Julius Caesar

by

William Shakespeare

Julius Caesar is a tragedy about the assassination of the Roman dictator, Julius Caesar, and the aftermath of his death. The play is set in ancient Rome and focuses on the conspiracy to kill Caesar, led by the senators Brutus and Cassius.

The play begins with Caesar returning to Rome after a victorious battle. He is warned by a soothsayer to "beware the Ides of March," but ignores the warning and continues with his plans to become king. The senators, led by Brutus and Cassius, fear that Caesar's ambition will lead to tyranny, and they plot to assassinate him. Despite his initial reluctance, Brutus joins the conspiracy out of a sense of duty to Rome.

The assassination takes place in the Senate, with Brutus delivering the fatal blow. The conspirators believe that they have saved Rome from tyranny, but their actions lead to civil war and chaos. Caesar's loyal friend Mark Antony delivers a powerful speech at Caesar's funeral, turning public opinion against the conspirators.

The play follows the aftermath of Caesar's death, with the conspirators struggling to maintain control and Antony seeking revenge for Caesar's murder. The play ends with a climactic battle between the two factions, with many of the characters meeting tragic ends. The play is a cautionary tale about the dangers of ambition and the consequences of political violence.

Act I

In Act 1 of Julius Caesar, the play focuses on the impending danger that Caesar poses to Rome. A group of senators, including Cassius and Brutus, are concerned about Caesar's growing power and popularity. They plot to assassinate him, but need to convince Brutus to join their cause.

Meanwhile, Caesar has just returned to Rome after a successful battle against Pompey. He is greeted by a jubilant crowd, but also warned by a soothsayer to "beware the Ides of March."

Cassius, who is envious of Caesar's power, begins to manipulate Brutus by questioning Caesar's leadership and suggesting that he may become a tyrant. At first, Brutus is hesitant to join the conspiracy, but begins to consider it after receiving anonymous letters urging him to take action.

The act ends with a violent storm in Rome, suggesting that chaos and unrest are on the horizon.

SCENE I. Rome. A street.

Scene 1 of Act 1 of Julius Caesar begins in Rome on the eve of the festival of Lupercal. A group of commoners is gathered in the streets, celebrating the arrival of Caesar after his victory over Pompey. Two Roman tribunes, Flavius and Marullus, enter the scene and berate the crowd for their fickle allegiance to Caesar, despite their previous support for Pompey. The tribunes then remove the decorations that the commoners had put up to honor Caesar and disperse the crowd.

As the tribunes leave, a group of senators, including Brutus, Cassius, and Caesar, enter the scene. Caesar is accompanied by his loyal friend Mark Antony, who is carrying a letter that Caesar has received warning him of a plot against his life. Caesar dismisses the warning, claiming that he is not afraid of danger and that he will attend the festival despite the threat. Cassius then takes Brutus aside and tries to convince him that Caesar is a danger to Rome and that he must be removed from power. Brutus is conflicted, torn between his loyalty to Caesar and his loyalty to Rome. The scene ends with the senators departing to attend the festival, leaving Cassius alone on stage to plot his next move.

Enter FLAVIUS, MARULLUS, and certain Commoners

FLAVIUS
Hence! home, you idle creatures get you home:
Link: 1.1.1
Is this a holiday? what! know you not,
Link: 1.1.2
Being mechanical, you ought not walk
Link: 1.1.3
Upon a labouring day without the sign
Link: 1.1.4
Of your profession? Speak, what trade art thou?
Link: 1.1.5

First Commoner
Why, sir, a carpenter.
Link: 1.1.6

MARULLUS
Where is thy leather apron and thy rule?
Link: 1.1.7
What dost thou with thy best apparel on?
Link: 1.1.8
You, sir, what trade are you?
Link: 1.1.9

Second Commoner
Truly, sir, in respect of a fine workman, I am but,
Link: 1.1.10
as you would say, a cobbler.
Link: 1.1.11

MARULLUS
But what trade art thou? answer me directly.
Link: 1.1.12

Second Commoner
A trade, sir, that, I hope, I may use with a safe
Link: 1.1.13
conscience; which is, indeed, sir, a mender of bad soles.
Link: 1.1.14

MARULLUS
What trade, thou knave? thou naughty knave, what trade?
Link: 1.1.15

Second Commoner
Nay, I beseech you, sir, be not out with me: yet,
Link: 1.1.16
if you be out, sir, I can mend you.
Link: 1.1.17

MARULLUS
What meanest thou by that? mend me, thou saucy fellow!
Link: 1.1.18

Second Commoner
Why, sir, cobble you.
Link: 1.1.19

FLAVIUS
Thou art a cobbler, art thou?
Link: 1.1.20

Second Commoner
Truly, sir, all that I live by is with the awl: I
Link: 1.1.21
meddle with no tradesman's matters, nor women's
Link: 1.1.22
matters, but with awl. I am, indeed, sir, a surgeon
Link: 1.1.23
to old shoes; when they are in great danger, I
Link: 1.1.24
recover them. As proper men as ever trod upon
Link: 1.1.25
neat's leather have gone upon my handiwork.
Link: 1.1.26

FLAVIUS
But wherefore art not in thy shop today?
Link: 1.1.27
Why dost thou lead these men about the streets?
Link: 1.1.28

Second Commoner
Truly, sir, to wear out their shoes, to get myself
Link: 1.1.29
into more work. But, indeed, sir, we make holiday,
Link: 1.1.30
to see Caesar and to rejoice in his triumph.
Link: 1.1.31

MARULLUS
Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home?
Link: 1.1.32
What tributaries follow him to Rome,
Link: 1.1.33
To grace in captive bonds his chariot-wheels?
Link: 1.1.34
You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things!
Link: 1.1.35
O you hard hearts, you cruel men of Rome,
Link: 1.1.36
Knew you not Pompey? Many a time and oft
Link: 1.1.37
Have you climb'd up to walls and battlements,
Link: 1.1.38
To towers and windows, yea, to chimney-tops,
Link: 1.1.39
Your infants in your arms, and there have sat
Link: 1.1.40
The livelong day, with patient expectation,
Link: 1.1.41
To see great Pompey pass the streets of Rome:
Link: 1.1.42
And when you saw his chariot but appear,
Link: 1.1.43
Have you not made an universal shout,
Link: 1.1.44
That Tiber trembled underneath her banks,
Link: 1.1.45
To hear the replication of your sounds
Link: 1.1.46
Made in her concave shores?
Link: 1.1.47
And do you now put on your best attire?
Link: 1.1.48
And do you now cull out a holiday?
Link: 1.1.49
And do you now strew flowers in his way
Link: 1.1.50
That comes in triumph over Pompey's blood? Be gone!
Link: 1.1.51
Run to your houses, fall upon your knees,
Link: 1.1.52
Pray to the gods to intermit the plague
Link: 1.1.53
That needs must light on this ingratitude.
Link: 1.1.54

FLAVIUS
Go, go, good countrymen, and, for this fault,
Link: 1.1.55
Assemble all the poor men of your sort;
Link: 1.1.56
Draw them to Tiber banks, and weep your tears
Link: 1.1.57
Into the channel, till the lowest stream
Link: 1.1.58
Do kiss the most exalted shores of all.
Link: 1.1.59
See whether their basest metal be not moved;
Link: 1.1.60
They vanish tongue-tied in their guiltiness.
Link: 1.1.61
Go you down that way towards the Capitol;
Link: 1.1.62
This way will I disrobe the images,
Link: 1.1.63
If you do find them deck'd with ceremonies.
Link: 1.1.64

MARULLUS
May we do so?
Link: 1.1.65
You know it is the feast of Lupercal.
Link: 1.1.66

FLAVIUS
It is no matter; let no images
Link: 1.1.67
Be hung with Caesar's trophies. I'll about,
Link: 1.1.68
And drive away the vulgar from the streets:
Link: 1.1.69
So do you too, where you perceive them thick.
Link: 1.1.70
These growing feathers pluck'd from Caesar's wing
Link: 1.1.71
Will make him fly an ordinary pitch,
Link: 1.1.72
Who else would soar above the view of men
Link: 1.1.73
And keep us all in servile fearfulness.
Link: 1.1.74

Exeunt

SCENE II. A public place.

Scene 2 of Act 1 of Julius Caesar takes place in a public place in Rome. It opens with a conversation between a group of commoners who are discussing the recent events in Rome. They are excited about Caesar's recent victory in a battle against Pompey, but they are also critical of Caesar's growing power and influence. They fear that he will become a tyrant and rule over them with an iron fist.

As the commoners talk, they are interrupted by a group of Roman senators, including Brutus and Cassius. The senators are discussing Caesar's rise to power and the threat that he poses to the Roman Republic. They are also concerned about the rumors that Caesar may declare himself king.

Brutus, who is a close friend of Caesar's, is torn between his loyalty to his friend and his love for the Roman Republic. Cassius sees an opportunity to manipulate Brutus by appealing to his sense of duty to Rome. He suggests that they should take action against Caesar before it is too late.

As the conversation continues, Brutus becomes more and more convinced that Caesar must be stopped. He agrees to join Cassius and the other senators in a plot to assassinate Caesar. The scene ends with the senators making plans for the assassination and Brutus agreeing to take a leading role in the plot.

Flourish. Enter CAESAR; ANTONY, for the course; CALPURNIA, PORTIA, DECIUS BRUTUS, CICERO, BRUTUS, CASSIUS, and CASCA; a great crowd following, among them a Soothsayer

CAESAR
Calpurnia!
Link: 1.2.1

CASCA
Peace, ho! Caesar speaks.
Link: 1.2.2

CAESAR
Calpurnia!
Link: 1.2.3

CALPURNIA
Here, my lord.
Link: 1.2.4

CAESAR
Stand you directly in Antonius' way,
Link: 1.2.5
When he doth run his course. Antonius!
Link: 1.2.6

ANTONY
Caesar, my lord?
Link: 1.2.7

CAESAR
Forget not, in your speed, Antonius,
Link: 1.2.8
To touch Calpurnia; for our elders say,
Link: 1.2.9
The barren, touched in this holy chase,
Link: 1.2.10
Shake off their sterile curse.
Link: 1.2.11

ANTONY
I shall remember:
Link: 1.2.12
When Caesar says 'do this,' it is perform'd.
Link: 1.2.13

CAESAR
Set on; and leave no ceremony out.
Link: 1.2.14

Flourish

Soothsayer
Caesar!
Link: 1.2.15

CAESAR
Ha! who calls?
Link: 1.2.16

CASCA
Bid every noise be still: peace yet again!
Link: 1.2.17

CAESAR
Who is it in the press that calls on me?
Link: 1.2.18
I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music,
Link: 1.2.19
Cry 'Caesar!' Speak; Caesar is turn'd to hear.
Link: 1.2.20

Soothsayer
Beware the ides of March.
Link: 1.2.21

CAESAR
What man is that?
Link: 1.2.22

BRUTUS
A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March.
Link: 1.2.23

CAESAR
Set him before me; let me see his face.
Link: 1.2.24

CASSIUS
Fellow, come from the throng; look upon Caesar.
Link: 1.2.25

CAESAR
What say'st thou to me now? speak once again.
Link: 1.2.26

Soothsayer
Beware the ides of March.
Link: 1.2.27

CAESAR
He is a dreamer; let us leave him: pass.
Link: 1.2.28

Sennet. Exeunt all except BRUTUS and CASSIUS

CASSIUS
Will you go see the order of the course?
Link: 1.2.29

BRUTUS

CASSIUS
I pray you, do.
Link: 1.2.31

BRUTUS
I am not gamesome: I do lack some part
Link: 1.2.32
Of that quick spirit that is in Antony.
Link: 1.2.33
Let me not hinder, Cassius, your desires;
Link: 1.2.34
I'll leave you.
Link: 1.2.35

CASSIUS
Brutus, I do observe you now of late:
Link: 1.2.36
I have not from your eyes that gentleness
Link: 1.2.37
And show of love as I was wont to have:
Link: 1.2.38
You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand
Link: 1.2.39
Over your friend that loves you.
Link: 1.2.40

BRUTUS
Cassius,
Link: 1.2.41
Be not deceived: if I have veil'd my look,
Link: 1.2.42
I turn the trouble of my countenance
Link: 1.2.43
Merely upon myself. Vexed I am
Link: 1.2.44
Of late with passions of some difference,
Link: 1.2.45
Conceptions only proper to myself,
Link: 1.2.46
Which give some soil perhaps to my behaviors;
Link: 1.2.47
But let not therefore my good friends be grieved--
Link: 1.2.48
Among which number, Cassius, be you one--
Link: 1.2.49
Nor construe any further my neglect,
Link: 1.2.50
Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war,
Link: 1.2.51
Forgets the shows of love to other men.
Link: 1.2.52

CASSIUS
Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion;
Link: 1.2.53
By means whereof this breast of mine hath buried
Link: 1.2.54
Thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations.
Link: 1.2.55
Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?
Link: 1.2.56

BRUTUS
No, Cassius; for the eye sees not itself,
Link: 1.2.57
But by reflection, by some other things.
Link: 1.2.58

CASSIUS
'Tis just:
Link: 1.2.59
And it is very much lamented, Brutus,
Link: 1.2.60
That you have no such mirrors as will turn
Link: 1.2.61
Your hidden worthiness into your eye,
Link: 1.2.62
That you might see your shadow. I have heard,
Link: 1.2.63
Where many of the best respect in Rome,
Link: 1.2.64
Except immortal Caesar, speaking of Brutus
Link: 1.2.65
And groaning underneath this age's yoke,
Link: 1.2.66
Have wish'd that noble Brutus had his eyes.
Link: 1.2.67

BRUTUS
Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius,
Link: 1.2.68
That you would have me seek into myself
Link: 1.2.69
For that which is not in me?
Link: 1.2.70

CASSIUS
Therefore, good Brutus, be prepared to hear:
Link: 1.2.71
And since you know you cannot see yourself
Link: 1.2.72
So well as by reflection, I, your glass,
Link: 1.2.73
Will modestly discover to yourself
Link: 1.2.74
That of yourself which you yet know not of.
Link: 1.2.75
And be not jealous on me, gentle Brutus:
Link: 1.2.76
Were I a common laugher, or did use
Link: 1.2.77
To stale with ordinary oaths my love
Link: 1.2.78
To every new protester; if you know
Link: 1.2.79
That I do fawn on men and hug them hard
Link: 1.2.80
And after scandal them, or if you know
Link: 1.2.81
That I profess myself in banqueting
Link: 1.2.82
To all the rout, then hold me dangerous.
Link: 1.2.83

Flourish, and shout

BRUTUS
What means this shouting? I do fear, the people
Link: 1.2.84
Choose Caesar for their king.
Link: 1.2.85

CASSIUS
Ay, do you fear it?
Link: 1.2.86
Then must I think you would not have it so.
Link: 1.2.87

BRUTUS
I would not, Cassius; yet I love him well.
Link: 1.2.88
But wherefore do you hold me here so long?
Link: 1.2.89
What is it that you would impart to me?
Link: 1.2.90
If it be aught toward the general good,
Link: 1.2.91
Set honour in one eye and death i' the other,
Link: 1.2.92
And I will look on both indifferently,
Link: 1.2.93
For let the gods so speed me as I love
Link: 1.2.94
The name of honour more than I fear death.
Link: 1.2.95

CASSIUS
I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus,
Link: 1.2.96
As well as I do know your outward favour.
Link: 1.2.97
Well, honour is the subject of my story.
Link: 1.2.98
I cannot tell what you and other men
Link: 1.2.99
Think of this life; but, for my single self,
Link: 1.2.100
I had as lief not be as live to be
Link: 1.2.101
In awe of such a thing as I myself.
Link: 1.2.102
I was born free as Caesar; so were you:
Link: 1.2.103
We both have fed as well, and we can both
Link: 1.2.104
Endure the winter's cold as well as he:
Link: 1.2.105
For once, upon a raw and gusty day,
Link: 1.2.106
The troubled Tiber chafing with her shores,
Link: 1.2.107
Caesar said to me 'Darest thou, Cassius, now
Link: 1.2.108
Leap in with me into this angry flood,
Link: 1.2.109
And swim to yonder point?' Upon the word,
Link: 1.2.110
Accoutred as I was, I plunged in
Link: 1.2.111
And bade him follow; so indeed he did.
Link: 1.2.112
The torrent roar'd, and we did buffet it
Link: 1.2.113
With lusty sinews, throwing it aside
Link: 1.2.114
And stemming it with hearts of controversy;
Link: 1.2.115
But ere we could arrive the point proposed,
Link: 1.2.116
Caesar cried 'Help me, Cassius, or I sink!'
Link: 1.2.117
I, as Aeneas, our great ancestor,
Link: 1.2.118
Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder
Link: 1.2.119
The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber
Link: 1.2.120
Did I the tired Caesar. And this man
Link: 1.2.121
Is now become a god, and Cassius is
Link: 1.2.122
A wretched creature and must bend his body,
Link: 1.2.123
If Caesar carelessly but nod on him.
Link: 1.2.124
He had a fever when he was in Spain,
Link: 1.2.125
And when the fit was on him, I did mark
Link: 1.2.126
How he did shake: 'tis true, this god did shake;
Link: 1.2.127
His coward lips did from their colour fly,
Link: 1.2.128
And that same eye whose bend doth awe the world
Link: 1.2.129
Did lose his lustre: I did hear him groan:
Link: 1.2.130
Ay, and that tongue of his that bade the Romans
Link: 1.2.131
Mark him and write his speeches in their books,
Link: 1.2.132
Alas, it cried 'Give me some drink, Titinius,'
Link: 1.2.133
As a sick girl. Ye gods, it doth amaze me
Link: 1.2.134
A man of such a feeble temper should
Link: 1.2.135
So get the start of the majestic world
Link: 1.2.136
And bear the palm alone.
Link: 1.2.137

Shout. Flourish

BRUTUS
Another general shout!
Link: 1.2.138
I do believe that these applauses are
Link: 1.2.139
For some new honours that are heap'd on Caesar.
Link: 1.2.140

CASSIUS
Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world
Link: 1.2.141
Like a Colossus, and we petty men
Link: 1.2.142
Walk under his huge legs and peep about
Link: 1.2.143
To find ourselves dishonourable graves.
Link: 1.2.144
Men at some time are masters of their fates:
Link: 1.2.145
The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,
Link: 1.2.146
But in ourselves, that we are underlings.
Link: 1.2.147
Brutus and Caesar: what should be in that 'Caesar'?
Link: 1.2.148
Why should that name be sounded more than yours?
Link: 1.2.149
Write them together, yours is as fair a name;
Link: 1.2.150
Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well;
Link: 1.2.151
Weigh them, it is as heavy; conjure with 'em,
Link: 1.2.152
Brutus will start a spirit as soon as Caesar.
Link: 1.2.153
Now, in the names of all the gods at once,
Link: 1.2.154
Upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed,
Link: 1.2.155
That he is grown so great? Age, thou art shamed!
Link: 1.2.156
Rome, thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods!
Link: 1.2.157
When went there by an age, since the great flood,
Link: 1.2.158
But it was famed with more than with one man?
Link: 1.2.159
When could they say till now, that talk'd of Rome,
Link: 1.2.160
That her wide walls encompass'd but one man?
Link: 1.2.161
Now is it Rome indeed and room enough,
Link: 1.2.162
When there is in it but one only man.
Link: 1.2.163
O, you and I have heard our fathers say,
Link: 1.2.164
There was a Brutus once that would have brook'd
Link: 1.2.165
The eternal devil to keep his state in Rome
Link: 1.2.166
As easily as a king.
Link: 1.2.167

BRUTUS
That you do love me, I am nothing jealous;
Link: 1.2.168
What you would work me to, I have some aim:
Link: 1.2.169
How I have thought of this and of these times,
Link: 1.2.170
I shall recount hereafter; for this present,
Link: 1.2.171
I would not, so with love I might entreat you,
Link: 1.2.172
Be any further moved. What you have said
Link: 1.2.173
I will consider; what you have to say
Link: 1.2.174
I will with patience hear, and find a time
Link: 1.2.175
Both meet to hear and answer such high things.
Link: 1.2.176
Till then, my noble friend, chew upon this:
Link: 1.2.177
Brutus had rather be a villager
Link: 1.2.178
Than to repute himself a son of Rome
Link: 1.2.179
Under these hard conditions as this time
Link: 1.2.180
Is like to lay upon us.
Link: 1.2.181

CASSIUS
I am glad that my weak words
Link: 1.2.182
Have struck but thus much show of fire from Brutus.
Link: 1.2.183

BRUTUS
The games are done and Caesar is returning.
Link: 1.2.184

CASSIUS
As they pass by, pluck Casca by the sleeve;
Link: 1.2.185
And he will, after his sour fashion, tell you
Link: 1.2.186
What hath proceeded worthy note to-day.
Link: 1.2.187

Re-enter CAESAR and his Train

BRUTUS
I will do so. But, look you, Cassius,
Link: 1.2.188
The angry spot doth glow on Caesar's brow,
Link: 1.2.189
And all the rest look like a chidden train:
Link: 1.2.190
Calpurnia's cheek is pale; and Cicero
Link: 1.2.191
Looks with such ferret and such fiery eyes
Link: 1.2.192
As we have seen him in the Capitol,
Link: 1.2.193
Being cross'd in conference by some senators.
Link: 1.2.194

CASSIUS
Casca will tell us what the matter is.
Link: 1.2.195

CAESAR
Antonius!
Link: 1.2.196

ANTONY

CAESAR
Let me have men about me that are fat;
Link: 1.2.198
Sleek-headed men and such as sleep o' nights:
Link: 1.2.199
Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look;
Link: 1.2.200
He thinks too much: such men are dangerous.
Link: 1.2.201

ANTONY
Fear him not, Caesar; he's not dangerous;
Link: 1.2.202
He is a noble Roman and well given.
Link: 1.2.203

CAESAR
Would he were fatter! But I fear him not:
Link: 1.2.204
Yet if my name were liable to fear,
Link: 1.2.205
I do not know the man I should avoid
Link: 1.2.206
So soon as that spare Cassius. He reads much;
Link: 1.2.207
He is a great observer and he looks
Link: 1.2.208
Quite through the deeds of men: he loves no plays,
Link: 1.2.209
As thou dost, Antony; he hears no music;
Link: 1.2.210
Seldom he smiles, and smiles in such a sort
Link: 1.2.211
As if he mock'd himself and scorn'd his spirit
Link: 1.2.212
That could be moved to smile at any thing.
Link: 1.2.213
Such men as he be never at heart's ease
Link: 1.2.214
Whiles they behold a greater than themselves,
Link: 1.2.215
And therefore are they very dangerous.
Link: 1.2.216
I rather tell thee what is to be fear'd
Link: 1.2.217
Than what I fear; for always I am Caesar.
Link: 1.2.218
Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf,
Link: 1.2.219
And tell me truly what thou think'st of him.
Link: 1.2.220

Sennet. Exeunt CAESAR and all his Train, but CASCA

CASCA
You pull'd me by the cloak; would you speak with me?
Link: 1.2.221

BRUTUS
Ay, Casca; tell us what hath chanced to-day,
Link: 1.2.222
That Caesar looks so sad.
Link: 1.2.223

CASCA
Why, you were with him, were you not?
Link: 1.2.224

BRUTUS
I should not then ask Casca what had chanced.
Link: 1.2.225

CASCA
Why, there was a crown offered him: and being
Link: 1.2.226
offered him, he put it by with the back of his hand,
Link: 1.2.227
thus; and then the people fell a-shouting.
Link: 1.2.228

BRUTUS
What was the second noise for?
Link: 1.2.229

CASCA
Why, for that too.
Link: 1.2.230

CASSIUS
They shouted thrice: what was the last cry for?
Link: 1.2.231

CASCA
Why, for that too.
Link: 1.2.232

BRUTUS
Was the crown offered him thrice?
Link: 1.2.233

CASCA
Ay, marry, was't, and he put it by thrice, every
Link: 1.2.234
time gentler than other, and at every putting-by
Link: 1.2.235
mine honest neighbours shouted.
Link: 1.2.236

CASSIUS
Who offered him the crown?
Link: 1.2.237

CASCA
Why, Antony.
Link: 1.2.238

BRUTUS
Tell us the manner of it, gentle Casca.
Link: 1.2.239

CASCA
I can as well be hanged as tell the manner of it:
Link: 1.2.240
it was mere foolery; I did not mark it. I saw Mark
Link: 1.2.241
Antony offer him a crown;--yet 'twas not a crown
Link: 1.2.242
neither, 'twas one of these coronets;--and, as I told
Link: 1.2.243
you, he put it by once: but, for all that, to my
Link: 1.2.244
thinking, he would fain have had it. Then he
Link: 1.2.245
offered it to him again; then he put it by again:
Link: 1.2.246
but, to my thinking, he was very loath to lay his
Link: 1.2.247
fingers off it. And then he offered it the third
Link: 1.2.248
time; he put it the third time by: and still as he
Link: 1.2.249
refused it, the rabblement hooted and clapped their
Link: 1.2.250
chapped hands and threw up their sweaty night-caps
Link: 1.2.251
and uttered such a deal of stinking breath because
Link: 1.2.252
Caesar refused the crown that it had almost choked
Link: 1.2.253
Caesar; for he swounded and fell down at it: and
Link: 1.2.254
for mine own part, I durst not laugh, for fear of
Link: 1.2.255
opening my lips and receiving the bad air.
Link: 1.2.256

CASSIUS
But, soft, I pray you: what, did Caesar swound?
Link: 1.2.257

CASCA
He fell down in the market-place, and foamed at
Link: 1.2.258
mouth, and was speechless.
Link: 1.2.259

BRUTUS
'Tis very like: he hath the failing sickness.
Link: 1.2.260

CASSIUS
No, Caesar hath it not; but you and I,
Link: 1.2.261
And honest Casca, we have the falling sickness.
Link: 1.2.262

CASCA
I know not what you mean by that; but, I am sure,
Link: 1.2.263
Caesar fell down. If the tag-rag people did not
Link: 1.2.264
clap him and hiss him, according as he pleased and
Link: 1.2.265
displeased them, as they use to do the players in
Link: 1.2.266
the theatre, I am no true man.
Link: 1.2.267

BRUTUS
What said he when he came unto himself?
Link: 1.2.268

CASCA
Marry, before he fell down, when he perceived the
Link: 1.2.269
common herd was glad he refused the crown, he
Link: 1.2.270
plucked me ope his doublet and offered them his
Link: 1.2.271
throat to cut. An I had been a man of any
Link: 1.2.272
occupation, if I would not have taken him at a word,
Link: 1.2.273
I would I might go to hell among the rogues. And so
Link: 1.2.274
he fell. When he came to himself again, he said,
Link: 1.2.275
If he had done or said any thing amiss, he desired
Link: 1.2.276
their worships to think it was his infirmity. Three
Link: 1.2.277
or four wenches, where I stood, cried 'Alas, good
Link: 1.2.278
soul!' and forgave him with all their hearts: but
Link: 1.2.279
there's no heed to be taken of them; if Caesar had
Link: 1.2.280
stabbed their mothers, they would have done no less.
Link: 1.2.281

BRUTUS
And after that, he came, thus sad, away?
Link: 1.2.282

CASCA

CASSIUS
Did Cicero say any thing?
Link: 1.2.284

CASCA
Ay, he spoke Greek.
Link: 1.2.285

CASSIUS
To what effect?
Link: 1.2.286

CASCA
Nay, an I tell you that, Ill ne'er look you i' the
Link: 1.2.287
face again: but those that understood him smiled at
Link: 1.2.288
one another and shook their heads; but, for mine own
Link: 1.2.289
part, it was Greek to me. I could tell you more
Link: 1.2.290
news too: Marullus and Flavius, for pulling scarfs
Link: 1.2.291
off Caesar's images, are put to silence. Fare you
Link: 1.2.292
well. There was more foolery yet, if I could
Link: 1.2.293
remember it.
Link: 1.2.294

CASSIUS
Will you sup with me to-night, Casca?
Link: 1.2.295

CASCA
No, I am promised forth.
Link: 1.2.296

CASSIUS
Will you dine with me to-morrow?
Link: 1.2.297

CASCA
Ay, if I be alive and your mind hold and your dinner
Link: 1.2.298
worth the eating.
Link: 1.2.299

CASSIUS
Good: I will expect you.
Link: 1.2.300

CASCA
Do so. Farewell, both.
Link: 1.2.301

Exit

BRUTUS
What a blunt fellow is this grown to be!
Link: 1.2.302
He was quick mettle when he went to school.
Link: 1.2.303

CASSIUS
So is he now in execution
Link: 1.2.304
Of any bold or noble enterprise,
Link: 1.2.305
However he puts on this tardy form.
Link: 1.2.306
This rudeness is a sauce to his good wit,
Link: 1.2.307
Which gives men stomach to digest his words
Link: 1.2.308
With better appetite.
Link: 1.2.309

BRUTUS
And so it is. For this time I will leave you:
Link: 1.2.310
To-morrow, if you please to speak with me,
Link: 1.2.311
I will come home to you; or, if you will,
Link: 1.2.312
Come home to me, and I will wait for you.
Link: 1.2.313

CASSIUS
I will do so: till then, think of the world.
Link: 1.2.314
Well, Brutus, thou art noble; yet, I see,
Link: 1.2.315
Thy honourable metal may be wrought
Link: 1.2.316
From that it is disposed: therefore it is meet
Link: 1.2.317
That noble minds keep ever with their likes;
Link: 1.2.318
For who so firm that cannot be seduced?
Link: 1.2.319
Caesar doth bear me hard; but he loves Brutus:
Link: 1.2.320
If I were Brutus now and he were Cassius,
Link: 1.2.321
He should not humour me. I will this night,
Link: 1.2.322
In several hands, in at his windows throw,
Link: 1.2.323
As if they came from several citizens,
Link: 1.2.324
Writings all tending to the great opinion
Link: 1.2.325
That Rome holds of his name; wherein obscurely
Link: 1.2.326
Caesar's ambition shall be glanced at:
Link: 1.2.327
And after this let Caesar seat him sure;
Link: 1.2.328
For we will shake him, or worse days endure.
Link: 1.2.329

Exit

SCENE III. The same. A street.

Scene 3 of Act 1 begins with Casca, a Roman senator, meeting with Cicero, another senator, on a dark and stormy night. They discuss the strange happenings in Rome, including a lion wandering through the streets and men on fire walking through the city. Casca believes these events are signs of something ominous to come.

As they continue to talk, they see a group of men, including Cassius and Brutus, approaching. Cassius pulls Brutus aside and begins to convince him to join a conspiracy to overthrow Julius Caesar. Cassius argues that Caesar has become too powerful and needs to be stopped before he becomes a tyrant. He also appeals to Brutus's sense of honor and duty to Rome.

Brutus is conflicted, as he is a friend of Caesar's but also loves Rome. He agrees to consider Cassius's proposal and they part ways. Casca and Cicero then enter, and Cassius reveals to them that he has successfully recruited Brutus to their cause.

The scene ends with the conspirators discussing their plans to assassinate Caesar and their hopes for a better future for Rome.

Thunder and lightning. Enter from opposite sides, CASCA, with his sword drawn, and CICERO

CICERO
Good even, Casca: brought you Caesar home?
Link: 1.3.1
Why are you breathless? and why stare you so?
Link: 1.3.2

CASCA
Are not you moved, when all the sway of earth
Link: 1.3.3
Shakes like a thing unfirm? O Cicero,
Link: 1.3.4
I have seen tempests, when the scolding winds
Link: 1.3.5
Have rived the knotty oaks, and I have seen
Link: 1.3.6
The ambitious ocean swell and rage and foam,
Link: 1.3.7
To be exalted with the threatening clouds:
Link: 1.3.8
But never till to-night, never till now,
Link: 1.3.9
Did I go through a tempest dropping fire.
Link: 1.3.10
Either there is a civil strife in heaven,
Link: 1.3.11
Or else the world, too saucy with the gods,
Link: 1.3.12
Incenses them to send destruction.
Link: 1.3.13

CICERO
Why, saw you any thing more wonderful?
Link: 1.3.14

CASCA
A common slave--you know him well by sight--
Link: 1.3.15
Held up his left hand, which did flame and burn
Link: 1.3.16
Like twenty torches join'd, and yet his hand,
Link: 1.3.17
Not sensible of fire, remain'd unscorch'd.
Link: 1.3.18
Besides--I ha' not since put up my sword--
Link: 1.3.19
Against the Capitol I met a lion,
Link: 1.3.20
Who glared upon me, and went surly by,
Link: 1.3.21
Without annoying me: and there were drawn
Link: 1.3.22
Upon a heap a hundred ghastly women,
Link: 1.3.23
Transformed with their fear; who swore they saw
Link: 1.3.24
Men all in fire walk up and down the streets.
Link: 1.3.25
And yesterday the bird of night did sit
Link: 1.3.26
Even at noon-day upon the market-place,
Link: 1.3.27
Hooting and shrieking. When these prodigies
Link: 1.3.28
Do so conjointly meet, let not men say
Link: 1.3.29
'These are their reasons; they are natural;'
Link: 1.3.30
For, I believe, they are portentous things
Link: 1.3.31
Unto the climate that they point upon.
Link: 1.3.32

CICERO
Indeed, it is a strange-disposed time:
Link: 1.3.33
But men may construe things after their fashion,
Link: 1.3.34
Clean from the purpose of the things themselves.
Link: 1.3.35
Come Caesar to the Capitol to-morrow?
Link: 1.3.36

CASCA
He doth; for he did bid Antonius
Link: 1.3.37
Send word to you he would be there to-morrow.
Link: 1.3.38

CICERO
Good night then, Casca: this disturbed sky
Link: 1.3.39
Is not to walk in.
Link: 1.3.40

CASCA
Farewell, Cicero.
Link: 1.3.41

Exit CICERO

Enter CASSIUS

CASSIUS
Who's there?
Link: 1.3.42

CASCA
A Roman.
Link: 1.3.43

CASSIUS
Casca, by your voice.
Link: 1.3.44

CASCA
Your ear is good. Cassius, what night is this!
Link: 1.3.45

CASSIUS
A very pleasing night to honest men.
Link: 1.3.46

CASCA
Who ever knew the heavens menace so?
Link: 1.3.47

CASSIUS
Those that have known the earth so full of faults.
Link: 1.3.48
For my part, I have walk'd about the streets,
Link: 1.3.49
Submitting me unto the perilous night,
Link: 1.3.50
And, thus unbraced, Casca, as you see,
Link: 1.3.51
Have bared my bosom to the thunder-stone;
Link: 1.3.52
And when the cross blue lightning seem'd to open
Link: 1.3.53
The breast of heaven, I did present myself
Link: 1.3.54
Even in the aim and very flash of it.
Link: 1.3.55

CASCA
But wherefore did you so much tempt the heavens?
Link: 1.3.56
It is the part of men to fear and tremble,
Link: 1.3.57
When the most mighty gods by tokens send
Link: 1.3.58
Such dreadful heralds to astonish us.
Link: 1.3.59

CASSIUS
You are dull, Casca, and those sparks of life
Link: 1.3.60
That should be in a Roman you do want,
Link: 1.3.61
Or else you use not. You look pale and gaze
Link: 1.3.62
And put on fear and cast yourself in wonder,
Link: 1.3.63
To see the strange impatience of the heavens:
Link: 1.3.64
But if you would consider the true cause
Link: 1.3.65
Why all these fires, why all these gliding ghosts,
Link: 1.3.66
Why birds and beasts from quality and kind,
Link: 1.3.67
Why old men fool and children calculate,
Link: 1.3.68
Why all these things change from their ordinance
Link: 1.3.69
Their natures and preformed faculties
Link: 1.3.70
To monstrous quality,--why, you shall find
Link: 1.3.71
That heaven hath infused them with these spirits,
Link: 1.3.72
To make them instruments of fear and warning
Link: 1.3.73
Unto some monstrous state.
Link: 1.3.74
Now could I, Casca, name to thee a man
Link: 1.3.75
Most like this dreadful night,
Link: 1.3.76
That thunders, lightens, opens graves, and roars
Link: 1.3.77
As doth the lion in the Capitol,
Link: 1.3.78
A man no mightier than thyself or me
Link: 1.3.79
In personal action, yet prodigious grown
Link: 1.3.80
And fearful, as these strange eruptions are.
Link: 1.3.81

CASCA
'Tis Caesar that you mean; is it not, Cassius?
Link: 1.3.82

CASSIUS
Let it be who it is: for Romans now
Link: 1.3.83
Have thews and limbs like to their ancestors;
Link: 1.3.84
But, woe the while! our fathers' minds are dead,
Link: 1.3.85
And we are govern'd with our mothers' spirits;
Link: 1.3.86
Our yoke and sufferance show us womanish.
Link: 1.3.87

CASCA
Indeed, they say the senators tomorrow
Link: 1.3.88
Mean to establish Caesar as a king;
Link: 1.3.89
And he shall wear his crown by sea and land,
Link: 1.3.90
In every place, save here in Italy.
Link: 1.3.91

CASSIUS
I know where I will wear this dagger then;
Link: 1.3.92
Cassius from bondage will deliver Cassius:
Link: 1.3.93
Therein, ye gods, you make the weak most strong;
Link: 1.3.94
Therein, ye gods, you tyrants do defeat:
Link: 1.3.95
Nor stony tower, nor walls of beaten brass,
Link: 1.3.96
Nor airless dungeon, nor strong links of iron,
Link: 1.3.97
Can be retentive to the strength of spirit;
Link: 1.3.98
But life, being weary of these worldly bars,
Link: 1.3.99
Never lacks power to dismiss itself.
Link: 1.3.100
If I know this, know all the world besides,
Link: 1.3.101
That part of tyranny that I do bear
Link: 1.3.102
I can shake off at pleasure.
Link: 1.3.103

Thunder still

CASCA
So can I:
Link: 1.3.104
So every bondman in his own hand bears
Link: 1.3.105
The power to cancel his captivity.
Link: 1.3.106

CASSIUS
And why should Caesar be a tyrant then?
Link: 1.3.107
Poor man! I know he would not be a wolf,
Link: 1.3.108
But that he sees the Romans are but sheep:
Link: 1.3.109
He were no lion, were not Romans hinds.
Link: 1.3.110
Those that with haste will make a mighty fire
Link: 1.3.111
Begin it with weak straws: what trash is Rome,
Link: 1.3.112
What rubbish and what offal, when it serves
Link: 1.3.113
For the base matter to illuminate
Link: 1.3.114
So vile a thing as Caesar! But, O grief,
Link: 1.3.115
Where hast thou led me? I perhaps speak this
Link: 1.3.116
Before a willing bondman; then I know
Link: 1.3.117
My answer must be made. But I am arm'd,
Link: 1.3.118
And dangers are to me indifferent.
Link: 1.3.119

CASCA
You speak to Casca, and to such a man
Link: 1.3.120
That is no fleering tell-tale. Hold, my hand:
Link: 1.3.121
Be factious for redress of all these griefs,
Link: 1.3.122
And I will set this foot of mine as far
Link: 1.3.123
As who goes farthest.
Link: 1.3.124

CASSIUS
There's a bargain made.
Link: 1.3.125
Now know you, Casca, I have moved already
Link: 1.3.126
Some certain of the noblest-minded Romans
Link: 1.3.127
To undergo with me an enterprise
Link: 1.3.128
Of honourable-dangerous consequence;
Link: 1.3.129
And I do know, by this, they stay for me
Link: 1.3.130
In Pompey's porch: for now, this fearful night,
Link: 1.3.131
There is no stir or walking in the streets;
Link: 1.3.132
And the complexion of the element
Link: 1.3.133
In favour's like the work we have in hand,
Link: 1.3.134
Most bloody, fiery, and most terrible.
Link: 1.3.135

CASCA
Stand close awhile, for here comes one in haste.
Link: 1.3.136

CASSIUS
'Tis Cinna; I do know him by his gait;
Link: 1.3.137
He is a friend.
Link: 1.3.138
Cinna, where haste you so?
Link: 1.3.139

CINNA
To find out you. Who's that? Metellus Cimber?
Link: 1.3.140

CASSIUS
No, it is Casca; one incorporate
Link: 1.3.141
To our attempts. Am I not stay'd for, Cinna?
Link: 1.3.142

CINNA
I am glad on 't. What a fearful night is this!
Link: 1.3.143
There's two or three of us have seen strange sights.
Link: 1.3.144

CASSIUS
Am I not stay'd for? tell me.
Link: 1.3.145

CINNA
Yes, you are.
Link: 1.3.146
O Cassius, if you could
Link: 1.3.147
But win the noble Brutus to our party--
Link: 1.3.148

CASSIUS
Be you content: good Cinna, take this paper,
Link: 1.3.149
And look you lay it in the praetor's chair,
Link: 1.3.150
Where Brutus may but find it; and throw this
Link: 1.3.151
In at his window; set this up with wax
Link: 1.3.152
Upon old Brutus' statue: all this done,
Link: 1.3.153
Repair to Pompey's porch, where you shall find us.
Link: 1.3.154
Is Decius Brutus and Trebonius there?
Link: 1.3.155

CINNA
All but Metellus Cimber; and he's gone
Link: 1.3.156
To seek you at your house. Well, I will hie,
Link: 1.3.157
And so bestow these papers as you bade me.
Link: 1.3.158

CASSIUS
That done, repair to Pompey's theatre.
Link: 1.3.159
Come, Casca, you and I will yet ere day
Link: 1.3.160
See Brutus at his house: three parts of him
Link: 1.3.161
Is ours already, and the man entire
Link: 1.3.162
Upon the next encounter yields him ours.
Link: 1.3.163

CASCA
O, he sits high in all the people's hearts:
Link: 1.3.164
And that which would appear offence in us,
Link: 1.3.165
His countenance, like richest alchemy,
Link: 1.3.166
Will change to virtue and to worthiness.
Link: 1.3.167

CASSIUS
Him and his worth and our great need of him
Link: 1.3.168
You have right well conceited. Let us go,
Link: 1.3.169
For it is after midnight; and ere day
Link: 1.3.170
We will awake him and be sure of him.
Link: 1.3.171

Exeunt

Act II

Act 2 of Julius Caesar begins with Brutus, a Roman senator, contemplating the assassination of Julius Caesar, who he believes has become too powerful and will ultimately destroy the Roman Republic. He is approached by Cassius, one of the conspirators, who urges Brutus to join the plot. They discuss the details of the assassination and agree to meet again.

Later, Caesar's wife, Calpurnia, has a nightmare about Caesar's death and begs him not to go to the Senate on the day of the planned assassination. However, Caesar is determined to go and meets with Brutus, who he trusts, on the way to the Senate.

As they go to the Senate, several signs and omens suggest that something terrible is about to happen. A soothsayer warns Caesar to beware the Ides of March, and a servant brings a note warning him of the plot against him, but he dismisses both warnings.

Once Caesar arrives at the Senate, the conspirators surround him and stab him to death. Brutus delivers a speech to the Roman people, explaining why they killed Caesar and praising his own honor and love for Rome. However, the people are not convinced and begin to riot.

Antony, Caesar's loyal friend, arrives and speaks to the crowd, deflecting blame from the conspirators and rousing the people's anger against them. He also reads Caesar's will, which promises money and land to the Roman citizens, further inciting their rage.

The act ends with the conspirators fleeing the city and Antony joining forces with Caesar's adopted son Octavius to prepare for war against them.

SCENE I. Rome. BRUTUS's orchard.

Scene 1 of Act 2 takes place in Brutus' garden. Brutus is alone, deep in thought, when his friend and conspirator, Cassius, enters. Cassius attempts to convince Brutus that Caesar's rise to power will ultimately lead to tyranny, using examples from history to support his argument. He also reveals that he has forged letters from citizens of Rome urging Brutus to take action against Caesar.

Brutus is hesitant, but ultimately agrees to join the conspiracy against Caesar. They are interrupted by the arrival of several other conspirators, including Decius Brutus and Cimber. They discuss their plans and agree to meet later that night to finalize their strategy.

The scene ends with Brutus reflecting on the gravity of their intended actions. He admits that he is torn between his loyalty to Caesar and his love for Rome, but ultimately decides that the good of the people must come first.

Enter BRUTUS

BRUTUS
What, Lucius, ho!
Link: 2.1.1
I cannot, by the progress of the stars,
Link: 2.1.2
Give guess how near to day. Lucius, I say!
Link: 2.1.3
I would it were my fault to sleep so soundly.
Link: 2.1.4
When, Lucius, when? awake, I say! what, Lucius!
Link: 2.1.5

Enter LUCIUS

LUCIUS
Call'd you, my lord?
Link: 2.1.6

BRUTUS
Get me a taper in my study, Lucius:
Link: 2.1.7
When it is lighted, come and call me here.
Link: 2.1.8

LUCIUS
I will, my lord.
Link: 2.1.9

Exit

BRUTUS
It must be by his death: and for my part,
Link: 2.1.10
I know no personal cause to spurn at him,
Link: 2.1.11
But for the general. He would be crown'd:
Link: 2.1.12
How that might change his nature, there's the question.
Link: 2.1.13
It is the bright day that brings forth the adder;
Link: 2.1.14
And that craves wary walking. Crown him?--that;--
Link: 2.1.15
And then, I grant, we put a sting in him,
Link: 2.1.16
That at his will he may do danger with.
Link: 2.1.17
The abuse of greatness is, when it disjoins
Link: 2.1.18
Remorse from power: and, to speak truth of Caesar,
Link: 2.1.19
I have not known when his affections sway'd
Link: 2.1.20
More than his reason. But 'tis a common proof,
Link: 2.1.21
That lowliness is young ambition's ladder,
Link: 2.1.22
Whereto the climber-upward turns his face;
Link: 2.1.23
But when he once attains the upmost round.
Link: 2.1.24
He then unto the ladder turns his back,
Link: 2.1.25
Looks in the clouds, scorning the base degrees
Link: 2.1.26
By which he did ascend. So Caesar may.
Link: 2.1.27
Then, lest he may, prevent. And, since the quarrel
Link: 2.1.28
Will bear no colour for the thing he is,
Link: 2.1.29
Fashion it thus; that what he is, augmented,
Link: 2.1.30
Would run to these and these extremities:
Link: 2.1.31
And therefore think him as a serpent's egg
Link: 2.1.32
Which, hatch'd, would, as his kind, grow mischievous,
Link: 2.1.33
And kill him in the shell.
Link: 2.1.34

Re-enter LUCIUS

LUCIUS
The taper burneth in your closet, sir.
Link: 2.1.35
Searching the window for a flint, I found
Link: 2.1.36
This paper, thus seal'd up; and, I am sure,
Link: 2.1.37
It did not lie there when I went to bed.
Link: 2.1.38

Gives him the letter

BRUTUS
Get you to bed again; it is not day.
Link: 2.1.39
Is not to-morrow, boy, the ides of March?
Link: 2.1.40

LUCIUS
I know not, sir.
Link: 2.1.41

BRUTUS
Look in the calendar, and bring me word.
Link: 2.1.42

LUCIUS
I will, sir.
Link: 2.1.43

Exit

BRUTUS
The exhalations whizzing in the air
Link: 2.1.44
Give so much light that I may read by them.
Link: 2.1.45
'Brutus, thou sleep'st: awake, and see thyself.
Link: 2.1.46
Shall Rome, c. Speak, strike, redress!
Link: 2.1.47
Brutus, thou sleep'st: awake!'
Link: 2.1.48
Such instigations have been often dropp'd
Link: 2.1.49
Where I have took them up.
Link: 2.1.50
'Shall Rome, c.' Thus must I piece it out:
Link: 2.1.51
Shall Rome stand under one man's awe? What, Rome?
Link: 2.1.52
My ancestors did from the streets of Rome
Link: 2.1.53
The Tarquin drive, when he was call'd a king.
Link: 2.1.54
'Speak, strike, redress!' Am I entreated
Link: 2.1.55
To speak and strike? O Rome, I make thee promise:
Link: 2.1.56
If the redress will follow, thou receivest
Link: 2.1.57
Thy full petition at the hand of Brutus!
Link: 2.1.58

Re-enter LUCIUS

LUCIUS
Sir, March is wasted fourteen days.
Link: 2.1.59

Knocking within

BRUTUS
'Tis good. Go to the gate; somebody knocks.
Link: 2.1.60
Since Cassius first did whet me against Caesar,
Link: 2.1.61
I have not slept.
Link: 2.1.62
Between the acting of a dreadful thing
Link: 2.1.63
And the first motion, all the interim is
Link: 2.1.64
Like a phantasma, or a hideous dream:
Link: 2.1.65
The Genius and the mortal instruments
Link: 2.1.66
Are then in council; and the state of man,
Link: 2.1.67
Like to a little kingdom, suffers then
Link: 2.1.68
The nature of an insurrection.
Link: 2.1.69

Re-enter LUCIUS

LUCIUS
Sir, 'tis your brother Cassius at the door,
Link: 2.1.70
Who doth desire to see you.
Link: 2.1.71

BRUTUS
Is he alone?
Link: 2.1.72

LUCIUS
No, sir, there are moe with him.
Link: 2.1.73

BRUTUS
Do you know them?
Link: 2.1.74

LUCIUS
No, sir; their hats are pluck'd about their ears,
Link: 2.1.75
And half their faces buried in their cloaks,
Link: 2.1.76
That by no means I may discover them
Link: 2.1.77
By any mark of favour.
Link: 2.1.78

BRUTUS
Let 'em enter.
Link: 2.1.79
They are the faction. O conspiracy,
Link: 2.1.80
Shamest thou to show thy dangerous brow by night,
Link: 2.1.81
When evils are most free? O, then by day
Link: 2.1.82
Where wilt thou find a cavern dark enough
Link: 2.1.83
To mask thy monstrous visage? Seek none, conspiracy;
Link: 2.1.84
Hide it in smiles and affability:
Link: 2.1.85
For if thou path, thy native semblance on,
Link: 2.1.86
Not Erebus itself were dim enough
Link: 2.1.87
To hide thee from prevention.
Link: 2.1.88

Enter the conspirators, CASSIUS, CASCA, DECIUS BRUTUS, CINNA, METELLUS CIMBER, and TREBONIUS

CASSIUS
I think we are too bold upon your rest:
Link: 2.1.89
Good morrow, Brutus; do we trouble you?
Link: 2.1.90

BRUTUS
I have been up this hour, awake all night.
Link: 2.1.91
Know I these men that come along with you?
Link: 2.1.92

CASSIUS
Yes, every man of them, and no man here
Link: 2.1.93
But honours you; and every one doth wish
Link: 2.1.94
You had but that opinion of yourself
Link: 2.1.95
Which every noble Roman bears of you.
Link: 2.1.96
This is Trebonius.
Link: 2.1.97

BRUTUS
He is welcome hither.
Link: 2.1.98

CASSIUS
This, Decius Brutus.
Link: 2.1.99

BRUTUS
He is welcome too.
Link: 2.1.100

CASSIUS
This, Casca; this, Cinna; and this, Metellus Cimber.
Link: 2.1.101

BRUTUS
They are all welcome.
Link: 2.1.102
What watchful cares do interpose themselves
Link: 2.1.103
Betwixt your eyes and night?
Link: 2.1.104

CASSIUS
Shall I entreat a word?
Link: 2.1.105

BRUTUS and CASSIUS whisper

DECIUS BRUTUS
Here lies the east: doth not the day break here?
Link: 2.1.106

CASCA

CINNA
O, pardon, sir, it doth; and yon gray lines
Link: 2.1.108
That fret the clouds are messengers of day.
Link: 2.1.109

CASCA
You shall confess that you are both deceived.
Link: 2.1.110
Here, as I point my sword, the sun arises,
Link: 2.1.111
Which is a great way growing on the south,
Link: 2.1.112
Weighing the youthful season of the year.
Link: 2.1.113
Some two months hence up higher toward the north
Link: 2.1.114
He first presents his fire; and the high east
Link: 2.1.115
Stands, as the Capitol, directly here.
Link: 2.1.116

BRUTUS
Give me your hands all over, one by one.
Link: 2.1.117

CASSIUS
And let us swear our resolution.
Link: 2.1.118

BRUTUS
No, not an oath: if not the face of men,
Link: 2.1.119
The sufferance of our souls, the time's abuse,--
Link: 2.1.120
If these be motives weak, break off betimes,
Link: 2.1.121
And every man hence to his idle bed;
Link: 2.1.122
So let high-sighted tyranny range on,
Link: 2.1.123
Till each man drop by lottery. But if these,
Link: 2.1.124
As I am sure they do, bear fire enough
Link: 2.1.125
To kindle cowards and to steel with valour
Link: 2.1.126
The melting spirits of women, then, countrymen,
Link: 2.1.127
What need we any spur but our own cause,
Link: 2.1.128
To prick us to redress? what other bond
Link: 2.1.129
Than secret Romans, that have spoke the word,
Link: 2.1.130
And will not palter? and what other oath
Link: 2.1.131
Than honesty to honesty engaged,
Link: 2.1.132
That this shall be, or we will fall for it?
Link: 2.1.133
Swear priests and cowards and men cautelous,
Link: 2.1.134
Old feeble carrions and such suffering souls
Link: 2.1.135
That welcome wrongs; unto bad causes swear
Link: 2.1.136
Such creatures as men doubt; but do not stain
Link: 2.1.137
The even virtue of our enterprise,
Link: 2.1.138
Nor the insuppressive mettle of our spirits,
Link: 2.1.139
To think that or our cause or our performance
Link: 2.1.140
Did need an oath; when every drop of blood
Link: 2.1.141
That every Roman bears, and nobly bears,
Link: 2.1.142
Is guilty of a several bastardy,
Link: 2.1.143
If he do break the smallest particle
Link: 2.1.144
Of any promise that hath pass'd from him.
Link: 2.1.145

CASSIUS
But what of Cicero? shall we sound him?
Link: 2.1.146
I think he will stand very strong with us.
Link: 2.1.147

CASCA
Let us not leave him out.
Link: 2.1.148

CINNA
No, by no means.
Link: 2.1.149

METELLUS CIMBER
O, let us have him, for his silver hairs
Link: 2.1.150
Will purchase us a good opinion
Link: 2.1.151
And buy men's voices to commend our deeds:
Link: 2.1.152
It shall be said, his judgment ruled our hands;
Link: 2.1.153
Our youths and wildness shall no whit appear,
Link: 2.1.154
But all be buried in his gravity.
Link: 2.1.155

BRUTUS
O, name him not: let us not break with him;
Link: 2.1.156
For he will never follow any thing
Link: 2.1.157
That other men begin.
Link: 2.1.158

CASSIUS
Then leave him out.
Link: 2.1.159

CASCA
Indeed he is not fit.
Link: 2.1.160

DECIUS BRUTUS
Shall no man else be touch'd but only Caesar?
Link: 2.1.161

CASSIUS
Decius, well urged: I think it is not meet,
Link: 2.1.162
Mark Antony, so well beloved of Caesar,
Link: 2.1.163
Should outlive Caesar: we shall find of him
Link: 2.1.164
A shrewd contriver; and, you know, his means,
Link: 2.1.165
If he improve them, may well stretch so far
Link: 2.1.166
As to annoy us all: which to prevent,
Link: 2.1.167
Let Antony and Caesar fall together.
Link: 2.1.168

BRUTUS
Our course will seem too bloody, Caius Cassius,
Link: 2.1.169
To cut the head off and then hack the limbs,
Link: 2.1.170
Like wrath in death and envy afterwards;
Link: 2.1.171
For Antony is but a limb of Caesar:
Link: 2.1.172
Let us be sacrificers, but not butchers, Caius.
Link: 2.1.173
We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar;
Link: 2.1.174
And in the spirit of men there is no blood:
Link: 2.1.175
O, that we then could come by Caesar's spirit,
Link: 2.1.176
And not dismember Caesar! But, alas,
Link: 2.1.177
Caesar must bleed for it! And, gentle friends,
Link: 2.1.178
Let's kill him boldly, but not wrathfully;
Link: 2.1.179
Let's carve him as a dish fit for the gods,
Link: 2.1.180
Not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds:
Link: 2.1.181
And let our hearts, as subtle masters do,
Link: 2.1.182
Stir up their servants to an act of rage,
Link: 2.1.183
And after seem to chide 'em. This shall make
Link: 2.1.184
Our purpose necessary and not envious:
Link: 2.1.185
Which so appearing to the common eyes,
Link: 2.1.186
We shall be call'd purgers, not murderers.
Link: 2.1.187
And for Mark Antony, think not of him;
Link: 2.1.188
For he can do no more than Caesar's arm
Link: 2.1.189
When Caesar's head is off.
Link: 2.1.190

CASSIUS
Yet I fear him;
Link: 2.1.191
For in the ingrafted love he bears to Caesar--
Link: 2.1.192

BRUTUS
Alas, good Cassius, do not think of him:
Link: 2.1.193
If he love Caesar, all that he can do
Link: 2.1.194
Is to himself, take thought and die for Caesar:
Link: 2.1.195
And that were much he should; for he is given
Link: 2.1.196
To sports, to wildness and much company.
Link: 2.1.197

TREBONIUS
There is no fear in him; let him not die;
Link: 2.1.198
For he will live, and laugh at this hereafter.
Link: 2.1.199

Clock strikes

BRUTUS
Peace! count the clock.
Link: 2.1.200

CASSIUS
The clock hath stricken three.
Link: 2.1.201

TREBONIUS
'Tis time to part.
Link: 2.1.202

CASSIUS
But it is doubtful yet,
Link: 2.1.203
Whether Caesar will come forth to-day, or no;
Link: 2.1.204
For he is superstitious grown of late,
Link: 2.1.205
Quite from the main opinion he held once
Link: 2.1.206
Of fantasy, of dreams and ceremonies:
Link: 2.1.207
It may be, these apparent prodigies,
Link: 2.1.208
The unaccustom'd terror of this night,
Link: 2.1.209
And the persuasion of his augurers,
Link: 2.1.210
May hold him from the Capitol to-day.
Link: 2.1.211

DECIUS BRUTUS
Never fear that: if he be so resolved,
Link: 2.1.212
I can o'ersway him; for he loves to hear
Link: 2.1.213
That unicorns may be betray'd with trees,
Link: 2.1.214
And bears with glasses, elephants with holes,
Link: 2.1.215
Lions with toils and men with flatterers;
Link: 2.1.216
But when I tell him he hates flatterers,
Link: 2.1.217
He says he does, being then most flattered.
Link: 2.1.218
Let me work;
Link: 2.1.219
For I can give his humour the true bent,
Link: 2.1.220
And I will bring him to the Capitol.
Link: 2.1.221

CASSIUS
Nay, we will all of us be there to fetch him.
Link: 2.1.222

BRUTUS
By the eighth hour: is that the uttermost?
Link: 2.1.223

CINNA
Be that the uttermost, and fail not then.
Link: 2.1.224

METELLUS CIMBER
Caius Ligarius doth bear Caesar hard,
Link: 2.1.225
Who rated him for speaking well of Pompey:
Link: 2.1.226
I wonder none of you have thought of him.
Link: 2.1.227

BRUTUS
Now, good Metellus, go along by him:
Link: 2.1.228
He loves me well, and I have given him reasons;
Link: 2.1.229
Send him but hither, and I'll fashion him.
Link: 2.1.230

CASSIUS
The morning comes upon 's: we'll leave you, Brutus.
Link: 2.1.231
And, friends, disperse yourselves; but all remember
Link: 2.1.232
What you have said, and show yourselves true Romans.
Link: 2.1.233

BRUTUS
Good gentlemen, look fresh and merrily;
Link: 2.1.234
Let not our looks put on our purposes,
Link: 2.1.235
But bear it as our Roman actors do,
Link: 2.1.236
With untired spirits and formal constancy:
Link: 2.1.237
And so good morrow to you every one.
Link: 2.1.238
Boy! Lucius! Fast asleep? It is no matter;
Link: 2.1.239
Enjoy the honey-heavy dew of slumber:
Link: 2.1.240
Thou hast no figures nor no fantasies,
Link: 2.1.241
Which busy care draws in the brains of men;
Link: 2.1.242
Therefore thou sleep'st so sound.
Link: 2.1.243

Enter PORTIA

PORTIA
Brutus, my lord!
Link: 2.1.244

BRUTUS
Portia, what mean you? wherefore rise you now?
Link: 2.1.245
It is not for your health thus to commit
Link: 2.1.246
Your weak condition to the raw cold morning.
Link: 2.1.247

PORTIA
Nor for yours neither. You've ungently, Brutus,
Link: 2.1.248
Stole from my bed: and yesternight, at supper,
Link: 2.1.249
You suddenly arose, and walk'd about,
Link: 2.1.250
Musing and sighing, with your arms across,
Link: 2.1.251
And when I ask'd you what the matter was,
Link: 2.1.252
You stared upon me with ungentle looks;
Link: 2.1.253
I urged you further; then you scratch'd your head,
Link: 2.1.254
And too impatiently stamp'd with your foot;
Link: 2.1.255
Yet I insisted, yet you answer'd not,
Link: 2.1.256
But, with an angry wafture of your hand,
Link: 2.1.257
Gave sign for me to leave you: so I did;
Link: 2.1.258
Fearing to strengthen that impatience
Link: 2.1.259
Which seem'd too much enkindled, and withal
Link: 2.1.260
Hoping it was but an effect of humour,
Link: 2.1.261
Which sometime hath his hour with every man.
Link: 2.1.262
It will not let you eat, nor talk, nor sleep,
Link: 2.1.263
And could it work so much upon your shape
Link: 2.1.264
As it hath much prevail'd on your condition,
Link: 2.1.265
I should not know you, Brutus. Dear my lord,
Link: 2.1.266
Make me acquainted with your cause of grief.
Link: 2.1.267

BRUTUS
I am not well in health, and that is all.
Link: 2.1.268

PORTIA
Brutus is wise, and, were he not in health,
Link: 2.1.269
He would embrace the means to come by it.
Link: 2.1.270

BRUTUS
Why, so I do. Good Portia, go to bed.
Link: 2.1.271

PORTIA
Is Brutus sick? and is it physical
Link: 2.1.272
To walk unbraced and suck up the humours
Link: 2.1.273
Of the dank morning? What, is Brutus sick,
Link: 2.1.274
And will he steal out of his wholesome bed,
Link: 2.1.275
To dare the vile contagion of the night
Link: 2.1.276
And tempt the rheumy and unpurged air
Link: 2.1.277
To add unto his sickness? No, my Brutus;
Link: 2.1.278
You have some sick offence within your mind,
Link: 2.1.279
Which, by the right and virtue of my place,
Link: 2.1.280
I ought to know of: and, upon my knees,
Link: 2.1.281
I charm you, by my once-commended beauty,
Link: 2.1.282
By all your vows of love and that great vow
Link: 2.1.283
Which did incorporate and make us one,
Link: 2.1.284
That you unfold to me, yourself, your half,
Link: 2.1.285
Why you are heavy, and what men to-night
Link: 2.1.286
Have had to resort to you: for here have been
Link: 2.1.287
Some six or seven, who did hide their faces
Link: 2.1.288
Even from darkness.
Link: 2.1.289

BRUTUS
Kneel not, gentle Portia.
Link: 2.1.290

PORTIA
I should not need, if you were gentle Brutus.
Link: 2.1.291
Within the bond of marriage, tell me, Brutus,
Link: 2.1.292
Is it excepted I should know no secrets
Link: 2.1.293
That appertain to you? Am I yourself
Link: 2.1.294
But, as it were, in sort or limitation,
Link: 2.1.295
To keep with you at meals, comfort your bed,
Link: 2.1.296
And talk to you sometimes? Dwell I but in the suburbs
Link: 2.1.297
Of your good pleasure? If it be no more,
Link: 2.1.298
Portia is Brutus' harlot, not his wife.
Link: 2.1.299

BRUTUS
You are my true and honourable wife,
Link: 2.1.300
As dear to me as are the ruddy drops
Link: 2.1.301
That visit my sad heart
Link: 2.1.302

PORTIA
If this were true, then should I know this secret.
Link: 2.1.303
I grant I am a woman; but withal
Link: 2.1.304
A woman that Lord Brutus took to wife:
Link: 2.1.305
I grant I am a woman; but withal
Link: 2.1.306
A woman well-reputed, Cato's daughter.
Link: 2.1.307
Think you I am no stronger than my sex,
Link: 2.1.308
Being so father'd and so husbanded?
Link: 2.1.309
Tell me your counsels, I will not disclose 'em:
Link: 2.1.310
I have made strong proof of my constancy,
Link: 2.1.311
Giving myself a voluntary wound
Link: 2.1.312
Here, in the thigh: can I bear that with patience.
Link: 2.1.313
And not my husband's secrets?
Link: 2.1.314

BRUTUS
O ye gods,
Link: 2.1.315
Render me worthy of this noble wife!
Link: 2.1.316
Hark, hark! one knocks: Portia, go in awhile;
Link: 2.1.317
And by and by thy bosom shall partake
Link: 2.1.318
The secrets of my heart.
Link: 2.1.319
All my engagements I will construe to thee,
Link: 2.1.320
All the charactery of my sad brows:
Link: 2.1.321
Leave me with haste.
Link: 2.1.322
Lucius, who's that knocks?
Link: 2.1.323

Re-enter LUCIUS with LIGARIUS

LUCIUS
He is a sick man that would speak with you.
Link: 2.1.324

BRUTUS
Caius Ligarius, that Metellus spake of.
Link: 2.1.325
Boy, stand aside. Caius Ligarius! how?
Link: 2.1.326

LIGARIUS
Vouchsafe good morrow from a feeble tongue.
Link: 2.1.327

BRUTUS
O, what a time have you chose out, brave Caius,
Link: 2.1.328
To wear a kerchief! Would you were not sick!
Link: 2.1.329

LIGARIUS
I am not sick, if Brutus have in hand
Link: 2.1.330
Any exploit worthy the name of honour.
Link: 2.1.331

BRUTUS
Such an exploit have I in hand, Ligarius,
Link: 2.1.332
Had you a healthful ear to hear of it.
Link: 2.1.333

LIGARIUS
By all the gods that Romans bow before,
Link: 2.1.334
I here discard my sickness! Soul of Rome!
Link: 2.1.335
Brave son, derived from honourable loins!
Link: 2.1.336
Thou, like an exorcist, hast conjured up
Link: 2.1.337
My mortified spirit. Now bid me run,
Link: 2.1.338
And I will strive with things impossible;
Link: 2.1.339
Yea, get the better of them. What's to do?
Link: 2.1.340

BRUTUS
A piece of work that will make sick men whole.
Link: 2.1.341

LIGARIUS
But are not some whole that we must make sick?
Link: 2.1.342

BRUTUS
That must we also. What it is, my Caius,
Link: 2.1.343
I shall unfold to thee, as we are going
Link: 2.1.344
To whom it must be done.
Link: 2.1.345

LIGARIUS
Set on your foot,
Link: 2.1.346
And with a heart new-fired I follow you,
Link: 2.1.347
To do I know not what: but it sufficeth
Link: 2.1.348
That Brutus leads me on.
Link: 2.1.349

BRUTUS
Follow me, then.
Link: 2.1.350

Exeunt

SCENE II. CAESAR's house.

Scene 2 of Act 2 takes place in a room in Caesar's house. Caesar is getting ready to leave for the Senate when his wife, Calpurnia, enters and begs him not to go. She tells him about a terrible dream she had where his statue was pouring out blood and Romans were bathing in it. She believes it is a sign that he will be killed and begs him to stay home.

Caesar is initially dismissive of her concerns but is eventually swayed by the arrival of a soothsayer who warns him to beware the ides of March. Caesar decides to stay home, much to the delight of Calpurnia.

However, Decius Brutus, one of the conspirators, arrives and convinces Caesar to come to the Senate by convincing him that the dream was misinterpreted and that the Senate wants to offer him the crown. Caesar ultimately decides to go, despite Calpurnia's protests.

Thunder and lightning. Enter CAESAR, in his night-gown

CAESAR
Nor heaven nor earth have been at peace to-night:
Link: 2.2.1
Thrice hath Calpurnia in her sleep cried out,
Link: 2.2.2
'Help, ho! they murder Caesar!' Who's within?
Link: 2.2.3

Enter a Servant

Servant
My lord?
Link: 2.2.4

CAESAR
Go bid the priests do present sacrifice
Link: 2.2.5
And bring me their opinions of success.
Link: 2.2.6

Servant
I will, my lord.
Link: 2.2.7

Exit

Enter CALPURNIA

CALPURNIA
What mean you, Caesar? think you to walk forth?
Link: 2.2.8
You shall not stir out of your house to-day.
Link: 2.2.9

CAESAR
Caesar shall forth: the things that threaten'd me
Link: 2.2.10
Ne'er look'd but on my back; when they shall see
Link: 2.2.11
The face of Caesar, they are vanished.
Link: 2.2.12

CALPURNIA
Caesar, I never stood on ceremonies,
Link: 2.2.13
Yet now they fright me. There is one within,
Link: 2.2.14
Besides the things that we have heard and seen,
Link: 2.2.15
Recounts most horrid sights seen by the watch.
Link: 2.2.16
A lioness hath whelped in the streets;
Link: 2.2.17
And graves have yawn'd, and yielded up their dead;
Link: 2.2.18
Fierce fiery warriors fought upon the clouds,
Link: 2.2.19
In ranks and squadrons and right form of war,
Link: 2.2.20
Which drizzled blood upon the Capitol;
Link: 2.2.21
The noise of battle hurtled in the air,
Link: 2.2.22
Horses did neigh, and dying men did groan,
Link: 2.2.23
And ghosts did shriek and squeal about the streets.
Link: 2.2.24
O Caesar! these things are beyond all use,
Link: 2.2.25
And I do fear them.
Link: 2.2.26

CAESAR
What can be avoided
Link: 2.2.27
Whose end is purposed by the mighty gods?
Link: 2.2.28
Yet Caesar shall go forth; for these predictions
Link: 2.2.29
Are to the world in general as to Caesar.
Link: 2.2.30

CALPURNIA
When beggars die, there are no comets seen;
Link: 2.2.31
The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.
Link: 2.2.32

CAESAR
Cowards die many times before their deaths;
Link: 2.2.33
The valiant never taste of death but once.
Link: 2.2.34
Of all the wonders that I yet have heard.
Link: 2.2.35
It seems to me most strange that men should fear;
Link: 2.2.36
Seeing that death, a necessary end,
Link: 2.2.37
Will come when it will come.
Link: 2.2.38
What say the augurers?
Link: 2.2.39

Servant
They would not have you to stir forth to-day.
Link: 2.2.40
Plucking the entrails of an offering forth,
Link: 2.2.41
They could not find a heart within the beast.
Link: 2.2.42

CAESAR
The gods do this in shame of cowardice:
Link: 2.2.43
Caesar should be a beast without a heart,
Link: 2.2.44
If he should stay at home to-day for fear.
Link: 2.2.45
No, Caesar shall not: danger knows full well
Link: 2.2.46
That Caesar is more dangerous than he:
Link: 2.2.47
We are two lions litter'd in one day,
Link: 2.2.48
And I the elder and more terrible:
Link: 2.2.49
And Caesar shall go forth.
Link: 2.2.50

CALPURNIA
Alas, my lord,
Link: 2.2.51
Your wisdom is consumed in confidence.
Link: 2.2.52
Do not go forth to-day: call it my fear
Link: 2.2.53
That keeps you in the house, and not your own.
Link: 2.2.54
We'll send Mark Antony to the senate-house:
Link: 2.2.55
And he shall say you are not well to-day:
Link: 2.2.56
Let me, upon my knee, prevail in this.
Link: 2.2.57

CAESAR
Mark Antony shall say I am not well,
Link: 2.2.58
And, for thy humour, I will stay at home.
Link: 2.2.59
Here's Decius Brutus, he shall tell them so.
Link: 2.2.60

DECIUS BRUTUS
Caesar, all hail! good morrow, worthy Caesar:
Link: 2.2.61
I come to fetch you to the senate-house.
Link: 2.2.62

CAESAR
And you are come in very happy time,
Link: 2.2.63
To bear my greeting to the senators
Link: 2.2.64
And tell them that I will not come to-day:
Link: 2.2.65
Cannot, is false, and that I dare not, falser:
Link: 2.2.66
I will not come to-day: tell them so, Decius.
Link: 2.2.67

CALPURNIA
Say he is sick.
Link: 2.2.68

CAESAR
Shall Caesar send a lie?
Link: 2.2.69
Have I in conquest stretch'd mine arm so far,
Link: 2.2.70
To be afraid to tell graybeards the truth?
Link: 2.2.71
Decius, go tell them Caesar will not come.
Link: 2.2.72

DECIUS BRUTUS
Most mighty Caesar, let me know some cause,
Link: 2.2.73
Lest I be laugh'd at when I tell them so.
Link: 2.2.74

CAESAR
The cause is in my will: I will not come;
Link: 2.2.75
That is enough to satisfy the senate.
Link: 2.2.76
But for your private satisfaction,
Link: 2.2.77
Because I love you, I will let you know:
Link: 2.2.78
Calpurnia here, my wife, stays me at home:
Link: 2.2.79
She dreamt to-night she saw my statua,
Link: 2.2.80
Which, like a fountain with an hundred spouts,
Link: 2.2.81
Did run pure blood: and many lusty Romans
Link: 2.2.82
Came smiling, and did bathe their hands in it:
Link: 2.2.83
And these does she apply for warnings, and portents,
Link: 2.2.84
And evils imminent; and on her knee
Link: 2.2.85
Hath begg'd that I will stay at home to-day.
Link: 2.2.86

DECIUS BRUTUS
This dream is all amiss interpreted;
Link: 2.2.87
It was a vision fair and fortunate:
Link: 2.2.88
Your statue spouting blood in many pipes,
Link: 2.2.89
In which so many smiling Romans bathed,
Link: 2.2.90
Signifies that from you great Rome shall suck
Link: 2.2.91
Reviving blood, and that great men shall press
Link: 2.2.92
For tinctures, stains, relics and cognizance.
Link: 2.2.93
This by Calpurnia's dream is signified.
Link: 2.2.94

CAESAR
And this way have you well expounded it.
Link: 2.2.95

DECIUS BRUTUS
I have, when you have heard what I can say:
Link: 2.2.96
And know it now: the senate have concluded
Link: 2.2.97
To give this day a crown to mighty Caesar.
Link: 2.2.98
If you shall send them word you will not come,
Link: 2.2.99
Their minds may change. Besides, it were a mock
Link: 2.2.100
Apt to be render'd, for some one to say
Link: 2.2.101
'Break up the senate till another time,
Link: 2.2.102
When Caesar's wife shall meet with better dreams.'
Link: 2.2.103
If Caesar hide himself, shall they not whisper
Link: 2.2.104
'Lo, Caesar is afraid'?
Link: 2.2.105
Pardon me, Caesar; for my dear dear love
Link: 2.2.106
To our proceeding bids me tell you this;
Link: 2.2.107
And reason to my love is liable.
Link: 2.2.108

CAESAR
How foolish do your fears seem now, Calpurnia!
Link: 2.2.109
I am ashamed I did yield to them.
Link: 2.2.110
Give me my robe, for I will go.
Link: 2.2.111
And look where Publius is come to fetch me.
Link: 2.2.112

PUBLIUS
Good morrow, Caesar.
Link: 2.2.113

CAESAR
Welcome, Publius.
Link: 2.2.114
What, Brutus, are you stirr'd so early too?
Link: 2.2.115
Good morrow, Casca. Caius Ligarius,
Link: 2.2.116
Caesar was ne'er so much your enemy
Link: 2.2.117
As that same ague which hath made you lean.
Link: 2.2.118
What is 't o'clock?
Link: 2.2.119

BRUTUS
Caesar, 'tis strucken eight.
Link: 2.2.120

CAESAR
I thank you for your pains and courtesy.
Link: 2.2.121
See! Antony, that revels long o' nights,
Link: 2.2.122
Is notwithstanding up. Good morrow, Antony.
Link: 2.2.123

ANTONY
So to most noble Caesar.
Link: 2.2.124

CAESAR
Bid them prepare within:
Link: 2.2.125
I am to blame to be thus waited for.
Link: 2.2.126
Now, Cinna: now, Metellus: what, Trebonius!
Link: 2.2.127
I have an hour's talk in store for you;
Link: 2.2.128
Remember that you call on me to-day:
Link: 2.2.129
Be near me, that I may remember you.
Link: 2.2.130

TREBONIUS
Caesar, I will:
Link: 2.2.131
and so near will I be,
Link: 2.2.132
That your best friends shall wish I had been further.
Link: 2.2.133

CAESAR
Good friends, go in, and taste some wine with me;
Link: 2.2.134
And we, like friends, will straightway go together.
Link: 2.2.135

BRUTUS
(Aside) That every like is not the same, O Caesar,
Link: 2.2.136
The heart of Brutus yearns to think upon!
Link: 2.2.137

Exeunt

SCENE III. A street near the Capitol.

Scene 3 of Act 2 of Julius Caesar involves a conversation between two characters, Brutus and his servant Lucius. The scene takes place in the middle of the night, and Brutus is unable to sleep due to his anxiety about the upcoming assassination of Caesar.

Lucius enters the room and tries to help Brutus relax by playing music. However, Brutus is still unable to calm down and begins to contemplate the consequences of their actions. He fears that their assassination plot will lead to civil war and chaos in Rome.

Brutus then receives a letter from Cassius, one of the conspirators, which urges him to take action against Caesar. The letter also includes details about the other conspirators and their plans. After reading the letter, Brutus becomes more convinced that their plan is necessary for the good of Rome.

The scene ends with Brutus instructing Lucius to bring him a candle and paper so that he can write a letter to the Roman people explaining their actions. He hopes that this letter will convince the public of their noble intentions and prevent any backlash against them.

Enter ARTEMIDORUS, reading a paper

ARTEMIDORUS
'Caesar, beware of Brutus; take heed of Cassius;
Link: 2.3.1
come not near Casca; have an eye to Cinna, trust not
Link: 2.3.2
Trebonius: mark well Metellus Cimber: Decius Brutus
Link: 2.3.3
loves thee not: thou hast wronged Caius Ligarius.
Link: 2.3.4
There is but one mind in all these men, and it is
Link: 2.3.5
bent against Caesar. If thou beest not immortal,
Link: 2.3.6
look about you: security gives way to conspiracy.
Link: 2.3.7
The mighty gods defend thee! Thy lover,
Link: 2.3.8
'ARTEMIDORUS.'
Link: 2.3.9
Here will I stand till Caesar pass along,
Link: 2.3.10
And as a suitor will I give him this.
Link: 2.3.11
My heart laments that virtue cannot live
Link: 2.3.12
Out of the teeth of emulation.
Link: 2.3.13
If thou read this, O Caesar, thou mayst live;
Link: 2.3.14
If not, the Fates with traitors do contrive.
Link: 2.3.15

Exit

SCENE IV. Another part of the same street, before the house of BRUTUS.

Scene 4 of Act 2 takes place in Brutus' garden, where he is visited by Cassius. Cassius attempts to convince Brutus to join the conspiracy against Caesar by citing examples of Caesar's weaknesses and faults. He also presents letters from citizens of Rome, urging Brutus to take action against Caesar. Brutus remains hesitant, citing his love for Caesar and his desire to act out of a sense of duty rather than personal gain. However, Cassius continues to manipulate Brutus, appealing to his sense of honor and patriotism. The scene ends with Brutus agreeing to join the conspiracy, but with the condition that they do not harm any innocent citizens in the process.

Enter PORTIA and LUCIUS

PORTIA
I prithee, boy, run to the senate-house;
Link: 2.4.1
Stay not to answer me, but get thee gone:
Link: 2.4.2
Why dost thou stay?
Link: 2.4.3

LUCIUS
To know my errand, madam.
Link: 2.4.4

PORTIA
I would have had thee there, and here again,
Link: 2.4.5
Ere I can tell thee what thou shouldst do there.
Link: 2.4.6
O constancy, be strong upon my side,
Link: 2.4.7
Set a huge mountain 'tween my heart and tongue!
Link: 2.4.8
I have a man's mind, but a woman's might.
Link: 2.4.9
How hard it is for women to keep counsel!
Link: 2.4.10
Art thou here yet?
Link: 2.4.11

LUCIUS
Madam, what should I do?
Link: 2.4.12
Run to the Capitol, and nothing else?
Link: 2.4.13
And so return to you, and nothing else?
Link: 2.4.14

PORTIA
Yes, bring me word, boy, if thy lord look well,
Link: 2.4.15
For he went sickly forth: and take good note
Link: 2.4.16
What Caesar doth, what suitors press to him.
Link: 2.4.17
Hark, boy! what noise is that?
Link: 2.4.18

LUCIUS
I hear none, madam.
Link: 2.4.19

PORTIA
Prithee, listen well;
Link: 2.4.20
I heard a bustling rumour, like a fray,
Link: 2.4.21
And the wind brings it from the Capitol.
Link: 2.4.22

LUCIUS
Sooth, madam, I hear nothing.
Link: 2.4.23

Enter the Soothsayer

PORTIA
Come hither, fellow: which way hast thou been?
Link: 2.4.24

Soothsayer
At mine own house, good lady.
Link: 2.4.25

PORTIA
What is't o'clock?
Link: 2.4.26

Soothsayer
About the ninth hour, lady.
Link: 2.4.27

PORTIA
Is Caesar yet gone to the Capitol?
Link: 2.4.28

Soothsayer
Madam, not yet: I go to take my stand,
Link: 2.4.29
To see him pass on to the Capitol.
Link: 2.4.30

PORTIA
Thou hast some suit to Caesar, hast thou not?
Link: 2.4.31

Soothsayer
That I have, lady: if it will please Caesar
Link: 2.4.32
To be so good to Caesar as to hear me,
Link: 2.4.33
I shall beseech him to befriend himself.
Link: 2.4.34

PORTIA
Why, know'st thou any harm's intended towards him?
Link: 2.4.35

Soothsayer
None that I know will be, much that I fear may chance.
Link: 2.4.36
Good morrow to you. Here the street is narrow:
Link: 2.4.37
The throng that follows Caesar at the heels,
Link: 2.4.38
Of senators, of praetors, common suitors,
Link: 2.4.39
Will crowd a feeble man almost to death:
Link: 2.4.40
I'll get me to a place more void, and there
Link: 2.4.41
Speak to great Caesar as he comes along.
Link: 2.4.42

Exit

PORTIA
I must go in. Ay me, how weak a thing
Link: 2.4.43
The heart of woman is! O Brutus,
Link: 2.4.44
The heavens speed thee in thine enterprise!
Link: 2.4.45
Sure, the boy heard me: Brutus hath a suit
Link: 2.4.46
That Caesar will not grant. O, I grow faint.
Link: 2.4.47
Run, Lucius, and commend me to my lord;
Link: 2.4.48
Say I am merry: come to me again,
Link: 2.4.49
And bring me word what he doth say to thee.
Link: 2.4.50

Exeunt severally

Act III

Act 3 of Julius Caesar portrays the aftermath of Caesar's death. The conspirators, including Brutus and Cassius, attempt to justify their actions to the Roman citizens, who are outraged at Caesar's murder. However, Mark Antony delivers a powerful speech, turning the citizens against the conspirators and inciting them to riot.

Antony's speech is a masterful manipulation of the crowd's emotions. He begins by praising Caesar and then proceeds to list all of the good deeds Caesar had done for Rome. He then displays Caesar's body and points out the wounds inflicted by the conspirators, which incites the crowd to anger. Antony further stokes their wrath by reading Caesar's will, in which he bequeaths money and land to the citizens of Rome.

The crowd's fury turns against the conspirators, who are forced to flee for their lives. The chaos of the riot spreads throughout the city, with citizens attacking anyone associated with the conspirators. The stage is set for the coming civil war between the supporters of Caesar and the conspirators.

SCENE I. Rome. Before the Capitol; the Senate sitting above.

In Scene 1 of Act 3, a group of conspirators, including Brutus and Cassius, gather around Julius Caesar in the Senate. Caesar is approached by an oracle who warns him of the impending danger, but he ignores the warning and proceeds to the Senate. As Caesar takes his seat, the conspirators surround him and begin to stab him to death. Caesar fights back, but ultimately succumbs to his wounds and dies.

Throughout the scene, there is a sense of tension and foreboding as the conspirators plot their attack. The audience is given a glimpse into the minds of the characters as they struggle with their conflicting emotions. Brutus, who had been Caesar's friend, is torn between his loyalty to his friend and his belief that Caesar's ambition would lead to his downfall. Cassius, on the other hand, is motivated by his own hunger for power and sees Caesar as a threat to his ambitions.

The scene is a pivotal moment in the play, marking the death of Julius Caesar and setting the stage for the civil war that follows. It also raises important questions about the nature of power, ambition, and loyalty. The audience is left to ponder whether the conspirators were justified in their actions or whether they were simply motivated by their own self-interest. Ultimately, Scene 1 of Act 3 is a powerful and dramatic moment in one of Shakespeare's most famous plays.

A crowd of people; among them ARTEMIDORUS and the Soothsayer. Flourish. Enter CAESAR, BRUTUS, CASSIUS, CASCA, DECIUS BRUTUS, METELLUS CIMBER, TREBONIUS, CINNA, ANTONY, LEPIDUS, POPILIUS, PUBLIUS, and others

CAESAR
(To the Soothsayer) The ides of March are come.
Link: 3.1.1

Soothsayer
Ay, Caesar; but not gone.
Link: 3.1.2

ARTEMIDORUS
Hail, Caesar! read this schedule.
Link: 3.1.3

DECIUS BRUTUS
Trebonius doth desire you to o'erread,
Link: 3.1.4
At your best leisure, this his humble suit.
Link: 3.1.5

ARTEMIDORUS
O Caesar, read mine first; for mine's a suit
Link: 3.1.6
That touches Caesar nearer: read it, great Caesar.
Link: 3.1.7

CAESAR
What touches us ourself shall be last served.
Link: 3.1.8

ARTEMIDORUS
Delay not, Caesar; read it instantly.
Link: 3.1.9

CAESAR
What, is the fellow mad?
Link: 3.1.10

PUBLIUS
Sirrah, give place.
Link: 3.1.11

CASSIUS
What, urge you your petitions in the street?
Link: 3.1.12
Come to the Capitol.
Link: 3.1.13

CAESAR goes up to the Senate-House, the rest following

POPILIUS
I wish your enterprise to-day may thrive.
Link: 3.1.14

CASSIUS
What enterprise, Popilius?
Link: 3.1.15

POPILIUS
Fare you well.
Link: 3.1.16

Advances to CAESAR

BRUTUS
What said Popilius Lena?
Link: 3.1.17

CASSIUS
He wish'd to-day our enterprise might thrive.
Link: 3.1.18
I fear our purpose is discovered.
Link: 3.1.19

BRUTUS
Look, how he makes to Caesar; mark him.
Link: 3.1.20

CASSIUS
Casca, be sudden, for we fear prevention.
Link: 3.1.21
Brutus, what shall be done? If this be known,
Link: 3.1.22
Cassius or Caesar never shall turn back,
Link: 3.1.23
For I will slay myself.
Link: 3.1.24

BRUTUS
Cassius, be constant:
Link: 3.1.25
Popilius Lena speaks not of our purposes;
Link: 3.1.26
For, look, he smiles, and Caesar doth not change.
Link: 3.1.27

CASSIUS
Trebonius knows his time; for, look you, Brutus.
Link: 3.1.28
He draws Mark Antony out of the way.
Link: 3.1.29

Exeunt ANTONY and TREBONIUS

DECIUS BRUTUS
Where is Metellus Cimber? Let him go,
Link: 3.1.30
And presently prefer his suit to Caesar.
Link: 3.1.31

BRUTUS
He is address'd: press near and second him.
Link: 3.1.32

CINNA
Casca, you are the first that rears your hand.
Link: 3.1.33

CAESAR
Are we all ready? What is now amiss
Link: 3.1.34
That Caesar and his senate must redress?
Link: 3.1.35

METELLUS CIMBER
Most high, most mighty, and most puissant Caesar,
Link: 3.1.36
Metellus Cimber throws before thy seat
Link: 3.1.37
An humble heart,--
Link: 3.1.38

Kneeling

CAESAR
I must prevent thee, Cimber.
Link: 3.1.39
These couchings and these lowly courtesies
Link: 3.1.40
Might fire the blood of ordinary men,
Link: 3.1.41
And turn pre-ordinance and first decree
Link: 3.1.42
Into the law of children. Be not fond,
Link: 3.1.43
To think that Caesar bears such rebel blood
Link: 3.1.44
That will be thaw'd from the true quality
Link: 3.1.45
With that which melteth fools; I mean, sweet words,
Link: 3.1.46
Low-crooked court'sies and base spaniel-fawning.
Link: 3.1.47
Thy brother by decree is banished:
Link: 3.1.48
If thou dost bend and pray and fawn for him,
Link: 3.1.49
I spurn thee like a cur out of my way.
Link: 3.1.50
Know, Caesar doth not wrong, nor without cause
Link: 3.1.51
Will he be satisfied.
Link: 3.1.52

METELLUS CIMBER
Is there no voice more worthy than my own
Link: 3.1.53
To sound more sweetly in great Caesar's ear
Link: 3.1.54
For the repealing of my banish'd brother?
Link: 3.1.55

BRUTUS
I kiss thy hand, but not in flattery, Caesar;
Link: 3.1.56
Desiring thee that Publius Cimber may
Link: 3.1.57
Have an immediate freedom of repeal.
Link: 3.1.58

CAESAR
What, Brutus!
Link: 3.1.59

CASSIUS
Pardon, Caesar; Caesar, pardon:
Link: 3.1.60
As low as to thy foot doth Cassius fall,
Link: 3.1.61
To beg enfranchisement for Publius Cimber.
Link: 3.1.62

CASSIUS
I could be well moved, if I were as you:
Link: 3.1.63
If I could pray to move, prayers would move me:
Link: 3.1.64
But I am constant as the northern star,
Link: 3.1.65
Of whose true-fix'd and resting quality
Link: 3.1.66
There is no fellow in the firmament.
Link: 3.1.67
The skies are painted with unnumber'd sparks,
Link: 3.1.68
They are all fire and every one doth shine,
Link: 3.1.69
But there's but one in all doth hold his place:
Link: 3.1.70
So in the world; 'tis furnish'd well with men,
Link: 3.1.71
And men are flesh and blood, and apprehensive;
Link: 3.1.72
Yet in the number I do know but one
Link: 3.1.73
That unassailable holds on his rank,
Link: 3.1.74
Unshaked of motion: and that I am he,
Link: 3.1.75
Let me a little show it, even in this;
Link: 3.1.76
That I was constant Cimber should be banish'd,
Link: 3.1.77
And constant do remain to keep him so.
Link: 3.1.78

CINNA
O Caesar,--
Link: 3.1.79

CAESAR
Hence! wilt thou lift up Olympus?
Link: 3.1.80

DECIUS BRUTUS
Great Caesar,--
Link: 3.1.81

CAESAR
Doth not Brutus bootless kneel?
Link: 3.1.82

CASCA
Speak, hands for me!
Link: 3.1.83

CASCA first, then the other Conspirators and BRUTUS stab CAESAR

CAESAR
Et tu, Brute! Then fall, Caesar.
Link: 3.1.84

Dies

CINNA
Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!
Link: 3.1.85
Run hence, proclaim, cry it about the streets.
Link: 3.1.86

CASSIUS
Some to the common pulpits, and cry out
Link: 3.1.87
'Liberty, freedom, and enfranchisement!'
Link: 3.1.88

BRUTUS
People and senators, be not affrighted;
Link: 3.1.89
Fly not; stand stiff: ambition's debt is paid.
Link: 3.1.90

CASCA
Go to the pulpit, Brutus.
Link: 3.1.91

DECIUS BRUTUS
And Cassius too.
Link: 3.1.92

BRUTUS
Where's Publius?
Link: 3.1.93

CINNA
Here, quite confounded with this mutiny.
Link: 3.1.94

METELLUS CIMBER
Stand fast together, lest some friend of Caesar's
Link: 3.1.95
Should chance--
Link: 3.1.96

BRUTUS
Talk not of standing. Publius, good cheer;
Link: 3.1.97
There is no harm intended to your person,
Link: 3.1.98
Nor to no Roman else: so tell them, Publius.
Link: 3.1.99

CASSIUS
And leave us, Publius; lest that the people,
Link: 3.1.100
Rushing on us, should do your age some mischief.
Link: 3.1.101

BRUTUS
Do so: and let no man abide this deed,
Link: 3.1.102
But we the doers.
Link: 3.1.103

Re-enter TREBONIUS

CASSIUS
Where is Antony?
Link: 3.1.104

TREBONIUS
Fled to his house amazed:
Link: 3.1.105
Men, wives and children stare, cry out and run
Link: 3.1.106
As it were doomsday.
Link: 3.1.107

BRUTUS
Fates, we will know your pleasures:
Link: 3.1.108
That we shall die, we know; 'tis but the time
Link: 3.1.109
And drawing days out, that men stand upon.
Link: 3.1.110

CASSIUS
Why, he that cuts off twenty years of life
Link: 3.1.111
Cuts off so many years of fearing death.
Link: 3.1.112

BRUTUS
Grant that, and then is death a benefit:
Link: 3.1.113
So are we Caesar's friends, that have abridged
Link: 3.1.114
His time of fearing death. Stoop, Romans, stoop,
Link: 3.1.115
And let us bathe our hands in Caesar's blood
Link: 3.1.116
Up to the elbows, and besmear our swords:
Link: 3.1.117
Then walk we forth, even to the market-place,
Link: 3.1.118
And, waving our red weapons o'er our heads,
Link: 3.1.119
Let's all cry 'Peace, freedom and liberty!'
Link: 3.1.120

CASSIUS
Stoop, then, and wash. How many ages hence
Link: 3.1.121
Shall this our lofty scene be acted over
Link: 3.1.122
In states unborn and accents yet unknown!
Link: 3.1.123

BRUTUS
How many times shall Caesar bleed in sport,
Link: 3.1.124
That now on Pompey's basis lies along
Link: 3.1.125
No worthier than the dust!
Link: 3.1.126

CASSIUS
So oft as that shall be,
Link: 3.1.127
So often shall the knot of us be call'd
Link: 3.1.128
The men that gave their country liberty.
Link: 3.1.129

DECIUS BRUTUS
What, shall we forth?
Link: 3.1.130

CASSIUS
Ay, every man away:
Link: 3.1.131
Brutus shall lead; and we will grace his heels
Link: 3.1.132
With the most boldest and best hearts of Rome.
Link: 3.1.133

Enter a Servant

BRUTUS
Soft! who comes here? A friend of Antony's.
Link: 3.1.134

Servant
Thus, Brutus, did my master bid me kneel:
Link: 3.1.135
Thus did Mark Antony bid me fall down;
Link: 3.1.136
And, being prostrate, thus he bade me say:
Link: 3.1.137
Brutus is noble, wise, valiant, and honest;
Link: 3.1.138
Caesar was mighty, bold, royal, and loving:
Link: 3.1.139
Say I love Brutus, and I honour him;
Link: 3.1.140
Say I fear'd Caesar, honour'd him and loved him.
Link: 3.1.141
If Brutus will vouchsafe that Antony
Link: 3.1.142
May safely come to him, and be resolved
Link: 3.1.143
How Caesar hath deserved to lie in death,
Link: 3.1.144
Mark Antony shall not love Caesar dead
Link: 3.1.145
So well as Brutus living; but will follow
Link: 3.1.146
The fortunes and affairs of noble Brutus
Link: 3.1.147
Thorough the hazards of this untrod state
Link: 3.1.148
With all true faith. So says my master Antony.
Link: 3.1.149

BRUTUS
Thy master is a wise and valiant Roman;
Link: 3.1.150
I never thought him worse.
Link: 3.1.151
Tell him, so please him come unto this place,
Link: 3.1.152
He shall be satisfied; and, by my honour,
Link: 3.1.153
Depart untouch'd.
Link: 3.1.154

Servant
I'll fetch him presently.
Link: 3.1.155

Exit

BRUTUS
I know that we shall have him well to friend.
Link: 3.1.156

CASSIUS
I wish we may: but yet have I a mind
Link: 3.1.157
That fears him much; and my misgiving still
Link: 3.1.158
Falls shrewdly to the purpose.
Link: 3.1.159

BRUTUS
But here comes Antony.
Link: 3.1.160
Welcome, Mark Antony.
Link: 3.1.161

ANTONY
O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low?
Link: 3.1.162
Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,
Link: 3.1.163
Shrunk to this little measure? Fare thee well.
Link: 3.1.164
I know not, gentlemen, what you intend,
Link: 3.1.165
Who else must be let blood, who else is rank:
Link: 3.1.166
If I myself, there is no hour so fit
Link: 3.1.167
As Caesar's death hour, nor no instrument
Link: 3.1.168
Of half that worth as those your swords, made rich
Link: 3.1.169
With the most noble blood of all this world.
Link: 3.1.170
I do beseech ye, if you bear me hard,
Link: 3.1.171
Now, whilst your purpled hands do reek and smoke,
Link: 3.1.172
Fulfil your pleasure. Live a thousand years,
Link: 3.1.173
I shall not find myself so apt to die:
Link: 3.1.174
No place will please me so, no mean of death,
Link: 3.1.175
As here by Caesar, and by you cut off,
Link: 3.1.176
The choice and master spirits of this age.
Link: 3.1.177

BRUTUS
O Antony, beg not your death of us.
Link: 3.1.178
Though now we must appear bloody and cruel,
Link: 3.1.179
As, by our hands and this our present act,
Link: 3.1.180
You see we do, yet see you but our hands
Link: 3.1.181
And this the bleeding business they have done:
Link: 3.1.182
Our hearts you see not; they are pitiful;
Link: 3.1.183
And pity to the general wrong of Rome--
Link: 3.1.184
As fire drives out fire, so pity pity--
Link: 3.1.185
Hath done this deed on Caesar. For your part,
Link: 3.1.186
To you our swords have leaden points, Mark Antony:
Link: 3.1.187
Our arms, in strength of malice, and our hearts
Link: 3.1.188
Of brothers' temper, do receive you in
Link: 3.1.189
With all kind love, good thoughts, and reverence.
Link: 3.1.190

CASSIUS
Your voice shall be as strong as any man's
Link: 3.1.191
In the disposing of new dignities.
Link: 3.1.192

BRUTUS
Only be patient till we have appeased
Link: 3.1.193
The multitude, beside themselves with fear,
Link: 3.1.194
And then we will deliver you the cause,
Link: 3.1.195
Why I, that did love Caesar when I struck him,
Link: 3.1.196
Have thus proceeded.
Link: 3.1.197

ANTONY
I doubt not of your wisdom.
Link: 3.1.198
Let each man render me his bloody hand:
Link: 3.1.199
First, Marcus Brutus, will I shake with you;
Link: 3.1.200
Next, Caius Cassius, do I take your hand;
Link: 3.1.201
Now, Decius Brutus, yours: now yours, Metellus;
Link: 3.1.202
Yours, Cinna; and, my valiant Casca, yours;
Link: 3.1.203
Though last, not last in love, yours, good Trebonius.
Link: 3.1.204
Gentlemen all,--alas, what shall I say?
Link: 3.1.205
My credit now stands on such slippery ground,
Link: 3.1.206
That one of two bad ways you must conceit me,
Link: 3.1.207
Either a coward or a flatterer.
Link: 3.1.208
That I did love thee, Caesar, O, 'tis true:
Link: 3.1.209
If then thy spirit look upon us now,
Link: 3.1.210
Shall it not grieve thee dearer than thy death,
Link: 3.1.211
To see thy thy Anthony making his peace,
Link: 3.1.212
Shaking the bloody fingers of thy foes,
Link: 3.1.213
Most noble! in the presence of thy corse?
Link: 3.1.214
Had I as many eyes as thou hast wounds,
Link: 3.1.215
Weeping as fast as they stream forth thy blood,
Link: 3.1.216
It would become me better than to close
Link: 3.1.217
In terms of friendship with thine enemies.
Link: 3.1.218
Pardon me, Julius! Here wast thou bay'd, brave hart;
Link: 3.1.219
Here didst thou fall; and here thy hunters stand,
Link: 3.1.220
Sign'd in thy spoil, and crimson'd in thy lethe.
Link: 3.1.221
O world, thou wast the forest to this hart;
Link: 3.1.222
And this, indeed, O world, the heart of thee.
Link: 3.1.223
How like a deer, strucken by many princes,
Link: 3.1.224
Dost thou here lie!
Link: 3.1.225

CASSIUS
Mark Antony,--
Link: 3.1.226

ANTONY
Pardon me, Caius Cassius:
Link: 3.1.227
The enemies of Caesar shall say this;
Link: 3.1.228
Then, in a friend, it is cold modesty.
Link: 3.1.229

CASSIUS
I blame you not for praising Caesar so;
Link: 3.1.230
But what compact mean you to have with us?
Link: 3.1.231
Will you be prick'd in number of our friends;
Link: 3.1.232
Or shall we on, and not depend on you?
Link: 3.1.233

ANTONY
Therefore I took your hands, but was, indeed,
Link: 3.1.234
Sway'd from the point, by looking down on Caesar.
Link: 3.1.235
Friends am I with you all and love you all,
Link: 3.1.236
Upon this hope, that you shall give me reasons
Link: 3.1.237
Why and wherein Caesar was dangerous.
Link: 3.1.238

BRUTUS
Or else were this a savage spectacle:
Link: 3.1.239
Our reasons are so full of good regard
Link: 3.1.240
That were you, Antony, the son of Caesar,
Link: 3.1.241
You should be satisfied.
Link: 3.1.242

ANTONY
That's all I seek:
Link: 3.1.243
And am moreover suitor that I may
Link: 3.1.244
Produce his body to the market-place;
Link: 3.1.245
And in the pulpit, as becomes a friend,
Link: 3.1.246
Speak in the order of his funeral.
Link: 3.1.247

BRUTUS
You shall, Mark Antony.
Link: 3.1.248

CASSIUS
Brutus, a word with you.
Link: 3.1.249
You know not what you do: do not consent
Link: 3.1.250
That Antony speak in his funeral:
Link: 3.1.251
Know you how much the people may be moved
Link: 3.1.252
By that which he will utter?
Link: 3.1.253

BRUTUS
By your pardon;
Link: 3.1.254
I will myself into the pulpit first,
Link: 3.1.255
And show the reason of our Caesar's death:
Link: 3.1.256
What Antony shall speak, I will protest
Link: 3.1.257
He speaks by leave and by permission,
Link: 3.1.258
And that we are contented Caesar shall
Link: 3.1.259
Have all true rites and lawful ceremonies.
Link: 3.1.260
It shall advantage more than do us wrong.
Link: 3.1.261

CASSIUS
I know not what may fall; I like it not.
Link: 3.1.262

BRUTUS
Mark Antony, here, take you Caesar's body.
Link: 3.1.263
You shall not in your funeral speech blame us,
Link: 3.1.264
But speak all good you can devise of Caesar,
Link: 3.1.265
And say you do't by our permission;
Link: 3.1.266
Else shall you not have any hand at all
Link: 3.1.267
About his funeral: and you shall speak
Link: 3.1.268
In the same pulpit whereto I am going,
Link: 3.1.269
After my speech is ended.
Link: 3.1.270

ANTONY
Be it so.
Link: 3.1.271
I do desire no more.
Link: 3.1.272

BRUTUS
Prepare the body then, and follow us.
Link: 3.1.273

Exeunt all but ANTONY

ANTONY
O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth,
Link: 3.1.274
That I am meek and gentle with these butchers!
Link: 3.1.275
Thou art the ruins of the noblest man
Link: 3.1.276
That ever lived in the tide of times.
Link: 3.1.277
Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood!
Link: 3.1.278
Over thy wounds now do I prophesy,--
Link: 3.1.279
Which, like dumb mouths, do ope their ruby lips,
Link: 3.1.280
To beg the voice and utterance of my tongue--
Link: 3.1.281
A curse shall light upon the limbs of men;
Link: 3.1.282
Domestic fury and fierce civil strife
Link: 3.1.283
Shall cumber all the parts of Italy;
Link: 3.1.284
Blood and destruction shall be so in use
Link: 3.1.285
And dreadful objects so familiar
Link: 3.1.286
That mothers shall but smile when they behold
Link: 3.1.287
Their infants quarter'd with the hands of war;
Link: 3.1.288
All pity choked with custom of fell deeds:
Link: 3.1.289
And Caesar's spirit, ranging for revenge,
Link: 3.1.290
With Ate by his side come hot from hell,
Link: 3.1.291
Shall in these confines with a monarch's voice
Link: 3.1.292
Cry 'Havoc,' and let slip the dogs of war;
Link: 3.1.293
That this foul deed shall smell above the earth
Link: 3.1.294
With carrion men, groaning for burial.
Link: 3.1.295
You serve Octavius Caesar, do you not?
Link: 3.1.296

Servant
I do, Mark Antony.
Link: 3.1.297

ANTONY
Caesar did write for him to come to Rome.
Link: 3.1.298

Servant
He did receive his letters, and is coming;
Link: 3.1.299
And bid me say to you by word of mouth--
Link: 3.1.300
O Caesar!--
Link: 3.1.301

Seeing the body

ANTONY
Thy heart is big, get thee apart and weep.
Link: 3.1.302
Passion, I see, is catching; for mine eyes,
Link: 3.1.303
Seeing those beads of sorrow stand in thine,
Link: 3.1.304
Began to water. Is thy master coming?
Link: 3.1.305

Servant
He lies to-night within seven leagues of Rome.
Link: 3.1.306

ANTONY
Post back with speed, and tell him what hath chanced:
Link: 3.1.307
Here is a mourning Rome, a dangerous Rome,
Link: 3.1.308
No Rome of safety for Octavius yet;
Link: 3.1.309
Hie hence, and tell him so. Yet, stay awhile;
Link: 3.1.310
Thou shalt not back till I have borne this corse
Link: 3.1.311
Into the market-place: there shall I try
Link: 3.1.312
In my oration, how the people take
Link: 3.1.313
The cruel issue of these bloody men;
Link: 3.1.314
According to the which, thou shalt discourse
Link: 3.1.315
To young Octavius of the state of things.
Link: 3.1.316
Lend me your hand.
Link: 3.1.317

Exeunt with CAESAR's body

SCENE II. The Forum.

In Scene 2 of Act 3 of Julius Caesar, a group of conspirators have just assassinated Caesar and are trying to justify their actions to the public. Brutus, one of the main conspirators, delivers a speech explaining their motives. He claims that they killed Caesar not because they hated him, but because they loved Rome more. He argues that Caesar was becoming too powerful and would have eventually become a tyrant, threatening the freedom and democracy of Rome.

However, not everyone is convinced by Brutus' words. Mark Antony, a close friend of Caesar, enters and asks to speak at Caesar's funeral. The conspirators are hesitant, but Brutus allows him to speak, believing that he will support their cause. Antony then delivers a powerful speech that turns the crowd against the conspirators. He cleverly uses rhetorical devices to sway the people's emotions, reminding them of Caesar's good deeds and painting the conspirators as murderers who acted out of envy.

The crowd becomes enraged and demands revenge for Caesar's death. The conspirators flee, fearing for their lives. Antony and his supporters are left in control of the city, and the future of Rome hangs in the balance.

Enter BRUTUS and CASSIUS, and a throng of Citizens

Citizens
We will be satisfied; let us be satisfied.
Link: 3.2.1

BRUTUS
Then follow me, and give me audience, friends.
Link: 3.2.2
Cassius, go you into the other street,
Link: 3.2.3
And part the numbers.
Link: 3.2.4
Those that will hear me speak, let 'em stay here;
Link: 3.2.5
Those that will follow Cassius, go with him;
Link: 3.2.6
And public reasons shall be rendered
Link: 3.2.7
Of Caesar's death.
Link: 3.2.8

First Citizen
I will hear Brutus speak.
Link: 3.2.9

Second Citizen
I will hear Cassius; and compare their reasons,
Link: 3.2.10
When severally we hear them rendered.
Link: 3.2.11

Exit CASSIUS, with some of the Citizens. BRUTUS goes into the pulpit

Third Citizen
The noble Brutus is ascended: silence!
Link: 3.2.12

BRUTUS
Be patient till the last.
Link: 3.2.13
Romans, countrymen, and lovers! hear me for my
Link: 3.2.14
cause, and be silent, that you may hear: believe me
Link: 3.2.15
for mine honour, and have respect to mine honour, that
Link: 3.2.16
you may believe: censure me in your wisdom, and
Link: 3.2.17
awake your senses, that you may the better judge.
Link: 3.2.18
If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of
Link: 3.2.19
Caesar's, to him I say, that Brutus' love to Caesar
Link: 3.2.20
was no less than his. If then that friend demand
Link: 3.2.21
why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer:
Link: 3.2.22
--Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved
Link: 3.2.23
Rome more. Had you rather Caesar were living and
Link: 3.2.24
die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live
Link: 3.2.25
all free men? As Caesar loved me, I weep for him;
Link: 3.2.26
as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was
Link: 3.2.27
valiant, I honour him: but, as he was ambitious, I
Link: 3.2.28
slew him. There is tears for his love; joy for his
Link: 3.2.29
fortune; honour for his valour; and death for his
Link: 3.2.30
ambition. Who is here so base that would be a
Link: 3.2.31
bondman? If any, speak; for him have I offended.
Link: 3.2.32
Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If
Link: 3.2.33
any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so
Link: 3.2.34
vile that will not love his country? If any, speak;
Link: 3.2.35
for him have I offended. I pause for a reply.
Link: 3.2.36

All
None, Brutus, none.
Link: 3.2.37

BRUTUS
Then none have I offended. I have done no more to
Link: 3.2.38
Caesar than you shall do to Brutus. The question of
Link: 3.2.39
his death is enrolled in the Capitol; his glory not
Link: 3.2.40
extenuated, wherein he was worthy, nor his offences
Link: 3.2.41
enforced, for which he suffered death.
Link: 3.2.42
Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony: who,
Link: 3.2.43
though he had no hand in his death, shall receive
Link: 3.2.44
the benefit of his dying, a place in the
Link: 3.2.45
commonwealth; as which of you shall not? With this
Link: 3.2.46
I depart,--that, as I slew my best lover for the
Link: 3.2.47
good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself,
Link: 3.2.48
when it shall please my country to need my death.
Link: 3.2.49

All
Live, Brutus! live, live!
Link: 3.2.50

First Citizen
Bring him with triumph home unto his house.
Link: 3.2.51

Second Citizen
Give him a statue with his ancestors.
Link: 3.2.52

Third Citizen
Let him be Caesar.
Link: 3.2.53

Fourth Citizen
Caesar's better parts
Link: 3.2.54
Shall be crown'd in Brutus.
Link: 3.2.55

First Citizen
We'll bring him to his house
Link: 3.2.56
With shouts and clamours.
Link: 3.2.57

BRUTUS
My countrymen,--
Link: 3.2.58

Second Citizen
Peace, silence! Brutus speaks.
Link: 3.2.59

First Citizen
Peace, ho!
Link: 3.2.60

BRUTUS
Good countrymen, let me depart alone,
Link: 3.2.61
And, for my sake, stay here with Antony:
Link: 3.2.62
Do grace to Caesar's corpse, and grace his speech
Link: 3.2.63
Tending to Caesar's glories; which Mark Antony,
Link: 3.2.64
By our permission, is allow'd to make.
Link: 3.2.65
I do entreat you, not a man depart,
Link: 3.2.66
Save I alone, till Antony have spoke.
Link: 3.2.67

Exit

First Citizen
Stay, ho! and let us hear Mark Antony.
Link: 3.2.68

Third Citizen
Let him go up into the public chair;
Link: 3.2.69
We'll hear him. Noble Antony, go up.
Link: 3.2.70

ANTONY
For Brutus' sake, I am beholding to you.
Link: 3.2.71

Goes into the pulpit

Fourth Citizen
What does he say of Brutus?
Link: 3.2.72

Third Citizen
He says, for Brutus' sake,
Link: 3.2.73
He finds himself beholding to us all.
Link: 3.2.74

Fourth Citizen
'Twere best he speak no harm of Brutus here.
Link: 3.2.75

First Citizen
This Caesar was a tyrant.
Link: 3.2.76

Third Citizen
Nay, that's certain:
Link: 3.2.77
We are blest that Rome is rid of him.
Link: 3.2.78

Second Citizen
Peace! let us hear what Antony can say.
Link: 3.2.79

ANTONY
You gentle Romans,--
Link: 3.2.80

Citizens
Peace, ho! let us hear him.
Link: 3.2.81

ANTONY
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears;
Link: 3.2.82
I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.
Link: 3.2.83
The evil that men do lives after them;
Link: 3.2.84
The good is oft interred with their bones;
Link: 3.2.85
So let it be with Caesar. The noble Brutus
Link: 3.2.86
Hath told you Caesar was ambitious:
Link: 3.2.87
If it were so, it was a grievous fault,
Link: 3.2.88
And grievously hath Caesar answer'd it.
Link: 3.2.89
Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest--
Link: 3.2.90
For Brutus is an honourable man;
Link: 3.2.91
So are they all, all honourable men--
Link: 3.2.92
Come I to speak in Caesar's funeral.
Link: 3.2.93
He was my friend, faithful and just to me:
Link: 3.2.94
But Brutus says he was ambitious;
Link: 3.2.95
And Brutus is an honourable man.
Link: 3.2.96
He hath brought many captives home to Rome
Link: 3.2.97
Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill:
Link: 3.2.98
Did this in Caesar seem ambitious?
Link: 3.2.99
When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept:
Link: 3.2.100
Ambition should be made of sterner stuff:
Link: 3.2.101
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious;
Link: 3.2.102
And Brutus is an honourable man.
Link: 3.2.103
You all did see that on the Lupercal
Link: 3.2.104
I thrice presented him a kingly crown,
Link: 3.2.105
Which he did thrice refuse: was this ambition?
Link: 3.2.106
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious;
Link: 3.2.107
And, sure, he is an honourable man.
Link: 3.2.108
I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke,
Link: 3.2.109
But here I am to speak what I do know.
Link: 3.2.110
You all did love him once, not without cause:
Link: 3.2.111
What cause withholds you then, to mourn for him?
Link: 3.2.112
O judgment! thou art fled to brutish beasts,
Link: 3.2.113
And men have lost their reason. Bear with me;
Link: 3.2.114
My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar,
Link: 3.2.115
And I must pause till it come back to me.
Link: 3.2.116

First Citizen
Methinks there is much reason in his sayings.
Link: 3.2.117

Second Citizen
If thou consider rightly of the matter,
Link: 3.2.118
Caesar has had great wrong.
Link: 3.2.119

Third Citizen
Has he, masters?
Link: 3.2.120
I fear there will a worse come in his place.
Link: 3.2.121

Fourth Citizen
Mark'd ye his words? He would not take the crown;
Link: 3.2.122
Therefore 'tis certain he was not ambitious.
Link: 3.2.123

First Citizen
If it be found so, some will dear abide it.
Link: 3.2.124

Second Citizen
Poor soul! his eyes are red as fire with weeping.
Link: 3.2.125

Third Citizen
There's not a nobler man in Rome than Antony.
Link: 3.2.126

Fourth Citizen
Now mark him, he begins again to speak.
Link: 3.2.127

ANTONY
But yesterday the word of Caesar might
Link: 3.2.128
Have stood against the world; now lies he there.
Link: 3.2.129
And none so poor to do him reverence.
Link: 3.2.130
O masters, if I were disposed to stir
Link: 3.2.131
Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage,
Link: 3.2.132
I should do Brutus wrong, and Cassius wrong,
Link: 3.2.133
Who, you all know, are honourable men:
Link: 3.2.134
I will not do them wrong; I rather choose
Link: 3.2.135
To wrong the dead, to wrong myself and you,
Link: 3.2.136
Than I will wrong such honourable men.
Link: 3.2.137
But here's a parchment with the seal of Caesar;
Link: 3.2.138
I found it in his closet, 'tis his will:
Link: 3.2.139
Let but the commons hear this testament--
Link: 3.2.140
Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read--
Link: 3.2.141
And they would go and kiss dead Caesar's wounds
Link: 3.2.142
And dip their napkins in his sacred blood,
Link: 3.2.143
Yea, beg a hair of him for memory,
Link: 3.2.144
And, dying, mention it within their wills,
Link: 3.2.145
Bequeathing it as a rich legacy
Link: 3.2.146
Unto their issue.
Link: 3.2.147

Fourth Citizen
We'll hear the will: read it, Mark Antony.
Link: 3.2.148

All
The will, the will! we will hear Caesar's will.
Link: 3.2.149

ANTONY
Have patience, gentle friends, I must not read it;
Link: 3.2.150
It is not meet you know how Caesar loved you.
Link: 3.2.151
You are not wood, you are not stones, but men;
Link: 3.2.152
And, being men, bearing the will of Caesar,
Link: 3.2.153
It will inflame you, it will make you mad:
Link: 3.2.154
'Tis good you know not that you are his heirs;
Link: 3.2.155
For, if you should, O, what would come of it!
Link: 3.2.156

Fourth Citizen
Read the will; we'll hear it, Antony;
Link: 3.2.157
You shall read us the will, Caesar's will.
Link: 3.2.158

ANTONY
Will you be patient? will you stay awhile?
Link: 3.2.159
I have o'ershot myself to tell you of it:
Link: 3.2.160
I fear I wrong the honourable men
Link: 3.2.161
Whose daggers have stabb'd Caesar; I do fear it.
Link: 3.2.162

Fourth Citizen
They were traitors: honourable men!
Link: 3.2.163

All
The will! the testament!
Link: 3.2.164

Second Citizen
They were villains, murderers: the will! read the will.
Link: 3.2.165

ANTONY
You will compel me, then, to read the will?
Link: 3.2.166
Then make a ring about the corpse of Caesar,
Link: 3.2.167
And let me show you him that made the will.
Link: 3.2.168
Shall I descend? and will you give me leave?
Link: 3.2.169

Several Citizens
Come down.
Link: 3.2.170

Second Citizen
Descend.
Link: 3.2.171

Third Citizen
You shall have leave.
Link: 3.2.172

ANTONY comes down

Fourth Citizen
A ring; stand round.
Link: 3.2.173

First Citizen
Stand from the hearse, stand from the body.
Link: 3.2.174

Second Citizen
Room for Antony, most noble Antony.
Link: 3.2.175

ANTONY
Nay, press not so upon me; stand far off.
Link: 3.2.176

Several Citizens
Stand back; room; bear back.
Link: 3.2.177

ANTONY
If you have tears, prepare to shed them now.
Link: 3.2.178
You all do know this mantle: I remember
Link: 3.2.179
The first time ever Caesar put it on;
Link: 3.2.180
'Twas on a summer's evening, in his tent,
Link: 3.2.181
That day he overcame the Nervii:
Link: 3.2.182
Look, in this place ran Cassius' dagger through:
Link: 3.2.183
See what a rent the envious Casca made:
Link: 3.2.184
Through this the well-beloved Brutus stabb'd;
Link: 3.2.185
And as he pluck'd his cursed steel away,
Link: 3.2.186
Mark how the blood of Caesar follow'd it,
Link: 3.2.187
As rushing out of doors, to be resolved
Link: 3.2.188
If Brutus so unkindly knock'd, or no;
Link: 3.2.189
For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar's angel:
Link: 3.2.190
Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him!
Link: 3.2.191
This was the most unkindest cut of all;
Link: 3.2.192
For when the noble Caesar saw him stab,
Link: 3.2.193
Ingratitude, more strong than traitors' arms,
Link: 3.2.194
Quite vanquish'd him: then burst his mighty heart;
Link: 3.2.195
And, in his mantle muffling up his face,
Link: 3.2.196
Even at the base of Pompey's statua,
Link: 3.2.197
Which all the while ran blood, great Caesar fell.
Link: 3.2.198
O, what a fall was there, my countrymen!
Link: 3.2.199
Then I, and you, and all of us fell down,
Link: 3.2.200
Whilst bloody treason flourish'd over us.
Link: 3.2.201
O, now you weep; and, I perceive, you feel
Link: 3.2.202
The dint of pity: these are gracious drops.
Link: 3.2.203
Kind souls, what, weep you when you but behold
Link: 3.2.204
Our Caesar's vesture wounded? Look you here,
Link: 3.2.205
Here is himself, marr'd, as you see, with traitors.
Link: 3.2.206

First Citizen
O piteous spectacle!
Link: 3.2.207

Second Citizen
O noble Caesar!
Link: 3.2.208

Third Citizen
O woful day!
Link: 3.2.209

Fourth Citizen
O traitors, villains!
Link: 3.2.210

First Citizen
O most bloody sight!
Link: 3.2.211

Second Citizen
We will be revenged.
Link: 3.2.212

All
Revenge! About! Seek! Burn! Fire! Kill! Slay!
Link: 3.2.213
Let not a traitor live!
Link: 3.2.214

ANTONY
Stay, countrymen.
Link: 3.2.215

First Citizen
Peace there! hear the noble Antony.
Link: 3.2.216

Second Citizen
We'll hear him, we'll follow him, we'll die with him.
Link: 3.2.217

ANTONY
Good friends, sweet friends, let me not stir you up
Link: 3.2.218
To such a sudden flood of mutiny.
Link: 3.2.219
They that have done this deed are honourable:
Link: 3.2.220
What private griefs they have, alas, I know not,
Link: 3.2.221
That made them do it: they are wise and honourable,
Link: 3.2.222
And will, no doubt, with reasons answer you.
Link: 3.2.223
I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts:
Link: 3.2.224
I am no orator, as Brutus is;
Link: 3.2.225
But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man,
Link: 3.2.226
That love my friend; and that they know full well
Link: 3.2.227
That gave me public leave to speak of him:
Link: 3.2.228
For I have neither wit, nor words, nor worth,
Link: 3.2.229
Action, nor utterance, nor the power of speech,
Link: 3.2.230
To stir men's blood: I only speak right on;
Link: 3.2.231
I tell you that which you yourselves do know;
Link: 3.2.232
Show you sweet Caesar's wounds, poor poor dumb mouths,
Link: 3.2.233
And bid them speak for me: but were I Brutus,
Link: 3.2.234
And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony
Link: 3.2.235
Would ruffle up your spirits and put a tongue
Link: 3.2.236
In every wound of Caesar that should move
Link: 3.2.237
The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny.
Link: 3.2.238

All
We'll mutiny.
Link: 3.2.239

First Citizen
We'll burn the house of Brutus.
Link: 3.2.240

Third Citizen
Away, then! come, seek the conspirators.
Link: 3.2.241

ANTONY
Yet hear me, countrymen; yet hear me speak.
Link: 3.2.242

All
Peace, ho! Hear Antony. Most noble Antony!
Link: 3.2.243

ANTONY
Why, friends, you go to do you know not what:
Link: 3.2.244
Wherein hath Caesar thus deserved your loves?
Link: 3.2.245
Alas, you know not: I must tell you then:
Link: 3.2.246
You have forgot the will I told you of.
Link: 3.2.247

All
Most true. The will! Let's stay and hear the will.
Link: 3.2.248

ANTONY
Here is the will, and under Caesar's seal.
Link: 3.2.249
To every Roman citizen he gives,
Link: 3.2.250
To every several man, seventy-five drachmas.
Link: 3.2.251

Second Citizen
Most noble Caesar! We'll revenge his death.
Link: 3.2.252

Third Citizen
O royal Caesar!
Link: 3.2.253

ANTONY
Hear me with patience.
Link: 3.2.254

All
Peace, ho!
Link: 3.2.255

ANTONY
Moreover, he hath left you all his walks,
Link: 3.2.256
His private arbours and new-planted orchards,
Link: 3.2.257
On this side Tiber; he hath left them you,
Link: 3.2.258
And to your heirs for ever, common pleasures,
Link: 3.2.259
To walk abroad, and recreate yourselves.
Link: 3.2.260
Here was a Caesar! when comes such another?
Link: 3.2.261

First Citizen
Never, never. Come, away, away!
Link: 3.2.262
We'll burn his body in the holy place,
Link: 3.2.263
And with the brands fire the traitors' houses.
Link: 3.2.264
Take up the body.
Link: 3.2.265

Second Citizen
Go fetch fire.
Link: 3.2.266

Third Citizen
Pluck down benches.
Link: 3.2.267

Fourth Citizen
Pluck down forms, windows, any thing.
Link: 3.2.268

Exeunt Citizens with the body

ANTONY
Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot,
Link: 3.2.269
Take thou what course thou wilt!
Link: 3.2.270
How now, fellow!
Link: 3.2.271

Servant
Sir, Octavius is already come to Rome.
Link: 3.2.272

ANTONY
Where is he?
Link: 3.2.273

Servant
He and Lepidus are at Caesar's house.
Link: 3.2.274

ANTONY
And thither will I straight to visit him:
Link: 3.2.275
He comes upon a wish. Fortune is merry,
Link: 3.2.276
And in this mood will give us any thing.
Link: 3.2.277

Servant
I heard him say, Brutus and Cassius
Link: 3.2.278
Are rid like madmen through the gates of Rome.
Link: 3.2.279

ANTONY
Belike they had some notice of the people,
Link: 3.2.280
How I had moved them. Bring me to Octavius.
Link: 3.2.281

Exeunt

SCENE III. A street.

Scene 3 of Act 3 takes place during the aftermath of the assassination of Julius Caesar. The conspirators, led by Brutus and Cassius, have just killed Caesar in the Senate and are now dealing with the aftermath. They are trying to justify their actions to the citizens of Rome, who are understandably upset and confused.

As the scene opens, the conspirators are trying to calm the crowd and explain why they killed Caesar. Brutus speaks first, telling the crowd that they killed Caesar because they believed he was too ambitious and would have become a tyrant. He also tells them that they did it for the good of Rome and that they are not murderers, but rather patriots.

Cassius then speaks and tries to convince the crowd that Caesar was a danger to the Republic. He tells them that Caesar was planning to enslave the people of Rome and that they had no choice but to kill him. He also tries to paint Caesar as a weak and cowardly leader who would have led Rome to ruin.

The crowd, however, is not convinced. They are upset and angry and demand to know why the conspirators felt they had the right to kill Caesar. They accuse the conspirators of being traitors and murderers and demand that they be punished.

As the scene comes to a close, the crowd becomes more and more agitated and it becomes clear that the conspirators have not been able to convince them of their actions. The scene ends with the crowd shouting and jeering at the conspirators, leaving them to deal with the consequences of their actions.

Enter CINNA the poet

CINNA THE POET
I dreamt to-night that I did feast with Caesar,
Link: 3.3.1
And things unlucky charge my fantasy:
Link: 3.3.2
I have no will to wander forth of doors,
Link: 3.3.3
Yet something leads me forth.
Link: 3.3.4

Enter Citizens

First Citizen
What is your name?
Link: 3.3.5

Second Citizen
Whither are you going?
Link: 3.3.6

Third Citizen
Where do you dwell?
Link: 3.3.7

Fourth Citizen
Are you a married man or a bachelor?
Link: 3.3.8

Second Citizen
Answer every man directly.
Link: 3.3.9

First Citizen
Ay, and briefly.
Link: 3.3.10

Fourth Citizen
Ay, and wisely.
Link: 3.3.11

Third Citizen
Ay, and truly, you were best.
Link: 3.3.12

CINNA THE POET
What is my name? Whither am I going? Where do I
Link: 3.3.13
dwell? Am I a married man or a bachelor? Then, to
Link: 3.3.14
answer every man directly and briefly, wisely and
Link: 3.3.15
truly: wisely I say, I am a bachelor.
Link: 3.3.16

Second Citizen
That's as much as to say, they are fools that marry:
Link: 3.3.17
you'll bear me a bang for that, I fear. Proceed; directly.
Link: 3.3.18

CINNA THE POET
Directly, I am going to Caesar's funeral.
Link: 3.3.19

First Citizen
As a friend or an enemy?
Link: 3.3.20

CINNA THE POET
As a friend.
Link: 3.3.21

Second Citizen
That matter is answered directly.
Link: 3.3.22

Fourth Citizen
For your dwelling,--briefly.
Link: 3.3.23

CINNA THE POET
Briefly, I dwell by the Capitol.
Link: 3.3.24

Third Citizen
Your name, sir, truly.
Link: 3.3.25

CINNA THE POET
Truly, my name is Cinna.
Link: 3.3.26

First Citizen
Tear him to pieces; he's a conspirator.
Link: 3.3.27

CINNA THE POET
I am Cinna the poet, I am Cinna the poet.
Link: 3.3.28

Fourth Citizen
Tear him for his bad verses, tear him for his bad verses.
Link: 3.3.29

CINNA THE POET
I am not Cinna the conspirator.
Link: 3.3.30

Fourth Citizen
It is no matter, his name's Cinna; pluck but his
Link: 3.3.31
name out of his heart, and turn him going.
Link: 3.3.32

Third Citizen
Tear him, tear him! Come, brands ho! fire-brands:
Link: 3.3.33
to Brutus', to Cassius'; burn all: some to Decius'
Link: 3.3.34
house, and some to Casca's; some to Ligarius': away, go!
Link: 3.3.35

Exeunt

Act IV

Act 4 of Julius Caesar begins with Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus forming a list of people who need to be killed in order to secure their power. They discuss the merits and potential threats posed by each individual, and ultimately agree on a list of names.

Meanwhile, Brutus and Cassius are dealing with their own internal conflicts. Cassius accuses Brutus of wronging him, and they argue about money and power. However, they eventually reconcile and agree to focus on the task at hand: defeating Antony and Octavius.

Brutus then receives news that his wife, Portia, has killed herself out of grief for his involvement in Caesar's assassination. This news deeply affects Brutus, but he refuses to let it distract him from the battle ahead.

Antony and Octavius lead their army to meet Brutus and Cassius in battle. The two sides exchange insults and taunts, and the battle begins. Initially, Brutus and Cassius seem to have the upper hand, but eventually, the tide turns in favor of Antony and Octavius.

During the battle, Brutus sees a ghostly apparition of Caesar, which he interprets as a sign that his time is up. Despite this, he continues to fight until he is captured by Antony's army.

The act ends with Antony and Octavius discussing the fate of Brutus. Antony suggests that they spare him and use him as a propaganda tool to gain support from the people. Octavius agrees, and they set off to discuss the matter with Brutus.

SCENE I. A house in Rome.

Act 4 Scene 1 opens with Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus discussing their plans to eliminate their enemies. They have compiled a list of people they believe pose a threat to their power and plan to have them killed. Antony proposes that his own nephew, Marcus Brutus, be spared from their wrath, but Octavius insists that he be included on the list. Lepidus is tasked with going to Caesar's house to retrieve a document that will help them in their mission.

Next, Antony and Octavius are left alone to discuss their concerns about Lepidus. They both agree that he is not as intelligent or capable as they are, and that they will likely dispose of him once he has served his purpose. They also discuss the threat posed by Brutus and Cassius, and decide that they must be defeated in battle.

Finally, a messenger arrives with news that Brutus and Cassius are amassing their army in preparation for battle. Antony and Octavius prepare to meet them, confident that they will emerge victorious. The scene ends with Antony declaring, "Let us do so, for we are at the stake, and bayed about with many enemies; and some that smile have in their hearts, I fear, millions of mischiefs."

ANTONY, OCTAVIUS, and LEPIDUS, seated at a table

ANTONY
These many, then, shall die; their names are prick'd.
Link: 4.1.1

OCTAVIUS
Your brother too must die; consent you, Lepidus?
Link: 4.1.2

LEPIDUS
I do consent--
Link: 4.1.3

OCTAVIUS
Prick him down, Antony.
Link: 4.1.4

LEPIDUS
Upon condition Publius shall not live,
Link: 4.1.5
Who is your sister's son, Mark Antony.
Link: 4.1.6

ANTONY
He shall not live; look, with a spot I damn him.
Link: 4.1.7
But, Lepidus, go you to Caesar's house;
Link: 4.1.8
Fetch the will hither, and we shall determine
Link: 4.1.9
How to cut off some charge in legacies.
Link: 4.1.10

LEPIDUS
What, shall I find you here?
Link: 4.1.11

OCTAVIUS
Or here, or at the Capitol.
Link: 4.1.12

Exit LEPIDUS

ANTONY
This is a slight unmeritable man,
Link: 4.1.13
Meet to be sent on errands: is it fit,
Link: 4.1.14
The three-fold world divided, he should stand
Link: 4.1.15
One of the three to share it?
Link: 4.1.16

OCTAVIUS
So you thought him;
Link: 4.1.17
And took his voice who should be prick'd to die,
Link: 4.1.18
In our black sentence and proscription.
Link: 4.1.19

ANTONY
Octavius, I have seen more days than you:
Link: 4.1.20
And though we lay these honours on this man,
Link: 4.1.21
To ease ourselves of divers slanderous loads,
Link: 4.1.22
He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold,
Link: 4.1.23
To groan and sweat under the business,
Link: 4.1.24
Either led or driven, as we point the way;
Link: 4.1.25
And having brought our treasure where we will,
Link: 4.1.26
Then take we down his load, and turn him off,
Link: 4.1.27
Like to the empty ass, to shake his ears,
Link: 4.1.28
And graze in commons.
Link: 4.1.29

OCTAVIUS
You may do your will;
Link: 4.1.30
But he's a tried and valiant soldier.
Link: 4.1.31

ANTONY
So is my horse, Octavius; and for that
Link: 4.1.32
I do appoint him store of provender:
Link: 4.1.33
It is a creature that I teach to fight,
Link: 4.1.34
To wind, to stop, to run directly on,
Link: 4.1.35
His corporal motion govern'd by my spirit.
Link: 4.1.36
And, in some taste, is Lepidus but so;
Link: 4.1.37
He must be taught and train'd and bid go forth;
Link: 4.1.38
A barren-spirited fellow; one that feeds
Link: 4.1.39
On abjects, orts and imitations,
Link: 4.1.40
Which, out of use and staled by other men,
Link: 4.1.41
Begin his fashion: do not talk of him,
Link: 4.1.42
But as a property. And now, Octavius,
Link: 4.1.43
Listen great things:--Brutus and Cassius
Link: 4.1.44
Are levying powers: we must straight make head:
Link: 4.1.45
Therefore let our alliance be combined,
Link: 4.1.46
Our best friends made, our means stretch'd
Link: 4.1.47
And let us presently go sit in council,
Link: 4.1.48
How covert matters may be best disclosed,
Link: 4.1.49
And open perils surest answered.
Link: 4.1.50

OCTAVIUS
Let us do so: for we are at the stake,
Link: 4.1.51
And bay'd about with many enemies;
Link: 4.1.52
And some that smile have in their hearts, I fear,
Link: 4.1.53
Millions of mischiefs.
Link: 4.1.54

Exeunt

SCENE II. Camp near Sardis. Before BRUTUS's tent.

In Scene 2 of Act 4, a group of conspirators including Brutus and Cassius meet in a room to discuss their plans for the upcoming battle against Caesar's army. They argue over how they should proceed and how they will divide their forces. Cassius accuses Brutus of being too hesitant and not assertive enough in his leadership. Brutus defends himself, saying he is not afraid to fight but wants to do so with honor. They are interrupted by a messenger who brings news that Antony and Octavius (Caesar's allies) are marching towards them with a large army. The group quickly decides to move their army to Philippi to engage in battle.

Drum. Enter BRUTUS, LUCILIUS, LUCIUS, and Soldiers; TITINIUS and PINDARUS meeting them

BRUTUS
Stand, ho!
Link: 4.2.1

LUCILIUS
Give the word, ho! and stand.
Link: 4.2.2

BRUTUS
What now, Lucilius! is Cassius near?
Link: 4.2.3

LUCILIUS
He is at hand; and Pindarus is come
Link: 4.2.4
To do you salutation from his master.
Link: 4.2.5

BRUTUS
He greets me well. Your master, Pindarus,
Link: 4.2.6
In his own change, or by ill officers,
Link: 4.2.7
Hath given me some worthy cause to wish
Link: 4.2.8
Things done, undone: but, if he be at hand,
Link: 4.2.9
I shall be satisfied.
Link: 4.2.10

PINDARUS
I do not doubt
Link: 4.2.11
But that my noble master will appear
Link: 4.2.12
Such as he is, full of regard and honour.
Link: 4.2.13

BRUTUS
He is not doubted. A word, Lucilius;
Link: 4.2.14
How he received you, let me be resolved.
Link: 4.2.15

LUCILIUS
With courtesy and with respect enough;
Link: 4.2.16
But not with such familiar instances,
Link: 4.2.17
Nor with such free and friendly conference,
Link: 4.2.18
As he hath used of old.
Link: 4.2.19

BRUTUS
Thou hast described
Link: 4.2.20
A hot friend cooling: ever note, Lucilius,
Link: 4.2.21
When love begins to sicken and decay,
Link: 4.2.22
It useth an enforced ceremony.
Link: 4.2.23
There are no tricks in plain and simple faith;
Link: 4.2.24
But hollow men, like horses hot at hand,
Link: 4.2.25
Make gallant show and promise of their mettle;
Link: 4.2.26
But when they should endure the bloody spur,
Link: 4.2.27
They fall their crests, and, like deceitful jades,
Link: 4.2.28
Sink in the trial. Comes his army on?
Link: 4.2.29

LUCILIUS
They mean this night in Sardis to be quarter'd;
Link: 4.2.30
The greater part, the horse in general,
Link: 4.2.31
Are come with Cassius.
Link: 4.2.32

BRUTUS
Hark! he is arrived.
Link: 4.2.33
March gently on to meet him.
Link: 4.2.34

Enter CASSIUS and his powers

CASSIUS
Stand, ho!
Link: 4.2.35

BRUTUS
Stand, ho! Speak the word along.
Link: 4.2.36

First Soldier

Second Soldier

Third Soldier

CASSIUS
Most noble brother, you have done me wrong.
Link: 4.2.40

BRUTUS
Judge me, you gods! wrong I mine enemies?
Link: 4.2.41
And, if not so, how should I wrong a brother?
Link: 4.2.42

CASSIUS
Brutus, this sober form of yours hides wrongs;
Link: 4.2.43
And when you do them--
Link: 4.2.44

BRUTUS
Cassius, be content.
Link: 4.2.45
Speak your griefs softly: I do know you well.
Link: 4.2.46
Before the eyes of both our armies here,
Link: 4.2.47
Which should perceive nothing but love from us,
Link: 4.2.48
Let us not wrangle: bid them move away;
Link: 4.2.49
Then in my tent, Cassius, enlarge your griefs,
Link: 4.2.50
And I will give you audience.
Link: 4.2.51

CASSIUS
Pindarus,
Link: 4.2.52
Bid our commanders lead their charges off
Link: 4.2.53
A little from this ground.
Link: 4.2.54

BRUTUS
Lucilius, do you the like; and let no man
Link: 4.2.55
Come to our tent till we have done our conference.
Link: 4.2.56
Let Lucius and Titinius guard our door.
Link: 4.2.57

Exeunt

SCENE III. Brutus's tent.

Scene 3 of Act 4 of Julius Caesar begins with Brutus and Cassius arguing over their military strategy. Cassius believes they should wait for the enemy to come to them, while Brutus wants to march to meet them. They are interrupted by a messenger who brings news of the enemy's movements.

Titinius and Messala arrive, and they discuss the situation. Brutus decides to march his army to meet the enemy, and they all leave to prepare for the battle.

Before they depart, Cassius expresses his concerns about their chances of winning. He believes that they will be defeated and suggests that they should kill themselves rather than be captured. Brutus disagrees and tells him that they will fight to the death if necessary.

As they leave, Brutus and Cassius exchange words of farewell, knowing that this may be the last time they see each other. Cassius expresses his regret for the way he treated Brutus earlier, and they embrace.

The scene ends with Brutus and his army marching to meet the enemy, ready to fight for their cause.

Enter BRUTUS and CASSIUS

CASSIUS
That you have wrong'd me doth appear in this:
Link: 4.3.1
You have condemn'd and noted Lucius Pella
Link: 4.3.2
For taking bribes here of the Sardians;
Link: 4.3.3
Wherein my letters, praying on his side,
Link: 4.3.4
Because I knew the man, were slighted off.
Link: 4.3.5

BRUTUS
You wronged yourself to write in such a case.
Link: 4.3.6

CASSIUS
In such a time as this it is not meet
Link: 4.3.7
That every nice offence should bear his comment.
Link: 4.3.8

BRUTUS
Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself
Link: 4.3.9
Are much condemn'd to have an itching palm;
Link: 4.3.10
To sell and mart your offices for gold
Link: 4.3.11
To undeservers.
Link: 4.3.12

CASSIUS
I an itching palm!
Link: 4.3.13
You know that you are Brutus that speak this,
Link: 4.3.14
Or, by the gods, this speech were else your last.
Link: 4.3.15

BRUTUS
The name of Cassius honours this corruption,
Link: 4.3.16
And chastisement doth therefore hide his head.
Link: 4.3.17

CASSIUS
Chastisement!
Link: 4.3.18

BRUTUS
Remember March, the ides of March remember:
Link: 4.3.19
Did not great Julius bleed for justice' sake?
Link: 4.3.20
What villain touch'd his body, that did stab,
Link: 4.3.21
And not for justice? What, shall one of us
Link: 4.3.22
That struck the foremost man of all this world
Link: 4.3.23
But for supporting robbers, shall we now
Link: 4.3.24
Contaminate our fingers with base bribes,
Link: 4.3.25
And sell the mighty space of our large honours
Link: 4.3.26
For so much trash as may be grasped thus?
Link: 4.3.27
I had rather be a dog, and bay the moon,
Link: 4.3.28
Than such a Roman.
Link: 4.3.29

CASSIUS
Brutus, bay not me;
Link: 4.3.30
I'll not endure it: you forget yourself,
Link: 4.3.31
To hedge me in; I am a soldier, I,
Link: 4.3.32
Older in practise, abler than yourself
Link: 4.3.33
To make conditions.
Link: 4.3.34

BRUTUS
Go to; you are not, Cassius.
Link: 4.3.35

CASSIUS

BRUTUS
I say you are not.
Link: 4.3.37

CASSIUS
Urge me no more, I shall forget myself;
Link: 4.3.38
Have mind upon your health, tempt me no further.
Link: 4.3.39

BRUTUS
Away, slight man!
Link: 4.3.40

CASSIUS
Is't possible?
Link: 4.3.41

BRUTUS
Hear me, for I will speak.
Link: 4.3.42
Must I give way and room to your rash choler?
Link: 4.3.43
Shall I be frighted when a madman stares?
Link: 4.3.44

CASSIUS
O ye gods, ye gods! must I endure all this?
Link: 4.3.45

BRUTUS
All this! ay, more: fret till your proud heart break;
Link: 4.3.46
Go show your slaves how choleric you are,
Link: 4.3.47
And make your bondmen tremble. Must I budge?
Link: 4.3.48
Must I observe you? must I stand and crouch
Link: 4.3.49
Under your testy humour? By the gods
Link: 4.3.50
You shall digest the venom of your spleen,
Link: 4.3.51
Though it do split you; for, from this day forth,
Link: 4.3.52
I'll use you for my mirth, yea, for my laughter,
Link: 4.3.53
When you are waspish.
Link: 4.3.54

CASSIUS
Is it come to this?
Link: 4.3.55

BRUTUS
You say you are a better soldier:
Link: 4.3.56
Let it appear so; make your vaunting true,
Link: 4.3.57
And it shall please me well: for mine own part,
Link: 4.3.58
I shall be glad to learn of noble men.
Link: 4.3.59

CASSIUS
You wrong me every way; you wrong me, Brutus;
Link: 4.3.60
I said, an elder soldier, not a better:
Link: 4.3.61
Did I say 'better'?
Link: 4.3.62

BRUTUS
If you did, I care not.
Link: 4.3.63

CASSIUS
When Caesar lived, he durst not thus have moved me.
Link: 4.3.64

BRUTUS
Peace, peace! you durst not so have tempted him.
Link: 4.3.65

CASSIUS
I durst not!
Link: 4.3.66

BRUTUS

CASSIUS
What, durst not tempt him!
Link: 4.3.68

BRUTUS
For your life you durst not!
Link: 4.3.69

CASSIUS
Do not presume too much upon my love;
Link: 4.3.70
I may do that I shall be sorry for.
Link: 4.3.71

BRUTUS
You have done that you should be sorry for.
Link: 4.3.72
There is no terror, Cassius, in your threats,
Link: 4.3.73
For I am arm'd so strong in honesty
Link: 4.3.74
That they pass by me as the idle wind,
Link: 4.3.75
Which I respect not. I did send to you
Link: 4.3.76
For certain sums of gold, which you denied me:
Link: 4.3.77
For I can raise no money by vile means:
Link: 4.3.78
By heaven, I had rather coin my heart,
Link: 4.3.79
And drop my blood for drachmas, than to wring
Link: 4.3.80
From the hard hands of peasants their vile trash
Link: 4.3.81
By any indirection: I did send
Link: 4.3.82
To you for gold to pay my legions,
Link: 4.3.83
Which you denied me: was that done like Cassius?
Link: 4.3.84
Should I have answer'd Caius Cassius so?
Link: 4.3.85
When Marcus Brutus grows so covetous,
Link: 4.3.86
To lock such rascal counters from his friends,
Link: 4.3.87
Be ready, gods, with all your thunderbolts;
Link: 4.3.88
Dash him to pieces!
Link: 4.3.89

CASSIUS
I denied you not.
Link: 4.3.90

BRUTUS
You did.
Link: 4.3.91

CASSIUS
I did not: he was but a fool that brought
Link: 4.3.92
My answer back. Brutus hath rived my heart:
Link: 4.3.93
A friend should bear his friend's infirmities,
Link: 4.3.94
But Brutus makes mine greater than they are.
Link: 4.3.95

BRUTUS
I do not, till you practise them on me.
Link: 4.3.96

CASSIUS
You love me not.
Link: 4.3.97

BRUTUS
I do not like your faults.
Link: 4.3.98

CASSIUS
A friendly eye could never see such faults.
Link: 4.3.99

BRUTUS
A flatterer's would not, though they do appear
Link: 4.3.100
As huge as high Olympus.
Link: 4.3.101

CASSIUS
Come, Antony, and young Octavius, come,
Link: 4.3.102
Revenge yourselves alone on Cassius,
Link: 4.3.103
For Cassius is aweary of the world;
Link: 4.3.104
Hated by one he loves; braved by his brother;
Link: 4.3.105
Cheque'd like a bondman; all his faults observed,
Link: 4.3.106
Set in a note-book, learn'd, and conn'd by rote,
Link: 4.3.107
To cast into my teeth. O, I could weep
Link: 4.3.108
My spirit from mine eyes! There is my dagger,
Link: 4.3.109
And here my naked breast; within, a heart
Link: 4.3.110
Dearer than Plutus' mine, richer than gold:
Link: 4.3.111
If that thou be'st a Roman, take it forth;
Link: 4.3.112
I, that denied thee gold, will give my heart:
Link: 4.3.113
Strike, as thou didst at Caesar; for, I know,
Link: 4.3.114
When thou didst hate him worst, thou lovedst him better
Link: 4.3.115
Than ever thou lovedst Cassius.
Link: 4.3.116

BRUTUS
Sheathe your dagger:
Link: 4.3.117
Be angry when you will, it shall have scope;
Link: 4.3.118
Do what you will, dishonour shall be humour.
Link: 4.3.119
O Cassius, you are yoked with a lamb
Link: 4.3.120
That carries anger as the flint bears fire;
Link: 4.3.121
Who, much enforced, shows a hasty spark,
Link: 4.3.122
And straight is cold again.
Link: 4.3.123

CASSIUS
Hath Cassius lived
Link: 4.3.124
To be but mirth and laughter to his Brutus,
Link: 4.3.125
When grief, and blood ill-temper'd, vexeth him?
Link: 4.3.126

BRUTUS
When I spoke that, I was ill-temper'd too.
Link: 4.3.127

CASSIUS
Do you confess so much? Give me your hand.
Link: 4.3.128

BRUTUS
And my heart too.
Link: 4.3.129

CASSIUS
O Brutus!
Link: 4.3.130

BRUTUS
What's the matter?
Link: 4.3.131

CASSIUS
Have not you love enough to bear with me,
Link: 4.3.132
When that rash humour which my mother gave me
Link: 4.3.133
Makes me forgetful?
Link: 4.3.134

BRUTUS
Yes, Cassius; and, from henceforth,
Link: 4.3.135
When you are over-earnest with your Brutus,
Link: 4.3.136
He'll think your mother chides, and leave you so.
Link: 4.3.137

Poet
(Within) Let me go in to see the generals;
Link: 4.3.138
There is some grudge between 'em, 'tis not meet
Link: 4.3.139
They be alone.
Link: 4.3.140

LUCILIUS
(Within) You shall not come to them.
Link: 4.3.141

Poet
(Within) Nothing but death shall stay me.
Link: 4.3.142

Enter Poet, followed by LUCILIUS, TITINIUS, and LUCIUS

CASSIUS
How now! what's the matter?
Link: 4.3.143

Poet
For shame, you generals! what do you mean?
Link: 4.3.144
Love, and be friends, as two such men should be;
Link: 4.3.145
For I have seen more years, I'm sure, than ye.
Link: 4.3.146

CASSIUS
Ha, ha! how vilely doth this cynic rhyme!
Link: 4.3.147

BRUTUS
Get you hence, sirrah; saucy fellow, hence!
Link: 4.3.148

CASSIUS
Bear with him, Brutus; 'tis his fashion.
Link: 4.3.149

BRUTUS
I'll know his humour, when he knows his time:
Link: 4.3.150
What should the wars do with these jigging fools?
Link: 4.3.151
Companion, hence!
Link: 4.3.152

CASSIUS
Away, away, be gone.
Link: 4.3.153

Exit Poet

BRUTUS
Lucilius and Titinius, bid the commanders
Link: 4.3.154
Prepare to lodge their companies to-night.
Link: 4.3.155

CASSIUS
And come yourselves, and bring Messala with you
Link: 4.3.156
Immediately to us.
Link: 4.3.157

Exeunt LUCILIUS and TITINIUS

BRUTUS
Lucius, a bowl of wine!
Link: 4.3.158

Exit LUCIUS

CASSIUS
I did not think you could have been so angry.
Link: 4.3.159

BRUTUS
O Cassius, I am sick of many griefs.
Link: 4.3.160

CASSIUS
Of your philosophy you make no use,
Link: 4.3.161
If you give place to accidental evils.
Link: 4.3.162

BRUTUS
No man bears sorrow better. Portia is dead.
Link: 4.3.163

CASSIUS
Ha! Portia!
Link: 4.3.164

BRUTUS
She is dead.
Link: 4.3.165

CASSIUS
How 'scaped I killing when I cross'd you so?
Link: 4.3.166
O insupportable and touching loss!
Link: 4.3.167
Upon what sickness?
Link: 4.3.168

BRUTUS
Impatient of my absence,
Link: 4.3.169
And grief that young Octavius with Mark Antony
Link: 4.3.170
Have made themselves so strong:--for with her death
Link: 4.3.171
That tidings came;--with this she fell distract,
Link: 4.3.172
And, her attendants absent, swallow'd fire.
Link: 4.3.173

CASSIUS
And died so?
Link: 4.3.174

BRUTUS
Even so.
Link: 4.3.175

CASSIUS
O ye immortal gods!
Link: 4.3.176

Re-enter LUCIUS, with wine and taper

BRUTUS
Speak no more of her. Give me a bowl of wine.
Link: 4.3.177
In this I bury all unkindness, Cassius.
Link: 4.3.178

CASSIUS
My heart is thirsty for that noble pledge.
Link: 4.3.179
Fill, Lucius, till the wine o'erswell the cup;
Link: 4.3.180
I cannot drink too much of Brutus' love.
Link: 4.3.181

BRUTUS
Come in, Titinius!
Link: 4.3.182
Welcome, good Messala.
Link: 4.3.183
Now sit we close about this taper here,
Link: 4.3.184
And call in question our necessities.
Link: 4.3.185

CASSIUS
Portia, art thou gone?
Link: 4.3.186

BRUTUS
No more, I pray you.
Link: 4.3.187
Messala, I have here received letters,
Link: 4.3.188
That young Octavius and Mark Antony
Link: 4.3.189
Come down upon us with a mighty power,
Link: 4.3.190
Bending their expedition toward Philippi.
Link: 4.3.191

MESSALA
Myself have letters of the selfsame tenor.
Link: 4.3.192

BRUTUS
With what addition?
Link: 4.3.193

MESSALA
That by proscription and bills of outlawry,
Link: 4.3.194
Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus,
Link: 4.3.195
Have put to death an hundred senators.
Link: 4.3.196

BRUTUS
Therein our letters do not well agree;
Link: 4.3.197
Mine speak of seventy senators that died
Link: 4.3.198
By their proscriptions, Cicero being one.
Link: 4.3.199

CASSIUS
Cicero one!
Link: 4.3.200

MESSALA
Cicero is dead,
Link: 4.3.201
And by that order of proscription.
Link: 4.3.202
Had you your letters from your wife, my lord?
Link: 4.3.203

BRUTUS
No, Messala.
Link: 4.3.204

MESSALA
Nor nothing in your letters writ of her?
Link: 4.3.205

BRUTUS
Nothing, Messala.
Link: 4.3.206

MESSALA
That, methinks, is strange.
Link: 4.3.207

BRUTUS
Why ask you? hear you aught of her in yours?
Link: 4.3.208

MESSALA
No, my lord.
Link: 4.3.209

BRUTUS
Now, as you are a Roman, tell me true.
Link: 4.3.210

MESSALA
Then like a Roman bear the truth I tell:
Link: 4.3.211
For certain she is dead, and by strange manner.
Link: 4.3.212

BRUTUS
Why, farewell, Portia. We must die, Messala:
Link: 4.3.213
With meditating that she must die once,
Link: 4.3.214
I have the patience to endure it now.
Link: 4.3.215

MESSALA
Even so great men great losses should endure.
Link: 4.3.216

CASSIUS
I have as much of this in art as you,
Link: 4.3.217
But yet my nature could not bear it so.
Link: 4.3.218

BRUTUS
Well, to our work alive. What do you think
Link: 4.3.219
Of marching to Philippi presently?
Link: 4.3.220

CASSIUS
I do not think it good.
Link: 4.3.221

BRUTUS
Your reason?
Link: 4.3.222

CASSIUS
This it is:
Link: 4.3.223
'Tis better that the enemy seek us:
Link: 4.3.224
So shall he waste his means, weary his soldiers,
Link: 4.3.225
Doing himself offence; whilst we, lying still,
Link: 4.3.226
Are full of rest, defense, and nimbleness.
Link: 4.3.227

BRUTUS
Good reasons must, of force, give place to better.
Link: 4.3.228
The people 'twixt Philippi and this ground
Link: 4.3.229
Do stand but in a forced affection;
Link: 4.3.230
For they have grudged us contribution:
Link: 4.3.231
The enemy, marching along by them,
Link: 4.3.232
By them shall make a fuller number up,
Link: 4.3.233
Come on refresh'd, new-added, and encouraged;
Link: 4.3.234
From which advantage shall we cut him off,
Link: 4.3.235
If at Philippi we do face him there,
Link: 4.3.236
These people at our back.
Link: 4.3.237

CASSIUS
Hear me, good brother.
Link: 4.3.238

BRUTUS
Under your pardon. You must note beside,
Link: 4.3.239
That we have tried the utmost of our friends,
Link: 4.3.240
Our legions are brim-full, our cause is ripe:
Link: 4.3.241
The enemy increaseth every day;
Link: 4.3.242
We, at the height, are ready to decline.
Link: 4.3.243
There is a tide in the affairs of men,
Link: 4.3.244
Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune;
Link: 4.3.245
Omitted, all the voyage of their life
Link: 4.3.246
Is bound in shallows and in miseries.
Link: 4.3.247
On such a full sea are we now afloat;
Link: 4.3.248
And we must take the current when it serves,
Link: 4.3.249
Or lose our ventures.
Link: 4.3.250

CASSIUS
Then, with your will, go on;
Link: 4.3.251
We'll along ourselves, and meet them at Philippi.
Link: 4.3.252

BRUTUS
The deep of night is crept upon our talk,
Link: 4.3.253
And nature must obey necessity;
Link: 4.3.254
Which we will niggard with a little rest.
Link: 4.3.255
There is no more to say?
Link: 4.3.256

CASSIUS
No more. Good night:
Link: 4.3.257
Early to-morrow will we rise, and hence.
Link: 4.3.258

BRUTUS
My gown.
Link: 4.3.260
Farewell, good Messala:
Link: 4.3.261
Good night, Titinius. Noble, noble Cassius,
Link: 4.3.262
Good night, and good repose.
Link: 4.3.263

CASSIUS
O my dear brother!
Link: 4.3.264
This was an ill beginning of the night:
Link: 4.3.265
Never come such division 'tween our souls!
Link: 4.3.266
Let it not, Brutus.
Link: 4.3.267

BRUTUS
Every thing is well.
Link: 4.3.268

CASSIUS
Good night, my lord.
Link: 4.3.269

BRUTUS
Good night, good brother.
Link: 4.3.270

TITINIUS
Good night, Lord Brutus.
Link: 4.3.271

BRUTUS
Farewell, every one.
Link: 4.3.272
Give me the gown. Where is thy instrument?
Link: 4.3.273

LUCIUS
Here in the tent.
Link: 4.3.274

BRUTUS
What, thou speak'st drowsily?
Link: 4.3.275
Poor knave, I blame thee not; thou art o'er-watch'd.
Link: 4.3.276
Call Claudius and some other of my men:
Link: 4.3.277
I'll have them sleep on cushions in my tent.
Link: 4.3.278

LUCIUS
Varro and Claudius!
Link: 4.3.279

Enter VARRO and CLAUDIUS

VARRO
Calls my lord?
Link: 4.3.280

BRUTUS
I pray you, sirs, lie in my tent and sleep;
Link: 4.3.281
It may be I shall raise you by and by
Link: 4.3.282
On business to my brother Cassius.
Link: 4.3.283

VARRO
So please you, we will stand and watch your pleasure.
Link: 4.3.284

BRUTUS
I will not have it so: lie down, good sirs;
Link: 4.3.285
It may be I shall otherwise bethink me.
Link: 4.3.286
Look, Lucius, here's the book I sought for so;
Link: 4.3.287
I put it in the pocket of my gown.
Link: 4.3.288

VARRO and CLAUDIUS lie down

LUCIUS
I was sure your lordship did not give it me.
Link: 4.3.289

BRUTUS
Bear with me, good boy, I am much forgetful.
Link: 4.3.290
Canst thou hold up thy heavy eyes awhile,
Link: 4.3.291
And touch thy instrument a strain or two?
Link: 4.3.292

LUCIUS
Ay, my lord, an't please you.
Link: 4.3.293

BRUTUS
It does, my boy:
Link: 4.3.294
I trouble thee too much, but thou art willing.
Link: 4.3.295

LUCIUS
It is my duty, sir.
Link: 4.3.296

BRUTUS
I should not urge thy duty past thy might;
Link: 4.3.297
I know young bloods look for a time of rest.
Link: 4.3.298

LUCIUS
I have slept, my lord, already.
Link: 4.3.299

BRUTUS
It was well done; and thou shalt sleep again;
Link: 4.3.300
I will not hold thee long: if I do live,
Link: 4.3.301
I will be good to thee.
Link: 4.3.302
This is a sleepy tune. O murderous slumber,
Link: 4.3.303
Lay'st thou thy leaden mace upon my boy,
Link: 4.3.304
That plays thee music? Gentle knave, good night;
Link: 4.3.305
I will not do thee so much wrong to wake thee:
Link: 4.3.306
If thou dost nod, thou break'st thy instrument;
Link: 4.3.307
I'll take it from thee; and, good boy, good night.
Link: 4.3.308
Let me see, let me see; is not the leaf turn'd down
Link: 4.3.309
Where I left reading? Here it is, I think.
Link: 4.3.310
How ill this taper burns! Ha! who comes here?
Link: 4.3.311
I think it is the weakness of mine eyes
Link: 4.3.312
That shapes this monstrous apparition.
Link: 4.3.313
It comes upon me. Art thou any thing?
Link: 4.3.314
Art thou some god, some angel, or some devil,
Link: 4.3.315
That makest my blood cold and my hair to stare?
Link: 4.3.316
Speak to me what thou art.
Link: 4.3.317

GHOST
Thy evil spirit, Brutus.
Link: 4.3.318

BRUTUS
Why comest thou?
Link: 4.3.319

GHOST
To tell thee thou shalt see me at Philippi.
Link: 4.3.320

BRUTUS
Well; then I shall see thee again?
Link: 4.3.321

GHOST
Ay, at Philippi.
Link: 4.3.322

BRUTUS
Why, I will see thee at Philippi, then.
Link: 4.3.323
Now I have taken heart thou vanishest:
Link: 4.3.324
Ill spirit, I would hold more talk with thee.
Link: 4.3.325
Boy, Lucius! Varro! Claudius! Sirs, awake! Claudius!
Link: 4.3.326

LUCIUS
The strings, my lord, are false.
Link: 4.3.327

BRUTUS
He thinks he still is at his instrument.
Link: 4.3.328
Lucius, awake!
Link: 4.3.329

LUCIUS
My lord?
Link: 4.3.330

BRUTUS
Didst thou dream, Lucius, that thou so criedst out?
Link: 4.3.331

LUCIUS
My lord, I do not know that I did cry.
Link: 4.3.332

BRUTUS
Yes, that thou didst: didst thou see any thing?
Link: 4.3.333

LUCIUS
Nothing, my lord.
Link: 4.3.334

BRUTUS
Sleep again, Lucius. Sirrah Claudius!
Link: 4.3.335
Fellow thou, awake!
Link: 4.3.336

VARRO
My lord?
Link: 4.3.337

CLAUDIUS
My lord?
Link: 4.3.338

BRUTUS
Why did you so cry out, sirs, in your sleep?
Link: 4.3.339

VARRO
Did we, my lord?
Link: 4.3.340

BRUTUS
Ay: saw you any thing?
Link: 4.3.341

VARRO
No, my lord, I saw nothing.
Link: 4.3.342

CLAUDIUS
Nor I, my lord.
Link: 4.3.343

BRUTUS
Go and commend me to my brother Cassius;
Link: 4.3.344
Bid him set on his powers betimes before,
Link: 4.3.345
And we will follow.
Link: 4.3.346

VARRO
It shall be done, my lord.
Link: 4.3.347

Exeunt

Act V

Act 5 of Julius Caesar is the final act of the play. The act opens with the armies of Octavius Caesar and Mark Antony preparing to engage in battle against the forces led by Brutus and Cassius. The two sides exchange insults and prepare for the fight.

During the battle, Brutus and Cassius lead their armies against Octavius and Antony. The battle is intense, with both sides suffering heavy losses. Eventually, Brutus and Cassius are defeated, and they retreat to a nearby hill. There, they argue about their next move. Cassius suggests that they kill themselves, as they are unlikely to escape alive. Brutus agrees, and they each take their own lives.

After the deaths of Brutus and Cassius, Antony gives a speech praising Brutus as an honorable man, despite having fought against him. Octavius orders that Brutus be given a proper burial and honors. The play ends with Antony and Octavius discussing their plans for Rome now that they have emerged victorious.

SCENE I. The plains of Philippi.

A group of soldiers who were loyal to Brutus and Cassius prepare to face off against Antony and Octavius' forces. Brutus has instructed them to fight until they die as they are outnumbered and outmatched. The soldiers discuss their fears and concerns, but ultimately decide to follow Brutus' orders.

Brutus and Cassius enter and speak with their soldiers, giving them a rousing speech about honor and bravery. They remind their men of their cause and the importance of their sacrifice. The soldiers are inspired and ready to fight.

Antony and Octavius arrive with their own troops and a battle ensues. The two sides exchange insults and fight fiercely. Despite their bravery, Brutus' and Cassius' soldiers are eventually overwhelmed and begin to lose ground.

Cassius sees that they are losing and decides to take matters into his own hands. He sends one of his men to kill him, knowing that he cannot bear to be captured and used as a pawn by the enemy. The soldier reluctantly kills Cassius and brings his body to Brutus.

Brutus is heartbroken by the loss of his friend and ally. He reflects on the decisions he has made and the consequences they have brought. He decides to take his own life, hoping that his death will bring an end to the conflict and spare the lives of his remaining soldiers.

The play ends with Antony paying tribute to Brutus, acknowledging his bravery and honor even in defeat. The audience is left to ponder the themes of loyalty, honor, and the consequences of one's actions.

Enter OCTAVIUS, ANTONY, and their army

OCTAVIUS
Now, Antony, our hopes are answered:
Link: 5.1.1
You said the enemy would not come down,
Link: 5.1.2
But keep the hills and upper regions;
Link: 5.1.3
It proves not so: their battles are at hand;
Link: 5.1.4
They mean to warn us at Philippi here,
Link: 5.1.5
Answering before we do demand of them.
Link: 5.1.6

ANTONY
Tut, I am in their bosoms, and I know
Link: 5.1.7
Wherefore they do it: they could be content
Link: 5.1.8
To visit other places; and come down
Link: 5.1.9
With fearful bravery, thinking by this face
Link: 5.1.10
To fasten in our thoughts that they have courage;
Link: 5.1.11
But 'tis not so.
Link: 5.1.12

Enter a Messenger

Messenger
Prepare you, generals:
Link: 5.1.13
The enemy comes on in gallant show;
Link: 5.1.14
Their bloody sign of battle is hung out,
Link: 5.1.15
And something to be done immediately.
Link: 5.1.16

ANTONY
Octavius, lead your battle softly on,
Link: 5.1.17
Upon the left hand of the even field.
Link: 5.1.18

OCTAVIUS
Upon the right hand I; keep thou the left.
Link: 5.1.19

ANTONY
Why do you cross me in this exigent?
Link: 5.1.20

OCTAVIUS
I do not cross you; but I will do so.
Link: 5.1.21

March

Drum. Enter BRUTUS, CASSIUS, and their Army; LUCILIUS, TITINIUS, MESSALA, and others

BRUTUS
They stand, and would have parley.
Link: 5.1.22

CASSIUS
Stand fast, Titinius: we must out and talk.
Link: 5.1.23

OCTAVIUS
Mark Antony, shall we give sign of battle?
Link: 5.1.24

ANTONY
No, Caesar, we will answer on their charge.
Link: 5.1.25
Make forth; the generals would have some words.
Link: 5.1.26

OCTAVIUS
Stir not until the signal.
Link: 5.1.27

BRUTUS
Words before blows: is it so, countrymen?
Link: 5.1.28

OCTAVIUS
Not that we love words better, as you do.
Link: 5.1.29

BRUTUS
Good words are better than bad strokes, Octavius.
Link: 5.1.30

ANTONY
In your bad strokes, Brutus, you give good words:
Link: 5.1.31
Witness the hole you made in Caesar's heart,
Link: 5.1.32
Crying 'Long live! hail, Caesar!'
Link: 5.1.33

CASSIUS
Antony,
Link: 5.1.34
The posture of your blows are yet unknown;
Link: 5.1.35
But for your words, they rob the Hybla bees,
Link: 5.1.36
And leave them honeyless.
Link: 5.1.37

ANTONY
Not stingless too.
Link: 5.1.38

BRUTUS
O, yes, and soundless too;
Link: 5.1.39
For you have stol'n their buzzing, Antony,
Link: 5.1.40
And very wisely threat before you sting.
Link: 5.1.41

ANTONY
Villains, you did not so, when your vile daggers
Link: 5.1.42
Hack'd one another in the sides of Caesar:
Link: 5.1.43
You show'd your teeth like apes, and fawn'd like hounds,
Link: 5.1.44
And bow'd like bondmen, kissing Caesar's feet;
Link: 5.1.45
Whilst damned Casca, like a cur, behind
Link: 5.1.46
Struck Caesar on the neck. O you flatterers!
Link: 5.1.47

CASSIUS
Flatterers! Now, Brutus, thank yourself:
Link: 5.1.48
This tongue had not offended so to-day,
Link: 5.1.49
If Cassius might have ruled.
Link: 5.1.50

OCTAVIUS
Come, come, the cause: if arguing make us sweat,
Link: 5.1.51
The proof of it will turn to redder drops. Look;
Link: 5.1.52
I draw a sword against conspirators;
Link: 5.1.53
When think you that the sword goes up again?
Link: 5.1.54
Never, till Caesar's three and thirty wounds
Link: 5.1.55
Be well avenged; or till another Caesar
Link: 5.1.56
Have added slaughter to the sword of traitors.
Link: 5.1.57

BRUTUS
Caesar, thou canst not die by traitors' hands,
Link: 5.1.58
Unless thou bring'st them with thee.
Link: 5.1.59

OCTAVIUS
So I hope;
Link: 5.1.60
I was not born to die on Brutus' sword.
Link: 5.1.61

BRUTUS
O, if thou wert the noblest of thy strain,
Link: 5.1.62
Young man, thou couldst not die more honourable.
Link: 5.1.63

CASSIUS
A peevish schoolboy, worthless of such honour,
Link: 5.1.64
Join'd with a masker and a reveller!
Link: 5.1.65

ANTONY
Old Cassius still!
Link: 5.1.66

OCTAVIUS
Come, Antony, away!
Link: 5.1.67
Defiance, traitors, hurl we in your teeth:
Link: 5.1.68
If you dare fight to-day, come to the field;
Link: 5.1.69
If not, when you have stomachs.
Link: 5.1.70

Exeunt OCTAVIUS, ANTONY, and their army

CASSIUS
Why, now, blow wind, swell billow and swim bark!
Link: 5.1.71
The storm is up, and all is on the hazard.
Link: 5.1.72

BRUTUS
Ho, Lucilius! hark, a word with you.
Link: 5.1.73

LUCILIUS
(Standing forth) My lord?
Link: 5.1.74

BRUTUS and LUCILIUS converse apart

CASSIUS
Messala!
Link: 5.1.75

MESSALA
(Standing forth) What says my general?
Link: 5.1.76

CASSIUS
Messala,
Link: 5.1.77
This is my birth-day; as this very day
Link: 5.1.78
Was Cassius born. Give me thy hand, Messala:
Link: 5.1.79
Be thou my witness that against my will,
Link: 5.1.80
As Pompey was, am I compell'd to set
Link: 5.1.81
Upon one battle all our liberties.
Link: 5.1.82
You know that I held Epicurus strong
Link: 5.1.83
And his opinion: now I change my mind,
Link: 5.1.84
And partly credit things that do presage.
Link: 5.1.85
Coming from Sardis, on our former ensign
Link: 5.1.86
Two mighty eagles fell, and there they perch'd,
Link: 5.1.87
Gorging and feeding from our soldiers' hands;
Link: 5.1.88
Who to Philippi here consorted us:
Link: 5.1.89
This morning are they fled away and gone;
Link: 5.1.90
And in their steads do ravens, crows and kites,
Link: 5.1.91
Fly o'er our heads and downward look on us,
Link: 5.1.92
As we were sickly prey: their shadows seem
Link: 5.1.93
A canopy most fatal, under which
Link: 5.1.94
Our army lies, ready to give up the ghost.
Link: 5.1.95

MESSALA
Believe not so.
Link: 5.1.96

CASSIUS
I but believe it partly;
Link: 5.1.97
For I am fresh of spirit and resolved
Link: 5.1.98
To meet all perils very constantly.
Link: 5.1.99

BRUTUS
Even so, Lucilius.
Link: 5.1.100

CASSIUS
Now, most noble Brutus,
Link: 5.1.101
The gods to-day stand friendly, that we may,
Link: 5.1.102
Lovers in peace, lead on our days to age!
Link: 5.1.103
But since the affairs of men rest still incertain,
Link: 5.1.104
Let's reason with the worst that may befall.
Link: 5.1.105
If we do lose this battle, then is this
Link: 5.1.106
The very last time we shall speak together:
Link: 5.1.107
What are you then determined to do?
Link: 5.1.108

BRUTUS
Even by the rule of that philosophy
Link: 5.1.109
By which I did blame Cato for the death
Link: 5.1.110
Which he did give himself, I know not how,
Link: 5.1.111
But I do find it cowardly and vile,
Link: 5.1.112
For fear of what might fall, so to prevent
Link: 5.1.113
The time of life: arming myself with patience
Link: 5.1.114
To stay the providence of some high powers
Link: 5.1.115
That govern us below.
Link: 5.1.116

CASSIUS
Then, if we lose this battle,
Link: 5.1.117
You are contented to be led in triumph
Link: 5.1.118
Thorough the streets of Rome?
Link: 5.1.119

BRUTUS
No, Cassius, no: think not, thou noble Roman,
Link: 5.1.120
That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome;
Link: 5.1.121
He bears too great a mind. But this same day
Link: 5.1.122
Must end that work the ides of March begun;
Link: 5.1.123
And whether we shall meet again I know not.
Link: 5.1.124
Therefore our everlasting farewell take:
Link: 5.1.125
For ever, and for ever, farewell, Cassius!
Link: 5.1.126
If we do meet again, why, we shall smile;
Link: 5.1.127
If not, why then, this parting was well made.
Link: 5.1.128

CASSIUS
For ever, and for ever, farewell, Brutus!
Link: 5.1.129
If we do meet again, we'll smile indeed;
Link: 5.1.130
If not, 'tis true this parting was well made.
Link: 5.1.131

BRUTUS
Why, then, lead on. O, that a man might know
Link: 5.1.132
The end of this day's business ere it come!
Link: 5.1.133
But it sufficeth that the day will end,
Link: 5.1.134
And then the end is known. Come, ho! away!
Link: 5.1.135

Exeunt

SCENE II. The same. The field of battle.

Scene 2 of Act 5 of Julius Caesar takes place in the field of battle. Octavius, Antony, and their army have just arrived and are preparing for battle against Brutus and Cassius' army. Brutus and Cassius also arrive with their army, and they exchange insults and threats with Octavius and Antony.

Brutus and Cassius argue about strategy and tactics, with Cassius accusing Brutus of making a mistake in allowing Antony and Octavius to take the high ground. Brutus defends his decision, and they continue to argue until they are interrupted by a messenger who brings news of enemy movements. They quickly prepare for battle.

The battle begins, and both sides fight fiercely. Brutus and Cassius' army initially gains the upper hand, but they are eventually pushed back by Antony and Octavius' forces. During the battle, Brutus sees his friend, Titinius, being captured by the enemy and assumes that he has been killed. Distraught, Brutus orders his servant, Volumnius, to kill him, but Volumnius refuses. Brutus then asks another friend, Strato, to help him, and Strato reluctantly agrees. Brutus runs onto Strato's sword and dies.

As the battle comes to an end, Antony and Octavius mourn the loss of their opponents, particularly Brutus, whom they acknowledge as a noble and honorable man. Antony delivers a famous eulogy, saying, "This was the noblest Roman of them all." The play ends with Octavius and Antony taking control of Rome and beginning their rule as the new leaders of the Roman Empire.

Alarum. Enter BRUTUS and MESSALA

BRUTUS
Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give these bills
Link: 5.2.1
Unto the legions on the other side.
Link: 5.2.2
Let them set on at once; for I perceive
Link: 5.2.3
But cold demeanor in Octavius' wing,
Link: 5.2.4
And sudden push gives them the overthrow.
Link: 5.2.5
Ride, ride, Messala: let them all come down.
Link: 5.2.6

Exeunt

SCENE III. Another part of the field.

Scene 3 of Act 5 of Julius Caesar takes place in a tent on the battlefield. Brutus is alone, and he is visited by the ghost of Caesar. The ghost tells Brutus that they will meet again at Philippi, and that he will be there to take revenge on Brutus for his betrayal. Brutus is shaken by the appearance of the ghost, and he calls for his servants. They come in and ask him what is wrong, but he tells them that nothing is the matter.

Brutus is then visited by Cassius, who tells him that the battle is going well and that they are winning. However, Cassius is troubled by some news that he has received. He tells Brutus that their soldiers are being killed, even though they are not fighting. He believes that this is a bad omen, and that they are going to lose the battle.

Brutus tries to reassure Cassius that they will win, but he is clearly worried. He tells Cassius that they should not give up hope, and that they must fight to the end. Cassius agrees, and they make a plan to attack the enemy's camp that night.

The scene ends with Brutus reflecting on the ghost of Caesar, and what it means for his future. He is clearly troubled by the appearance of the ghost, and he wonders if it is a sign that he is going to lose the battle. However, he remains determined to fight, and he tells himself that he will do whatever it takes to win.

Alarums. Enter CASSIUS and TITINIUS

CASSIUS
O, look, Titinius, look, the villains fly!
Link: 5.3.1
Myself have to mine own turn'd enemy:
Link: 5.3.2
This ensign here of mine was turning back;
Link: 5.3.3
I slew the coward, and did take it from him.
Link: 5.3.4

TITINIUS
O Cassius, Brutus gave the word too early;
Link: 5.3.5
Who, having some advantage on Octavius,
Link: 5.3.6
Took it too eagerly: his soldiers fell to spoil,
Link: 5.3.7
Whilst we by Antony are all enclosed.
Link: 5.3.8

Enter PINDARUS

PINDARUS
Fly further off, my lord, fly further off;
Link: 5.3.9
Mark Antony is in your tents, my lord
Link: 5.3.10
Fly, therefore, noble Cassius, fly far off.
Link: 5.3.11

CASSIUS
This hill is far enough. Look, look, Titinius;
Link: 5.3.12
Are those my tents where I perceive the fire?
Link: 5.3.13

TITINIUS
They are, my lord.
Link: 5.3.14

CASSIUS
Titinius, if thou lovest me,
Link: 5.3.15
Mount thou my horse, and hide thy spurs in him,
Link: 5.3.16
Till he have brought thee up to yonder troops,
Link: 5.3.17
And here again; that I may rest assured
Link: 5.3.18
Whether yond troops are friend or enemy.
Link: 5.3.19

TITINIUS
I will be here again, even with a thought.
Link: 5.3.20

Exit

CASSIUS
Go, Pindarus, get higher on that hill;
Link: 5.3.21
My sight was ever thick; regard Titinius,
Link: 5.3.22
And tell me what thou notest about the field.
Link: 5.3.23
This day I breathed first: time is come round,
Link: 5.3.24
And where I did begin, there shall I end;
Link: 5.3.25
My life is run his compass. Sirrah, what news?
Link: 5.3.26

PINDARUS
(Above) O my lord!
Link: 5.3.27

CASSIUS
What news?
Link: 5.3.28

PINDARUS
(Above) Titinius is enclosed round about
Link: 5.3.29
With horsemen, that make to him on the spur;
Link: 5.3.30
Yet he spurs on. Now they are almost on him.
Link: 5.3.31
Now, Titinius! Now some light. O, he lights too.
Link: 5.3.32
He's ta'en.
Link: 5.3.33
And, hark! they shout for joy.
Link: 5.3.34

CASSIUS
Come down, behold no more.
Link: 5.3.35
O, coward that I am, to live so long,
Link: 5.3.36
To see my best friend ta'en before my face!
Link: 5.3.37
Come hither, sirrah:
Link: 5.3.38
In Parthia did I take thee prisoner;
Link: 5.3.39
And then I swore thee, saving of thy life,
Link: 5.3.40
That whatsoever I did bid thee do,
Link: 5.3.41
Thou shouldst attempt it. Come now, keep thine oath;
Link: 5.3.42
Now be a freeman: and with this good sword,
Link: 5.3.43
That ran through Caesar's bowels, search this bosom.
Link: 5.3.44
Stand not to answer: here, take thou the hilts;
Link: 5.3.45
And, when my face is cover'd, as 'tis now,
Link: 5.3.46
Guide thou the sword.
Link: 5.3.47
Caesar, thou art revenged,
Link: 5.3.48
Even with the sword that kill'd thee.
Link: 5.3.49

Dies

PINDARUS
So, I am free; yet would not so have been,
Link: 5.3.50
Durst I have done my will. O Cassius,
Link: 5.3.51
Far from this country Pindarus shall run,
Link: 5.3.52
Where never Roman shall take note of him.
Link: 5.3.53

Exit

Re-enter TITINIUS with MESSALA

MESSALA
It is but change, Titinius; for Octavius
Link: 5.3.54
Is overthrown by noble Brutus' power,
Link: 5.3.55
As Cassius' legions are by Antony.
Link: 5.3.56

TITINIUS
These tidings will well comfort Cassius.
Link: 5.3.57

MESSALA
Where did you leave him?
Link: 5.3.58

TITINIUS
All disconsolate,
Link: 5.3.59
With Pindarus his bondman, on this hill.
Link: 5.3.60

MESSALA
Is not that he that lies upon the ground?
Link: 5.3.61

TITINIUS
He lies not like the living. O my heart!
Link: 5.3.62

MESSALA
Is not that he?
Link: 5.3.63

TITINIUS
No, this was he, Messala,
Link: 5.3.64
But Cassius is no more. O setting sun,
Link: 5.3.65
As in thy red rays thou dost sink to-night,
Link: 5.3.66
So in his red blood Cassius' day is set;
Link: 5.3.67
The sun of Rome is set! Our day is gone;
Link: 5.3.68
Clouds, dews, and dangers come; our deeds are done!
Link: 5.3.69
Mistrust of my success hath done this deed.
Link: 5.3.70

MESSALA
Mistrust of good success hath done this deed.
Link: 5.3.71
O hateful error, melancholy's child,
Link: 5.3.72
Why dost thou show to the apt thoughts of men
Link: 5.3.73
The things that are not? O error, soon conceived,
Link: 5.3.74
Thou never comest unto a happy birth,
Link: 5.3.75
But kill'st the mother that engender'd thee!
Link: 5.3.76

TITINIUS
What, Pindarus! where art thou, Pindarus?
Link: 5.3.77

MESSALA
Seek him, Titinius, whilst I go to meet
Link: 5.3.78
The noble Brutus, thrusting this report
Link: 5.3.79
Into his ears; I may say, thrusting it;
Link: 5.3.80
For piercing steel and darts envenomed
Link: 5.3.81
Shall be as welcome to the ears of Brutus
Link: 5.3.82
As tidings of this sight.
Link: 5.3.83

TITINIUS
Hie you, Messala,
Link: 5.3.84
And I will seek for Pindarus the while.
Link: 5.3.85
Why didst thou send me forth, brave Cassius?
Link: 5.3.86
Did I not meet thy friends? and did not they
Link: 5.3.87
Put on my brows this wreath of victory,
Link: 5.3.88
And bid me give it thee? Didst thou not hear their shouts?
Link: 5.3.89
Alas, thou hast misconstrued every thing!
Link: 5.3.90
But, hold thee, take this garland on thy brow;
Link: 5.3.91
Thy Brutus bid me give it thee, and I
Link: 5.3.92
Will do his bidding. Brutus, come apace,
Link: 5.3.93
And see how I regarded Caius Cassius.
Link: 5.3.94
By your leave, gods:--this is a Roman's part
Link: 5.3.95
Come, Cassius' sword, and find Titinius' heart.
Link: 5.3.96

Kills himself

Alarum. Re-enter MESSALA, with BRUTUS, CATO, STRATO, VOLUMNIUS, and LUCILIUS

BRUTUS
Where, where, Messala, doth his body lie?
Link: 5.3.97

MESSALA
Lo, yonder, and Titinius mourning it.
Link: 5.3.98

BRUTUS
Titinius' face is upward.
Link: 5.3.99

CATO
He is slain.
Link: 5.3.100

BRUTUS
O Julius Caesar, thou art mighty yet!
Link: 5.3.101
Thy spirit walks abroad and turns our swords
Link: 5.3.102
In our own proper entrails.
Link: 5.3.103

Low alarums

CATO
Brave Titinius!
Link: 5.3.104
Look, whether he have not crown'd dead Cassius!
Link: 5.3.105

BRUTUS
Are yet two Romans living such as these?
Link: 5.3.106
The last of all the Romans, fare thee well!
Link: 5.3.107
It is impossible that ever Rome
Link: 5.3.108
Should breed thy fellow. Friends, I owe more tears
Link: 5.3.109
To this dead man than you shall see me pay.
Link: 5.3.110
I shall find time, Cassius, I shall find time.
Link: 5.3.111
Come, therefore, and to Thasos send his body:
Link: 5.3.112
His funerals shall not be in our camp,
Link: 5.3.113
Lest it discomfort us. Lucilius, come;
Link: 5.3.114
And come, young Cato; let us to the field.
Link: 5.3.115
Labeo and Flavius, set our battles on:
Link: 5.3.116
'Tis three o'clock; and, Romans, yet ere night
Link: 5.3.117
We shall try fortune in a second fight.
Link: 5.3.118

Exeunt

SCENE IV. Another part of the field.

Scene 4 of Act 5 of Julius Caesar is a pivotal moment in the play where the audience witnesses the tragic downfall of the main character. In this scene, the leader of the conspirators, Brutus, is preparing for battle against the forces of Mark Antony and Octavius. He is confident in his decision to kill Caesar for the good of Rome and believes that he will be successful in this final battle.

However, as the battle ensues and it becomes clear that the conspirators are losing, Brutus realizes that his fate is sealed. He orders his loyal servant to hold his sword while he runs onto it, ending his own life. This act of self-sacrifice is seen as a noble one by the other characters in the play, but it ultimately results in the downfall of the conspirators and the rise of a new, more powerful leader in Octavius.

The scene is a poignant one, as it highlights the tragic consequences of political ambition and the danger of taking matters into one's own hands. It also serves as a reminder of the fragility of human life and the importance of making wise decisions in the face of adversity.

Alarum. Enter fighting, Soldiers of both armies; then BRUTUS, CATO, LUCILIUS, and others

BRUTUS
Yet, countrymen, O, yet hold up your heads!
Link: 5.4.1

CATO
What bastard doth not? Who will go with me?
Link: 5.4.2
I will proclaim my name about the field:
Link: 5.4.3
I am the son of Marcus Cato, ho!
Link: 5.4.4
A foe to tyrants, and my country's friend;
Link: 5.4.5
I am the son of Marcus Cato, ho!
Link: 5.4.6

BRUTUS
And I am Brutus, Marcus Brutus, I;
Link: 5.4.7
Brutus, my country's friend; know me for Brutus!
Link: 5.4.8

Exit

LUCILIUS
O young and noble Cato, art thou down?
Link: 5.4.9
Why, now thou diest as bravely as Titinius;
Link: 5.4.10
And mayst be honour'd, being Cato's son.
Link: 5.4.11

First Soldier
Yield, or thou diest.
Link: 5.4.12

LUCILIUS
Only I yield to die:
Link: 5.4.13
There is so much that thou wilt kill me straight;
Link: 5.4.14
Kill Brutus, and be honour'd in his death.
Link: 5.4.15

First Soldier
We must not. A noble prisoner!
Link: 5.4.16

Second Soldier
Room, ho! Tell Antony, Brutus is ta'en.
Link: 5.4.17

First Soldier
I'll tell the news. Here comes the general.
Link: 5.4.18
Brutus is ta'en, Brutus is ta'en, my lord.
Link: 5.4.19

ANTONY
Where is he?
Link: 5.4.20

LUCILIUS
Safe, Antony; Brutus is safe enough:
Link: 5.4.21
I dare assure thee that no enemy
Link: 5.4.22
Shall ever take alive the noble Brutus:
Link: 5.4.23
The gods defend him from so great a shame!
Link: 5.4.24
When you do find him, or alive or dead,
Link: 5.4.25
He will be found like Brutus, like himself.
Link: 5.4.26

ANTONY
This is not Brutus, friend; but, I assure you,
Link: 5.4.27
A prize no less in worth: keep this man safe;
Link: 5.4.28
Give him all kindness: I had rather have
Link: 5.4.29
Such men my friends than enemies. Go on,
Link: 5.4.30
And see whether Brutus be alive or dead;
Link: 5.4.31
And bring us word unto Octavius' tent
Link: 5.4.32
How every thing is chanced.
Link: 5.4.33

Exeunt

SCENE V. Another part of the field.

In Scene 5 of Act 5, a group of soldiers are discussing the events that have just taken place. They mention that Brutus and Cassius have both died and that Antony and Octavius are now in control. One soldier declares that he is going to kill himself, as he cannot bear to live in a world where those who are noble and just are punished while those who are corrupt and unjust prosper.

Another soldier tries to convince him to stay alive and fight for a better world. He argues that even though things may seem bleak now, there is always hope for change and that they can still make a difference. The first soldier is moved by his friend's words and agrees to stay alive and fight for a better future.

The soldiers then hear someone approaching and prepare to defend themselves, but it turns out to be Antony and Octavius. The two leaders enter and survey the scene, noting the dead bodies and the chaos that has ensued. They discuss the aftermath of the battle and what they need to do to restore order to Rome.

At the end of the scene, Octavius orders that Brutus be given a proper burial, despite the fact that he was his enemy. He acknowledges that Brutus was a noble and honorable man, and that even though they were on opposite sides, he deserves to be remembered with respect. The play ends with the soldiers marching off, prepared to face whatever challenges may lie ahead.

Enter BRUTUS, DARDANIUS, CLITUS, STRATO, and VOLUMNIUS

BRUTUS
Come, poor remains of friends, rest on this rock.
Link: 5.5.1

CLITUS
Statilius show'd the torch-light, but, my lord,
Link: 5.5.2
He came not back: he is or ta'en or slain.
Link: 5.5.3

BRUTUS
Sit thee down, Clitus: slaying is the word;
Link: 5.5.4
It is a deed in fashion. Hark thee, Clitus.
Link: 5.5.5

Whispers

CLITUS
What, I, my lord? No, not for all the world.
Link: 5.5.6

BRUTUS
Peace then! no words.
Link: 5.5.7

CLITUS
I'll rather kill myself.
Link: 5.5.8

BRUTUS
Hark thee, Dardanius.
Link: 5.5.9

Whispers

DARDANIUS
Shall I do such a deed?
Link: 5.5.10

CLITUS
O Dardanius!
Link: 5.5.11

DARDANIUS
O Clitus!
Link: 5.5.12

CLITUS
What ill request did Brutus make to thee?
Link: 5.5.13

DARDANIUS
To kill him, Clitus. Look, he meditates.
Link: 5.5.14

CLITUS
Now is that noble vessel full of grief,
Link: 5.5.15
That it runs over even at his eyes.
Link: 5.5.16

BRUTUS
Come hither, good Volumnius; list a word.
Link: 5.5.17

VOLUMNIUS
What says my lord?
Link: 5.5.18

BRUTUS
Why, this, Volumnius:
Link: 5.5.19
The ghost of Caesar hath appear'd to me
Link: 5.5.20
Two several times by night; at Sardis once,
Link: 5.5.21
And, this last night, here in Philippi fields:
Link: 5.5.22
I know my hour is come.
Link: 5.5.23

VOLUMNIUS
Not so, my lord.
Link: 5.5.24

BRUTUS
Nay, I am sure it is, Volumnius.
Link: 5.5.25
Thou seest the world, Volumnius, how it goes;
Link: 5.5.26
Our enemies have beat us to the pit:
Link: 5.5.27
It is more worthy to leap in ourselves,
Link: 5.5.28
Than tarry till they push us. Good Volumnius,
Link: 5.5.29
Thou know'st that we two went to school together:
Link: 5.5.30
Even for that our love of old, I prithee,
Link: 5.5.31
Hold thou my sword-hilts, whilst I run on it.
Link: 5.5.32

VOLUMNIUS
That's not an office for a friend, my lord.
Link: 5.5.33

Alarum still

CLITUS
Fly, fly, my lord; there is no tarrying here.
Link: 5.5.34

BRUTUS
Farewell to you; and you; and you, Volumnius.
Link: 5.5.35
Strato, thou hast been all this while asleep;
Link: 5.5.36
Farewell to thee too, Strato. Countrymen,
Link: 5.5.37
My heart doth joy that yet in all my life
Link: 5.5.38
I found no man but he was true to me.
Link: 5.5.39
I shall have glory by this losing day
Link: 5.5.40
More than Octavius and Mark Antony
Link: 5.5.41
By this vile conquest shall attain unto.
Link: 5.5.42
So fare you well at once; for Brutus' tongue
Link: 5.5.43
Hath almost ended his life's history:
Link: 5.5.44
Night hangs upon mine eyes; my bones would rest,
Link: 5.5.45
That have but labour'd to attain this hour.
Link: 5.5.46

Alarum. Cry within, 'Fly, fly, fly!'

CLITUS
Fly, my lord, fly.
Link: 5.5.47

BRUTUS
Hence! I will follow.
Link: 5.5.48
I prithee, Strato, stay thou by thy lord:
Link: 5.5.49
Thou art a fellow of a good respect;
Link: 5.5.50
Thy life hath had some smatch of honour in it:
Link: 5.5.51
Hold then my sword, and turn away thy face,
Link: 5.5.52
While I do run upon it. Wilt thou, Strato?
Link: 5.5.53

STRATO
Give me your hand first. Fare you well, my lord.
Link: 5.5.54

BRUTUS
Farewell, good Strato.
Link: 5.5.55
Caesar, now be still:
Link: 5.5.56
I kill'd not thee with half so good a will.
Link: 5.5.57

Dies

Alarum. Retreat. Enter OCTAVIUS, ANTONY, MESSALA, LUCILIUS, and the army

OCTAVIUS
What man is that?
Link: 5.5.58

MESSALA
My master's man. Strato, where is thy master?
Link: 5.5.59

STRATO
Free from the bondage you are in, Messala:
Link: 5.5.60
The conquerors can but make a fire of him;
Link: 5.5.61
For Brutus only overcame himself,
Link: 5.5.62
And no man else hath honour by his death.
Link: 5.5.63

LUCILIUS
So Brutus should be found. I thank thee, Brutus,
Link: 5.5.64
That thou hast proved Lucilius' saying true.
Link: 5.5.65

OCTAVIUS
All that served Brutus, I will entertain them.
Link: 5.5.66
Fellow, wilt thou bestow thy time with me?
Link: 5.5.67

STRATO
Ay, if Messala will prefer me to you.
Link: 5.5.68

OCTAVIUS
Do so, good Messala.
Link: 5.5.69

MESSALA
How died my master, Strato?
Link: 5.5.70

STRATO
I held the sword, and he did run on it.
Link: 5.5.71

MESSALA
Octavius, then take him to follow thee,
Link: 5.5.72
That did the latest service to my master.
Link: 5.5.73

ANTONY
This was the noblest Roman of them all:
Link: 5.5.74
All the conspirators save only he
Link: 5.5.75
Did that they did in envy of great Caesar;
Link: 5.5.76
He only, in a general honest thought
Link: 5.5.77
And common good to all, made one of them.
Link: 5.5.78
His life was gentle, and the elements
Link: 5.5.79
So mix'd in him that Nature might stand up
Link: 5.5.80
And say to all the world 'This was a man!'
Link: 5.5.81

OCTAVIUS
According to his virtue let us use him,
Link: 5.5.82
With all respect and rites of burial.
Link: 5.5.83
Within my tent his bones to-night shall lie,
Link: 5.5.84
Most like a soldier, order'd honourably.
Link: 5.5.85
So call the field to rest; and let's away,
Link: 5.5.86
To part the glories of this happy day.
Link: 5.5.87

Exeunt