julius caesar

Julius Caesar
William Shakespeare

Three Watson
Irvine, CA 92618-2767
Website: www.sdlback.com

Saddlebacks Illustrated ClassicsTM

Three Watson
Irvine, CA 92618-2767
Website: www.sdlback.com

Copyright 2006 by Saddleback Educational Publishing.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
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written permission of the publisher.
ISBN 1-59905-149-4

julius caesar

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William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564, in
Stratford-on-Avon, England, the third child of John Shakespeare,
a well-to-do merchant, and Mary Arden, his wife. Young William
probably attended the Stratford grammar school, where he
learned English, Greek, and a great deal of Latin. Historians
arent sure of the exact date of Shakespeares birth.
In 1582, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway. By 1583
the couple had a daughter, Susanna, and two years later the
twins, Hamnet and Judith. Somewhere between 1585 and
1592 Shakespeare went to London, where he became first an
actor and then a playwright. His acting company, The Kings
Men, appeared most often in the Globe theater, a part of which
Shakespeare himself owned.
In all, Shakespeare is believed to have written thirty-seven
plays, several nondramatic poems, and a number of sonnets.
In 1611 when he left the active life of the theater, he returned
to Stratford and became a country gentleman, living in the
second-largest house in town. For five years he lived a quiet
life. Then, on April 23, 1616, William Shakespeare died and
was buried in Trinity Church in Stratford. From his own time
to the present, Shakespeare is considered one of the greatest
writers of the English-speaking world.

William Shakespeare

Julius Caesar

mark
antony

brutus

julius caesar

calpurnia

cassius

casca

julius caesar

It was a holiday in the city of Rome. Crowds of people cheered the

return of Julius Caesar who had won a battle in Spain.

10

But not everyone

was happy. Two government officials,*

Go home

Why are you

Why, sir. . . I

you lazy

here in holi-

am a good

men!

day clothes

shoemaker!

instead of

but today I

working in

came out to

your shops?

see Caesar

Flavius and MarUllus,

tried to send away
some of the crowds.

and celebrate
with him.

For shame! He did

Pompey,

not fight a foreign**

who FOUght

enemy, but the sons

to keep

of a great Roman

Caesar

Pompey.

from making
himself ruler of Rome!
Pompey,
whom you
have often
cheered
for in
these very
streets!

How many times have you waited all day just to cheer Pompey as he passed by? Now you dress up to cheer the man
who shed Pompeys blood!

* those whose jobs involve the running of a city, state, or country

** from another country

julius caesar 11

We must remove
these decorations.
That day happened TO be a
yearly holiday to

They are an insult

to the memory of
Pompey!

honor the god

Lupercus.* there
was to be a foot
race, and people
had decorated
all the statues in
the city.

Are we allowed to do
that? After alL it is
the feast of Lupercal!

We dont need such things

You go that way. . . Ill go this

to remind us of what Caesar way. Remove any of Caesars

has done. Before we know it, decorations that you see.
he will make himself king!
Ill do it!

* a god who would bless the fields with good crops

12

Meanwhile, near the spot where the

Then he spoke to Mark Antony.

young Roman men would race, Caesar

Be sure to touch

spoke to his wife, Calpurnia.

Calpurnia as you
Stand right in Mark

run. TheY say this

Ill

Antonys way when

will grant a woman

remember!

he runs.

many children.

I will!

Suddenly someone called

out from the crowd.
Caesar!

Who calls Caesar?

Speak! I am listening!

Caesar!
Beware
the ides of
March!*

* The Roman month was divided into the kalends, the ides, and the nones; in March the ides fell on
the 15th.

julius caesar 13

Who is that

A soothsayer* who

man?

tells you to beware

the ides of March!

Bring him here! Let

What do you say

me see his face.

now?

Beware the
ides of March!

The man is a
dreamer. Let us
go on our way.

* someone who predicts the future from signs and omens

14

My dear friend, have I

No, no!

done something to anger

It is not

you? You dont seem very

you.

friendly lately.

As Caesar and
his followers
went off to the
race, Cassius
and Brutus, two
noble Romans,
stayed behind.

I have some prob-

You will do

lems I must deal

the right

with; that is all.

thing, Im

Just then a great shout went up from

the crowd watching the games.

sure.
Whats HAPPENING?

Im afraid the people are

choosing Caesar to be their
King!

julius caesar 15

If you fear it...

Caesar has grown

Are you asking me to

then you dont

too great! He is a

help you stop Caesar

want it to happen!

human being, and

from becoming King?

not a god!

Caesar is my friend. but

Rome must be a republic,*
not Caesars Kingdom.

aND IF I AM?

I will think of

The games are over. Pull Casca

what youve said,

aside when he passes by. He will

and answer you

tell us what happened.

later.

* a government ruled by the people

16

Meanwhile, Caesar and his

I dont like

Dont fear him, Caesar.

followers arrived at the

the looks

Hes not dangerous.

place where Brutus and

of that

Cassius were talking.

Cassius.

As Caesar left, Casca came by in the crowd.

You pulled at my

Yes, tell us what

I dont fear him, for

cloak. You want to

happened. why

I am Caesar! But

speak to me?

all the cheering?

what do you think

of him?

julius caesar 17

Why, Caesar
was offered
You were there,
werent you?

If so, I wouldnt

What?

a crown!

ask you what had

happened!

He refused it...

What about

pushed it away,

the second

like this...

shout?

and the crowd

cheered!

Three times, Antony

tried to place a crown
on Caesars head... and
each time Caesar looked
more sad. But the crowd
And the

cheered when he turned

third?

it down!

18

The people love him as a

By the way, Casca,

dictator,* but They are

will you dine with me

not yet ready to ac-

tomorrow?

cept him as a king.

If I still live. . . And your dinner is

worth eating! For now, farewell.

If you wish
to talk to
me privately,
come tomorrow. Ill
wait at home

so Brutus left, and Cassius

Good! Ill

stood alone.

be there.
Tonight. . . I will see that letters
are tossed through Brutus
window.

for you.

Theyll seem to be from leading

citizens** hinting that Caesar
will make himself king. Ill have
Brutus on my side yet!

* a leader given full power in times of trouble

** members of a city or country who have the right to vote

julius caesar 19

That night a terrible storm

raged, but casca was out
in it.

Never till tonight have I

seen a storm dropping
such fire on us!

A lion. . . but he is
too frightened to
attack me!

It is a sign from
the gods! They
are angry with
the men of Rome!

20

A Roman!

Whos there?

casca! I recognized*

I like it! Ive been

your voice.

walking and enjoying it.

But men should fear

and tremble when
cassius! What

the gods warn us of

a night this is!

their anger!

Honest men should not fear.

The gods grow angry only
with tyrants!**

You mean Caesar,

dont you?

* knew by seeing or hearing

** rulers who refuse to follow the law and often treat their people harshly

julius caesar 21

I hear the

The Roman peo-

senators*

ple are weaker

plan to make

than I thought if

Caesar king

they need a king

tomorrow!

to rule them.

But perhaps you

serve Caesar
gladly! If so,
I am ready to
defend myself!

No, no! I feel as you do!

I do! In fact, Im

I am with

And I will join you if you

on my way to

you!

have a plan against him.

meet some other

noble Romans to
discuss** it. Will
you come?

* men who are elected to help rule a city or a country

** talk over

22

But wait! Here

It is Cinna. He

If you could

comes someone!

is one of us!

only win Brutus

to our side! All

I came to find you!

We are waiting at
the meeting place!

the people love

him and believe
in him.

He thinks as
we do, Cinna.
I am sure HE
will join us
soon.

These letters will help

persuade* him. Toss one in
at his window, the others
where only he can find them.

All right. I will meet you

later.

Come Casca. Before it is

day, we shall see Brutus
at his house. By then he
will be one of us!

*urge or encourage someone to believe or to do something

julius caesar 23

At that very hour,

Lucius,

Brutus was walk-

wake up!

ing in his garden.

come here!

You called,
sir?

He could not
sleep.

Take a candle into my

I will,

study, Lucius. When it is

sir.

lighted, come and call me.

Caesar can be
Alone again,
Brutus tried
to sort out
his thoughts.

The candle is lighted. And

in your study, near the
window, I found this.

stopped only
by death. But
is it right to
kill him?

24

Go back to

I dont know,

bed, lucius.

sir. Ill look at

But wait!

the calendar.

Isnt tomorrow the ides

Meanwhile, Brutus
read the unsigned
letter.

of March?

Brutus, wake up!

Shall Rome be
ruled by one man ?

What, Rome ? My ancestors* drove Tarquin**

from the streets when
he was called a king!

Oh, Rome, I make you

a promise! I, Brutus, will speak...
and strike... if it be
needed!

* members of ones family who lived long ago

** Tarquinius Superbus, the last king of Rome, who was driven from the city by his people

julius caesar 25

Just then, the servant Lucius

Sir, it is

Let them come

returned.

your friend

in.

Cassius...and

You are

Good. Now go

right, sir.

to the gate.

It is the

Someones

fifteenth

knocking.

some other men I

could not see.

of March.

No. Ive been awake

Good day!

all night. Do I know

do we wake

these men?

you?

26

Yes, every one. This is tre-

They are all

bonius. These are Casca,

welcome.

Cinna, and Metellus Cimber.

All of them honor you!

Brutus and Cassius whispered

What troubles

May I speak

together for a few moments.

Keep you

to you pri-

Then. . .

awake tonight,

vately?

Cassius?

Shake hands with me,

He is with us!

friends, one by one.

julius caesar 27

Yes, we will swear to

No, not an

Our honest word, honestly

carry out our plan!

oath!*

given, is enough for any

true Roman.

Shall no man

A good point. I think Mark

be touched but

Antony should die too!

No, no!

Caesar?

We are not butchers! We

dont kill in anger. We act
for the good of all.

Besides, Mark Antony can

do no more to hurt us than
Caesars arm could, if his
head were cut off!

* a very solemn or serious promise

28

Listen! The clock

strikes three.

But suppose Caesar does not go

to the capitOl today? The omens*
are bad, and he has become very
It is time we left.

superstitious.**

Dont worry, I know what

to do. Ill get him to the

Then we will meet by

eight oclock.

capitOl.

Agreed! Well all be

there. Goodbye, Brutus.

* mysterious signs that are supposed to warn of future events

** believing in all sorts of supernatural signs

julius caesar 29

All Night you have walked and

Soon after the men had left, Bru-

sighed. Earlier, when I asked what

tus was joined by his wife Portia.

troubled you, you were cross with

me.

Portia! You

Nor should

should not

you. Wont

be up and out

you tell me

in the cold

what trou-

morning air.

bles you?

It is only that I am not feeling

well!

Dont kneeL,

I wouldnt

Am I only someone to fix your

Dear Portia!

have to, if you

meals and share your bed... or

would keep

am I truly your wife, a part of

your marriage

you, to share your secrets?

vows.

Youre my true wife, AS DEAR

TO ME AS MY HEARTS BLOOD!

30

I am loyal, Bru-

But wait. . . someones at the gate!

tus, and I can keep

Go inside quickly, and well speak

your secrets!

later.

My dear love, I will

tell you everything!

Across the city, at Caesars house, it had

And three times in

been a stormy, wakeful night as well.

her sleep, Calpurnia cried out:

help! They mur-

Neither heaven nor

earth has been peaceful
tonight.

dered Caesar!

julius caesar 31

Troubled, Caesar called a servant to his side.

As the servant hurried away,

Caesars wife Calpurnia came

Go and tell the priests to make

sacrifices*, and let me know
what they say.

into the room.

Caesar! You must not
go out of the house
today!

At once, sir.

Ive never believed in signs and

Ghost-sol-

These signs

omens. . . but awful things have

diers fought

are for ev-

been seen during the night.

in the clouds,

eryone, not

dead men

just for

left their

me. I am not

graves, spirits

afraid. Death

screamed in

will come

the streets. Im

when it will

afraid!

come!

* offerings to the gods

32

Just then Cae-

The signs show that

I will not listen!

sars servant

you should not go out

I am Caesar. . .

returned with

today.

and stronger

news from the

than danger. I

priests.

will go!

Please, Caesar. . .
no!

Tell the senators it is my fear

All right, Calpurnia. Mark Antony

that keeps you here! Send Mark

will tell them I am not well. At

Antony to the Capitol. He will

your wish, I will stay at home.

say you are not well today.

julius caesar 33

Good day,

You are just in

Say he

Just then Decius

Caesar! Ive

time to take a

is sick.

arrived. . . the

come to take

message to the

plotter* who had

you to the

senators. I will

said he would

capitol.

not come today.

see to it that
Caesar came to
the capitol.

No, no. I have no

Simply tell them I will not come.

need to lie.

That is enough.

But because you are my friend, I

I had such terrible

will tell you the real reason. It

dreams last night!

is Calpurnia, my wife, who keeps

me at home.

* someone who plans evil

34

I saw Caesars statue, like a

She has begged me on her knees

fountain, spouting blood. And

to stay at home today.

many Romans came smiling, and

washed their hands in it!

Her dream is right,

Caesar, but you have
not understood it
correctly!

Your statue spouting blood

You see, the senators plan to give

means that Rome will receive

you a crown today! If you do not

strength and greatness from you.

come, they may change their minds.

That is what the dream means!

julius caesar 35

Some will laugh, and say, Wait until

Theyll whis-

You make

another time when Caesars wife has

per, The mighty

Calpurnias fear

better dreams!

Caesar is

seem foolish.

afraid.

I am ashamed that I agreed

Then, as Caesar got

with her. I will go! Bring me my

ready, others arrived.

robe.

Here is Publius, coming

to walk with me. And
Brutus!

36

Good day,
Caesar!

Welcome, Publius! And you,

Brutus, youre out early.
Casca, Caius LiGarIUS...
come in!

And heres Antonyup early even

Dear friends, thank you for com-

after a night of merry-making!

ing! Have some wine, and well all

go to the Capitol together.

julius caesar 37

As the plotters waited to go

Ill write a note and try to give

with Caesar to the Senate,* other

it to Caesar as he passes. If he

people were trying to find ways

reads it, he may yet live!

to warn him.
One of these was
Artemidorus.
Brutus, Cassius, Casca...
I know they
mean to harm
Caesar, but
theyll never
let me near
enough to
warn him.

Another was the old soothsayer

who had warned Caesar about the
ides of March.

I must find a place he will pass

on his way. I will speak to him
once more!

I see great harm coming to

Caesar. I must warn him again
to take care!

* the building in which the senators met for government business; the Capitol

38

MEANWHILE, CAESAR SET OUT, NOT KNOWING HE WAS SURROUNDED BY

PLOTTERS. AS THEY NEARED THE CAPITOL, THE SOOTHSAYER STEPPED OUT
OF THE CROWD. CAESAR SPOKE TO him.
You see, the ides of

Yes, but not yet gone!

March have come.

OH, great Caesar,

beware!

Then Artemidorus rushed up to

Caesar.
Hail, Caesar! Please read this
petition,* I beg you!

This is not the

time for such
things.

* a paper asking for a favor

But this
concerns
you, and

now!

All the more

reason to wait.
I must put the
peoples business
before my own.

julius caesar 39

So, Caesar moved on to the Capitol, never thinking of danger. But

some of the plotters were nervous.*
Look ! Is Popilius
warning Caesar of
our plot?

Dont worry!
Caesar is still
smiling.

IF our plan is

Everythings working as we

discovered, Ill

planned it! See, Trebonius

kill myself!

is drawing Mark Antony

away from Caesar.

* upset, jumpy

40

Finally Caesar called

the senate to order.
the plotters gathered
around him. suddenly...

Hands,
speak for
me!

Are you with them, too,

Brutus? Then die, Caesar!

julius caesar 41

As Caesar fell, the crowd panicked,*

but the plotters cheered.
Liberty! Freedom!
Tyranny** is dead!

Tell the people we

We mean no

have made them free

harm to any

again!

Roman! No
one should
be frightened!

Where is Mark

He fled to

Caesars death was a sacrifice,

Antony?

his home.

not a murder. We must bathe

everywhere

our hands and our swords in

men, women,

his blood and go through the

and children

streets crying, Peace, freedom,

are crying

and liberty!

and running
away.

* became frightened and tried to run away all at once

** harsh rule

42

Just then Mark Antonys servant

I honor Brutus, my master said,

drew near.

as I honored Caesar.

My master sent me to kneel at

your feet, Brutus, with a message.
Then
speak.

If you will make clear to Antony

Antony is a wise and brave Roman!

why Caesar deserved to die, then

He may safely come here, and I

he will honor Brutus living more

will answer all his questions.

than Caesar dead. And he will

follow you faithfully.

Ill tell him at once.

julius caesar 43

Almost at once, Antony

Welcome, Mark

I dont know what

arrived.

Antony!

you plan to do.

But if I must die,
no place would be
better than here
by Mighty Caesar.

We may seem cruel and bloody to

We wish you well. And when we

you now, but our hearts are not.

have calmed the fears of the

Pity for the Roman people made

people, I will explain why I, who

us do what we did.

honored Caesar also, struck him

down.

Very well. Then I would like to take his body

to the marketplace and speak at his funeral.*

You shall, Mark

Antony.

Brutus, a
word with you!

* a religious service for someone who has died

44

It will do us more good than

Dont let him speak Brutus!

harm to show the people that we

Hell stir up the people!

want to have A proper funeral

for Caesar.
well, I still
dont like it.

Dont worry, Cassius.

I will speak first and
explain everything we
have done.

So it was arranged. The plotters

I swear that before this is over,

went away and Mark Antony was

I will avenge* you! Blood, suffer-

left alone with Caesars body.

ing, and war will tear Italy apart!

Oh, Caesar,
forgive me for
being meek and
gentle with
these butchers.
They have killed
the noblest man
who ever lived!

* get even for something, seek revenge

julius caesar 45

Caesar wrote

Only a few

to your master,

miles away.

As Antony grieved*

telling him to

Butis this

for Caesar, a

return to Rome!

Caesar?

servant came to

Is he near?

him from Octavius,

Caesars nephew
and adopted son.

It is. But before we weep, we must

Now come,

make plans. Return to Octavius

give me a

and tell him what has happened.

hand with
Caesars
body.

We must carry him to the

marketplace. I will see
from my speech how the
people will answer this
murder!

*mourned, felt sorrow at someones death

46

Meanwhile at the Forum,*

Brutus was explaining to

The people cheered at Brutus

words.

the people why Caesar

had been killed.

Long live Brutus! caesar

was a tyrant! Rule us in

I loved Caesar, but

Caesars place!

I loved Rome more.

Caesar loved power
too much, and that is
why we killed him.

If you want to live as

slaves, you should
hate us, yes. But if
you want to be free
Romans, you must
praise us.

Good Romans, do honor to Caesars

Just then Mark

body, and listen to Antonys funeral

Antony arrived

speech. I alone will leave.

with Caesars
body.

* a central meeting place in the city of Rome

julius caesar 47

Saying this, Brutus departed, and Antony began to speak.

the noble brutus

But three times

has told you cae-

you saw me offer

sar was too ambi-

Caesar a crown,

tious*... and brutus

and three times

is an honorable man.

he refused it. Is
this ambition?

He loved you very

much, and you loved

him once, too, with

good reason.

But waitIve said too much. I must not wrong

As Antony recalled**

the honorable men who have killed Caesar.

Caesars great
deeds, the feelings
of the crowd began
to change.

They were
murderers! O
noble Caesar!

* wanting or trying to get power

** reminded someone of

48

Be calm, my friends! Listen to

Well hear it! Well hear

Caesars will!

the will!

To every roman man, he leaves

To you and your children he

seventy-five drachmas.*

leaves his lands, walks, and

gardens on the river tiber. when
shall come another man like this?

Never! Never!

Most noble Caesar! Well

burn his body in the holy
place! Well aVEnge his
death!

* about $150

julius caesar 49

Well find the traitors!* Well

burn their houses! well kill
Now let it work.

them!

Mischief** take
your course.

As the mob moved away, Octavius

They say

They must

servant walked up to Antony.

Brutus and

have had

Cassius have

some

Octavius is

I will go

ridden like

warning

in Rome. . . at

straight to

madmen out

of how

Caesars house.

visit him.

of Rome!

the people

* people who have done evil to their own country

** evil works, violence

feel.

50

Once Caesar was

Mark Antony and Octavius made their

dead, Brutus and

plans in Rome.

Cassius had hoped

to take control of
Rome peacefully.
But Antonys speech
changeD everything.
They would have to

Brutus and Cas-

And we must try

sius are raising

to learn their

armies. We must

plans. There are

get our own

enemies on all

forces together.

sides.

fight a battle to
decide which side
would rule.

Outside Rome, Brutus and Cassius commanded a large army. They met
one day at Brutus camp.

I have word that Antony and

I hear

Octavius are leading a strong

the same.

force to Philippi.

We must march

No, no! Its

Not so, for they can add new

there to fight them.

better for

soldiers to their army as they

them to

travel. They will be stronger if

march to us,

they come here.

tiring their
soldiers!

Then we will do
it your way. But
I dont like it.

julius caesar 51

Come! It is night

Yes. Lets

and time for us

not argue

When Cassius had left, Brutus

to rest.

ever again.

made ready for the night.

If you are not

it is my

too sleepy Lucius,

duty,

play me a tune.

sir.

This candle burns badly... or is

Lucius played, and nodded, and fell asleep.

it my eyes? Who comes here?

52

What are you? an Angel? A devil?

I am your evil spirit,

You make my blood freeze and my

Brutus. You will see

hair stand on end.

me again... at Philippi!

LUCiUS! did you cry

At that, the ghost

No,

out in your sleep?

disappeared, and

Sir!

did you see any-

Brutus woke Lucius

thing?

Nothing, sir!

and the guards.

Nothing!
after this, Brutus spent an uneasy night. The next day, on the plains of
Philippi, the two armies met to do battle.
Our hopes are answered! Theyve
come down from the hills to fight
on the plains.

julius caesar 53

They are coming,

and their flag is
out!

Good. Octavius, Lead your men against

the left part of the field. Ill take the
right.
Words before blows,*
countrymen.**
But before the battle
began, the leaders
met to talk.

You love your words

more than we do, Brutus.

But good

With your bad blows you give

words are

good words Brutus... like the

better than

hole you made in Caesars heart

bad blows.

while crying, Long live Caesar!

* hits, strikes (in a battle)

** fellow citizens

54

I draw my sword against all plotters! It will not be put away again
until Caesars wounds are avenged. . . or until I fall in battle!

Come, Antony, we challenge*

you! If you dare to fight, meet
us on the battlefield!

With this, Antony and Octavius

Today is my birthday, Messala, and

moved away. Brutus spoke

the signs are bad. I do not like to

with his lieutenant**, Lucilius;

stake everything on one battle!

Cassius with his aide, Messala.

* dare
** the man next in charge

julius caesar 55

Cassius spoke of these fears to

No, Cassius! Brutus

Brutus.

will never go to
Rome in chains!

If we lose this battle, what

then, Brutus? Are you willing
to be led through the streets
of Rome a captive?*

But this day must end what the

ides of March began. Whether we
shall ever meet again, we dont
know!

Forever and
forever farewell, Cassius!
If we do meet
again, why, we
shall smile!

* prisoner, loser of a battle

Forever and
forever farewell,
Brutus! If we do
not, it is right
that we say our
goodbyes now!

56

The battle went on all day.

I see a weakness in Octavius

wing*. A sudden attack will

Ride, Messala! Give these

beat them.

orders to the troops

across the field.

But on another part of

the battlefield, things
were not going well for

My own men were running away, Titinius. I

had to kill the flag bearer and take the
flag from him!

Cassius.
Brutus gave the command to attack
Octavius too early. We are
surrounded** by Antonys men!

* a group of men in battle, part of an army

** hemmed in on all sides

julius caesar 57

Just then, Pindarus, one of

Titinius... quick! Ride out and

cassius men, rushed up.

learn whether those nearby

troops are friends or enemies.

Retreat,* sir!
Get away! Anto-

Those are my
tents burning?

Ill be right
back!

ny has captured
your tents!

They are, sir.

Look out over the field, Pindarus!

Tell me what is happening!

Titinius is riding toward some

horsemen**...they surround
him... they shout with joy!
Theyve captured him!

* go back
** in this case, soldiers on horseback

58

Titinius, my dear friend... I sent

him to be captured!

Come down, Pindarus. When I

spared your life* in battle, you
swore to do whatever I told
you. Now do what I say, and you
will be free.

Take this sword, the same one

Sadly, Pindarus did as he was

that killed Caesar. When my face

ordered.

is covered, thrust** it deep into

my chest.
I will do it, but
I would rather
not be free in
such a way!

* did not kill someone, kept someone from being killed

** push, strike

Caesar, you are avenged!

julius caesar 59

Just then Titinius returned

with Messala. He had not
been captured after all!

So far, the battle is a draw.* Cassius troops were beaten by Antony,

but Brutus won out over Octavius.
That will comfort,
Cassius. I left him
here somewhere.

Isnt that Cassius on the ground?

Oh no, Messala; that was

Cassius! He is no more.

Ill take this sad

Cassius must

news to Brutus.

have thought
we could not
win!

Oh, Cassius! You sent me out... I

met our friends. Didnt you hear
their shouts? No, you misunderstood everything. . . you thought
they were enemies who captured
me!

* even on both sides

** did not understand, made a mistake

60

Brutus gave me this vic-

Forgive me, gods! This

tory wreath to bring to

is how a noble Roman

you, and you shall have

must act, Cassius sword

it now. But as for me, it

shall find Titinius heart!

is time for me to die.

Not long afterward,

Where does Cassius

There. . . with

Messala returned

body lie?

Titinius grieving
beside it.

with Brutus.

He is not grieving.

Julius Caesar, you are still mighty! Your

Titinius is dead!

spirit walks, and turns our swords against

ourselves.

julius caesar

61

Friends, I owe more tears to this

For now, take the bodies away.

dead man than you shall see me

There is still a battle to be fought.

pay.

Meanwhile,
on another

I give up.

Give up, or you

will die!

part of the
field, Antonys
soldiers were
winning.

Where is
Brutus?

Safe, Antony! No enemy

will ever take the noble
Brutus alive!
A noble prisoner! go

Here he

and tell Antony.

Comes!

62

At that very

Come, my friends. Rest

moment, not

on this rock.

far away,
Brutus was
beginning to
see that he
could not
win.

Last night Caesars ghost

Clitus? Dardanius?

appeared* to me. I know my

I, sir? Not
for all the

time has come. Who will help

world!

me to die?

Id rather
kill myself!

Just then
the trumpets
sounded. Enemy

You go, and I will

Run, sir! Quickly!

follow. Good Strato,

stay by me.

troops drew
near.

*as used here, came back from the dead as a spirit and revealed who he was

julius caesar

Hold my sword, and turn your

Fare you well,

face away while I run upon it. Will

dear sir!

63

you, Strato?

Farewell, good
Give me your

Strato. Caesar,

hand, first.

you are avenged!

When Antony

How did my master

I held the sword, and

and Octavius

die, Strato?

he ran upon it.

arrived soon
afterward,
only Strato
remained.

Brutus was the noblest*

Roman of them all!

All the others acted be-

His body shall

The battle

cause they envied** Caesar.

lie in honor

was over, and

Brutus alone did what he

in my tent. We

Antonys side

believed was right!

will give him

had won. But

all the re-

even so, he

spect a noble

was sad at

Roman soldier

Brutus death.

deserves!

THE
END
* best, most honest, most sincere
** were jealous of

Julius
Caesar

Saddlebacks
Illustrated Classics

SHAKESPEARE

Julius Caesar

A triumphant Caesar enters Rome after

defeating the sons of his old enemy, Pompey.
Jealousy and fear over Caesars reforms reveal a
brewing conspiracy to assassinate him. As the
plot thickens, Caesars wife is plagued by terrible
nightmares and begs him not to go to the
Capitol. But Caesar shrugs o her fears and is
accompanied to the Senate by the conspirators
thus sealing his fate. Caesars loyal friends rally to
avenge his death and preserve his legacy.

Julius
Caesar

Three Watson
Irvine, CA 92618-2767
Website: www.sdlback.com
SHAKESPEARE

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