARIUS
But are not some whole that we must make sick? But aren’t there some healthy men whom we’ll have to make sick?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
That must we also. What it is, my Caius, That we must also do. My dear Caius, I’ll explain what we have to
I shall unfold to thee as we are going do as we walk toward the one to whom it must be done.
To whom it must be done.
LIGARIUS LIGARIUS
330 Set on your foot, Start walking, and with my heart newly full of fire, I’ll follow you.
And with a heart new-fired I follow you, I don’t know what we will be doing, but it is enough that Brutus
To do I know not what. But it sufficeth leads me.
That Brutus leads me on.
Thunder Thunder sounds.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Follow me, then. Follow me, then.
Exeunt They exit.
Act 2, Scene 2
Thunder and lightning Enter Julius CAESAR in his nightgown Thunder and lightning. CAESAR enters, wearing a nightgown.
CAESAR CAESAR
Nor heaven nor earth have been at peace tonight. Neither the sky nor the earth have been at peace tonight. Three
Thrice hath Calphurnia in her sleep cried out, times Calphurnia cried out in her sleep, “Help, help! They’re
“Help, ho! They murder Caesar!”—Who’s within? murdering Caesar!”—Who’s there?
Enter a SERVANT A SERVANT enters.
SERVANT SERVANT
My lord. My lord?
CAESAR CAESAR
5 Go bid the priests do present sacrifice Go tell the priests to sacrifice an animal to the gods, and bring me
And bring me their opinions of success. their interpretation of the results.
SERVANT SERVANT
I will, my lord. I will, my lord.
Exit SERVANT The SERVANT exits.
Enter CALPHURNIA CALPHURNIA enters.
What mean you, Caesar? Think you to walk forth? What is this, Caesar? Do you think you’re going to go outside?
You shall not stir out of your house today. You’re not leaving this house today.
CAESAR CAESAR
10 Caesar shall forth. The things that threatened me I will go out. The things that threaten me have never seen any-
Ne’er looked but on my back. When they shall see thing but my back. When they see the face of Caesar, they will
The face of Caesar, they are vanishèd. disappear.
Caesar, I never stood on ceremonies, Caesar, I never paid attention to omens, but now they frighten
Yet now they fright me. There is one within, me. One of our servants told me that, in addition to the things
15 Besides the things that we have heard and seen, that we have heard and seen, the night-watchmen have also
Recounts most horrid sights seen by the watch. seen horrid things. A lioness gave birth in the streets, and graves
A lioness hath whelpèd in the streets, opened wide and let out their dead. Fierce, fiery warriors fought
And graves have yawned and yielded up their dead. in the clouds in ranks, squadrons, and common military forma-
Fierce fiery warriors fought upon the clouds tions, until blood drizzled down from the sky onto the Capitol.
20 In ranks and squadrons and right form of war, The noise of battle clashed in the air, and horses neighed, and
Which drizzled blood upon the Capitol. dying men groaned, and ghosts shrieked and squealed in the
The noise of battle hurtled in the air. streets. Oh, Caesar! These things are beyond all normal experi-
Horses did neigh, and dying men did groan, ence, and I fear them.
And ghosts did shriek and squeal about the streets.
25 O Caesar! These things are beyond all use,
And I do fear them.
CAESAR CAESAR
What can be avoided What can be avoided that the gods want to happen? Still, Caesar
Whose end is purposed by the mighty gods? will go out. These omens concern the world in general as much as
Yet Caesar shall go forth, for these predictions they do Caesar.
Are to the world in general as to Caesar.
30 When beggars die there are no comets seen. When beggars die, no comets appear in the sky. The heavens
The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes. light up only to announce the deaths of princes.
CAESAR CAESAR
Cowards die many times before their deaths. Cowards die many times before their deaths. The brave die only
The valiant never taste of death but once. once. Of all the incredible things I’ve ever heard about, the most
Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, strange to me is that men fear death, even though death, which
35 It seems to me most strange that men should fear, can’t be avoided, will come when it wishes to come.
Seeing that death, a necessary end,
Will come when it will come.
Enter SERVANT The SERVANT enters.
What say the augurers? What do the priests say?

SERVANT SERVANT
40 They would not have you to stir forth today. They don’t want you to go out today. When they pulled out
Plucking the entrails of an offering forth, the insides of the holy sacrifice, they found no heart within the
They could not find a heart within the beast. animal.
CAESAR CAESAR
The gods do this in shame of cowardice. The gods do this to tell me to be ashamed of my cowardice.
Caesar should be a beast without a heart They’re saying I would be an animal without a heart if, out of fear,
If he should stay at home today for fear. I stayed home today. So, then Caesar won’t. Danger knows very
No, Caesar shall not. Danger knows full well well that Caesar is more dangerous than he is. We’re two lions
45 That Caesar is more dangerous than he. born from the same mother on the same day, and I’m the older
We are two lions littered in one day, and more fierce. Caesar will go out.
And I the elder and more terrible.
And Caesar shall go forth.
Alas, my lord, Alas, my lord, your arrogance is overwhelming your wisdom.
Your wisdom is consumed in confidence. Don’t go out today. Say that it’s my fear, and not your own, that
50 Do not go forth today. Call it my fear keeps you inside. We’ll send Mark Antony to the senate, and he’ll
That keeps you in the house, and not your own. say that you’re not feeling well today. (she kneels) Let me, on my
We’ll send Mark Antony to the senate house, knees, convince you to listen to me.
And he shall say you are not well today.
(kneels) Let me, upon my knee, prevail in this.
CAESAR CAESAR
55 Mark Antony shall say I am not well, Mark Antony will say I’m not well, and to make you happy I will
And for thy humor I will stay at home. stay at home.
CALPHURNIA rises CALPHURNIA stands.
Enter DECIUS DECIUS enters.
Here’s Decius Brutus. He shall tell them so. Here’s Decius Brutus. He’ll tell them so.
DECIUS DECIUS
Caesar, all hail! Good morrow, worthy Caesar. Hail, Caesar! Good morning, worthy Caesar. I’ve come to escort
I come to fetch you to the senate house. you to the senate house.
CAESAR CAESAR
60 And you are come in very happy time And you’ve come at just the right time, so you can carry my greet-
To bear my greeting to the senators ings to the senators and tell them I won’t come today. It would be
And tell them that I will not come today. false to say that I can’t, and even more false to say I don’t dare to
“Cannot” is false, and that I dare not, falser. come. I simply won’t come today. Tell them so, Decius.
I will not come today. Tell them so, Decius.
Say he is sick. Say he’s sick.
CAESAR CAESAR
65 Shall Caesar send a lie? Would Caesar send a lie? Have I been so victorious in battle, but
Have I in conquest stretched mine arm so far am now afraid to tell the truth to some old men? Decius, go tell
To be afraid to tell graybeards the truth? Decius, go tell them Caesar them that Caesar won’t come.
will not come.
DECIUS DECIUS
Most mighty Caesar, let me know some cause, Most mighty Caesar, tell me some reason, so I won’t be laughed
70 Lest I be laughed at when I tell them so. at when I tell them.
CAESAR CAESAR
The cause is in my will. I will not come. The reason is that’s what I want to do. I’m not coming. That’s
That is enough to satisfy the senate. enough to satisfy the senate. But for your personal satisfaction,
But for your private satisfaction, because I like you, I’ll tell you. Calphurnia, my wife, has asked me
Because I love you, I will let you know. to stay home. She dreamed last night that she saw a statue of me,
75 Calphurnia here, my wife, stays me at home. that, like a fountain with a hundred spouts, was streaming pure
She dreamt tonight she saw my statue, blood. And many happy Romans came smiling and washed their
Which, like a fountain with an hundred spouts, hands in it. Calpurnia thinks the dreams are warnings and omens
Did run pure blood. And many lusty Romans of approaching evil, and, on her knees, she begged me to stay
Came smiling and did bathe their hands in it. home today.
80 And these does she apply for warnings and portents
And evils imminent, and on her knee
Hath begged that I will stay at home today.
DECIUS DECIUS
This dream is all amiss interpreted. This dream has been interpreted all wrong. It was a wonderful,
It was a vision fair and fortunate. lucky vision. Your statue spouting fountains of blood, in which
85 Your statue spouting blood in many pipes, so many smiling Romans bathed, means that you will give great
In which so many smiling Romans bathed, Rome the blood that will keep it alive, and that great men will beg
Signifies that from you great Rome shall suck you to give your blood to them as signs of your approval. This is
Reviving blood, and that great men shall press what Calphurnia’s dream means.
For tinctures, stains, relics, and cognizance.
90 This by Calphurnia’s dream is signified.
CAESAR CAESAR
And this way have you well expounded it. This is a very good interpretation.
DECIUS DECIUS
I have, when you have heard what I can say. And you will see why after you’ve heard the rest of what I have
And know it now: the senate have concluded to say. The senate has decided to give mighty Caesar a crown
To give this day a crown to mighty Caesar. today. If you send them word that you won’t come, they may
95 If you shall send them word you will not come, change their minds. Also, someone’s likely to joke, “Postpone the
Their minds may change. Besides, it were a mock senate until some other time, when Caesar’s wife has had better
Apt to be rendered for someone to say, dreams.” If you hide yourself, won’t they whisper, “See, Caesar is
“Break up the senate till another time afraid?” Excuse me, Caesar. My love and high hopes for your ad-
When Caesar’s wife shall meet with better dreams.” vancement makes me tell you this. My manners are less powerful
100 If Caesar hide himself, shall they not whisper, than my love for you.
“Lo, Caesar is afraid”?
Pardon me, Caesar. For my dear, dear love
To your proceeding bids me tell you this,
And reason to my love is liable.
CAESAR CAESAR
105 How foolish do your fears seem now, Calphurnia! How foolish your fears seem now, Calphurnia! I’m ashamed that I
I am ashamèd I did yield to them. gave in to them. Give me my robe. I’m going.
Give me my robe, for I will go.
Enter BRUTUS, LIGARIUS, METELLUS, CASCA, TREBONIUS, CINNA, and BRUTUS, LIGARIUS, METELLUS, CASCA, TREBONIUS, CINNA, and
PUBLIUS PUBLIUS enter.
And look, where Publius is come to fetch me. And look, here’s Publius, come to get me.
PUBLIUS PUBLIUS
Good morrow, Caesar. Good morning, Caesar.
CAESAR CAESAR
Welcome, Publius. Welcome, Publius. What, Brutus? Are you awake this early too?
110 —What, Brutus, are you stirred so early too? Good morning, Casca. Caius Ligarius, I was never your enemy as
—Good morrow, Casca.—Caius Ligarius, much as the disease that has made you so thin. What’s the time?
Caesar was ne’er so much your enemy
As that same ague which hath made you lean.
—What is ’t o’clock?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Caesar, ’tis strucken eight. Caesar, the clock has struck eight.
CAESAR CAESAR
115 I thank you for your pains and courtesy. I thank you for your trouble and courtesy.
Enter ANTONY ANTONY enters.
See, Antony, that revels long a-nights, Even Antony, who parties all night long, is awake. Good morning,
Is notwithstanding up.—Good morrow, Antony. Antony.
ANTONY ANTONY
So to most noble Caesar. The same to you, most noble Caesar.
CAESAR CAESAR
Bid them prepare within. Tell them to set up the other room for guests. It’s my fault you all
I am to blame to be thus waited for. must wait for me. Now, Cinna. Now, Metellus. Well, Trebonius, I
120 —Now, Cinna.—Now, Metellus.—What, Trebonius, need an hour to discuss something with you. Remember to come
I have an hour’s talk in store for you. see me today. Stay near me so I’ll remember.
Remember that you call on me today.
Be near me, that I may remember you.
TREBONIUS TREBONIUS
Caesar, I will. (aside) And so near will I be Caesar, I will. (to himself) I’ll be so near that your best friends will
125 That your best friends shall wish I had been further. wish I’d been further away.
CAESAR CAESAR
Good friends, go in and taste some wine with me. Good friends, go in and have some wine with me. And we, like
And we, like friends, will straightway go together. friends, will leave together.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
(aside) That every “like” is not the same, O Caesar, (to himself) That we are only “like” friends, oh Caesar, makes my
The heart of Brutus earns to think upon. heart grieve when I think of it.
Exeunt All exit.
Act 2, Scene 3
Enter ARTEMIDORUS, reading a letter ARTEMIDORUS enters, reading a letter.
ARTEMIDORUS ARTEMIDORUS
(reads aloud) (reading aloud from the letter)
“Caesar, beware of Brutus. Take heed of Cassius. Come not near “Caesar, beware of Brutus. Pay attention to Cassius. Stay away
Casca. Have an eye to Cinna. Trust not Trebonius. Mark well Metellus from Casca. Keep an eye on Cinna. Don’t trust Trebonius.
Cimber. Decius Brutus loves thee not. Thou hast wronged Caius Note Metellus Cimber. Decius Brutus doesn’t love you. You’ve
5 Ligarius. There is but one mind in all these men, and it is bent against wronged Caius Ligarius. All these men share just one thought,
Caesar. If thou beest not immortal, look about you. Security gives way and it’s aimed against Caesar. If you are not immortal, look
to conspiracy. The mighty gods defend thee! around you. A sense of security makes you vulnerable to con-
Thy lover, spiracy. May the mighty gods protect you!
Artemidorus” Your friend,
10 Here will I stand till Caesar pass along, Artemidorus.”
And as a suitor will I give him this. Here I’ll stand until Caesar passes by, and I’ll give him this as if I’m
My heart laments that virtue cannot live asking for a favor. My heart is sad that good men aren’t safe from
Out of the teeth of emulation. the bite of bitter jealousy. If you read this, Caesar, you will live. If
If thou read this, O Caesar, thou mayst live. not, the Fates are on the side of the traitors.
15 If not, the Fates with traitors do contrive.
Exit He exits.
Act 2, Scene 4
Enter PORTIA and LUCIUS PORTIA and LUCIUS enter.
PORTIA PORTIA
I prithee, boy, run to the senate house. Boy, I beg you to run to the senate house. Don’t stand there to
Stay not to answer me, but get thee gone. respond—get going. Why are you still here?
Why dost thou stay?
LUCIUS LUCIUS
To know my errand, madam. To find out what I’m supposed to do, madam.
PORTIA PORTIA
I would have had thee there and here again I want you there and back again before I can even tell you what
5 Ere I can tell thee what thou shouldst do there. you should do there. (to herself) Oh, willpower, support me, so
—O constancy, be strong upon my side, that I do not say what I know in my heart! I have a man’s mind,
Set a huge mountain ’tween my heart and tongue! but only a woman’s strength. How hard it is for women to keep
I have a man’s mind but a woman’s might. secrets! (to LUCIUS) Are you still here?
How hard it is for women to keep counsel!
—Art thou here yet?
LUCIUS LUCIUS
10 Madam, what should I do? Madam, what should I do? Run to the Capitol and nothing else?
Run to the Capitol, and nothing else? And then return to you, and nothing else?
And so return to you, and nothing else?
PORTIA PORTIA
Yes, bring me word, boy, if thy lord look well, Yes, bring me news, boy, of whether your master looks well,
For he went sickly forth. And take good note because he looked sick when he left. And pay attention to what
15 What Caesar doth, what suitors press to him. Caesar does and who is standing close to him. Listen, boy!
Hark, boy! What noise is that? What’s that noise?
LUCIUS LUCIUS
I hear none, madam. I hear nothing, madam.
PORTIA PORTIA
Prithee, listen well. I beg you, listen well. I heard a clamor like some kind of brawl. It
I heard a bustling rumor like a fray, seemed to come on the wind from the Capitol.
20 And the wind brings it from the Capitol.
LUCIUS LUCIUS
Sooth, madam, I hear nothing. Truly, madam, I don’t hear anything.
Enter the SOOTHSAYER The SOOTHSAYER enters.
PORTIA PORTIA
Come hither, fellow. Which way hast thou been? Come here, man. From where are you coming?
At mine own house, good lady. My own house, good lady.
PORTIA PORTIA
What is ’t o’clock? What time is it?
25 About the ninth hour, lady. Around nine o’clock, ma’am.
PORTIA PORTIA
Is Caesar yet gone to the Capitol? Has Caesar gone to the Capital yet?
Madam, not yet. I go to take my stand Madam, not yet. I’m going to find a place to stand so I can see him
To see him pass on to the Capitol. pass on his way to the Capitol.
PORTIA PORTIA
Thou hast some suit to Caesar, hast thou not? You have some request for Caesar, don’t you?
30 That I have, lady. If it will please Caesar I do, lady. If it pleases Caesar to do himself the favor of listening
To be so good to Caesar as to hear me, to me, I’ll beg him to do what’s good for him.
I shall beseech him to befriend himself.
PORTIA PORTIA
Why, know’st thou any harm’s intended towards him? Why, do you know of any harm intended toward him?
None that I know will be; much that I fear may chance. Nothing that I know for sure, but there’s a lot that I fear may hap-
35 Good morrow to you. Here the street is narrow. pen. Good morning to you. The street is narrow here. The mob
The throng that follows Caesar at the heels, that follows after Caesar—senators, judges, commoners asking
Of senators, of praetors, common suitors, for favors—will squeeze a feeble man almost to death. I’ll find a
Will crowd a feeble man almost to death. place that is less crowded and there speak to great Caesar as he
I’ll get me to a place more void, and there walks past.
40 Speak to great Caesar as he comes along.
Exit SOOTHSAYER He exits.
PORTIA PORTIA
I must go in. (aside) Ay me, how weak a thing I must go inside. (to herself) Oh my, a woman’s heart is such a
The heart of woman is! O Brutus, weak thing! Oh Brutus, may the gods help you in your efforts!
The heavens speed thee in thine enterprise! Surely, the boy heard me. (to LUCIUS) Brutus has a claim that
Sure, the boy heard me. (to LUCIUS) Brutus hath a suit Caesar won’t grant. Oh, I’m getting faint. Run, Lucius, and give my
45 That Caesar will not grant.—Oh, I grow faint.— greetings to my lord. Say that I’m happy. Then return to me and
Run, Lucius, and commend me to my lord. tell me what he says to you.
Say I am merry. Come to me again,
And bring me word what he doth say to thee.
Exeunt severally They exit in opposite directions.
Act 3, Scene 1
Flourish Enter CAESAR, BRUTUS, CASSIUS, CASCA, DECIUS, METELLUS, A trumpet sounds. CAESAR, BRUTUS, CASSIUS, CASCA, DECIUS,
TREBONIUS, CINNA, ANTONY, LEPIDUS, PUBLIUS, and POPILLIUS LENA METELLUS, TREBONIUS, CINNA, ANTONY, LEPIDUS, POPILLIUS, and
with a crowd of people, including ARTEMIDORUS and the SOOTHSAYER PUBLIUS enter, along with a crowd that includes ARTEMIDORUS and
the SOOTHSAYER .
CAESAR CAESAR
(to the SOOTHSAYER) The ides of March are come. (to the SOOTHSAYER) March 15th has come.
Ay, Caesar, but not gone. Yes, Caesar, but it’s not over.
(offering his letter) Hail, Caesar! Read this schedule. (offering his letter) Hail, Caesar! Read this letter.
DECIUS DECIUS
(offering CAESAR another paper) (offering CAESAR another paper) Trebonius would like you to read
Trebonius doth desire you to o’er-read, his humble request for help, when you have the time.
5 At your best leisure, this his humble suit.
O Caesar, read mine first, for mine’s a suit Oh, Caesar, read mine first, for my letter actually pertains to you.
That touches Caesar nearer. Read it, great Caesar. Read it, great Caesar.
CAESAR CAESAR
What touches us ourself shall be last served. Whatever pertains to me I will leave for last.
Delay not, Caesar. Read it instantly. Don’t delay, Caesar. Read it immediately.
CAESAR CAESAR
What, is the fellow mad? What, is this guy crazy?
PUBLIUS PUBLIUS
10 (to ARTEMIDORUS) Sirrah, give place. (to ARTEMIDORUS) Commoner, stand aside.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
(to ARTEMIDORUS) (to ARTEMIDORUS) What? Are you trying to give Caesar your
What, urge you your petitions in the street? letter in the street? Do it at the Capitol.
Come to the Capitol.
CAESAR’s party moves aside to the senate house CAESAR and the crowd with him go up to the senate house.
POPILLIUS POPILLIUS
(to CASSIUS) I wish your enterprise today may thrive. (to CASSIUS) I hope your efforts succeed today.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
What enterprise, Popillius? What efforts, Popillius?
POPILLIUS POPILLIUS
Fare you well. Good luck.
approaches CAESAR POPILLIUS approaches CAESAR.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
15 (to CASSIUS) What said Popillius Lena? (to CASSIUS) What did Popillius Lena say?
CASSIUS CASSIUS
(aside to BRUTUS) (speaking only to BRUTUS) He wished that our efforts would suc-
He wished today our enterprise might thrive. ceed today. I’m afraid our plans have been discovered.
I fear our purpose is discoverèd.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Look how he makes to Caesar. Mark him. Look, he’s approaching Caesar. Watch him.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Casca, be sudden, for we fear prevention Casca, be quick, because we’re afraid our plans might be stopped.
20 —Brutus, what shall be done? If this be known, Brutus, what will we do? If our plan is known, either Caesar or I
Cassius or Caesar never shall turn back, will die, because I’ll kill myself if I can’t kill him.
For I will slay myself.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Cassius, be constant. Cassius, be calm. Popillius Lena isn’t telling Caesar about our
Popillius Lena speaks not of our purposes. plot. Look, he’s smiling, and Caesar’s expression shows no
For, look, he smiles, and Caesar doth not change. change.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
25 Trebonius knows his time. For, look you, Brutus. Trebonius knows what he should do. Look, Brutus, he’s guiding
He draws Mark Antony out of the way. Mark Antony out of the way.
Exeunt TREBONIUS and ANTONY TREBONIUS and ANTONY exit.
DECIUS DECIUS
Where is Metellus Cimber? Let him go Where’s Metellus Cimber? He should go now to present his peti-
And presently prefer his suit to Caesar. tion to Caesar.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
He is addressed. Press near and second him. They’re speaking to him. Move up close and second his petition.
CINNA CINNA
30 Casca, you are the first that rears your hand. Casca, you raise your hand first.
CAESAR CAESAR
Are we all ready? What is now amiss Are we all ready? What are the problems that Caesar and his
That Caesar and his senate must redress? senate should deal with?
METELLUS METELLUS
(kneeling) (kneeling) Most high, most mighty, and most powerful Caesar,
Most high, most mighty, and most puissant Caesar, Metellus Cimber kneels before you with a humble heart—
Metellus Cimber throws before thy seat
An humble heart—
CAESAR CAESAR
35 I must prevent thee, Cimber. I must stop you, Cimber. Your kneeling and overly humble cour-
These couchings and these lowly courtesies tesies might flatter ordinary men to turn Roman law into some
Might fire the blood of ordinary men kind of child’s game. But don’t be so foolish as to think that you
And turn preordinance and first decree can influence Caesar to do something that is not right through
Into the law of children. Be not fond, the tricks that persuades fools—flattery, low bows, and pathetic
40 To think that Caesar bears such rebel blood dog-like fawning. Your brother was banished by decree. If you
That will be thawed from the true quality kneel and beg and flatter for him, I’ll kick you like a dog out of my
With that which melteth fools—I mean, sweet words, way. Know that Caesar does not punish without good reason and
Low-crookèd curtsies, and base spaniel fawning. will not give him what he wants without good reason.
Thy brother by decree is banishèd.
45 If thou dost bend and pray and fawn for him,
I spurn thee like a cur out of my way.
Know, Caesar doth not wrong, nor without cause
Will he be satisfied.
METELLUS METELLUS
Is there no voice more worthy than my own Is there no voice worthier than my own to sweetly ask the great
50 To sound more sweetly in great Caesar’s ear Caesar to repeal the banishment of my brother?
For the repealing of my banished brother?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
(kneeling) I kiss thy hand, but not in flattery, Caesar, (kneeling) I kiss your hand, but not in flattery, Caesar, as I also
Desiring thee that Publius Cimber may want you immediately to repeal Publius Cimber’s banishment.
Have an immediate freedom of repeal.
CAESAR CAESAR
What, Brutus? You, Brutus?
CASSIUS CASSIUS
55 (kneeling) Pardon, Caesar. Caesar, pardon. (kneeling) Pardon Publius, Caesar. Caeasar, pardon him. I throw
As low as to thy foot doth Cassius fall myself down to your feet to beg that Publius Cimber regain his
To beg enfranchisement for Publius Cimber. citizenship.
CAESAR CAESAR
I could be well moved if I were as you. I could be influenced if I were like you. If I could beg others to
If I could pray to move, prayers would move me. change their minds, begging would convince me, too. But I’m as
60 But I am constant as the northern star, steady as the northern star, whose stable and immobile quality
Of whose true-fixed and resting quality has no equal in the sky. The sky’s are filled with countless stars.
There is no fellow in the firmament. They are all made of fire, and every single one shines. But there’s
The skies are painted with unnumbered sparks. just one out of all of them that holds its central place. The world
They are all fire and every one doth shine, is the same way. It’s full of men, and men are flesh and blood, and
65 But there’s but one in all doth hold his place. capable of understanding. Yet of them all, I know just one who is
So in the world. ‘Tis furnished well with men, beyond questioning and immovable, who never shifts from his
And men are flesh and blood, and apprehensive, position. That I am that man, I will show you in this way: I was
Yet in the number I do know but one resolved that Cimber should be banished, and I am resolved that
That unassailable holds on his rank, he should remain banished.
70 Unshaked of motion. And that I am he
Let me a little show it even in this:
That I was constant Cimber should be banished,
And constant do remain to keep him so.
CINNA CINNA
(kneeling) O Caesar— (kneeling) Oh, Caesar—
CAESAR CAESAR
Hence! Wilt thou lift up Olympus? Enough! Would you try to lift up Mount Olympus?
DECIUS DECIUS
(kneeling) Great Caesar— (kneeling) Great Caesar—
CAESAR CAESAR
75 Doth not Brutus bootless kneel? Why are you kneeling, when even Brutus’s kneeling is in vain?
CASCA CASCA
Speak, hands, for me! Hands, speak for me!
CASCA and the other conspirators stab CAESAR, BRUTUS last CASCA and the other conspirators stab CAESAR. BRUTUS stabs him
last.
CAESAR CAESAR
Et tu, Bruté?—Then fall, Caesar. You too, Brutus? Then die, Caesar. (he dies)
(dies)
CINNA CINNA
Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead! Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead! Run and shout it in the
Run hence, proclaim, cry it about the streets. streets.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Some to the common pulpits, and cry out, Some of us should go to the public platforms and cry out, “Lib-
80 “Liberty, freedom, and enfranchisement!” erty, freedom, and full citizenship to all!”
Confusion. Exeunt some plebians and senators Confusion. Some citizens and senators exit.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
People and senators, be not affrighted. People and senators, don’t be afraid. Don’t leave. Stay here.
Fly not. Stand still. Ambition’s debt is paid. Caesar alone had to die for his ambition.
CASCA CASCA
Go to the pulpit, Brutus. Go to the platform, Brutus.
DECIUS DECIUS
And Cassius too. And Cassius too.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
85 Where’s Publius? Where’s Publius?
CINNA CINNA
Here, quite confounded with this mutiny. Here, in shock by this rebellion.
METELLUS METELLUS
Stand fast together, lest some friend of Caesar’s Stand close together, in case some friend of Caesar tries—
Should chance—
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Talk not of standing.—Publius, good cheer. Don’t talk about standing together.—Publius, cheer up. We don’t
90 There is no harm intended to your person, mean any harm to you, nor to any other Roman. Tell the people
Nor to no Roman else. So tell them, Publius. this, Publius.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
And leave us, Publius, lest that the people, And leave us, Publius, in case the people should rush at us and
Rushing on us, should do your age some mischief. harm you.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Do so. And let no man abide this deed Do so. Let no man suffer the consequences of this act except we
95 But we the doers. who did it.
Exit PUBLIUS PUBLIUS exits.
Enter TREBONIUS TREBONIUS enters.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Where is Antony? Where’s Antony?
TREBONIUS TREBONIUS
Fled to his house amazed. He ran to his house, stunned. Men, wives, and children stare, cry
Men, wives, and children stare, cry out, and run out, and run around as if it were doomsday.
As it were doomsday.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Fates, we will know your pleasures. Fate, we’ll soon discover what you want to happen to us. That
100 That we shall die, we know. ‘Tis but the time, we’ll all die one day, we already know. It’s just when death will
And drawing days out, that men stand upon. occur, and prolonging the time we have to live as long as possible,
that men try to control.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Why, he that cuts off twenty years of life Why, he who shortens his own life by twenty years also cuts off
Cuts off so many years of fearing death. twenty years of worrying about death.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Grant that, and then is death a benefit. Look at it that way, and death becomes a gift. Which makes us
105 So are we Caesar’s friends, that have abridged Caesar’s friends, since we’ve shortened his time spent fearing
His time of fearing death. Stoop, Romans, stoop, death. Kneel, Romans, kneel, and let’s wash our hands up to the
And let us bathe our hands in Caesar’s blood elbows in Caesar’s blood, and smear our swords with it. Then
Up to the elbows, and besmear our swords. we’ll walk outside, even to the public marketplace, and, waving
Then walk we forth, even to the marketplace, our bloody swords over our heads, we’ll cry, “Peace, freedom, and
110 And waving our red weapons o’er our heads liberty!”
Let’s all cry, “Peace, freedom, and liberty!”
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Stoop, then, and wash. Kneel, then, and wash.
The conspirators smear their hands and swords with CAESAR’s blood The conspirators smear their hands and swords with CAESAR’s blood.
How many ages hence How many decades from now will this epic scene be reenacted in
Shall this our lofty scene be acted over countries that don’t yet exist and in languages not yet known!
In states unborn and accents yet unknown!
BRUTUS BRUTUS
115 How many times shall Caesar bleed in sport, How many times will Caesar bleed in plays about this time, just
That now on Pompey’s basis lies along as he now lies beneath Pompey’s statue as worthless as dust!
No worthier than the dust!
CASSIUS CASSIUS
So oft as that shall be, And every time that the play is shown, the group of us will be ac-
So often shall the knot of us be called claimed as “The men who gave their country liberty.”
“The men that gave their country liberty.”
DECIUS DECIUS
What, shall we forth? Well, should we go?
CASSIUS CASSIUS
120 Ay, every man away. Yes, every man let’s go. Brutus will lead, and we’ll follow him with
Brutus shall lead, and we will grace his heels the boldest and best hearts of Rome.
With the most boldest and best hearts of Rome.
Enter ANTONY’S SERVANT ANTONY’S SERVANT enters.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Soft! Who comes here? A friend of Antony’s. Wait! Who’s coming? A friend of Antony’s.
ANTONY’S SERVANT ANTONY’S SERVANT
125 (kneeling) Thus, Brutus, did my master bid me kneel. (kneeling) Like this, Brutus, my master told me to kneel. (he
(falls prostrate) Thus did Mark Antony bid me fall down, kneels with his head down to the floor) And like this, he told me
And, being prostrate, thus he bade me say: to prostrate myself, and, being on the ground, like this, he told
Brutus is noble, wise, valiant, and honest. me to say: “Brutus is noble, wise, brave, and honest. Caesar was
Caesar was mighty, bold, royal, and loving. mighty, bold, royal, and loving. Antony loves Brutus and honors
Say I love Brutus, and I honor him. him. Antony feared Caesar, honored him, and loved him. If Brutus
130 Say I feared Caesar, honored him, and loved him. will promise that Antony would be safe to come to him and have
If Brutus will vouchsafe that Antony explained to him why Caesar deserved to be killed, Mark Antony
May safely come to him and be resolved will not love dead Caesar as much as living Brutus, and will follow
How Caesar hath deserved to lie in death, noble Brutus through the hard times of this unprecedented state
Mark Antony shall not love Caesar dead of affairs.” So says my master, Antony.
135 So well as Brutus living, but will follow
The fortunes and affairs of noble Brutus
Thorough the hazards of this untrod state
With all true faith. So says my master Antony.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Thy master is a wise and valiant Roman. Your master is a wise and brave Roman. I never thought other-
140 I never thought him worse. wise. Tell him, if he wants to come here, he’ll get a full explanation
Tell him, so please him come unto this place, and, on my word of honor, he’ll leave unharmed.
He shall be satisfied and, by my honor,
Depart untouched.
ANTONY’S SERVANT ANTONY’S SERVANT
(rising) I’ll fetch him presently. (getting up) I’ll get him now.
Exit ANTONY’S SERVANT ANTONY’S SERVANT exits.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
I know that we shall have him well to friend. I know that we’ll soon have him as a good friend to us.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
145 I wish we may. But yet have I a mind I hope we do. But still, I fear him greatly, and my misgivings usu-
That fears him much, and my misgiving still ally end up coming painfully true.
Falls shrewdly to the purpose.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
But here comes Antony.—Welcome, Mark Antony. But here comes Antony.—Welcome, Mark Antony.
ANTONY ANTONY
O mighty Caesar! Dost thou lie so low? Oh, mighty Caesar! Do you lie so low? Are all of your conquests,
150 Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils, glories, triumphs, and successes now shrunk to such little value?
Shrunk to this little measure? Fare thee well. Farewell. Gentlemen, I don’t know what you plan to do, who else
—I know not, gentlemen, what you intend, you must kill, who else you think is corrupt. If it’s me, there’s no
Who else must be let blood, who else is rank. time as fitting as this hour of Caesar’s death, and no weapons
If I myself, there is no hour so fit even half as worthy as your swords, which have been made rich
155 As Caesar’s death’s hour, nor no instrument by being covered in the noblest blood in all the world. I beg you, if
Of half that worth as those your swords, made rich you have a grudge against me, do what you want to do right now
With the most noble blood of all this world. while your stained hands still smell of blood. Even if were I to live
I do beseech ye, if you bear me hard, a thousand years, I’d never again find a moment when I was as
Now, whilst your purpled hands do reek and smoke, ready to die. There’s no place I’d rather die than next to Caesar,
160 Fulfill your pleasure. Live a thousand years, and no manner of death I’d prefer than being stabbed by you, the
I shall not find myself so apt to die. leaders of this new era.
No place will please me so, no mean of death,
As here by Caesar, and by you cut off,
The choice and master spirits of this age.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
165 O Antony, beg not your death of us. Oh, Antony, don’t beg us to kill you. Though we must seem to you
Though now we must appear bloody and cruel— to be bloody and cruel right now, with our bloody hands and what
As by our hands and this our present act we’ve just done, you’re only seeing our hands and the bloody
You see we do—yet see you but our hands work they’ve done. You have not seen into our hearts. They are
And this the bleeding business they have done. full of pity for Caesar. But our pity for the wrongs committed
170 Our hearts you see not. They are pitiful. against Rome—which, just as fire drives out fire—overcame our
And pity to the general wrong of Rome— pity for him and made us do what we did to Caesar. For you, our
As fire drives out fire, so pity pity— swords have soft points that will not harm you, Mark Antony. Our
Hath done this deed on Caesar. For your part, arms, with the same strength they had in striking Caesar, and our
To you our swords have leaden points, Mark Antony. hearts, filled with brotherly love, embrace you with kind love, good
175 Our arms in strength of malice and our hearts thoughts, and admiration.
Of brothers’ temper do receive you in
With all kind love, good thoughts, and reverence.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Your voice shall be as strong as any man’s Your influence will be as strong as anyone’s in the selection of new
In the disposing of new dignities. government officials.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
180 Only be patient till we have appeased Just be patient until we’ve calmed the masses, who are beside
The multitude, beside themselves with fear, themselves with fear, and then we’ll explain to you why I, who loved
And then we will deliver you the cause, Caesar even while I stabbed him, have done this.
Why I, that did love Caesar when I struck him,
Have thus proceeded.
ANTONY ANTONY
I doubt not of your wisdom. I don’t doubt your wisdom. May each of you give me his bloody
185 Let each man render me his bloody hand. hand. (shakes hands with the conspirators) First, Marcus Brutus, I
(shakes hands with the conspirators) will shake your hand. Next, Caius Cassius, I take your hand. Now,
First, Marcus Brutus, will I shake with you. Decius Brutus, yours. Now yours, Metellus. Yours, Cinna. And,
—Next, Caius Cassius, do I take your hand. my valiant Casca, yours. Though yours last, good Trebonius, I do
—Now, Decius Brutus, yours.—Now yours, Metellus. not love you least. All of you gentlemen, alas, what can I say? Now
—Yours, Cinna.—And, my valiant Casca, yours. that we’ve shaken hands, my credibility stands on such slippery
190 —Though last, not last in love, yours, good Trebonius. ground that you must think me either a coward or a flatterer. That
—Gentlemen all, alas, what shall I say? I loved you, Caesar, is true. If, then, your spirit is looking down
My credit now stands on such slippery ground upon us now, would it grieve you more than even your death to see
That one of two bad ways you must conceit me, your Antony making peace, and shaking the bloody hands of your
Either a coward or a flatterer enemies—most noble enemies!—in the presence of your corpse? If
195 —That I did love thee, Caesar, O, ’tis true. I had as many eyes as you have wounds, and they wept tears as fast
If then thy spirit look upon us now, as your wounds stream blood, even that would be more becoming
Shall it not grieve thee dearer than thy death than joining your enemies in friendship. Forgive me, Julius! Here
To see thy Antony making his peace, is where you were brought down, like a brave deer surrounded by
Shaking the bloody fingers of thy foes— hunting dogs. Here is where you fell, and here your hunters still
200 Most noble!—in the presence of thy corse? stand, stained and reddened by your blood. Oh world, you were
Had I as many eyes as thou hast wounds, the forest to this deer, and this deer, oh world, was your dear. Now
Weeping as fast as they stream forth thy blood, you lie here, so much like a deer, stabbed by many princes!
It would become me better than to close
In terms of friendship with thine enemies.
205 Pardon me, Julius! Here wast thou bayed, brave hart;
Here didst thou fall; and here thy hunters stand,
Signed in thy spoil, and crimsoned in thy lethe.
O world, thou wast the forest to this hart,
And this indeed, O world, the heart of thee.
210 How like a deer, strucken by many princes,
Dost thou here lie!
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Mark Antony— Mark Antony—
ANTONY ANTONY
Pardon me, Caius Cassius. Pardon me, Caius Cassius. Even the enemies of Caesar would say
The enemies of Caesar shall say this; the same. So, when said by a friend, it’s just a plain unemotional
215 Then, in a friend, it is cold modesty. truth.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
I blame you not for praising Caesar so. I don’t blame you for praising Caesar as you do. But what agree-
But what compact mean you to have with us? ment do you plan to make with us? Will you be marked down as one
Will you be pricked in number of our friends? of our friends, or should we move on without depending on you?
Or shall we on, and not depend on you?
ANTONY ANTONY
220 Therefore I took your hands, but was indeed Because I wanted to be your friends, I shook your hands, but,
Swayed from the point by looking down on Caesar. indeed, I was distracted when I looked down at Caesar. I am friends
Friends am I with you all and love you all with you all and love you all, on one condition—that you will give
Upon this hope: that you shall give me reasons me the reasons how and why Caesar was dangerous.
Why and wherein Caesar was dangerous.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
225 Or else were this a savage spectacle! If we couldn’t, killing him would have been just some savage act!
Our reasons are so full of good regard Our reasons are so well thought out that even if you, Antony, were
That were you, Antony, the son of Caesar, Caesar’s son, you would be satisfied.
You should be satisfied.
ANTONY ANTONY
That’s all I seek. That’s all I ask—and would also ask the favor that I be allowed to
And am moreover suitor that I may bring his body to the marketplace and, as a friend ought to do,
230 Produce his body to the marketplace, stand on the platform and speak during his funeral ceremony.
And in the pulpit, as becomes a friend,
Speak in the order of his funeral.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
You shall, Mark Antony. You may, Mark Antony.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Brutus, a word with you. Brutus, may I speak with you? (speaking only to BRUTUS) You don’t
(aside to BRUTUS) You know not what you do. know what you’re doing. Don’t agree to let Antony speak at his
Do not consent funeral. Do you know how much the people could be stirred up by
235 That Antony speak in his funeral. what he says?
Know you how much the people may be moved
By that which he will utter?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
(aside to CASSIUS) By your pardon. (speaking only to CASSIUS) If you’ll agree, I myself will stand on
I will myself into the pulpit first, the platform first and explain the reason for Caesar’s death. What
And show the reason of our Caesar’s death. Antony says, I will announce, he says with our permission, and I will
240 What Antony shall speak, I will protest, say that we believe Caesar should be honored with all the usual
He speaks by leave and by permission, and lawful ceremonies. It willl help us more than it will do us harm.
And that we are contented Caesar shall
Have all true rites and lawful ceremonies.
It shall advantage more than do us wrong.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
245 (aside to BRUTUS) I know not what may fall. I like it not. (speaking only to BRUTUS) Anything could happen. I don’t like this.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Mark Antony, here, take you Caesar’s body. Mark Antony, here, take Caesar’s body. You will not blame us in
You shall not in your funeral speech blame us, your funeral speech, but will say all the good you can think of about
But speak all good you can devise of Caesar, Caesar and say also that you do all this with our permission. Other-
And say you do ’t by our permission. wise, you’ll not take any part in his funeral. And you’ll speak on the
250 Else shall you not have any hand at all same platform that I do, after I’ve finished my own speech.
About his funeral. And you shall speak
In the same pulpit whereto I am going,
After my speech is ended.
ANTONY ANTONY
Be it so. So be it. I want nothing more than that.
255 I do desire no more.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Prepare the body then, and follow us. Prepare the body, then, and follow us.
Exeunt. Manet ANTONY Everyone exits except ANTONY.
ANTONY ANTONY
O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth, Oh, pardon me, you bleeding corpse, for being quiet and friendly
That I am meek and gentle with these butchers! with these butchers! You are the remains of the noblest man that
Thou art the ruins of the noblest man ever lived in all of time. May disaster strike the hand that shed this
260 That ever livèd in the tide of times. priceless blood. Over your wounds—which, like speechless mouths,
Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood! open their red lips as if to beg me to speak—I predict that a curse
Over thy wounds now do I prophesy— will come down on us. Anger between brothers and fierce civil war
Which, like dumb mouths, do ope their ruby lips will burden all of Italy. Blood and destruction will be so common
To beg the voice and utterance of my tongue— and dreadful events so familiar, that mothers will just smile when
265 A curse shall light upon the limbs of men. they watch their babies cut to pieces by the hands of war. People’s
Domestic fury and fierce civil strife compassion will be choked away by the sheer volume of evil deeds.
Shall cumber all the parts of Italy. And Caesar’s ghost, searching for revenge with the goddess of
Blood and destruction shall be so in use, folly, Atë, by his side, will rush up from Hell and cry in the voice of a
And dreadful objects so familiar, king, “Havoc!” and unleash the dogs of war, so that this foul murder
270 That mothers shall but smile when they behold will cover the earth with men’s corpses begging to be buried.
Their infants quartered 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,
275 Shall in these confines with a monarch’s voice
Cry “Havoc!” and let slip the dogs of war,
That this foul deed shall smell above the earth
With carrion men, groaning for burial.
Enter OCTAVIUS’ SERVANT OCTAVIUS’S SERVANT enters.
You serve Octavius Caesar, do you not? You serve Octavius Caesar, right?
OCTAVIUS’ SERVANT OCTAVIUS’S SERVANT
280 I do, Mark Antony. I do, Mark Antony.
ANTONY ANTONY
Caesar did write for him to come to Rome. Caesar wrote to him that he should come to Rome.
He did receive his letters and is coming. He received Caesar’s letters and is coming. He told me to say to
And bid me say to you by word of mouth— you personally—(seeing CAESAR’s body) Oh, Caesar!—
(sees CAESAR’s body) O Caesar!—
ANTONY ANTONY
285 Thy heart is big. Get thee apart and weep. Your heart swells with sadness. Go find some privacy and weep.
Passion, I see, is catching, for mine eyes, Grief, I see, is contagious, because my eyes, seeing the tears of sor-
Seeing those beads of sorrow stand in thine, row in yours, began to fill. Is your master coming?
Began to water. Is thy master coming?
He lies tonight within seven leagues of Rome. He rests tonight within twenty miles of Rome.
ANTONY ANTONY
290 Post back with speed, and tell him what hath chanced. Ride quickly back to him fast and tell him what has happened. This
Here is a mourning Rome, a dangerous Rome, is now a Rome in mourning, a dangerous Rome. A Rome that is not
No Rome of safety for Octavius yet. safe for Octavius yet. Get going and tell him so. No, actually, stay
Hie hence, and tell him so.—Yet, stay awhile. a while. You shouldn’t go back until I’ve carried the corpse into the
Thou shalt not back till I have borne this corse marketplace. There I’ll figure out, through my speech, what the
295 Into the marketplace. There shall I try, people think of the cruel deeds of these bloody men. Based on how
In my oration, how the people take the people respond, you’ll report back to young Octavius about the
The cruèl issue of these bloody men. state of things. Help me with the body.
According to the which, thou shalt discourse
To young Octavius of the state of things.
300 Lend me your hand.
Exeunt with CAESAR’s body They exit with CAESAR’s body.
Act 3, Scene 2
Modern Text All Clear
Enter BRUTUS and CASSIUS with the PLEBEIANS BRUTUS and CASSIUS enter with a crowd of PLEBEIANS.
PLEBEIANS PLEBEIANS
We will be satisfied! Let us be satisfied! We demand answers. Give us answers.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Then follow me and give me audience, friends. Then follow me and listen to what I say, friends. Cassius, go on
—Cassius, go you into the other street to the next street. Split up the crowd. Let those who want to
And part the numbers. hear me speak stay here. Those who want to hear from Cassius,
5 —Those that will hear me speak, let ‘em stay here. go with him. We’ll explain publicly the reasons behind Caesar’s
Those that will follow Cassius, go with him, death.
And public reasons shall be renderèd
Of Caesar’s death.
FIRST PLEBEIAN FIRST PLEBEIAN
I will hear Brutus speak. I’ll listen to Brutus.
ANOTHER PLEBEIAN SECOND PLEBEIAN
I will hear Cassius and compare their reasons I’ll listen to Cassius, and later we’ll compare what they’ve said.
10 When severally we hear them renderèd.
Exit CASSIUS with some of the PLEBEIANS BRUTUS goes into the pulpit CASSIUS exits with some of the PLEBEIANS. BRUTUS gets up on the
platform.
THIRD PLEBEIAN THIRD PLEBEIAN
The noble Brutus is ascended. Silence! Noble Brutus has walked up to the platform. Quiet!
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Be patient till the last. Romans, countrymen, and lovers! Hear me for Please be calm until I finish. Romans, countrymen, and friends!
my cause, and be silent that you may hear. Believe me for mine honor, Listen to my reasons for my actions and be silent so you can hear.
15 and have respect to mine honor that you may believe. Censure me in Do me the honor of believing me, and know that, upon my honor,
your wisdom, and awake your senses that you may the better judge. you can believe me. Be wise in your judgment of me, and keep
If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar’s, to him I your minds alert so you can judge me wisely. If there’s anyone in
say that Brutus’ love to Caesar was no less than his. If then that friend this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar’s, I say to him that my
20 demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: not that I love for Caesar was no less than his. If, then, that friend demands
loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more. Had you rather Caesar to know why I rose up against Caesar, this is my answer: it’s not
were living and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more. Would you
free men? As Caesar loved me, I weep for him. As he was fortunate, I prefer that Caesar were living and we would all one day die as
rejoice at it. As he was valiant, I honor him. But, as he was ambitious, slaves, or that Caesar were dead and we all lived as free men?
25 I slew him. There is tears for his love, joy for his fortune, honor for his Because Caesar was my friend, I weep for him. Because he had
valor, and death for his ambition. Who is here so base that would be a so much good fortune, I am happy for him. Because he was brave,
bondman? If any, speak—for him have I offended. Who is here so rude I honor him. But because he was ambitious, I killed him. There are
that would not be a Roman? If any, speak—for him have I offended. tears for his love, joy for his fortune, honor for his bravery, and
30 Who is here so vile that will not love his country? If any, speak—for him death for his ambition. Who standing here is so wretched that he
have I offended. I pause for a reply. wants to be a slave? If there are any, speak, because that is who I
have offended. Who here is so uncivilized that he does not want
to be a Roman? If there are any, speak, because that is who I have
offended. Who here is so despicable that he does not love his
country? If there are any, speak, for that is who I have offended. I
will wait for a reply.
ALL ALL
None, Brutus, none. No one, Brutus, no one.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Then none have I offended. I have done no more to Caesar than you Then I have offended no one. I’ve done no more to Caesar than
35 shall do to Brutus. The question of his death is enrolled in the Capitol. you should do to me were I to do what Caesar did. The reasons
His glory not extenuated wherein he was worthy, nor his offenses for his death is on record in the Capitol. His glory has not been
enforced for which he suffered death. reduced where he earned it, nor have the offenses been exagger-
ated for which he was killed.
Enter Mark ANTONY with CAESAR’s body ANTONY enters with CAESAR’s body.
Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony, who, though he had Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony, who, though
no hand in his death, shall receive the benefit of his dying—a place in he had no part in killing Caesar, will benefit from his death—full
40 the commonwealth—as which of you shall not? With this I depart: that, citizenship in the commonwealth, as you all will. With these final
as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger words, I ldepart: Just as I killed my best friend for the good of
for myself when it shall please my country to need my death. Rome, I still keep the same dagger so that I can kill myself when
my country requires my death.
ALL ALL
Live, Brutus! Live, live! Live, Brutus! Live, live!
45 Bring him with triumph home unto his house! Let’s carry him in triumph to his house!
SECOND PLEBEIAN SECOND PLEBEIAN
Give him a statue with his ancestors! Let’s build a statue of him, near those of his ancestors!
Let him be Caesar! Let him become Caesar!
FOURTH PLEBEIAN FOURTH PLEBEIAN
Caesar’s better parts We will crown Brutus, who has all of Caesar’s better qualities.
Shall be crowned in Brutus!
We’ll bring him to his house with shouts and clamors. We’ll carry him to his house with shouts and celebration!
BRUTUS BRUTUS
My countrymen— My countrymen—
50 Peace, silence! Brutus speaks. Calm! Silence! Brutus speaks.
Peace, ho! Quiet!
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Good countrymen, let me depart alone. Good countrymen, let me leave alone. And, for me, stay here with
And, for my sake, stay here with Antony. Antony. Give honor to Caesar’s corpse, as well as to Antony’s
Do grace to Caesar’s corpse, and grace his speech speech about Caesar’s glories, which we have given him our
55 Tending to Caesar’s glories, which Mark Antony permission to make. I beg of you that none of you leave, except
By our permission is allowed to make. me, until Antony has spoken.
I do entreat you, not a man depart,
Save I alone, till Antony have spoke.
Exit BRUTUS BRUTUS exits.
Stay, ho! And let us hear Mark Antony. We’ll stay! Let us listen to Mark Antony.
60 Let him go up into the public chair. Let him walk up to the platform. We’ll listen to him. Noble
We’ll hear him.—Noble Antony, go up. Antony, mount the platform.
ANTONY ANTONY
For Brutus’ sake, I am beholding to you. For Brutus’s sake, I am indebted to you.
(ascends the pulpit) (he steps up to the platform)
What does he say of Brutus? What does he say about Brutus?
He says for Brutus’ sake He says that for Brutus’s sake he finds himself indebted to us all.
He finds himself beholding to us all.
65 ‘Twere best he speak no harm of Brutus here. He’d better not say anything bad about Brutus here.
This Caesar was a tyrant. Caesar was a tyrant.
Nay, that’s certain. That’s for sure. We’re lucky that Rome is rid of him.
We are blest that Rome is rid of him.
FOURTH PLEBEIAN SECOND PLEBEIAN
Peace! Let us hear what Antony can say. Quiet! Let’s hear what Antony has to say.
ANTONY ANTONY
You gentle Romans— You gentle Romans—
ALL ALL
Peace, ho! Let us hear him. Quiet! Let us hear him.
ANTONY ANTONY
70 Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears. Friends, Romans, countrymen, grant me a moment of your at-
I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. tention. I’ve come here to bury Caesar, not to praise him. The
The evil that men do lives after them; evil that men do is remembered after they die, but the good is
The good is oft interrèd with their bones. often buried with their bones. May it be that way with Caesar.
So let it be with Caesar. The noble Brutus The noble Brutus told you that Caesar was ambitious. If that’s
75 Hath told you Caesar was ambitious. true, it’s a terrible fault, and Caesar has paid terribly for it. Now,
If it were so, it was a grievous fault, with the permission of Brutus and the others—because Brutus
And grievously hath Caesar answered it. is an honorable man; as are the others, all honorable men—I
Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest— have come to speak at Caesar’s funeral. He was my friend, he
For Brutus is an honorable man; was loyal and fair to me. But Brutus says he was ambitious, and
80 So are they all, all honorable men— Brutus is an honorable man. He brought many captives home to
Come I to speak in Caesar’s funeral. Rome whose ransom filled the public treasury. Did Caesar seem
He was my friend, faithful and just to me. ambitious when he did this? When the poor cried, Caesar cried.
But Brutus says he was ambitious, Ambition shouldn’t be so tender-hearted. Yet Brutus says he was
And Brutus is an honorable man. ambitious, and Brutus is an honorable man. You all saw that on
85 He hath brought many captives home to Rome the feast day of Lupercal feast I offered Caesar a king’s crown
Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill. three times, and all three times he refused it. Was that ambition?
Did this in Caesar seem ambitious? Yet Brutus says he was ambitious. And, of course, Brutus is an
When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept. honorable man. I do not say this to to disprove what Brutus has
Ambition should be made of sterner stuff. said, but to speak about what I know. You all loved him once, and
90 Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, not without reason. So what reason stops you from mourning
And Brutus is an honorable man. him? Oh, gods! You have become brutish beasts, and men have
You all did see that on the Lupercal lost their reason! Apologies for that outburst. My heart is in the
I thrice presented him a kingly crown, coffin there with Caesar, and I must pause until it returns to me.
Which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition? (he weeps)
95 Yet Brutus says he was ambitious,
And, sure, he is an honorable 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.
100 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. (weeps)
105 Methinks there is much reason in his sayings. I think there’s much that makes sense in what he says.
If thou consider rightly of the matter, If you think about it the right way, Caesar has been badly
Caesar has had great wrong. wronged.
Has he, masters? Has he, good sirs? I worry that someone worse than Caesar will
I fear there will a worse come in his place. come to replace him.
Marked ye his words? He would not take the crown. Did you listen to Antony’s words? Caesar wouldn’t take the
110 Therefore ’tis certain he was not ambitious. crown. Therefore it’s certain that he wasn’t ambitious.
If it be found so, some will dear abide it. If it can be proven that he wasn’t, certain people will pay dearly
for all this.
Poor soul! His eyes are red as fire with weeping. Poor man! Antony’s eyes are a fiery red from weeping.
There’s not a nobler man in Rome than Antony. There’s not a nobler man than Antony in Rome.
Now mark him. He begins again to speak. Now pay attention to him. He’s starting to speak again.
ANTONY ANTONY
115 But yesterday the word of Caesar might Just yesterday, no one in the world would have stood against
Have stood against the world. Now lies he there, Caesar’s commands. Now he lies there dead, and no one is so
And none so poor to do him reverence. humble as to show him respect. Oh, sirs, if I were trying to stir
O masters, if I were disposed to stir your hearts and minds to rage and rebellion, I would be doing
Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage, wrong to Brutus and Cassius, who, as you all know, are honorable
120 I should do Brutus wrong, and Cassius wrong— men. I will not do them wrong. I choose rather to wrong the dead,
Who, you all know, are honorable men. and wrong myself and you, than wrong such honorable men. But
I will not do them wrong. I rather choose here’s a paper with Caesar’s seal on it. I found it in his room. It’s
To wrong the dead, to wrong myself and you, his will. If the public were to know what was in this will—which,
Than I will wrong such honorable men. excuse me, I don’t plan on reading to you—they would go and
125 But here’s a parchment with the seal of Caesar. kiss dead Caesar’s wounds, dip their handkerchiefs in his blessed
I found it in his closet. ‘Tis his will. blood, and even beg for a lock of hair to remember him by. And
Let but the commons hear this testament— when they died, they would include the handkerchief or the
Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read— hair in their wills, passing it on to their own heirs as a treasured
And they would go and kiss dead Caesar’s wounds inheritance.
130 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 legacy
Unto their issue.
135 We’ll hear the will. Read it, Mark Antony! We want to hear the will. Read it, Mark Antony!
ALL ALL
The will, the will! We will hear Caesar’s will. The will, the will! We want to hear Caesar’s will.
ANTONY ANTONY
Have patience, gentle friends. I must not read it. Have patience, gentle friends, I must not read it. It’s not right
It is not meet you know how Caesar loved you. for you to know how much Caesar loved you. You’re not wood,
You are not wood, you are not stones, but men. you’re not stones. You’re men. And, being men, if you knew what
140 And, being men, bearing the will of Caesar, was in Caesar’s will, it would anger you, it would make you mad.
It will inflame you, it will make you mad. It’s better that you not know that you are his heirs. Because, if
‘Tis good you know not that you are his heirs. you did know—oh, what would happen!
For, if you should—Oh, what would come of it!
Read the will. We’ll hear it, Antony. Read the will. We want to hear it, Antony. You must read us the
145 You shall read us the will, Caesar’s will. will, Caesar’s will.
ANTONY ANTONY
Will you be patient? Will you stay awhile? Will you be patient? Will you wait awhile? I’ve said too much in
I have o’ershot myself to tell you of it. telling you of it. I’m afraid that I wrong the honorable men whose
I fear I wrong the honorable men daggers have stabbed Caesar. I really fear it.
Whose daggers have stabbed Caesar. I do fear it.
150 They were traitors! “Honorable men”! They were traitors, these so-called “Honorable men!”
ALL ALL
The will! The testament! The will! The testament!
They were villains, murderers. The will! Read the will! They were villains, murderers. The will! Read the will!
ANTONY ANTONY
You will compel me, then, to read the will? You’ll force me, then, to read the will? Then form a circle around
155 Then make a ring about the corpse of Caesar, Caesar’s corpse, and let me show you the man who made this
And let me show you him that made the will. will. Shall I come down? Will you allow me to?
Shall I descend? And will you give me leave?
ALL ALL
Come down. Come down.
Descend. Come down.
You shall have leave. We’ll allow you.
ANTONY descends from the pulpit ANTONY comes down from the platform.
A ring! Form a circle!
Stand round.
Stand from the hearse. Stand from the body. Stand back from the hearse. Stand back from the body.
160 Room for Antony, most noble Antony! Make room for Antony, most noble Antony!
ANTONY ANTONY
Nay, press not so upon me. Stand far off. No, don’t press up against me. Stand further away.
ALL ALL
Stand back. Room! Bear back. Stand back. Give him room. Move back.
ANTONY ANTONY
If you have tears, prepare to shed them now. If you have tears, prepare to shed them now. You all know this
You all do know this mantle. I remember cloak. I remember the first time Caesar ever put it on. It was a
165 The first time ever Caesar put it on. summer evening in his tent, on the day he defeated the Nervii
‘Twas on a summer’s evening in his tent, warriors. Look, this is the place where Cassius’s dagger cut
That day he overcame the Nervii. through it. See the rip that the envious Casca made. Through
Look, in this place ran Cassius’ dagger through. this hole the much beloved Brutus stabbed. And when he yanked
See what a rent the envious Casca made. out his cursed dagger, see how Caesar’s blood followed after it,
170 Through this the well-belovèd Brutus stabbed. as if rushing out a door to see for sure if it was Brutus who was
And as he plucked his cursèd steel away, knocking so rudely. For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar’s angel.
Mark how the blood of Caesar followed it, Oh gods, how dearly Caesar loved him! This was the cruelest
As rushing out of doors, to be resolved cut of all. When the noble Caesar saw him stab, it was Brutus’s
If Brutus so unkindly knocked, or no. ingratitude more than the traitors’ weapons that overwhelmed
175 For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar’s angel. him. Then his mighty heart burst, and, at the base of Pompey’s
Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him! statue, his face covered by his cloak, which dripped with blood,
This was the most unkindest cut of all. great Caesar fell. Oh, what a fall it was, my countrymen! Then I,
For when the noble Caesar saw him stab, and you, all of us fell down, while bloody treason celebrated its
Ingratitude, more strong than traitors’ arms, victory over us. Oh, now you weep, and, I see, you feel the pain
180 Quite vanquished him. Then burst his mighty heart, of pity. These tears do you honor. Good men, do you weep when
And, in his mantle muffling up his face, all you’re looking at is Caesar’s wounded cloak? Look right here,
Even at the base of Pompey’s statue, here is the man himself, battered, as you can see, by traitors. (lifts
Which all the while ran blood, great Caesar fell. up CAESAR’s cloak)
O, what a fall was there, my countrymen!
185 Then I, and you, and all of us fell down,
Whilst bloody treason flourished over us.
Oh, now you weep, and, I perceive, you feel
The dint of pity. These are gracious drops.
Kind souls, what, weep you when you but behold
190 Our Caesar’s vesture wounded? Look you here,
Here is himself, marred, as you see, with traitors.
(lifts up CAESAR’s mantle)
O piteous spectacle! Oh, what a heartbreaking sight!
O noble Caesar! Oh, noble Caesar!
O woeful day! Oh, sad day!
O traitors, villains! Oh, traitors, villains!
O most bloody sight! Oh, most bloody sight!
195 We will be revenged. We will get revenge.
ALL ALL
Revenge! About! Seek! Burn! Fire! Kill! Slay! Revenge! Look around. Find them! Burn! Set fire! Kill! Slay!
Let not a traitor live! Leave no traitors alive!
ANTONY ANTONY
Stay, countrymen. Wait, countrymen.
Peace there! Hear the noble Antony. Quiet there! Listen to the noble Antony.
200 We’ll hear him. We’ll follow him. We’ll die with him. We’ll listen to him. We’ll follow him. We’ll die with him.
ANTONY ANTONY
Good friends, sweet friends! Let me not stir you up Good friends, sweet friends, don’t let me stir you up to such a
To such a sudden flood of mutiny. sudden surge of revolt. Those who have done this deed are hon-
They that have done this deed are honorable. orable. I don’t know what personal grudges they had that made
What private griefs they have, alas, I know not, them do it. They are wise and honorable, and will, no doubt, give
205 That made them do it. They are wise and honorable, you reasons for their actions. I am not here, friends, to steal your
And will, no doubt, with reasons answer you. loyalty. I’m no orator, as Brutus is. As you all know, I’m just a plain,
I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts. blunt man who loved his friend. And those who gave me permis-
I am no orator, as Brutus is, sion to speak know this very well. I have neither the cleverness,
But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man vocabulary, reputation, body language, nor eloquence to stir
210 That love my friend. And that they know full well men to passion. I just say what I really think. I tell you what you
That gave me public leave to speak of him. already know. I show you sweet Caesar’s wounds—those poor,
For I have neither wit nor words nor worth, poor, speechless mouths—and ask them to speak for me. But if I
Action nor utterance nor the power of speech, were Brutus, and Brutus were me, then that would be an Antony
To stir men’s blood. I only speak right on. who would fill your spirits with rage and put in each of Caesar’s
215 I tell you that which you yourselves do know, wounds a voice that would inspire even the stones in Rome to
Show you sweet Caesar’s wounds, poor poor dumb mouths, rise up and rebel.
And bid them speak for me. But were I Brutus,
And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony
Would ruffle up your spirits and put a tongue
220 In every wound of Caesar that should move
The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny.
ALL ALL
We’ll mutiny. We’ll revolt.
We’ll burn the house of Brutus. We’ll burn Brutus’s house.
Away, then! Come, seek the conspirators. Let’s go, then! Come, find the conspirators!
ANTONY ANTONY
Yet hear me, countrymen. Yet hear me speak. Wait, and listen to me, countrymen.
ALL ALL
225 Peace, ho! Hear Antony. Most noble Antony! Quiet! Wait! Listen to Antony. Most noble Antony!
ANTONY ANTONY
Why, friends, you go to do you know not what. Why, friends, you don’t know what you’re doing. What has Cae-
Wherein hath Caesar thus deserved your loves? sar done to deserve your love? Alas, you don’t know. I must tell
Alas, you know not. I must tell you then. you then. You’ve forgotten the will I told you about.
You have forgot the will I told you of.
ALL ALL
230 Most true. The will! Let’s stay and hear the will. That’s true. The will! Let’s stay and hear the will!
ANTONY ANTONY
Here is the will, and under Caesar’s seal Here’s the will, marked by Caesar’s seal. To every Roman citizen
To every Roman citizen he gives— he gives—to every single man—seventy-five drachmas.
To every several man—seventy-five drachmas.
Most noble Caesar! We’ll revenge his death. Most noble Caesar! We’ll revenge his death.
O royal Caesar! Oh royal Caesar!
ANTONY ANTONY
Hear me with patience. Listen to me with patience.
ALL ALL
235 Peace, ho! Quiet!
ANTONY ANTONY
Moreover, he hath left you all his walks, In addition, he’s left you all his walkways, his private gardens and
His private arbors and new-planted orchards, newly planted orchards, on this side of the Tiber River. He has
On this side Tiber. He hath left them you left them to you and to your heirs forever—public parks iwhere
And to your heirs forever—common pleasures, you can wander and relax. Here was a Caesar! When will there
240 To walk abroad and recreate yourselves. be another like him?
Here was a Caesar! When comes such another?
Never, never.—Come, away, away! Never, never. Come, let’s go, let’s go! We’ll burn his body in the
We’ll burn his body in the holy place, holy place and use the burning torches to set fire to the traitors’
And with the brands fire the traitors’ houses. houses. Lift up the body.
245 Take up the body.
Go fetch fire. Go get some fire.
Pluck down benches. Go get some benches for wood.
Pluck down forms, windows, anything. Rip down doors, windowsills, anything.
Exeunt PLEBEIANS with CAESAR’s body PLEBEIANS exit with CAESAR’s body.
ANTONY ANTONY
Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot. Now let it work. Mischief, you are on the loose. Follow whatever
Take thou what course thou wilt! path you want!
Enter OCTAVIUS’ SERVANT OCTAVIUS’S SERVANT enters.
250 How now, fellow? What’s going on?

Sir, Octavius is already come to Rome. Sir, Octavius has already arrived in Rome.
ANTONY ANTONY
Where is he? Where is he?
He and Lepidus are at Caesar’s house. He and Lepidus are at Caesar’s house.
ANTONY ANTONY
And thither will I straight to visit him. I’ll go straight there to visit him. He comes just when I hoped he
255 He comes upon a wish. Fortune is merry, would. Fortune is happy and, in this mood, will give us anything.
And in this mood will give us anything.
I heard him say, Brutus and Cassius I heard Octavius say that Brutus and Cassius have ridden their
Are rid like madmen through the gates of Rome. horses like madmen to escape through the gates of Rome.
ANTONY ANTONY
Belike they had some notice of the people Probably they got some warning of how much I stirred up the
260 How I had moved them. Bring me to Octavius. people. Bring me to Octavius.
Exeunt They exit.
Act 3, Scene 3
Enter CINNA THE POET, and after him the PLEBEIANS CINNA THE POET enters, followed by PLEBEIANS.
CINNA THE POET CINNA THE POET
I dreamt tonight that I did feast with Caesar, I dreamed last night that I was feasting with Caesar, and ominous
And things unlucky charge my fantasy. signs filled my mind. I have no desire to walk around outdoors,
I have no will to wander forth of doors, yet something leads me out.
Yet something leads me forth.
5 What is your name? What’s your name?
Whither are you going? Where are you going?
Where do you dwell? Where do you live?
Are you a married man or a bachelor? Are you a married man or single?
Answer every man directly. Answer each one of us right now.
10 FIRST PLEBEIAN FIRST PLEBEIAN
Ay, and briefly. Yes, and quickly.
Ay, and wisely. Yes, and wisely.
Ay, and truly, you were best. Yes, and truthfully, or else.
What is my name? Whither am I going? Where do I dwell? Am I a mar- What’s my name? Where am I going? Where do I live? Am I a mar-
15 ried man or a bachelor? Then, to answer every man directly and briefly, ried man or single? Then, to answer every man quickly, wisely,
wisely and truly—wisely I say, I am a bachelor. and truthfully—wisely I say, I am single.
That’s as much as to say they are fools that marry. You’ll bear me a That’s like saying that anyone who marries is a fool. You’ll get a
bang for that, I fear. Proceed, directly. beating from me for that, I think. Continue, right now.
Directly, I am going to Caesar’s funeral. Right now, I’m going to Caesar’s funeral.
20 As a friend or an enemy? As a friend or an enemy?
As a friend. As a friend.
That matter is answered directly. He answered that question straightforwardly.
For your dwelling—briefly. And where do you live—quickly.
Briefly, I dwell by the Capitol. Quickly, I live near the Capitol.
25 Your name, sir, truly. Tell us your name, sir, truthfully.
Truly, my name is Cinna. Truthfully, my name is Cinna.
Tear him to pieces. He’s a conspirator. Tear him to pieces. He’s a conspirator.
I am Cinna the poet. I am Cinna the poet. I am Cinna the poet, I am Cinna the poet.
30 Tear him for his bad verses! Tear him for his bad verses! Tear him apart for his bad poetry. Tear him apart for his bad
poetry.
I am not Cinna the conspirator. I am not Cinna the conspirator.
It is no matter. His name’s Cinna. Pluck but his name out of his heart It doesn’t matter. His name’s Cinna. Rip just his name out of his
and turn him going. heart and send him away.
35 Tear him, tear him! Come, brands, ho! Firebrands: to Brutus’, to Cas- Tear him apart, tear him apart! Come, firebrands, to Brutus’s
sius’, burn all. Some to Decius’ house and some to Casca’s. Some to house, to Cassius’s house, let’s burn them all. Some of you go
Ligarius’. Away, go! to Decius’s house and some to Casca’s. Some to Ligarius’s. Get
going. Go!
Exeunt PLEBEIANS dragging CINNA THE POET The PLEBEIANS exit, dragging CINNA THE POET.
Act 4, Scene 1
Enter ANTONY, OCTAVIUS, and LEPIDUS ANTONY, OCTAVIUS, and LEPIDUS enter.
ANTONY ANTONY
These many, then, shall die. Their names are pricked. These are the ones, then, who will be killed. Their names are
marked.
OCTAVIUS OCTAVIUS
(to LEPIDUS) (to LEPIDUS) Your brother must die, too. Do you agree, Lepidus?
Your brother too must die. Consent you, Lepidus?
LEPIDUS LEPIDUS
I do consent— I agree—
OCTAVIUS OCTAVIUS
Prick him down, Antony. Mark him down, Antony.
LEPIDUS LEPIDUS
Upon condition Publius shall not live, On the condition that Publius, your sister’s son, also must not be
5 Who is your sister’s son, Mark Antony. allowed to live, Mark Antony.
ANTONY ANTONY
He shall not live. Look, with a spot I damn him. He will not live. See—with this mark I’ve sentenced him to death.
But, Lepidus, go you to Caesar’s house. But, Lepidus, now go to Caesar’s house. Bring his will here, and
Fetch the will hither, and we shall determine we’ll figure out a way to reduce his gifts to the people (so we
How to cut off some charge in legacies. can use the money to fund the coming war against Cassius and
Brutus).
LEPIDUS LEPIDUS
10 What, shall I find you here? Will you be here when I get back?
OCTAVIUS OCTAVIUS
Or here, or at the Capitol. Here or at the Capitol.
Exit LEPIDUS LEPIDUS exits.
ANTONY ANTONY
This is a slight, unmeritable man, He’s an insignificant, and unworthy man, fit only to be sent on
Meet to be sent on errands. Is it fit, errands. Is it proper that, when we’ve split rulership of the world
The threefold world divided, he should stand into three parts, he should be one of the three men to share it?
One of the three to share it?
OCTAVIUS OCTAVIUS
15 So you thought him. You thought so, and you listened to his opinion about who we
And took his voice who should be pricked to die should mark for death.
In our black sentence and proscription.
ANTONY ANTONY
Octavius, I have seen more days than you. Octavius, I’ve lived longer you you have. And though we’re giving
And though we lay these honors on this man these honors to this man so that he carries the blame for the
20 To ease ourselves of divers slanderous loads, wrongs we’re going to do, he’ll carry these honors like a jackass
He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold, carries gold—groaning and sweating under the load, either led
To groan and sweat under the business, or pushed, as we direct which way he should go. And once he’s
Either led or driven, as we point the way. brought our treasure where we want, we’ll relieve him of the
And having brought our treasure where we will, load and put him out to pasture, like a jackass, to shake his ears
25 Then take we down his load and turn him off, and graze.
Like to the empty ass, to shake his ears
And graze in commons.
OCTAVIUS OCTAVIUS
You may do your will, You can do whatever you want, but he’s an experienced and
But he’s a tried and valiant soldier. brave soldier.
ANTONY ANTONY
So is my horse, Octavius, and for that So is my horse, Octavius, and for that reason I give him a supply
30 I do appoint him store of provender. of food. My horse is a creature that I direct during a fight—to
It is a creature that I teach to fight, turn, to stop, to run straight ahead. I control his movements. And,
To wind, to stop, to run directly on, to some degree, Lepidus is nothing more than that. He has to be
His corporal motion governed by my spirit, taught and trained and told what to do. He has little will of his
And, in some taste, is Lepidus but so. own, and the trends and tastes he considers to be the utmost in
35 He must be taught and trained and bid go forth, style went out of fashion with other men long ago. Don’t think
A barren-spirited fellow, one that feeds about Lepidus except as a tool for us to use. And now, Octavius,
On objects, arts, and imitations, listen to more important things. Brutus and Cassius are building
Which, out of use and staled by other men, armies. We must immediately do the same. Therefore, we should
Begin his fashion. Do not talk of him combine our strength, confirm the support of our allies, and
40 But as a property. And now, Octavius, stretch our connections to their fullest reach. Let’s now go dis-
Listen great things. Brutus and Cassius cuss how we can find out what hidden dangers face us, and how
Are levying powers. We must straight make head. Therefore let our to respond to those dangers we already know about.
alliance be combined,
Our best friends made, our means stretched.
45 And let us presently go sit in council
How covert matters may be best disclosed,
And open perils surest answered.
OCTAVIUS OCTAVIUS
Let us do so. For we are at the stake Let’s do that, because, like a bear chained to a stake and circled
And bayed about with many enemies. by howling dogs, we’re surrounded by many enemies. And some
50 And some that smile have in their hearts, I fear, of the people who smile at us, I fear, actually mean us harm.
Millions of mischiefs.
Exeunt They exit.
Act 4, Scene 2
Drum. Enter BRUTUS with LUCIUS, LUCILLIUS, and the army. TITINIUS and A drum plays. BRUTUS, LUCIUS, LUCILLIUS, and soldiers enter.
PINDARUS meet them TITINIUS and PINDARUS meet them.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Stand, ho! Halt!
LUCILLIUS LUCILLIUS
Give the word, ho, and stand. Pass on the command, and halt.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
What now, Lucillius? Is Cassius near? What’s going on, Lucillius? Is Cassius nearby?
LUCILLIUS LUCILLIUS
He is at hand, and Pindarus is come He’s close by, and Pindarus has come to greet you on his master’s
5 To do you salutation from his master. behalf.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
He greets me well.—Your master, Pindarus, He has sent a noble man to greet me. Your master, Pindarus,
In his own change or by ill officers whether because his feelings for me have changed or because
Hath given me some worthy cause to wish he’s been influenced by bad advice, has made me wish we could
Things done, undone. But if he be at hand undo some of the things we’ve done. But if he is nearby, I’ll get an
I shall be satisfied. explanation.
PINDARUS PINDARUS
10 I do not doubt I don’t doubt that my noble master will prove himself to be what
But that my noble master will appear he is: respectful and honorable.
Such as he is, full of regard and honor.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
He is not doubted.—A word, Lucillius. I don’t doubt him. Lucillius, can I speak with you? (takes LUCIL-
(takes LUCILLIUS aside) LIUS aside) Please inform me, how did Cassius greet you?
How he received you, let me be resolved.
LUCILLIUS LUCILLIUS
15 With courtesy and with respect enough. With suitable courtesy and respect, but not with real friendship
But not with such familiar instances nor with the same open and friendly conversation as he used to
Nor with such free and friendly conference greet me.
As he hath used of old.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Thou hast described You’ve described a once good friend who’s now cooling off.
A hot friend cooling. Ever note, Lucillius, Note this, Lucillius: when a love starts to fade and wither, what
20 When love begins to sicken and decay, remains is strained formality. There are no tricks hiding behind
It useth an enforcèd ceremony. plain and simple friendship. But insincere men, like horses who
There are no tricks in plain and simple faith. are too spirited when a rider first takes the reins, make a big
But hollow men, like horses hot at hand, show of their courage.
Make gallant show and promise of their mettle.
Low march within Faint drumbeats sound.
25 But when they should endure the bloody spur, But when the going gets tough, they drop their necks and, like
They fall their crests and, like deceitful jades, the poor horse they truly are, fail the test. Is Cassius’s army ap-
Sink in the trial. Comes his army on? proaching?
LUCILLIUS LUCILLIUS
They mean this night in Sardis to be quartered. They plan to spend the night in Sardis. The larger part, including
The greater part, the horse in general, all the cavalry, are coming with Cassius.
Are come with Cassius.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
30 Hark! He is arrived. Look! He’s arrived. March to meet him slowly, without hostility.
March gently on to meet him.
Enter CASSIUS and his powers CASSIUS enters with his army.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Stand, ho! Halt!
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Stand, ho! Speak the word along. Halt! Pass along the order.
FIRST SOLDIER FIRST SOLDIER
Stand! Halt!
SECOND SOLDIER SECOND SOLDIER
35 Stand! Halt!
THIRD SOLDIER THIRD SOLDIER
Stand! Halt!
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Most noble brother, you have done me wrong. Most noble brother, you have done me wrong.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Judge me, you gods! Wrong I mine enemies? Judge me, gods! Do I mistreat my enemies? No. So why would I
And if not so, how should I wrong a brother? wrong a brother?
CASSIUS CASSIUS
40 Brutus, this sober form of yours hides wrongs. Brutus, this dignified manner of yours hides that you’ve wronged
And when you do them— me. And when you do these wrongs—
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Cassius, be content. Cassius, keep calm. We know each other well, so you don’t have
Speak your griefs softly. I do know you well. to shout your grievances. Let’s not argue in front of our armies,
Before the eyes of both our armies here, which should see nothing but love between us. Tell them to move
Which should perceive nothing but love from us, away. Then, in my tent, you can fully explain your grievances, and
45 Let us not wrangle. Bid them move away. I’ll listen.
Then in my tent, Cassius, enlarge your griefs,
And I will give you audience.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Pindarus, Pindarus, tell our commanders to lead their soldiers a little ways
Bid our commanders lead their charges off away from this spot.
A little from this ground.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
50 Lucillius, do you the like. And let no man Lucillius, you do the same. And don’t let any man come near
Come to our tent till we have done our conference. our tent until we’ve finished our conversation. Have Lucius and
Let Lucius and Titinius guard our door. Titinius guard the door.
Exeunt Everyone exits except BRUTUS and CASSIUS.
Act 4, Scene 3
Manent BRUTUS and CASSIUS, now in the tent BRUTUS and CASSIUS remain onstage, now in Brutus’s tent.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
That you have wronged me doth appear in this: That you have wronged me is shown by this: you condemned
You have condemned and noted Lucius Pella and publicly disgraced Lucius Pella for taking bribes from the
For taking bribes here of the Sardians, Sardinians, then you ignored my letters in which I asked you to
Wherein my letters, praying on his side be lenient with him because I know the man.
5 Because I knew the man, were slighted off.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
You wronged yourself to write in such a case. You wronged yourself to write in support of such a man.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
In such a time as this it is not meet In a time like this, it is not appropriate to focus on every little
That every nice offense should bear his comment. offense.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself are often accused of being
10 Are much condemned to have an itching palm, corrupt, of selling positions in your army to undeserving men.
To sell and mart your offices for gold
To undeservers.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
I “an itching palm”! Me, “corrupt”! You know that if you were not Brutus, that speech
You know that you are Brutus that speak this, would be your last.
Or, by the gods, this speech were else your last.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
15 The name of Cassius honors this corruption, Your reputation as Cassius masks this corruption, and so it is not
And chastisement doth therefore hide his head. condemned.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Chastisement! Condemned!
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Remember March, the ides of March remember. Remember March, the fifteenth of March. Remember. Didn’t
Did not great Julius bleed for justice’ sake? great Caesar die for the sake of justice? Any man who stabbed
20 What villain touched his body, that did stab, him for reasons other than justice is a villain. What—did we strike
And not for justice? What, shall one of us down the most powerful man in the world in part because he al-
That struck the foremost man of all this world lowed tax-collectors to act corruptly, only to now dirty our hands
But for supporting robbers, shall we now with immoral bribes and sell our reputations for as much money
Contaminate our fingers with base bribes, as we can grab? I’d rather be a dog, howling at the moon, than be
25 And sell the mighty space of our large honors that kind of Roman.
For so much trash as may be graspèd thus?
I had rather be a dog and bay the moon
Than such a Roman.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Brutus, bait not me. Brutus, don’t hassle me. I won’t take it. You’re forgetting yourself
I’ll not endure it. You forget yourself if you think you can limit my authority. I’m a soldier, more experi-
30 To hedge me in. I am a soldier, I, enced than you, and better able to decide how to manage things..
Older in practice, abler than yourself
To make conditions.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Go to. You are not, Cassius. Please. You are not, Cassius.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
I am. I am.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
35 I say you are not. I say you’re not.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Urge me no more, I shall forget myself. Stop pushing me, or I might forget to control myself. Think about
Have mind upon your health, tempt me no further. your health. Provoke me no more.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Away, slight man! Go away you little man.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Is ’t possible? Is this possible?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
40 Hear me, for I will speak. Listen to me, for I have something to say. Must I give in to your
Must I give way and room to your rash choler? rash anger? Should I be frightened when a madman stares wildly
Shall I be frighted when a madman stares? around?
CASSIUS CASSIUS
O ye gods, ye gods, must I endure all this? Oh gods, oh gods! Must I tolerate all this?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
“All this”? Ay, more. Fret till your proud heart break. “All this”? Yes, and more. Rage till your proud heart breaks. Go
Go show your slaves how choleric you are show your slaves how angry you are, and make your servants
And make your bondmen tremble. Must I budge? tremble. But must I give way? Must I watch out for you? Do I
45 Must I observe you? Must I stand and crouch have to cringe beneath your bad moods? By the gods, you’ll have
Under your testy humor? By the gods, to swallow the poison of your bad temper till it makes you burst
You shall digest the venom of your spleen, before I’ll respond to you. From this day on, you’ll only make me
Though it do split you. For from this day forth, laugh when you get hotheaded.
I’ll use you for my mirth, yea, for my laughter,
When you are waspish.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
50 Is it come to this? Has it come to this?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
You say you are a better soldier. You say that you’re a better soldier. Prove it. Make your boasting
Let it appear so. Make your vaunting true, come true, and I’ll be delighted. I’m always happy to learn from
And it shall please me well. For mine own part, noble men.
I shall be glad to learn of noble men.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
55 You wrong me every way. You wrong me, Brutus. You wrong me in every way. You wrong me, Brutus. I said an older
I said an elder soldier, not a better. soldier, not a better one. Did I say “better”?
Did I say “better”?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
If you did, I care not. If you did, I don’t care.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
When Caesar lived, he durst not thus have moved me. When Caesar was alive, even he dared not to anger me this way.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
60 Peace, peace! You durst not so have tempted him. Oh, stop it. You would not have dared to tempt him so.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
I durst not! I wouldn’t have dared!
BRUTUS BRUTUS
No. No.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
What, durst not tempt him? What? Not dared to tempt him?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
For your life you durst not! Not on your life would you have dared!
CASSIUS CASSIUS
65 Do not presume too much upon my love. Don’t count too much on my love for you. I might do something
I may do that I shall be sorry for. that I’ll regret.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
You have done that you should be sorry for. You’ve already done the thing you should regret. Your threats
There is no terror, Cassius, in your threats, don’t frighten me, Cassius, because I’m so sure that I am in
For I am armed so strong in honesty the right that they pass me by like an insignificant breeze that
70 That they pass by me as the idle wind, I barely even notice. I sent you a message asking for a certain
Which I respect not. I did send to you amount of gold, which you refused to give me. It’s against my
For certain sums of gold, which you denied me, nature to raise money in immoral ways. My god, I’d rather turn
For I can raise no money by vile means. my heart into money, spilling my blood in exchange for coins than
By heaven, I had rather coin my heart to wring from the calloused hands of peasants what little they
75 And drop my blood for drachmas than to wring have through dishonesty or trickery. I asked you for gold to pay
From the hard hands of peasants their vile trash my soldiers, and you refused. Is that how Caius Cassius acts?
By any indirection. I did send Would I have ever responded in such a way to you? If I ever grow
To you for gold to pay my legions, so greedy that I hoard such a measly amount of money from my
Which you denied me. Was that done like Cassius? friends, then, gods, crush me to pieces with your thunderbolts!
80 Should I have answered Caius Cassius so?
When Marcus Brutus grows so covetous
To lock such rascal counters from his friends,
Be ready, gods, with all your thunderbolts.
Dash him to pieces!
CASSIUS CASSIUS
I denied you not. I did not refuse you.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
You did. You did.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
85 I did not. He was but a fool that brought I did not. The man who brought my answer back to you was a
My answer back. Brutus hath rived my heart. fool. Brutus, you’ve broken my heart. A friend should put up with
A friend should bear his friend’s infirmities, his friend’s weaknesses, but you make mine seem larger than
But Brutus makes mine greater than they are. they are.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
I do not, till you practice them on me. I don’t until you practice them on me.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
You love me not. You do not love me.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
90 I do not like your faults. I don’t like your faults.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
A friendly eye could never see such faults. A friend would never see those faults.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
A flatterer’s would not, though they do appear No, a flatterer wouldn’t, even though they are as huge as tower-
As huge as high Olympus. ing Mount Olympus.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Come, Antony, and young Octavius, come, Come, Antony and young Octavius, come. Take your revenge on
95 Revenge yourselves alone on Cassius, Cassius alone, because Cassius has grown tired of the world.
For Cassius is aweary of the world— Hated by someone he loves; defied by his brother; scolded like
Hated by one he loves; braved by his brother; a servant; and all his faults noted, written down in a notebook,
Checked like a bondman, all his faults observed, studied, and memorized so that they can be thrown back in his
Set in a notebook, learned, and conned by rote face. Oh, I could weep my soul right out of my eyes. There’s my
100 To cast into my teeth. Oh, I could weep dagger (he offers BRUTUS his unsheathed dagger), and here’s my
My spirit from mine eyes. bare chest. Inside it is a heart more valuable than Pluto the lord
(offers BRUTUS his bared dagger) There is my dagger. of the underworld’s silver mine, and richer than gold. If you are
And here my naked breast. Within, a heart a Roman, take out my heart. I, who refused to give you gold, will
Dearer than Plutus’ mine, richer than gold. give you my heart. Strike as you did at Caesar. Because I know
If that thou beest a Roman, take it forth. that even when you hated him the most, you still loved him better
105 I, that denied thee gold, will give my heart. than you ever loved me.
Strike, as thou didst at Caesar. For I know
When thou didst hate him worst, thou lovedst him better
Than ever thou lovedst Cassius.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Sheathe your dagger. No, put away your dagger. Be angry whenever you like, I won’t try
Be angry when you will, it shall have scope. to stop you. Do whatever you want, and I’ll look upon your insults
110 Do what you will, dishonor shall be humor. as just the product of a bad mood. Oh, Cassius, you are partners
O Cassius, you are yokèd with a lamb with a quiet lamb that carries anger the way a flint gives fire—a
That carries anger as the flint bears fire, brief spark when struck, and then immediately I’m cold again.
Who, much enforcèd, shows a hasty spark
And straight is cold again.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Hath Cassius lived Have I lived this long only to be mocked by Brutus when grief and
To be but mirth and laughter to his Brutus, anger get the best of me?
115 When grief and blood ill-tempered vexeth him?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
When I spoke that, I was ill-tempered too. When I said that, I was angry too.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Do you confess so much? Give me your hand. You admit that? Give me your hand.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
And my heart too. And my heart too.
CASSIUS and BRUTUS shake hands CASSIUS and BRUTUS shake hands.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
O Brutus! Oh, Brutus!
BRUTUS BRUTUS
What’s the matter? What’s the matter?
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Have not you love enough to bear with me, Do you have enough love for me to patiently bear with me when
120 When that rash humor which my mother gave me the bad temper I inherited from my mother makes me forget how
Makes me forgetful? I should act?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Yes, Cassius. And from henceforth Yes, Cassius. And from now on, when you get angry with me, I’ll
When you are over-earnest with your Brutus, assume it’s your mother scolding me and leave it at that.
He’ll think your mother chides and leave you so.
POET POET
(within) Let me go in to see the generals. (offstage) Let me in to see the generals. There’s a grudge between
125 There is some grudge between ‘em. ‘Tis not meet them. It isn’t good for them to be alone.
They be alone.
LUCILLIUS LUCILLIUS
(within) You shall not come to them. (offstage) You can’t go in to see them.
POET POET
(within) Nothing but death shall stay me. (offstage) Only death will stop me.
Enter a POET followed by LUCILLIUS and TITINIUS A POET enters, followed by LUCILLIUS and TITINIUS.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
How now? What’s the matter? What’s going on! What’s the matter?
POET POET
For shame, you generals! What do you mean? Shame on you, generals! What do you do?
130 Love, and be friends as two such men should be. Love each other and be friends, as should men like you two.
For I have seen more years, I’m sure, than ye. Listen to me, because I’m older than you.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Ha, ha, how vilely doth this cynic rhyme! Ha ha! How badly this man rhymes!
BRUTUS BRUTUS
(to POET) Get you hence, sirrah. Saucy fellow, hence! (to POET) Get out of here, you! Rude man, get gone!
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Bear with him, Brutus. ‘Tis his fashion. Be easy on him, Brutus. That’s just how he is.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
135 I’ll know his humor when he knows his time. I’ll humor his behavior when he learns the right time for it. What
What should the wars do with these jigging fools? should we do with all these rhyming fools that follow our armies?
—Companion, hence! Get out of here, buddy.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Away, away, be gone. Away, away, be gone.
Exit POET The POET exits.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Lucillius and Titinius, bid the commanders Lucillius and Titinius, tell the commanders to prepare to camp for
Prepare to lodge their companies tonight. the night.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
140 And come yourselves, and bring Messala with you, Then come back, immediately, and bring Messala with you.
Immediately to us.
Exeunt LUCILLIUS and TITINIUS LUCILLIUS and TITINIUS exit.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
(calls off) Lucius, a bowl of wine! (calling offstage) Lucius, bring a bowl of wine.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
I did not think you could have been so angry. I didn’t think you could get so angry.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
O Cassius, I am sick of many griefs. Oh Cassius, I’m worn out by many sorrows.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Of your philosophy you make no use You’re not using your Stoic philosophy if you let bad luck upset
145 If you give place to accidental evils. you.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
No man bears sorrow better. Portia is dead. No one bears sorrow better than I do. Portia is dead.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Ha, Portia? What, Portia?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
She is dead. She is dead.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
How ’scaped I killing when I crossed you so? How did I escape getting killed when I argued with you just now?
150 O insupportable and touching loss! What an unbearable and pitiful loss! What sickness killed her?
Upon what sickness?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Impatient of my absence, Unable to bear my absence, and worried that young Octavius
And grief that young Octavius with Mark Antony and Mark Antony have become so strong—which I learned along
Have made themselves so strong—for with her death with the news of her death—she fell into despair and, when her
That tidings came—with this she fell distract attendants were away, swallowed burning coals.
155 And, her attendants absent, swallowed fire.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
And died so? That’s how she died?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Even so. Like that.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
O ye immortal gods! Oh, you immortal gods!
Enter LUCIUS with wine and tapers LUCIUS enters with wine and candles.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Speak no more of her.—Give me a bowl of wine.— Speak no more about her. Give me a bowl of wine. With this drink
In this I bury all unkindness, Cassius. I bury all our previous anger, Cassius. (he drinks)
(drinks)
CASSIUS CASSIUS
My heart is thirsty for that noble pledge. My heart is thirsty for that noble promise. Pour, Lucius, until the
160 Fill, Lucius, till the wine o’erswell the cup. wine overflows my cup. I cannot drink too much of Brutus’s love.
I cannot drink too much of Brutus’ love. (he drinks)
(drinks)
Enter TITINIUS and MESSALA TITINIUS and MESSALA enter.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Come in, Titinius.—Welcome, good Messala! Come in, Titinius! Welcome, good Messala. Now let’s sit around
Now sit we close about this taper here this candle and consider our situation.
And call in question our necessities.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Portia, art thou gone? Portia, are you really gone?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
165 No more, I pray you. No more on that, please. Messala, I have here some letters saying
—Messala, I have here receivèd letters that young Octavius and Mark Antony are marching fast toward
That young Octavius and Mark Antony Philippi and bearing down upon us with a mighty power.
Come down upon us with a mighty power,
Bending their expedition toward Philippi.
MESSALA MESSALA
170 Myself have letters of the selfsame tenor. I have gotten letters that say the same.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
With what addition? Do they say anything more?
MESSALA MESSALA
That by proscription and bills of outlawry, That through legal proclamations declaring men to be unprotect-
Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus ed by the law, Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus have put to death a
Have put to death an hundred senators. hundred senators.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
175 Therein our letters do not well agree. There, our letters don’t agree. My letters mention only seventy
Mine speak of seventy senators that died senators that were killed, with Cicero being one.
By their proscriptions, Cicero being one.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Cicero one? Cicero too?
MESSALA MESSALA
Cicero is dead, Cicero is dead, by that same proclamation. (to BRUTUS) Have
And by that order of proscription. you gotten letters from your wife, my lord?
180 (to BRUTUS) Had you your letters from your wife, my lord?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
No, Messala. No, Messala.
MESSALA MESSALA
Nor nothing in your letters writ of her? And the letters you have received say nothing about her?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Nothing, Messala. Nothing, Messala.
MESSALA MESSALA
That methinks is strange. I think that’s strange.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Why ask you? Hear you aught of her in yours? Why do you ask? Have you heard something of her in your let-
ters?
MESSALA MESSALA
185 No, my lord. No, my lord.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Now, as you are a Roman, tell me true. Now, as you’re a Roman, tell me the truth.
MESSALA MESSALA
Then like a Roman bear the truth I tell. Then like a Roman you must bear the truth. It’s certain that she is
For certain she is dead, and by strange manner. dead, and she died in a strange way.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Why, farewell, Portia. We must die, Messala. Well, goodbye, Portia. We all must die, Messala. Knowing that
190 With meditating that she must die once, she would have to die sometime, I can endure her death now.
I have the patience to endure it now.
MESSALA MESSALA
Even so great men great losses should endure. That’s exactly the way great men should endure great losses.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
I have as much of this in art as you, I know the philosophy of Stoicism as well as you, but I still
But yet my nature could not bear it so. couldn’t bear this news as you do.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
195 Well, to our work alive. What do you think Well, now for our work concerning the living. Should we march
Of marching to Philippi presently? to Philippi immediately?
CASSIUS CASSIUS
I do not think it good. I don’t think it’s a good idea.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Your reason? Your reasons?
CASSIUS CASSIUS
This it is: Here is is: it’s better if the enemy has to come to us. In doing
‘Tis better that the enemy seek us. so, he’ll waste his supplies and tire out his soldiers, reducing his
So shall he waste his means, weary his soldiers, own strength, while we, staying here, will be rested, strong, and
200 Doing himself offense, whilst we, lying still, nimble.
Are full of rest, defense, and nimbleness.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Good reasons must of force give place to better. Those are good reasons, but they must give way to better ones.
The people ’twixt Philippi and this ground The people who live between here and Philippi are only loyal to
Do stand but in a forced affection, us from a fear of our force and only gave us men and money for
205 For they have grudged us contribution. our army because they felt they had to. The enemy, marching
The enemy, marching along by them, past them, will be able to grow by recruiting them to join up, then
By them shall make a fuller number up, come at us refreshed, newly reinforced, and confident. We can
Come on refreshed, new-added, and encouraged, block this advantage if we face him at Philippi, because these
From which advantage shall we cut him off people will then be behind us.
210 If at Philippi we do face him there,
These people at our back.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Hear me, good brother— Listen to me, good brother.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Under your pardon. You must note beside, Allow me to finish. You must also recognize that we’ve gotten as
That we have tried the utmost of our friends, much as we can from those who support us. Our regiments are
Our legions are brim-full, our cause is ripe. full, and our cause is ready. While the enemy gets larger each day,
215 The enemy increaseth every day. we, now at our largest, can only decrease. There’s a kind of tidal
We, at the height, are ready to decline. movement, a back-and-forth, in the affairs of men. Acting when
There is a tide in the affairs of men, you are at high tide leads to success. But if you miss high tide, all
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; the rest of the voyage of your life will be mired in the shallows of
Omitted, all the voyage of their life misery. We now float on such a high tide, and we must ride the
220 Is bound in shallows and in miseries. current now, or lose out.
On such a full sea are we now afloat,
And we must take the current when it serves
Or lose our ventures.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Then, with your will, go on. Then, if that’s your desire, proceed. We’ll go as well and meet
We’ll along ourselves, and meet them at Philippi. them at Philippi.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
225 The deep of night is crept upon our talk, As we spoke, night has snuck up on us. Our bodies must obey the
And nature must obey necessity, requirements of nature, but we’ll satisfy it with as little rest as
Which we will niggard with a little rest. possible. Is there anything else to discuss?
There is no more to say?
CASSIUS CASSIUS
No more. Good night. Nothing else. Good night. Early tomorrow we will wake and get
Early tomorrow will we rise and hence. moving.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Lucius! Lucius!
My gown. My nightgown.

230 Farewell, good Messala.— Farewell, good Messala. Good night, Titinius. Noble, noble Cas-
Good night, Titinius.—Noble, noble Cassius, sius, good night and sleep well.
Good night and good repose.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
O my dear brother, Oh my dear brother! This was a poor start to the night. May we
This was an ill beginning of the night. never again have such a disagreement. Let’s not, Brutus.
Never come such division ’tween our souls.
Let it not, Brutus.
Enter LUCIUS with the gown LUCIUS enters with the nightgown.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Everything is well. All is well.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Good night, my lord. Good night, my lord.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
235 Good night, good brother. Good night, good brother.
TITINIUS, MESSALA TITINIUS, MESSALA
Good night, Lord Brutus. Good night, Lord Brutus.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Farewell, everyone. Farewell, everyone.
Exeunt CASSIUS, TITINIUS, and MESSALA CASSIUS, TITINIUS, and MESSALA exit.
Give me the gown. Where is thy instrument? Give me the gown. Where’s your lute?
LUCIUS LUCIUS
Here in the tent. Here in the tent.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
What, thou speak’st drowsily? What, you speak as if you are tired? Poor boy, I don’t blame you.
240 Poor knave, I blame thee not. Thou art o’erwatched. You’ve stayed awake too long, watching over me. Call Claudio
Call Claudio and some other of my men. and some of my other men. I’ll have them sleep on cushions in my
I’ll have them sleep on cushions in my tent. tent.
LUCIUS LUCIUS
Varrus and Claudio! Varrus and Claudio!
Enter VARRUS and CLAUDIO VARRUS and CLAUDIO enter.
VARRUS VARRUS
Calls my lord? You call, my lord?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
I pray you, sirs, lie in my tent and sleep. Sirs, I ask you to sleep in my tent. I might wake you up at some
245 It may be I shall raise you by and by point to send you on business to my brother Cassius.
On business to my brother Cassius.
VARRUS VARRUS
So please you, we will stand and watch your pleasure. If you’d like, we’ll stand by and be ready to what whatever you
need.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
I will not have it so. Lie down, good sirs. I refuse to let you stay up. Lie down, good sirs. I might decide not
It may be I shall otherwise bethink me. to send you. Look, Lucius, here’s the book I was searching for. I
250 —Look, Lucius, here’s the book I sought for so. put it in the pocket of my nightgown.
I put it in the pocket of my gown.
VARRUS and CLAUDIO lie down VARRUS and CLAUDIO lie down.
LUCIUS LUCIUS
I was sure your lordship did not give it me. I was sure that you hadn’t given it to me.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Bear with me, good boy, I am much forgetful. Bear with me, good boy. I’m very forgetful. Can you stay awake a
Canst thou hold up thy heavy eyes awhile, while longer and play a song or two on your lute?
255 And touch thy instrument a strain or two?
LUCIUS LUCIUS
Ay, my lord, an ’t please you. Yes, my lord, if it would make you happy.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
It does, my boy. It would, my boy. I ask too much of you, but you’re willing.
I trouble thee too much, but thou art willing.
LUCIUS LUCIUS
It is my duty, sir. It’s my duty, sir.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
I should not urge thy duty past thy might. I shouldn’t make you perform your duty beyond what you’re able
260 I know young bloods look for a time of rest. to do. I know that the young need rest.
LUCIUS LUCIUS
I have slept, my lord, already. I’ve slept already, my lord.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
It was well done, and thou shalt sleep again. That was smart, and you’ll sleep some more. I won’t keep you
I will not hold thee long. If I do live, very long. If I survive, I’ll be good to you.
I will be good to thee.
LUCIUS plays music and sings a song, falling asleep LUCIUS plays music and sings a song, then falls asleep.
265 This is a sleepy tune. O murderous slumber, This is a sleepy tune. Oh, deadening sleep, have you touched your
Layst thou thy leaden mace upon my boy staff to my boy who plays music for you? Gentle boy, good night.
That plays thee music?—Gentle knave, good night. I won’t trouble you so much as to wake you. If your head were
I will not do thee so much wrong to wake thee. to nod down, you’d break your instrument, so I’ll take it from
If thou dost nod, thou break’st thy instrument. you. Good boy, good night. Let me see, let me see. Didn’t I turn
270 I’ll take it from thee. And, good boy, good night. down the corner of the page where I stopped reading? Here it is,
—Let me see, let me see. Is not the leaf turned down I think.
Where I left reading? Here it is, I think.
Enter the GHOST of Caesar The GHOST of Caesar enters.
How ill this taper burns!—Ha, who comes here? This candle is so dim. Whoa! Who comes here? I think the weak-
I think it is the weakness of mine eyes ness in my eyes is making me see this awful ghost. It’s coming
275 That shapes this monstrous apparition. toward me. Are you real? Are you some god, some angel, or some
It comes upon me.—Art thou any thing? devil, that you make my blood turn cold and my hair stand up?
Art thou some god, some angel, or some devil Tell me what you are.
That makest my blood cold and my hair to stare?
Speak to me what thou art.
GHOST GHOST
280 Thy evil spirit, Brutus. Your evil spirit, Brutus.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Why comest thou? Why do you come?
GHOST GHOST
To tell thee thou shalt see me at Philippi. To tell you that you’ll see me at Philippi.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Well, then I shall see thee again? Then I will see you again?
GHOST GHOST
Ay, at Philippi. Yes, at Philippi.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Why, I will see thee at Philippi, then. I guess I will see you at Philippi, then.
Exit GHOST The GHOST exits.
285 Now I have taken heart thou vanishest. Just as I get the courage to talk to you, you disappear. Evil spirit,
Ill spirit, I would hold more talk with thee. I’d like to talk with you some more. Boy, Lucius! Varrus! Claudio!
—Boy, Lucius!—Varrus!—Claudio!—Sirs, awake! Sirs, awake! Claudio!
—Claudio!
LUCIUS LUCIUS
The strings, my lord, are false. The strings, my lord, are out of tune.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
290 He thinks he still is at his instrument. He thinks he’s still playing his instrument. Lucius, wake up!
Lucius, awake.
LUCIUS LUCIUS
My lord? My lord?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Didst thou dream, Lucius, that thou so criedst out? Were you dreaming, Lucius? Is that why you cried out?
LUCIUS LUCIUS
My lord, I do not know that I did cry. My lord, I don’t know if I did cry out.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
295 Yes, that thou didst. Didst thou see any thing? Yes, you did. Did you see anything?
LUCIUS LUCIUS
Nothing, my lord. Nothing, my lord.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Sleep again, Lucius.—Sirrah Claudio! Go back to sleep, Lucius. Sir Claudio! (to VARRUS) You there,
(to VARRUS) wake up!
Fellow thou, awake!
VARRUS VARRUS
My lord? My lord?
CLAUDIO CLAUDIO
My lord? My lord?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
300 Why did you so cry out, sirs, in your sleep? Why did you cry out in your sleep?
VARRUS, CLAUDIO VARRUS, CLAUDIO
Did we, my lord? Did we, my lord?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Ay. Saw you anything? Yes. Did you see anything?
VARRUS VARRUS
No, my lord, I saw nothing. No, my lord, I didn’t see anything.
CLAUDIO CLAUDIO
Nor I, my lord. Me neither, my lord.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Go and commend me to my brother Cassius. Go and bring my greetings to my brother Cassius. Ask him to get
Bid him set on his powers betimes before, his soldiers marching first, and we will follow.
And we will follow.
VARRUS, CLAUDIO VARRUS, CLAUDIO
305 It shall be done, my lord. It will be done, my lord.
Exeunt severally Everyone exits in different directions.
Act 5, Scene 1
Enter OCTAVIUS, ANTONY, and their army OCTAVIUS and ANTONY enter, along with their army.
OCTAVIUS OCTAVIUS
Now, Antony, our hopes are answerèd. Now, Antony, our prayers have been answered. You said the
You said the enemy would not come down enemy wouldn’t come down but rather keep to the hills and high
But keep the hills and upper regions. ground. They have not. Their forces are nearby. They mean to
It proves not so. Their battles are at hand. attack us here on the plains of Philippi, fighting us before we’ve
5 They mean to warn us at Philippi here, forced them to.
Answering before we do demand of them.
ANTONY ANTONY
Tut, I am in their bosoms, and I know Nah, I know their secret thoughts, and I understand why they’re
Wherefore they do it. They could be content doing this. They’d be happier if they were somewhere else, but
To visit other places, and come down they come here with a false show of bravery, thinking that by
10 With fearful bravery, thinking by this face doing so they can make us think that they have courage. But they
To fasten in our thoughts that they have courage. don’t.
But ’tis not so.
Enter a MESSENGER A MESSENGER enters.
MESSENGER MESSENGER
Prepare you, generals. Prepare yourselves, generals. The enemy approaches with great
The enemy comes on in gallant show. display. They’ve raised their battle standards as if they are about
Their bloody sign of battle is hung out, to attack.
15 And something to be done immediately.
ANTONY ANTONY
Octavius, lead your battle softly on, Octavius, lead your forces out slowly, to the left side of the flat
Upon the left hand of the even field. field.
OCTAVIUS OCTAVIUS
Upon the right hand I. Keep thou the left. I’ll go to the right side. You take the left.
ANTONY ANTONY
Why do you cross me in this exigent? Why do defy me at this critical moment?
OCTAVIUS OCTAVIUS
20 I do not cross you. But I will do so. I’m not defying you. But this is what I’m going to do.
March. Drum. Enter BRUTUS, CASSIUS, and their army, including LUCILLIUS, The sound of drums and soldiers. BRUTUS, CASSIUS, and their army
TITINIUS, and MESSALA enter, including LUCILLIUS, TITINIUS, and MESSALA.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
They stand and would have parley. They stand still, and want to talk.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Stand fast, Titinius. We must out and talk. Stay here, Titinius. We must go and talk to them.
OCTAVIUS OCTAVIUS
Mark Antony, shall we give sign of battle? Mark Antony, should we give the signal to attack?
ANTONY ANTONY
No, Caesar, we will answer on their charge. No, Octavius Caesar, we’ll respond only once they attack. Step
25 Make forth. The generals would have some words. forward. The generals want to speak with us.
OCTAVIUS OCTAVIUS
(to his army) Stir not until the signal. (to his army) Don’t move until we give the signal.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Words before blows. Is it so, countrymen? Words before fighting. Is that it, countrymen?
OCTAVIUS OCTAVIUS
Not that we love words better, as you do. Not that we prefer words to fighting, as you do.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Good words are better than bad strokes, Octavius. Good words are better than worthless fighting, Octavius.
ANTONY ANTONY
30 In your bad strokes, Brutus, you give good words. Brutus, along with your treacherous strokes you say “good”
Witness the hole you made in Caesar’s heart, words. For instance, the hole you made in Caesar’s heart while
Crying “Long live, hail, Caesar!” you cried, “Long live Caesar! Hail Caesar!”
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Antony, Antony, we don’t yet know the effectiveness of your blows. But
The posture of your blows are yet unknown. your words are so sweet it’s as if you’ve stolen from the bees and
But for your words, they rob the Hybla bees left them without honey.
35 And leave them honeyless.
ANTONY ANTONY
Not stingless too? Didn’t I take their stings too?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Oh, yes, and soundless too. Oh, yes, and their sounds, because you stole their buzzing.
For you have stol’n their buzzing, Antony, Antony, you seem to do a lot of warning about how you are going
And very wisely threat before you sting. to sting.
ANTONY ANTONY
40 Villains, you did not so when your vile daggers Villains, you did not give any warning when your vile daggers
Hacked one another in the sides of Caesar. struck each other inside Caesar. You smiled like apes and fawned
You showed your teeth like apes, and fawned like hounds, like dogs and bowed like slaves, kissing Caesar’s feet, while
And bowed like bondmen, kissing Caesar’s feet, damned Casca, like a mangy dog, struck Caesar on the neck from
Whilst damnèd Casca, like a cur, behind behind. Oh, you flatterers!
45 Struck Caesar on the neck. O you flatterers!
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Flatterers?—Now, Brutus, thank yourself. Flatterers! Now, Brutus, you have only yourself to thank. Antony
This tongue had not offended so today would not be offending us today, if I’d had my way.
If Cassius might have ruled.
OCTAVIUS OCTAVIUS
Come, come, the cause. If arguing make us sweat, Come, come, back to the point. Arguing makes us sweat, but the
50 The proof of it will turn to redder drops. real trial will produce blood . (he draws his sword) Look: I draw my
(draws his sword) Look, I draw a sword against conspirators. sword against conspirators. When do you think I’ll put this sword
When think you that the sword goes up again? away again? Never, until Caesar’s thirty-three wounds are well
Never, till Caesar’s three and thirty wounds avenged, or until you traitors have killed me too.
Be well avenged, or till another Caesar
55 Have added slaughter to the sword of traitors.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Caesar, thou canst not die by traitors’ hands Caesar, the only way you will die by a traitor’s hands is if you have
Unless thou bring’st them with thee. some in your army.
OCTAVIUS OCTAVIUS
So I hope. I hope you’re right. I wasn’t born to die on your sword.
I was not born to die on Brutus’ sword.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
O, if thou wert the noblest of thy strain, If you were the noblest of your family, young man, you couldn’t
60 Young man, thou couldst not die more honorable. die more honorably.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
A peevish schoolboy, worthless of such honor, A cranky schoolboy, unworthy of such an honor, partnered by a
Joined with a masker and a reveler! masquerader and a partier!
ANTONY ANTONY
Old Cassius still. The same old Cassius.
OCTAVIUS OCTAVIUS
Come, Antony, away.— Come Antony, let’s go. Traitors, we throw our defiance in your
Defiance, traitors, hurl we in your teeth. teeth. If you dare to fight today, come to the field. If not, come
65 If you dare fight today, come to the field. when you have the courage.
If not, when you have stomachs.
Exeunt OCTAVIUS, ANTONY, and their army OCTAVIUS, ANTONY, and their army exit.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Why, now, blow wind, swell billow, and swim bark! Blow wind, swell waves, and may the ship float where it will! The
The storm is up and all is on the hazard. storm has risen and everything is at stake.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Ho, Lucillius, hark, a word with you. Hey, Lucillius! I’d like a word with you.
LUCILLIUS LUCILLIUS
(stands forth) (stepping forward) My lord?
My lord?
BRUTUS and LUCILLIUS converse apart BRUTUS and LUCILLIUS converse to the side.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
70 Messala! Messala!
MESSALA MESSALA
(stands forth) (coming forward) What is it, my general?
What says my general?
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Messala, Messala, today is my birthday. On this very day, I was born. Give
This is my birthday, as this very day me your hand, Messala. Be my witness that I’ve been forced
Was Cassius born. Give me thy hand, Messala. against my desire, as Pompey was, to bet all of our freedoms on
Be thou my witness that against my will, one battle. You know that I used to believe in Epicurus’s position
As Pompey was, am I compelled to set that the gods did not send omens. Now I’ve changed my mind,
75 Upon one battle all our liberties. and partly believe in signs that foretell what is to come. As we
You know that I held Epicurus strong traveled from Sardis, two mighty eagles landed and perched on
And his opinion. Now I change my mind, our front flag, eating from the hands of the soldiers who marched
And partly credit things that do presage. with us to Philippi. This morning, they’ve flown away and in their
Coming from Sardis, on our former ensign place are ravens, crows, and kites, flying over our heads and
80 Two mighty eagles fell, and there they perched, looking down on us, as though we were their sickly prey. Their
Gorging and feeding from our soldiers’ hands, shadows are like a deadly canopy, under which our army lies,
Who to Philippi here consorted us. ready to die.
This morning are they fled away and gone,
And in their steads do ravens, crows, and kites
85 Fly o’er our heads and downward look on us
As we were sickly prey. Their shadows seem
A canopy most fatal, under which
Our army lies, ready to give up the ghost.
MESSALA MESSALA
Believe not so. Don’t believe it.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
I but believe it partly, I believe it only partly, for I’m hopeful and determined to meet all
90 For I am fresh of spirit and resolved dangers without flinching.
To meet all perils very constantly.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
(returning with LUCILLIUS) Even so, Lucillius. (returning with LUCILLIUS) —Right, Lucillius.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Now, most noble Brutus, Now, most noble Brutus,may the gods be friendly with us today
The gods today stand friendly that we may, so that we, who love peace, can live on to old age. But since the
95 Lovers in peace, lead on our days to age. affairs of men are always uncertain, let’s think about the worst
But since the affairs of men rest still incertain, that may happen. If we lose this battle,then this will be the last
Let’s reason with the worst that may befall. time we speak to each other. What do you plan to do if we do
If we do lose this battle, then is this lose?
The very last time we shall speak together.
What are you then determinèd to do?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
100 Even by the rule of that philosophy By the same Stoic philosophy that made me condemn Cato for
By which I did blame Cato for the death committing suicide, I will be patient and await whatever outcome
Which he did give himself — I know not how, the gods have in store for us. I don’t know why, but I find it
But I do find it cowardly and vile, cowardly and vile to cut off your life early by suicide in order to
For fear of what might fall, so to prevent prevent possible suffering later on.
105 The time of life — arming myself with patience
To stay the providence of some high powers
That govern us below.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Then if we lose this battle Then if we lose this battle, you’d be willing to be led in chains by
You are contented to be led in triumph those who defeated you through the streets of Rome?
Thorough the streets of Rome?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
110 No, Cassius, no. No, Cassius, no. Don’t imagine, you noble Roman, that I will ever
Think not, thou noble Roman, return to Rome in chains. I am too great for that. But today will
That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome. be the end of work that we began on the fifteenth of March.
He bears too great a mind. But this same day Whether we will meet again, I don’t know. Therefore, accept my
Must end that work the ides of March begun. everlasting farewell. Forever and forever, farewell, Cassius. If
115 And whether we shall meet again I know not. we meet again, why, we’ll smile. If not, then this parting was well
Therefore our everlasting farewell take. done.
Forever and forever farewell, Cassius.
If we do meet again, why, we shall smile.
If not, why then this parting was well made.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
120 Forever and forever farewell, Brutus. Forever and forever, farewell, Brutus. If we meet again, we’ll
If we do meet again, we’ll smile indeed. smile indeed. If not, it’s true this parting was well done.
If not, ’tis true this parting was well made.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Why then, lead on. Oh, that a man might know Then, lead on. Oh, if only I could know the outcome of today’s
The end of this day’s business ere it come! business before it happens! But it’s enough to know that the day
125 But it sufficeth that the day will end, will end, and then the end will be known. Come! Let’s go!
And then the end is known.—Come, ho! Away!
Exeunt They all exit.
Act 5, Scene 2
Alarum. Enter BRUTUS and MESSALA Sounds of battle. BRUTUS and MESSALA enter.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give these bills Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give these written orders to Cas-
Unto the legions on the other side. sius’s forces on the other side.
Loud alarum Sounds of battle.
Let them set on at once, for I perceive They should attack right now, because Octavius’s forces seem
But cold demeanor in Octavius’ wing, demoralized and a sudden push would defeat them entirely. Ride,
5 And sudden push gives them the overthrow. ride, Messala. All Cassius’s men should commit to the attack.
Ride, ride, Messala. Let them all come down.
Act 5, Scene 3
Alarums Enter CASSIUS and TITINIUS Sounds of battle. CASSIUS and TITINIUS enter.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
O, look, Titinius, look, the villains fly! Oh, look, Titinius, look! My soldiers, those villains, are run-
Myself have to mine own turned enemy. ning away! I have become an enemy to my own soldiers! This
This ensign here of mine was turning back. standard-bearer of mine was running away, so I killed the coward
I slew the coward and did take it from him. and took the flag from him. (points to the flag he’s holding)
(indicates his standard)
TITINIUS TITINIUS
5 O Cassius, Brutus gave the word too early, Oh, Cassius, Brutus gave the orders too soon. Having an advan-
Who, having some advantage on Octavius, tage over Octavius, he took it too eagerly, and his soldiers began
Took it too eagerly. His soldiers fell to spoil, looting, while we were surrounded by Antony’s men.
Whilst we by Antony are all enclosed.
Enter PINDARUS PINDARUS enters.
PINDARUS PINDARUS
Fly further off, my lord, fly further off. Retreat further, my lord, retreat further. Mark Antony has over-
10 Mark Antony is in your tents, my lord. run your camp, my lord. Run, noble Cassius, run far away.
Fly, therefore, noble Cassius, fly far off.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
This hill is far enough.—Look, look, Titinius. This hill is far enough. Look, look, Titinius. Are those my tents on
Are those my tents where I perceive the fire? fire?
TITINIUS TITINIUS
They are, my lord. They are, my lord.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Titinius, if thou lovest me, Titinius, if you love me, get on your horse and spur him on as fast
15 Mount thou my horse, and hide thy spurs in him as you can until he’s brought you near to those troops and back
Till he have brought thee up to yonder troops again, so that I can learn whether those troops are friends or
And here again, that I may rest assured enemies.
Whether yond troops are friend or enemy.
TITINIUS TITINIUS
I will be here again, even with a thought. I’ll be back again as quick as thought.
Exit TITINIUS TITINIUS exits.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
20 Go, Pindarus, get higher on that hill. Go, Pindarus, climb a little higher up that hill. My eyesight was
My sight was ever thick. Regard Titinius, always bad. Watch Titinius and tell me what you see in the field.
And tell me what thou notest about the field.
PINDARUS ascends the hill PINDARUS ascends the hill.
This day I breathed first. Time is come round, Today was the day I breathed my first breath. Time has come
And where I did begin, there shall I end. round, and I’ll end where I began. My life has run its circle. (to
My life is run his compass. PINDARUS) What can you see, boy?
25 (to PINDARUS) Sirrah, what news?
PINDARUS PINDARUS
(above) O my lord! (above) Oh, my lord!
CASSIUS CASSIUS
What news? What news?
PINDARUS PINDARUS
(above) Titinius is enclosèd round about (above) Titinius is surrounded by horsemen who are riding
With horsemen, that make to him on the spur. rapidly toward him. Yet he rides onward. Now they’re almost on
30 Yet he spurs on. Now they are almost on him. him. Now, Titinius! Now some dismount from their horses. Oh,
Now, Titinius. Now some light. Oh, he lights too. he gets down too. He’s taken.
He’s ta’en.
Shout within A shout offstage.
And, hark! They shout for joy. And listen! They shout for joy.
CASSIUS CASSIUS
Come down, behold no more. Come down, look no more. Oh, what a coward I am to live long
Oh, coward that I am, to live so long enough to see my best friend taken before my eyes!
35 To see my best friend ta’en before my face!
PINDARUS returns PINDARUS returns.
Come hither, sirrah. Come here, boy. I took you prisoner in Parthia, and at that time,
In Parthia did I take thee prisoner. having spared your life, I made you swear to attempt to do what-
And then I swore thee, saving of thy life, ever I ordered you to. Come now, keep your oath. (gives his sword
That whatsoever I did bid thee do, to PINDARUS) Now you’ll be a free man. Take this good sword,
Thou shouldst attempt it. Come now, keep thine oath. which ran through Caesar’s guts, and thrust it into my chest.
(gives his sword to PINDARUS) Don’t pause, asking questions. Here, take the handle, and when
40 Now be a free man, and with this good sword my face is covered as it is now, thrust the sword.
That ran through Caesar’s bowels, search this bosom.
Stand not to answer. Here take thou the hilts
And, when my face is covered, as ’tis now,
Guide thou the sword.
PINDARUS stabs CASSIUS PINDARUS stabs CASSIUS.
Caesar, thou art revenged, Caesar, you are revenged, with the same sword that killed you.
45 Even with the sword that killed thee. (he dies)
(dies)
PINDARUS PINDARUS
So I am free. Yet would not so have been, So I’m free. But would not be, if I had dared to follow my own
Durst I have done my will. O Cassius, desires. Oh, Cassius, I’ll run far from this country to where no
Far from this country Pindarus shall run, Romans can find me.
Where never Roman shall take note of him.
Exit PINDARUS PINDARUS exits.
Enter TITINIUS and MESSALA TITINIUS and MESSALA enter.
MESSALA MESSALA
50 It is but change, Titinius, for Octavius It’s a meaningless change, Titinius, because Octavius was
Is overthrown by noble Brutus’ power, overcome by noble Brutus’s forces at the same time Antony
As Cassius’ legions are by Antony. overcame Cassius’s legions.
TITINIUS TITINIUS
These tidings will well comfort Cassius. This news will comfort Cassius.
MESSALA MESSALA
Where did you leave him? Where did you leave him?
TITINIUS TITINIUS
All disconsolate, In despair, with his slave Pindarus on this hill.
55 With Pindarus his bondman on this hill.
MESSALA MESSALA
Is not that he that lies upon the ground? Isn’t that him lying on the ground?
TITINIUS TITINIUS
He lies not like the living. O my heart! He lies there as if he isn’t alive. Oh, my heart!
MESSALA MESSALA
Is not that he? Isn’t that him?
TITINIUS TITINIUS
No, this was he, Messala, It was him, Messala, but Cassius is no more. Oh setting sun, just
But Cassius is no more. O setting sun, as you sink into your red rays to end the day, so has Cassius’s life
60 As in thy red rays thou dost sink tonight, ended in his own red blood. The sun of Rome has set! Our day
So in his red blood Cassius’ day is set. is over. Clouds, dew, and dangers approach. We’re finished! His
The sun of Rome is set. Our day is gone. doubts about the successful outcome of my mission drove him to
Clouds, dews, and dangers come! Our deeds are done. kill himself.
Mistrust of my success hath done this deed.
MESSALA MESSALA
65 Mistrust of good success hath done this deed. Despair about the possibility of any positive outcome drove him
O hateful error, melancholy’s child, to this. Despair, why do you make men believe things that are
Why dost thou show to the apt thoughts of men false, so that they act in error? And error, once imagined, rather
The things that are not? O error, soon conceived, than bringing joy, you kill the person that gave birth to you!
Thou never comest unto a happy birth
70 But kill’st the mother that engendered thee!
TITINIUS TITINIUS
What, Pindarus! Where art thou, Pindarus? Pindarus! Where are you, Pindarus?
MESSALA MESSALA
Seek him, Titinius, whilst I go to meet Look for him, Titinius, while I go to meet the noble Brutus and
The noble Brutus, thrusting this report thust this news into his ears. I say “thust” because Brutus would
Into his ears. I may say “thrusting” it, prefer to have sharp blades and poisoned darts in his ears than
75 For piercing steel and darts envenomèd to hear of this.
Shall be as welcome to the ears of Brutus
As tidings of this sight.
TITINIUS TITINIUS
Hie you, Messala, Get going, Messala, and I’ll look for Pindarus in the meantime.
And I will seek for Pindarus the while.
Exit MESSALA MESSALA exits.
Why didst thou send me forth, brave Cassius? Why did you send me out, brave Cassius? Didn’t I meet up with
80 Did I not meet thy friends? And did not they your allies? And didn’t they place on my forehead the wreath
Put on my brows this wreath of victory of victory and ask me to give it to you? Didn’t you hear their
And bid me give it thee? Didst thou not hear their shouts? shouts? Alas, you misunderstood everything! But, wait, I’ll place
Alas, thou hast misconstrued everything! this wreath on your head. Your Brutus asked me to give it to you,
But, hold thee, take this garland on thy brow. and I’ll do as he asks. (he lays a wreath on CASSIUS’s head) Brutus,
85 Thy Brutus bid me give it thee, and I come quickly, and see how much I loved Caius Cassius. With your
Will do his bidding. permission, gods, this is a Roman’s duty. Come, Cassius’s sword,
(lays wreath on CASSIUS’s head) Brutus, come apace, and find Titinius’s heart. (he stabs himself with CASSIUS’s sword
And see how I regarded Caius Cassius. and dies.)
—By your leave, gods, this is a Roman’s part.
Come, Cassius’ sword, and find Titinius’ heart.
(stabs himself with CASSIUS’s sword and dies)
Alarum. Enter BRUTUS, MESSALA, young CATO, STRATO, VOLUMNIUS, Sounds of battle. BRUTUS, MESSALA, young CATO, STRATO,
LUCILLIUS, LABIO, and FLAVIO VOLUMNIUS, LUCILLIUS, LABIO, and FLAVIO enter.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
90 Where, where, Messala, doth his body lie? Where, where is his body, Messala?
MESSALA MESSALA
Lo, yonder, and Titinius mourning it. Look, over there, where Titinius mourns it.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Titinius’ face is upward. Titinius is lying face-up.
CATO CATO
He is slain. He is dead.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
O Julius Caesar, thou art mighty yet! Oh, Julius Caesar, you are still mighty. Your ghost walks the
Thy spirit walks abroad and turns our swords world and turns our swords toward our own stomachs.
In our own proper entrails.
Low alarums Faint sounds of battle.
CATO CATO
95 Brave Titinius!— Brave Titinius! Look, he even placed a wreath on dead Cassius!
Look whe ‘er he have not crowned dead Cassius.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Are yet two Romans living such as these? Are there two Romans left good as these men? Good-bye, the
—The last of all the Romans, fare thee well! last of all the Romans. It is impossible that Rome will ever pro-
It is impossible that ever Rome duce your equal. Friends, I owe more tears to this dead man than
100 Should breed thy fellow.—Friends, I owe more tears you will see me shed. I will find the time to cry for you, Cassius, I
To this dead man than you shall see me pay. will find the time. Come, now, and send his body to Thasos (edi-
—I shall find time, Cassius, I shall find time. tor’s note: an island near Philippi). His funeral won’t be held at our
—Come, therefore, and to Thasos send his body. camp, because it may make us too demoralized to fight. Lucillius,
His funerals shall not be in our camp, come. And come, young Cato. Let’s go to the field. Labio and
105 Lest it discomfort us.—Lucillius, come.— Flavio, send our armies forward. It is three o’clock, and, Romans,
And come, young Cato. Let us to the field. before night, we will test our luck in a second battle.
—Labio and Flavio, set our battles on.
—’Tis three o’clock, and, Romans, yet ere night
We shall try fortune in a second fight.
Exeunt They all exit.
Act 5, Scene 4
Alarum. Enter BRUTUS, MESSALA, CATO, LUCILLIUS, and FLAVIO Sounds of battle. BRUTUS, MESSALA, CATO, LUCILLIUS, and FLAVIO
enter.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Yet, countrymen, O, yet hold up your heads! Fight on, countrymen. Oh, keep your heads up, still!
Exeunt BRUTUS, MESSALA, and FLAVIO BRUTUS, MESSALA, and FLAVIO exit.
CATO CATO
What bastard doth not? Who will go with me? Who would be such a bastard as to give up? Who will fight on
I will proclaim my name about the field. with me? I will proclaim my name around the field. I am the son of
I am the son of Marcus Cato, ho! Marcus Cato! An enemy to tyrants and a friend to my country. I
5 A foe to tyrants, and my country’s friend. am the son of Marcus Cato!
I am the son of Marcus Cato, ho!
Enter ANTONY and OCTAVIUS’ SOLDIERS. Fight ANTONY and OCTAVIUS’ SOLDIERS enter and fight.
LUCILLIUS LUCILLIUS
And I am Brutus, Marcus Brutus, I! And I am Brutus, Marcus Brutus. Brutus, my country’s friend.
Brutus, my country’s friend. Know me for Brutus! Know that I am Brutus!
SOLDIERS kill young CATO SOLDIERS kill young CATO.
O young and noble Cato, art thou down? Oh, young and noble Cato, are you killed? Why, you die now as
10 Why, now thou diest as bravely as Titinius, bravely as Titinius. And you will be honored as Cato’s son.
And mayst be honored, being Cato’s son.
(to LUCILLIUS) Yield, or thou diest. (to LUCILLIUS ) Surrender, or you die.
LUCILLIUS LUCILLIUS
Only I yield to die. I’ll surrender only to death. Here’s enough money for you to kill
There is so much that thou wilt kill me straight. me immediately. Kill Brutus and be honored by the killing.
Kill Brutus, and be honored in his death.
15 We must not. A noble prisoner! We must not. He’s a noble prisoner!
SECOND SOLDIER SECOND SOLDIER
Room, ho! Tell Antony Brutus is ta’en. Make room! Tell Antony that Brutus has been taken.
I’ll tell the news. Here comes the general. I’ll tell him the news.Here comes the general—Brutus is captured,
—Brutus is ta’en, Brutus is ta’en, my lord. Brutus is captured, my lord.
ANTONY ANTONY
Where is he? Where is he?
LUCILLIUS LUCILLIUS
20 Safe, Antony. Brutus is safe enough. Safe, Antony. Brutus is safe enough. I assure you that no enemy
I dare assure thee that no enemy will ever take the noble Brutus alive. The gods protect him from
Shall ever take alive the noble Brutus. so great a shame! When you do find him, alive or dead, he’ll be
The gods defend him from so great a shame! found as Brutus, on his own terms.
When you do find him, or alive or dead,
25 He will be found like Brutus, like himself.
ANTONY ANTONY
(to SOLDIERS) This is not Brutus, friend, but, I assure you, (to SOLDIERS) This isn’t Brutus, friend, but, I assure you, he is as
A prize no less in worth. Keep this man safe. valuable a prize. Keep this man safe. Be gentle with him. I would
Give him all kindness. I had rather have rather have such men as friends than enemies. Keep going, and
Such men my friends than enemies. Go on, see if Brutus is alive or dead. Then return to Octavius’s tent to
30 And see whether Brutus be alive or dead. bring us word of how thing’s have turned out.
And bring us word unto Octavius’ tent
How everything is chanced.
Act 5, Scene 5
Enter BRUTUS, DARDANIUS, CLITUS, STRATO, and VOLUMNIUS BRUTUS, DARDANIUS, CLITUS, STRATO, and VOLUMNIUS enter.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Come, poor remains of friends, rest on this rock. Come, my few last remaining friends, rest on this rock.
CLITUS CLITUS
Statilius showed the torchlight but, my lord, Statilius waved the torchlight at us, but he hasn’t come back. He’s
He came not back. He is or ta’en or slain. been captured or killed.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Sit thee down, Clitus. Slaying is the word. Sit down, Clitus. Killed, probably. It’s in fashion, apparently.
5 It is a deed in fashion. Hark thee, Clitus. Listen, Clitus. (he whispers to CLITUS)
(whispers to CLITUS)
CLITUS CLITUS
What, I, my lord? No, not for all the world. Who, me, my lord? No, not for all the world.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Peace then! No words. Silence, then! Don’t say anything.
CLITUS CLITUS
I’ll rather kill myself. I’d rather kill myself.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Hark thee, Dardanius. Listen, Dardanius. (he whispers to DARDANIUS)
(whispers to DARDANIUS)
DARDANIUS DARDANIUS
Shall I do such a deed? Me, do something like that?
CLITUS CLITUS
O Dardanius! Oh Dardanius!
DARDANIUS DARDANIUS
10 O Clitus! Oh Clitus!
CLITUS CLITUS
(aside to DARDANIUS) (speaking only to DARDANIUS) What awful request did Brutus
What ill request did Brutus make to thee? ask of you?
DARDANIUS DARDANIUS
(aside to CLITUS) (speaking only to CLITUS) To kill him, Clitus. Look, he’s thinking
To kill him, Clitus. Look, he meditates. about what to do.
CLITUS CLITUS
(aside to DARDANIUS) Now is that noble vessel full of grief, (speaking only to DARDANIUS) Now that noble man is so full of
That it runs over even at his eyes. grief that it spills from his eyes.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
15 Come hither, good Volumnius. List a word. Come here, good Volumnius. Listen a minute.
VOLUMNIUS VOLUMNIUS
What says my lord? What is it, my lord?
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Why this, Volumnius: Well, this, Volumnius. The ghost of Caesar has appeared to me
The ghost of Caesar hath appeared to me two times at night. Once at Sardis and then last night, here in
Two several times by night. At Sardis once, Philippi fields. I know that my hour has come.
And this last night here in Philippi fields.
I know my hour is come.
VOLUMNIUS VOLUMNIUS
20 Not so, my lord. No it hasn’t, my lord.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Nay, I am sure it is, Volumnius. No, I’m sure it has, Volumnius. You understand the world and
Thou seest the world, Volumnius, how it goes. how it works, Volumnius. Our enemies have driven us to the edge
Our enemies have beat us to the pit. of the grave.
Low alarums Faint sounds of battle.
It is more worthy to leap in ourselves It’s nobler to leap in ourselves than wait until they push us.
25 Than tarry till they push us. Good Volumnius, Good Volumnius, you know that we went to school together. In
Thou know’st that we two went to school together. the name of our old friendship, I beg you, hold the handle of my
Even for that our love of old, I prithee, sword while I impale myself on it.
Hold thou my sword hilts, whilst I run on it.
VOLUMNIUS VOLUMNIUS
That’s not an office for a friend, my lord. That’s not a job for a friend, my lord.
Alarum still Sounds of battle.
CLITUS CLITUS
30 Fly, fly, my lord. There is no tarrying here. Run, run, my lord. We can’t wait here.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Farewell to you.—And you.—And you, Volumnius. Farewell to you. And you. And you, Volumnius. Strato, you’ve
—Strato, thou hast been all this while asleep. slept all this while. Farewell to you too, Strato. Countrymen, my
Farewell to thee too, Strato.—Countrymen, heart rejoices that in all my life I knew only men who were true
My heart doth joy that yet in all my life to me. I’ll have glory in defeat this day—more than Octavius and
35 I found no man but he was true to me. Mark Antony will gain by their foul victory. So farewell, without
I shall have glory by this losing day further ado, for my tongue has almost finished speaking. I see
More than Octavius and Mark Antony only darkness before my eyes. My bones, which have worked to
By this vile conquest shall attain unto. hold me up until this time, now want to rest.
So fare you well at once, for Brutus’ tongue
40 Hath almost ended his life’s history.
Night hangs upon mine eyes. My bones would rest,
That have but labored to attain this hour.
Alarum. Cry within “Fly, fly, fly!” Sounds of battle. Offstage, someone cries, “Run, run, run!”
CLITUS CLITUS
Fly, my lord, fly. Run, my lord, run.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Hence. I will follow. Go on! I’ll follow.
Exeunt CLITUS, DARDANIUS, and VOLUMNIUS CLITUS, DARDANIUS, and VOLUMNIUS exit.
I prithee, Strato, stay thou by thy lord. I beg you, Strato, stay by me, your lord. You’re a man with a good
45 Thou art a fellow of a good respect. reputation. Your life has had some taste of honor in it. Hold, then,
Thy life hath had some smatch of honor in it. my sword, and turn your face away while I run myself onto it. Will
Hold then my sword and turn away thy face you, Strato?
While I do run upon it. Wilt thou, Strato?
STRATO STRATO
Give me your hand first. Give me your hand, first. (holds BRUTUS’ sword) Farewell, my
(holds BRUTUS’ sword) Fare you well, my lord. lord.
BRUTUS BRUTUS
Farewell, good Strato. Farewell, good Strato. (runs on his sword) Caesar, now rest. I killed
50 (runs on his sword) Caesar, now be still. you half as willingly. (he dies)
I killed not thee with half so good a will.
(dies)
Alarum. Retreat. Enter OCTAVIUS, ANTONY, MESSALA, LUCILLIUS, and the Sounds of battle. Trumpets sound a retreat. OCTAVIUS, ANTONY,
army MESSALA, and LUCILLIUS enter with the army.
OCTAVIUS OCTAVIUS
What man is that? What man is that?
MESSALA MESSALA
My master’s man.—Strato, where is thy master? My master’s man. Strato, where’s your master?
STRATO STRATO
Free from the bondage you are in, Messala. Free from the captivity you are in, Messala. The conquerors can
55 The conquerors can but make a fire of him. do nothing but make a fire of him, because only Brutus defeated
For Brutus only overcame himself, himself, and no other man can gain honor from his death.
And no man else hath honor by his death.
LUCILLIUS LUCILLIUS
So Brutus should be found.—I thank thee, Brutus, This is how Brutus should be found. Thank you, Brutus, for prov-
That thou hast proved Lucillius’ saying true. ing my prediction true.
OCTAVIUS OCTAVIUS
60 All that served Brutus, I will entertain them. Anyone who served Brutus, I will gladly take into my own service.
—Fellow, wilt thou bestow thy time with me? Sir, will you serve me?
STRATO STRATO
Ay, if Messala will prefer me to you. Yes, if Messala recommends me to you.
OCTAVIUS OCTAVIUS
Do so, good Messala. Do so, good Messala.
MESSALA MESSALA
How died my master, Strato? How did my master die, Strato?
STRATO STRATO
I held the sword and he did run on it. I held the sword and he impaled himself on it.
MESSALA MESSALA
65 Octavius, then take him to follow thee, Then take this man into your service, Octavius, for he did the
That did the latest service to my master. final service to my master.
ANTONY ANTONY
This was the noblest Roman of them all. This was the noblest Roman of them all. All the conspirators ex-
All the conspirators save only he cept for Brutus ddi what they did out of jealousy of great Caesar.
Did that they did in envy of great Caesar. He alone acted from high ideals and for the general good. His life
70 He only in a general honest thought was noble, and the elements were so perfectly balanced in him
And common good to all, made one of them. that Nature might stand up and say to all the world, “This was a
His life was gentle, and the elements man.”
So mixed in him that Nature might stand up
And say to all the world, “This was a man.”
OCTAVIUS OCTAVIUS
75 According to his virtue let us use him, We will treat him according to his virtue, with all the respect and
With all respect and rites of burial. rituals of burial. His body will rest tonight in my tent with all the
Within my tent his bones tonight shall lie honorable ceremony due a soldier. So order the armies in the
Most like a soldier, ordered honorably. field to rest, and let’s go share the glories of this happy day.
So call the field to rest, and let’s away
80 To part the glories of this happy day.
Exeunt omnes All exit.

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ALL CLEAR SHAKESPEARE www.LitCharts.

Lucius, who’s that knocking? Lucius, who’s that knocking?

What say the augurers? What do the priests say?

250 How now, fellow? What’s going on?

My gown. My nightgown.

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