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TheTragedyofJuliusCaesar
Crowther,John,ed.NoFearJuliusCaesar.SparkNotes.com.SparkNotesLLC.2005.Web.31Oct.2011. http://nfs.sparknotes.com/juliuscaesar

Act1,Scene1
EnterFLAVIUS,MURELLUS,aCARPENTER,aCOBBLER,andcertain otherCOMMONERSoverthestage FLAVIUSandMURELLUSenterandspeakto aCARPENTER,aCOBBLER,andsomeothercommoners.

FLAVIUS Hence!Home,youidlecreaturesgetyouhome! Isthisaholiday?What,knowyounot, Beingmechanical,yououghtnotwalk Uponalaboringdaywithoutthesign 5 Ofyourprofession?Speak,whattradeartthou?

FLAVIUS Getoutofhere!Gohome,youlazymen.What,istodaya holiday?Dontyouknowthatworkingmenarentsupposed towalkaroundonaworkdaywithoutwearingtheirwork clothes?Youthere,speakup.Whatsyouroccupation?

CARPENTER Why,sir,acarpenter.

CARPENTER Imacarpenter,sir.

MURELLUS Whereisthyleatherapronandthyrule? Whatdostthouwiththybestapparelon? You,sir,whattradeareyou?

MURELLUS Whereareyourleatherapronandyourruler?Whatareyou doing,wearingyourbestclothes?Andyou,sir, whatsyourtrade?

COBBLER 10 Truly,sir,inrespectofafineworkman,Iambut,asyouwouldsay,acobbler.

COBBLER Well,comparedtoafineworkman,youmightcallmeamere cobbler.

MURELLUS Butwhattradeartthou?Answermedirectly.

MURELLUS Butwhatsyourtrade?Answermestraightforwardly.

COBBLER Atrade,sir,thatIhopeImayusewithasafeconscience,whichis,indeed,sir, amenderofbadsoles.

COBBLER Itisatrade,sir,thatIpracticewithaclearconscience.Iama menderofwornsoles.

MURELLUS 15 Whattrade,thouknave?Thounaughtyknave,whattrade?

MURELLUS Whattrade,boy?Youinsolentrascal,whattrade?

COBBLER Nay,Ibeseechyou,sir,benotoutwithme.Yet,ifyoubeout,sir,Icanmend you.

COBBLER Sir,please,dontbeangry.Butifyoursolesarewornout,I canmendyou.

MURELLUS

MURELLUS

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Whatmeanstthoubythat?Mendme,thousaucyfellow?

Whatdoyoumeanbythat?Mendme,youmpertinent fellow?!

COBBLER 20 Why,sir,cobbleyou.

COBBLER Cobbleyou,sir.

FLAVIUS Thouartacobbler,artthou?

FLAVIUS Youreacobbler,areyou?

COBBLER Truly,sir,allthatIlivebyiswiththeawl.Imeddlewithnotradesmansmatters norwomensmatters,butwithalIamindeed,sir,asurgeontooldshoes.When theyareingreatdanger,Irecoverthem.Aspropermenasevertrodupon neatsleatherhavegoneuponmyhandiwork.

COBBLER Sir,Imakemylivingusinganawl.IsticktomyworkIdont meddleinpoliticsorchasewomen.Imasurgeontoold shoes.Whentheyreendangered,Isavethem.Thenoblest menwhoeverwalkedonleatherhavewalkedonmy handiwork.

FLAVIUS Butwhereforeartnotinthyshoptoday? Whydostthouleadthesemenaboutthestreets?

FLAVIUS Butwhyarentyouinyourshoptoday?Whyareyouleading thesementhroughthestreets?

COBBLER Truly,sir,towearouttheirshoestogetmyselfintomorework.Butindeed,sir, wemakeholidaytoseeCaesarandtorejoiceinhistriumph.

COBBLER Well,towearouttheirshoesandgetmyselfmorework. Seriously,though,wetookthedayofftoseeCaesar,sir,and celebratehistriumph.

MURELLUS Whereforerejoice?Whatconquestbringshehome? WhattributariesfollowhimtoRome Tograceincaptivebondshischariotwheels? 35 Youblocks,youstones,youworsethansenselessthings, Oyouhardhearts,youcrulmenofRome, KnewyounotPompey?Manyatimeandoft Haveyouclimbeduptowallsandbattlements, Totowersandwindows,yea,tochimneytops, 40 Yourinfantsinyourarms,andtherehavesat Thelivelongdaywithpatientexpectation ToseegreatPompeypassthestreetsofRome. Andwhenyousawhischariotbutappear, Haveyounotmadeanuniversalshout 45 ThatTibertrembledunderneathherbanks

MURELLUS Whywouldyoucelebrateit?Whatvictorydoeshebring home?Whatforeignlandshasheconqueredandcaptive foreignerschainedtohischariotwheels?Youblockheads, youunfeelingmen!Youhardhearts,youcruelmenofRome, didntyouknowPompey?Manytimesyouclimbedupon wallsandbattlements,towersandwindowsevenchimney topswithyourbabiesinyourarms,andsattherepatiently alldaywaitingtoseegreatPompeyridethroughthestreets ofRome.Andwhenyoucaughtaglimpseofhischariot, didntyoushoutsoloudthattheriverTibershookasit echoed?Andnowyouputonyourbestclothes?Andnow youtakeaholiday?

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Tohearthereplicationofyoursounds Madeinherconcaveshores? Anddoyounowputonyourbestattire? Anddoyounowculloutaholiday?

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Anddoyounowstrewflowersinhisway ThatcomesintriumphoverPompeysblood? Begone! Runtoyourhouses,falluponyourknees, Praytothegodstointermittheplague

AndnowyoutossflowersinthepathofCaesar,whocomes intriumphoverPompeysdefeatedsons?Gohome!Runto yourhouses,fallonyourknees,andpraytothegodsto spareyouthepainthatyoudeserveforsuchingratitude.

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Thatneedsmustlightonthisingratitude.

FLAVIUS Go,go,goodcountrymen,andforthisfault, Assembleallthepoormenofyoursort, DrawthemtoTiberbanks,andweepyourtears Intothechanneltilltheloweststream 60 Dokissthemostexaltedshoresofall. ExeuntCARPENTER ,COBBLER,andalltheothercommoners

FLAVIUS Go,go,goodcountrymen,andtomakeupforhavingdone wrong,gatherupallthepoormenlikeyourselves,leadthem totheTiber,andweepintotheriveruntilitoverflowsits banks.

TheCARPENTER,COBBLER ,andallthecommonersexit.

Seewhethertheirbasestmetalbenotmoved. Theyvanishtonguetiedintheirguiltiness. GoyoudownthatwaytowardstheCapitol. ThiswaywillI.Disrobetheimages 65 Ifyoudofindthemdeckedwithceremonies.

Well,thatoughttomoveeventhemostthickheadedofthem. Theretheygo,feelingsoguiltytheyrenowtonguetied theydonthaveathingtosay.Yougodowntowardthe Capitol,andIllgothisway.Undressthestatuesiftheyre decoratedinhonorofCaesar.

MURELLUS Maywedoso? YouknowitisthefeastofLupercal.

MURELLUS Canwedothat?YouknowitsthefeastofLupercal.

FLAVIUS Itisnomatter.Letnoimages BehungwithCaesarstrophies.Illabout 70 Anddriveawaythevulgarfromthestreets. Sodoyoutoo,whereyouperceivethemthick. ThesegrowingfeatherspluckedfromCaesarswing Willmakehimflyanordinarypitch, Whoelsewouldsoarabovetheviewofmen 75 Andkeepusallinservilefearfulness.

FLAVIUS Itdoesntmatter.Makesurethatnoneofthestatuesare decoratedintributetoCaesar.Illwalkaroundandforcethe commonersoffthestreets.Youdothesame,whereverthe crowdsarethick.IfwetakeawayCaesarssupport,hell havetocomebackdowntoearthotherwise,hellflytoohigh andkeeptherestofusinastateoffearandobedience.

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Act1,Scene2
Exeuntseverally Theyexitindifferentdirections.

FlourishEnterCAESAR ,ANTONY,dressedforthe course,CALPHURNIA,PORTIA ,DECIUS,CICERO,BRUTUS,CASSIUS,CA SCA ,andaSOOTHSAYER inathrongofplebians.Afterthem,MURELLUS andFLAVIUS

Atrumpetsounds.CAESARenters,followedbyANTONY, dressedformallyforafootrace, thenCALPHURNIA,PORTIA,DECIUS,CICERO,BRUTUS, CASSIUS,andCASCA.Agreatcrowdfollows,amongthem aSOOTHSAYER.

CAESAR Calphurnia!

CAESAR Calphurnia!

CASCA Peace,ho!Caesarspeaks.

CASCA Quiet!Caesarstalking.

CAESAR Calphurnia!

CAESAR Calphurnia!

CALPHURNIA Here,mylord.

CALPHURNIA Imhere,mylord.

CAESAR 5 StandyoudirectlyinAntonius'way Whenhedothrunhiscourse.Antonius!

CAESAR StandrightinAntoniusspathwhenherunstherace. Antonius!

ANTONY Caesar,mylord.

ANTONY Yes,Caesar?

CAESAR Forgetnotinyourspeed,Antonius, TotouchCalphurnia,forourelderssay 10 Thebarren,touchdinthisholychase, Shakeofftheirsterilecurse.

CAESAR Antonius,afteryoutakeoff,dontforgettotouchCalphurnia, becauseourwiseelderssaythatifyoutouchaninfertile womanduringthisholyrace,shellbefreedfromthecurseof sterility.

ANTONY Ishallremember. WhenCaesarsays,dothis,itisperformed.

ANTONY Illremember.WhenCaesarsaysdothis,itisdone.

CAESAR Seton,andleavenoceremonyout.

CAESAR Continue,then,anddontforgettoperformalloftherituals.

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Music

Atrumpetplays.

SOOTHSAYER Caesar!

SOOTHSAYER Caesar!

CAESAR 15 Ha!Whocalls?

CAESAR Whoscallingme?

CASCA Bideverynoisebestill.Peaceyetagain.

CASCA Quiet,everyone!Quiet!

Musicceases

Thetrumpetstopsplaying.

CAESAR Whoisitinthepressthatcallsonme? Ihearatongue,shrillerthanallthemusic, CryCaesar!Speak.Caesaristurnedtohear.

CAESAR Whointhecrowdiscallingme?Ihearavoicemorepiercing thanthemusicofthesetrumpetscallingCaesar!Speak. Caesarislistening.

SOOTHSAYER 20 BewaretheidesofMarch.

SOOTHSAYER BewareofMarch15th.

CAESAR Whatmanisthat?

CAESAR Whosthat?

BRUTUS AsoothsayerbidsyoubewaretheidesofMarch.

BRUTUS AsoothsayertellsyoutobewareofMarch15th.

CAESAR Sethimbeforeme.Letmeseehisface.

CAESAR Bringhiminfrontofme.Letmeseehisface.

CASSIUS Fellow,comefromthethrong.LookuponCaesar.

CASSIUS You,fellow,stepoutofthecrowd.ThisisCaesaryoure lookingat.

SOOTHSAYERapproaches

TheSOOTHSAYERapproaches.

CAESAR Whatsaystthoutomenow?Speakonceagain.

CAESAR Whatdoyouhavetosaytomenow?Speakonceagain.

SOOTHSAYER 25 BewaretheidesofMarch.

SOOTHSAYER BewareofMarch15th.

CAESAR Heisadreamer.Letusleavehim.Pass!

CAESAR Hesinsane.Letsleavehim.Letsmove.

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Sennet.Exeunt.ManentBRUTUSandCASSIUS

Trumpetsplay.Everyoneexits exceptBRUTUSandCASSIUS.

CASSIUS Willyougoseetheorderofthecourse?

CASSIUS Areyougoingtowatchtherace?

BRUTUS NotI.

BRUTUS Notme.

CASSIUS Iprayyou,do.

CASSIUS Please,come.

BRUTUS 30 Iamnotgamesome.Idolacksomepart OfthatquickspiritthatisinAntony. Letmenothinder,Cassius,yourdesires. Illleaveyou.

BRUTUS Idontlikesports.ImnotcompetitivelikeAntony.Butdont letmekeepyoufromgoing,Cassius.Illgomyownway.

CASSIUS Brutus,Idoobserveyounowoflate 35 Ihavenotfromyoureyesthatgentleness AndshowofloveasIwaswonttohave. Youbeartoostubbornandtoostrangeahand Overyourfriendthatlovesyou.

CASSIUS Brutus,Ivebeenwatchingyoulately.Youseemlessgood naturedandaffectionatetowardmethanusual.Youvebeen stubbornandunfamiliarwithme,yourfriendwholovesyou.

BRUTUS Cassius, Benotdeceived.IfIhaveveiledmylook, 40 Iturnthetroubleofmycountenance Merelyuponmyself.VexdIam Oflatewithpassionsofsomedifference, Conceptionsonlypropertomyself, Whichgivesomesoilperhapstomybehaviors. 45 Butletnottherefore,mygoodfriends,begrieved Amongwhichnumber,Cassius,beyouone Norconstrueanyfurthermyneglect ThanthatpoorBrutus,withhimselfatwar, Forgetstheshowsoflovetoothermen.

BRUTUS Cassius,donttakeitbadly.IfIseemguarded,itsonly becauseImuneasywithmyself.LatelyIvebeen overwhelmedwithprivatethoughtsandinnerconflicts,which haveaffectedmybehavior.Butthisshouldnttroublemy goodfriendsandIconsideryouagoodfriend,Cassius. Dontthinkanythingmoreaboutmydistractionthanthatpoor Brutus,whoisatwarwithhimself,forgetstoshowaffection toothers.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

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Then,Brutus,Ihavemuchmistookyourpassion, Bymeanswhereofthisbreastofminehathburied Thoughtsofgreatvalue,worthycogitations. Tellme,goodBrutus,canyouseeyourface?

Brutus,Imisunderstoodyourfeelings,andthereforekeptto myselfcertainthoughtsImighthaveshared.Tellme,good Brutus,canyouseeyourface?

BRUTUS No,Cassius,fortheeyeseesnotitself 55 Butbyreflection,bysomeotherthings.

BRUTUS No,Cassius.Theeyecantseeitself,exceptbyreflectionin othersurfaces.

CASSIUS 'Tisjust. Anditisverymuchlamented,Brutus, Thatyouhavenosuchmirrorsaswillturn Yourhiddenworthinessintoyoureye 60 Thatyoumightseeyourshadow.Ihaveheard WheremanyofthebestrespectinRome, ExceptimmortalCaesar,speakingofBrutus Andgroaningunderneaththisagesyoke, HavewishedthatnobleBrutushadhiseyes.

CASSIUS Thatstrue.Anditstoobad,Brutus,thatyoudonthaveany mirrorsthatcoulddisplayyourhiddenexcellencetoyourself. IveheardmanyofthenoblestRomansnexttoimmortal Caesarspeakingofyou,complainingofthetyrannyof todaysgovernment,andwishingthatyoureyeswere workingbetter.

BRUTUS 65 Intowhatdangerswouldyouleadme,Cassius, Thatyouwouldhavemeseekintomyself Forthatwhichisnotinme?

BRUTUS Whatdangersareyoutryingtoleadmeinto,Cassius,that youwantmetolookinsidemyselfforsomethingthatsnot there?

CASSIUS Therefore,goodBrutus,bepreparedtohear. Andsinceyouknowyoucannotseeyourself 70 Sowellasbyreflection,I,yourglass, Willmodestlydiscovertoyourself Thatofyourselfwhichyouyetknownotof. Andbenotjealousonme,gentleBrutus. WereIacommonlaugher,ordiduse 75 Tostalewithordinaryoathsmylove Toeverynewprotester,ifyouknow ThatIdofawnonmenandhugthemhard And,after,scandalthem,orifyouknow ThatIprofessmyselfinbanqueting 80 Toalltherout,thenholdmedangerous.

CASSIUS Illtellyou,goodBrutus.Andsinceyouknowyoucansee yourselfbestbyreflection,Illbeyourmirrorandshowyou, withoutexaggeration,thingsinsideyouthatyoucantsee. Anddontbesuspiciousofme,nobleBrutus.IfIwereyour averagefool,orifImademyfeelingsforyouworthlessby makingthesamepromisesoffriendshiptoeverybody,orif youdseenmefirstflatteringmen,huggingthemtightly,and laterslanderingthembehindtheirbacks,orifyouhearthatI drunkenlydeclarefriendshipatbanquetswithalltherabble, onlythen,ofcourse,goaheadandassumeImdangerous.

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Flourish,andshoutwithin

Trumpetsplayoffstage,andthenashoutisheard.

BRUTUS Whatmeansthisshouting?Idofear,thepeople ChooseCaesarfortheirking.

BRUTUS Whyaretheyshouting?Imafraidthepeoplehavemade Caesartheirking.

CASSIUS Ay,doyoufearit? ThenmustIthinkyouwouldnothaveitso.

CASSIUS Really,areyouafraidofthat?ThenIhavetoassumeyou dontwanthimtobeking.

BRUTUS Iwouldnot,Cassius.YetIlovehimwell. 85 Butwhereforedoyouholdmeheresolong? Whatisitthatyouwouldimparttome? Ifitbeaughttowardthegeneralgood, Sethonorinoneeyeanddeathi'th'other, AndIwilllookonbothindifferently, 90 ForletthegodssospeedmeasIlove ThenameofhonormorethanIfeareath.

BRUTUS Idont,Cassius,thoughIloveCaesarverymuch.Butwhydo youkeepmeheresolong?Whatdoyouwanttotellme?If itsforthegoodofallRomans,Iddoitevenifitmeantmy death.LetthegodsgivemegoodluckonlyaslongasIlove honormorethanIfeardeath.

CASSIUS Iknowthatvirtuetobeinyou,Brutus, AswellasIdoknowyouroutwardfavor. Well,honoristhesubjectofmystory. 95 Icannottellwhatyouandothermen Thinkofthislife,but,formysingleself, Ihadasliefnotbeaslivetobe InaweofsuchathingasImyself. IwasbornfreeasCaesar.Sowereyou. 100 Webothhavefedaswell,andwecanboth Endurethewinterscoldaswellashe. Foronceuponarawandgustyday, ThetroubledTiberchafingwithhershores, Caesarsaidtome,Darestthou,Cassius,now 105 Leapinwithmeintothisangryflood Andswimtoyonderpoint?Upontheword, AccoutredasIwas,Iplungdin Andbadehimfollow.Soindeedhedid.

CASSIUS Iknowthisqualityinyou,Brutusitsasfamiliartomeas yourface.Indeed,honoriswhatIwanttotalktoyouabout.I dontknowwhatyouandothermenthinkofthislife,butas forme,Idrathernotliveatallthanlivetoworshipamanas ordinaryasmyself.IwasbornasfreeasCaesar.Sowere you.Webothhaveeatenaswell,andwecanbothendure thecoldwinteraswellashe.Once,onacoldandwindyday, whentheriverTiberwascrashingagainstitsbanks,Caesar saidtome,Cassius,Idareyoutojumpintothisroughwater withmeandswimtothatpointthere.Assoonashespoke, thoughIwasfullydressed,Iplungedinandcalledforhimto follow.Andhedid.Thewaterroared,andwefoughtagainst itwithvigorousarms.And,thankstoourfierce competitiveness,wemadeprogress.Butbeforewereached theendpoint,Caesarcried,Helpme,Cassius,orIwillsink! AndjustasAeneas,theherowhofoundedRome,emerged fromthefiresofTroywithhiselderlyfatherAnchisesonhis

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Thetorrentroared,andwedidbuffetit 110 Withlustysinews,throwingitaside Andstemmingitwithheartsofcontroversy. Buterewecouldarrivethepointproposed, Caesarcried,Helpme,Cassius,orIsink! I,asAeneas,ourgreatancestor, 115 DidfromtheflamesofTroyuponhisshoulder TheoldAnchisesbear,sofromthewavesofTiber DidIthetiredCaesar.Andthisman

shoulder,soIemergedfromtheTibercarryingthetired Caesar.

Isnowbecomeagod,andCassiusis Awretchedcreatureandmustbendhisbody 120 IfCaesarcarelesslybutnodonhim. HehadafeverwhenhewasinSpain, Andwhenthefitwasonhim,Ididmark Howhedidshake.'Tistrue,thisgoddidshake! Hiscowardlipsdidfromtheircolorfly, 125 Andthatsameeyewhosebenddothawetheworld Didlosehisluster.Ididhearhimgroan, Ay,andthattongueofhisthatbadetheRomans Markhimandwritehisspeechesintheirbooks Alas,itcried,givemesomedrink,Titinius, 130 Asasickgirl.Yegods,itdothamazeme Amanofsuchafeebletempershould Sogetthestartofthemajesticworld Andbearthepalmalone.

Andthisisthemanwhohasnowbecomeagod,andIma wretchedcreaturewhomustbowdownifCaesarsomuchas carelesslynodsmyway.InSpain,Caesarhadafever,andit madehimshake.Itstrue,thissocalledgodheshook. Hiscowardlylipsturnedwhite,andthesameeyewhose gazeterrifiestheworldlostitsgleam.Iheardhimgroan yes,IdidandthesametonguethatorderedtheRomansto obeyhimandtranscribehisspeechesintheirbookscried, Givemesomewater,Titinius,likeasickgirl.Itastounds methatsuchaweakmancouldbeatthewholeworldand carrythetrophyofvictoryalone.

Shoutwithin.Flourish

Ashoutoffstage.Trumpetsplay.

BRUTUS Anothergeneralshout! Idobelievethattheseapplausesare 135 ForsomenewhonorsthatareheapedonCaesar.

BRUTUS Moreshouting!Ithinkthisapplauseisforsomenewhonors awardedtoCaesar.

CASSIUS Why,man,hedothbestridethenarrowworld LikeaColossus,andwepettymen Walkunderhishugelegsandpeepabout Tofindourselvesdishonorablegraves.

CASSIUS Why,Caesarstraddlesthenarrowworldlikeagiant,andwe pettymenwalkunderhishugelegsandlookforwardonlyto dyingdishonorably,asslaves.Mencanbemastersoftheir fate.Itisnotdestinysfault,butourownfaults,thatwere

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140

Menatsometimearemastersoftheirfates. Thefault,dearBrutus,isnotinourstars Butinourselves,thatweareunderlings. BrutusandCaesarwhatshouldbeinthatCaesar? Whyshouldthatnamebesoundedmorethanyours?

slaves.BrutusandCaesar.Whatssospecialabout Caesar?Whyshouldthatnamebeproclaimedmorethan yours?Writethemtogetheryoursisjustasgoodaname. Pronouncethemitisjustasnicetosay.Weighthemits justasheavy.

145

Writethemtogether,yoursisasfairaname. Soundthem,itdothbecomethemouthaswell. Weighthem,itisasheavy.Conjurewith'em,

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BrutuswillstartaspiritassoonasCaesar. Nowinthenamesofallthegodsatonce, 150 UponwhatmeatdoththisourCaesarfeed Thatheisgrownsogreat?Age,thouartshamed! Rome,thouhastlostthebreedofnoblebloods! Whenwenttherebyanage,sincethegreatflood, Butitwasfamedwithmorethanwithoneman? 155 Whencouldtheysaytillnow,thattalkedofRome, Thatherwidewalksencompassedbutoneman? NowisitRomeindeed,androomenough, Whenthereisinitbutoneonlyman. Oh,youandIhaveheardourfatherssay, 160 TherewasaBrutusoncethatwouldhavebrooked Th'eternaldeviltokeephisstateinRome Aseasilyasaking.

Castspellswiththem,andBrutuswillcallupaghost aswellasCaesar.Now,inthenameofallthegods,I askyouwhatfooddoesCaesareatthathasmadehim grow sogreat?Ourerashouldbeashamed!Romehas losttheabilitytoraisenoblemen!Whenwasthereever anage,sincethebeginningoftime,thatdidntfeature morethanonefamousman?Untilnow,noonecouldsay thatonlyonemanmatteredinallofvastRome.Now, though,inallofRome,theresroomforonlyoneman. YouandIhaveheardourfatherstalkofanother Brutusyourancestorwhowouldveletthedevil himselfreigninhisRomanRepublicbeforeheletaking rule.

BRUTUS Thatyoudoloveme,Iamnothingjealous. Whatyouwouldworkmeto,Ihavesomeaim. 165 HowIhavethoughtofthisandofthesetimes Ishallrecounthereafter.Forthispresent, Iwouldnot,sowithloveImightentreatyou, Beanyfurthermoved.Whatyouhavesaid Iwillconsider,whatyouhavetosay 170 Iwillwithpatiencehear,andfindatime Bothmeettohearandanswersuchhighthings. Tillthen,mynoblefriend,chewuponthis:

BRUTUS Ihavenodoubtthatyouloveme.Imbeginningto understandwhatyouwantmetodo.WhatIthinkabout this,andaboutwhatshappeninghereinRome,Illtell youlater.Fornow,donttrytopersuademeanymoreI askyouasafriend.Illthinkoverwhatyouvesaid,Ill listenpatientlytowhateverelseyouhavetosay,andIll findagoodtimeforustodiscussfurthersuchweighty matters.Untilthen,mynoblefriend,thinkaboutthis:Id ratherbeapoorvillagerthancallmyselfacitizenof Romeunderthehardconditionsthatthistimeislikelyto

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Brutushadratherbeavillager ThantoreputehimselfasonofRome 175 Underthesehardconditionsasthistime Isliketolayuponus.

putusthrough.

CASSIUS Iamgladthatmyweakwords HavestruckbutthusmuchshowoffirefromBrutus.

CASSIUS Imgladthatmyweakwordshaveprovokedeventhis smallshow ofprotestfromyou.

EnterCAESARandhistrain,whichincludesCASCA

CAESARenterswithhisfollowers,whoincludeCASCA.

BRUTUS ThegamesaredoneandCaesarisreturning.

BRUTUS ThegamesaredoneandCaesarisreturning.

CASSIUS Astheypassby,pluckCascabythesleeve, 180 Andhewill,afterhissourfashion,tellyou Whathathproceededworthynotetoday.

CASSIUS Astheypassby,grabCascabythesleeve,andhelltellyou ifanythingimportanthappenedtodayinhisusualsourway.

BRUTUS Iwilldoso.But,lookyou,Cassius, TheangryspotdothglowonCaesarsbrow, Andalltherestlooklikeachiddentrain. 185 Calphurniascheekispale,andCicero Lookswithsuchferretandsuchfieryeyes AswehaveseenhimintheCapitol Beingcrossedinconferencebysomesenators.

BRUTUS Illdoso.Butlook,Cassius,Caesarlooksangryand everyoneelselooksasiftheyvebeenscolded.Calphurnias faceispale,andCiceroseyesareasredandfieryasthey getwhensenatorsarearguingwithhimattheCapitol.

CASSIUS Cascawilltelluswhatthematteris.

CASSIUS Cascawilltelluswhatsthematter.

Duringtheexchange betweenCAESARandANTONY,BRUTUSpullsCASCAbythesleeve

Duringtheexchange betweenCAESARandANTONY,BRUTUSpullsCASCAby thesleeve.

CAESAR 190 Antonio.

CAESAR Antonio!

ANTONY Caesar.

ANTONY Caesar?

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CAESAR (asidetoANTONY)Letmehavemenaboutmethatarefat, Sleekheadedmenandsuchassleepanights. YondCassiushasaleanandhungrylook. 195 Hethinkstoomuch.Suchmenaredangerous.

CAESAR (speakingsothatonlyANTONYcanhear)Iwantthemen aroundmetobefat,healthylookingmenwhosleepatnight. ThatCassiusovertherehasaleanandhungrylook.He thinkstoomuch.Menlikehimaredangerous.

ANTONY (asidetoCAESAR)Fearhimnot,Caesar.Hesnotdangerous. HeisanobleRomanandwellgiven.

ANTONY (speakingsothatonlyCAESARcanhear)Dontbeafraidof him,Caesar.Heisntdangerous.HesanobleRomanwitha gooddisposition.

CAESAR (asidetoANTONY)Wouldhewerefatter!ButIfearhimnot. Yetifmynamewereliabletofear, 200 IdonotknowthemanIshouldavoid SosoonasthatspareCassius.Hereadsmuch. Heisagreatobserver,andhelooks Quitethroughthedeedsofmen.Helovesnoplays, Asthoudost,Antony.Hehearsnomusic. 205 Seldomhesmiles,andsmilesinsuchasort Asifhemockedhimselfandscornedhisspirit Thatcouldbemovedtosmileatanything. Suchmenashebeneveratheartsease Whilestheybeholdagreaterthanthemselves, 210 Andthereforearetheyverydangerous. Irathertelltheewhatistobefeared ThanwhatIfear,foralwaysIamCaesar. Comeonmyrighthand,forthisearisdeaf, Andtellmetrulywhatthouthinkstofhim.

CAESAR (speakingsothatonlyANTONYcanhear)Iwishhewere fatter!ButImnotafraidofhim.Andyet,ifIwerecapableof fearinganyone,CassiuswouldbethefirstmanIdavoid.He readsalot,hesakeenobserver,andheseesthehidden motivesinwhatmendo.Hedoesntlikeplaysthewayyou do,Antony.Hedoesntlistentomusic.Herarelysmiles,and whenhedoessmile,hedoessoinaselfmockingway,asif hescornshimselfforsmilingatall.Menlikehimwillneverbe comfortablewhilesomeonerankshigherthanthemselves, andthereforetheyreverydangerous.Imtellingyouwhat shouldbefeared,notwhatIfearbecauseafterall,Iam Caesar.Comeovertomyrightside,becausethisearisdeaf, andtellmewhatyoureallythinkofCassius.

Sennet.ExeuntCAESARandallhistrainexceptCASCA

Trumpetsplay.CAESARexitswithallhisfollowers exceptCASCA.

CASCA 215 (toBRUTUS) Youpulledmebythecloak.Wouldyouspeakwithme?

CASCA (toBRUTUS)Youtuggedonmycloak.Doyouwanttospeak withme?

BRUTUS Ay,Casca.Telluswhathathchancedtoday

BRUTUS Yes,Casca.TelluswhathappenedtodaythatputCaesarin

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ThatCaesarlookssosad.

suchaseriousmood.

CASCA Why,youwerewithhim,wereyounot?

CASCA Butyouwerewithhim,werentyou?

BRUTUS 220 IshouldnotthenaskCascawhathadchanced.

BRUTUS IfIwere,Iwouldntneedtoaskyouwhathappened.

CASCA Why,therewasacrownofferedhimand,beingofferedhim,heputitbywith thebackofhishand,thusandthenthepeoplefellashouting.

CASCA Acrownwasofferedtohim,andhepusheditawaywiththe backofhishand,likethisandthenthepeoplestarted shouting.

BRUTUS Whatwasthesecondnoisefor?

BRUTUS Whatwasthesecondnoisefor?

CASCA 225 Why,forthattoo.

CASCA Thesamething.

CASSIUS Theyshoutedthrice.Whatwasthelastcryfor?

CASSIUS Theyshoutedthreetimes.Whatwasthelastcryfor?

CASCA Why,forthattoo.

CASCA Forthesamething.

BRUTUS Wasthecrownofferedhimthrice?

BRUTUS Thecrownwasofferedtohimthreetimes?

CASCA Ay,marry,wast,andheputitbythrice,everytimegentlerthanother,andat everyputtingbyminehonestneighborsshouted.

CASCA Yes,indeed,itwas,andhepusheditawaythreetimes,each timemoregentlythanthelastandateachrefusalmy countrymenshouted.

CASSIUS Whoofferedhimthecrown?

CASSIUS Whoofferedhimthecrown?

CASCA Why,Antony.

CASCA Antony.

BRUTUS Tellusthemannerofit,gentleCasca.

BRUTUS Tellushowithappened,nobleCasca.

CASCA

CASCA

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Icanaswellbehangedastellthemannerofit.Itwasmerefoolery.Ididnot markit.IsawMarkAntonyofferhimacrown(yettwasnotacrownneither, twasoneofthesecoronets)and,asItoldyou,heputitbyoncebut,forall that,tomythinking,hewouldfainhavehadit.Thenheofferedittohimagain, thenheputitbyagainbut,tomythinking,hewasveryloathtolayhisfingers offit.Andthenheoffereditthethirdtime.Heputitthethirdtimeby.Andstill, asherefusedit,therabblementhootedandclappedtheirchappedhandsand threwuptheirsweatynightcapsandutteredsuchadealofstinkingbreath becauseCaesarrefusedthecrownthatithadalmostchokedCaesarforhe swoonedandfelldownatit.Andformineownpart,Idurstnotlaughforfearof openingmylipsandreceivingthebadair.

Icantexplainit.ItwasallsillyandsoIpaidnoattention.I sawMarkAntonyofferhimacrownthoughitwasntareal crown,justasmallcircletand,asItoldyou,herefusedit oncethoughinmyopinionhewouldvelikedtohaveit. ThenAntonyofferedittohimagain,andherefuseditagain (though,inmyopinion,hewasreluctanttotakehishandoff it).ThenAntonyoffereditthethirdtime.Herefuseditthe thirdtime,andasherefuseditthecommonershootedand clappedtheirchappedhands,andthrewuptheirsweaty hats,andletloosesuchagreatdealofstinkingbreath becauseCaesarrefusedthecrownthatitnearlychoked Caesar,becausehefaintedandfelldown.Asformyself,I didntdarelaugh,forfearofopeningmylipsandinhalingthe stinkingair.

CASSIUS Butsoft,Iprayyou.What,didCaesarswoon? CASCA Hefelldowninthemarketplace,andfoamedatmouth,andwasspeechless.

CASSIUS Butwaitaminute,please.DidyousayCaesarfainted? CASCA Hefelldowninthemarketplaceandfoamedatthemouth andwasspeechless. BRUTUS Thatsverylikely.Hehasepilepsy,adiseasewhereyoufall down. CASSIUS No,Caesardoesnthaveepilepsy.YouandI,andhonest Casca,wehaveepilepsywevefallen. CASCA Idontknowwhatyoumeanbythat,butImsureCaesarfell down.Therabbleapplaudedandhissedhimaccordingto whetherhepleasedthemordispleasedthem,justlikethey dotoactorsinthetheater.Iftheydidnt,Imaliar. BRUTUS Whatdidhesaywhenheregainedconsciousness? CASCA Indeed,beforehefelldown,whenherealizedthe commonersweregladherefusedthecrown,hepulledopen hisrobeandofferedthemhisthroattocut.IfIdbeena commonlaborerandhadnttakenhimuponhisoffer,tohell withme.Andsohefainted.Whenheregained consciousnessagain,hesaidthatifheddoneorsaid anythingwrong,hewantedthemtoknowthatitwasall becauseofhissickness.Threeorfourwomennearmecried, Alas,goodsoul!andforgavehimwithalltheirhearts.But nevermindthemifCaesarhadstabbedtheirmothers,they wouldveforgivenhim. BRUTUS Andafterthathecamebackherelookingsoserious? CASCA Yes.

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BRUTUS 'Tisverylike.Hehaththefallingsickness.

CASSIUS No,Caesarhathitnot.ButyouandI AndhonestCasca,wehavethefallingsickness. CASCA Iknownotwhatyoumeanbythat,butIamsureCaesarfelldown.Ifthetag ragpeopledidnotclaphimandhisshimaccordingashepleasedand displeasedthem,astheyusetodotheplayersinthetheatre,Iamnotrue man. BRUTUS Whatsaidhewhenhecameuntohimself? CASCA Marry,beforehefelldown,whenheperceivedthecommonherdwasgladhe refusedthecrown,hepluckedmeopehisdoubletandofferedthemhisthroat tocut.AnIhadbeenamanofanyoccupation,ifIwouldnothavetakenhimat aword,IwouldImightgotohellamongtherogues.Andsohefell.Whenhe cametohimselfagain,hesaid,ifhehaddoneorsaidanythingamiss,he desiredtheirworshipstothinkitwashisinfirmity.Threeorfourwencheswhere Istoodcried,Alas,goodsoul!andforgavehimwithalltheirhearts.But theresnoheedtobetakenofthem.IfCaesarhadstabbedtheirmothersthey wouldhavedonenoless.

255

260

BRUTUS Andafterthathecamethussadaway? CASCA Ay.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

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DidCicerosayanything?

DidCicerosayanything?

CASCA 275 Ay,hespokeGreek.

CASCA Yes,hesaidsomethinginGreek.

CASSIUS Towhateffect?

CASSIUS Whatdidhesay?

CASCA Nay,anItellyouthat,Illne'erlookyoui'th'faceagain.Butthosethat understoodhimsmiledatoneanotherandshooktheirheads.But,formine ownpart,itwasGreektome.Icouldtellyoumorenewstoo.Murellusand Flavius,forpullingscarfsoffCaesarsimages,areputtosilence.Fareyou well.Therewasmorefooleryyet,ifIcouldrememberit.

CASCA IfItoldyouIunderstoodGreek,Idbelying.Butthosewho understoodhimsmiledatoneanotherandshooktheirheads. Asformyself,itwasGreektome.Ihavemorenewstoo. MurellusandFlaviushavebeenpunishedforpullingscarves offstatuesofCaesar.Thereyougo.Therewasevenmore foolishness,ifIcouldonlyrememberit.

CASSIUS Willyousupwithmetonight,Casca?

CASSIUS Willyouhavedinnerwithmetonight,Casca?

CASCA 285 No,Iampromisedforth.

CASCA No,Ihaveacommitment.

CASSIUS Willyoudinewithmetomorrow?

CASSIUS Willyoudinewithmetomorrow?

CASCA Ay,ifIbealiveandyourmindholdandyourdinnerworththeeating.

CASCA Yes,ifImstillalive,andyourestillsane,andyourdinneris wortheating.

CASSIUS Good.Iwillexpectyou.

CASSIUS Good.Illexpectyou.

CASCA 290 Doso.Farewellboth.

CASCA Doso.Farewelltoyouboth.

ExitCASCA

CASCAexits.

BRUTUS Whatabluntfellowisthisgrowntobe! Hewasquickmettlewhenhewenttoschool.

BRUTUS Whatastupidmanhesbecome!Hewassosharpwhenhe wasinschool.

CASSIUS Soishenowinexecution

CASSIUS Hesstillsharpwhenitcomestocarryingoutaboldornoble

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Ofanyboldornobleenterprise, 295 Howeverheputsonthistardyform. Thisrudenessisasaucetohisgoodwit, Whichgivesmenstomachtodigesthiswords Withbetterappetite.

enterprise,thoughheputsonthisshowofstupidity.He speaksroughly,butwhathesaysissmart,andhis roughnessmakesotherpeopleenjoylisteningtohim.

BRUTUS Andsoitis.ForthistimeIwillleaveyou. 300 Tomorrow,ifyoupleasetospeakwithme, Iwillcomehometoyou.Or,ifyouwill, Comehometome,andIwillwaitforyou.

BRUTUS Youreright,thatshowitis.Illleaveyoufornow.Ifyoudlike totalktomorrow,Illcometoyourhome.Or,ifyoudont mind,cometomyhome,andIllwaitforyou.

CASSIUS Iwilldoso.Tillthen,thinkoftheworld.

CASSIUS Illdoso.Untilthen,thinkaboutthewellbeingofRome.

ExitBRUTUS

BRUTUSexits.

Well,Brutus,thouartnoble.YetIsee 305 Thyhonorablemettlemaybewrought Fromthatitisdisposed.Thereforeitismeet Thatnoblemindskeepeverwiththeirlikes, Forwhosofirmthatcannotbeseduced? Caesardothbearmehard,buthelovesBrutus. 310 IfIwereBrutusnowandhewereCassius, Heshouldnothumorme.Iwillthisnight, Inseveralhands,inathiswindowsthrow, Asiftheycamefromseveralcitizens, Writingsalltendingtothegreatopinion 315 ThatRomeholdsofhisname,whereinobscurely Caesarsambitionshallbeglancdat. AndafterthisletCaesarseathimsure, Forwewillshakehim,orworsedaysendure.

Well,Brutus,yourenoble.YetIseethatyourhonorable charactercanbebentfromitsusualshape,whichproves thatgoodmenshouldstickonlytothecompanyofother goodmen,becausewhoissofirmthathecantbeseduced? Caesarresentsme,buthelovesBrutus.IfIwereBrutusnow andBrutuswereme,Iwouldnthavelethiminfluenceme. TonightIllthrowthroughhiswindowafewlettersindifferent handwritingasiftheycamefromseveralcitizensall testifyingtothegreatrespectRomanshaveforBrutus,and allalludingtoCaesarsunseemlyambition.Andafterthis,let Caesarbracehimself,forwelleitherdethronehimorsuffer evenworsethannow.

Exit

CASSIUSexits.

Act1,Scene3
Thunderandlightning.EnterCASCAandCICERO Thunderandlightning.CASCAandCICEROenter.

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CICERO Goodeven,Casca.BroughtyouCaesarhome? Whyareyoubreathless?Andwhystareyouso? CASCA Arenotyoumovedwhenalltheswayofearth Shakeslikeathingunfirm?OCicero, 5 Ihaveseentempestswhenthescoldingwinds Haverivedtheknottyoaks,andIhaveseen Th'ambitiousoceanswellandrageandfoam Tobeexaltedwiththethreateningclouds, Butnevertilltonight,nevertillnow, 10 DidIgothroughatempestdroppingfire. Eitherthereisacivilstrifeinheaven, Orelsetheworld,toosaucywiththegods, Incensesthemtosenddestruction. CICERO Why,sawyouanythingmorewonderful?

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CICERO

17

Goodevening,Casca.DidyouaccompanyCaesarhome? Whyareyoubreathless,andwhyareyoustaringlikethat? CASCA Arentyoudisturbedwhentheearthitselfisshakingand swayingasifitwereaflimsything?Cicero,Iveseenstormsin whichtheangrywindssplitoldoaktrees,andIveseenthe oceanswell,rage,andfoam,asifitwantedtoreachthestorm clouds,butneverbeforetonight,neveruntilnow,haveI experiencedastormthatdropsfire.Eithertherearewarsin heaven,orelsetheworld,tooinsolenttowardthegods, provokesthemtosenddestruction.

CICERO Whathaveyouseensomethingsostrangethatitisclearly anomenfromthegods?

CASCA 15 Acommonslaveyouknowhimwellbysight Helduphislefthand,whichdidflameandburn Liketwentytorchesjoined,andyethishand, Notsensibleoffire,remainedunscorched. BesidesIha'notsinceputupmysword 20 AgainsttheCapitolImetalion, Whoglareduponmeandwentsurlyby, Withoutannoyingme.Andthereweredrawn Uponaheapahundredghastlywomen, Transformdwiththeirfear,whosworetheysaw 25 Menallinfirewalkupanddownthestreets. Andyesterdaythebirdofnightdidsit Evenatnoondayuponthemarketplace, Hootingandshrieking.Whentheseprodigies Dosoconjointlymeet,letnotmensay, 30 Thesearetheirreasons.Theyarenatural. ForIbelievetheyareportentousthings Untotheclimatethattheypointupon. CICERO Indeed,itisastrangedisposdtime. Butmenmayconstruethingsaftertheirfashion, 35 Cleanfromthepurposeofthethingsthemselves. ComesCaesartotheCapitoltomorrow? CASCA Hedoth,forhedidbidAntonius Sendwordtoyouhewouldbetheretomorrow. CICERO Goodnightthen,Casca.Thisdisturbdsky 40 Isnottowalkin. CASCA

CASCA Acommonslaveyoudknowhimifyousawhimhelduphis lefthand,whichflamedandburnedliketwentytorches together.Andyethishandwasimmunetothefireanddidnt getburned.AlsoIvekeptmyswordunsheathedsinceIsaw thisinfrontoftheCapitolImetalionwholookedatmeand struttedbywithoutbotheringtoattackme.Andtherewerea hundredspookedwomenhuddledtogetherinfearwhoswore theysawmenonfirewalkupanddownthestreets.

Andyesterdaythenightowlsathootingandshriekinginthe marketplaceatnoon.Whenalltheseextraordinarythings happenatonce,weshouldntsay,Thesehappeningscanbe explainedrationally.Theyrenaturalenough.Ithinkthese thingsareomensofthingstocomeinourcountry.

CICERO Indeed,itsastrangetime.Butmentendtointerpretthings howeversuitsthemandtotallymisstheactualmeaningofthe thingsthemselves.IsCaesarvisitingtheCapitoltomorrow?

CASCA Heis,becausehetoldAntoniustotellyouhedbethere tomorrow. CICERO Goodnightthen,Casca.Thisbadweatherisntgoodtowalk aroundin. CASCA

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Farewell,Cicero. ExitCICERO EnterCASSIUS CASSIUS Whosthere? CASCA ARoman. CASSIUS Casca,byyourvoice. CASCA Yourearisgood.Cassius,whatnightisthis! CASSIUS Averypleasingnighttohonestmen. CASCA 45 Whoeverknewtheheavensmenaceso? CASSIUS Thosethathaveknowntheearthsofulloffaults. Formypart,Ihavewalkedaboutthestreets, Submittingmeuntotheperilousnight, And,thusunbracd,Casca,asyousee, 50 Havebaredmybosomtothethunderstone. Andwhenthecrossbluelightningseemedtoopen Thebreastofheaven,Ididpresentmyself Evenintheaimandveryflashofit. CASCA Butwhereforedidyousomuchtempttheheavens? 55 Itisthepartofmentofearandtremble Whenthemostmightygodsbytokenssend Suchdreadfulheraldstoastonishus. CASSIUS Youaredull,Casca,andthosesparksoflife ThatshouldbeinaRomanyoudowant, 60 Orelseyouusenot.Youlookpale,andgaze, Andputonfear,andcastyourselfinwonder Toseethestrangeimpatienceoftheheavens. Butifyouwouldconsiderthetruecause Whyallthesefires,whyalltheseglidingghosts, 65 Whybirdsandbeastsfromqualityandkind, Whyoldmenfoolandchildrencalculate, Whyallthesethingschangefromtheirordinance Theirnaturesandpreformdfaculties Tomonstrousqualitywhy,youshallfind 70 Thatheavenhathinfusedthemwiththesespirits Tomaketheminstrumentsoffearandwarning Untosomemonstrousstate. NowcouldI,Casca,nametotheeaman Mostlikethisdreadfulnight, 75 Thatthunders,lightens,opensgraves,androars

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Farewell,Cicero CICEROexits. CASSIUSenters. CASSIUS Whosthere? CASCA ARoman. CASSIUS ItsCascaIknowyourvoice. CASCA Yourearisgood.Cassius,whatanightthisis! CASSIUS Itsaverypleasingnighttohonestmen. CASCA Whoeversawtheheavensthreatenlikethis? CASSIUS

18

Thosewhohaveknownhowbadthingsarehereonearth.I havewalkedaroundthestreets,exposingmyselftothe perilousnight,unbuttonedlikethis,asyousee,Casca,baring mychesttothethunderbolt.Whentheforkedbluelightning seemedtobreakopenthesky,IputmyselfrightwhereI thoughtitwouldhit.

CASCA Butwhydidyoutempttheheavenslikethat?Mankindsroleis tofearandtremblewhenthealmightygodssendwarning signals.

CASSIUS Youreactingstupid,Casca,andyoulackthequickwitsthata Romanshouldhaveorelseyoudontusethem.Yougopale, youstare,andyouactinaweofthestrangedisturbanceinthe heavens.Butifyouthoughtabouttherealreasonforallthese fires,alltheseglidingghosts,forwhybirdsandanimals abandontheirnaturalbehavior,whyoldmen,fools,and childrenmakepredictions,whyallsortsofthingshave departedfromtheusualcourseoftheirnaturesandbecome monstrosities,thenyoudunderstandthatheavenhadthem actthiswaysotheywouldserveasfrighteningwarningsofan unnaturalstatetocome.Rightthisminute,Casca,Icould nameamanwhosjustlikethisdreadfulnight.Amanwho thunders,throwslightning,splitsopengraves,androarslike thelionintheCapitol.

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AsdoththelionintheCapitol Amannomightierthanthyselforme Inpersonalaction,yetprodigiousgrown, Andfearfulasthesestrangeeruptionsare. CASCA 80 'TisCaesarthatyoumean.Isitnot,Cassius? CASSIUS Letitbewhoitis.ForRomansnow Havethewsandlimbsliketotheirancestors, Butwoethewhile!ourfathers'mindsaredead, Andwearegovernedwithourmothers'spirits. 85 Ouryokeandsufferanceshowuswomanish. CASCA Indeed,they saythesenatorstomorrow MeantoestablishCaesarasaking, Andheshallwearhiscrownbyseaandland IneveryplacesavehereinItaly. CASSIUS 90 IknowwhereIwillwearthisdaggerthen. CassiusfrombondagewilldeliverCassius. Therein,yegods,youmaketheweakmoststrong. Therein,yegods,youtyrantsdodefeat. Norstonytower,norwallsofbeatenbrass, 95 Norairlessdungeon,norstronglinksofiron Canberetentivetothestrengthofspirit. Butlife,beingwearyoftheseworldlybars, Neverlackspowertodismissitself. IfIknowthis,knowalltheworldbesides, 100 ThatpartoftyrannythatIdobear Icanshakeoffatpleasure. Thunderstill CASCA SocanI. Soeverybondmaninhisownhandbears Thepowertocancelhiscaptivity. CASSIUS AndwhyshouldCaesarbeatyrantthen? 105 Poorman!Iknowhewouldnotbeawolf ButthatheseestheRomansarebutsheep. HewerenolionwerenotRomanshinds. Thosethatwithhastewillmakeamightyfire Beginitwithweakstraws.WhattrashisRome, 110 Whatrubbishandwhatoffal,whenitserves Forthebasemattertoilluminate SovileathingasCaesar!But,Ogrief, Wherehastthouledme?Iperhapsspeakthis Beforeawillingbondman.ThenIknow 115 Myanswermustbemade.ButIamarmed, Anddangersaretomeindifferent.

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19

AmannomightierthanyouorIinability,yetgrownashuge andfrighteningastonightsstrangehappenings.

CASCA YouretalkingaboutCaesar,right,Cassius? CASSIUS Letitbewhoitis.Romanstodaystillhavethepowerfulbodies oftheirancestors,but,unfortunately,wedonthavetheir manlyspirits,andinsteadwetakeafterourmothers.Our toleranceforslaveryandoppressionshowsustobeweak,like women. CASCA Indeed,theysaythatthesenatorsplantoestablishCaesaras akingtomorrow,andhellwearhiscrownatseaandonland everywhereexcepthereinItaly.

CASSIUS IknowwhereIllwearthisdagger,then.Illkillmyselftosave myselffromslavery.Insuicide,godsmaketheweakstrong.In suicide,godsallowtyrantstobedefeated.Nostony tower,no brasswalls,noairlessdungeon,noironchainscancontaina strongmind.Butifamanbecomeswearyoftheseobstacles, hecanalwayskillhimself.Leteveryonebeware:Icanshake offthetyrannythatnowoppressesmewheneverIchoose.

Thundercontinues. CASCA SocanI.Infact,everyimprisonedmanholdsinhisownhand thetooltofreehimself.

CASSIUS HowcanCaesarbeatyrantthen?Poorman!Iknowhe wouldntbeawolfiftheRomansdidntactlikesheep.He couldntbealioniftheRomanswerentsucheasyprey. Peoplewhowanttostartabigfirequicklystartwithlittletwigs. Romebecomescompletetrash,nothingbutrubbishand garbage,whenitworkstolightuptheambitionsofsomeone asworthlessasCaesar.But,ohno!WhathaveIsaidinmy grief?Imightbespeakingtosomeonewhowantstobea slave,inwhichcaseIllbeheldaccountableformywords.But ImarmedandIdontcareaboutdanger.

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CASCA YouspeaktoCasca,andtosuchaman Thatisnofleeringtelltale.Hold,myhand. Befactiousforredressofallthesegriefs, 120 AndIwillsetthisfootofmineasfar Aswhogoesfarthest. CASSIUS Theresabargainmade. Nowknowyou,Casca,Ihavemovedalready SomecertainofthenoblestmindedRomans Toundergowithmeanenterprise 125 Ofhonorabledangerousconsequence. AndIdoknowbythistheystayforme InPompeysporch.Fornow,thisfearfulnight, Thereisnostirorwalkinginthestreets, Andthecomplexionoftheelement 130 Infavorsliketheworkwehaveinhand, Mostbloody,fiery,andmostterrible. EnterCINNA CASCA Standcloseawhile,forherecomesoneinhaste. CASSIUS 'TisCinna.Idoknowhimbyhisgait. Heisafriend.Cinna,wherehasteyouso? CINNA 135 Tofindoutyou.Whosthat?MetellusCimber? CASSIUS No,itisCasca,oneincorporate Toourattempts.AmInotstayedfor,Cinna? CINNA Iamgladont.Whatafearfulnightisthis! Therestwoorthreeofushaveseenstrangesights. CASSIUS 140 AmInotstayedfor?Tellme. CINNA Yes,youare. OCassius,ifyoucould ButwinthenobleBrutustoourparty CASSIUS Beyoucontent.GoodCinna,takethispaper, 145 Andlookyoulayitinthepraetorschair WhereBrutusmaybutfindit.Andthrowthis Inathiswindow.Setthisupwithwax UponoldBrutus'statue.Allthisdone, RepairtoPompeysporch,whereyoushallfindus. 150 IsDeciusBrutusandTreboniusthere? CINNA AllbutMetellusCimber,andhesgone

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CASCA

20

YouretalkingtoCasca,nottosomesmiling,twofaced tattletale.Saynomore.Shakemyhand.Ifyourejoining togethertorightthesewrongs,Illgoasfarasanyoneofyou.

CASSIUS Thatsadeal.Nowletmetellyou,Casca,Ihavealready convincedsomeofthenoblestRomanstojoinmeinan honorablebutdangerousmission.AndIknowthatbynow theyrewaitingformeontheporchoutsidePompeystheater. Weremeetingonthisfearfulnightbecausenooneisouton thestreets.Theskytonightlooksbloody,fiery,andterrible, justliketheworkwehavetodo.

CINNAenters. CASCA Hideforaminutesomeonesapproachingfast. CASSIUS ItsCinna.Irecognizehiswalk.Hesafriend.Cinna,whereare yougoinginsuchahurry? CINNA Tofindyou.Whosthat?MetellusCimber? CASSIUS No,itsCasca,someonewhosgoingtoworkwithus.Arent theotherswaitingforme,Cinna? CINNA ImgladCascaiswithus.Whatafearfulnightthisis!Twoor threeofushaveseenstrangethings. CASSIUS Aretheotherswaiting?Tellme. CINNA Yes,theyare.Oh,Cassius,ifyoucouldonlyconvinceBrutus tojoinus

CASSIUS Dontworry.GoodCinna,takethispaperandbesuretolayit inthejudgeschairwhereBrutussits,sohellfindit.Andthrow thisoneinhiswindow,andattachthisonewithwaxtothe statueofBrutussancestor,oldBrutus.Whenyouvefinished allthis,returntotheporchofPompeystheater,whereyoull findus.AreDeciusBrutusandTreboniusthere?

CINNA EveryonesthereexceptMetellusCimber,andhesgoneto

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Toseekyouatyourhouse.Well,Iwillhie, Andsobestowthesepapersasyoubademe. CASSIUS Thatdone,repairtoPompeystheatre. ExitCINNA 155 Come,Casca,youandIwillyetereday SeeBrutusathishouse.Threepartsofhim Isoursalready,andthemanentire Uponthenextencounteryieldshimours. CASCA Oh,hesitshighinallthepeopleshearts, 160 Andthatwhichwouldappearoffenseinus, Hiscountenance,likerichestalchemy, Willchangetovirtueandtoworthiness. CASSIUS Himandhisworthandourgreatneedofhim Youhaverightwellconceited.Letusgo, 165 Foritisaftermidnight,andereday Wewillawakehimandbesureofhim. Exeunt

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21

lookforyouatyourhouse.Well,Illhurryandputthesepapers whereyoutoldme. CASSIUS Whenyouvefinished,gobacktoPompeystheater. CINNAexits. Comeon,Casca,youandIwillgoseeBrutusathishouse beforesunrise.Hesthreequartersonoursidealready,and wellwinhimoverentirelyatthismeeting.

CASCA Oh,thepeoplelovehimwell.Thingsthatwouldlookbadifwe didthem,Brutuscoulddoandlookvirtuousjustlikean alchemistturnsworthlesstintogold.

CASSIUS Yes,youreabsolutelyrightabouthowworthyBrutusisand howmuchweneedhim.Letsgo,becauseitsalreadyafter midnight,andwewanthimonoursidebeforedaylight.

Theyexit.

Act2,Scene1
EnterBRUTUSinhisorchard BRUTUS What,Lucius,ho! Icannotbytheprogressofthestars Giveguesshowneartoday.Lucius,Isay! Iwoulditweremyfaulttosleepsosoundly. 5 When,Lucius,when?Awake,Isay!What,Lucius! EnterLUCIUS LUCIUS Calledyou,mylord? BRUTUS Getmeataperinmystudy,Lucius. Whenitislighted,comeandcallmehere. LUCIUS Iwill,mylord. ExitLUCIUS BRUTUS 10 Itmustbebyhisdeath,andformypart Iknownopersonalcausetospurnathim Butforthegeneral.Hewouldbecrowned. Howthatmightchangehisnature,theresthequestion. Itisthebrightdaythatbringsforththeadder Andthatcraveswarywalking.Crownhimthat, LUCIUS Iwill,mylord. LUCIUSexits. BRUTUS TheonlywayistokillCaesar.Ihavenopersonalreasonto strikeathimonlythebestinterestofthepeople.Hewantsto becrowned.Thequestionis,howwouldbeingkingchange him?Evilcancomefromgood,justaspoisonoussnakestend tocomeoutintotheopenonbrightsunnydayswhichmeans wehavetowalkcarefully.Ifwecrownhim,Ihavetoadmit LUCIUSenters. LUCIUS Didyoucallme,mylord? BRUTUS Putacandleinmystudy,Lucius.Callmewhenitslit. BRUTUSentersinhisorchard. BRUTUS Lucius,areyouthere?Icanttellbythepositionofthestars hownearitistodaybreakLucius,areyouthere?IwishIhad thatweakness,tosleeptoosoundly.Comeon,Lucius!Wake up,Isay!Lucius!

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15 AndthenIgrantweputastinginhim Thatathiswillhemaydodangerwith. Th'abuseofgreatnessiswhenitdisjoins Remorsefrompower.And,tospeaktruthofCaesar, 20 Ihavenotknownwhenhisaffectionsswayed Morethanhisreason.Buttisacommonproof Thatlowlinessisyoungambitionsladder, Wheretotheclimberupwardturnshisface. Butwhenheonceattainstheupmostround, 25 Hethenuntotheladderturnshisback, Looksintheclouds,scorningthebasedegrees Bywhichhedidascend.SoCaesarmay. Then,lesthemay,prevent.Andsincethequarrel Willbearnocolorforthethingheis, 30 Fashionitthus:thatwhatheis,augmented, Wouldruntotheseandtheseextremities. Andthereforethinkhimasaserpentsegg Which,hatched,wouldashiskindgrowmischievous Andkillhimintheshell. EnterLUCIUS LUCIUS 35 Thetaperburnethinyourcloset,sir. Searchingthewindowforaflint,Ifound Thispaper,thussealedup,andIamsure ItdidnotlietherewhenIwenttobed. (giveshimaletter) BRUTUS 40 Getyoutobedagain.Itisnotday. Isnottomorrow,boy,theidesofMarch? LUCIUS Iknownot,sir. BRUTUS Lookinthecalendarandbringmeword. LUCIUS Iwill,sir. ExitLUCIUS BRUTUS 45 Theexhalationswhizzingintheair GivesomuchlightthatImayreadbythem. (openstheletterandreads) Brutus,thousleepst.Awake,andseethyself. ShallRome,etc.Speak,strike,redress! 50 Brutus,thousleepst.Awake. Suchinstigationshavebeenoftendropped WhereIhavetookthemup. ShallRome,etc.ThusmustIpieceitout: ShallRomestandunderonemansawe?What,Rome? 55 MyancestorsdidfromthestreetsofRome TheTarquindrivewhenhewascalledaking.

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wedbegivinghimthepowertododamage.

22

Rulersabusetheirpowerwhentheyseparateitfrom compassion.Tobehonest,IveneverknownCaesartolethis emotionsgetthebetterofhisreason.Buteveryoneknowsthat anambitiousyoungmanuseshumilitytoadvancehimself,but whenhereachesthetop,heturnshisbackonhissupporters andreachesfortheskieswhilescorningthosewhohelpedhim getwhereheis.Caesarmightactlikethat.Therefore,incase hedoes,wemustholdhimback.Andsinceourquarreliswith hisfuturebehavior,notwhathedoesnow,Imustframethe argumentlikethis:ifhispositionisfurthered,hischaracterwill fulfillthesepredictions.Andthereforeweshouldlikenhimtoa serpentseggonceithashatched,itbecomesdangerous, likeallserpents.Thuswemustkillhimwhilehesstillinthe shell.

LUCIUSenters. LUCIUS Thecandleisburninginyourstudy,sir.WhileIwaslookingfor aflinttolightit,Ifoundthispaperonthewindow,sealedup likethis,andImsureitwasnttherewhenIwenttobed.(he givesBRUTUStheletter)

BRUTUS Gobacktobed.Itisntdaybreakyet.Istomorrowthe15thof March,boy? LUCIUS Idontknow,sir. BRUTUS Checkthecalendarandcometellme. LUCIUS Iwill,sir. LUCIUSexits. BRUTUS ThemeteorswhizzingintheskyaresobrightthatIcanread bythem.(heopenstheletterandreads)Brutus,youre sleeping.Wakeupandlookatyourself.IsRomegoingto etc.Speak,strike,fixthewrongs!Brutus,youresleeping. Wakeup.IvenoticedmanysuchcallstoactionleftwhereI wouldfindthem.IsRomegoingtoetc.Whatdoesthis mean?WillRomesubmittoonemanspower?Myancestors droveTarquinfromthestreetsofRomewhenhewas pronouncedaking.Speak,strike,fixit!Isthisaskingmeto speakandstrike?Oh,Rome,Ipromiseyou,ifyouremeantto receivejustice,youllreceiveitbymyhand!

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Speak,strike,redress!AmIentreated Tospeakandstrike?ORome,Imaketheepromise, Iftheredresswillfollow,thoureceivest 60 ThyfullpetitionatthehandofBrutus! EnterLUCIUS LUCIUS Sir,Marchiswastedfifteendays. Knockwithin BRUTUS 'Tisgood.Gotothegate.Somebodyknocks. ExitLUCIUS SinceCassiusfirstdidwhetmeagainstCaesar, Ihavenotslept. 65 Betweentheactingofadreadfulthing Andthefirstmotion,alltheinterimis Likeaphantasmaorahideousdream. Thegeniusandthemortalinstruments Arethenincouncil,andthestateofman, 70 Liketoalittlekingdom,suffersthen Thenatureofaninsurrection. EnterLUCIUS LUCIUS Sir,tisyourbrotherCassiusatthedoor, Whodothdesiretoseeyou. BRUTUS Ishealone? LUCIUS No,sir,therearemorewithhim. BRUTUS Doyouknowthem? LUCIUS 75 No,sir.Theirhatsarepluckedabouttheirears, Andhalftheirfacesburiedintheircloaks, ThatbynomeansImaydiscoverthem Byanymarkoffavor. BRUTUS Let'ementer. ExitLUCIUS Theyarethefaction.Oconspiracy, 80 Shamestthoutoshowthydangerousbrowbynight Whenevilsaremostfree?O,thenbyday Wherewiltthoufindacaverndarkenough Tomaskthymonstrousvisage?Seeknone,conspiracy. Hideitinsmilesandaffability.

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LUCIUSenters. LUCIUS Sir,fifteendaysofMarchhavegoneby. Thesoundofaknockoffstage. BRUTUS Good.Gotothegate.Somebodysknocking. LUCIUSexits. IhaventsleptsinceCassiusfirstbegantoturnmeagainst Caesar. Fromthetimewhenyoudecidetodosomethingterribletothe momentyoudoit,everythingfeelsunreal,likeahorrible dream.Theunconsciousandthebodyworktogetherandrebel againsttheconsciousmind.

LUCIUSenters. LUCIUS Sir,itsyourbrotherinlawCassiusatthedoor.Hewantsto seeyou. BRUTUS Ishealone? LUCIUS No,sir.Thereareotherswithhim. BRUTUS Doyouknowthem? LUCIUS No,sir,theirhatsarepulleddownovertheirearsandtheir facesarehalfburiedundertheircloaks,sotheresnowayto tellwhotheyare.

BRUTUS Letthemin. LUCIUSexits. ItsthefactionthatwantstokillCaesar.Oh,conspiracy,are youashamedtoshowyourfaceevenatnight,whenevilthings aremostfree?Ifso,whenitsday,whereareyougoingtofind acavedarkenoughtohideyourmonstrousface?No,dont bothertofindacave,conspiracy.Instead,hideyourtrueface behindsmilesandfriendliness.

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85 Forifthoupath,thynativesemblanceon, NotErebusitselfweredimenough Tohidetheefromprevention. Entertheconspirators:CASSIUS,CASCA,DECIUS,CINNA,METELLUS,and TREBONIUS CASSIUS Ithinkwearetoobolduponyourrest. Goodmorrow,Brutus.Dowetroubleyou? BRUTUS 90 Ihavebeenupthishour,awakeallnight. KnowIthesementhatcomealongwithyou? CASSIUS Yes,everymanofthem,andnomanhere Buthonorsyou,andeveryonedothwish Youhadbutthatopinionofyourself 95 WhicheverynobleRomanbearsofyou. ThisisTrebonius. BRUTUS Heiswelcomehither. CASSIUS This,DeciusBrutus. BRUTUS Heiswelcometoo. CASSIUS This,Casca.This,Cinna.Andthis,MetellusCimber. BRUTUS 100 Theyareallwelcome. Whatwatchfulcaresdointerposethemselves Betwixtyoureyesandnight? CASSIUS ShallIentreataword? BRUTUSandCASSIUS withdrawandwhisper DECIUS Hereliestheeast.Dothnotthedaybreakhere? CASCA 105 No. CINNA O,pardon,sir,itdoth,andyongraylines Thatfretthecloudsaremessengersofday. CASCA Youshallconfessthatyouarebothdeceived. (pointshissword) 110 Here,asIpointmysword,thesunarises, Whichisagreatwaygrowingonthesouth, Weighingtheyouthfulseasonoftheyear. Sometwomonthshenceuphighertowardthenorth

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Ifyouwentaheadandexposedyourtrueface,Hellitself wouldntbedarkenoughtokeepyoufrombeingfoundand stopped. TheconspiratorsCASSIUS,CASCA,DECIUS,CINNA, METELLUS,andTREBONIUSenter. CASSIUS Imafraidwereintrudingtooboldlyonyoursleeptime.Good morning,Brutus.Arewebotheringyou? BRUTUS Iwasawake.Ivebeenupallnight.DoIknowthesemenwho arewithyou? CASSIUS Yes,everyoneofthem.Thereisntoneofthemwhodoesnt admireyou,andeachoneofthemwishesyouhadashighan opinionofyourselfaseverynobleRomanhasofyou.Thisis Trebonius.

BRUTUS Heswelcomehere. CASSIUS ThisisDeciusBrutus. BRUTUS Heswelcometoo. CASSIUS ThisisCasca.ThisisCinna.AndthisisMetellusCimber. BRUTUS Theyreallwelcome.Whatworrieshavekeptyouawake tonight?

CASSIUS CanIhaveawordwithyou? BRUTUSandCASSIUS whispertogether. DECIUS Herestheeast.Wontthedawncomefromhere? CASCA No. CINNA Excuseme,sir,itwill.Thesegraylinesthatlacethecloudsare thebeginningsofthedawn. CASCA Yourebothwrong.(pointinghissword)Here,whereIpointmy sword,thesunrises.Itsquitenearthesouth,sinceitsstill winter.Abouttwomonthsfromnow,thedawnwillbreak furthertowardthenorth,anddueeastiswheretheCapitol stands,here.

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Hefirstpresentshisfire,andthehigheast 115 Stands,astheCapitol,directlyhere. BRUTUS (comesforwardwithCASSIUS) Givemeyourhandsallover,onebyone. (shakestheirhands) CASSIUS Andletusswearourresolution. BRUTUS 120 No,notanoath.Ifnotthefaceofmen, Thesufferanceofoursouls,thetimesabuse Ifthesebemotivesweak,breakoffbetimes, Andeverymanhencetohisidlebed. Solethighsightedtyrannyrangeon 125 Tilleachmandropbylottery.Butifthese AsIamsuretheydobearfireenough Tokindlecowardsandtosteelwithvalor Themeltingspiritsofwomen,then,countrymen, Whatneedweanyspurbutourowncause 130 Toprickustoredress?Whatotherbond ThansecretRomansthathavespoketheword Andwillnotpalter?Andwhatotheroath Thanhonestytohonestyengaged, Thatthisshallbe,orwewillfallforit? 135 Swearpriestsandcowardsandmencautelous, Oldfeeblecarrionsandsuchsufferingsouls Thatwelcomewrongs.Untobadcausesswear Suchcreaturesasmendoubt.Butdonotstain Theevenvirtueofourenterprise, 140 North'insuppressivemettleofourspirits, Tothinkthatorourcauseorourperformance Didneedanoath,wheneverydropofblood ThateveryRomanbearsandnoblybears Isguiltyofaseveralbastardy 145 Ifhedobreakthesmallestparticle Ofanypromisethathathpassedfromhim. CASSIUS ButwhatofCicero?Shallwesoundhim? Ithinkhewillstandverystrongwithus. CASCA Letusnotleavehimout. CINNA No,bynomeans. METELLUS 150 O,letushavehim,forhissilverhairs Willpurchaseusagoodopinion Andbuymensvoicestocommendourdeeds. Itshallbesaidhisjudgmentruledourhands. Ouryouthsandwildnessshallnowhitappear, 155 Butallbeburiedinhisgravity.

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BRUTUS (comingforwardwithCASSIUS)Givemeyourhands,allof you,onebyone.(heshakestheirhands)

CASSIUS Andletussweartoourresolution. BRUTUS No,letsnotswearanoath.Ifthesadfacesofourfellowmen, thesufferingofourownsouls,andthecorruptionofthe presenttimearentenoughtomotivateus,letsbreakitoffnow andeachofusgobacktobed.Thenwecanletthisambitious tyrantcontinueunchallengeduntileachofusiskilledathis whim.Butifwehavereasonsthatarestrongenoughtoignite cowardsintoactionandtomakeweakwomenbraveandI thinkwedothen,countrymen,whatelsecouldwepossibly needtospurustoaction?Whatbonddoweneedotherthan thatofdiscreetRomanswhohavesaidwhattheyregoingto doandwontbackdown?Andwhatoathdoweneedother thanthatwehonestmenhavetoldeachotherthatthiswill happenorwewilldietrying?Swearingisforpriests,cowards, overlycautiousmen,feebleoldpeople,andthoselong sufferingweaklingswhowelcomeabuse.Onlymenwhomyou wouldnttrustanywaywouldswearoaths,andfortheworst reasons.Dontspoilthejustnessandvirtueofourendeavor norweakenourownirrepressiblespiritsbythinkingthatwe needabindingoath,whenthebloodthateverynobleRoman containswithinhimwouldbeprovenbastardsbloodifhe brokethesmallestpartofanypromisehehadmade.

CASSIUS ButwhataboutCicero?Shouldweseewhathethinks?Ithink hewillstandstrongwithus. CASCA Letsnotleavehimout. CINNA No,bynomeans. METELLUS Yes,weshouldgethissupport,forhismaturepresencewill makeothersthinkwellofusandspeakoutinsupportofour actions.TheyllassumethatCicero,withhissoundjudgment, orderedtheactions.Hisdignifiedmaturitywilldistractattention fromouryouthandwildness.

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BRUTUS O,namehimnot.Letusnotbreakwithhim, Forhewillneverfollowanything Thatothermenbegin. CASSIUS Thenleavehimout. CASCA 160 Indeedheisnotfit. DECIUS ShallnomanelsebetouchedbutonlyCaesar? CASSIUS Decius,wellurged.Ithinkitisnotmeet MarkAntony,sowellbelovedofCaesar, ShouldoutliveCaesar.Weshallfindofhim 165 Ashrewdcontriver.And,youknow,hismeans, Ifheimprovethem,maywellstretchsofar Astoannoyusallwhichtoprevent, LetAntonyandCaesarfalltogether. BRUTUS Ourcoursewillseemtoobloody,CaiusCassius, 170 Tocuttheheadoffandthenhackthelimbs, Likewrathindeathandenvyafterwards, ForAntonyisbutalimbofCaesar. Letusbesacrificersbutnotbutchers,Caius. WeallstandupagainstthespiritofCaesar, 175 Andinthespiritofmenthereisnoblood. Oh,thatwethencouldcomebyCaesarsspirit AndnotdismemberCaesar!But,alas, Caesarmustbleedforit.And,gentlefriends, Letskillhimboldlybutnotwrathfully. 180 Letscarvehimasadishfitforthegods, Nothewhimasacarcassfitforhounds. Andletourhearts,assubtlemastersdo, Stiruptheirservantstoanactofrage Andafterseemtochide'em.Thisshallmake 185 Ourpurposenecessaryandnotenvious, Whichsoappearingtothecommoneyes, Weshallbecalledpurgers,notmurderers. AndforMarkAntony,thinknotofhim, ForhecandonomorethanCaesarsarm 190 WhenCaesarsheadisoff. OriginalText CASSIUS YetIfearhim. ForintheengraftedlovehebearstoCaesar BRUTUS Alas,goodCassius,donotthinkofhim. IfheloveCaesar,allthathecando Istohimself:takethoughtanddieforCaesar.

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BRUTUS

26

No,dontevenmentionhim.Weshouldnttellhimaboutour plans.Hellneverfollowanythingthatothermenhavestarted.

CASSIUS Thenleavehimout. CASCA Indeed,hesnotrightforthis. DECIUS ButshouldweonlygoafterCaesar?Nooneelse? CASSIUS Goodpoint,Decius.IdontthinkitwouldbewisetoletMark Antony,whomCaesarissofondof,outliveCaesar.Wedfind thathewasadangerousplotter.Andasyouknow,his connections,ifheputthemtogooduse,mightbeenoughto hurtusall.Topreventthis,MarkAntonyshoulddiealongwith Caesar.

BRUTUS OuractionwillseemtoobloodyifwecutoffCaesarshead andthenhackathisarmsandlegstoo,CaiusCassius becauseMarkAntonyismerelyoneofCaesarsarms.Itlllook likewekilledCaesaroutofangerandMarkAntonyoutof envy.Letsbesacrificersbutnotbutchers,Caius.Wereall againstwhatCaesarstandsfor,andtheresnobloodinthat. Oh,howIwishwecouldopposeCaesarsspirithis overblownambitionandnothackupCaesarhimself!But, unfortunately,Caesarhastobleedifweregoingtostophim. Noblefriends,letskillhimboldlybutnotwithanger.Lets carvehimuplikeadishfitforthegods,notchophimuplikea carcassfitfordogs.Letsbeangryonlylongenoughtodothe deed,andthenletsactlikeweredisgustedbywhatwehadto do.Thiswillmakeouractionsseempracticalandnotvengeful. Ifweappearcalmtothepeople,theyllcallussurgeonsrather thanmurderers.AsforMarkAntonyforgethim.Hellbeas uselessasCaesarsarmafterCaesarsheadiscutoff.

ModernText CASSIUS ButImstillafraidofhim,becausethedeeprootedlovehehas forCaesar BRUTUS Alas,goodCassius,dontthinkabouthim.IfhelovesCaesar, thenhecanonlyhurthimselfbygrievinganddyingfor Caesar.AndIdbesurprisedifheevendidthat,forheprefers

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195 Andthatweremuchheshould,forheisgiven Tosports,towildnessandmuchcompany. TREBONIUS Thereisnofearinhim.Lethimnotdie, Forhewillliveandlaughatthishereafter. Clockstrikes BRUTUS Peace!Counttheclock. CASSIUS 200 Theclockhathstrickenthree. TREBONIUS 'Tistimetopart. CASSIUS Butitisdoubtfulyet WhetherCaesarwillcomeforthtodayorno. Forheissuperstitiousgrownoflate, Quitefromthemainopinionheheldonce 205 Offantasy,ofdreamsandceremonies. Itmaybe,theseapparentprodigies, Theunaccustomedterrorofthisnight, Andthepersuasionofhisaugurers MayholdhimfromtheCapitoltoday. DECIUS 210 Neverfearthat.Ifhebesoresolved, Icano'erswayhim.Forhelovestohear Thatunicornsmaybebetrayedwithtrees, Andbearswithglasses,elephantswithholes, Lionswithtoils,andmenwithflatterers. 215 ButwhenItellhimhehatesflatterers, Hesayshedoes,beingthenmostflatterd. Letmework. ForIcangivehishumorthetruebent, AndIwillbringhimtotheCapitol. OriginalText CASSIUS 220 Nay,wewillallofusbetheretofetchhim. BRUTUS Bytheeighthhour.Isthattheuttermost? CINNA Bethattheuttermost,andfailnotthen. METELLUS CaiusLigariusdothbearCaesarhard, WhoratedhimforspeakingwellofPompey. 225 Iwondernoneofyouhavethoughtofhim. BRUTUS Now,goodMetellus,goalongbyhim.

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sports,fun,andfriends.

27

TREBONIUS Theresnothingtofearinhim.Letsnotkillhim.Hellliveand laughatthisafterward. Aclockstrikes. BRUTUS Quiet!Counthowmanytimestheclockchimes. CASSIUS Theclockstruckthree. TREBONIUS Itstimetoleave. CASSIUS ButwestilldontknowwhetherCaesarwillgooutinpublic todayornot,becausehesbecomesuperstitiouslately,a completeturnaroundfromwhenheusedtohavesuchabad opinionoffortunetellers,dreaminterpreters,andritual mumbojumbo.Itmighthappenthatthesestrangesigns,the unusualterrorofthisnight,andtheurgingsofhisfortune tellerswillkeephimawayfromtheCapitoltoday.

DECIUS Dontworryaboutthat.Ifhesreluctant,Icanconvincehim.He lovestohearmetellhimhowmencanbesnaredbyflatterers, justlikeunicornscanbecapturedintrees,elephantsinholes, andlionswithnets.WhenItellhimhehatesflatterers,he agrees,justatthemomentwhenImflatteringhimthemost. Letmeworkonhim.Icanputhimintherightmood,andIll bringhimtotheCapitol.

ModernText CASSIUS No,wellallgotheretobringhim. BRUTUS Byeighto'clock.Isthatthelatestwecandoit? CINNA Letsmakethatthelatest,butbesuretogettherebeforethen. METELLUS CaiusLigariusdoesntlikeCaesar,whoberatedhimfor speakingwellofPompey.Iwonderthatnoneofyouthought aboutgettinghissupport. BRUTUS GoodMetellus,gotohimnow.Helikesme,andIvegivenhim

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Helovesmewell,andIhavegivenhimreasons. SendhimbuthitherandIllfashionhim. CASSIUS Themorningcomesupons.Wellleaveyou,Brutus. 230 And,friends,disperseyourselves.Butallremember Whatyouhavesaid,andshowyourselvestrueRomans. BRUTUS Goodgentlemen,lookfreshandmerrily. Letnotourlooksputonourpurposes, ButbearitasourRomanactorsdo, 235 Withuntiredspiritsandformalconstancy. Andsogoodmorrowtoyoueveryone. Exeunt.ManetBRUTUS Boy!Lucius!Fastasleep?Itisnomatter. Enjoythehoneyheavydewofslumber. Thouhastnofiguresnornofantasies, 240 Whichbusycaredrawsinthebrainsofmen. Thereforethousleepstsosound. EnterPORTIA PORTIA Brutus,mylord. BRUTUS Portia,whatmeanyou?Whereforeriseyounow? Itisnotforyourhealththustocommit Yourweakconditiontotheraw,coldmorning. PORTIA 245 Norforyoursneither.Y'haveungently,Brutus, Stolefrommybed.Andyesternight,atsupper, Yousuddenlyaroseandwalkedabout, Musingandsighing,withyourarmsacross, AndwhenIaskedyouwhatthematterwas, 250 Youstareduponmewithungentlelooks. Iurgedyoufurther,thenyouscratchedyourhead Andtooimpatientlystampedwithyourfoot. YetIinsistedyetyouanswerednot, Butwithanangrywaftureofyourhand 255 Gavesignformetoleaveyou.SoIdid, Fearingtostrengthenthatimpatience Whichseemedtoomuchenkindled,andwithal Hopingitwasbutaneffectofhumor, Whichsometimehathhishourwitheveryman. 260 Itwillnotletyoueatnortalknorsleep, Andcoulditworksomuchuponyourshape Asithathmuchprevailedonyourcondition, Ishouldnotknowyou,Brutus.Dearmylord, Makemeacquaintedwithyourcauseofgrief. BRUTUS 265 Iamnotwellinhealth,andthatisall.

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28

goodreasonto.Justsendhimhere,andIllpersuadehim.

CASSIUS Themorningisapproaching.Wellleave,Brutus.Friends,go yourseparateways.Butallofyou,rememberwhatyouvesaid andproveyourselvestrueRomans. BRUTUS Goodgentlemen,looklikeyourerestedandhappy.Dontlet ourfacesbetrayourplans.Instead,carryyourselveslike Romanactors,withcheerfulspiritsandwellcomposedfaces. Andso,goodmorningtoallofyou.

EveryoneexceptBRUTUSexits. Boy!Lucius!Fastasleep?Well,enjoythesweetnessofdeep sleep.Yourbrainisntstuffedwiththestrangeshapesand fantasiesthatcometomenwhoareoverwhelmedbyworries. Thatswhyyousleepsosoundly.

PORTIAenters. PORTIA Brutus,mylord. BRUTUS Portia,whatareyoudoingawake?Itisntgoodforyourhealth toexposeyourweakbodytotheraw,coldmorning.

PORTIA Itsnotgoodforyourhealth,either.Yourudelysnuckoutof bed.Andlastnightatdinner,yougotupabruptlyandpaced backandforthwithyourarmscrossed,broodingandsighing, andwhenIaskedyouwhatwasthematter,yougavemea dirtylook.Iaskedyouagain,andyouscratchedyourheadand stampedyourfootimpatiently.Istillinsistedonknowingwhat thematterwas,butyouwouldntanswerme,insteadgiving meanangrywaveofyourhandandtellingmetoleaveyou alone.SoIleft,afraidoffurtherprovokingangerthatwas alreadyinflamedbutstillhopingthiswasmerelymoodiness, whicheveryoneisaffectedbyonceinawhile.Yourstrange moodwontletyoueatortalkorsleep.Ifithadchangedyour outwardappearanceasmuchasithasaffectedyouonthe inside,Iwouldntevenbeabletorecognizeyou,Brutus.My dearlord,tellmewhatsbotheringyou.

BRUTUS Imnotfeelingwellthatsall.

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PORTIA Brutusiswise,andwerehenotinhealth, Hewouldembracethemeanstocomebyit. BRUTUS Why,soIdo.GoodPortia,gotobed. PORTIA IsBrutussick?Andisitphysical 270 Towalkunbracdandsuckupthehumors Ofthedankmorning?What,isBrutussick, Andwillhestealoutofhiswholesomebed, Todarethevilecontagionofthenight Andtempttherheumyandunpurgdair 275 Toadduntohissickness?No,myBrutus. Youhavesomesickoffensewithinyourmind, Whichbytherightandvirtueofmyplace Ioughttoknowof. (kneels)Anduponmyknees 280 Icharmyou,bymyoncecommendedbeauty, Byallyourvowsofloveandthatgreatvow Whichdidincorporateandmakeusone Thatyouunfoldtome,yourself,yourhalf, Whyyouareheavy,andwhatmentonight 285 Havehadtoresorttoyou.Forherehavebeen Somesixorsevenwhodidhidetheirfaces Evenfromdarkness. BRUTUS Kneelnot,gentlePortia. PORTIA (rising)Ishouldnotneedifyouweregentle,Brutus. Withinthebondofmarriage,tellme,Brutus, 290 IsitexceptedIshouldknownosecrets Thatappertaintoyou?AmIyourself But,asitwere,insortorlimitation, Tokeepwithyouatmeals,comfortyourbed, Andtalktoyousometimes? DwellIbutinthesuburbs 295 Ofyourgoodpleasure?Ifitbenomore, PortiaisBrutus'harlot,nothiswife. BRUTUS Youaremytrueandhonorablewife, Asdeartomeasaretheruddydrops Thatvisitmysadheart. PORTIA 300 Ifthisweretrue,thenshouldIknowthissecret. IgrantIamawoman,butwithal AwomanthatLordBrutustooktowife. IgrantIamawoman,butwithal Awomanwellreputed,Catosdaughter. 305 ThinkyouIamnostrongerthanmysex, Beingsofatheredandsohusbanded?

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PORTIA

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Youresmart,though,andifyouweresick,youdtakewhat youneededtogetbetter. BRUTUS Imdoingso.GoodPortia,gotobed. PORTIA Areyousick?Andisithealthytowalkuncoveredandbreathe inthedampnessofthemorning?Youresick,yetyousneak outofyourwarmbedandletthehumidanddiseaseinfested airmakeyousicker?No,myBrutus,youhavesomesickness withinyourmind,whichbyvirtueofmypositionIdeserveto knowabout.(shekneels)Andonmyknees,Iurgeyou,bymy oncepraisedbeauty,byallyourvowsofloveandthatgreat vowofmarriagewhichmadethetwoofusoneperson,that youshouldrevealtome,whoisonehalfofyourself,why youretroubledandwhatmenhavevisitedyoutonight.For thereweresixorsevenmenhere,whohidtheirfacesevenin thedarkness.

BRUTUS Dontkneel,noblePortia. PORTIA (gettingup)Iwouldntneedtoifyouwereactingnobly.Tell me,Brutus,asyourwife,arentIsupposedtobetoldthe secretsthatconcernyou?AmIpartofyouonlyinalimited senseIgettohavedinnerwithyou,sleepwithyou,andtalk toyousometimes?

Ismyplaceonlyontheoutskirtsofyourhappiness?Ifits nothingmorethanthat,thenImyourwhore,notyourwife.

BRUTUS Youremytrueandhonorablewife,asdeartomeastheblood thatrunsthroughmysadheart.

PORTIA Ifthatweretrue,thenIdknowyoursecret.IadmitImonlya woman,butneverthelessImthewomanLordBrutustookfor hiswife.IadmitImonlyawoman,butImstillawomanfroma noblefamilyImCatosdaughter.DoyoureallythinkImno strongerthantherestofmysex,withsuchafatherandsucha husband?Tellmeyoursecrets.Iwontbetraythem.Ive provedmytrustworthinessbygivingmyselfavoluntarywound

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Tellmeyourcounsels.Iwillnotdisclose'em. Ihavemadestrongproofofmyconstancy, Givingmyselfavoluntarywound 310 Hereinthethigh.CanIbearthatwithpatience, Andnotmyhusbandssecrets? BRUTUS Oyegods, Rendermeworthyofthisnoblewife! Knockwithin Hark,hark!Oneknocks.Portia,goinawhile. Andbyandbythybosomshallpartake 315 Thesecretsofmyheart. AllmyengagementsIwillconstruetothee, Allthecharacteryofmysadbrows. Leavemewithhaste. ExitPORTIA Lucius,whosthatknocking? EnterLUCIUSandLIGARIUS

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hereinmythigh.IfIcanbearthatpain,thenIcanbearmy husbandssecrets.

BRUTUS Oh,gods,makemeworthyofthisnoblewife!

Aknockingsoundoffstage. Listen!Someoneknocks.Portia,goinsideawhile,andsoon enoughyoullsharethesecretsofmyheart.Illexplainallthat Ihavecommittedtodoandallthereasonsformysadface. Leavemequickly.

PORTIAexits. Lucius,whosthatknocking? LUCIUSandLIGARIUSenter.Ligariuswearsaclothwrapped aroundhishead,indicatingthathessick.

LUCIUS 320 Heisasickmanthatwouldspeakwithyou. BRUTUS CaiusLigarius,thatMetellusspakeof. Boy,standaside.CaiusLigarius,how? LIGARIUS Vouchsafegoodmorrowfromafeebletongue. BRUTUS O,whatatimehaveyouchoseout,braveCaius, 325 Towearakerchief!Wouldyouwerenotsick! LIGARIUS IamnotsickifBrutushaveinhand Anyexploitworthythenameofhonor. BRUTUS SuchanexploithaveIinhand,Ligarius, Hadyouahealthfuleartohearofit. LIGARIUS 330 (removeshiskerchief) ByallthegodsthatRomansbowbefore, Iherediscardmysickness!SoulofRome, Bravesonderivedfromhonorableloins, Thou,likeanexorcist,hastconjuredup 335 Mymortifidspirit.Nowbidmerun, AndIwillstrivewiththingsimpossible, Yea,getthebetterofthem.Whatstodo? BRUTUS Apieceofworkthatwillmakesickmenwhole.

LUCIUS Heresasickmanwhowantstospeakwithyou. BRUTUS ItsCaiusLigarius,whomMetellusspokeof.Boy,standaside. CaiusLigarius!Howareyou? LIGARIUS Pleaseacceptmyfeeblegoodmorning. BRUTUS Oh,whatatimeyouvechosentobesick,braveCaius!HowI wishyoufeltbetter! LIGARIUS Imnotsickifyouvepreparedsomehonorableexploitforme.

BRUTUS Indeed,Iwouldhavesuchanexploitforyou,Ligarius,ifyou werehealthyenoughtohearit. LIGARIUS (takesoffhisheadcovering)ByallthegodsthatRomans worship,Iherebythrowoffmysickness!SoulofRome!Brave sonofhonorableancestors!Youveconjuredupmydeadened spiritlikeanexorcist.Nowsaytheword,andIwilltackleall kindsofimpossiblethings,andsucceedtoo.Whatisthereto do?

BRUTUS Adeedthatwillmakesickmenhealthy.

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LIGARIUS Butarenotsomewholethatwemustmakesick?

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Butarenttheresomehealthymenwhomwehavetomake sick?

BRUTUS 340 Thatmustwealso.Whatitis,myCaius, Ishallunfoldtotheeaswearegoing Towhomitmustbedone. LIGARIUS Setonyourfoot, AndwithaheartnewfiredIfollowyou, TodoIknownotwhat.Butitsufficeth 345 ThatBrutusleadsmeon. Thunder BRUTUS Followme,then. Exeunt

BRUTUS Thattoo.MydearCaius,Illexplainthetaskathandtoyouas wewalktowardthemanwemustdoitto.

LIGARIUS Startwalking,andwithanenergizedheart,Illfollowyouto what,Idontknow,butImsatisfied,simplyknowingthat Brutusleadsme.

Thunder. BRUTUS Followme,then. Theyallexit.

Act2,Scene2
OriginalText ThunderandlightningEnterJuliusCAESARinhisnightgown CAESAR Norheavennorearthhavebeenatpeacetonight. ThricehathCalphurniainhersleepcriedout, Help,ho!TheymurderCaesar!Whoswithin? EnteraSERVANT SERVANT Mylord. CAESAR 5 Gobidthepriestsdopresentsacrifice Andbringmetheiropinionsofsuccess. SERVANT Iwill,mylord. ExitSERVANT EnterCALPHURNIA CALPHURNIA Whatmeanyou,Caesar?Thinkyoutowalkforth? Youshallnotstiroutofyourhousetoday. CAESAR 10 Caesarshallforth.Thethingsthatthreatenedme Ne'erlookedbutonmyback.Whentheyshallsee ThefaceofCaesar,theyarevanishd. ModernText Thunderandlightning.CAESARentersinhisnightgown. CAESAR Neithertheskynortheearthhavebeenquiettonight. Calphurniacriedoutthreetimesinhersleep,Help,someone! TheyremurderingCaesar!Whosthere? ASERVANTenters. SERVANT Mylord? CAESAR Gotelltheprieststoperformasacrificeimmediately,andbring metheirinterpretationoftheresults. SERVANT Iwill,mylord. TheSERVANTexits. CALPHURNIAenters. CALPHURNIA Whatareyoudoing,Caesar?Areyouplanningtogoout? Yourenotleavingthehousetoday. CAESAR Iwillgoout.Thethingsthatthreatenmehaveonlyseenmy back.WhentheyseethefaceofCaesar,theywillvanish.

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CALPHURNIA Caesar,Ineverstoodonceremonies, Yetnowtheyfrightme.Thereisonewithin, 15 Besidesthethingsthatwehaveheardandseen, Recountsmosthorridsightsseenbythewatch. Alionesshathwhelpdinthestreets, Andgraveshaveyawnedandyieldeduptheirdead. Fiercefierywarriorsfoughtupontheclouds 20 Inranksandsquadronsandrightformofwar, WhichdrizzledbloodupontheCapitol. Thenoiseofbattlehurtledintheair. Horsesdidneigh,anddyingmendidgroan, Andghostsdidshriekandsquealaboutthestreets. 25 OCaesar!Thesethingsarebeyondalluse, AndIdofearthem. CAESAR Whatcanbeavoided Whoseendispurposedbythemightygods? YetCaesarshallgoforth,forthesepredictions AretotheworldingeneralastoCaesar. CALPHURNIA 30 Whenbeggarsdietherearenocometsseen. Theheavensthemselvesblazeforththedeathofprinces. CAESAR Cowardsdiemanytimesbeforetheirdeaths. Thevaliantnevertasteofdeathbutonce. OfallthewondersthatIyethaveheard, 35 Itseemstomemoststrangethatmenshouldfear, Seeingthatdeath,anecessaryend, Willcomewhenitwillcome. EnterSERVANT Whatsaytheaugurers? SERVANT Theywouldnothaveyoutostirforthtoday. Pluckingtheentrailsofanofferingforth, 40 They couldnotfindaheartwithinthebeast. CAESAR Thegodsdothisinshameofcowardice. Caesarshouldbeabeastwithoutaheart Ifheshouldstayathometodayforfear. No,Caesarshallnot.Dangerknowsfullwell 45 ThatCaesarismoredangerousthanhe. Wearetwolionslitteredinoneday, AndItheelderandmoreterrible. AndCaesarshallgoforth. CALPHURNIA Alas,mylord, Yourwisdomisconsumedinconfidence.

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Caesar,Ineverbelievedinomens,butnowtheyfrightenme. Aservanttoldmethenightwatchmensawhorridsightstoo, butdifferentonesfromwhatweheardandsaw.Alioness gavebirthinthestreets,andgravescrackedopenandthrust outtheirdead.

Fierce,fierywarriorsfoughtinthecloudsintheusual formationsofwarranksandsquadronsuntiltheclouds drizzledbloodontotheCapitol.Thenoiseofbattlefilledthe air,andhorsesneighed,anddyingmengroaned,andghosts shriekedandsquealedinthestreets.Oh,Caesar!These thingsarebeyondanythingweveseenbefore,andImafraid.

CAESAR Howcanweavoidwhatthegodswanttohappen?ButIwillgo out,forthesebadomensapplytotheworldingeneralas muchastheydotome.

CALPHURNIA Whenbeggarsdietherearenocometsinthesky.The heavensonlyannouncethedeathsofprinces. CAESAR Cowardsdiemanytimesbeforetheirdeaths.Thebrave experiencedeathonlyonce.OfallthestrangethingsIveever heard,itseemsmoststrangetomethatmenfeardeath,given thatdeath,whichcantbeavoided,willcomewheneverit wants.

TheSERVANTenters. Whatdothepriestssay? SERVANT Theydontwantyoutogoouttoday.Theypulledouttheguts ofthesacrificedanimalandcouldntfinditsheart.

CAESAR Thegodsdothistotestmybravery.TheyresayingIdbean animalwithoutaheartifIstayedhometodayoutoffear.So,I wont.

DangerknowsthatCaesarismoredangerousthanheis. Weretwolionsbornonthesamedayinthesamelitter,and Imtheolderandmoreterrible.Iwillgoout.

CALPHURNIA Alas,mylord,yourconfidenceisgettingthebetterofyour wisdom.Dontgoouttoday.Saythatitsmyfearthatkeeps

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50 Donotgoforthtoday.Callitmyfear Thatkeepsyouinthehouse,andnotyourown. WellsendMarkAntonytothesenatehouse, Andheshallsayyouarenotwelltoday. (kneels)Letme,uponmyknee,prevailinthis. CAESAR 55 MarkAntonyshallsayIamnotwell, AndforthyhumorIwillstayathome. CALPHURNIArises EnterDECIUS HeresDeciusBrutus.Heshalltellthemso. DECIUS Caesar,allhail!Goodmorrow,worthyCaesar. Icometo fetchyoutothesenatehouse. CAESAR 60 Andyouarecomeinveryhappytime Tobearmygreetingtothesenators AndtellthemthatIwillnotcometoday. Cannotisfalse,andthatIdarenot,falser. Iwillnotcometoday.Tellthemso,Decius. CALPHURNIA 65 Sayheissick. CAESAR ShallCaesarsendalie? HaveIinconqueststretchedminearmsofar Tobeafraidtotellgraybeardsthetruth? Decius,gotellthemCaesarwillnotcome. DECIUS Mostmighty Caesar,letmeknowsomecause, 70 LestIbelaughedatwhenItellthemso. CAESAR Thecauseisinmywill.Iwillnotcome. Thatisenoughtosatisfythesenate. Butforyourprivatesatisfaction, BecauseIloveyou,Iwillletyouknow. 75 Calphurniahere,mywife,staysmeathome. Shedreamttonightshesawmystatue, Which,likeafountainwithanhundredspouts, Didrunpureblood.AndmanylustyRomans Camesmilinganddidbathetheirhandsinit. 80 Andthesedoessheapplyforwarningsandportents Andevilsimminent,andonherknee HathbeggedthatIwillstayathometoday. DECIUS Thisdreamisallamissinterpreted. Itwasavisionfairandfortunate. 85 Yourstatuespoutingbloodinmanypipes,

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youinsideandnotyourown.WellsendMarkAntonytothe senatehouse,andhellsaythatyouresicktoday.(shekneels) Letme,onmyknees,winyouovertothisplan.

CAESAR Allright.MarkAntonywillsayImnotwell,andtopleaseyou Illstayathome. CALPHURNIAgetsup. DECIUSenters. HeresDeciusBrutus.Helltellthemso. DECIUS Hail,Caesar!Goodmorning,worthyCaesar.Ivecometotake youtothesenatehouse. CAESAR Andyouvecomeatagoodtime,soyoucanconveymy greetingstothesenatorsandtellthemIwontcometoday.It wouldntbetruetosaythatIcantcome,andevenlesstrueto saythatIdontdarecome.Isimply wontcometoday.Tell themso,Decius. CALPHURNIA Sayhessick. CAESAR WouldIsendalie?HaveIaccomplishedsomuchinbattle, butnowImafraidtotellsomeoldmenthetruth?

Decius,gotellthemthatCaesarwontcome. DECIUS MostmightyCaesar,givemesomereason,soIwontbe laughedatwhenItellthemso. CAESAR ThereasonisthatitswhatIwant.Imnotcoming.Thats enoughforthesenate.Butforyourprivatesatisfaction, becauseIloveyou,Illtellyou.Calphurnia,mywife,iskeeping meathome.Lastnight,shedreamedshesawastatueofme withahundredholesinit,likeafountainwithpureblood flowingfromit,andmanyhappyRomanscamesmilingand washedtheirhandsinit.Shetakesthesesignsforwarnings andpredictionsofterribleevilstocome,and,onherknee,she beggedmetostayhometoday.

DECIUS Thisdreamhasbeeninterpretedallwrong.Itwasagoodand luckyvision.Yourstatuespoutingbloodthroughmanyholes, inwhichmanysmilingRomansbathed,meansthatyoull

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InwhichsomanysmilingRomansbathed, SignifiesthatfromyougreatRomeshallsuck Revivingblood,andthatgreatmenshallpress Fortinctures,stains,relics,andcognizance. 90 ThisbyCalphurniasdreamissignified. CAESAR Andthiswayhaveyouwellexpoundedit. DECIUS Ihave,whenyouhaveheardwhatIcansay. Andknowitnow:thesenatehaveconcluded TogivethisdayacrowntomightyCaesar. OriginalText 95 Ifyoushallsendthemwordyouwillnotcome, Theirmindsmaychange.Besides,itwereamock Apttoberenderedforsomeonetosay, Breakupthesenatetillanothertime WhenCaesarswifeshallmeetwithbetterdreams. 100 IfCaesarhidehimself,shalltheynotwhisper, Lo,Caesarisafraid? Pardonme,Caesar.Formydear,dearlove Toyourproceedingbidsmetellyouthis, Andreasontomyloveisliable. CAESAR 105 Howfoolishdoyourfearsseemnow,Calphurnia! IamashamdIdidyieldtothem. Givememyrobe,forIwillgo. EnterBRUTUS,LIGARIUS,METELLUS,CASCA,TREBONIUS,CINNA,and PUBLIUS Andlook,wherePubliusiscometofetchme. PUBLIUS Goodmorrow,Caesar. CAESAR 110 Welcome,Publius. What,Brutus,areyoustirredsoearlytoo? Goodmorrow,Casca.CaiusLigarius, Caesarwasne'ersomuchyourenemy Asthatsameaguewhichhathmadeyoulean. 115 Whatisto'clock? BRUTUS Caesar,tisstruckeneight. CAESAR Ithankyouforyourpainsandcourtesy. EnterANTONY See,Antony,thatrevelslonganights, Isnotwithstandingup.Goodmorrow,Antony. ANTONY

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providegreatRomewithsustainingblood,andthatgreatmen willstrivetogetsometokenofapprovalfromyourholyblood. ThisiswhatCalphurniasdreammeans.

CAESAR Youveofferedanexcellentinterpretation. DECIUS IwillhavewhenyouheartherestofwhatIhavetosay.The senatehasdecidedtogivemightyCaesaracrowntoday.

ModernText Ifyousendthemwordthatyouwontcome,theymightchange theirminds.Besides,someoneslikelytojoke,Adjournthe senateuntilsomeothertime,whenCaesarswifehashad betterdreams.Ifyouhideyourself,wonttheywhisper, Caesarisafraid?Pardonme,Caesar.Myhighhopesfor youradvancementforcemetotellyouthis.Mylovegetsthe betterofmymanners.

CAESAR Howfoolishyourfearsseemnow,Calphurnia!Imashamed thatIyieldedtothem.Givememyrobe,becauseImgoing.

PUBLIUS,BRUTUS,LIGARIUS,METELLUS,CASCA, TREBONIUS,andCINNAenter. Andlook,heresPublius,cometofetchme. PUBLIUS Goodmorning,Caesar. CAESAR Welcome,Publius.What,Brutus?Areyouupthisearlytoo? Goodmorning,Casca.CaiusLigarius,Iwasneveryourenemy somuchasthesicknessthatsmadeyousothin.Whattimeis it?

BRUTUS Caesar,theclockhasstruckeight. CAESAR Ithankyouallforyourtroubleandcourtesy. ANTONYenters. See!EvenAntony,whostaysupallnightpartying,isawake. Goodmorning,Antony. ANTONY

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SotomostnobleCaesar. CAESAR Bidthempreparewithin. 120 Iamtoblametobethuswaitedfor. Now,Cinna.Now,Metellus.What,Trebonius, Ihaveanhourstalkinstoreforyou. Rememberthatyoucallonmetoday. Benearme,thatImayrememberyou. TREBONIUS 125 Caesar,Iwill.(aside)AndsonearwillIbe ThatyourbestfriendsshallwishIhadbeenfurther. CAESAR Goodfriends,goinandtastesomewinewithme. Andwe,likefriends,willstraightwaygotogether. BRUTUS (aside)Thateverylikeisnotthesame,OCaesar, 130 TheheartofBrutusearnstothinkupon. Exeunt

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Andtoyou,mostnobleCaesar. CAESAR

35

Tellthemtopreparetheotherroomforguests.Imtoblame formakingyouwaitforme.Now,Cinna.Now,Metellus. Trebonius!Ihaveanhourlongmattertodiscusswithyou. Remembertoseemetoday.StaynearmesoIllremember.

TREBONIUS Caesar,Iwill.(speakingquietlytohimself)Infact,Illbeso nearthatyourbestfriendswillwishIdbeenfurtheraway. CAESAR Goodfriends,goinandhavesomewinewithme.Andwell leavetogether,likefriends. BRUTUS (quietlytohimself)ThatwearenowonlylikefriendsOh Caesarmakesmyheartache. Theyallexit.

Act2,Scene3
EnterARTEMIDORUS,readingaletter ARTEMIDORUS (readsaloud) Caesar,bewareofBrutus.TakeheedofCassius.ComenotnearCasca.Havean eyetoCinna.TrustnotTrebonius.MarkwellMetellusCimber.DeciusBrutusloves theenot.ThouhastwrongedCaiusLigarius.Thereisbutonemindinallthese 10 men,anditisbentagainstCaesar.Ifthoubeestnotimmortal,lookaboutyou. Securitygiveswaytoconspiracy.Themightygodsdefendthee! Thylover, Artemidorus HerewillIstandtillCaesarpassalong, 15 AndasasuitorwillIgivehimthis. Myheartlamentsthatvirtuecannotlive Outoftheteethofemulation. Ifthoureadthis,OCaesar,thoumaystlive. Ifnot,theFateswithtraitorsdocontrive. Exit ARTEMIDORUSenters,readingaletter. ARTEMIDORUS (readingaloudfromtheletter) Caesar,bewareofBrutus.WatchCassius.Dontgonear Casca.KeepaneyeonCinna.DonttrustTrebonius.Pay attentiontoMetellusCimber.DeciusBrutusdoesntloveyou. YouvewrongedCaiusLigarius.Thesemenallhaveone intention,anditsdirectedagainstCaesar.Ifyouarent immortal,watchthosearoundyou.Asenseofsecurityopens thedoortoconspiracy.Ipraythatthemightygodsdefendyou! Yourfriend, Artemidorus. IllstandhereuntilCaesarpassesby,andIllgivehimthisas thoughitsapetition.Myheartregretsthatgoodmenarent safefromthebiteofjealousrivals.Ifyoureadthis,Caesar, youmightlive.Ifnot,theFatesareonthesideofthetraitors. Heexits.

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Act2,Scene4
EnterPORTIAandLUCIUS PORTIA Iprithee,boy,runtothesenatehouse. Staynottoanswerme,butgettheegone. Whydostthoustay? LUCIUS Toknowmyerrand,madam. PORTIA Iwouldhavehadtheethereandhereagain 5 EreIcantelltheewhatthoushouldstdothere. Oconstancy,bestronguponmyside, Setahugemountaintweenmyheartandtongue! Ihaveamansmindbutawomansmight. Howharditisforwomentokeepcounsel! 10 Artthouhereyet? LUCIUS Madam,whatshouldIdo? RuntotheCapitol,andnothingelse? Andsoreturntoyou,andnothingelse? PORTIA Yes,bringmeword,boy,ifthylordlookwell, Forhewentsicklyforth.Andtakegoodnote 15 WhatCaesardoth,whatsuitorspresstohim. Hark,boy!Whatnoiseisthat? LUCIUS Ihearnone,madam. PORTIA Prithee,listenwell. Iheardabustlingrumorlikeafray, 20 AndthewindbringsitfromtheCapitol. LUCIUS Sooth,madam,Ihearnothing. EntertheSOOTHSAYER PORTIA Comehither,fellow.Whichwayhastthoubeen? SOOTHSAYER Atmineownhouse,goodlady. PORTIA Whatisto'clock? SOOTHSAYER 25 Abouttheninthhour,lady. PORTIA IsCaesaryetgonetotheCapitol? LUCIUS Truly,madam,Idonthearanything. TheSOOTHSAYERenters. PORTIA Comehere,you.Whereareyoucomingfrom? SOOTHSAYER Myownhouse,goodlady. PORTIA Whattimeisit? SOOTHSAYER Aroundnineo'clock,madam. PORTIA HasCaesargonetotheCapitalyet? PORTIA Yes,returnandtellmeifyourmasterlookswell,becausehe wassickwhenheleft.AndpayattentiontowhatCaesardoes andwhichmenareclosetohim.Listen,boy!Whatsthat noise? LUCIUS Idonthearanything,madam. PORTIA Ibegyou,listenwell.Iheardanoiselikeascuffle.Thewind bringsitfromtheCapitol. LUCIUS Madam,whatshouldIdo?RuntotheCapitolandnothing else?Andthenreturntoyouandnothingelse? LUCIUS Tofindoutwhatyouwantmetodothere,madam. PORTIA IwantyouthereandbackagainbeforeIcaneventellyou whatyoushoulddothere.(toherself,sothatnoonecanhear her)Oh,letmydeterminationkeepmefromspeakingwhatis inmyheart!Ihaveamansmind,butonlyawomansstrength. How harditisforwomentokeepsecrets!(toLUCIUS)Areyou stillhere? PORTIAandLUCIUSenter. PORTIA Boy,Ibegyoutoruntothesenatehouse.Dontstayto answermegetgoing.Whyareyoustillstandingthere?

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SOOTHSAYER Madam,notyet.Igototakemystand ToseehimpassontotheCapitol. PORTIA ThouhastsomesuittoCaesar,hastthounot? SOOTHSAYER 30 ThatIhave,lady.IfitwillpleaseCaesar TobesogoodtoCaesarastohearme, Ishallbeseechhimtobefriendhimself. PORTIA Why,knowstthouanyharmsintendedtowardshim? SOOTHSAYER NonethatIknowwillbemuchthatIfearmaychance. 35 Goodmorrowtoyou.Herethestreetisnarrow. ThethrongthatfollowsCaesarattheheels, Ofsenators,ofpraetors,commonsuitors, Willcrowdafeeblemanalmosttodeath. Illgetmetoaplacemorevoid,andthere 40 SpeaktogreatCaesarashecomesalong. ExitSOOTHSAYER PORTIA Imustgoin.(aside)Ayme,howweakathing Theheartofwomanis!OBrutus, Theheavensspeedtheeinthineenterprise! Sure,theboyheardme.(toLUCIUS)Brutushathasuit 45 ThatCaesarwillnotgrant.Oh,Igrowfaint. Run,Lucius,andcommendmetomylord. SayIammerry.Cometomeagain, Andbringmewordwhathedothsaytothee. Exeuntseverally

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37

Madam,notyet.ImgoingtostandsoIcanseehimpasson thewaytotheCapitol. PORTIA YouhavesomepleaforCaesar,dontyou? SOOTHSAYER Yes,Ido,lady.IfitpleasesCaesartobesogoodtohimselfas tohearme,Illtrytogethimtodowhatsgoodforhim.

PORTIA Why,doyouknowofanyharmintendedtowardhim? SOOTHSAYER NothingthatIknowforsure,butalotthatImafraidmight happen.Goodmorningtoyou.Thestreetisnarrowhere.The crowdthatfollowsCaesarathisheelssenators,justices, commonpetitionerswillsuffocateafeeblemanalmostto death.Illmovetoamoreopenplaceandtherespeaktogreat Caesarashewalkspast.

Heexits. PORTIA Imustgoin.(speakingquietlytoherself)Oh,awomansheart issoweak!OhBrutus,may thegodsaidyouinyourendeavor! Surely,theboyheardme.(toLUCIUS)Brutushasaclaimthat Caesarwontgrant.Oh,Ifeelfaint.Run,Lucius,andspeak wellofmetomylord.SaythatImhappy.Thenreturntome andtellmewhathesaystoyou.

Theyexitinoppositedirections.

Act3,Scene1
FlourishEnterCAESAR ,BRUTUS,CASSIUS,CASCA,DECIUS,METELLUS, TREBONIUS,CINNA ,ANTONY,LEPIDUS,PUBLIUS,andPOPILLIUSLENA withacrowdofpeople,includingARTEMIDORUSandtheSOOTHSAYER Acrowdofpeopleenters,amongthemARTEMIDORUSand theSOOTHSAYER.Atrumpetplays.CAESAR,BRUTUS, CASSIUS,CASCA,DECIUS,METELLUS,TREBONIUS, CINNA,ANTONY,LEPIDUS,POPILLIUS,PUBLIUS,and othersenter. CAESAR (totheSOOTHSAYER)TheidesofMarcharecome. SOOTHSAYER Ay,Caesar,butnotgone. ARTEMIDORUS (offeringhisletter)Hail,Caesar!Readthisschedule. DECIUS (offeringCAESARanotherpaper) 5 Treboniusdothdesireyoutoo'erread, CAESAR (totheSOOTHSAYER)March15thhascome. SOOTHSAYER Yes,Caesar,butitsnotgoneyet. ARTEMIDORUS (offeringhisletter)Hail,Caesar!Readthisschedule. DECIUS (offeringCAESARanotherpaper)Treboniuswantsyoutolook overhishumblepetition,atyourleisure.

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Atyourbestleisure,thishishumblesuit. ARTEMIDORUS OCaesar,readminefirst,forminesasuit ThattouchesCaesarnearer.Readit,greatCaesar. CAESAR Whattouchesusourselfshallbelastserved. ARTEMIDORUS 10 Delaynot,Caesar.Readitinstantly. CAESAR What,isthefellowmad? PUBLIUS (toARTEMIDORUS)Sirrah,give CASSIUS (toARTEMIDORUS) What,urgeyouyourpetitionsinthestreet? 15 CometotheCapitol. CAESAR spartymovesasidetothesenatehouse POPILLIUS (toCASSIUS)Iwishyourenterprisetodaymaythrive. CASSIUS Whatenterprise,Popillius? POPILLIUS Fareyouwell. (approachesCAESAR) BRUTUS (toCASSIUS) WhatsaidPopilliusLena? CASSIUS (asidetoBRUTUS) 20 Hewishedtodayourenterprisemightthrive. Ifearourpurposeisdiscoverd. BRUTUS LookhowhemakestoCaesar.Markhim. CASSIUS Casca,besudden,forwefearprevention Brutus,whatshallbedone?Ifthisbeknown, 25 CassiusorCaesarnevershallturnback, ForIwillslaymyself. BRUTUS Cassius,beconstant. PopilliusLenaspeaksnotofourpurposes. For,look,hesmiles,andCaesardothnotchange. CASSIUS Treboniusknowshistime.For,lookyou,Brutus. 30 HedrawsMarkAntonyoutoftheway. place.

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ARTEMIDORUS Oh,Caesar,readminefirst,formypetitionaffectsyoumore directly.Readit,greatCaesar. CAESAR WhateverpertainstomyselfIwilldealwithlast. ARTEMIDORUS Dontdelay,Caesar.Readitinstantly. CAESAR What,isthemaninsane? PUBLIUS (toARTEMIDORUS)Standaside,you. CASSIUS (toARTEMIDORUS) What?Areyoupressingyourpetitionon thestreet?GototheCapitol.

CAESARgoesuptothesenatehouse,therestfollowing. POPILLIUS (toCASSIUS)Ihopeyourendeavorgoeswelltoday. CASSIUS Whatendeavor,Popillius? POPILLIUS Goodluck. POPILLIUSapproachesCAESAR . BRUTUS (toCASSIUS) WhatdidPopilliusLenasay? CASSIUS (speakingsothatonlyBRUTUScanhear)Hewishedthatour endeavorwouldgowelltoday.Imafraidwevebeenfound out. BRUTUS Look,hesapproachingCaesar.Keepaneyeonhim. CASSIUS Casca,bequick,becausewereworriedwemightbestopped. Brutus,whatwillwedo?Ifoursecretsknown,eitherCaesar orIwilldie,forIllkillmyself.

BRUTUS Cassius,standfirm.PopilliusLenawasnttalkingaboutour plotfor,look,hessmiling,andCaesarsexpressionisthe same. CASSIUS Treboniusknowshiscue.See,Brutus,hespullingMark Antonyaside.

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ExeuntTREBONIUSandANTONY DECIUS WhereisMetellusCimber?Lethimgo AndpresentlypreferhissuittoCaesar. BRUTUS Heisaddressed.Pressnearandsecondhim. CINNA Casca,youarethefirstthatrearsyourhand. CAESAR 35 Areweallready?Whatisnowamiss ThatCaesarandhissenatemustredress? METELLUS (kneeling) Mosthigh,mostmighty,andmostpuissantCaesar, MetellusCimberthrowsbeforethyseat 40 Anhumbleheart CAESAR Imustpreventthee,Cimber. Thesecouchingsandtheselowlycourtesies Mightfirethebloodofordinarymen Andturnpreordinanceandfirstdecree Intothelawofchildren.Benotfond, 45 TothinkthatCaesarbearssuchrebelblood Thatwillbethawedfromthetruequality WiththatwhichmeltethfoolsImean,sweetwords, Lowcrookdcurtsies,andbasespanielfawning. Thybrotherbydecreeisbanishd. 50 Ifthoudostbendandprayandfawnforhim, Ispurntheelikeacuroutofmyway. Know,Caesardothnotwrong,norwithoutcause Willhebesatisfied. METELLUS Istherenovoicemoreworthythanmyown 55 TosoundmoresweetlyingreatCaesarsear Fortherepealingofmybanishedbrother? BRUTUS (kneeling)Ikissthyhand,butnotinflattery,Caesar, DesiringtheethatPubliusCimbermay Haveanimmediatefreedomofrepeal. CAESAR 60 What,Brutus? CASSIUS (kneeling) Pardon,Caesar.Caesar, pardon. AslowastothyfootdothCassiusfall TobegenfranchisementforPubliusCimber. CAESAR IcouldbewellmovedifIwereasyou. IfIcouldpraytomove,prayerswouldmoveme.

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TREBONIUSandANTONYexit. DECIUS

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WheresMetellusCimber?Heshouldgoupandofferhis petitiontoCaesarnow. BRUTUS Theyrespeakingtohim.Goupthereandsecondhispetition. CINNA Casca,youllbethefirsttoraiseyourhand. CAESAR Areweallready?WhatproblemshouldIdiscusswithyou first? METELLUS (kneeling)Mosthigh,mostmighty,andmostpowerfulCaesar, MetellusCimberkneelsbeforeyouwithahumbleheart

CAESAR Ihavetostopyou,Cimber.Thesekneelingsandhumble courtesiesmightexciteordinarymen,flatteringtheminto turningRomanlawintochildrensgames.Butdontbeso foolishastothinkyoucanswaymefromwhatsrightbyusing thetacticsthatpersuadefoolsImeanthisflattery,lowbows, andpuppylikefawning.Yourbrotherhasbeenbanishedby decree.Ifyoukneelandbegandflatterforhim,Illkickyouout ofmywaylikeIwouldadog.KnowthatIamnotunjust,andI willnotgranthimapardonwithoutreason.

METELLUS IstherenovoiceworthierthanmyowntoappealtoCaesarto repealtheorderthatmybrotherbebanished?

BRUTUS (kneeling)Ikissyourhand,butnotinflattery,Caesar.Iask youtorepealPubliusCimbersbanishmentimmediately.

CAESAR What,evenyou,Brutus? CASSIUS (kneeling)Pardonhim,Caesar,pardonhim.Ifalltoyourfeet tobegyoutorestorePubliusCimbertocitizenship.

CAESAR IcouldbeconvincedifIwerelikeyou.IfIcouldbegothersto changetheirminds,beggingwouldconvinceme,too.ButIm

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65 ButIamconstantasthenorthernstar, Ofwhosetruefixedandrestingquality Thereisnofellowinthefirmament. Theskiesarepaintedwithunnumberedsparks. Theyareallfireandeveryonedothshine, 70 Buttheresbutoneinalldothholdhisplace. Sointheworld.'Tisfurnishedwellwithmen, Andmenarefleshandblood,andapprehensive, YetinthenumberIdoknowbutone Thatunassailableholdsonhisrank, 75 Unshakedofmotion.AndthatIamhe Letmealittleshowiteveninthis: ThatIwasconstantCimbershouldbebanished, Andconstantdoremaintokeephimso. CINNA (kneeling)OCaesar CAESAR 80 Hence!WiltthouliftupOlympus? DECIUS (kneeling)GreatCaesar CAESAR DothnotBrutusbootlesskneel? CASCA Speak,hands,forme! CASCAandtheotherconspiratorsstabCAESAR,BRUTUSlast

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asimmovableasthenorthernstar,whosestableand stationaryqualityhasnoequalinthesky.Theskyshows countlessstars.Theyreallmadeoffire,andeachoneshines. Butonlyoneamongallofthemremainsinafixedposition.So itisonearth.Theworldisfullofmen,andmenarefleshand blood,andtheyarecapableofreason.Yetoutofallofthem,I knowonlyonewhoisunassailable,whonevermovesfromhis position.Toshowyouthatthatsme,letmeproveitalittle eveninthiscase.IwasfirminorderingthatCimberbe banished,andIremainfirminthatdecision.

CINNA (kneeling)Oh,Caesar CAESAR Enough!WouldyoutrytoliftMountOlympus? DECIUS (kneeling)GreatCaesar CAESAR HaventIresistedevenBrutus,beggingfromhisknees? CASCA Hands,speakforme! CASCAandtheotherconspiratorsstabCAESAR.BRUTUS stabshimlast.

CAESAR Ettu,Brut?Thenfall,Caesar. 85 (dies) CINNA Liberty!Freedom!Tyrannyisdead! Runhence,proclaim,cryitaboutthestreets. CASSIUS Sometothecommonpulpits,andcryout, Liberty,freedom,andenfranchisement! Confusion.Exeuntsomeplebiansandsenators BRUTUS 90 Peopleandsenators,benotaffrighted. Flynot.Standstill.Ambitionsdebtispaid. CASCA Gotothepulpit,Brutus. DECIUS AndCassiustoo. BRUTUS WheresPublius? CINNA

CAESAR Andyoutoo,Brutus?Inthatcase,die,Caesar. (hedies) CINNA Liberty!Freedom!Tyrannyisdead!Runandproclaimitinthe streets. CASSIUS Someshouldgotothepublicplatformsandcryout,Liberty, freedom,anddemocracy! Confusion.Somecitizensandsenatorsexit. BRUTUS Peopleandsenators,dontbeafraid.Dontrunawaystay whereyouare.OnlyCaesarhadtodieforhisambition. CASCA Gototheplatform,Brutus. DECIUS AndCassiustoo. BRUTUS WheresPublius? CINNA

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95 Here,quiteconfoundedwiththismutiny. METELLUS Standfasttogether,lestsomefriendofCaesars Shouldchance BRUTUS Talknotofstanding.Publius,goodcheer. Thereisnoharmintendedtoyourperson, 100 NortonoRomanelse.Sotellthem,Publius. CASSIUS Andleaveus,Publius,lestthatthepeople, Rushingonus,shoulddoyouragesomemischief. BRUTUS Doso.Andletnomanabidethisdeed Butwethedoers. ExitPUBLIUS EnterTREBONIUS CASSIUS 105 WhereisAntony? TREBONIUS Fledtohishouseamazed. Men,wives,andchildrenstare,cryout,andrun Asitweredoomsday. BRUTUS Fates,wewillknowyourpleasures. Thatweshalldie,weknow.'Tisbutthetime, 110 Anddrawingdaysout,thatmenstandupon. CASSIUS Why,hethatcutsofftwentyyearsoflife Cutsoffsomanyyearsoffearingdeath. BRUTUS Grantthat,andthenisdeathabenefit. SoareweCaesarsfriends,thathaveabridged 115 Histimeoffearingdeath.Stoop,Romans,stoop, AndletusbatheourhandsinCaesarsblood Uptotheelbows,andbesmearourswords. Thenwalkweforth,eventothemarketplace, Andwavingourredweaponso'erourheads 120 Letsallcry,Peace,freedom,andliberty! CASSIUS Stoop,then,andwash. TheconspiratorssmeartheirhandsandswordswithCAESAR sblood

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Here.Hescompletelystunnedbythismutiny. METELLUS

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Standclosetogether,incasesomeoneloyaltoCaesartries to BRUTUS Donttalkaboutstandingtogether.Publius,cheerup.We dontintendanyharmtoyou,nortoanyoneelse.Tellthem this,Publius. CASSIUS Andleaveus,Publius,incasethepeoplestormingusshould harmyou. BRUTUS Doso.Andletnoonesufferforthisdeedexceptus,the perpetrators. PUBLIUSexits. TREBONIUSenters. CASSIUS WheresAntony? TREBONIUS Herantohishouse,stunned.Men,wives,andchildrenstare, cryout,andruninthestreetsasthoughitweredoomsday.

BRUTUS Wellsoonfindoutwhatfatehasinstoreforus.Allweknowis thatwelldiesometime,whichisallanyoneeverknows, thoughwetrytodrawoutourdaysforaslongaspossible. CASSIUS Why,themanwhoshortenshislifebytwentyyearscutsoff twentyyearsofworryingaboutdeath. BRUTUS So,then,deathisagift,andweareCaesarsfriends,forweve donehimaservicebyshorteninghistimespentfearingdeath. Kneel,Romans,kneel,andletswashourhands,uptothe elbows,inCaesarsbloodandsmearitonourswords.Then wellgoout,eventothemarketplace,and,wavingourbloody swordsoverourheads,letscry,Peace,freedom,andliberty!

CASSIUS Kneelthen,andwash. Theconspiratorssmeartheirhandsandswordswith CAESAR sblood.

Howmanyageshence Shallthisourloftyscenebeactedover Instatesunbornandaccentsyetunknown! BRUTUS

Howmanyyearsfromnowwillthisheroicscenebereenacted incountriesthatdontevenexistyetandinlanguagesnotyet known! BRUTUS

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HowmanytimesshallCaesarbleedinsport, 125 ThatnowonPompeysbasisliesalong Noworthierthanthedust! CASSIUS Sooftasthatshallbe, Sooftenshalltheknotofusbecalled Thementhatgavetheircountryliberty. DECIUS What,shallweforth? CASSIUS Ay,everymanaway. 130 Brutusshalllead,andwewillgracehisheels WiththemostboldestandbestheartsofRome. EnterANTONY'SSERVANT BRUTUS Soft!Whocomeshere?AfriendofAntonys. ANTONY'SSERVANT (kneeling)Thus,Brutus,didmymasterbidmekneel. (fallsprostrate)ThusdidMarkAntonybidmefalldown, 135 And,beingprostrate,thushebademesay: Brutusisnoble,wise,valiant,andhonest. Caesarwasmighty,bold,royal,andloving. SayIloveBrutus,andIhonorhim. SayIfearedCaesar,honoredhim,andlovedhim. 140 IfBrutuswillvouchsafethatAntony Maysafelycometohimandberesolved HowCaesarhathdeservedtolieindeath, MarkAntonyshallnotloveCaesardead SowellasBrutusliving,butwillfollow 145 ThefortunesandaffairsofnobleBrutus Thoroughthehazardsofthisuntrodstate Withalltruefaith.SosaysmymasterAntony. BRUTUS ThymasterisawiseandvaliantRoman. Ineverthoughthimworse. 150 Tellhim,sopleasehimcomeuntothisplace, Heshallbesatisfiedand,bymyhonor, Departuntouched. ANTONY'SSERVANT (rising)Illfetchhimpresently. ExitANTONY'SSERVANT BRUTUS Iknowthatweshallhavehimwelltofriend. CASSIUS Iwishwemay.ButyethaveIamind 155 Thatfearshimmuch,andmymisgivingstill Fallsshrewdlytothepurpose.

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HowmanytimeswillCaesarbleedagaininshow,thoughhe nowliesatthebaseofPompeysstatue,asworthlessasdust!

CASSIUS Asoftenasitsreplayed,ourgroupwillbehailedasthemen whogavetheircountryliberty.

DECIUS Well,shouldwegoout? CASSIUS Yes,everymanforward.Brutuswilllead,andwellfollowhim withtheboldestandbestheartsofRome.

ANTONY'SSERVANTenters. BRUTUS Waitaminute.Whosthatcoming?ItsafriendofAntonys. ANTONY'SSERVANT (kneeling)Brutus,mymasterorderedmetokneellikethis.(he kneels,headbowedlow)Heorderedmetokneellow,and, fromtheground,likethis,heorderedmetosay:Brutusis noble,wise,brave,andhonest.Caesarwasmighty,bold, royal,andloving.AntonylovesBrutusandhonorshim.Antony fearedCaesar,honoredhim,andlovedhim.

IfBrutuswillswearthatAntonymaycometohimsafelyandbe convincedthatCaesardeservedtobekilled,MarkAntonywill lovedeadCaesarnotnearlyasmuchaslivingBrutus,and withtruefaithhellfollowthedestinyandaffairsofnoble Brutusthroughthedifficultiesofthisunprecedentedstateof affairs.Thatswhatmymaster,Antony,says.

BRUTUS YourmasterisawiseandhonorableRoman.Ineverthought anylessofhim.Tellhim,ifhecomeshere,Illexplain everythingtohimand,onmyword,hellleaveunharmed.

ANTONY'SSERVANT (gettingup)Illgethimnow. ANTONY'SSERVANTexits. BRUTUS Iknowthathellbeonourside. CASSIUS Ihopewecancountonhim,butIstillfearhim,andmy hunchesareusuallyaccurate.

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EnterANTONY BRUTUS ButherecomesAntony.Welcome,MarkAntony. ANTONY OmightyCaesar!Dostthouliesolow? Areallthyconquests,glories,triumphs,spoils, 160 Shrunktothislittlemeasure?Faretheewell. Iknownot,gentlemen,whatyouintend, Whoelsemustbeletblood,whoelseisrank. OriginalText IfImyself,thereisnohoursofit AsCaesarsdeathshour,nornoinstrument 165 Ofhalfthatworthasthoseyourswords,maderich Withthemostnoblebloodofallthisworld. Idobeseechye,ifyoubearmehard, Now,whilstyourpurpledhandsdoreekandsmoke, Fulfillyourpleasure.Liveathousandyears, 170 Ishallnotfindmyselfsoapttodie. Noplacewillpleasemeso,nomeanofdeath, AsherebyCaesar,andbyyoucutoff, Thechoiceandmasterspiritsofthisage. BRUTUS OAntony,begnotyourdeathofus. 175 Thoughnowwemustappearbloodyandcruel Asbyourhandsandthisourpresentact Youseewedoyetseeyoubutourhands Andthisthebleedingbusinesstheyhavedone. Ourheartsyouseenot.Theyarepitiful. 180 AndpitytothegeneralwrongofRome Asfiredrivesoutfire,sopitypity HathdonethisdeedonCaesar.Foryourpart, Toyouourswordshaveleadenpoints,MarkAntony. Ourarmsinstrengthofmaliceandourhearts 185 Ofbrothers'temperdoreceiveyouin Withallkindlove,goodthoughts,andreverence. CASSIUS Yourvoiceshallbeasstrongasanymans Inthedisposingofnewdignities. BRUTUS Onlybepatienttillwehaveappeased 190 Themultitude,besidethemselveswithfear, Andthenwewilldeliveryouthecause, WhyI,thatdidloveCaesarwhenIstruckhim, Havethusproceeded. ANTONY Idoubtnotofyourwisdom. Leteachmanrendermehisbloodyhand. 195 (shakeshandswiththeconspirators) First,MarcusBrutus,willIshakewithyou.

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ANTONYenters. BRUTUS ButherecomesAntony.Welcome,MarkAntony. ANTONY

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Oh,mightyCaesar!Doyouliesolow?Haveallyour conquests,glories,triumphs,achievements,cometosolittle? Farewell.Gentlemen,Idontknowwhatyouintendtodo,who elseyouintendtokill,whoelseyouconsidercorrupt.

ModernText Ifitsme,theresnotimeasgoodasthishourofCaesars death,andnoweaponbetterthanyourswords,coveredwith thenoblestbloodintheworld.Iaskyou,ifyouhaveagrudge againstme,tokillmenow,whileyourstainedhandsstillreek ofblood.IcouldliveathousandyearsandIwouldntbeas readytodieasIamnow.TheresnoplaceIdratherdiethan herebyCaesar,andnomannerofdeathwouldpleaseme morethanbeingstabbedbyyou,themastersofthisnewera.

BRUTUS Oh,Antony,dontbegustokillyou.Thoughweseembloody andcruelrightnow,withourbloodyhandsandthisdeed wevedone,youveonlyseenourhandsandtheirbloody businessyouhaventlookedintoourhearts.Theyarefullof pityforCaesar.Butastrongerpity,forthewrongscommitted againstRome,droveoutourpityforCaesar,asfiredrivesout fire,andsowekilledhim.Foryou,ourswordshaveblunt edges,toodulltoharmyou,MarkAntony.Ourarms,which canbestrongandcruel,andourhearts,filledwithbrotherly love,embraceyouwithkindlove,goodthoughts,and reverence.

CASSIUS Yourvotewillbeasstrongasanyonesinthereorderingofthe government. BRUTUS Butjustbepatientuntilwevecalmedthemasses,whoare besidethemselveswithfear.ThenwellexplaintoyouwhyI, wholovedCaesarevenwhileIstabbedhim,havetakenthis courseofaction.

ANTONY Idontdoubtyourwisdom.Eachofyou,givemeyourbloody hand.(heshakeshandswiththeconspirators)First,Marcus Brutus,Ishakeyourhand.Next,CaiusCassius,Itakeyour hand.Now,DeciusBrutus,yours.Nowyours,Metellus.Yours,

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Next,CaiusCassius,doItakeyourhand. Now,DeciusBrutus,yours.Nowyours,Metellus. Yours,Cinna.And,myvaliantCasca,yours. 200 Thoughlast,notlastinlove,yours,goodTrebonius. Gentlemenall,alas,whatshallIsay? Mycreditnowstandsonsuchslipperyground Thatoneoftwobadwaysyoumustconceitme, Eitheracowardoraflatterer 205 ThatIdidlovethee,Caesar,O,tistrue. Ifthenthyspiritlookuponusnow, Shallitnotgrievetheedearerthanthydeath ToseethyAntonymakinghispeace, Shakingthebloodyfingersofthyfoes 210 Mostnoble!inthepresenceofthycorse? HadIasmanyeyesasthouhastwounds, Weepingasfastastheystreamforththyblood, Itwouldbecomemebetterthantoclose Intermsoffriendshipwiththineenemies. 215 Pardonme,Julius!Herewastthoubayed,bravehart Heredidstthoufallandherethyhuntersstand, Signedinthyspoil,andcrimsonedinthylethe. Oworld,thouwasttheforesttothishart, Andthisindeed,Oworld,theheartofthee. 220 Howlikeadeer,struckenbymanyprinces, Dostthouherelie! CASSIUS MarkAntony ANTONY Pardonme,CaiusCassius. TheenemiesofCaesarshallsaythis 225 Then,inafriend,itiscoldmodesty. CASSIUS IblameyounotforpraisingCaesarso. Butwhatcompactmeanyoutohavewithus? Willyoubeprickedinnumberofourfriends? Orshallweon,andnotdependonyou? ANTONY 230 ThereforeItookyourhands,butwasindeed SwayedfromthepointbylookingdownonCaesar. FriendsamIwithyouallandloveyouall Uponthishope:thatyoushallgivemereasons WhyandwhereinCaesarwasdangerous. BRUTUS 235 Orelsewerethisasavagespectacle! Ourreasonsaresofullofgoodregard Thatwereyou,Antony,thesonofCaesar, Youshouldbesatisfied. ANTONY ThatsallIseek. AndammoreoversuitorthatImay

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Cinna.Andyours,mybraveCasca.Lastbutnotleast,yours, goodTrebonius.Youareallgentlemenalas,whatcanIsay? NowthatIveshakenyourhands,youlltakemeforeithera cowardoraflattererineithercase,mycredibilitystandson slipperyground.ItstruethatIlovedyou,Caesarnothing couldbetruer.Ifyourspiritislookingdownuponusnow,it musthurtyoumorethanevenyourdeathtoseeyourAntony makingpeaceshakingthebloodyhandsofyourenemiesin frontofyourcorpse.IfIhadasmanyeyesasyouhave wounds,andtheyweptasfastasyourwoundsstreamblood eventhatwouldbemorebecomingthanjoiningyourenemies infriendship.Forgiveme,Julius!Onthisveryspotyouwere hunteddown,likeabravedeer.Andhereyoufell,whereyour huntersarenowstanding.Thespotismarkedbyyourdeath andstainedbyyourblood.Ohworld,youweretheforestto thisdeer,andthisdeer,ohworld,wasyourdear.Nowyoulie here,stabbedbymanyprinces!

CASSIUS MarkAntony ANTONY Pardonme,CaiusCassius.EvenCaesarsenemieswouldsay thesame.Fromafriend,itsacoolassessmentnomore thanthat. CASSIUS IdontblameyouforpraisingCaesarlikethis,butwhat agreementdoyouintendtoreachwithus?Willyoube countedasourfriend,orshouldweproceedwithout dependingonyou? ANTONY Itookyourhandsinfriendship,but,indeed,Iwasdistracted whenIlookeddownatCaesar.Iamfriendswithyoualland loveyouall,ononeconditionthatyouprovetomethat Caesarwasdangerous.

BRUTUS Withoutthatproof,thiswouldvebeenasavageaction!Our reasonsaresowellconsideredthatevenifyou,Antony,were Caesarsson,youwouldbesatisfiedwiththem.

ANTONY ThatsallIaskandthatyouletmecarryhisbodytothe marketplaceand,asafriendoughttodo,standonthe

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240 Producehisbodytothemarketplace, Andinthepulpit,asbecomesafriend, Speakintheorderofhisfuneral. BRUTUS Youshall,MarkAntony. CASSIUS Brutus,awordwithyou. (asidetoBRUTUS)Youknownotwhatyoudo. 245 Donotconsent ThatAntonyspeakinhisfuneral. Knowyouhowmuchthepeoplemaybemoved Bythatwhichhewillutter? BRUTUS (asidetoCASSIUS)Byyour 250 pardon. Iwillmyselfintothepulpitfirst, AndshowthereasonofourCaesarsdeath. WhatAntonyshallspeak,Iwillprotest, Hespeaksbyleaveandbypermission, AndthatwearecontentedCaesarshall 255 Havealltrueritesandlawfulceremonies. Itshalladvantagemorethandouswrong. CASSIUS (asidetoBRUTUS)Iknownotwhatmayfall.Ilikeitnot.

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platformandgiveaproperfuneraloration.

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BRUTUS Youmay,MarkAntony. CASSIUS Brutus,may Ihaveawordwithyou?(speakingsothatonly BRUTUScanhear)Youdontknowwhatyouredoing.Dont letAntonyspeakathisfuneral.Dontyouknowhowmuchthe peoplecouldbeaffectedbywhathesays?

BRUTUS (speakingsothatonlyCASSIUScanhear)Withyour permission,Illstandontheplatformfirstandexplainthe reasonforCaesarsdeath. WhatAntonysays,Illannounce,hesaysonlybyour permissionandbyourconvictionthatCaesarshouldbe honoredwithalltheusualandlawfulceremonies.Itllhelpus morethanhurtus.

CASSIUS (speakingsothatonlyBRUTUScanhear)Imworriedabout theoutcomeofhisspeech.Idontlikethisplan.

BRUTUS MarkAntony,here,takeyouCaesarsbody. Youshallnotinyourfuneralspeechblameus, 260 ButspeakallgoodyoucandeviseofCaesar, Andsayyoudotbyourpermission. Elseshallyounothaveanyhandatall Abouthisfuneral.Andyoushallspeak InthesamepulpitwheretoIamgoing, 265 Aftermyspeechisended. ANTONY Beitso. Idodesirenomore. BRUTUS Preparethebodythen,andfollowus. Exeunt.ManetANTONY ANTONY O,pardonme,thoubleedingpieceofearth, 270 ThatIammeekandgentlewiththesebutchers! Thouarttheruinsofthenoblestman Thateverlivdinthetideoftimes. Woetothehandthatshedthiscostlyblood! OverthywoundsnowdoIprophesy 275 Which,likedumbmouths,doopetheirrubylips Tobegthevoiceandutteranceofmytongue

BRUTUS MarkAntony,takeCaesarsbody.Youwillnotblameusin yourfuneralspeech,butwillsayallthegoodyouwantto aboutCaesarandthatyoudoitbyourpermission.Otherwise, youllhavenoroleatallinhisfuneral.Andyoullspeakonthe sameplatformasIdo,afterImdone.

ANTONY Sobeit.Idontwantanythingmore.

BRUTUS Preparethebody,then,andfollowus. EveryoneexceptANTONYexits. ANTONY Oh,pardonme,youbleedingcorpse,forspeakingpolitelyand actingmildlywiththesebutchers!Youarewhatsleftofthe noblestmanthateverlived.Pitythehandthatshedthis valuableblood.Overyourwoundswhich,likespeechless mouths,opentheirredlips,asthoughtobegmetospeakI predictthatacursewillfalluponthebodiesofmen.

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Acurseshalllightuponthelimbsofmen. Domesticfuryandfiercecivilstrife 280 ShallcumberallthepartsofItaly. Bloodanddestructionshallbesoinuse, Anddreadfulobjectssofamiliar, 285 Thatmothersshallbutsmilewhentheybehold Theirinfantsquarteredwiththehandsofwar, Allpitychokedwithcustomoffelldeeds, 290 AndCaesarsspirit,rangingforrevenge, WithAtebyhissidecomehotfromhell, Shallintheseconfineswithamonarchsvoice CryHavoc!andletslipthedogsofwar, Thatthisfouldeedshallsmellabovetheearth Withcarrionmen,groaningforburial.

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FiercecivilwarwillparalyzeallofItaly.Bloodanddestruction willbesocommonandfamiliarthatmotherswillmerelysmile whentheirinfantsarecuttopiecesbythehandsofwar. Peoplescapacityforsympathywillgrowtiredandweakfrom thesheerquantityofcrueldeeds.AndCaesarsghost, searchingforrevengewiththegoddessAtebyhisside,justup fromHell,willcryinthevoiceofaking,Havoc!andunleash thedogsofwar.Thisfouldeedwillstinkuptotheskywith menscorpses,whichwillbegtobeburied.

EnterOCTAVIUS'SERVANT

OCTAVIUS'SSERVANTenters.

YouserveOctaviusCaesar,doyounot?

YouserveOctaviusCaesar,right?

OCTAVIUS'SERVANT Ido,MarkAntony.

OCTAVIUS'SSERVANT Ido,MarkAntony.

ANTONY CaesardidwriteforhimtocometoRome.

ANTONY CaesarwroteforhimtocometoRome.

OCTAVIUS'SERVANT 295 Hedidreceivehislettersandiscoming. Andbidmesaytoyoubywordofmouth (seesCAESAR sbody)OCaesar!

OCTAVIUS'SSERVANT HereceivedCaesarsletters,andheiscoming.Hetoldmeto saytoyou(seeingCAESAR'sbody)Oh,Caesar!

ANTONY Thyheartisbig.Gettheeapartandweep. Passion,Isee,iscatching,formineeyes, Seeingthosebeadsofsorrowstandinthine,

ANTONY Yourheartisbiggoaheadandweep.Griefseemstobe contagious,formyeyes,seeingthetearsinyours,beganto fill.Isyourmastercoming?

300

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Begantowater.Isthymastercoming?

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OCTAVIUS'SERVANT HeliestonightwithinsevenleaguesofRome.

OCTAVIUS'SSERVANT HereststonightwithintwentyonemilesofRome.

ANTONY Postbackwithspeed,andtellhimwhathathchanced. HereisamourningRome,adangerousRome, NoRomeofsafetyforOctaviusyet. 305 Hiehence,andtellhimso.Yet,stayawhile. ThoushaltnotbacktillIhavebornethiscorse Intothemarketplace.ThereshallItry, Inmyoration,howthepeopletake Thecrulissueofthesebloodymen. 310 Accordingtothewhich,thoushaltdiscourse ToyoungOctaviusofthestateofthings. Lendmeyourhand. ExeuntwithCAESAR sbody

ANTONY Reportbacktohimfastandtellhimwhathashappened.This isnowaRomeinmourning,adangerousRome.Itsnotsafe enoughforOctaviusyet.Hurryawayandtellhimso.No,wait, stayaminute.DontgobackuntilIvecarriedthecorpseinto themarketplace.ThereIllusemyspeechtotestwhatthe peoplethinkofthesebloodymenscruelaction.Youllreport backtoyoungOctaviushowtheyrespond.Helpmehere.

TheyexitwithCAESAR sbody.

Act3,Scene2
EnterBRUTUSandCASSIUS withthePLEBEIANS BRUTUSandCASSIUSenterwithathrongofPLEBEIANS.

PLEBEIANS Wewillbesatisfied!Letusbesatisfied!

PLEBEIANS Wewantanswers.Giveusanswers.

BRUTUS Thenfollowmeandgivemeaudience,friends. Cassius,goyouintotheotherstreet Andpartthenumbers. Thosethatwillhearmespeak,let'emstayhere. ThosethatwillfollowCassius,gowithhim, Andpublicreasonsshallberenderd OfCaesarsdeath.

BRUTUS Thenfollowmeandlistentomyspeech,friends.Cassius,go tothenextstreetanddividethecrowd.Letthosewhowillhear mespeakstay.Leadthoseawaywhowillfollowyou,andwell explainpubliclythereasonsforCaesarsdeath.

FIRSTPLEBEIAN IwillhearBrutusspeak.

FIRSTPLEBEIAN IlllistentoBrutus.

ANOTHERPLEBEIAN 10 IwillhearCassiusandcomparetheirreasons Whenseverallywehearthemrenderd.

SECONDPLEBEIAN IlllistentoCassius,andwewillcomparetheirreasons.

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ExitCASSIUS withsomeofthePLEBEIANS BRUTUSgoesintothepulpit

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CASSIUSexitswithsomeofthePLEBEIANS.BRUTUSgets upontheplatform.

THIRDPLEBEIAN ThenobleBrutusisascended.Silence!

THIRDPLEBEIAN Quiet!NobleBrutushasmountedtheplatform.

BRUTUS Bepatienttillthelast.Romans,countrymen,andlovers!Hearmeformycause, andbesilentthatyoumayhear.Believemeforminehonor,andhaverespectto minehonorthatyoumaybelieve.Censuremeinyourwisdom,andawakeyour sensesthatyoumaythebetterjudge.Iftherebeanyinthisassembly,anydear friendofCaesars,tohimIsaythatBrutus'lovetoCaesarwasnolessthanhis.If thenthatfrienddemandwhyBrutusroseagainstCaesar,thisismyanswer:not thatIlovedCaesarless,butthatIlovedRomemore.

BRUTUS BepatientuntilIfinish.Romans,countrymen,andfriends! Listentomyreasonsandbesilentsoyoucanhear.Believe meonmyhonorandkeepmyhonorinmind,soyoumay believeme.Bewisewhenyoucriticizemeandkeepyour mindsalertsoyoucanjudgemefairly.Iftheresanyoneinthis assembly,anydearfriendofCaesars,Isaytohimthatmy loveforCaesarwasnolessthanhis.If,then,thatfriend demandstoknowwhyIroseupagainstCaesar,thisismy answer:itsnotthatIlovedCaesarless,butthatIlovedRome more.

HadyouratherCaesarwerelivinganddieallslaves,thanthatCaesarweredead, toliveallfreemen?AsCaesarlovedme,Iweepforhim.Ashewasfortunate,I rejoiceatit.Ashewasvaliant,Ihonorhim.But,ashewasambitious,Islewhim. Thereistearsforhislove,joyforhisfortune,honorforhisvalor,anddeathforhis ambition.Whoisheresobasethatwouldbeabondman?Ifany,speakforhim haveIoffended.WhoisheresorudethatwouldnotbeaRoman?Ifany,speak forhimhaveIoffended.Whoisheresovilethatwillnotlovehiscountry?Ifany, speakforhimhaveIoffended.Ipauseforareply.

WouldyouratherthatCaesarwerelivingandwewouldallgo toourgravesasslaves,orthatCaesarweredeadandweall livedasfreemen?IweepforCaesarinthathewasgoodto me.Irejoiceinhisgoodfortune.Ihonorhimforbeingbrave. Buthisambitionforthat,Ikilledhim.Therearetearsforhis love,joyforhisfortune,honorforhisbravery,anddeathforhis ambition.Whohereissolowthathewantstobeaslave?If thereareany,speak,foritishewhomIveoffended.Who hereissobarbarousthathedoesntwanttobeaRoman?If thereareany,speak,foritishewhomIveoffended.Who hereissovilethathedoesntlovehiscountry?Ifthereare any,speak,foritishewhomIhaveoffended.Iwillpausefora reply.

ALL None,Brutus,none. BRUTUS ThennonehaveIoffended.IhavedonenomoretoCaesarthanyoushalldoto Brutus.ThequestionofhisdeathisenrolledintheCapitol.Hisglorynot extenuatedwhereinhewasworthy,norhisoffensesenforcedforwhichhesuffered death.

ALL Noone,Brutus,noone. BRUTUS ThenIhaveoffendednoone.IvedonenomoretoCaesar thanyouwilldotome.Thereasonsforhisdeatharerecorded intheCapitol.Hisgloryhasnotbeendiminishedwherehe earnedit,norhavethoseoffensesforwhichhewaskilled beenexaggerated.

EnterMarkANTONYwithCAESAR sbody Herecomeshisbody,mournedbyMarkAntony,who,thoughhehadnohandin hisdeath,shallreceivethebenefitofhisdyingaplaceinthecommonwealthas whichofyoushallnot?WiththisIdepart:that,asIslewmybestloverforthegood ofRome,Ihavethesamedaggerformyselfwhenitshallpleasemycountryto needmydeath.

ANTONYenterswithCAESAR sbody. Herecomeshisbody,mournedbyMarkAntony,who,though hehadnopartinthekilling,willbenefitfromhisdeath receivingashareinthecommonwealth,asyouallwill.With thesewordsIleave.JustasIkilledmybestfriendforthegood ofRome,sowillIkillmyselfwhenmycountryrequiresmy death.

ALL 45 Live,Brutus!Live,live!

ALL Live,Brutus!Live,live!

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FIRSTPLEBEIAN Bringhimwithtriumphhomeuntohishouse!

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FIRSTPLEBEIAN Letscarryhimintriumphtohishouse!

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SECONDPLEBEIAN Givehimastatuewithhisancestors!

SECONDPLEBEIAN Letsbuildastatueofhim,nearthoseofhisancestors!

THIRDPLEBEIAN LethimbeCaesar!

THIRDPLEBEIAN LethimbecomeCaesar!

FOURTHPLEBEIAN Caesarsbetterparts ShallbecrownedinBrutus!

FOURTHPLEBEIAN CaesarsbetterqualitiesexistinBrutus,andwewillcrown him.

FIRSTPLEBEIAN 50 Wellbringhimtohishousewithshoutsandclamors.

FIRSTPLEBEIAN Wellbringhimtohishousewithshoutsandcelebration!

BRUTUS Mycountrymen

BRUTUS Mycountrymen

SECONDPLEBEIAN Peace,silence!Brutusspeaks.

SECONDPLEBEIAN Silence!Brutusspeaks.

FIRSTPLEBEIAN Peace,ho!

FIRSTPLEBEIAN Quietthere!

BRUTUS Goodcountrymen,letmedepartalone. 55 And,formysake,stayherewithAntony. DogracetoCaesarscorpse,andgracehisspeech TendingtoCaesarsglories,whichMarkAntony Byourpermissionisallowedtomake.

BRUTUS Goodcountrymen,letmeleavealone.Iwantyoutostayhere withAntonytopayrespectstoCaesarscorpseandlistento AntonysspeechaboutCaesarsglories,whichhegiveswith ourpermission.Iaskthatnoneofyouleave,exceptmyself, untilAntonyhasfinished.

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Idoentreatyou,notamandepart, SaveIalone,tillAntonyhavespoke.

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ExitBRUTUS

BRUTUSexits.

FIRSTPLEBEIAN 60 Stay,ho!AndletushearMarkAntony.

FIRSTPLEBEIAN LetsstayandhearMark Antony.

THIRDPLEBEIAN Lethimgoupintothepublicchair. Wellhearhim.NobleAntony,goup.

THIRDPLEBEIAN Lethimmountthepulpit.Welllistentohim.NobleAntony, mountthepodium.

ANTONY ForBrutus'sake,Iambeholdingtoyou. (ascendsthepulpit)

ANTONY ForBrutusssake,Iamindebtedtoyou. (hestepsupintothepulpit)

FOURTHPLEBEIAN 65 WhatdoeshesayofBrutus? THIRDPLEBEIAN HesaysforBrutus'sake Hefindshimselfbeholdingtousall. FOURTHPLEBEIAN 'TwerebesthespeaknoharmofBrutushere. FIRSTPLEBEIAN ThisCaesarwasatyrant. THIRDPLEBEIAN Nay,thatscertain. WeareblestthatRomeisridofhim. FOURTHPLEBEIAN 70 Peace!LetushearwhatAntonycansay. ANTONY YougentleRomans ALL Peace,ho!Letushearhim. ANTONY Friends,Romans,countrymen,lendmeyourears. IcometoburyCaesar,nottopraisehim. Theevilthatmendolivesafterthem 75 Thegoodisoftinterrdwiththeirbones. SoletitbewithCaesar.ThenobleBrutus HathtoldyouCaesarwasambitious. Ifitwereso,itwasagrievousfault, AndgrievouslyhathCaesaransweredit.

FOURTHPLEBEIAN WhatdoeshesayaboutBrutus? THIRDPLEBEIAN HesaysthatforBrutusssakehefindshimselfindebtedtous all. FOURTHPLEBEIAN HedbetternotspeakbadlyofBrutushere. FIRSTPLEBEIAN Caesarwasatyrant. THIRDPLEBEIAN Thatsforsure.WereluckythatRomeisridofhim.

SECONDPLEBEIAN Quiet!LetshearwhatAntonyhastosay. ANTONY YougentleRomans ALL Quietthere!Letushearhim. ANTONY Friends,Romans,countrymen,givemeyourattention.Ihave comeheretoburyCaesar,nottopraisehim.Theevilthatmen doisrememberedaftertheirdeaths,butthegoodisoften buriedwiththem.ItmightaswellbethesamewithCaesar. ThenobleBrutustoldyouthatCaesarwasambitious.Ifthats true,itsaseriousfault,andCaesarhaspaidseriouslyforit. WiththepermissionofBrutusandtheothersforBrutusisan honorablemantheyareallhonorablemenIhavecomehere

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80 Here,underleaveofBrutusandtherest ForBrutusisanhonorableman Soaretheyall,allhonorablemen ComeItospeakinCaesarsfuneral. Hewasmyfriend,faithfulandjusttome. 85 ButBrutussayshewasambitious, AndBrutusisanhonorableman. HehathbroughtmanycaptiveshometoRome Whoseransomsdidthegeneralcoffersfill. DidthisinCaesarseemambitious? 90 Whenthatthepoorhavecried,Caesarhathwept. Ambitionshouldbemadeofsternerstuff. YetBrutussayshewasambitious, AndBrutusisanhonorableman. YoualldidseethatontheLupercal 95 Ithricepresentedhimakinglycrown, Whichhedidthricerefuse.Wasthisambition? YetBrutussayshewasambitious, And,sure,heisanhonorableman. IspeaknottodisprovewhatBrutusspoke, 100 ButhereIamtospeakwhatIdoknow. Youalldidlovehimonce,notwithoutcause. Whatcausewithholdsyouthentomournforhim? Ojudgment!Thouartfledtobrutishbeasts, Andmenhavelosttheirreason.Bearwithme. 105 MyheartisinthecoffintherewithCaesar, AndImustpausetillitcomebacktome.(weeps) FIRSTPLEBEIAN Methinksthereismuchreasoninhissayings. SECONDPLEBEIAN Ifthouconsiderrightlyofthematter, Caesarhashadgreatwrong. THIRDPLEBEIAN Hashe,masters? 110 Ifeartherewillaworsecomeinhisplace. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Markedyehiswords?Hewouldnottakethecrown. Thereforetiscertainhewasnotambitious. FIRSTPLEBEIAN Ifitbefoundso,somewilldearabideit. SECONDPLEBEIAN Poorsoul!Hiseyesareredasfirewithweeping. THIRDPLEBEIAN 115 TheresnotanoblermaninRomethanAntony. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Nowmarkhim.Hebeginsagaintospeak. ANTONY ButyesterdaythewordofCaesarmight

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tospeakatCaesarsfuneral.Hewasmyfriend,hewasfaithful andjusttome.ButBrutussayshewasambitious,andBrutus isanhonorableman.Hebroughtmanycaptiveshometo Romewhoseransomsbroughtwealthtothecity.

Isthistheworkofanambitiousman?Whenthepoorcried, Caesarcriedtoo.Ambitionshouldntbesosoft.YetBrutus sayshewasambitious,andBrutusisanhonorableman.You allsawthatontheLupercalfeastdayIofferedhimakings crownthreetimes,andherefuseditthreetimes.Wasthis ambition?YetBrutussayshewasambitious.And,no question,Brutusisanhonorableman.Iamnothereto disprovewhatBrutushassaid,buttosaywhatIknow.Youall lovedhimonce,andnotwithoutreason.Thenwhatreason holdsyoubackfrommourninghimnow?Menhavebecome brutishbeastsandlosttheirreason!Bearwithme.Myheartis inthecoffintherewithCaesar,andImustpauseuntilitreturns tome.(heweeps)

FIRSTPLEBEIAN Ithinktheresalotofsenseinwhathesays. SECONDPLEBEIAN Ifyouthinkaboutitcorrectly,Caesarhassufferedagreat wrong. THIRDPLEBEIAN Hashe,sirs?Imworriedtherewillbesomeoneworseto replacehim. FOURTHPLEBEIAN DidyouhearAntony?Caesarwouldnttakethecrown. Thereforeitscertainthathewasntambitious. FIRSTPLEBEIAN Ifitturnsouthewasnt,certainpeoplearegoingtogetit. SECONDPLEBEIAN Poorman!Antonyseyesarefieryredfromcrying. THIRDPLEBEIAN ThereisntanoblermanthanAntonyinallofRome. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Nowlisten,hesgoingtospeakagain. ANTONY OnlyyesterdaythewordofCaesarmighthavestoodagainst

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Havestoodagainsttheworld.Nowlieshethere, Andnonesopoortodohimreverence. 120 Omasters,ifIweredisposedtostir Yourheartsandmindstomutinyandrage, IshoulddoBrutuswrong,andCassiuswrong Who,youallknow,arehonorablemen. Iwillnotdothemwrong.Iratherchoose 125 Towrongthedead,towrongmyselfandyou, ThanIwillwrongsuchhonorablemen. ButheresaparchmentwiththesealofCaesar. Ifounditinhiscloset.'Tishiswill. Letbutthecommonshearthistestament 130 Which,pardonme,Idonotmeantoread AndtheywouldgoandkissdeadCaesarswounds Anddiptheirnapkinsinhissacredblood, Yea,begahairofhimformemory, And,dying,mentionitwithintheirwills, 135 Bequeathingitasarichlegacy Untotheirissue. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Wellhearthewill.Readit,MarkAntony! ALL Thewill,thewill!WewillhearCaesarswill. ANTONY Havepatience,gentlefriends.Imustnotreadit. 140 ItisnotmeetyouknowhowCaesarlovedyou. Youarenotwood,youarenotstones,butmen. And,beingmen,bearingthewillofCaesar, Itwillinflameyou,itwillmakeyoumad. 'Tisgoodyouknownotthatyouarehisheirs. 145 For,ifyoushouldOh,whatwouldcomeofit! FOURTHPLEBEIAN Readthewill.Wellhearit,Antony. Youshallreadusthewill,Caesarswill. ANTONY Willyoubepatient?Willyoustayawhile? Ihaveo'ershotmyselftotellyouofit. 150 IfearIwrongthehonorablemen WhosedaggershavestabbedCaesar.Idofearit. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Theyweretraitors!Honorablemen! ALL Thewill!Thetestament! SECONDPLEBEIAN Theywerevillains,murderers.Thewill!Readthewill! ANTONY 155 Youwillcompelme,then,toreadthewill? ThenmakearingaboutthecorpseofCaesar, Andletmeshowyouhimthatmadethewill.

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theworld.Nowheliesthereworthnothing,andnooneisso humbleastoshowhimrespect.Oh,sirs,ifIstirredyourhearts andmindstomutinyandrage,IwouldoffendBrutusand Cassius,who,youallknow,arehonorablemen.Iwillnotdo themwrong.Iwouldratherwrongthedead,andwrongmyself andyou,thanwrongsuchhonorablemen.Butheresapaper withCaesarssealonit.Ifounditinhisroomitshiswill.If youcouldonlyhearthistestamentwhich,excuseme,Idont intendtoreadaloudyouwouldkissdeadCaesarswounds anddipyourhandkerchiefsinhissacredblood,andbegfora lockofhairtorememberhimby.Andwhenyoudied,you wouldmentionthehandkerchieforthehairinyourwill, bequeathingittoyourheirslikearichlegacy.

FOURTHPLEBEIAN Wewanttohearthewill.Readit,MarkAntony. ALL Thewill,thewill!WewanttohearCaesarswill. ANTONY Bepatient,gentlefriends,Imustnotreadit.Itisntproperfor youtoknowhowmuchCaesarlovedyou.Youarentwood, youarentstonesyouremen.And,beingmen,thecontents ofCaesarswillwouldenrageyou.Itsbetterthatyoudont knowyourehisheirs,forifyouknew,justimaginewhatwould comeofit!

FOURTHPLEBEIAN Readthewill.Wewanttohearit,Antony.Youhavetoreadus thewill,Caesarswill. ANTONY Willyoubepatient?Willyouwaitawhile?Ivesaidtoomuchin tellingyouofit.ImafraidthatIwrongthehonorablemen whosedaggershavestabbedCaesar.

FOURTHPLEBEIAN Theyweretraitors.Honorablemen! ALL Thewill!Thetestament! SECONDPLEBEIAN Theywerevillains,murderers.Thewill!Readthewill! ANTONY Youforcemetoreadthewill,then?Thenmakeacircle aroundCaesarscorpse,andletmeshowyouthemanwho madethiswill.ShallIcomedown?Willyouletme?

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ShallIdescend?Andwillyougivemeleave? ALL Comedown. SECONDPLEBEIAN Descend. THIRDPLEBEIAN Youshallhaveleave. ANTONYdescendsfromthepulpit FOURTHPLEBEIAN Aring! 160 Standround. FIRSTPLEBEIAN Standfromthehearse.Standfromthe SECONDPLEBEIAN RoomforAntony,mostnobleAntony! OriginalText ANTONY Nay,pressnotsouponme.Standfaroff. ALL Standback.Room!Bearback. ANTONY Ifyouhavetears,preparetoshedthemnow. 165 Youalldoknowthismantle.Iremember ThefirsttimeeverCaesarputiton. 'Twasonasummerseveninginhistent, ThatdayheovercametheNervii. Look,inthisplaceranCassius'daggerthrough. 170 SeewhatarenttheenviousCascamade. ThroughthisthewellbelovdBrutusstabbed. Andashepluckedhiscursdsteelaway, MarkhowthebloodofCaesarfollowedit, Asrushingoutofdoors,toberesolved 175 IfBrutussounkindlyknocked,orno. ForBrutus,asyouknow,wasCaesarsangel. Judge,Oyougods,howdearlyCaesarlovedhim! Thiswasthemostunkindestcutofall. ForwhenthenobleCaesarsawhimstab, 180 Ingratitude,morestrongthantraitors'arms, Quitevanquishedhim.Thenbursthismightyheart, And,inhismantlemufflinguphisface, EvenatthebaseofPompeysstatue, Whichallthewhileranblood,greatCaesarfell. 185 O,whatafallwasthere,mycountrymen! ThenI,andyou,andallofusfelldown, Whilstbloodytreasonflourishedoverus. Oh,nowyouweep,and,Iperceive,youfeel Thedintofpity.Thesearegraciousdrops. body.

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ALL Comedown. SECONDPLEBEIAN Descend. THIRDPLEBEIAN Wellletyou. ANTONYdescendsfromthepulpit. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Makeacirclestandaroundhim.

FIRSTPLEBEIAN Standawayfromthehearse.Standawayfromthebody. SECONDPLEBEIAN MakeroomforAntony,mostnobleAntony! ModernText ANTONY No,dontpressupagainstme.Standfurtheraway. ALL Standback.Givehimroom. ANTONY Ifyouhavetears,preparetoshedthemnow.Youallknowthis cloak.IrememberthefirsttimeCaesareverputiton.Itwasa summerseveninghewasinhistent.Itwasthedayhe overcametheNerviiwarriors.Look,hereswhereCassiuss daggerpiercedit.SeethewoundthatCascamade.Through thisholebelovedBrutusstabbed.Andwhenhepulledouthis curseddagger,seehowCaesarsbloodcamewithit,asif rushingoutadoortoseeifitwasreallyBrutuswhowas knockingsorudely.ForBrutus,asyouknow,wasCaesars angel.ThegodsknowhowdearlyCaesarlovedhim!Thiswas themostunkindcutofall.ForwhenthenobleCaesarsawhim stab,heunderstoodhisbelovedBrutussingratitudeitwas strongerthantheviolenceoftraitors,anditdefeatedhim, burstinghismightyheart.AndatthebaseofPompeysstatue, withhiscloakcoveringhisface,whichwasdrippingwithblood thewholetime,greatCaesarfell.Oh,whatafallitwas,my countrymen!ThenyouandIandallofusfelldown,while bloodytreasontriumphed.Oh,nowyouweep,andIsensethat youfeelpity.Thesearegracioustears.Butifitoverwhelms youtolookatCaesarswoundedcloak,howwillyoufeel,kind men,now?Lookatthis,hereisthemanscarred,asyoucan see,bytraitors.(heliftsupCAESAR'scloak)

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190 Kindsouls,what,weepyouwhenyoubutbehold OurCaesarsvesturewounded?Lookyouhere, Hereishimself,marred,asyousee,withtraitors. (liftsupCAESAR'smantle) OriginalText FIRSTPLEBEIAN Opiteousspectacle! SECONDPLEBEIAN OnobleCaesar! THIRDPLEBEIAN 195 Owoefulday! FOURTHPLEBEIAN Otraitors,villains! FIRSTPLEBEIAN Omostbloodysight! SECONDPLEBEIAN Wewillberevenged. ALL Revenge!About!Seek!Burn!Fire!Kill!Slay! Letnotatraitorlive! ANTONY Stay,countrymen. FIRSTPLEBEIAN 200 Peacethere!HearthenobleAntony. SECONDPLEBEIAN Wellhearhim.Wellfollowhim.Welldiewithhim. ANTONY Goodfriends,sweetfriends!Letmenotstiryouup Tosuchasuddenfloodofmutiny. Theythathavedonethisdeedarehonorable. 205 Whatprivategriefstheyhave,alas,Iknownot, Thatmadethemdoit.Theyarewiseandhonorable, Andwill,nodoubt,withreasonsansweryou. Icomenot,friends,tostealawayyourhearts. Iamnoorator,asBrutusis, 210 But,asyouknowmeall,aplainbluntman Thatlovemyfriend.Andthattheyknowfullwell Thatgavemepublicleavetospeakofhim. ForIhaveneitherwitnorwordsnorworth, Actionnorutterancenorthepowerofspeech, 215 Tostirmensblood.Ionlyspeakrighton. Itellyouthatwhichyouyourselvesdoknow, ShowyousweetCaesarswounds,poorpoordumbmouths, Andbidthemspeakforme.ButwereIBrutus, AndBrutusAntony,therewereanAntony 220 Wouldruffleupyourspiritsandputatongue IneverywoundofCaesarthatshouldmove

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ModernText FIRSTPLEBEIAN Oh,whatasadsight! SECONDPLEBEIAN Oh,nobleCaesar! THIRDPLEBEIAN Oh,sadday! FOURTHPLEBEIAN Oh,traitors,villains! FIRSTPLEBEIAN Oh,mostbloodysight! SECONDPLEBEIAN Wewillgetrevenge. ALL Revenge!Letsgoafterthem!Seek!Burn!Setfire!Kill!Slay! Leavenotraitorsalive! ANTONY Wait,countrymen. FIRSTPLEBEIAN Quietthere!ListentothenobleAntony. SECONDPLEBEIAN Welllistentohim,wellfollowhim,welldiewithhim. ANTONY Goodfriends,sweetfriends,dontletmestiryouuptosucha suddenmutiny.Thosewhohavedonethisdeedare honorable.Idontknowwhatprivategrudgestheyhadthat madethemdoit.Theyrewiseandhonorable,andwillno doubtgiveyoureasonsforit.Ihaventcometostealyour loyalty,friends.Imnoorator,asBrutusis.Imonly,asyou know,aplain,bluntmanwholovedhisfriend,andthemen wholetmespeakknowthiswell.Ihaveneitherclevernessnor rhetoricalskillnortheauthoritynorgesturenoreloquencenor thepowerofspeechtostirmenup.Ijustspeakdirectly.Itell youwhatyoualreadyknow.IshowyousweetCaesars woundspoor,speechlessmouths!andmakethemspeak forme.ButifIwereBrutusandBrutuswereme,thenIdstir youup,andinstallineachofCaesarswoundsthekindof voicethatcouldconvinceevenstonestoriseupandmutiny.

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ThestonesofRometoriseandmutiny. ALL Wellmutiny. FIRSTPLEBEIAN WellburnthehouseofBrutus. THIRDPLEBEIAN Away,then!Come,seektheconspirators. ANTONY 225 Yethearme,countrymen.Yethearmespeak. ALL Peace,ho!HearAntony.MostnobleAntony! ANTONY Why,friends,yougotodoyouknownotwhat. WhereinhathCaesarthusdeservedyourloves? Alas,youknownot.Imusttellyouthen. 230 YouhaveforgotthewillItoldyouof. ALL Mosttrue.Thewill!Letsstayandhearthewill. ANTONY Hereisthewill,andunderCaesarsseal ToeveryRomancitizenhegives Toeveryseveralmanseventyfivedrachmas. SECONDPLEBEIAN 235 MostnobleCaesar!Wellrevengehisdeath. THIRDPLEBEIAN OroyalCaesar! ANTONY Hearmewithpatience. OriginalText ALL Peace,ho! ANTONY Moreover,hehathleftyouallhiswalks, Hisprivatearborsandnewplantedorchards, OnthissideTiber.Hehathleftthemyou 240 Andtoyourheirsforevercommonpleasures, Towalkabroadandrecreateyourselves. HerewasaCaesar!Whencomessuchanother? FIRSTPLEBEIAN Never,never.Come,away,away! Wellburnhisbodyintheholyplace, 245 Andwiththebrandsfirethetraitors'houses. Takeupthebody. SECONDPLEBEIAN Gofetchfire.

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ALL Wellmutiny. FIRSTPLEBEIAN WellburnBrutusshouse. THIRDPLEBEIAN Letsgo,then!Come,findtheconspirators! ANTONY Wait,andlistentome,countrymen. ALL Quiet!Wait!ListentoAntony.MostnobleAntony! ANTONY Why,friends,youdontevenknowwhatyouredoingyet. WhathasCaesardonetodeserveyourlove?Alas,youdont know.Imusttellyouthen.YouveforgottenthewillItoldyou about. ALL Yes!Thewill!Letsstayandhearthewill! ANTONY Heresthewill,writtenunderCaesarsseal.ToeveryRoman citizenhegivestoeveryindividualmanseventyfive drachmas. SECONDPLEBEIAN MostnobleCaesar!Wellrevengehisdeath. THIRDPLEBEIAN Oh,royalCaesar! ANTONY Listentomepatiently. ModernText ALL Quiet,there! ANTONY Also,hesleftyouallhiswalkwaysinhisprivategardensand newlyplantedorchardsonthissideoftheTiberRiver.Hes leftthemtoyouandtoyourheirsforeverpublicpleasuresin whichyouwillbeabletostrollandrelax.HerewasaCaesar! Whenwilltherebeanotherlikehim?

FIRSTPLEBEIAN Never,never.Letsgo!Wellburnhisbodyintheholyplace andusethebrandstosetthetraitors'housesonfire.Takeup thebody.

SECONDPLEBEIAN Wellstartafire.

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THIRDPLEBEIAN Pluckdownbenches. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Pluckdownforms,windows,anything. ExeuntPLEBEIANSwithCAESAR sbody ANTONY Nowletitwork.Mischief,thouartafoot. 250 Takethouwhatcoursethouwilt! EnterOCTAVIUS'SERVANT Hownow,fellow? OCTAVIUS'SERVANT Sir,OctaviusisalreadycometoRome. ANTONY Whereishe? OCTAVIUS'SERVANT HeandLepidusareatCaesarshouse. OriginalText ANTONY AndthitherwillIstraighttovisithim. 255 Hecomesuponawish.Fortuneismerry, Andinthismoodwillgiveusanything. OCTAVIUS'SERVANT Iheardhimsay,BrutusandCassius AreridlikemadmenthroughthegatesofRome. ANTONY Beliketheyhadsomenoticeofthepeople 260 HowIhadmovedthem.BringmetoOctavius. Exeunt

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THIRDPLEBEIAN Wellusebenchesforwood FOURTHPLEBEIAN Andwindowsills,anything. CitizensexitwithCAESAR sbody. ANTONY

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Now,letitwork.Trouble,youhavebeguntakewhatever courseyouchoose! OCTAVIUS'SSERVANTenters. Whatsup,myman? OCTAVIUS'SSERVANT Sir,OctaviushasalreadyarrivedinRome. ANTONY Whereishe? OCTAVIUS'SSERVANT HeandLepidusareatCaesarshouse. ModernText ANTONY Iwillgostraighttovisithim.Iaskforhim,andhecomes. Fortuneishappytodayand,inthismood,willgiveusanything wewant. OCTAVIUS'SSERVANT IheardOctaviussaythatBrutusandCassiushaveriddenlike madmenthroughthegatesofRome. ANTONY TheyprobablyreceivedwarningabouthowmuchIstirredup thepeople.TakemetoOctavius. Theyexit.

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OriginalText EnterCINNATHEPOET,andafterhimthePLEBEIANS CINNATHEPOET IdreamttonightthatIdidfeastwithCaesar, Andthingsunluckychargemyfantasy. Ihavenowilltowanderforthofdoors, Yetsomethingleadsmeforth. FIRSTPLEBEIAN 5 Whatisyourname? SECONDPLEBEIAN FIRSTPLEBEIAN Whatsyourname? SECONDPLEBEIAN ModernText CINNATHEPOETenters,followedbyPLEBEIANS. CINNATHEPOET IdreamedlastnightthatIfeastedwithCaesar,andunlucky signsoverwhelmedmyimagination.Ihavenodesiretogo outside,yetsomethingleadsmethere.

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Whitherareyougoing? THIRDPLEBEIAN Wheredoyoudwell? FOURTHPLEBEIAN Areyouamarriedmanorabachelor? SECONDPLEBEIAN Answereverymandirectly. FIRSTPLEBEIAN 10 Ay,andbriefly. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Ay,andwisely. THIRDPLEBEIAN Ay,andtruly,youwerebest. CINNATHEPOET Whatismyname?WhitheramIgoing?WheredoIdwell?AmIamarriedmanora bachelor?Then,toanswereverymandirectlyandbriefly,wiselyandtrulywiselyI say,Iamabachelor. SECONDPLEBEIAN Thatsasmuchastosay theyarefoolsthatmarry.Youllbearmeabangforthat,I fear.Proceed,directly.

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Whereareyougoing? THIRDPLEBEIAN Wheredoyoulive? FOURTHPLEBEIAN Areyouamarriedmanorabachelor? SECONDPLEBEIAN Answerallofus,now. FIRSTPLEBEIAN Yes,andbebrief. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Yes,andbewise. THIRDPLEBEIAN

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Yes,andbetruthful,ifyouknowwhatsgoodforyou. CINNATHEPOET Whatsmyname?WhereamIgoing?WheredoIlive?AmIa marriedmanorabachelor?Then,toanswereveryman briefly,wisely,andtruthfullywiselyIsay,Iamabachelor. SECONDPLEBEIAN Youimplythatmarriedmenarefools.Youllgetablowfrom meforthat,Ithink.Goonwithwhatyouweresayingright thisinstant.

CINNATHEPOET Directly,IamgoingtoCaesarsfuneral. FIRSTPLEBEIAN 20 Asafriendoranenemy? CINNATHEPOET Asafriend. SECONDPLEBEIAN Thatmatterisanswereddirectly. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Foryourdwellingbriefly. CINNATHEPOET Briefly,IdwellbytheCapitol. THIRDPLEBEIAN 25 Yourname,sir,truly. CINNATHEPOET Truly,mynameisCinna. FIRSTPLEBEIAN Tearhimtopieces.Hesaconspirator. CINNATHEPOET IamCinnathepoet.IamCinnathepoet. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Tearhimforhisbadverses!Tearhimforhisbadverses!

CINNATHEPOET Rightthisinstant,ImgoingtoCaesarsfuneral. FIRSTPLEBEIAN Asafriendoranenemy? CINNATHEPOET Asafriend. SECONDPLEBEIAN Heansweredthatquestionstraight. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Asforwhereyoulive,tellusquicklygettothepoint. CINNATHEPOET Gettingrighttothepoint,IliveneartheCapitol. THIRDPLEBEIAN Tellusyourname,sir,truthfully. CINNATHEPOET Truthfully,mynameisCinna. FIRSTPLEBEIAN Tearhimtopieces.Hesaconspirator. CINNATHEPOET IamCinnathepoet,IamCinnathepoet! FOURTHPLEBEIAN Tearhimapartforhisbadverses,tearhimup!

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CINNATHEPOET 30 IamnotCinnatheconspirator. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Itisnomatter.HisnamesCinna.Pluckbuthisnameoutofhisheartandturnhim going. THIRDPLEBEIAN Tearhim,tearhim! PLEBEIANSattackCINNATHEPOET ALL Come,brands,ho,firebrands.ToBrutus',toCassius',burnall.SometoDecius' houseandsometoCascas.SometoLigarius'.Away,go!

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CINNATHEPOET ImnotCinnatheconspirator. FOURTHPLEBEIAN

58

Itdoesntmatter.HisnamesCinna.Pullonlyhisnameoutof hisheartandlethimgo. THIRDPLEBEIAN Tearhimapart,tearhimup! ThePLEBEIANSattackCINNATHEPOET. ALL Come,firebrands,overhere!ToBrutuss,toCassiuss,lets burnthemall.SomeofyougotoDeciusshouseandsometo Cascas.SometoLigariuss.Go!

ExeuntPLEBEIANSdraggingCINNATHEPOET

ThePLEBEIANSexit,draggingCINNATHEPOET.

Act4,Scene1
EnterANTONY,OCTAVIUS,andLEPIDUS ANTONY Thesemany,then,shalldie.Theirnamesarepricked. ANTONY,OCTAVIUS,andLEPIDUSenter. ANTONY Theseones,then,willbeassassinated.Theirnamesare marked. OCTAVIUS (toLEPIDUS) Yourbrothertoomustdie.Consentyou,Lepidus? LEPIDUS Idoconsent OCTAVIUS Prickhimdown,Antony. LEPIDUS 5 UponconditionPubliusshallnotlive, Whoisyoursistersson,MarkAntony. ANTONY Heshallnotlive.Look,withaspotIdamnhim. But,Lepidus,goyoutoCaesarshouse. Fetchthewillhither,andweshalldetermine 10 Howtocutoffsomechargeinlegacies. LEPIDUS What,shallIfindyouhere? OCTAVIUS Orhere,orattheCapitol. ExitLEPIDUS ANTONY Thisisaslight,unmeritableman, Meettobesentonerrands.Isitfit, 15 Thethreefoldworlddivided,heshouldstand Oneofthethreetoshareit? OCTAVIUS (toLEPIDUS)Yourbrotherhastodietoo.Doyouagree, Lepidus? LEPIDUS Iagree OCTAVIUS Putamarknexttohisnametoo,Antony. LEPIDUS Ontheconditionthatyoursistersson,Publius,alsomustdie, MarkAntony. ANTONY Hewilldie.SeeIvesealedhisfatewiththismarknexttohis name.But,Lepidus,gotoCaesarshouse.Bringhiswillhere, andwellfigureoutawaytoreducehisbequeststothe people. LEPIDUS WillyoubeherewhenIreturn? OCTAVIUS EitherhereorattheCapitol. LEPIDUSexits. ANTONY Hesanunremarkableman,fitonlytobesentonerrands. Doesitreallymakesense,oncewedividetheworldintothree parts,thatheshouldbeoneofthethreerulers?

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OCTAVIUS Soyouthoughthim. Andtookhisvoicewhoshouldbeprickedtodie Inourblacksentenceandproscription. ANTONY Octavius,Ihaveseenmoredaysthanyou. 20 Andthoughwelaythesehonorsonthisman Toeaseourselvesofdiversslanderousloads, Heshallbutbearthemastheassbearsgold, Togroanandsweatunderthebusiness, Eitherledordriven,aswepointtheway. 25 Andhavingbroughtourtreasurewherewewill, Thentakewedownhisloadandturnhimoff, Liketotheemptyass,toshakehisears Andgrazeincommons. OCTAVIUS Youmaydoyourwill, Buthesatriedandvaliantsoldier. ANTONY 30 Soismyhorse,Octavius,andforthat Idoappointhimstoreofprovender. ItisacreaturethatIteachtofight, Towind,tostop,torundirectlyon, Hiscorporalmotiongovernedbymyspirit, 35 And,insometaste,isLepidusbutso. Hemustbetaughtandtrainedandbidgoforth, Abarrenspiritedfellow,onethatfeeds Onobjects,arts,andimitations, Which,outofuseandstaledbyothermen, 40 Beginhisfashion.Donottalkofhim Butasaproperty.Andnow,Octavius, Listengreatthings.BrutusandCassius Arelevyingpowers.Wemuststraightmakehead. Thereforeletouralliancebecombined, 45 Ourbestfriendsmade,ourmeansstretched. Andletuspresentlygositincouncil Howcovertmattersmaybebestdisclosed, Andopenperilssurestanswered. OCTAVIUS Letusdoso.Forweareatthestake 50 Andbayedaboutwithmanyenemies. Andsomethatsmilehaveintheirhearts,Ifear, Millionsofmischiefs. Exeunt

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OCTAVIUS

59

Youthoughtitmadesense,andyoulistenedtohimaboutwho shouldbemarkedtodieintheseharshdeathsentences.

ANTONY Octavius,Imolderthanyouare.Andalthoughweregiving thesehonorstothismansothathesharessomeoftheblame forwhatweredoing,hellcarrythesehonorslikeajackass carriesgoldgroaningandsweatingundertheload,eitherled orpushed,aswedirecthim.Oncehescarriedourtreasure wherewewantit,wellfreehimoftheloadandturnhimloose likeajackass,toshakehisearsandgrazeinthepublic pastures.

OCTAVIUS Youcandowhatyouwant,buthesanexperiencedand honorablesoldier. ANTONY Soismyhorse,Octavius,andforthatreasonIgivehimallthe hayhewants.ButmyhorseisacreaturethatIteachtofight toturn,tostop,toruninastraightline.Igovernthemotionof hisbody.Andinsomeways,Lepidusisjustlikethat.Hehas tobetaughtandtrainedandtoldtogoforward.Hesanempty man,whopaysattentiontofashionsandtastesthatothermen tookupandgottiredoflongago.DontthinkaboutLepidus exceptasameanstoanend.Andnow,Octavius,listento moreimportantthings.BrutusandCassiusareraisingarmies. Wehavetoraiseourownimmediately.So,weshould combineforcesandorganizeourallies,pulltogetherour friends,andstretchourresourcesasfarastheyllgo.

Letsimmediatelyorganizeacounciltodiscussthebestwayto findouttheirsecretsandthesafestwaytoconfrontthethreats werealreadyfacedwith. OCTAVIUS Letsdothat,becausewerehemmedinbymanyenemies. Andevensomeofthepeoplewhosmileatusareinfact plottingagainstus,Imafraid.

Theyexit.

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60

Act4,Scene2
Drum.EnterBRUTUS withLUCIUS,LUCILLIUS,andthearmy.TITINIUSand PINDARUSmeetthem BRUTUS Stand,ho! LUCILLIUS Givetheword,ho,andstand. BRUTUS Whatnow,Lucillius?IsCassiusnear? LUCILLIUS Heisathand,andPindarusiscome 5 Todoyousalutationfromhismaster. BRUTUS Hegreetsmewell.Yourmaster,Pindarus, Inhisownchangeorbyillofficers Hathgivenmesomeworthycausetowish Thingsdone,undone.Butifhebeathand 10 Ishallbesatisfied. PINDARUS Idonotdoubt Butthatmynoblemasterwillappear Suchasheis,fullofregardandhonor. BRUTUS Heisnotdoubted.Aword,Lucillius. (takesLUCILLIUSaside) 15 Howhereceivedyou,letmeberesolved. LUCILLIUS Withcourtesyandwithrespectenough. Butnotwithsuchfamiliarinstances Norwithsuchfreeandfriendlyconference Ashehathusedofold. BRUTUS Thouhastdescribed 20 Ahotfriendcooling.Evernote,Lucillius, Whenlovebeginstosickenanddecay, Itusethanenforcdceremony. Therearenotricksinplainandsimplefaith. Buthollowmen,likehorseshotathand, 25 Makegallantshowandpromiseoftheirmettle. OriginalText Lowmarchwithin Butwhentheyshouldendurethebloodyspur, Theyfalltheircrestsand,likedeceitfuljades, Sinkinthetrial.Comeshisarmyon? LUCILLIUS TheymeanthisnightinSardistobequartered. LUCILLIUS TheyplantospendthenightinSardis.Thelargerpart,the ModernText AlowsoundofdrumsandSOLDIERSmarching. Butwhenpushcomestoshove,theydrooplikethosehorses thatareallshowandslowtoacrawl.Ishisarmyapproaching? BRUTUS Youvedescribedawarmfriendwhoscoolingoff.Remember this,Lucillius.Whenafriendstartstogetsickofyou,hetreats youartificially.Plainandsimpleloyaltydoesntmakeanyone actphony.Butinsinceremen,likehorseswhoaretoolivelyat thestartofarace,makeabigshowoftheirspirit. BRUTUS Idontdoubthim.CanIhaveawordwithyou,Lucillius?(takes LUCILLIUSaside)TellmehowCassiustreatedyou.Putmy mindatrest. LUCILLIUS Hereceivedmewithcourtesyandsufficientrespect,butnot withaffection,norwithasmuchopenandfriendly conversationasheoncegreetedme. Adrumplays.BRUTUS,LUCILLIUS,LUCIUS,and SOLDIERSenter.TITINIUSandPINDARUSmeetthem. BRUTUS Stop. LUCILLIUS Passonthecommandtohalt! BRUTUS Whatshappeningnow,Lucillius?IsCassiusnearby? LUCILLIUS Hesnearby,andPindarushascometosaluteyouonbehalf ofhismaster. BRUTUS Hesendshisgreetingsthroughagoodman.Yourmaster, Pindarus,eitherbecauseheschangedhismindorbeen influencedbybadofficers,hasmademewishwehadntdone someofthethingswedid.Ifhesnearby,Iwantan explanation. PINDARUS Ihavenodoubtthatmynoblemasterwillprovehimselftobe whatheis:honorableandnoble.

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30 Thegreaterpart,thehorseingeneral, ArecomewithCassius. BRUTUS Hark!Heisarrived. Marchgentlyontomeethim. EnterCASSIUSandhispowers CASSIUS Stand,ho! BRUTUS Stand,ho!Speakthewordalong. FIRSTSOLDIER 35 Stand! SECONDSOLDIER Stand! THIRDSOLDIER Stand! CASSIUS Mostnoblebrother,youhavedonemewrong. BRUTUS Judgeme,yougods!WrongImineenemies? 40 Andifnotso,howshouldIwrongabrother? OriginalText CASSIUS Brutus,thissoberformofyourshideswrongs. Andwhenyoudothem BRUTUS Cassius,becontent. Speakyourgriefssoftly.Idoknowyouwell. Beforetheeyesofbothourarmieshere, 45 Whichshouldperceivenothingbutlovefromus, Letusnotwrangle.Bidthemmoveaway. Theninmytent,Cassius,enlargeyourgriefs, AndIwillgiveyouaudience. CASSIUS Pindarus, Bidourcommandersleadtheirchargesoff 50 Alittlefromthisground. BRUTUS Lucillius,doyouthelike.Andletnoman Cometoourtenttillwehavedoneourconference. LetLuciusandTitiniusguardourdoor. Exeunt

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mainbodyofcavalry,arecomingwithCassius.

61

BRUTUS Look!Hesarrived.Marchtomeethimatadignifiedpace.

CASSIUSenterswithhisarmy. CASSIUS Halt. BRUTUS Halt!Passtheorderalong. FIRSTSOLDIER Halt! SECONDSOLDIER Halt! THIRDSOLDIER Halt! CASSIUS Mostnoblebrother,youhavedonemewrong. BRUTUS Letthegodsjudgeme!DoImistreatevenmyenemies?No. SohowcouldIpossiblywrongabrother? ModernText CASSIUS Brutus,yoursoberexpressionisamasktohidethefactthat youvewrongedme.Andwhenyoudo BRUTUS Cassius,calmdown.Weknoweachotherwell,andyoucan speakyourgrievancesquietly.Letsnotarguehereinfrontof bothourarmies,whichoughttoseenothingbutlovebetween us.Orderthemtomoveback.Then,inmytent,youcan elaborateonyourcomplaints,andIlllisten.

CASSIUS Pindarus,orderourcommanderstoleadtheirchargesalittle waysawayfromthisground.

BRUTUS Lucillius,youdothesame,anddontallowanyonetocome intoourtentuntilwevefinishedourconference.HaveLucius andTitiniusguardthedoor. EveryoneexceptBRUTUSandCASSIUSexits.

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62

Act4,Scene3
ManentBRUTUSandCASSIUS,nowinthetent BRUTUSandCASSIUS remainonstage.Theyarenowin theirtent. CASSIUS Thatyouhavewrongedmedothappearinthis: YouhavecondemnedandnotedLuciusPella FortakingbribeshereoftheSardians, Whereinmyletters,prayingonhisside 5 BecauseIknewtheman,wereslightedoff. BRUTUS Youwrongedyourselftowriteinsuchacase. CASSIUS Insuchatimeasthisitisnotmeet Thateveryniceoffenseshouldbearhiscomment. BRUTUS Letmetellyou,Cassius,youyourself 10 Aremuchcondemnedtohaveanitchingpalm, Tosellandmartyourofficesforgold Toundeservers. CASSIUS Ianitchingpalm! YouknowthatyouareBrutusthatspeakthis, Or,bythegods,thisspeechwereelseyourlast. BRUTUS 15 ThenameofCassiushonorsthiscorruption, Andchastisementdoththereforehidehishead. CASSIUS Chastisement! BRUTUS RememberMarch,theidesofMarchremember. DidnotgreatJuliusbleedforjustice'sake? 20 Whatvillaintouchedhisbody,thatdidstab, Andnotforjustice?What,shalloneofus Thatstrucktheforemostmanofallthisworld Butforsupportingrobbers,shallwenow Contaminateourfingerswithbasebribes, 25 Andsellthemightyspaceofourlargehonors Forsomuchtrashasmaybegraspdthus? Ihadratherbeadogandbaythemoon ThansuchaRoman. CASSIUS Brutus,baitnotme. Illnotendureit.Youforgetyourself 30 Tohedgemein.Iamasoldier,I, Olderinpractice,ablerthanyourself Tomakeconditions. BRUTUS BRUTUS CASSIUS Brutus,donotprovokeme.Iwillnottakeit.Youreforgetting yourselfwhenyoubackmeintoacorner.Imasoldier,more experiencedthanyou,andbetterabletogiveorders. BRUTUS ThenameofCassiusgivescredittothesecorruptactions,and sotheygounpunished. CASSIUS Unpunished! BRUTUS RememberMarch,March15th.DidntgreatCaesarbleedfor thesakeofjustice? Whoamongusstabbedhimforanycausebutjustice?What didoneofusstrikedownthemostpowerfulmanintheworld inordertosupportrobbers?Shouldwenowdirtyourfingers withlowlybribesandsellthemightyofficesthatweholdfor whatevermoneywecangetourhandson?Idratherbeadog andhowlatthemoonthanbethatkindofRoman. CASSIUS Me,greedy!Youknow,ifyouwereanyoneotherthanBrutus, thatspeechwouldbeyourlast. BRUTUS Youwrongedyourselftowriteonbehalfofsuchaman. CASSIUS Inatimelikethis,itdoesntmakesensetocriticizeevery offense. BRUTUS Illtellyou,Cassius,youyourselfhavebeencalledgreedyand beenaccusedofgivingyourpositionstoundeservingmenin exchangeforgold. CASSIUS Myevidencethatyouhavewrongedmeisthatyou condemnedanddisgracedLuciusPellafortakingbribeshere fromtheSardinians,andyouignoredmyletters,whereI arguedthathewasinnocentIknowtheman.

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Goto.Youarenot,Cassius. CASSIUS Iam. BRUTUS 35 Isayyouarenot. CASSIUS Urgemenomore,Ishallforgetmyself. Haveminduponyourhealth,temptmenofurther. BRUTUS Away,slightman! CASSIUS Istpossible? BRUTUS 40 Hearme,forIwillspeak. MustIgivewayandroomtoyourrashcholer? ShallIbefrightedwhenamadmanstares? CASSIUS Oyegods,yegods,mustIendureallthis? OriginalText BRUTUS Allthis?Ay,more.Frettillyourproudheartbreak. 45 Goshowyourslaveshowcholericyouare Andmakeyourbondmentremble.MustIbudge? MustIobserveyou?MustIstandandcrouch Underyourtestyhumor?Bythegods, Youshalldigestthevenomofyourspleen, 50 Thoughitdosplityou.Forfromthisdayforth, Illuseyouformymirth,yea,formylaughter, Whenyouarewaspish. CASSIUS Isitcometothis? BRUTUS Yousayyouareabettersoldier. Letitappearso.Makeyourvauntingtrue, 55 Anditshallpleasemewell.Formineownpart, Ishallbegladtolearnofnoblemen. CASSIUS Youwrongmeeveryway.Youwrongme,Brutus. Isaidaneldersoldier,notabetter. DidIsaybetter? BRUTUS 60 Ifyoudid,Icarenot. CASSIUS WhenCaesarlived,hedurstnotthushavemovedme.

Modern Text
Getlost!Youarenot,Cassius. CASSIUS Iam. BRUTUS Isayyourenot. CASSIUS

63

DontprovokemeanyfurtherorIllforgettorestrainmyself.If youcareaboutyourhealth,youwontpushmeanyfurther. BRUTUS Leave,youlittleman. CASSIUS Isthispossible? BRUTUS Listentome,forIhavesomethingtotellyou.AmIrequiredto indulgeyourrashanger?Doesamadmanscaremewhenhe staresatme? CASSIUS Ohgods,ohgods!MustIendureallthis? ModernText BRUTUS Allthis?Yes,andmore.Goaheadragetillyourproudheart breaks.Showyourslaveshowmadyouare,andmakeyour servantstremble.ButmeamIgoingtocoweratyouand yourirritablemoods?Youllhavetoswallowyourownpoison tillitmakesyouburstbeforeImgoingtorespondfromnow on,Illmakeyouthebuttofmyjokeswheneveryougetsharp withme.

CASSIUS Hasitcometothis? BRUTUS Yousayyoureabettersoldier.Showit!Makeyourboasts cometrue,andIllbethrilled.Imalwayshappytohearabout bravemen.

CASSIUS Youwrongmeineveryway.Youwrongme,Brutus.Isaidan oldersoldier,notabetterone.DidIsaybetter?

BRUTUS Ifyoudid,Idontcare. CASSIUS WhenCaesarwasalive,evenhewouldntdareangermelike this.

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BRUTUS Peace,peace!Youdurstnotsohavetemptedhim. CASSIUS Idurstnot! BRUTUS No. CASSIUS 65 What,durstnottempthim? BRUTUS Foryourlifeyoudurstnot. CASSIUS Donotpresumetoomuchuponmylove. ImaydothatIshallbesorryfor. BRUTUS Youhavedonethatyoushouldbesorryfor. 70 Thereisnoterror,Cassius,inyourthreats, ForIamarmedsostronginhonesty Thattheypassbymeastheidlewind, WhichIrespectnot.Ididsendtoyou Forcertainsumsofgold,whichyoudeniedme, 75 ForIcanraisenomoneybyvilemeans. Byheaven,Ihadrathercoinmyheart Anddropmybloodfordrachmasthantowring Fromthehardhandsofpeasantstheirviletrash Byanyindirection.Ididsend 80 Toyouforgoldtopaymylegions, Whichyoudeniedme.WasthatdonelikeCassius? ShouldIhaveansweredCaiusCassiusso? WhenMarcusBrutusgrowssocovetous Tolocksuchrascalcountersfromhisfriends, 85 Beready,gods,withallyourthunderbolts. Dashhimtopieces! CASSIUS Ideniedyounot. BRUTUS Youdid. CASSIUS Ididnot.Hewasbutafoolthatbrought Myanswerback.Brutushathrivedmyheart. Afriendshouldbearhisfriendsinfirmities, 90 ButBrutusmakesminegreaterthantheyare. BRUTUS Idonot,tillyoupracticethemonme. CASSIUS Youlovemenot.

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BRUTUS

64

Oh,bequiet.Youwouldnthavedaredtotempthimso. CASSIUS Iwouldnthavedared! BRUTUS No. CASSIUS What?Notdaredtotempthim? BRUTUS Youwouldnthavedared,outoffearforyourlife. CASSIUS Donttakemyloveforgranted.ImightdosomethingIllbe sorryfor. BRUTUS Youvealreadydonesomethingyoushouldbesorryfor.Your threatsdontscareme,Cassius,becauseImsosecureinmy honestyandintegritythattheypassmebylikeaweakbreeze. Iaskedyouforacertainamountofgold,whichyouwouldnt giveme.Imyselfcantraisemoneybyunethicalmeans.Id ratherturnmyheartintomoneyandmydropsofbloodinto coinsthanusecrookedtacticstowringpettycashfromthe hardworkinghandsofpeasants.Iaskedyouforgoldtopaymy soldiers,andyouwouldntgiveittome.WasthattheCaius CassiusthatIknew?AndwouldIhaveeverdonethattoyou? IfIevergetsogreedythatIhoardsuchpettycashfrommy friends,maythegodsdashmetopieceswiththeir thunderbolts!

CASSIUS Ididntrefuseyou. BRUTUS Youdid. CASSIUS Ididnt.Themanwhobroughtmyanswertoyouwasafool. Youhavebrokenmyheart.Afriendshouldputupwithhis friendsweaknesses,butyouexaggeratemine.

BRUTUS Idontuntilyoupracticethemonme. CASSIUS Youdontloveme.

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BRUTUS Idonotlikeyourfaults.

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BRUTUS Idontlikeyourfaults.

65

CASSIUS Afriendlyeyecouldneverseesuchfaults.

CASSIUS Afriendwouldneverseethosefaults.

BRUTUS 95 Aflattererswouldnot,thoughtheydoappear AshugeashighOlympus.

BRUTUS No,aflattererwouldnt,evenifthefaultswereashugeas MountOlympus.

CASSIUS Come,Antony,andyoungOctavius,come, RevengeyourselvesaloneonCassius, 100 ForCassiusisawearyoftheworld Hatedbyonehelovesbravedbyhisbrother Checkedlikeabondman,allhisfaultsobserved, 105 Setinanotebook,learned,andconnedbyrote Tocastintomyteeth.Oh,Icouldweep Myspiritfrommineeyes. 110 (offersBRUTUShisbareddagger)Thereismydagger. Andheremynakedbreast.Within,aheart DearerthanPlutus'mine,richerthangold. IfthatthoubeestaRoman,takeitforth. I,thatdeniedtheegold,willgivemyheart. Strike,asthoudidstatCaesar.ForIknow Whenthoudidsthatehimworst,thoulovedsthimbetter ThaneverthoulovedstCassius.

CASSIUS Come,AntonyandyoungOctavius!Getyourrevengeon Cassius,becauseCassiushasgrowntiredoftheworld.Hes hatedbysomeoneheloves,defiedbyhisbrother,rebukedlike aservant,allhisfaultsobserved,cataloguedinanotebook, read,andcommittedtomemorysotheycanbethrowninhis face.Oh,Icouldweepmysoulrightoutofmyself!Theresmy dagger(heoffersBRUTUShisunsheatheddagger),and heresmybarechest.Insideitisaheartmorevaluablethan Plutossilvermineandricherthangold.IfyoureaRoman, takemyheartout.I,whodeniedyougold,willgiveyoumy heart.StrikeasyoudidatCaesar,forIknowevenwhenyou hatedhimthemost,youstilllovedhimbetterthanyouever lovedme.

BRUTUS Sheatheyourdagger. Beangrywhenyouwill,itshallhavescope. 115 Dowhatyouwill,dishonorshallbehumor. OCassius,youareyokdwithalamb

BRUTUS Putawayyourdagger.Beangrywheneveryoulike,itsall rightwithme.Dowhateveryouwant,andIllsayyourinsults arejustabadmood.Oh,Cassius,yourepartnerswithaquiet lamb.Myangerislikeaflintstrikingabriefspark,andthen Imcoldagain.

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Thatcarriesangerastheflintbearsfire, Who,muchenforcd,showsahastyspark Andstraightiscoldagain.

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66

CASSIUS HathCassiuslived TobebutmirthandlaughtertohisBrutus, Whengriefandbloodilltemperedvexethhim? BRUTUS 120 WhenIspokethat,Iwasilltemperedtoo. CASSIUS Doyouconfesssomuch?Givemeyourhand. BRUTUS Andmyhearttoo. CASSIUSandBRUTUS shakehands CASSIUS OBrutus! BRUTUS Whatsthematter? CASSIUS Havenotyouloveenoughtobearwithme, Whenthatrashhumorwhichmymothergaveme 125 Makesmeforgetful? BRUTUS Yes,Cassius.Andfromhenceforth WhenyouareoverearnestwithyourBrutus, Hellthinkyourmotherchidesandleaveyouso. POET (within)Letmegointoseethegenerals. Thereissomegrudgebetween'em.'Tisnotmeet 130 Theybealone. LUCILLIUS (within)Youshallnotcometo POET (within)Nothingbutdeathshallstayme. EnteraPOETfollowedbyLUCILLIUSandTITINIUS CASSIUS Hownow?Whatsthematter? POET Forshame,yougenerals!Whatdoyoumean? 135 Love,andbefriendsastwosuchmenshouldbe. ForIhaveseenmoreyears,Imsure,thanye. them.

CASSIUS HaveIlivedthislongonlytobethebuttofajokewhenever youreangryorfrustrated?

BRUTUS WhenIsaidthat,Iwasangrytoo. CASSIUS Youadmitit,then?Givemeyourhand. BRUTUS Andmyhearttoo. CASSIUSandBRUTUS shakehands. CASSIUS Oh,Brutus! BRUTUS Whatsthematter? CASSIUS Doyouhaveenoughloveformetobepatientwhenmybad temper,whichIinheritedfrommymother,makesmeforget howIshouldbehave? BRUTUS Yes,Cassius.Andfromnowon,whenyougethotwithme,Ill assumeitsyourmotherspeakingandleaveitatthat.

POET (offstage)Letmeintoseethegenerals.Theresagrudge betweenthem,anditisntagoodideaforthemtobealone.

LUCILLIUS (offstage)Youcantseethem. POET (offstage)Youdhavetokillmetostopme. APOETenters,followedbyLUCILLIUSandTITINIUS. CASSIUS Whatsthis!Whatsthematter? POET Youshouldbeashamed,generals!Whatdoyouthinkyoure doing? Loveeachotherandbefriends,liketwosuchmenshouldbe. Listentome,becauseImolderthanyou,surely.

CASSIUS

CASSIUS

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Ha,ha,howvilelydoththiscynicrhyme! BRUTUS (toPOET)Getyouhence,sirrah.Saucyfellow,hence! CASSIUS Bearwithhim,Brutus.'Tishisfashion. BRUTUS 140 Illknowhishumorwhenheknowshistime. Whatshouldthewarsdowiththesejiggingfools? Companion,hence! CASSIUS Away,away,begone. ExitPOET BRUTUS LucilliusandTitinius,bidthecommanders Preparetolodgetheircompaniestonight. CASSIUS 145 Andcomeyourselves,andbringMessalawithyou, Immediatelytous. ExeuntLUCILLIUSandTITINIUS BRUTUS (callsoff) Lucius,abowlof CASSIUS Ididnotthinkyoucouldhavebeensoangry. OriginalText BRUTUS OCassius,Iamsickofmanygriefs. CASSIUS Ofyourphilosophyyoumakenouse 150 Ifyougiveplacetoaccidentalevils. BRUTUS Nomanbearssorrowbetter.Portiaisdead. CASSIUS Ha,Portia? BRUTUS Sheisdead. CASSIUS HowscapedIkillingwhenIcrossedyouso? 155 Oinsupportableandtouchingloss! Uponwhatsickness? BRUTUS Impatientofmyabsence, AndgriefthatyoungOctaviuswithMarkAntony Havemadethemselvessostrongforwithherdeath Thattidingscamewiththisshefelldistract wine!

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Haha!Thismansrhymesareterrible! BRUTUS

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(toPOET)Getoutofhere,you!Getaway,yourudefellow! CASSIUS Bepatientwithhim,Brutus.Thatsjusthowheis. BRUTUS Illhumorhimwhenhelearnshowtobehave.Whatshouldwe dowithalltheserhymingfoolsthatfollowusfromposttopost? Getoutofhere,myfriend. CASSIUS Away,away,begone. ThePOETexits. BRUTUS LucilliusandTitinius,orderthecommanderstohavethemen campforthenight. CASSIUS Andreturntousimmediately,bringingMessalawithyou.

LUCILLIUSandTITINIUSexit. BRUTUS (callingoffstage)Lucius,bringabowlofwine. CASSIUS Ididntthinkyoucouldevenbesoangry. ModernText BRUTUS OhCassius,Imtiredoutbymanysorrows. CASSIUS YoureforgettingyourStoicphilosophyifyouallowchance misfortunestoupsetyou. BRUTUS Noonebearssorrowbetterthanme.Portiaisdead. CASSIUS Portia! BRUTUS Sheisdead. CASSIUS Howdidyoumanagenottokillmewhenwearguedjustnow? Whatanirreplaceableandgrievousloss!Whatsicknessdid shedieof? BRUTUS Shewasworriedaboutmyabsence,andaboutthefactthat youngOctaviusandMarkAntonyhavegrownsostrong whichIfoundoutatthesametimeasthenewsofherdeath. Shebecamefullofdespairand,whenherattendantswere

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160 And,herattendantsabsent,swallowedfire. CASSIUS Anddiedso? BRUTUS Evenso. CASSIUS Oyeimmortalgods! EnterLUCIUS withwineandtapers OriginalText BRUTUS Speaknomoreofher.Givemeabowlofwine. InthisIburyallunkindness,Cassius. (drinks) CASSIUS 165 Myheartisthirstyforthatnoblepledge. Fill,Lucius,tillthewineo'erswellthecup. IcannotdrinktoomuchofBrutus'love. (drinks) ExitLUCIUS EnterTITINIUSandMESSALA BRUTUS Comein,Titinius.Welcome,goodMessala! 170 Nowsitwecloseaboutthistaperhere Andcallinquestionournecessities. CASSIUS Portia,artthougone? BRUTUS Nomore,Iprayyou. Messala,Ihaveherereceivdletters ThatyoungOctaviusandMarkAntony 175 Comedownuponuswithamightypower, BendingtheirexpeditiontowardPhilippi. MESSALA Myselfhavelettersoftheselfsametenor. BRUTUS Withwhataddition? MESSALA Thatbyproscriptionandbillsofoutlawry, 180 Octavius,Antony,andLepidus Haveputtodeathanhundredsenators. BRUTUS Thereinourlettersdonotwellagree. Minespeakofseventysenatorsthatdied Bytheirproscriptions,Cicerobeingone.

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away,swallowedburningcoals. CASSIUS Andthatshowshedied? BRUTUS Yes,likethat. CASSIUS Oh,immortalgods! LUCIUSenterswithwineandcandles. ModernText BRUTUS

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Donttalkaboutheranymore.Givemeabowlofwine.With thistoastIburyallbadfeelingsbetweenus,Cassius.(he drinks) CASSIUS Myheartisthirstyforthatnoblepromise.Fillmycup,Lucius, untilthewineoverflowsit.IcannotdrinktoomuchofBrutuss love.(hedrinks)

LUCIUSexits. TITINIUSandMESSALAenter. BRUTUS Comein,Titinius!Welcome,goodMessala.Nowletssit closelyaroundthiscandleanddiscussourneeds.

CASSIUS Portia,areyoureallygone? BRUTUS Nomoreaboutthat,please.Messala,Ihavereceivedthese lettersexplainingthatyoungOctaviusandMarkAntonyare rushingtowardPhilippiandbearingdownuponuswitha mightypower.

MESSALA Ihavereceivedlettersthatsaythesame. BRUTUS Andanythingelse? MESSALA Thatwithaseriesoflegalwrits,Octavius,Antony,andLepidus haveputahundredsenatorstodeath.

BRUTUS Onthatpoint,ourlettersdontagree.Myletterssayonly seventysenatorswerekilled,onebeingCicero.

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CASSIUS 185 Ciceroone? MESSALA Ciceroisdead, Andbythatorderofproscription. (toBRUTUS)Hadyouyourlettersfromyourwife,mylord? BRUTUS No,Messala. MESSALA Nornothinginyourletterswritofher? BRUTUS 190 Nothing,Messala. MESSALA Thatmethinksisstrange. BRUTUS Whyaskyou?Hearyouaughtofherinyours?

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CASSIUS Cicerotoo? MESSALA

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Ciceroisdead,bytheirdecree.(toBRUTUS)Haveyou receivedlettersfromyourwife,mylord?

BRUTUS No,Messala. MESSALA Andyouhaventheardanynewsaboutherinyourletters? BRUTUS Nothing,Messala. MESSALA Ithinkthatsstrange. BRUTUS Whydoyouask?Haveyouheardsomethingofherinyour letters?

MESSALA No,mylord. BRUTUS Now,asyouareaRoman,tellmetrue. MESSALA ThenlikeaRomanbearthetruthItell. 195 Forcertainsheisdead,andbystrangemanner. BRUTUS Why,farewell,Portia.Wemustdie,Messala. Withmeditatingthatshemustdieonce, Ihavethepatiencetoendureitnow. MESSALA Evensogreatmengreatlossesshouldendure. OriginalText CASSIUS 200 Ihaveasmuchofthisinartasyou, Butyetmynaturecouldnotbearitso. BRUTUS Well,toourworkalive.Whatdoyouthink OfmarchingtoPhilippipresently? CASSIUS Idonotthinkitgood. BRUTUS Yourreason? CASSIUS Thisitis: 205 'Tisbetterthattheenemyseekus.

MESSALA No,mylord. BRUTUS Now,asyoureaRoman,tellmethetruth. MESSALA ThenyoumusttakethetruthIhavetotelllikeaRoman.Its certainthatsheisdead,andshediedinastrangeway. BRUTUS Well,goodbye,Portia.Weallmustdie,Messala.Having alreadythoughtaboutthefactthatshewouldhavetodie sometime,Icanendureherdeathnow. MESSALA Thatsthewaygreatmenoughttoenduregreatlosses. ModernText CASSIUS IvepracticedStoicismwithasmuchdevotionasyou,butIstill couldntbearthisnewslikeyoudo. BRUTUS Well,letsmoveontoourworkwiththeliving.Whatdoyou thinkofmarchingtoPhilippiimmediately? CASSIUS Idontthinkitsagoodidea. BRUTUS Whynot? CASSIUS Hereswhy:itdbebetterfortheenemytocomeafterus.That way,hellwastehisprovisionsandtireouthissoldiers,

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Soshallhewastehismeans,wearyhissoldiers, Doinghimselfoffense,whilstwe,lyingstill, Arefullofrest,defense,andnimbleness. BRUTUS Goodreasonsmustofforcegiveplacetobetter. 210 ThepeopletwixtPhilippiandthisground Dostandbutinaforcedaffection, Fortheyhavegrudgeduscontribution. Theenemy,marchingalongbythem, Bythemshallmakeafullernumberup, 215 Comeonrefreshed,newadded,andencouraged, Fromwhichadvantageshallwecuthimoff IfatPhilippiwedofacehimthere, Thesepeopleatourback. CASSIUS Hearme,goodbrother BRUTUS Underyourpardon.Youmustnotebeside, 220 Thatwehavetriedtheutmostofourfriends, Ourlegionsarebrimfull,ourcauseisripe. Theenemyincreasetheveryday. We,attheheight,arereadytodecline. Thereisatideintheaffairsofmen, 225 Which,takenattheflood,leadsontofortune Omitted,allthevoyageoftheirlife Isboundinshallowsandinmiseries. Onsuchafullseaarewenowafloat, Andwemusttakethecurrentwhenitserves 230 Orloseourventures. CASSIUS Then,withyourwill,goon. Wellalongourselves,andmeetthematPhilippi. BRUTUS Thedeepofnightiscreptuponourtalk, Andnaturemustobeynecessity, Whichwewillniggardwithalittlerest. 235 Thereisnomoretosay? CASSIUS Nomore.Goodnight. Earlytomorrowwillweriseandhence. BRUTUS Lucius! EnterLUCIUS My gown. ExitLUCIUS Farewell,goodMessala. Goodnight,Titinius.Noble,nobleCassius, Goodnightandgoodrepose.

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weakeninghisowncapacities,whilewe,lyingstill,arerested, energetic,andnimble.

BRUTUS Yourreasonsaregood,butIhavebetterreasonsfordoingthe opposite.ThepeoplewholivebetweenhereandPhilippiare loyaltousonlybecauseweforcethemtobe.Wemadethem contributetooureffortsagainsttheirwill.Theenemy, marchingpastthem,willaddthemtoitsnumbers,thencome atusrefreshed,newlyreinforced,andfullofcourage.Thuswe mustcuthimofffromthisadvantage.Ifwemeethimat Philippi,thesepeoplewillbeatourbacks.

CASSIUS Listentome,goodbrother. BRUTUS Beggingyourpardon,IllcontinuewhatIwassaying.Youmust alsotakeintoaccountthatwevegottenasmuchfromour friendsastheycangive.Ourregimentsarefulltothebrimour causeisready. Theenemygetslargereachday.We,nowatourlargest,can onlydecrease.Theresatidalmovementinmensaffairs. Seizingthehighesttideleadsontofortune.Ifhightideisletto pass,alltherestofthevoyageoftheirliveswillbemarkedby difficultyandmisery.Itsonsuchahightidethatwerenow floating,andwemusttakethecurrentwhenitisoffered,or loseourcampaign.

CASSIUS Ifthatswhatyouwant,allright.Wellgoforwardwithyouand meetthematPhilippi. BRUTUS Itsnowlateatnight,andactionsmustaccommodatebodily needs,whichwellsatisfywithonlya shortrest.Thatsallthere istosay.

CASSIUS Theresnothingelse.Goodnight.Wellriseandleaveearly tomorrow. BRUTUS Lucius! LUCIUSenters. Mynightgown. LUCIUSexits. Farewell,goodMessala.Goodnight,Titinius.Noble,noble Cassius,goodnightandsleepwell.

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CASSIUS Omydearbrother, 240 Thiswasanillbeginningofthenight. Nevercomesuchdivisiontweenoursouls. Letitnot,Brutus. EnterLUCIUS withthegown OriginalText BRUTUS Everythingiswell. CASSIUS Goodnight,mylord. BRUTUS Goodnight,goodbrother. TITINIUS,MESSALA Goodnight,LordBrutus. BRUTUS 245 Farewell,everyone. ExeuntCASSIUS,TITINIUS,andMESSALA Givemethegown.Whereisthyinstrument? LUCIUS Hereinthetent. BRUTUS What,thouspeakstdrowsily? Poorknave,Iblametheenot.Thouarto'erwatched. CallClaudioandsomeotherofmymen. 250 Illhavethemsleeponcushionsinmytent. LUCIUS VarrusandClaudio! EnterVARRUSandCLAUDIO VARRUS Callsmylord? BRUTUS Iprayyou,sirs,lieinmytentandsleep. ItmaybeIshallraiseyoubyandby OnbusinesstomybrotherCassius. VARRUS 255 Sopleaseyou,wewillstandandwatchyourpleasure. BRUTUS Iwillnothaveitso.Liedown,goodsirs. ItmaybeIshallotherwisebethinkme. Look,Lucius,heresthebookIsoughtforso. Iputitinthepocketofmygown. VARRUSandCLAUDIOliedown

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Ohmydearbrother!Thiswasabadstarttothenight.Lets praythatwenevercomeintoconflictlikethatagain.Letsnot, Brutus.

LUCIUSenterswiththenightgown. ModernText BRUTUS Everythingsfine. CASSIUS Goodnight,mylord. BRUTUS Goodnight,goodbrother. TITINIUS,MESSALA Goodnight,LordBrutus. BRUTUS Farewell,everyone. CASSIUS,TITINIUS,andMESSALAexit. Givemethegown.Wheresyourlute? LUCIUS Hereinthetent. BRUTUS What,areyousleepy?Poorboy,Idontblameyouyouve stayedawaketoolong.CallClaudioandsomeofmyother men.Illhavethemsleeponcushionsinmytent.

LUCIUS VarrusandClaudio! VARRUSandCLAUDIOenter. VARRUS Didyoucall,mylord? BRUTUS Sirs,Iaskyoutosleepinmytent.Imightwakeyouupina whiletosendyouonanerrandtomybrotherCassius.

VARRUS Ifyoulike,wellstandbyandwaittodowhateveryouneed. BRUTUS No,please,liedown,goodsirs,becauseImightchangemy mind.Look,Lucius,heresthebookIwassearchingfor.Iputit inthepocketofmynightgown.

VARRUSandCLAUDIOliedown.

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LUCIUS 260 Iwassureyourlordshipdidnotgiveitme. BRUTUS Bearwithme,goodboy,Iammuchforgetful. Canstthouholdupthyheavyeyesawhile, Andtouchthyinstrumentastrainortwo? LUCIUS Ay,mylord,antpleaseyou. BRUTUS Itdoes,myboy. 265 Itroubletheetoomuch,butthouartwilling. LUCIUS Itismyduty,sir. BRUTUS Ishouldnoturgethydutypastthymight. Iknowyoungbloodslookforatimeofrest. LUCIUS Ihaveslept,mylord,already. BRUTUS 270 Itwaswelldone,andthoushaltsleepagain. Iwillnotholdtheelong.IfIdolive, Iwillbegoodtothee. LUCIUSplaysmusicandsingsasong,fallingasleep Thisisasleepytune.Omurderousslumber, Laystthouthyleadenmaceuponmyboy 275 Thatplaystheemusic?Gentleknave,goodnight. Iwillnotdotheesomuchwrongtowakethee. Ifthoudostnod,thoubreakstthyinstrument. Illtakeitfromthee.And,goodboy,goodnight. Letmesee,letmesee.Isnottheleafturneddown 280 WhereIleftreading?Hereitis,Ithink. EntertheGHOSTofCaesar Howillthistaperburns!Ha,whocomeshere? Ithinkitistheweaknessofmineeyes Thatshapesthismonstrousapparition. Itcomesuponme.Artthouanything? 285 Artthousomegod,someangel,orsomedevil Thatmakestmybloodcoldandmyhairtostare? Speaktomewhatthouart. GHOST Thyevilspirit,Brutus. BRUTUS Whycomestthou? GHOST 290 TotelltheethoushaltseemeatPhilippi. BRUTUS

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LUCIUS Iwassurethatyouhadntgivenittome. BRUTUS

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Bearwithme,goodboy.Ivebecomeveryforgetful.Canyou stayawakeabitlongerandplayafewtunesonyourlute?

LUCIUS Yes,mylord,ifyouwouldlike. BRUTUS Iwould,myboy.Iasktoomuchofyou,butyourealways willing. LUCIUS Itsmyduty,sir. BRUTUS Ishouldntmakeyoudomorethanyoureable.Iknowthat youngmenlookforwardtotheirrest. LUCIUS Ivealreadyslept,mylord. BRUTUS Thatwasgoodplanning,andyoullsleepsomemore.Iwont keepyouverylong.IfIlivethroughthis,Illbegoodtoyou.

LUCIUSplaysmusicandsingsasong,thenfallsasleep. Thisisasleepytune.Oh,deadeningsleep,haveyoutaken overmyboywhoplaysmusicforyou?Gentleboy,goodnight. Iwonttroubleyousomuchastowakeyou.Ifyouwereto droopdown,youdbreakyourinstrument,andsoIlltakeit fromyou.Goodnight,goodboy.Letmesee,letmesee.Didnt IturndownthepagewhereIleftoffreading?Hereitis,Ithink. Thiscandledoesntgivemuchlight.

TheGHOSTofCaesarenters. What!Whogoesthere?Ithinkitsmybadeyesightthats makingmeseethishorriblevision.Itscomingtowardme.Are youreal?Areyouagod,anangel,oradevil,thatyoumake mybloodturncoldandmyhairstandup?Tellmewhatyou are.

GHOST Imyourevilspirit,Brutus. BRUTUS Whydoyoucomehere? GHOST TotellyouthatyoullseemeatPhilippi. BRUTUS

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Well,thenIshallseetheeagain? GHOST Ay,atPhilippi. BRUTUS Why,IwillseetheeatPhilippi,then. ExitGHOST NowIhavetakenheartthouvanishest. Illspirit,Iwouldholdmoretalkwiththee. 295 Boy,Lucius!Varrus!Claudio!Sirs,awake! Claudio! LUCIUS Thestrings,mylord,arefalse. BRUTUS Hethinkshestillisathisinstrument. Lucius,awake. LUCIUS 300 Mylord? BRUTUS Didstthoudream,Lucius,thatthousocriedstout? LUCIUS Mylord,IdonotknowthatIdidcry. BRUTUS Yes,thatthoudidst.Didstthouseeanything? LUCIUS Nothing,mylord. BRUTUS 305 Sleepagain,Lucius.SirrahClaudio! (toVARRUS) Fellowthou,awake! VARRUS Mylord? CLAUDIO Mylord? BRUTUS Whydidyousocryout,sirs,inyoursleep? VARRUS,CLAUDIO 310 Didwe,mylord? BRUTUS Ay.Sawyouanything? VARRUS No,mylord,Isawnothing. CLAUDIO NorI,mylord.

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ThenIllseeyouagain? GHOST Yes,atPhilippi. BRUTUS Alright,thenIllseeyouatPhilippi. TheGHOSTexits.

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Justasyougo,Ifindthecouragetotalktoyou.Evilspirit,I wanttotalksomemore.Boy,Lucius!Varrus!Claudio!Sirs, awake!Claudio!

LUCIUS Mylord,thestringsareoutoftune. BRUTUS Hethinkshesstillplayinghisinstrument.Lucius,wakeup!

LUCIUS Mylord? BRUTUS Wereyoudreaming,Lucius?Isthatwhyyoucriedout? LUCIUS Mylord,IdontthinkIcriedout. BRUTUS Yes,youdid.Didyouseeanything? LUCIUS Nothing,mylord. BRUTUS Gobacktosleep,Lucius.Claudio!(toVARRUS)Youthere, wakeup!

VARRUS Mylord? CLAUDIO Mylord? BRUTUS Whydidyoucryoutinyoursleep? VARRUS,CLAUDIO Didwe,mylord? BRUTUS Yes.Didyouseeanything? VARRUS No,mylord,Ididntseeanything. CLAUDIO Meneither,mylord.

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BRUTUS GoandcommendmetomybrotherCassius. Bidhimsetonhispowersbetimesbefore, Andwewillfollow. VARRUS,CLAUDIO Itshallbedone,mylord. Exeuntseverally

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BRUTUS

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GotomybrotherCassius.Orderhimtoadvancehisforces firstthing,andwellfollow.

VARRUS,CLAUDIO Yes,mylord. Everyoneexitsindifferentdirections.

Act5,Scene1
EnterOCTAVIUS,ANTONY,andtheirarmy OCTAVIUSandANTONYenterwiththeirarmy.

OCTAVIUS Now,Antony,ourhopesareanswerd. Yousaidtheenemywouldnotcomedown Butkeepthehillsandupperregions. Itprovesnotso.Theirbattlesareathand. 5 TheymeantowarnusatPhilippihere, Answeringbeforewedodemandofthem.

OCTAVIUS Now,Antony,ourprayershavebeenanswered.Yousaidthe enemywouldntcomedownbutkeeptothehillsandupper regions.Itseemsnot.Theirforcesarenearby.Theyintendto challengeushereatPhilippi,respondingtoourchallenge beforeweveevenchallengedhim.

ANTONY Tut,Iamintheirbosoms,andIknow Whereforetheydoit.Theycouldbecontent Tovisitotherplaces,andcomedown 10 Withfearfulbravery,thinkingbythisface Tofasteninourthoughtsthattheyhavecourage. Buttisnotso.

ANTONY Iknowhowtheythink,andIunderstandwhytheyredoing this.Theyreallywishtheyweresomewhereelse,butthey wanttodescendonus,lookingfiercesowellthinktheyre brave.Buttheyarent.

EnteraMESSENGER

AMESSENGERenters.

MESSENGER Prepareyou,generals. Theenemycomesoningallantshow. Theirbloodysignofbattleishungout, 15 Andsomethingtobedoneimmediately.

MESSENGER Prepareyourselves,generals.Theenemyapproacheswith greatdisplay.Theyshowtheirbloodyheraldsofbattle,and somethingmustbedoneimmediately.

ANTONY Octavius,leadyourbattlesoftlyon, Uponthelefthandoftheevenfield.

ANTONY Octavius,leadyourforcesslowlyouttotheleftsideofthe levelfield.

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OCTAVIUS UpontherighthandI.Keepthoutheleft.

OCTAVIUS Illgototherightside.Youstayontheleft.

ANTONY Whydoyoucrossmeinthisexigent?

ANTONY Whyareyoudefyingmeinthisurgentmatter?

OCTAVIUS 20 Idonotcrossyou.ButIwilldoso.

OCTAVIUS Imnotdefyingyou,butitswhatImgoingtodo.

March.Drum.EnterBRUTUS,CASSIUS,andtheirarmy,includingLUCILLIUS, TITINIUS,andMESSALA

Thesoundofsoldiersmarching,andadrum.BRUTUSand CASSIUSenterwiththeirarmy,whichincludesLUCILLIUS, TITINIUS,andMESSALA.

BRUTUS Theystandandwouldhaveparley.

BRUTUS Theyvestopped.Theywanttotalk.

CASSIUS Standfast,Titinius.Wemustoutandtalk.

CASSIUS Stayhere,Titinius.Wehavetogooutandtalktothem.

OCTAVIUS MarkAntony,shallwegivesignofbattle?

OCTAVIUS MarkAntony,shouldwegivethesignaltoattack?

ANTONY No,Caesar,wewillanswerontheircharge. 25 Makeforth.Thegeneralswouldhavesomewords.

ANTONY No,OctaviusCaesar,wellrespondtotheircharge.Go forward.Thegeneralswanttospeakwithus.

OCTAVIUS (tohisarmy)Stirnotuntilthesignal.

OCTAVIUS (tohisarmy)Dontmoveuntilwegivethesignal.

BRUTUS Wordsbeforeblows.Isitso,countrymen?

BRUTUS Wordsbeforefighting.Isthathowitis,countrymen?

OCTAVIUS Notthatwelovewordsbetter,asyoudo.

OCTAVIUS Notthatwelovewordsmorethanfighting,likeyoudo.

BRUTUS Goodwordsarebetterthanbadstrokes,Octavius.

BRUTUS Goodwordsarebetterthanbadstrokes,Octavius.

ANTONY 30 Inyourbadstrokes,Brutus,yougivegoodwords. WitnesstheholeyoumadeinCaesarsheart, CryingLonglive,hail,Caesar!

ANTONY Brutus,yougiveanicespeechalongwithyourevilstrokes. ThinkoftheholeyoumadeinCaesarsheartwhenyou cried,LongliveCaesar!HailCaesar!

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CASSIUS Antony, Thepostureofyourblowsareyetunknown. Butforyourwords,theyrobtheHyblabees 35 Andleavethemhoneyless.

CASSIUS Antony,wedontyetknowwhatkindofblowsyoucaninflict. Butyourwordsareassweetashoneyyouvestolenfrom thebeesandleftthemwithnothing.

ANTONY Notstinglesstoo?

ANTONY Itooktheirstingstoo,wouldntyousay?

BRUTUS Oh,yes,andsoundlesstoo. Foryouhavestol'ntheirbuzzing,Antony, Andverywiselythreatbeforeyousting.

BRUTUS Oh,yes,andyouveleftthemsilenttoo,becauseyoustole theirbuzzing,Antony.Youverywiselywarnusbeforeyou sting.

ANTONY 40 Villains,youdidnotsowhenyourviledaggers HackedoneanotherinthesidesofCaesar. Youshowedyourteethlikeapes,andfawnedlikehounds, Andbowedlikebondmen,kissingCaesarsfeet, WhilstdamndCasca,likeacur,behind 45 StruckCaesarontheneck.Oyouflatterers!

ANTONY Villains,youdidntdoeventhatmuchwhenyourviledaggers struckeachotherastheyhackedupCaesarssides.You smiledlikeapesandfawnedlikedogsandbowedlike servants,kissingCaesarsfeet.Andallthewhile,damned Casca,likeadog,struckCaesarontheneckfrombehind. Oh,youflatterers!

CASSIUS Flatterers?Now,Brutus,thankyourself. Thistonguehadnotoffendedsotoday IfCassiusmighthaveruled.

CASSIUS Flatterers!Now,Brutus,youhaveonlyyourselftothank. Antonywouldntbeheretooffendustodayifyoudlistened tomeearlier.

OCTAVIUS Come,come,thecause.Ifarguingmakeussweat, 50 Theproofofitwillturntoredderdrops. (drawshissword)Look,Idrawaswordagainstconspirators. Whenthinkyouthattheswordgoesupagain? Never,tillCaesarsthreeandthirtywounds Bewellavenged,ortillanotherCaesar 55 Haveaddedslaughtertotheswordoftraitors.

OCTAVIUS Come,come,letsrememberwhywerehere.Ifarguing makesussweat,therealtrialwillturnthatwatertoblood.(he drawshissword)Look:Idrawmyswordagainst conspirators.WhendoyouthinkIllputitaway?Never,until Caesarsthirtythreewoundsarewellavenged,oruntilItoo havebeenkilledbyyou.

BRUTUS Caesar,thoucanstnotdiebytraitors'hands Unlessthoubringstthemwiththee.

BRUTUS Caesar,yourenotgoingtobekilledbyatraitorunlessyou killyourself..

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OCTAVIUS SoIhope. IwasnotborntodieonBrutus'sword.

OCTAVIUS Ihopeyoureright.Iwasntborntodieonyoursword.

BRUTUS O,ifthouwertthenoblestofthystrain, 60 Youngman,thoucouldstnotdiemorehonorable.

BRUTUS Ifyouwerethenoblestofyourfamily,youngman,you couldntdiemorehonorably.

CASSIUS Apeevishschoolboy,worthlessofsuchhonor, Joinedwithamaskerandareveler!

CASSIUS Anannoyingschoolboy,unworthyofsuchanhonor,joined byamasqueraderandapartier!

ANTONY OldCassiusstill.

ANTONY StillthesameoldCassius!

OCTAVIUS Come,Antony,away. Defiance,traitors,hurlweinyourteeth. 65 Ifyoudarefighttoday,cometothefield. Ifnot,whenyouhavestomachs.

OCTAVIUS ComeAntony,letsgo.Traitors,wedefyyou.Ifyoudareto fighttoday,cometothefield.Ifnot,comewhenyouhavethe courage.

ExeuntOCTAVIUS,ANTONY,andtheirarmy

OCTAVIUS,ANTONY,andtheirarmyexit.

CASSIUS Why,now,blowwind,swellbillow,andswimbark! Thestormisupandallisonthehazard.

CASSIUS Nowletthewindblow,wavesswell,andshipssink!The stormhasbegunandeverythingisatstake.

BRUTUS Ho,Lucillius,hark,awordwithyou.

BRUTUS Lucillius!Idlikeawordwithyou.

LUCILLIUS 70 (standsforth) Mylord?

LUCILLIUS (comingforward)Mylord?

BRUTUSandLUCILLIUS converseapart

BRUTUSandLUCILLIUS conversetotheside.

CASSIUS Messala!

CASSIUS Messala!

MESSALA (standsforth)

MESSALA (comingforward)Whatisit,mygeneral?

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Whatsaysmygeneral?

CASSIUS Messala, Thisismybirthday,asthisveryday WasCassiusborn.Givemethyhand,Messala. 75 Bethoumywitnessthatagainstmywill, AsPompeywas,amIcompelledtoset Upononebattleallourliberties.

CASSIUS Messala,todayismybirthdayIwasbornonthisveryday. Givemeyourhand,Messala. YoullbemywitnessthatIvebeenforced,asPompeywas, towagerallofourfreedomsononebattle.

YouknowthatIheldEpicurusstrong Andhisopinion.NowIchangemymind, 80 Andpartlycreditthingsthatdopresage. ComingfromSardis,onourformerensign Twomightyeaglesfell,andtheretheyperched, Gorgingandfeedingfromoursoldiers'hands, WhotoPhilippihereconsortedus. 85 Thismorningaretheyfledawayandgone, Andintheirsteadsdoravens,crows,andkites Flyo'erourheadsanddownwardlookonus Asweweresicklyprey.Theirshadowsseem Acanopymostfatal,underwhich 90 Ourarmylies,readytogiveuptheghost.

YouknowthatIusedtobelieveinEpicurusandhisdisregard foromens.Ivechangedmymindnowandpartlybelievein omens.TravelingfromSardis,twomightyeaglesfellonour frontflagandperchedthere,eatingfromthehandsofthe soldierswhodaccompaniedustoPhilippi.Thismorning, theyveflownawayandintheirplaceareravens,crows,and kites,flyingoverourheadsandlookingdownonus,as thoughweweresicklyprey.Theirshadowsarelikeadeadly canopy,underwhichourarmylies,readytodie.

MESSALA Believenotso.

MESSALA Dontbelieveinthis.

CASSIUS Ibutbelieveitpartly, ForIamfreshofspiritandresolved Tomeetallperilsveryconstantly.

CASSIUS Ionlypartlybelieveit,forImenthusiasticandresolvedto meetalldangerswithoutwavering.

BRUTUS (returningwithLUCILLIUS)Evenso,Lucillius.

BRUTUS (returningwithLUCILLIUS)Right,Lucillius.

CASSIUS Now,mostnobleBrutus, 95 Thegodstodaystandfriendlythatwemay, Loversinpeace,leadonourdaystoage.

CASSIUS Now,mostnobleBrutus,thegodsarefriendlywithustoday sothatwe,whowantpeace,canliveontooldage!Butsince theaffairsofmenarealwaysuncertain,letsthinkaboutthe

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Butsincetheaffairsofmenreststillincertain, Letsreasonwiththeworstthatmaybefall. Ifwedolosethisbattle,thenisthis 100 Theverylasttimeweshallspeaktogether. Whatareyouthendetermindtodo?

worstthatmayhappen.Ifwelosethisbattle,thisisthelast timewellspeaktoeachother.Ifwelose,whatdoyouplan todo?

BRUTUS Evenbytheruleofthatphilosophy BywhichIdidblameCatoforthedeath Whichhedidgivehimself(Iknownothow, 105 ButIdofinditcowardlyandvile, Forfearofwhatmightfall,sotoprevent Thetimeoflife),armingmyselfwithpatience Tostaytheprovidenceofsomehighpowers Thatgovernusbelow.

BRUTUS BythesameprinciplethatmademecondemnCatofor committingsuicide,Iplantobepatientandsubmittowhat thegodsdecide.Idontknowwhy,butIfinditcowardlyand viletokilloneselfearlytopreventpossiblesufferinglateron.

CASSIUS Thenifwelosethisbattle 110 Youarecontentedtobeledintriumph ThoroughthestreetsofRome?

CASSIUS Thenifwelosethisbattle,youllbewillingtobeledinchains throughthestreetsofRome?

BRUTUS No,Cassius,no.Thinknot,thounobleRoman, ThateverBrutuswillgoboundtoRome. Hebearstoogreatamind.Butthissameday 115 MustendthatworktheidesofMarchbegun. AndwhetherweshallmeetagainIknownot. Thereforeoureverlastingfarewelltake. Foreverandforeverfarewell,Cassius. Ifwedomeetagain,why,weshallsmile. 120 Ifnot,whythenthispartingwaswellmade.

BRUTUS No,Cassius,no.DontimaginethatIlleverallowmyselfto returntoRomeinchains.Mymindistoogreatforthat.But today,theworkthatMarch15thbeganmustend,andIdont knowifwellmeetagain.Therefore,acceptmyeverlasting farewell.Foreverandforever,farewell,Cassius!Ifwemeet again,thenwellsmile.Ifnot,thenthispartingwaswelldone.

CASSIUS Foreverandforeverfarewell,Brutus. Ifwedomeetagain,wellsmileindeed. Ifnot,tistruethispartingwaswellmade.

CASSIUS Foreverandforever,farewell,Brutus!Ifwemeetagain,then wellsmileindeed.Ifnot,itstrue,thispartingwaswelldone.

BRUTUS

BRUTUS

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Whythen,leadon.Oh,thatamanmightknow 125 Theendofthisdaysbusinessereitcome! Butitsufficeththatthedaywillend, Andthentheendisknown.Come,ho!Away!

Well,leadon.Oh,IwishIcouldknowwhatwillhappentoday beforeithappens!Butitsenoughtoknowthatthedaywill end,andthentheendwillbeknown.Come!Letsgo!

Exeunt

Theyallexit.

Act5,Scene2
Alarum.EnterBRUTUSandMESSALA Soundsofbattle.BRUTUSandMESSALAenter.

BRUTUS Ride,ride,Messala,ride,andgivethesebills Untothelegionsontheotherside.

BRUTUS Ride,ride,Messala,ride,andgivethesedispatchestoour forcesontheotherside.

Lowalarum

Faintsoundsofbattle.

Letthemsetonatonce,forIperceive ButcolddemeanorinOctavius'wing, 5 Andsuddenpushgivesthemtheoverthrow. Ride,ride,Messala.Letthemallcomedown.

Theyshouldadvanceimmediately,becauseIsense Octaviusssideisabitfaintheartedrightnow,andasudden pushwouldoverthrowhim.Ride,ride,Messala.Let Cassiusswingmountasurpriseattack.

Exeuntseverally

Theyexitinoppositedirections.

Act5,Scene3
AlarumsEnterCASSIUSandTITINIUS Soundsofbattle.CASSIUSandTITINIUSenter.

CASSIUS O,look,Titinius,look,thevillainsfly! Myselfhavetomineownturnedenemy. Thisensignhereofminewasturningback. Islewthecowardanddidtakeitfromhim. 5 (indicateshisstandard)

CASSIUS Oh,look,Titinius,look!Thosevillains,oursoldiers,flee!Ive becomeanenemytomyownsoldiers!Thisstandardbearer hereofminewasrunningaway,soIkilledhimandtooktheflag fromhim.(pointstohisflag)

TITINIUS OCassius,Brutusgavethewordtooearly, Who,havingsomeadvantageonOctavius, Tookittooeagerly.Hissoldiersfelltospoil, WhilstwebyAntonyareallenclosed.

TITINIUS Oh,Cassius,Brutusgavetheorderstoosoon.Havingan advantageoverOctavius,hetookittooeagerly,andhis soldiersbeganlooting,andnowweresurroundedbyAntonys men.

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EnterPINDARUS

PINDARUSenters.

PINDARUS 10 Flyfurtheroff,mylord,flyfurtheroff. MarkAntonyisinyourtents,mylord. Fly,therefore,nobleCassius,flyfaroff.

PINDARUS Retreatfurther,mylord,retreatfurther.MarkAntonyisinyour tents,mylord.Thereforeyoumustrun,nobleCassius.

CASSIUS Thishillisfarenough.Look,look,Titinius. ArethosemytentswhereIperceivethefire?

CASSIUS Thishillisfarenough.Look,look,Titinius.Arethosemytents onfire?

TITINIUS 15 Theyare,mylord.

TITINIUS Theyare,mylord.

CASSIUS Titinius,ifthoulovestme, Mountthoumyhorse,andhidethyspursinhim Tillhehavebroughttheeuptoyondertroops Andhereagain,thatImayrestassured Whetheryondtroopsarefriendorenemy.

CASSIUS Titinius,ifyouloveme,getonyourhorseandspurhimonuntil hesbroughtyoutothosetroopsandbackagain,sothatIcan findoutwhetherthosetroopsarefriendsorenemies.

TITINIUS 20 Iwillbehereagain,evenwithathought.

TITINIUS Illbebackquickerthanyoucanthinkathought.

ExitTITINIUS

Heexits.

CASSIUS Go,Pindarus,gethigheronthathill. Mysightwaseverthick.RegardTitinius, Andtellmewhatthounotestaboutthefield.

CASSIUS Go,Pindarus,climbalittlehigheronthishill.Myeyesighthas alwaysbeenbad.WatchTitiniusandtellmewhatyouseein thefield.

PINDARUSascendsthehill

PINDARUSascendsthehill.

ThisdayIbreathedfirst.Timeiscomeround, 25 AndwhereIdidbegin,thereshallIend. Mylifeisrunhiscompass. (toPINDARUS) Sirrah,what news?

TodaywasthedayIbreathedmyfirstbreath.Timehascome round,andIllendwhereIbegan.Mylifehasrunitscircle.(to PINDARUS)Whatcanyousee,boy?

PINDARUS (above)Omylord!

PINDARUS (above)Oh,mylord!

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CASSIUS Whatnews?

CASSIUS Whatnews?

PINDARUS 30 (above)Titiniusisenclosdroundabout Withhorsemen,thatmaketohimonthespur. Yethespurson.Nowtheyarealmostonhim. Now,Titinius.Nowsomelight.Oh,helightstoo. Hesta'en.

PINDARUS (above)Titiniusissurroundedbyhorsemenwhoarequickly approachinghim,yethespursonward.Nowtheyrealmoston him.Now,Titinius!Nowsomedismount.Oh,hegetsdowntoo. Hestaken.

Shoutwithin

Ashoutoffstage.

35

And,hark!Theyshoutforjoy.

Andlisten!Theyshoutforjoy.

CASSIUS Comedown,beholdnomore. Oh,cowardthatIam,tolivesolong Toseemybestfriendta'enbeforemyface!

CASSIUS Comedown,looknomore.Oh,Imsuchacowardforliving longenoughtoseemybestfriendtakenbeforemyeyes!

PINDARUS returns

PINDARUS returns.

Comehither,sirrah. InParthiadidItaketheeprisoner. 40 AndthenIsworethee,savingofthylife, ThatwhatsoeverIdidbidtheedo, Thoushouldstattemptit.Comenow,keepthineoath. (giveshisswordtoPINDARUS ) Nowbeafreeman,andwiththisgoodsword 45 ThatranthroughCaesarsbowels,searchthisbosom. Standnottoanswer.Heretakethouthehilts And,whenmyfaceiscovered,astisnow, Guidethouthesword.

Comehere,boy.ItookyouprisonerinParthia,andatthattime ImadeyousweartotrytodowhateverIorderedyouto,except takeyourownlife.Comenow,keepyouroath.(giveshissword toPINDARUS)Nowyoullbeafreeman.Takethisgoodsword, whichranthroughCaesarsbowels,andplungeitinmychest. Donthesitate.Here,takethehandle,andwhenmyfaceis coveredasitisnow,usethesword.

PINDARUS stabsCASSIUS

PINDARUS stabsCASSIUS.

Caesar,thouartrevenged, Evenwiththeswordthatkilledthee. 50 (dies)

Caesar,youarerevengedwiththeverysameswordthatkilled you.(hedies)

PINDARUS

PINDARUS

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SoIamfree.Yetwouldnotsohavebeen, DurstIhavedonemywill.OCassius, FarfromthiscountryPindarusshallrun, WhereneverRomanshalltakenoteofhim.

So Imfree.ButIdidntwanttobefreelikethis.Oh,Cassius,Ill runfarfromthiscountrytowherenoRomanscanfindme.

ExitPINDARUS

Heexits.

EnterTITINIUSandMESSALA

TITINIUSandMESSALAenter.

MESSALA 55 Itisbutchange,Titinius,forOctavius IsoverthrownbynobleBrutus'power, AsCassius'legionsarebyAntony.

MESSALA Thearmieshavemerelychangedplaces,Titinius,because OctaviushasbeenoverthrownbynobleBrutussforcesatthe verymomentthatAntonyoverthrewCassiusslegions.

TITINIUS ThesetidingswillwellcomfortCassius.

TITINIUS ThisnewswillcomfortCassius.

MESSALA Wheredidyouleavehim?

MESSALA Wheredidyouleavehim?

TITINIUS Alldisconsolate, 60 WithPindarushisbondmanonthishill.

TITINIUS Onthishillandindespair,withhisslavePindarus.

MESSALA Isnotthathethatliesupontheground?

MESSALA Isntthathimontheground?

TITINIUS Heliesnotliketheliving.Omyheart!

TITINIUS Hedoesntseemtobealive.Oh,myheart!

MESSALA Isnotthathe?

MESSALA Isntthathim?

TITINIUS No,thiswashe,Messala, ButCassiusisnomore.Osettingsun, 65 Asinthyredraysthoudostsinktonight, SoinhisredbloodCassius'dayisset. ThesunofRomeisset.Ourdayisgone. Clouds,dews,anddangerscome!Ourdeedsaredone. Mistrustofmysuccesshathdonethisdeed.

TITINIUS No,itwashim,Messala,butCassiusisnomore.Justasthe sunsraysturnredwhenitsets,soCassiushasendedhislife inapoolofredblood.ThesunofRomehasset!Ourdayis over.Clouds,dew,anddangersapproach.Werefinished!He didntbelieveIwouldeverreturnonmymission,andsohe killedhimself.

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MESSALA 70 Mistrustofgoodsuccesshathdonethisdeed. Ohatefulerror,melancholyschild, Whydostthoushowtotheaptthoughtsofmen Thethingsthatarenot?Oerror,soonconceived, Thounevercomestuntoahappybirth 75 Butkillstthemotherthatengenderedthee!

MESSALA Yes,hekilledhimselfbecausehethoughtwedlostthewhole battle.Sadness,whichmisconstruesreality,gavebirthtohis errorsinthinkingandthendestroyedhim.

TITINIUS What,Pindarus!Whereartthou,Pindarus?

TITINIUS Pindarus!Whereareyou,Pindarus?

MESSALA Seekhim,Titinius,whilstIgotomeet ThenobleBrutus,thrustingthisreport Intohisears.Imaysaythrustingit, 80 Forpiercingsteelanddartsenvenomd ShallbeaswelcometotheearsofBrutus Astidingsofthissight.

MESSALA Lookforhim,Titinius,whileIgotomeetthenobleBrutusand forcehimtohearthisnews.IsayforcebecauseBrutuswould ratherIstucksharpbladesandpoisonedarrowsinhisears thanfillthemwiththis.

TITINIUS Hieyou,Messala, AndIwillseekforPindarusthewhile.

TITINIUS Hurry,Messala,andIlllookforPindarusinthemeantime.

ExitMESSALA

MESSALAexits.

Whydidstthousendmeforth,braveCassius? 85 DidInotmeetthyfriends?Anddidnotthey Putonmybrowsthiswreathofvictory Andbidmegiveitthee?Didstthounotheartheirshouts? Alas,thouhastmisconstruedeverything! But,holdthee,takethisgarlandonthybrow. 90 ThyBrutusbidmegiveitthee,andI Willdohisbidding. (layswreathonCASSIUSshead)Brutus,comeapace, AndseehowIregardedCaiusCassius. Byyourleave,gods,thisisaRomanspart. 95 Come,Cassius'sword,andfindTitinius'heart. (stabshimselfwithCASSIUSsswordanddies)

Whydidyousendmeout,braveCassius?DidntImeetupwith yourallies?Anddidnttheyplacethewreathofvictoryonmy browandordermetogiveittoyou?Didntyouheartheir shouts?Alas,youmisunderstoodeverything!Butletmeplace thiswreathonyourhead.YourBrutusorderedmetogiveitto you,andIlldowhathesays.(helaysawreathonCASSIUSs head)Brutus,comethiswayandseehowmuchIadmired CaiusCassius.Withyourpermission,gods,thisisaRomans duty.Come,Cassiusssword,andstrikeTitiniussheart.(he stabshimselfwithCASSIUSsswordanddies.)

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Alarum.EnterBRUTUS,MESSALA ,youngCATO ,STRATO,VOLUMNIUS, LUCILLIUS,LABIO,andFLAVIO

Soundsofbattle.BRUTUS,MESSALA,youngCATO, STRATO,VOLUMNIUS,LUCILLIUS,LABIO,andFLAVIO enter.

BRUTUS Where,where,Messala,dothhisbodylie?

BRUTUS Whereishisbody,Messala?

MESSALA Lo,yonder,andTitiniusmourningit.

MESSALA Overthere,whereTitiniusmournsit.

BRUTUS Titinius'faceisupward.

BRUTUS Titiniusislyingfaceup.

CATO Heisslain.

CATO Hesbeenkilled.

BRUTUS 100 OJuliusCaesar,thouartmightyyet! Thyspiritwalksabroadandturnsourswords Inourownproperentrails.

BRUTUS Oh,JuliusCaesar,youarestillpowerful.Yourghostwalksthe earthandturnsourswordstowardourownstomachs.

Lowalarums

Faintsoundsofbattle.

CATO BraveTitinius! Lookwhe'erhehavenotcrowneddeadCassius.

CATO BraveTitinius!Look,heevenputthecrownondeadCassius!

BRUTUS AreyettwoRomanslivingsuchasthese? 105 ThelastofalltheRomans,faretheewell! ItisimpossiblethateverRome Shouldbreedthyfellow.Friends,Iowemoretears Tothisdeadmanthanyoushallseemepay. Ishallfindtime,Cassius,Ishallfindtime. 110 Come,therefore,andtoThasossendhisbody. Hisfuneralsshallnotbeinourcamp, Lestitdiscomfortus.Lucillius,come. Andcome,youngCato.Letustothefield. LabioandFlavio,setourbattleson. 115 'Tisthreeo'clock,and,Romans,yeterenight

BRUTUS CouldyouhavefoundtwoRomansasgoodasthesetwo? Goodbyetoyou,thelastofalltheRomans.Romewillnever produceyourequal.Friends,Iowemoretearstothisdeadman thanyouwillseemeshed.Iwillfindthetimetocryforyou, Cassius,Illfindthetime.Come,then,andsendhisbodyto Thasos.Wewonthavehisfuneralatourcamp,becauseit mightmakeustoosadtofight.Lucillius,come.Andcome, youngCato.Letsproceedtothefield.LabioandFlavio,push ourarmiesonward.Itisthreeo'clock,and,Romans,before night,wewilltryourluckinasecondbattle.

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Weshalltryfortuneinasecondfight.

Exeunt

Theyallexit.

Alarum.EnterBRUTUS,MESSALA ,CATO ,LUCILLIUS,andFLAVIO

Soundsofbattle.BRUTUS,MESSALA ,CATO ,LUCILLIUS, andFLAVIOenter.

BRUTUS Yet,countrymen,O,yetholdupyourheads!

BRUTUS Keepon,countrymen.Oh,keepyourheadsup,evennow!

ExeuntBRUTUS,MESSALA ,andFLAVIO

BRUTUS,MESSALA ,andFLAVIOexit.

CATO Whatbastarddothnot?Whowillgowithme? Iwillproclaimmynameaboutthefield. IamthesonofMarcusCato,ho! 5 Afoetotyrants,andmycountrysfriend. IamthesonofMarcusCato,ho!

CATO Whoissolowthathewouldnt?Whowilladvancewithme?I willproclaimmynamearoundthefield.IamthesonofMarcus Cato!Anenemytotyrantsandafriendtomycountry.Iamthe sonofMarcusCato!

EnterANTONYandOCTAVIUS'SOLDIERSFight

ANTONYandOCTAVIUS'SOLDIERSenterandfight.

LUCILLIUS AndIamBrutus,MarcusBrutus,I! Brutus,mycountrysfriend.KnowmeforBrutus!

LUCILLIUS AndIamBrutus,MarcusBrutus.Brutus,mycountrysfriend. KnowthatIamBrutus!

SOLDIERSkillyoungCATO

SOLDIERSkillyoungCATO .

OyoungandnobleCato,artthoudown? 10 Why,nowthoudiestasbravelyasTitinius, Andmaystbehonored,beingCatosson.

Oh,youngandnobleCato,haveyoubeenslain?Why,youdie nowasbravelyasTitinius.Andyou,beingCatosson,willbe honored.

FIRSTSOLDIER (toLUCILLIUS)Yield,orthoudiest.

FIRSTSOLDIER (toLUCILLIUS)Surrenderoryouwilldie.

LUCILLIUS OnlyIyieldtodie. Thereissomuchthatthouwiltkillmestraight. KillBrutus,andbehonoredinhisdeath.

LUCILLIUS Idratherdie.Hereissomemoneyforyoutokillme immediately.KillBrutusandbehonoredbythekilling.

FIRSTSOLDIER 15 Wemustnot.Anobleprisoner!

FIRSTSOLDIER Wemustnot.Heisanobleprisoner!

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EnterANTONY

ANTONYenters.

SECONDSOLDIER Room,ho!TellAntonyBrutusista'en.

SECONDSOLDIER Makeroom!TellAntonythatBrutushasbeentaken.

FIRSTSOLDIER Illtellthenews.Herecomesthegeneral. Brutusista'en,Brutusista'en,mylord.

FIRSTSOLDIER Illtellhimthenews.Oh,herecomesthegeneralBrutushas beencaught,Brutusistaken,mylord.

ANTONY Whereishe?

ANTONY Whereishe?

LUCILLIUS 20 Safe,Antony.Brutusissafeenough. Idareassuretheethatnoenemy ShallevertakealivethenobleBrutus. Thegodsdefendhimfromsogreatashame! Whenyoudofindhim,oraliveordead, 25 HewillbefoundlikeBrutus,likehimself.

LUCILLIUS Hessafe,Antony.Icanassureyouthatnoenemywillever takethenobleBrutusalive.Thegodsprotecthimfromsogreat ashame!Whenyoudofindhim,aliveordead,hellbefoundon hisownterms.

ANTONY (toSOLDIERS)ThisisnotBrutus,friend,but,Iassureyou, Aprizenolessinworth.Keepthismansafe. Givehimallkindness.Ihadratherhave Suchmenmyfriendsthanenemies.Goon, 30 AndseewhetherBrutusbealiveordead. AndbringusworduntoOctavius'tent Howeverythingischanced.

ANTONY (toSOLDIERS)ThisisntBrutus,friend,but,Iassureyou,heis avaluableprize.Keepthismansafe.Bekindtohim.Iwould ratherhavesuchmenasfriendsthanenemies.Moveon,find outifBrutusisaliveordead,thenreturntoOctaviusstentto telluswhatyouvelearned.

Exeuntseverally

Theyexitinoppositedirections.

EnterBRUTUS,DARDANIUS,CLITUS,STRATO,andVOLUMNIUS

BRUTUS,DARDANIUS,CLITUS,STRATO,andVOLUMNIUS enter.

BRUTUS Come,poorremainsoffriends,restonthisrock.

BRUTUS Come,lastofmyfriends,restonthisrock.

CLITUS Statiliusshowedthetorchlightbut,mylord, Hecamenotback.Heisorta'enorslain.

CLITUS Statiliuswavedthetorchlightatus,buthehasntcomeback. Hesbeencapturedorkilled.

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BRUTUS Sittheedown,Clitus.Slayingistheword. 5 Itisadeedinfashion.Harkthee,Clitus. (whisperstoCLITUS)

BRUTUS Sitdown,Clitus.Killed,mostlikelyitsbecomeatrend.Listen, Clitus.(hewhisperstoCLITUS)

CLITUS What,I,mylord?No,notforalltheworld.

CLITUS Who,me,mylord?No,notforalltheworld.

BRUTUS Peacethen!Nowords.

BRUTUS Silence,then!Dontgiveitaway.

CLITUS Illratherkillmyself.

CLITUS Idratherkillmyself.

BRUTUS Harkthee,Dardanius. 10 (whisperstoDARDANIUS)

BRUTUS Listen,Dardanius.(hewhisperstoDARDANIUS )

DARDANIUS ShallIdosuchadeed?

DARDANIUS WouldIdaredosomethinglikethat?

CLITUS ODardanius!

CLITUS OhDardanius!

DARDANIUS OClitus!

DARDANIUS OhClitus!

CLITUS (asidetoDARDANIUS) WhatillrequestdidBrutusmaketothee?

CLITUS (speakingsothatonlyDARDANIUScanhear)Whatawfulthing didBrutusaskofyou?

DARDANIUS 15 (asidetoCLITUS) Tokillhim,Clitus.Look,hemeditates.

DARDANIUS (speakingsothatonlyCLITUScanhear)Tokillhim,Clitus. Look,hesmeditatingonwhattodo.

BRUTUS 55 Farewell,goodStrato. (runsonhissword)Caesar,nowbe Ikillednottheewithhalfsogoodawill. (dies) still.

BRUTUS Farewell,goodStrato.(runsonhissword)Caesar,youcanrest now.Ididntkillyouhalfaswillingly.(hedies)

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Alarum.Retreat.EnterOCTAVIUS,ANTONY,MESSALA,LUCILLIUS,and thearmy

Soundsofbattle.Trumpetssoundaretreat.OCTAVIUS, ANTONY,MESSALA,andLUCILLIUSenterwiththearmy.

OCTAVIUS Whatmanisthat?

OCTAVIUS Whatmanisthat?

MESSALA Mymastersman.Strato,whereisthymaster?

MESSALA Mymastersman.Strato,wheresyourmaster?

STRATO 60 Freefromthebondageyouarein,Messala. Theconquerorscanbutmakeafireofhim. ForBrutusonlyovercamehimself, Andnomanelsehathhonorbyhisdeath.

STRATO Freefromthebondageyouarein,Messala.Theconquerors canonlymakeafireofhim,becauseonlyBrutustriumphed overhimself,andnoothermangetstotriumphinhisdeath.

LUCILLIUS SoBrutusshouldbefound.Ithankthee,Brutus, 65 ThatthouhastprovedLucillius'sayingtrue.

LUCILLIUS ItsfittingthatBrutusbefoundlikethis.Thankyou,Brutus,for provingmypredictiontrue.

OCTAVIUS AllthatservedBrutus,Iwillentertainthem. Fellow,wiltthoubestowthytimewithme?

OCTAVIUS IlltakeallwhoservedBrutusintomyservice.You,willyoujoin withme?

STRATO Ay,ifMessalawillprefermetoyou.

STRATO Yes,ifMessalarecommendsmetoyou.

OCTAVIUS Doso,goodMessala.

OCTAVIUS Doso,goodMessala.

MESSALA Howdiedmymaster,Strato?

MESSALA Howdidmymasterdie,Strato?

STRATO 70 Iheldtheswordandhedidrunonit.

STRATO Iheldtheswordandheranonit.

MESSALA Octavius,thentakehimtofollowthee, Thatdidthelatestservicetomymaster.

MESSALA Thentakethismanintoyourservice,Octavius,forhedidthe finalservicetomymaster.

ANTONY ThiswasthenoblestRomanofthemall.

ANTONY ThiswasthenoblestRomanofthemall.Alltherestofthe

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Alltheconspiratorssaveonlyhe 75 DidthattheydidinenvyofgreatCaesar. Heonlyinageneralhonestthought Andcommongoodtoall,madeoneofthem. Hislifewasgentle,andtheelements SomixedinhimthatNaturemightstandup 80 Andsaytoalltheworld,Thiswasaman.

conspiratorsactedoutofjealousyofgreatCaesar.Onlyhe actedfromhonestyandforthegeneralgood.Hislifewas gentle,andtheelementsmixedsowellinhimthatNaturemight standupandsaytoalltheworld,Thiswasaman.

OCTAVIUS Accordingtohisvirtueletususehim, Withallrespectandritesofburial. Withinmytenthisbonestonightshalllie Mostlikeasoldier,orderedhonorably. 85 Socallthefieldtorest,andletsaway Topartthegloriesofthishappyday.

OCTAVIUS Letstreathimaccordingtohisvirtue,withalltherespectand ritualsofburial.Hisbodywilllieinmytenttonight,withthe honorableobservancethatsuitsasoldier.Soorderthearmies torest,andletsgohometosharethegloriesofthishappyday.

Exeuntomnes

Everyoneexits.

Crowther,John,ed.NoFearJuliusCaesar.SparkNotes.com.SparkNotesLLC.2005.Web.31Oct.2011. http://nfs.sparknotes.com/juliuscaesar