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Julius Caesar

Julius Caesar

William Shakespeare (1599)

  • Julius Caesar
  • Calphurnia his wife
  • Servant to them
  • Marcus Brutus
  • Portia his wife
  • Lucius their servant

    • patricians who, with Brutus,conspire against Caesar

  • Caius Cassius
  • Casca
  • Cinna
  • Decius Brutus
  • Caius Ligarius
  • Metellus Cimber
  • Trebonius

    • senators

  • Cicero
  • Publius
  • Popilius Lena

    • tribunes

  • Flavius
  • Marullus

    • rulers of Rome in Acts 4 and 5

  • Mark Antony
  • Lepidus
  • Octavius
  • Servant to Antony
  • Servant to Octavius

    • officers and soldiers in thearmies of Brutus and Cassius

  • Lucilius
  • Titinius
  • Messala
  • Varro
  • Claudius
  • Young Cato
  • Strato
  • Volumnius
  • Labeo (nonspeaking)
  • Flavius (nonspeaking)
  • Dardanus
  • Clitus
  • A Carpenter
  • A Cobbler
  • A Soothsayer
  • Artemidorus
  • First, Second, Third, and Fourth Plebeians
  • Cinna the poet
  • Pindarus slave to Cassius, freed upon Cassius’s death
  • First, Second, Third, and Fourth Soldiers in Brutus’s army
  • Another Poet
  • A Messenger
  • First and Second Soldiers in Antony’s army
  • Citizens, Senators, Petitioners, Plebeians, Soldiers

ACT 1

Scene 1

Enter Flavius , Marullus , and certain Commoners , including a Carpenter and a Cobbler , over the stage .
FLAVIUS
Hence ! Home , you idle creatures , get you home !
Is this a holiday ? What , know you not ,
Being mechanical , you ought not walk
Upon a laboring day without the sign
Of your profession ? — Speak , what trade art thou ?
CARPENTER

Why , sir , a carpenter .

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

Truly , sir , in respect of a fine workman , I am but , as you would say , a cobbler .

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

A trade , sir , that I hope I may use with a safe conscience , which is indeed , sir , a mender of bad soles .

FLAVIUS
What trade , thou knave ? Thou naughty knave , what trade ?
COBBLER

Nay , I beseech you , sir , be not out with me . Yet if you be out , sir , I can mend you .

MARULLUS
What mean’st thou by that ? Mend me , thou saucy fellow ?
COBBLER

Why , sir , cobble you .

FLAVIUS

Thou art a cobbler , art thou ?

COBBLER

Truly , sir , all that I live by is with the awl . I meddle with no tradesman’s matters nor women’s matters , but withal I am indeed , sir , a surgeon to old shoes : when they are in great danger , I recover them . As proper men as ever trod upon neat’s leather have gone upon my handiwork .

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

Truly , sir , to wear out their shoes , to get myself into more work . But indeed , sir , we make holiday to see Caesar and to rejoice in his triumph .

MARULLUS
Wherefore rejoice ? What conquest brings he home ?
What tributaries follow him to Rome
To grace in captive bonds his chariot wheels ?
You blocks , you stones , you worse than senseless things !
O you hard hearts , you cruel men of Rome ,
Knew you not Pompey ? Many a time and oft
Have you climbed up to walls and battlements ,
To towers and windows , yea , to chimney tops ,
Your infants in your arms , and there have sat
The livelong day , with patient expectation ,
To see great Pompey pass the streets of Rome .
And when you saw his chariot but appear ,
Have you not made an universal shout ,
That Tiber trembled underneath her banks
To hear the replication of your sounds
Made in her concave shores ?
And do you now put on your best attire ?
And do you now cull out a holiday ?
And do you now strew flowers in his way
That comes in triumph over Pompey’s blood ?
Be gone !
Run to your houses , fall upon your knees ,
Pray to the gods to intermit the plague
That needs must light on this ingratitude .
FLAVIUS
Go , go , good countrymen , and for this fault
Assemble all the poor men of your sort ,
Draw them to Tiber banks , and weep your tears
Into the channel , till the lowest stream
Do kiss the most exalted shores of all .
All the Commoners exit .
See whe’er their basest mettle be not moved .
They vanish tongue-tied in their guiltiness .
Go you down that way towards the Capitol .
This way will I . Disrobe the images
If you do find them decked with ceremonies .
MARULLUS
May we do so ?
You know it is the feast of Lupercal .
FLAVIUS
It is no matter . Let no images
Be hung with Caesar’s trophies . I’ll about
And drive away the vulgar from the streets ;
So do you too , where you perceive them thick .
These growing feathers plucked from Caesar’s wing
Will make him fly an ordinary pitch ,
Who else would soar above the view of men
And keep us all in servile fearfulness .
They exit in different directions .

Scene 2

Enter Caesar , Antony for the course , Calphurnia , Portia , Decius , Cicero , Brutus , Cassius , Casca , a Soothsayer ; after them Marullus and Flavius and Commoners .
CAESAR
Calphurnia .
CASCA
Peace , ho ! Caesar speaks .
CAESAR
Calphurnia .
CALPHURNIA

Here , my lord .

CAESAR
Stand you directly in Antonius’ way
When he doth run his course . — Antonius .
ANTONY

Caesar , my lord .

CAESAR
Forget not in your speed , Antonius ,
To touch Calphurnia , for our elders say
The barren , touchèd in this holy chase ,
Shake off their sterile curse .
ANTONY
I shall remember .
When Caesar says “ Do this , ” it is performed .
CAESAR
Set on and leave no ceremony out .
Sennet .
SOOTHSAYER

Caesar .

CAESAR

Ha ! Who calls ?

CASCA
Bid every noise be still . Peace , yet again !
CAESAR
Who is it in the press that calls on me ?
I hear a tongue shriller than all the music
Cry “ Caesar . ” Speak . Caesar is turned to hear .
SOOTHSAYER
Beware the ides of March .
CAESAR
What man is that ?
BRUTUS
A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March .
CAESAR
Set him before me . Let me see his face .
CASSIUS
Fellow , come from the throng .
The Soothsayer comes forward .
Look upon Caesar .
CAESAR
What sayst thou to me now ? Speak once again .
SOOTHSAYER
Beware the ides of March .
CAESAR
He is a dreamer . Let us leave him . Pass .
Sennet .
All but Brutus and Cassius exit .
CASSIUS
Will you go see the order of the course ?
BRUTUS
Not I .
CASSIUS
I pray you , do .
BRUTUS
I am not gamesome . I do lack some part
Of that quick spirit that is in Antony .
Let me not hinder , Cassius , your desires .
I’ll leave you .
CASSIUS
Brutus , I do observe you now of late .
I have not from your eyes that gentleness
And show of love as I was wont to have .
You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand
Over your friend that loves you .
BRUTUS
Cassius ,
Be not deceived . If I have veiled my look ,
I turn the trouble of my countenance
Merely upon myself . Vexèd I am
Of late with passions of some difference ,
Conceptions only proper to myself ,
Which give some soil , perhaps , to my behaviors .
But let not therefore my good friends be grieved
( Among which number , Cassius , be you one )
Nor construe any further my neglect
Than that poor Brutus , with himself at war ,
Forgets the shows of love to other men .
CASSIUS
Then , Brutus , I have much mistook your passion ,
By means whereof this breast of mine hath buried
Thoughts of great value , worthy cogitations .
Tell me , good Brutus , can you see your face ?
BRUTUS
No , Cassius , for the eye sees not itself
But by reflection , by some other things .
CASSIUS
’Tis just .
And it is very much lamented , Brutus ,
That you have no such mirrors as will turn
Your hidden worthiness into your eye ,
That you might see your shadow . I have heard
Where many of the best respect in Rome ,
Except immortal Caesar , speaking of Brutus
And groaning underneath this age’s yoke ,
Have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes .
BRUTUS
Into what dangers would you lead me , Cassius ,
That you would have me seek into myself
For that which is not in me ?
CASSIUS
Therefore , good Brutus , be prepared to hear .
And since you know you cannot see yourself
So well as by reflection , I , your glass ,
Will modestly discover to yourself
That of yourself which you yet know not of .
And be not jealous on me , gentle Brutus .
Were I a common laughter , or did use
To stale with ordinary oaths my love
To every new protester ; if you know
That I do fawn on men and hug them hard
And after scandal them , or if you know
That I profess myself in banqueting
To all the rout , then hold me dangerous .
Flourish
and shout .
BRUTUS
What means this shouting ? I do fear the people
Choose Caesar for their king .
CASSIUS
Ay , do you fear it ?
Then must I think you would not have it so .
BRUTUS
I would not , Cassius , yet I love him well .
But wherefore do you hold me here so long ?
What is it that you would impart to me ?
If it be aught toward the general good ,
Set honor in one eye and death i’ th’ other
And I will look on both indifferently ;
For let the gods so speed me as I love
The name of honor more than I fear death .
CASSIUS
I know that virtue to be in you , Brutus ,
As well as I do know your outward favor .
Well , honor is the subject of my story .
I cannot tell what you and other men
Think of this life ; but , for my single self ,
I had as lief not be as live to be
In awe of such a thing as I myself .
I was born free as Caesar ; so were you ;
We both have fed as well , and we can both
Endure the winter’s cold as well as he .
For once , upon a raw and gusty day ,
The troubled Tiber chafing with her shores ,
Caesar said to me “ Dar’st thou , Cassius , now
Leap in with me into this angry flood
And swim to yonder point ? ” Upon the word ,
Accoutered as I was , I plungèd in
And bade him follow ; so indeed he did .
The torrent roared , and we did buffet it
With lusty sinews , throwing it aside
And stemming it with hearts of controversy .
But ere we could arrive the point proposed ,
Caesar cried “ Help me , Cassius , or I sink ! ”
I , as Aeneas , our great ancestor ,
Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder
The old Anchises bear , so from the waves of Tiber
Did I the tired Caesar . And this man
Is now become a god , and Cassius is
A wretched creature and must bend his body
If Caesar carelessly but nod on him .
He had a fever when he was in Spain ,
And when the fit was on him , I did mark
How he did shake . ’Tis true , this god did shake .
His coward lips did from their color fly ,
And that same eye whose bend doth awe the world
Did lose his luster . I did hear him groan .
Ay , and that tongue of his that bade the Romans
Mark him and write his speeches in their books ,
“ Alas , ” it cried “ Give me some drink , Titinius ”
As a sick girl . You gods , it doth amaze me
A man of such a feeble temper should
So get the start of the majestic world
And bear the palm alone .
Shout .
Flourish .
BRUTUS
Another general shout !
I do believe that these applauses are
For some new honors that are heaped on Caesar .
CASSIUS
Why , man , he doth bestride the narrow world
Like a Colossus , and we petty men
Walk under his huge legs and peep about
To find ourselves dishonorable graves .
Men at some time are masters of their fates .
The fault , dear Brutus , is not in our stars ,
But in ourselves , that we are underlings .
“ Brutus ” and “ Caesar ” — what should be in that “ Caesar ” ?
Why should that name be sounded more than yours ?
Write them together , yours is as fair a name ;
Sound them , it doth become the mouth as well ;
Weigh them , it is as heavy ; conjure with ’em ,
“ Brutus ” will start a spirit as soon as “ Caesar . ”
Now , in the names of all the gods at once ,
Upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed
That he is grown so great ? Age , thou art shamed !
Rome , thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods !
When went there by an age , since the great flood ,
But it was famed with more than with one man ?
When could they say , till now , that talked of Rome ,
That her wide walks encompassed but one man ?
Now is it Rome indeed , and room enough
When there is in it but one only man .
O , you and I have heard our fathers say
There was a Brutus once that would have brooked
Th’ eternal devil to keep his state in Rome
As easily as a king .
BRUTUS
That you do love me , I am nothing jealous .
What you would work me to , I have some aim .
How I have thought of this , and of these times ,
I shall recount hereafter . For this present ,
I would not , so with love I might entreat you ,
Be any further moved . What you have said
I will consider ; what you have to say
I will with patience hear , and find a time
Both meet to hear and answer such high things .
Till then , my noble friend , chew upon this :
Brutus had rather be a villager
Than to repute himself a son of Rome
Under these hard conditions as this time
Is like to lay upon us .
CASSIUS
I am glad that my weak words
Have struck but thus much show of fire from Brutus .
Enter Caesar and his train .
BRUTUS
The games are done , and Caesar is returning .
CASSIUS
As they pass by , pluck Casca by the sleeve ,
And he will , after his sour fashion , tell you
What hath proceeded worthy note today .
BRUTUS
I will do so . But look you , Cassius ,
The angry spot doth glow on Caesar’s brow ,
And all the rest look like a chidden train .
Calphurnia’s cheek is pale , and Cicero
Looks with such ferret and such fiery eyes
As we have seen him in the Capitol ,
Being crossed in conference by some senators .
CASSIUS
Casca will tell us what the matter is .
CAESAR
Antonius .
ANTONY
Caesar .
CAESAR
Let me have men about me that are fat ,
Sleek-headed men , and such as sleep a-nights .
Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look .
He thinks too much . Such men are dangerous .
ANTONY
Fear him not , Caesar ; he’s not dangerous .
He is a noble Roman , and well given .
CAESAR
Would he were fatter ! But I fear him not .
Yet if my name were liable to fear ,
I do not know the man I should avoid
So soon as that spare Cassius . He reads much ,
He is a great observer , and he looks
Quite through the deeds of men . He loves no plays ,
As thou dost , Antony ; he hears no music ;
Seldom he smiles , and smiles in such a sort
As if he mocked himself and scorned his spirit
That could be moved to smile at anything .
Such men as he be never at heart’s ease
Whiles they behold a greater than themselves ,
And therefore are they very dangerous .
I rather tell thee what is to be feared
Than what I fear ; for always I am Caesar .
Come on my right hand , for this ear is deaf ,
And tell me truly what thou think’st of him .
Sennet .
Caesar and his train exit but Casca remains behind .
CASCA

You pulled me by the cloak . Would you speak with me ?

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

Why , you were with him , were you not ?

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

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

BRUTUS

What was the second noise for ?

CASCA

Why , for that too .

CASSIUS
They shouted thrice . What was the last cry for ?
CASCA

Why , for that too .

BRUTUS

Was the crown offered him thrice ?

CASCA

Ay , marry , was ’t , and he put it by thrice , every time gentler than other ; and at every putting-by , mine honest neighbors shouted .

CASSIUS

Who offered him the crown ?

CASCA

Why , Antony .

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

I can as well be hanged as tell the manner of it . It was mere foolery ; I did not mark it . I saw Mark Antony offer him a crown ( yet ’twas not a crown neither ; ’twas one of these coronets ) , and , as I told you , he put it by once ; but for all that , to my thinking , he would fain have had it . Then he offered it to him again ; then he put it by again ; but to my thinking , he was very loath to lay his fingers off it . And then he offered it the third time . He put it the third time by , and still as he refused it the rabblement hooted and clapped their chopped hands and threw up their sweaty nightcaps and uttered such a deal of stinking breath because Caesar refused the crown that it had almost choked Caesar , for he swooned and fell down at it . And for mine own part , I durst not laugh for fear of opening my lips and receiving the bad air .

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

He fell down in the marketplace and foamed at mouth and was speechless .

BRUTUS
’Tis very like ; he hath the falling sickness .
CASSIUS
No , Caesar hath it not ; but you and I
And honest Casca , we have the falling sickness .
CASCA

I know not what you mean by that , but I am sure Caesar fell down . If the tag-rag people did not clap him and hiss him , according as he pleased and displeased them , as they use to do the players in the theater , I am no true man .

BRUTUS
What said he when he came unto himself ?
CASCA

Marry , before he fell down , when he perceived the common herd was glad he refused the crown , he plucked me ope his doublet and offered them his throat to cut . An I had been a man of any occupation , if I would not have taken him at a word , I would I might go to hell among the rogues . And so he fell . When he came to himself again , he said if he had done or said anything amiss , he desired their Worships to think it was his infirmity . Three or four wenches where I stood cried “ Alas , good soul ! ” and forgave him with all their hearts . But there’s no heed to be taken of them ; if Caesar had stabbed their mothers , they would have done no less .

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

Ay .

CASSIUS

Did Cicero say anything ?

CASCA

Ay , he spoke Greek .

CASSIUS

To what effect ?

CASCA

Nay , an I tell you that , I’ll ne’er look you i’ th’ face again . But those that understood him smiled at one another and shook their heads . But for mine own part , it was Greek to me . I could tell you more news too : Marullus and Flavius , for pulling scarves off Caesar’s images , are put to silence . Fare you well . There was more foolery yet , if I could remember it .

CASSIUS

Will you sup with me tonight , Casca ?

CASCA

No , I am promised forth .

CASSIUS

Will you dine with me tomorrow ?

CASCA

Ay , if I be alive , and your mind hold , and your dinner worth the eating .

CASSIUS

Good . I will expect you .

CASCA

Do so . Farewell both .

He exits .
BRUTUS
What a blunt fellow is this grown to be !
He was quick mettle when he went to school .
CASSIUS
So is he now in execution
Of any bold or noble enterprise ,
However he puts on this tardy form .
This rudeness is a sauce to his good wit ,
Which gives men stomach to digest his words
With better appetite .
BRUTUS
And so it is . For this time I will leave you .
Tomorrow , if you please to speak with me ,
I will come home to you ; or , if you will ,
Come home to me , and I will wait for you .
CASSIUS
I will do so . Till then , think of the world .
Brutus exits .
Well , Brutus , thou art noble . Yet I see
Thy honorable mettle may be wrought
From that it is disposed . Therefore it is meet
That noble minds keep ever with their likes ;
For who so firm that cannot be seduced ?
Caesar doth bear me hard , but he loves Brutus .
If I were Brutus now , and he were Cassius ,
He should not humor me . I will this night
In several hands in at his windows throw ,
As if they came from several citizens ,
Writings , all tending to the great opinion
That Rome holds of his name , wherein obscurely
Caesar’s ambition shall be glancèd at
And after this , let Caesar seat him sure ,
For we will shake him , or worse days endure .
He exits .

Scene 3

Thunder
and lightning .
Enter Casca and Cicero .
CICERO
Good even , Casca . Brought you Caesar home ?
Why are you breathless ? And why stare you so ?
CASCA
Are not you moved , when all the sway of earth
Shakes like a thing unfirm ? O Cicero ,
I have seen tempests when the scolding winds
Have rived the knotty oaks , and I have seen
Th’ ambitious ocean swell and rage and foam
To be exalted with the threat’ning clouds ;
But never till tonight , never till now ,
Did I go through a tempest dropping fire .
Either there is a civil strife in heaven ,
Or else the world , too saucy with the gods ,
Incenses them to send destruction .
CICERO
Why , saw you anything more wonderful ?
CASCA
A common slave ( you know him well by sight )
Held up his left hand , which did flame and burn
Like twenty torches joined ; and yet his hand ,
Not sensible of fire , remained unscorched .
Besides ( I ha’ not since put up my sword ) ,
Against the Capitol I met a lion ,
Who glazed upon me and went surly by
Without annoying me . And there were drawn
Upon a heap a hundred ghastly women ,
Transformèd with their fear , who swore they saw
Men all in fire walk up and down the streets .
And yesterday the bird of night did sit
Even at noonday upon the marketplace ,
Hooting and shrieking . When these prodigies
Do so conjointly meet , let not men say
“ These are their reasons , they are natural , ”
For I believe they are portentous things
Unto the climate that they point upon .
CICERO
Indeed , it is a strange-disposèd time .
But men may construe things after their fashion ,
Clean from the purpose of the things themselves .
Comes Caesar to the Capitol tomorrow ?
CASCA
He doth , for he did bid Antonius
Send word to you he would be there tomorrow .
CICERO
Good night then , Casca . This disturbèd sky
Is not to walk in .
CASCA
Farewell , Cicero
Cicero exits .
Enter Cassius .
CASSIUS
Who’s there ?
CASCA
A Roman .
CASSIUS
Casca , by your voice .
CASCA
Your ear is good . Cassius , what night is this !
CASSIUS
A very pleasing night to honest men .
CASCA
Who ever knew the heavens menace so ?
CASSIUS
Those that have known the Earth so full of faults .
For my part , I have walked about the streets ,
Submitting me unto the perilous night ,
And thus unbracèd , Casca , as you see ,
Have bared my bosom to the thunder-stone ;
And when the cross blue lightning seemed to open
The breast of heaven , I did present myself
Even in the aim and very flash of it .
CASCA
But wherefore did you so much tempt the heavens ?
It is the part of men to fear and tremble
When the most mighty gods by tokens send
Such dreadful heralds to astonish us .
CASSIUS
You are dull , Casca , and those sparks of life
That should be in a Roman you do want ,
Or else you use not . You look pale , and gaze ,
And put on fear , and cast yourself in wonder ,
To see the strange impatience of the heavens .
But if you would consider the true cause
Why all these fires , why all these gliding ghosts ,
Why birds and beasts from quality and kind ,
Why old men , fools , and children calculate ,
Why all these things change from their ordinance ,
Their natures , and preformèd faculties ,
To monstrous quality — why , you shall find
That heaven hath infused them with these spirits
To make them instruments of fear and warning
Unto some monstrous state .
Now could I , Casca , name to thee a man
Most like this dreadful night ,
That thunders , lightens , opens graves , and roars
As doth the lion in the Capitol ;
A man no mightier than thyself or me
In personal action , yet prodigious grown ,
And fearful , as these strange eruptions are .
CASCA
’Tis Caesar that you mean , is it not , Cassius ?
CASSIUS
Let it be who it is . For Romans now
Have thews and limbs like to their ancestors .
But , woe the while , our fathers’ minds are dead ,
And we are governed with our mothers’ spirits .
Our yoke and sufferance show us womanish .
CASCA
Indeed , they say the Senators tomorrow
Mean to establish Caesar as a king ,
And he shall wear his crown by sea and land
In every place save here in Italy .
CASSIUS
I know where I will wear this dagger then ;
Cassius from bondage will deliver Cassius .
Therein , you gods , you make the weak most strong ;
Therein , you gods , you tyrants do defeat .
Nor stony tower , nor walls of beaten brass ,
Nor airless dungeon , nor strong links of iron ,
Can be retentive to the strength of spirit ;
But life , being weary of these worldly bars ,
Never lacks power to dismiss itself .
If I know this , know all the world besides ,
That part of tyranny that I do bear
I can shake off at pleasure .
Thunder still .
CASCA
So can I .
So every bondman in his own hand bears
The power to cancel his captivity .
CASSIUS
And why should Caesar be a tyrant , then ?
Poor man , I know he would not be a wolf
But that he sees the Romans are but sheep ;
He were no lion , were not Romans hinds .
Those that with haste will make a mighty fire
Begin it with weak straws . What trash is Rome ,
What rubbish , and what offal when it serves
For the base matter to illuminate
So vile a thing as Caesar ! But , O grief ,
Where hast thou led me ? I perhaps speak this
Before a willing bondman ; then , I know
My answer must be made . But I am armed ,
And dangers are to me indifferent .
CASCA
You speak to Casca , and to such a man
That is no fleering telltale . Hold . My hand .
They shake hands .
Be factious for redress of all these griefs ,
And I will set this foot of mine as far
As who goes farthest .
CASSIUS
There’s a bargain made .
Now know you , Casca , I have moved already
Some certain of the noblest-minded Romans
To undergo with me an enterprise
Of honorable-dangerous consequence .
And I do know by this they stay for me
In Pompey’s Porch . For now , this fearful night ,
There is no stir or walking in the streets ;
And the complexion of the element
In favor ’s like the work we have in hand ,
Most bloody , fiery , and most terrible .
Enter Cinna .
CASCA
Stand close awhile , for here comes one in haste .
CASSIUS
’Tis Cinna ; I do know him by his gait .
He is a friend . — Cinna , where haste you so ?
CINNA
To find out you . Who’s that ? Metellus Cimber ?
CASSIUS
No , it is Casca , one incorporate
To our attempts . Am I not stayed for , Cinna ?
CINNA
I am glad on ’t . What a fearful night is this !
There’s two or three of us have seen strange sights .
CASSIUS
Am I not stayed for ? Tell me .
CINNA
Yes , you are . O Cassius , if you could
But win the noble Brutus to our party —
CASSIUS
, handing him papers
Be you content . Good Cinna , take this paper ,
And look you lay it in the Praetor’s chair ,
Where Brutus may but find it ; and throw this
In at his window ; set this up with wax
Upon old Brutus’ statue . All this done ,
Repair to Pompey’s Porch , where you shall find us .
Is Decius Brutus and Trebonius there ?
CINNA
All but Metellus Cimber , and he’s gone
To seek you at your house . Well , I will hie
And so bestow these papers as you bade me .
CASSIUS
That done , repair to Pompey’s Theater .
Cinna exits .
Come , Casca , you and I will yet ere day
See Brutus at his house . Three parts of him
Is ours already , and the man entire
Upon the next encounter yields him ours .
CASCA
O , he sits high in all the people’s hearts ,
And that which would appear offense in us
His countenance , like richest alchemy ,
Will change to virtue and to worthiness .
CASSIUS
Him and his worth and our great need of him
You have right well conceited . Let us go ,
For it is after midnight , and ere day
We will awake him and be sure of him .
They exit .

ACT 2

Scene 1

Enter Brutus in his orchard .
BRUTUS
What , Lucius , ho ! —
I cannot by the progress of the stars
Give guess how near to day . — Lucius , I say ! —
I would it were my fault to sleep so soundly . —
When , Lucius , when ? Awake , I say ! What , Lucius !
Enter Lucius .
LUCIUS

Called you , my lord ?

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

I will , my lord .

He exits .
BRUTUS
It must be by his death . And for my part
I know no personal cause to spurn at him ,
But for the general . He would be crowned :
How that might change his nature , there’s the question .
It is the bright day that brings forth the adder ,
And that craves wary walking . Crown him that ,
And then I grant we put a sting in him
That at his will he may do danger with .
Th’ abuse of greatness is when it disjoins
Remorse from power . And , to speak truth of Caesar ,
I have not known when his affections swayed
More than his reason . But ’tis a common proof
That lowliness is young ambition’s ladder ,
Whereto the climber-upward turns his face ;
But , when he once attains the upmost round ,
He then unto the ladder turns his back ,
Looks in the clouds , scorning the base degrees
By which he did ascend . So Caesar may .
Then , lest he may , prevent . And since the quarrel
Will bear no color for the thing he is ,
Fashion it thus : that what he is , augmented ,
Would run to these and these extremities .
And therefore think him as a serpent’s egg ,
Which , hatched , would , as his kind , grow mischievous ,
And kill him in the shell .
Enter Lucius .
LUCIUS
The taper burneth in your closet , sir .
Searching the window for a flint , I found
This paper , thus sealed up , and I am sure
It did not lie there when I went to bed .
Gives him the letter .
BRUTUS
Get you to bed again . It is not day .
Is not tomorrow , boy , the ides of March ?
LUCIUS

I know not , sir .

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

I will , sir .

He exits .
BRUTUS
The exhalations , whizzing in the air ,
Give so much light that I may read by them .
Opens the letter and reads .
Brutus , thou sleep’st . Awake , and see thyself !
Shall Rome , etc. Speak , strike , redress !
“ Brutus , thou sleep’st . Awake . ”
Such instigations have been often dropped
Where I have took them up .
“ Shall Rome , etc. ” Thus must I piece it out :
Shall Rome stand under one man’s awe ? What , Rome ?
My ancestors did from the streets of Rome
The Tarquin drive when he was called a king .
“ Speak , strike , redress ! ” Am I entreated
To speak and strike ? O Rome , I make thee promise ,
If the redress will follow , thou receivest
Thy full petition at the hand of Brutus .
Enter Lucius .
LUCIUS
Sir , March is wasted fifteen days .
Knock within .
BRUTUS
’Tis good . Go to the gate ; somebody knocks .
Lucius exits .
Since Cassius first did whet me against Caesar ,
I have not slept .
Between the acting of a dreadful thing
And the first motion , all the interim is
Like a phantasma or a hideous dream .
The genius and the mortal instruments
Are then in council , and the state of man ,
Like to a little kingdom , suffers then
The nature of an insurrection .
Enter Lucius .
LUCIUS
Sir , ’tis your brother Cassius at the door ,
Who doth desire to see you .
BRUTUS
Is he alone ?
LUCIUS
No , sir . There are more with him .
BRUTUS
Do you know them ?
LUCIUS
No , sir . Their hats are plucked about their ears ,
And half their faces buried in their cloaks ,
That by no means I may discover them
By any mark of favor .
BRUTUS
Let ’em enter .
Lucius exits .
They are the faction . O conspiracy ,
Sham’st thou to show thy dang’rous brow by night ,
When evils are most free ? O , then , by day
Where wilt thou find a cavern dark enough
To mask thy monstrous visage ? Seek none , conspiracy .
Hide it in smiles and affability ;
For if thou path , thy native semblance on ,
Not Erebus itself were dim enough
To hide thee from prevention .
Enter the conspirators , Cassius , Casca , Decius , Cinna , Metellus , and Trebonius .
CASSIUS
I think we are too bold upon your rest .
Good morrow , Brutus . Do we trouble you ?
BRUTUS
I have been up this hour , awake all night .
Know I these men that come along with you ?
CASSIUS
Yes , every man of them ; and no man here
But honors you , and every one doth wish
You had but that opinion of yourself
Which every noble Roman bears of you .
This is Trebonius .
BRUTUS
He is welcome hither .
CASSIUS
This , Decius Brutus .
BRUTUS
He is welcome too .
CASSIUS
This , Casca ; this , Cinna ; and this , Metellus Cimber .
BRUTUS
They are all welcome .
What watchful cares do interpose themselves
Betwixt your eyes and night ?
CASSIUS
Shall I entreat a word ?
Brutus and Cassius whisper .
DECIUS
Here lies the east ; doth not the day break here ?
CASCA

No .

CINNA
O pardon , sir , it doth ; and yon gray lines
That fret the clouds are messengers of day .
CASCA
You shall confess that you are both deceived .
Here , as I point my sword , the sun arises ,
Which is a great way growing on the south ,
Weighing the youthful season of the year .
Some two months hence , up higher toward the north
He first presents his fire , and the high east
Stands , as the Capitol , directly here .
BRUTUS
, coming forward with Cassius
Give me your hands all over , one by one .
CASSIUS
And let us swear our resolution .
BRUTUS
No , not an oath . If not the face of men ,
The sufferance of our souls , the time’s abuse —
If these be motives weak , break off betimes ,
And every man hence to his idle bed .
So let high-sighted tyranny range on
Till each man drop by lottery . But if these —
As I am sure they do — bear fire enough
To kindle cowards and to steel with valor
The melting spirits of women , then , countrymen ,
What need we any spur but our own cause
To prick us to redress ? What other bond
Than secret Romans that have spoke the word
And will not palter ? And what other oath
Than honesty to honesty engaged
That this shall be or we will fall for it ?
Swear priests and cowards and men cautelous ,
Old feeble carrions , and such suffering souls
That welcome wrongs ; unto bad causes swear
Such creatures as men doubt ; but do not stain
The even virtue of our enterprise ,
Nor th’ insuppressive mettle of our spirits ,
To think that or our cause or our performance
Did need an oath , when every drop of blood
That every Roman bears , and nobly bears ,
Is guilty of a several bastardy
If he do break the smallest particle
Of any promise that hath passed from him .
CASSIUS
But what of Cicero ? Shall we sound him ?
I think he will stand very strong with us .
CASCA
Let us not leave him out .
CINNA
No , by no means .
METELLUS
O , let us have him , for his silver hairs
Will purchase us a good opinion
And buy men’s voices to commend our deeds .
It shall be said his judgment ruled our hands .
Our youths and wildness shall no whit appear ,
But all be buried in his gravity .
BRUTUS
O , name him not ! Let us not break with him ,
For he will never follow anything
That other men begin .
CASSIUS
Then leave him out .
CASCA
Indeed , he is not fit .
DECIUS
Shall no man else be touched , but only Caesar ?
CASSIUS
Decius , well urged . I think it is not meet
Mark Antony , so well beloved of Caesar ,
Should outlive Caesar . We shall find of him
A shrewd contriver ; and , you know , his means ,
If he improve them , may well stretch so far
As to annoy us all ; which to prevent ,
Let Antony and Caesar fall together .
BRUTUS
Our course will seem too bloody , Caius Cassius ,
To cut the head off and then hack the limbs ,
Like wrath in death and envy afterwards ;
For Antony is but a limb of Caesar .
Let’s be sacrificers , but not butchers , Caius .
We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar ,
And in the spirit of men there is no blood .
O , that we then could come by Caesar’s spirit
And not dismember Caesar ! But , alas ,
Caesar must bleed for it . And , gentle friends ,
Let’s kill him boldly , but not wrathfully .
Let’s carve him as a dish fit for the gods ,
Not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds .
And let our hearts , as subtle masters do ,
Stir up their servants to an act of rage
And after seem to chide ’em . This shall make
Our purpose necessary and not envious ;
Which so appearing to the common eyes ,
We shall be called purgers , not murderers .
And for Mark Antony , think not of him ,
For he can do no more than Caesar’s arm
When Caesar’s head is off .
CASSIUS
Yet I fear him ,
For in the engrafted love he bears to Caesar —
BRUTUS
Alas , good Cassius , do not think of him .
If he love Caesar , all that he can do
Is to himself : take thought and die for Caesar .
And that were much he should , for he is given
To sports , to wildness , and much company .
TREBONIUS
There is no fear in him . Let him not die ,
For he will live and laugh at this hereafter .
Clock strikes .
BRUTUS
Peace , count the clock .
CASSIUS
The clock hath stricken three .
TREBONIUS
’Tis time to part .
CASSIUS
But it is doubtful yet
Whether Caesar will come forth today or no ,
For he is superstitious grown of late ,
Quite from the main opinion he held once
Of fantasy , of dreams , and ceremonies .
It may be these apparent prodigies ,
The unaccustomed terror of this night ,
And the persuasion of his augurers
May hold him from the Capitol today .
DECIUS
Never fear that . If he be so resolved ,
I can o’ersway him , for he loves to hear
That unicorns may be betrayed with trees ,
And bears with glasses , elephants with holes ,
Lions with toils , and men with flatterers .
But when I tell him he hates flatterers ,
He says he does , being then most flatterèd .
Let me work ,
For I can give his humor the true bent ,
And I will bring him to the Capitol .
CASSIUS
Nay , we will all of us be there to fetch him .
BRUTUS
By the eighth hour , is that the uttermost ?
CINNA
Be that the uttermost , and fail not then .
METELLUS
Caius Ligarius doth bear Caesar hard ,
Who rated him for speaking well of Pompey .
I wonder none of you have thought of him .
BRUTUS
Now , good Metellus , go along by him .
He loves me well , and I have given him reasons .
Send him but hither , and I’ll fashion him .
CASSIUS
The morning comes upon ’s . We’ll leave you , Brutus .
And , friends , disperse yourselves , but all remember
What you have said , and show yourselves true Romans .
BRUTUS
Good gentlemen , look fresh and merrily .
Let not our looks put on our purposes ,
But bear it , as our Roman actors do ,
With untired spirits and formal constancy .
And so good morrow to you every one .
All but Brutus exit .
Boy ! Lucius ! — Fast asleep ? It is no matter .
Enjoy the honey-heavy dew of slumber .
Thou hast no figures nor no fantasies
Which busy care draws in the brains of men .
Therefore thou sleep’st so sound .
Enter Portia .
PORTIA
Brutus , my lord .
BRUTUS
Portia ! What mean you ? Wherefore rise you now ?
It is not for your health thus to commit
Your weak condition to the raw cold morning .
PORTIA
Nor for yours neither . You’ve ungently , Brutus ,
Stole from my bed . And yesternight at supper
You suddenly arose and walked about ,
Musing and sighing , with your arms across ,
And when I asked you what the matter was ,
You stared upon me with ungentle looks .
I urged you further ; then you scratched your head
And too impatiently stamped with your foot .
Yet I insisted ; yet you answered not ,
But with an angry wafture of your hand
Gave sign for me to leave you . So I did ,
Fearing to strengthen that impatience
Which seemed too much enkindled , and withal
Hoping it was but an effect of humor ,
Which sometime hath his hour with every man .
It will not let you eat nor talk nor sleep ,
And could it work so much upon your shape
As it hath much prevailed on your condition ,
I should not know you Brutus . Dear my lord ,
Make me acquainted with your cause of grief .
BRUTUS
I am not well in health , and that is all .
PORTIA
Brutus is wise and , were he not in health ,
He would embrace the means to come by it .
BRUTUS
Why so I do . Good Portia , go to bed .
PORTIA
Is Brutus sick ? And is it physical
To walk unbracèd and suck up the humors
Of the dank morning ? What , is Brutus sick ,
And will he steal out of his wholesome bed
To dare the vile contagion of the night
And tempt the rheumy and unpurgèd air
To add unto his sickness ? No , my Brutus ,
You have some sick offense within your mind ,
Which by the right and virtue of my place
I ought to know of .
She kneels .
And upon my knees
I charm you , by my once commended beauty ,
By all your vows of love , and that great vow
Which did incorporate and make us one ,
That you unfold to me , your self , your half ,
Why you are heavy , and what men tonight
Have had resort to you ; for here have been
Some six or seven who did hide their faces
Even from darkness .
BRUTUS
Kneel not , gentle Portia .
He lifts her up .
PORTIA
I should not need , if you were gentle Brutus .
Within the bond of marriage , tell me , Brutus ,
Is it excepted I should know no secrets
That appertain to you ? Am I your self
But , as it were , in sort or limitation ,
To keep with you at meals , comfort your bed ,
And talk to you sometimes ? Dwell I but in the suburbs
Of your good pleasure ? If it be no more ,
Portia is Brutus’ harlot , not his wife .
BRUTUS
You are my true and honorable wife ,
As dear to me as are the ruddy drops
That visit my sad heart .
PORTIA
If this were true , then should I know this secret .
I grant I am a woman , but withal
A woman that Lord Brutus took to wife .
I grant I am a woman , but withal
A woman well-reputed , Cato’s daughter .
Think you I am no stronger than my sex ,
Being so fathered and so husbanded ?
Tell me your counsels ; I will not disclose ’em .
I have made strong proof of my constancy ,
Giving myself a voluntary wound
Here , in the thigh . Can I bear that with patience ,
And not my husband’s secrets ?
BRUTUS
O you gods ,
Render me worthy of this noble wife !
Knock .
Hark , hark , one knocks . Portia , go in awhile ,
And by and by thy bosom shall partake
The secrets of my heart .
All my engagements I will construe to thee ,
All the charactery of my sad brows .
Leave me with haste .
Portia exits .
Lucius , who ’s that knocks ?
Enter Lucius and Ligarius .
LUCIUS
Here is a sick man that would speak with you .
BRUTUS
Caius Ligarius , that Metellus spoke of . —
Boy , stand aside .
Lucius exits .
Caius Ligarius , how ?
LIGARIUS
Vouchsafe good morrow from a feeble tongue .
BRUTUS
O , what a time have you chose out , brave Caius ,
To wear a kerchief ! Would you were not sick !
LIGARIUS
I am not sick , if Brutus have in hand
Any exploit worthy the name of honor .
BRUTUS
Such an exploit have I in hand , Ligarius ,
Had you a healthful ear to hear of it .
LIGARIUS
By all the gods that Romans bow before ,
I here discard my sickness .
He takes off his kerchief .
Soul of Rome ,
Brave son derived from honorable loins ,
Thou like an exorcist hast conjured up
My mortifièd spirit . Now bid me run ,
And I will strive with things impossible ,
Yea , get the better of them . What’s to do ?
BRUTUS
A piece of work that will make sick men whole .
LIGARIUS
But are not some whole that we must make sick ?
BRUTUS
That must we also . What it is , my Caius ,
I shall unfold to thee as we are going
To whom it must be done .
LIGARIUS
Set on your foot ,
And with a heart new-fired I follow you
To do I know not what ; but it sufficeth
That Brutus leads me on .
Thunder .
BRUTUS
Follow me then .
They exit .

Scene 2

Thunder
and lightning .
Enter Julius Caesar in his nightgown .
CAESAR
Nor heaven nor Earth have been at peace tonight .
Thrice hath Calphurnia in her sleep cried out
“ Help ho , they murder Caesar ! ” — Who’s within ?
Enter a Servant .
SERVANT

My lord .

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

I will , my lord .

He exits .
Enter Calphurnia .
CALPHURNIA
What mean you , Caesar ? Think you to walk forth ?
You shall not stir out of your house today .
CAESAR
Caesar shall forth . The things that threatened me
Ne’er looked but on my back . When they shall see
The face of Caesar , they are vanishèd .
CALPHURNIA
Caesar , I never stood on ceremonies ,
Yet now they fright me . There is one within ,
Besides the things that we have heard and seen ,
Recounts most horrid sights seen by the watch .
A lioness hath whelpèd in the streets ,
And graves have yawned and yielded up their dead .
Fierce fiery warriors fought upon the clouds
In ranks and squadrons and right form of war ,
Which drizzled blood upon the Capitol .
The noise of battle hurtled in the air ,
Horses did neigh , and dying men did groan ,
And ghosts did shriek and squeal about the streets .
O Caesar , these things are beyond all use ,
And I do fear them .
CAESAR
What can be avoided
Whose end is purposed by the mighty gods ?
Yet Caesar shall go forth , for these predictions
Are to the world in general as to Caesar .
CALPHURNIA
When beggars die there are no comets seen ;
The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes .
CAESAR
Cowards die many times before their deaths ;
The valiant never taste of death but once .
Of all the wonders that I yet have heard ,
It seems to me most strange that men should fear ,
Seeing that death , a necessary end ,
Will come when it will come .
Enter a Servant .
What say the augurers ?
SERVANT
They would not have you to stir forth today .
Plucking the entrails of an offering forth ,
They could not find a heart within the beast .
CAESAR
The gods do this in shame of cowardice .
Caesar should be a beast without a heart
If he should stay at home today for fear .
No , Caesar shall not . Danger knows full well
That Caesar is more dangerous than he .
We are two lions littered in one day ,
And I the elder and more terrible .
And Caesar shall go forth .
CALPHURNIA
Alas , my lord ,
Your wisdom is consumed in confidence .
Do not go forth today . Call it my fear
That keeps you in the house , and not your own .
We’ll send Mark Antony to the Senate House ,
And he shall say you are not well today .
Let me , upon my knee , prevail in this .
She kneels .
CAESAR
Mark Antony shall say I am not well ,
And for thy humor I will stay at home .
He lifts her up .
Enter Decius .
Here’s Decius Brutus ; he shall tell them so .
DECIUS
Caesar , all hail ! Good morrow , worthy Caesar .
I come to fetch you to the Senate House .
CAESAR
And you are come in very happy time
To bear my greeting to the Senators
And tell them that I will not come today .
Cannot is false , and that I dare not , falser .
I will not come today . Tell them so , Decius .
CALPHURNIA
Say he is sick .
CAESAR
Shall Caesar send a lie ?
Have I in conquest stretched mine arm so far ,
To be afeard to tell graybeards the truth ?
Decius , go tell them Caesar will not come .
DECIUS
Most mighty Caesar , let me know some cause ,
Lest I be laughed at when I tell them so .
CAESAR
The cause is in my will . I will not come .
That is enough to satisfy the Senate .
But for your private satisfaction ,
Because I love you , I will let you know .
Calphurnia here , my wife , stays me at home .
She dreamt tonight she saw my statue ,
Which , like a fountain with an hundred spouts ,
Did run pure blood ; and many lusty Romans
Came smiling and did bathe their hands in it .
And these does she apply for warnings and portents
And evils imminent , and on her knee
Hath begged that I will stay at home today .
DECIUS
This dream is all amiss interpreted .
It was a vision fair and fortunate .
Your statue spouting blood in many pipes ,
In which so many smiling Romans bathed ,
Signifies that from you great Rome shall suck
Reviving blood , and that great men shall press
For tinctures , stains , relics , and cognizance .
This by Calphurnia’s dream is signified .
CAESAR
And this way have you well expounded it .
DECIUS
I have , when you have heard what I can say .
And know it now : the Senate have concluded
To give this day a crown to mighty Caesar .
If you shall send them word you will not come ,
Their minds may change . Besides , it were a mock
Apt to be rendered , for someone to say
“ Break up the Senate till another time ,
When Caesar’s wife shall meet with better dreams . ”
If Caesar hide himself , shall they not whisper
“ Lo , Caesar is afraid ” ?
Pardon me , Caesar , for my dear dear love
To your proceeding bids me tell you this ,
And reason to my love is liable .
CAESAR
How foolish do your fears seem now , Calphurnia !
I am ashamèd I did yield to them .
Give me my robe , for I will go .
Enter Brutus , Ligarius , Metellus , Casca , Trebonius , Cinna , and Publius .
And look where Publius is come to fetch me .
PUBLIUS
Good morrow , Caesar .
CAESAR
Welcome , Publius . —
What , Brutus , are you stirred so early too ? —
Good morrow , Casca . — Caius Ligarius ,
Caesar was ne’er so much your enemy
As that same ague which hath made you lean . —
What is ’t o’clock ?
BRUTUS
Caesar , ’tis strucken eight .
CAESAR
I thank you for your pains and courtesy .
Enter Antony .
See , Antony that revels long a-nights
Is notwithstanding up . — Good morrow , Antony .
ANTONY
So to most noble Caesar .
CAESAR
, to Servant
Bid them prepare within . —
I am to blame to be thus waited for .
Servant exits .
Now , Cinna . — Now , Metellus . — What , Trebonius ,
I have an hour’s talk in store for you .
Remember that you call on me today ;
Be near me that I may remember you .
TREBONIUS
Caesar , I will .
Aside .
And so near will I be
That your best friends shall wish I had been further .
CAESAR
Good friends , go in and taste some wine with me ,
And we , like friends , will straightway go together .
BRUTUS
, aside
That every like is not the same , O Caesar ,
The heart of Brutus earns to think upon .
They exit .

Scene 3

Enter Artemidorus reading a paper .
ARTEMIDORUS
Caesar , beware of Brutus , take heed of Cassius , come not near Casca , have an eye to Cinna , trust not Trebonius , mark well Metellus Cimber . Decius Brutus loves thee not . Thou hast wronged Caius Ligarius . There is but one mind in all these men , and it is bent against Caesar . If thou beest not immortal , look about you . Security gives way to conspiracy . The mighty gods defend thee ! Thy lover , Artemidorus
Here will I stand till Caesar pass along ,
And as a suitor will I give him this .
My heart laments that virtue cannot live
Out of the teeth of emulation .
If thou read this , O Caesar , thou mayest live ;
If not , the Fates with traitors do contrive .
He exits .

Scene 4

Enter Portia and Lucius .
PORTIA
I prithee , boy , run to the Senate House .
Stay not to answer me , but get thee gone .
Why dost thou stay ?
LUCIUS
To know my errand , madam .
PORTIA
I would have had thee there and here again
Ere I can tell thee what thou shouldst do there .
Aside .
O constancy , be strong upon my side ;
Set a huge mountain ’tween my heart and tongue .
I have a man’s mind but a woman’s might .
How hard it is for women to keep counsel ! —
Art thou here yet ?
LUCIUS
Madam , what should I do ?
Run to the Capitol , and nothing else ?
And so return to you , and nothing else ?
PORTIA
Yes , bring me word , boy , if thy lord look well ,
For he went sickly forth . And take good note
What Caesar doth , what suitors press to him .
Hark , boy , what noise is that ?
LUCIUS
I hear none , madam .
PORTIA
Prithee , listen well .
I heard a bustling rumor like a fray ,
And the wind brings it from the Capitol .
LUCIUS

Sooth , madam , I hear nothing .

Enter the Soothsayer .
PORTIA
Come hither , fellow . Which way hast thou been ?
SOOTHSAYER

At mine own house , good lady .

PORTIA

What is ’t o’clock ?

SOOTHSAYER

About the ninth hour , lady .

PORTIA
Is Caesar yet gone to the Capitol ?
SOOTHSAYER
Madam , not yet . I go to take my stand
To see him pass on to the Capitol .
PORTIA
Thou hast some suit to Caesar , hast thou not ?
SOOTHSAYER
That I have , lady . If it will please Caesar
To be so good to Caesar as to hear me ,
I shall beseech him to befriend himself .
PORTIA
Why , know’st thou any harm's intended towards him ?
SOOTHSAYER
None that I know will be , much that I fear may chance .
Good morrow to you . — Here the street is narrow .
The throng that follows Caesar at the heels ,
Of senators , of praetors , common suitors ,
Will crowd a feeble man almost to death .
I’ll get me to a place more void , and there
Speak to great Caesar as he comes along .
He exits .
PORTIA
I must go in .
Aside .
Ay me , how weak a thing
The heart of woman is ! O Brutus ,
The heavens speed thee in thine enterprise !
Sure the boy heard me .
To Lucius .
Brutus hath a suit
That Caesar will not grant .
Aside .
O , I grow faint . —
Run , Lucius , and commend me to my lord .
Say I am merry . Come to me again
And bring me word what he doth say to thee .
They exit separately .

ACT 3

Scene 1

Flourish .
Enter Caesar , Antony , Lepidus ; Brutus , Cassius , Casca , Decius , Metellus , Trebonius , Cinna ; Publius , Popilius , Artemidorus , the Soothsayer , and other Senators and Petitioners .
CAESAR

The ides of March are come .

SOOTHSAYER

Ay , Caesar , but not gone .

ARTEMIDORUS

Hail , Caesar . Read this schedule .

DECIUS
Trebonius doth desire you to o’erread ,
At your best leisure , this his humble suit .
ARTEMIDORUS
O Caesar , read mine first , for mine’s a suit
That touches Caesar nearer . Read it , great Caesar .
CAESAR
What touches us ourself shall be last served .
ARTEMIDORUS
Delay not , Caesar ; read it instantly .
CAESAR
What , is the fellow mad ?
PUBLIUS
Sirrah , give place .
CASSIUS
What , urge you your petitions in the street ?
Come to the Capitol .
Caesar goes forward , the rest following .
POPILIUS
, to Cassius
I wish your enterprise today may thrive .
CASSIUS
What enterprise , Popilius ?
POPILIUS
Fare you well .
He walks away .
BRUTUS
What said Popilius Lena ?
CASSIUS
He wished today our enterprise might thrive .
I fear our purpose is discoverèd .
BRUTUS
Look how he makes to Caesar . Mark him .
CASSIUS
Casca , be sudden , for we fear prevention . —
Brutus , what shall be done ? If this be known ,
Cassius or Caesar never shall turn back ,
For I will slay myself .
BRUTUS
Cassius , be constant .
Popilius Lena speaks not of our purposes ,
For look , he smiles , and Caesar doth not change .
CASSIUS
Trebonius knows his time , for look you , Brutus ,
He draws Mark Antony out of the way .
Trebonius and Antony exit .
DECIUS
Where is Metellus Cimber ? Let him go
And presently prefer his suit to Caesar .
BRUTUS
He is addressed . Press near and second him .
CINNA
Casca , you are the first that rears your hand .
CAESAR
Are we all ready ? What is now amiss
That Caesar and his Senate must redress ?
METELLUS
, kneeling
Most high , most mighty , and most puissant Caesar ,
Metellus Cimber throws before thy seat
An humble heart .
CAESAR
I must prevent thee , Cimber .
These couchings and these lowly courtesies
Might fire the blood of ordinary men
And turn preordinance and first decree
Into the law of children . Be not fond
To think that Caesar bears such rebel blood
That will be thawed from the true quality
With that which melteth fools — I mean sweet words ,
Low-crookèd curtsies , and base spaniel fawning .
Thy brother by decree is banishèd .
If thou dost bend and pray and fawn for him ,
I spurn thee like a cur out of my way .
Know : Caesar doth not wrong , nor without cause
Will he be satisfied .
METELLUS
Is there no voice more worthy than my own
To sound more sweetly in great Caesar’s ear
For the repealing of my banished brother ?
BRUTUS
, kneeling
I kiss thy hand , but not in flattery , Caesar ,
Desiring thee that Publius Cimber may
Have an immediate freedom of repeal .
CAESAR
What , Brutus ?
CASSIUS
, kneeling
Pardon , Caesar ; Caesar , pardon !
As low as to thy foot doth Cassius fall
To beg enfranchisement for Publius Cimber .
CAESAR
I could be well moved , if I were as you .
If I could pray to move , prayers would move me .
But I am constant as the Northern Star ,
Of whose true fixed and resting quality
There is no fellow in the firmament .
The skies are painted with unnumbered sparks ;
They are all fire , and every one doth shine .
But there’s but one in all doth hold his place .
So in the world : ’tis furnished well with men ,
And men are flesh and blood , and apprehensive .
Yet in the number I do know but one
That unassailable holds on his rank ,
Unshaked of motion ; and that I am he
Let me a little show it , even in this :
That I was constant Cimber should be banished
And constant do remain to keep him so .
CINNA
, kneeling
O Caesar —
CAESAR
Hence . Wilt thou lift up Olympus ?
DECIUS
, kneeling
Great Caesar —
CAESAR
Doth not Brutus bootless kneel ?
CASCA
Speak , hands , for me !
As Casca strikes , the others rise up and stab Caesar .
CAESAR
Et tu , Brutè ? — Then fall , Caesar .
He dies .
CINNA
Liberty ! Freedom ! Tyranny is dead !
Run hence , proclaim , cry it about the streets .
CASSIUS
Some to the common pulpits and cry out
“ Liberty , freedom , and enfranchisement . ”
BRUTUS
People and Senators , be not affrighted .
Fly not ; stand still . Ambition’s debt is paid .
CASCA
Go to the pulpit , Brutus .
DECIUS
And Cassius too .
BRUTUS
Where’s Publius ?
CINNA
Here , quite confounded with this mutiny .
METELLUS
Stand fast together , lest some friend of Caesar’s
Should chance —
BRUTUS
Talk not of standing . — Publius , good cheer .
There is no harm intended to your person ,
Nor to no Roman else . So tell them , Publius .
CASSIUS
And leave us , Publius , lest that the people ,
Rushing on us , should do your age some mischief .
BRUTUS
Do so , and let no man abide this deed
But we the doers .
All but the Conspirators exit .
Enter Trebonius .
CASSIUS
Where is Antony ?
TREBONIUS
Fled to his house amazed .
Men , wives , and children stare , cry out , and run
As it were doomsday .
BRUTUS
Fates , we will know your pleasures .
That we shall die we know ; ’tis but the time ,
And drawing days out , that men stand upon .
CASCA
Why , he that cuts off twenty years of life
Cuts off so many years of fearing death .
BRUTUS
Grant that , and then is death a benefit .
So are we Caesar’s friends , that have abridged
His time of fearing death . Stoop , Romans , stoop ,
And let us bathe our hands in Caesar’s blood
Up to the elbows and besmear our swords .
Then walk we forth , even to the marketplace ,
And , waving our red weapons o’er our heads ,
Let’s all cry “ Peace , freedom , and liberty ! ”
CASSIUS
Stoop then , and wash .
They smear their hands and swords with Caesar’s blood .
How many ages hence
Shall this our lofty scene be acted over
In states unborn and accents yet unknown !
BRUTUS
How many times shall Caesar bleed in sport ,
That now on Pompey’s basis lies along
No worthier than the dust !
CASSIUS
So oft as that shall be ,
So often shall the knot of us be called
The men that gave their country liberty .
DECIUS
What , shall we forth ?
CASSIUS
Ay , every man away .
Brutus shall lead , and we will grace his heels
With the most boldest and best hearts of Rome .
Enter a Servant .
BRUTUS
Soft , who comes here ? A friend of Antony’s .
SERVANT
, kneeling
Thus , Brutus , did my master bid me kneel .
Thus did Mark Antony bid me fall down ,
And , being prostrate , thus he bade me say :
Brutus is noble , wise , valiant , and honest ;
Caesar was mighty , bold , royal , and loving .
Say , I love Brutus , and I honor him ;
Say , I feared Caesar , honored him , and loved him .
If Brutus will vouchsafe that Antony
May safely come to him and be resolved
How Caesar hath deserved to lie in death ,
Mark Antony shall not love Caesar dead
So well as Brutus living , but will follow
The fortunes and affairs of noble Brutus
Thorough the hazards of this untrod state
With all true faith . So says my master Antony .
BRUTUS
Thy master is a wise and valiant Roman .
I never thought him worse .
Tell him , so please him come unto this place ,
He shall be satisfied and , by my honor ,
Depart untouched .
SERVANT
I’ll fetch him presently .
Servant exits .
BRUTUS
I know that we shall have him well to friend .
CASSIUS
I wish we may ; but yet have I a mind
That fears him much , and my misgiving still
Falls shrewdly to the purpose .
Enter Antony .
BRUTUS
But here comes Antony . — Welcome , Mark Antony !
ANTONY
O mighty Caesar , dost thou lie so low ?
Are all thy conquests , glories , triumphs , spoils
Shrunk to this little measure ? Fare thee well . —
I know not , gentlemen , what you intend ,
Who else must be let blood , who else is rank .
If I myself , there is no hour so fit
As Caesar’s death’s hour , nor no instrument
Of half that worth as those your swords made rich
With the most noble blood of all this world .
I do beseech you , if you bear me hard ,
Now , whilst your purpled hands do reek and smoke ,
Fulfill your pleasure . Live a thousand years ,
I shall not find myself so apt to die ;
No place will please me so , no mean of death ,
As here by Caesar , and by you cut off ,
The choice and master spirits of this age .
BRUTUS
O Antony , beg not your death of us !
Though now we must appear bloody and cruel ,
As by our hands and this our present act
You see we do , yet see you but our hands
And this the bleeding business they have done .
Our hearts you see not ; they are pitiful ;
And pity to the general wrong of Rome
( As fire drives out fire , so pity pity )
Hath done this deed on Caesar . For your part ,
To you our swords have leaden points , Mark Antony .
Our arms in strength of malice , and our hearts
Of brothers’ temper , do receive you in
With all kind love , good thoughts , and reverence .
CASSIUS
Your voice shall be as strong as any man’s
In the disposing of new dignities .
BRUTUS
Only be patient till we have appeased
The multitude , beside themselves with fear ;
And then we will deliver you the cause
Why I , that did love Caesar when I struck him ,
Have thus proceeded .
ANTONY
I doubt not of your wisdom .
Let each man render me his bloody hand .
First , Marcus Brutus , will I shake with you . —
Next , Caius Cassius , do I take your hand . —
Now , Decius Brutus , yours ; — now yours , Metellus ; —
Yours , Cinna ; — and , my valiant Casca , yours ; —
Though last , not least in love , yours , good Trebonius . —
Gentlemen all — alas , what shall I say ?
My credit now stands on such slippery ground
That one of two bad ways you must conceit me ,
Either a coward or a flatterer . —
That I did love thee , Caesar , O , ’tis true !
If then thy spirit look upon us now ,
Shall it not grieve thee dearer than thy death
To see thy Antony making his peace ,
Shaking the bloody fingers of thy foes —
Most noble ! — in the presence of thy corpse ?
Had I as many eyes as thou hast wounds ,
Weeping as fast as they stream forth thy blood ,
It would become me better than to close
In terms of friendship with thine enemies .
Pardon me , Julius ! Here wast thou bayed , brave hart ,
Here didst thou fall , and here thy hunters stand
Signed in thy spoil and crimsoned in thy Lethe .
O world , thou wast the forest to this hart ,
And this indeed , O world , the heart of thee .
How like a deer strucken by many princes
Dost thou here lie !
CASSIUS
Mark Antony —
ANTONY
Pardon me , Caius Cassius .
The enemies of Caesar shall say this ;
Then , in a friend , it is cold modesty .
CASSIUS
I blame you not for praising Caesar so .
But what compact mean you to have with us ?
Will you be pricked in number of our friends ,
Or shall we on and not depend on you ?
ANTONY
Therefore I took your hands , but was indeed
Swayed from the point by looking down on Caesar .
Friends am I with you all and love you all ,
Upon this hope , that you shall give me reasons
Why and wherein Caesar was dangerous .
BRUTUS
Or else were this a savage spectacle .
Our reasons are so full of good regard
That were you , Antony , the son of Caesar ,
You should be satisfied .
ANTONY
That’s all I seek ;
And am , moreover , suitor that I may
Produce his body to the marketplace ,
And in the pulpit , as becomes a friend ,
Speak in the order of his funeral .
BRUTUS
You shall , Mark Antony .
CASSIUS
Brutus , a word with you .
Aside to Brutus .
You know not what you do . Do not consent
That Antony speak in his funeral .
Know you how much the people may be moved
By that which he will utter ?
BRUTUS
, aside to Cassius
By your pardon ,
I will myself into the pulpit first
And show the reason of our Caesar’s death .
What Antony shall speak I will protest
He speaks by leave and by permission ,
And that we are contented Caesar shall
Have all true rites and lawful ceremonies .
It shall advantage more than do us wrong .
CASSIUS
, aside to Brutus
I know not what may fall . I like it not .
BRUTUS
Mark Antony , here , take you Caesar’s body .
You shall not in your funeral speech blame us
But speak all good you can devise of Caesar
And say you do ’t by our permission ,
Else shall you not have any hand at all
About his funeral . And you shall speak
In the same pulpit whereto I am going ,
After my speech is ended .
ANTONY
Be it so .
I do desire no more .
BRUTUS
Prepare the body , then , and follow us .
All but Antony exit .
ANTONY
O pardon me , thou bleeding piece of earth ,
That I am meek and gentle with these butchers .
Thou art the ruins of the noblest man
That ever livèd in the tide of times .
Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood !
Over thy wounds now do I prophesy
( Which like dumb mouths do ope their ruby lips
To beg the voice and utterance of my tongue )
A curse shall light upon the limbs of men ;
Domestic fury and fierce civil strife
Shall cumber all the parts of Italy ;
Blood and destruction shall be so in use
And dreadful objects so familiar
That mothers shall but smile when they behold
Their infants quartered with the hands of war ,
All pity choked with custom of fell deeds ;
And Caesar’s spirit , ranging for revenge ,
With Ate by his side come hot from hell ,
Shall in these confines with a monarch’s voice
Cry “ Havoc ! ” and let slip the dogs of war ,
That this foul deed shall smell above the earth
With carrion men groaning for burial .
Enter Octavius’ Servant .
You serve Octavius Caesar , do you not ?
SERVANT
I do , Mark Antony .
ANTONY
Caesar did write for him to come to Rome .
SERVANT
He did receive his letters and is coming ,
And bid me say to you by word of mouth —
O Caesar !
ANTONY
Thy heart is big . Get thee apart and weep .
Passion , I see , is catching , for mine eyes ,
Seeing those beads of sorrow stand in thine ,
Began to water . Is thy master coming ?
SERVANT
He lies tonight within seven leagues of Rome .
ANTONY
Post back with speed and tell him what hath chanced .
Here is a mourning Rome , a dangerous Rome ,
No Rome of safety for Octavius yet .
Hie hence and tell him so . — Yet stay awhile ;
Thou shalt not back till I have borne this corpse
Into the marketplace . There shall I try ,
In my oration , how the people take
The cruel issue of these bloody men ,
According to the which thou shalt discourse
To young Octavius of the state of things .
Lend me your hand .
They exit with Caesar’s body .

Scene 2

Enter Brutus and Cassius with the Plebeians .
PLEBEIANS
We will be satisfied ! Let us be satisfied !
BRUTUS
Then follow me and give me audience , friends . —
Cassius , go you into the other street
And part the numbers . —
Those that will hear me speak , let ’em stay here ;
Those that will follow Cassius , go with him ;
And public reasons shall be renderèd
Of Caesar’s death .
FIRST PLEBEIAN
I will hear Brutus speak .
SECOND PLEBEIAN
I will hear Cassius , and compare their reasons
When severally we hear them renderèd .
Cassius exits with some of the Plebeians .
Brutus goes into the pulpit .
THIRD PLEBEIAN
The noble Brutus is ascended . Silence .
BRUTUS
Be patient till the last .

Romans , countrymen , and lovers , hear me for my cause , and be silent that you may hear . Believe me for mine honor , and have respect to mine honor that you may believe . Censure me in your wisdom , and awake your senses that you may the better judge . If there be any in this assembly , any dear friend of Caesar’s , to him I say that Brutus’ love to Caesar was no less than his . If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar , this is my answer : not that I loved Caesar less , but that I loved Rome more . Had you rather Caesar were living , and die all slaves , than that Caesar were dead , to live all freemen ? As Caesar loved me , I weep for him . As he was fortunate , I rejoice at it . As he was valiant , I honor him . But , as he was ambitious , I slew him . There is tears for his love , joy for his fortune , honor for his valor , and death for his ambition . Who is here so base that would be a bondman ? If any , speak , for him have I offended . Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman ? If any , speak , for him have I offended . Who is here so vile that will not love his country ? If any , speak , for him have I offended . I pause for a reply .

PLEBEIANS

None , Brutus , none .

BRUTUS

Then none have I offended . I have done no more to Caesar than you shall do to Brutus . The question of his death is enrolled in the Capitol , his glory not extenuated wherein he was worthy , nor his offenses enforced for which he suffered death .

Enter Mark Antony and others with Caesar’s body .

Here comes his body , mourned by Mark Antony , who , though he had no hand in his death , shall receive the benefit of his dying — a place in the commonwealth — as which of you shall not ? With this I depart : that , as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome , I have the same dagger for myself when it shall please my country to need my death .

PLEBEIANS

Live , Brutus , live , live !

FIRST PLEBEIAN
Bring him with triumph home unto his house .
SECOND PLEBEIAN
Give him a statue with his ancestors .
THIRD PLEBEIAN
Let him be Caesar .
FOURTH PLEBEIAN
Caesar’s better parts
Shall be crowned in Brutus .
FIRST PLEBEIAN
We’ll bring him to his house with shouts and clamors .
BRUTUS
My countrymen —
SECOND PLEBEIAN
Peace , silence ! Brutus speaks .
FIRST PLEBEIAN

Peace , ho !

BRUTUS
Good countrymen , let me depart alone ,
And , for my sake , stay here with Antony .
Do grace to Caesar’s corpse , and grace his speech
Tending to Caesar’s glories , which Mark Antony
( By our permission ) is allowed to make .
I do entreat you , not a man depart ,
Save I alone , till Antony have spoke .
He descends and exits .
FIRST PLEBEIAN
Stay , ho , and let us hear Mark Antony !
THIRD PLEBEIAN
Let him go up into the public chair .
PLEBEIANS
We’ll hear him . — Noble Antony , go up .
ANTONY
For Brutus’ sake , I am beholding to you .
He goes into the pulpit .
FOURTH PLEBEIAN
What does he say of Brutus ?
THIRD PLEBEIAN
He says for Brutus’ sake
He finds himself beholding to us all .
FOURTH PLEBEIAN
’Twere best he speak no harm of Brutus here .
FIRST PLEBEIAN
This Caesar was a tyrant .
THIRD PLEBEIAN
Nay , that’s certain .
We are blest that Rome is rid of him .
SECOND PLEBEIAN
Peace , let us hear what Antony can say .
ANTONY
You gentle Romans —
PLEBEIANS
Peace , ho ! Let us hear him .
ANTONY
Friends , Romans , countrymen , lend me your ears .
I come to bury Caesar , not to praise him .
The evil that men do lives after them ;
The good is oft interrèd with their bones .
So let it be with Caesar . The noble Brutus
Hath told you Caesar was ambitious .
If it were so , it was a grievous fault ,
And grievously hath Caesar answered it .
Here , under leave of Brutus and the rest
( For Brutus is an honorable man ;
So are they all , all honorable men ) ,
Come I to speak in Caesar’s funeral .
He was my friend , faithful and just to me ,
But Brutus says he was ambitious ,
And Brutus is an honorable man .
He hath brought many captives home to Rome ,
Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill .
Did this in Caesar seem ambitious ?
When that the poor have cried , Caesar hath wept ;
Ambition should be made of sterner stuff .
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious ,
And Brutus is an honorable man .
You all did see that on the Lupercal
I thrice presented him a kingly crown ,
Which he did thrice refuse . Was this ambition ?
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious ,
And sure he is an honorable man .
I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke ,
But here I am to speak what I do know .
You all did love him once , not without cause .
What cause withholds you , then , to mourn for him ? —
O judgment , thou art fled to brutish beasts ,
And men have lost their reason ! — Bear with me ;
My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar ,
And I must pause till it come back to me .
He weeps .
FIRST PLEBEIAN
Methinks there is much reason in his sayings .
SECOND PLEBEIAN
If thou consider rightly of the matter ,
Caesar has had great wrong .
THIRD PLEBEIAN
Has he , masters ?
I fear there will a worse come in his place .
FOURTH PLEBEIAN
Marked you his words ? He would not take the crown ;
Therefore ’tis certain he was not ambitious .
FIRST PLEBEIAN
If it be found so , some will dear abide it .
SECOND PLEBEIAN
Poor soul , his eyes are red as fire with weeping .
THIRD PLEBEIAN
There’s not a nobler man in Rome than Antony .
FOURTH PLEBEIAN
Now mark him . He begins again to speak .
ANTONY
But yesterday the word of Caesar might
Have stood against the world . Now lies he there ,
And none so poor to do him reverence .
O masters , if I were disposed to stir
Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage ,
I should do Brutus wrong and Cassius wrong ,
Who , you all know , are honorable men .
I will not do them wrong . I rather choose
To wrong the dead , to wrong myself and you ,
Than I will wrong such honorable men .
But here’s a parchment with the seal of Caesar .
I found it in his closet . ’Tis his will .
Let but the commons hear this testament ,
Which , pardon me , I do not mean to read ,
And they would go and kiss dead Caesar’s wounds
And dip their napkins in his sacred blood —
Yea , beg a hair of him for memory
And , dying , mention it within their wills ,
Bequeathing it as a rich legacy
Unto their issue .
FOURTH PLEBEIAN
We’ll hear the will . Read it , Mark Antony .
PLEBEIANS
The will , the will ! We will hear Caesar’s will .
ANTONY
Have patience , gentle friends . I must not read it .
It is not meet you know how Caesar loved you .
You are not wood , you are not stones , but men .
And , being men , hearing the will of Caesar ,
It will inflame you ; it will make you mad .
’Tis good you know not that you are his heirs ,
For if you should , O , what would come of it ?
FOURTH PLEBEIAN
Read the will ! We’ll hear it , Antony .
PLEBEIANS
You shall read us the will , Caesar’s will .
ANTONY
Will you be patient ? Will you stay awhile ?
I have o’ershot myself to tell you of it .
I fear I wrong the honorable men
Whose daggers have stabbed Caesar . I do fear it .
FOURTH PLEBEIAN

They were traitors . Honorable men ?

PLEBEIANS

The will ! The testament !

SECOND PLEBEIAN

They were villains , murderers . The will ! Read the will .

ANTONY
You will compel me , then , to read the will ?
Then make a ring about the corpse of Caesar ,
And let me show you him that made the will .
Shall I descend ? And will you give me leave ?
PLEBEIANS
Come down .
SECOND PLEBEIAN
Descend .
THIRD PLEBEIAN
You shall have leave .
Antony descends .
FOURTH PLEBEIAN
A ring ; stand round .
FIRST PLEBEIAN
Stand from the hearse . Stand from the body .
SECOND PLEBEIAN
Room for Antony , most noble Antony .
ANTONY
Nay , press not so upon me . Stand far off .
PLEBEIANS

Stand back ! Room ! Bear back !

ANTONY
If you have tears , prepare to shed them now .
You all do know this mantle . I remember
The first time ever Caesar put it on .
’Twas on a summer’s evening in his tent ,
That day he overcame the Nervii .
Look , in this place ran Cassius’ dagger through .
See what a rent the envious Casca made .
Through this the well-belovèd Brutus stabbed ,
And , as he plucked his cursèd steel away ,
Mark how the blood of Caesar followed it ,
As rushing out of doors to be resolved
If Brutus so unkindly knocked or no ;
For Brutus , as you know , was Caesar’s angel .
Judge , O you gods , how dearly Caesar loved him !
This was the most unkindest cut of all .
For when the noble Caesar saw him stab ,
Ingratitude , more strong than traitors’ arms ,
Quite vanquished him . Then burst his mighty heart ,
And , in his mantle muffling up his face ,
Even at the base of Pompey’s statue
( Which all the while ran blood ) great Caesar fell .
O , what a fall was there , my countrymen !
Then I and you and all of us fell down ,
Whilst bloody treason flourished over us .
O , now you weep , and I perceive you feel
The dint of pity . These are gracious drops .
Kind souls , what , weep you when you but behold
Our Caesar’s vesture wounded ? Look you here ,
Antony lifts Caesar’s cloak .
Here is himself , marred as you see with traitors .
FIRST PLEBEIAN

O piteous spectacle !

SECOND PLEBEIAN

O noble Caesar !

THIRD PLEBEIAN

O woeful day !

FOURTH PLEBEIAN

O traitors , villains !

FIRST PLEBEIAN

O most bloody sight !

SECOND PLEBEIAN

We will be revenged .

PLEBEIANS

Revenge ! About ! Seek ! Burn ! Fire ! Kill ! Slay ! Let not a traitor live !

ANTONY

Stay , countrymen .

FIRST PLEBEIAN

Peace there ! Hear the noble Antony .

SECOND PLEBEIAN

We’ll hear him , we’ll follow him , we’ll die with him .

ANTONY
Good friends , sweet friends , let me not stir you up
To such a sudden flood of mutiny .
They that have done this deed are honorable .
What private griefs they have , alas , I know not ,
That made them do it . They are wise and honorable
And will no doubt with reasons answer you .
I come not , friends , to steal away your hearts .
I am no orator , as Brutus is ,
But , as you know me all , a plain blunt man
That love my friend , and that they know full well
That gave me public leave to speak of him .
For I have neither wit , nor words , nor worth ,
Action , nor utterance , nor the power of speech
To stir men’s blood . I only speak right on .
I tell you that which you yourselves do know ,
Show you sweet Caesar’s wounds , poor poor dumb mouths ,
And bid them speak for me . But were I Brutus ,
And Brutus Antony , there were an Antony
Would ruffle up your spirits and put a tongue
In every wound of Caesar that should move
The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny .
PLEBEIANS
We’ll mutiny .
FIRST PLEBEIAN
We’ll burn the house of Brutus .
THIRD PLEBEIAN
Away then . Come , seek the conspirators .
ANTONY
Yet hear me , countrymen ; yet hear me speak .
PLEBEIANS
Peace , ho ! Hear Antony , most noble Antony !
ANTONY
Why , friends , you go to do you know not what .
Wherein hath Caesar thus deserved your loves ?
Alas , you know not . I must tell you then .
You have forgot the will I told you of .
PLEBEIANS
Most true . The will ! Let’s stay and hear the will .
ANTONY
Here is the will , and under Caesar’s seal :
To every Roman citizen he gives ,
To every several man , seventy-five drachmas .
SECOND PLEBEIAN
Most noble Caesar ! We’ll revenge his death .
THIRD PLEBEIAN
O royal Caesar !
ANTONY
Hear me with patience .
PLEBEIANS
Peace , ho !
ANTONY
Moreover , he hath left you all his walks ,
His private arbors , and new-planted orchards ,
On this side Tiber . He hath left them you ,
And to your heirs forever — common pleasures
To walk abroad and recreate yourselves .
Here was a Caesar ! When comes such another ?
FIRST PLEBEIAN
Never , never ! — Come , away , away !
We’ll burn his body in the holy place
And with the brands fire the traitors’ houses .
Take up the body .
SECOND PLEBEIAN
Go fetch fire .
THIRD PLEBEIAN
Pluck down benches .
FOURTH PLEBEIAN
Pluck down forms , windows ,

anything .

Plebeians exit with Caesar’s body .
ANTONY
Now let it work . Mischief , thou art afoot ;
Take thou what course thou wilt .
Enter Servant .
How now , fellow ?
SERVANT
Sir , Octavius is already come to Rome .
ANTONY

Where is he ?

SERVANT
He and Lepidus are at Caesar’s house .
ANTONY
And thither will I straight to visit him .
He comes upon a wish . Fortune is merry
And in this mood will give us anything .
SERVANT
I heard him say Brutus and Cassius
Are rid like madmen through the gates of Rome .
ANTONY
Belike they had some notice of the people
How I had moved them . Bring me to Octavius .
They exit .

Scene 3

Enter Cinna the poet and after him the Plebeians .
CINNA
I dreamt tonight that I did feast with Caesar ,
And things unluckily charge my fantasy .
I have no will to wander forth of doors ,
Yet something leads me forth .
FIRST PLEBEIAN

What is your name ?

SECOND PLEBEIAN

Whither are you going ?

THIRD PLEBEIAN

Where do you dwell ?

FOURTH PLEBEIAN

Are you a married man or a bachelor ?

SECOND PLEBEIAN

Answer every man directly .

FIRST PLEBEIAN

Ay , and briefly .

FOURTH PLEBEIAN

Ay , and wisely .

THIRD PLEBEIAN

Ay , and truly , you were best .

CINNA

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

SECOND PLEBEIAN

That’s as much as to say they are fools that marry . You’ll bear me a bang for that , I fear . Proceed directly .

CINNA

Directly , I am going to Caesar’s funeral .

FIRST PLEBEIAN

As a friend or an enemy ?

CINNA

As a friend .

SECOND PLEBEIAN

That matter is answered directly .

FOURTH PLEBEIAN

For your dwelling — briefly .

CINNA

Briefly , I dwell by the Capitol .

THIRD PLEBEIAN

Your name , sir , truly .

CINNA

Truly , my name is Cinna .

FIRST PLEBEIAN

Tear him to pieces ! He’s a conspirator .

CINNA

I am Cinna the poet , I am Cinna the poet !

FOURTH PLEBEIAN

Tear him for his bad verses , tear him for his bad verses !

CINNA

I am not Cinna the conspirator .

FOURTH PLEBEIAN

It is no matter . His name’s Cinna . Pluck but his name out of his heart , and turn him going .

THIRD PLEBEIAN

Tear him , tear him ! Come , brands , ho , firebrands ! To Brutus’ , to Cassius’ , burn all ! Some to Decius’ house , and some to Casca’s , some to Ligarius’ . Away , go !

All the Plebeians exit , carrying off Cinna .

ACT 4

Scene 1

Enter Antony , Octavius , and Lepidus .
ANTONY
These many , then , shall die ; their names are pricked .
OCTAVIUS
Your brother too must die . Consent you , Lepidus ?
LEPIDUS
I do consent .
OCTAVIUS
Prick him down , Antony .
LEPIDUS
Upon condition Publius shall not live ,
Who is your sister’s son , Mark Antony .
ANTONY
He shall not live ; look , with a spot I damn him .
But , Lepidus , go you to Caesar’s house ;
Fetch the will hither , and we shall determine
How to cut off some charge in legacies .
LEPIDUS
What , shall I find you here ?
OCTAVIUS
Or here , or at the Capitol .
Lepidus exits .
ANTONY
This is a slight , unmeritable man ,
Meet to be sent on errands . Is it fit ,
The threefold world divided , he should stand
One of the three to share it ?
OCTAVIUS
So you thought him
And took his voice who should be pricked to die
In our black sentence and proscription .
ANTONY
Octavius , I have seen more days than you ,
And , though we lay these honors on this man
To ease ourselves of diverse sland’rous loads ,
He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold ,
To groan and sweat under the business ,
Either led or driven , as we point the way ;
And having brought our treasure where we will ,
Then take we down his load and turn him off
( Like to the empty ass ) to shake his ears
And graze in commons .
OCTAVIUS
You may do your will ,
But he’s a tried and valiant soldier .
ANTONY
So is my horse , Octavius , and for that
I do appoint him store of provender .
It is a creature that I teach to fight ,
To wind , to stop , to run directly on ,
His corporal motion governed by my spirit ;
And , in some taste , is Lepidus but so .
He must be taught and trained and bid go forth —
A barren-spirited fellow , one that feeds
On objects , arts , and imitations
Which , out of use and staled by other men ,
Begin his fashion . Do not talk of him
But as a property . And now , Octavius ,
Listen great things . Brutus and Cassius
Are levying powers . We must straight make head .
Therefore let our alliance be combined ,
Our best friends made , our means stretched ;
And let us presently go sit in council
How covert matters may be best disclosed
And open perils surest answerèd .
OCTAVIUS
Let us do so , for we are at the stake
And bayed about with many enemies ,
And some that smile have in their hearts , I fear ,
Millions of mischiefs .
They exit .

Scene 2

Drum .
Enter Brutus , Lucilius , Lucius , and the Army . Titinius and Pindarus meet them .
BRUTUS

Stand ho !

LUCILIUS

Give the word , ho , and stand !

BRUTUS
What now , Lucilius , is Cassius near ?
LUCILIUS
He is at hand , and Pindarus is come
To do you salutation from his master .
BRUTUS
He greets me well . — Your master , Pindarus ,
In his own change or by ill officers ,
Hath given me some worthy cause to wish
Things done undone , but if he be at hand
I shall be satisfied .
PINDARUS
I do not doubt
But that my noble master will appear
Such as he is , full of regard and honor .
BRUTUS
He is not doubted .
Brutus and Lucilius walk aside .
A word , Lucilius ,
How he received you . Let me be resolved .
LUCILIUS
With courtesy and with respect enough ,
But not with such familiar instances
Nor with such free and friendly conference
As he hath used of old .
BRUTUS
Thou hast described
A hot friend cooling . Ever note , Lucilius ,
When love begins to sicken and decay
It useth an enforcèd ceremony .
There are no tricks in plain and simple faith ;
But hollow men , like horses hot at hand ,
Make gallant show and promise of their mettle ,
Low march within .
But when they should endure the bloody spur ,
They fall their crests and , like deceitful jades ,
Sink in the trial . Comes his army on ?
LUCILIUS
They mean this night in Sardis to be quartered .
The greater part , the horse in general ,
Are come with Cassius .
Enter Cassius and his powers .
BRUTUS
Hark , he is arrived .
March gently on to meet him .
CASSIUS

Stand ho !

BRUTUS

Stand ho ! Speak the word along .

FIRST SOLDIER

Stand !

SECOND SOLDIER

Stand !

THIRD SOLDIER

Stand !

CASSIUS
Most noble brother , you have done me wrong .
BRUTUS
Judge me , you gods ! Wrong I mine enemies ?
And if not so , how should I wrong a brother ?
CASSIUS
Brutus , this sober form of yours hides wrongs ,
And when you do them —
BRUTUS
Cassius , be content .
Speak your griefs softly . I do know you well .
Before the eyes of both our armies here
( Which should perceive nothing but love from us ) ,
Let us not wrangle . Bid them move away .
Then in my tent , Cassius , enlarge your griefs ,
And I will give you audience .
CASSIUS
Pindarus ,
Bid our commanders lead their charges off
A little from this ground .
BRUTUS
Lucius , do you the like , and let no man
Come to our tent till we have done our conference .
Let Lucilius and Titinius guard our door .
All but Brutus and Cassius exit .

Scene 3

CASSIUS
That you have wronged me doth appear in this :
You have condemned and noted Lucius Pella
For taking bribes here of the Sardians ,
Wherein my letters , praying on his side
Because I knew the man , was slighted off .
BRUTUS
You wronged yourself to write in such a case .
CASSIUS
In such a time as this it is not meet
That every nice offense should bear his comment .
BRUTUS
Let me tell you , Cassius , you yourself
Are much condemned to have an itching palm ,
To sell and mart your offices for gold
To undeservers .
CASSIUS
I an itching palm ?
You know that you are Brutus that speaks this ,
Or , by the gods , this speech were else your last .
BRUTUS
The name of Cassius honors this corruption ,
And chastisement doth therefore hide his head .
CASSIUS

Chastisement ?

BRUTUS
Remember March ; the ides of March remember .
Did not great Julius bleed for justice’ sake ?
What villain touched his body that did stab
And not for justice ? What , shall one of us
That struck the foremost man of all this world
But for supporting robbers , shall we now
Contaminate our fingers with base bribes
And sell the mighty space of our large honors
For so much trash as may be graspèd thus ?
I had rather be a dog and bay the moon
Than such a Roman .
CASSIUS
Brutus , bait not me .
I’ll not endure it . You forget yourself
To hedge me in . I am a soldier , I ,
Older in practice , abler than yourself
To make conditions .
BRUTUS
Go to ! You are not , Cassius .
CASSIUS

I am .

BRUTUS

I say you are not .

CASSIUS
Urge me no more . I shall forget myself .
Have mind upon your health . Tempt me no farther .
BRUTUS

Away , slight man !

CASSIUS
Is ’t possible ?
BRUTUS
Hear me , for I will speak .
Must I give way and room to your rash choler ?
Shall I be frighted when a madman stares ?
CASSIUS
O you gods , you gods , must I endure all this ?
BRUTUS
All this ? Ay , more . Fret till your proud heart break .
Go show your slaves how choleric you are
And make your bondmen tremble . Must I budge ?
Must I observe you ? Must I stand and crouch
Under your testy humor ? By the gods ,
You shall digest the venom of your spleen
Though it do split you . For , from this day forth ,
I’ll use you for my mirth , yea , for my laughter ,
When you are waspish .
CASSIUS
Is it come to this ?
BRUTUS
You say you are a better soldier .
Let it appear so , make your vaunting true ,
And it shall please me well . For mine own part ,
I shall be glad to learn of noble men .
CASSIUS
You wrong me every way , you wrong me , Brutus .
I said an elder soldier , not a better .
Did I say “ better ” ?
BRUTUS
If you did , I care not .
CASSIUS
When Caesar lived he durst not thus have moved me .
BRUTUS
Peace , peace ! You durst not so have tempted him .
CASSIUS

I durst not ?

BRUTUS

No .

CASSIUS
What ? Durst not tempt him ?
BRUTUS
For your life you durst not .
CASSIUS
Do not presume too much upon my love .
I may do that I shall be sorry for .
BRUTUS
You have done that you should be sorry for .
There is no terror , Cassius , in your threats ,
For I am armed so strong in honesty
That they pass by me as the idle wind ,
Which I respect not . I did send to you
For certain sums of gold , which you denied me ,
For I can raise no money by vile means .
By heaven , I had rather coin my heart
And drop my blood for drachmas than to wring
From the hard hands of peasants their vile trash
By any indirection . I did send
To you for gold to pay my legions ,
Which you denied me . Was that done like Cassius ?
Should I have answered Caius Cassius so ?
When Marcus Brutus grows so covetous
To lock such rascal counters from his friends ,
Be ready , gods , with all your thunderbolts ;
Dash him to pieces !
CASSIUS
I denied you not .
BRUTUS
You did .
CASSIUS
I did not . He was but a fool that brought
My answer back . Brutus hath rived my heart .
A friend should bear his friend’s infirmities ,
But Brutus makes mine greater than they are .
BRUTUS
I do not , till you practice them on me .
CASSIUS
You love me not .
BRUTUS
I do not like your faults .
CASSIUS
A friendly eye could never see such faults .
BRUTUS
A flatterer’s would not , though they do appear
As huge as high Olympus .
CASSIUS
Come , Antony , and young Octavius , come !
Revenge yourselves alone on Cassius ,
For Cassius is aweary of the world —
Hated by one he loves , braved by his brother ,
Checked like a bondman , all his faults observed ,
Set in a notebook , learned and conned by rote
To cast into my teeth . O , I could weep
My spirit from mine eyes ! There is my dagger ,
Offering his dagger to Brutus .
And here my naked breast ; within , a heart
Dearer than Pluto’s mine , richer than gold .
If that thou be’st a Roman , take it forth .
I that denied thee gold will give my heart .
Strike as thou didst at Caesar , for I know
When thou didst hate him worst , thou lovedst him better
Than ever thou lovedst Cassius .
BRUTUS
Sheathe your dagger .
Be angry when you will , it shall have scope .
Do what you will , dishonor shall be humor .
O Cassius , you are yokèd with a lamb
That carries anger as the flint bears fire ,
Who , much enforcèd , shows a hasty spark
And straight is cold again .
CASSIUS
Hath Cassius lived
To be but mirth and laughter to his Brutus
When grief and blood ill-tempered vexeth him ?
BRUTUS
When I spoke that , I was ill-tempered too .
CASSIUS
Do you confess so much ? Give me your hand .
BRUTUS
And my heart too .
They clasp hands .
CASSIUS
O Brutus !
BRUTUS
What’s the matter ?
CASSIUS
Have not you love enough to bear with me
When that rash humor which my mother gave me
Makes me forgetful ?
BRUTUS
Yes , Cassius , and from henceforth
When you are over-earnest with your Brutus ,
He’ll think your mother chides , and leave you so .
Enter a Poet followed by Lucilius , Titinius , and Lucius .
POET
Let me go in to see the Generals .
There is some grudge between ’em ; ’tis not meet
They be alone .
LUCILIUS
You shall not come to them .
POET

Nothing but death shall stay me .

CASSIUS

How now , what’s the matter ?

POET
For shame , you generals , what do you mean ?
Love and be friends as two such men should be ,
For I have seen more years , I’m sure , than ye .
CASSIUS
Ha , ha , how vilely doth this cynic rhyme !
BRUTUS
Get you hence , sirrah ! Saucy fellow , hence !
CASSIUS
Bear with him , Brutus . ’Tis his fashion .
BRUTUS
I’ll know his humor when he knows his time .
What should the wars do with these jigging fools ? —
Companion , hence !
CASSIUS
Away , away , be gone !
Poet exits .
BRUTUS
Lucilius and Titinius , bid the commanders
Prepare to lodge their companies tonight .
CASSIUS
And come yourselves , and bring Messala with you
Immediately to us .
Lucilius and Titinius exit .
BRUTUS
Lucius , a bowl of wine .
Lucius exits .
CASSIUS
I did not think you could have been so angry .
BRUTUS
O Cassius , I am sick of many griefs .
CASSIUS
Of your philosophy you make no use
If you give place to accidental evils .
BRUTUS
No man bears sorrow better . Portia is dead .
CASSIUS

Ha ? Portia ?

BRUTUS

She is dead .

CASSIUS
How ’scaped I killing when I crossed you so ?
O insupportable and touching loss !
Upon what sickness ?
BRUTUS
Impatient of my absence ,
And grief that young Octavius with Mark Antony
Have made themselves so strong — for with her death
That tidings came — with this she fell distract
And , her attendants absent , swallowed fire .
CASSIUS
And died so ?
BRUTUS
Even so .
CASSIUS
O you immortal gods !
Enter Lucius with wine and tapers .
BRUTUS
Speak no more of her . — Give me a bowl of wine . —
In this I bury all unkindness , Cassius .
He drinks .
CASSIUS
My heart is thirsty for that noble pledge . —
Fill , Lucius , till the wine o’erswell the cup ;
I cannot drink too much of Brutus’ love .
He drinks .
Lucius exits .
Enter Titinius and Messala .
BRUTUS
Come in , Titinius . Welcome , good Messala .
Now sit we close about this taper here ,
And call in question our necessities .
They sit .
CASSIUS
Portia , art thou gone ?
BRUTUS
No more , I pray you . —
Messala , I have here receivèd letters
That young Octavius and Mark Antony
Come down upon us with a mighty power ,
Bending their expedition toward Philippi .
MESSALA
Myself have letters of the selfsame tenor .
BRUTUS

With what addition ?

MESSALA
That by proscription and bills of outlawry ,
Octavius , Antony , and Lepidus
Have put to death an hundred senators .
BRUTUS
Therein our letters do not well agree .
Mine speak of seventy senators that died
By their proscriptions , Cicero being one .
CASSIUS
Cicero one ?
MESSALA
Cicero is dead ,
And by that order of proscription .
Had you your letters from your wife , my lord ?
BRUTUS
No , Messala .
MESSALA
Nor nothing in your letters writ of her ?
BRUTUS
Nothing , Messala .
MESSALA
That methinks is strange .
BRUTUS
Why ask you ? Hear you aught of her in yours ?
MESSALA

No , my lord .

BRUTUS
Now , as you are a Roman , tell me true .
MESSALA
Then like a Roman bear the truth I tell ,
For certain she is dead , and by strange manner .
BRUTUS
Why , farewell , Portia . We must die , Messala .
With meditating that she must die once ,
I have the patience to endure it now .
MESSALA
Even so great men great losses should endure .
CASSIUS
I have as much of this in art as you ,
But yet my nature could not bear it so .
BRUTUS
Well , to our work alive . What do you think
Of marching to Philippi presently ?
CASSIUS
I do not think it good .
BRUTUS
Your reason ?
CASSIUS
This it is :
’Tis better that the enemy seek us ;
So shall he waste his means , weary his soldiers ,
Doing himself offense , whilst we , lying still ,
Are full of rest , defense , and nimbleness .
BRUTUS
Good reasons must of force give place to better .
The people ’twixt Philippi and this ground
Do stand but in a forced affection ,
For they have grudged us contribution .
The enemy , marching along by them ,
By them shall make a fuller number up ,
Come on refreshed , new-added , and encouraged ,
From which advantage shall we cut him off
If at Philippi we do face him there ,
These people at our back .
CASSIUS
Hear me , good brother —
BRUTUS
Under your pardon . You must note besides
That we have tried the utmost of our friends ,
Our legions are brim full , our cause is ripe .
The enemy increaseth every day ;
We , at the height , are ready to decline .
There is a tide in the affairs of men
Which , taken at the flood , leads on to fortune ;
Omitted , all the voyage of their life
Is bound in shallows and in miseries .
On such a full sea are we now afloat ,
And we must take the current when it serves
Or lose our ventures .
CASSIUS
Then , with your will , go on ;
We’ll along ourselves and meet them at Philippi .
BRUTUS
The deep of night is crept upon our talk ,
And nature must obey necessity ,
Which we will niggard with a little rest .
There is no more to say .
CASSIUS
No more . Good night .
They stand .
Early tomorrow will we rise and hence .
BRUTUS
Lucius .
Enter Lucius .
My gown .
Lucius exits .
Farewell , good Messala . —
Good night , Titinius . — Noble , noble Cassius ,
Good night and good repose .
CASSIUS
O my dear brother ,
This was an ill beginning of the night .
Never come such division ’tween our souls !
Let it not , Brutus .
Enter Lucius with the gown .
BRUTUS
Everything is well .
CASSIUS

Good night , my lord .

BRUTUS

Good night , good brother .

TITINIUS / MESSALA
Good night , Lord Brutus .
BRUTUS
Farewell , everyone .
All but Brutus and Lucius exit .
Give me the gown . Where is thy instrument ?
LUCIUS
Here in the tent .
BRUTUS
What , thou speak’st drowsily ?
Poor knave , I blame thee not ; thou art o’erwatched .
Call Claudius and some other of my men ;
I’ll have them sleep on cushions in my tent .
LUCIUS

Varro and Claudius .

Enter Varro and Claudius .
VARRO

Calls my lord ?

BRUTUS
I pray you , sirs , lie in my tent and sleep .
It may be I shall raise you by and by
On business to my brother Cassius .
VARRO
So please you , we will stand and watch your pleasure .
BRUTUS
I will not have it so . Lie down , good sirs .
It may be I shall otherwise bethink me .
They lie down .
Look , Lucius , here’s the book I sought for so .
I put it in the pocket of my gown .
LUCIUS
I was sure your Lordship did not give it me .
BRUTUS
Bear with me , good boy , I am much forgetful .
Canst thou hold up thy heavy eyes awhile
And touch thy instrument a strain or two ?
LUCIUS
Ay , my lord , an ’t please you .
BRUTUS
It does , my boy .
I trouble thee too much , but thou art willing .
LUCIUS
It is my duty , sir .
BRUTUS
I should not urge thy duty past thy might .
I know young bloods look for a time of rest .
LUCIUS

I have slept , my lord , already .

BRUTUS
It was well done , and thou shalt sleep again .
I will not hold thee long . If I do live ,
I will be good to thee .
Music and a song .
Lucius then falls asleep .
This is a sleepy tune . O murd’rous slumber ,
Layest thou thy leaden mace upon my boy ,
That plays thee music ? — Gentle knave , good night .
I will not do thee so much wrong to wake thee .
If thou dost nod , thou break’st thy instrument .
I’ll take it from thee and , good boy , good night .
He moves the instrument .
Let me see , let me see ; is not the leaf turned down
Where I left reading ? Here it is , I think .
How ill this taper burns .
Enter the Ghost of Caesar .
Ha , who comes here ? —
I think it is the weakness of mine eyes
That shapes this monstrous apparition .
It comes upon me . — Art thou any thing ?
Art thou some god , some angel , or some devil ,
That mak’st my blood cold and my hair to stare ?
Speak to me what thou art .
GHOST
Thy evil spirit , Brutus .
BRUTUS
Why com’st thou ?
GHOST
To tell thee thou shalt see me at Philippi .
BRUTUS

Well , then I shall see thee again ?

GHOST

Ay , at Philippi .

BRUTUS
Why , I will see thee at Philippi , then .
Ghost exits .
Now I have taken heart , thou vanishest .
Ill spirit , I would hold more talk with thee . —
Boy , Lucius ! — Varro , Claudius , sirs , awake !
Claudius !
LUCIUS
The strings , my lord , are false .
BRUTUS
He thinks he still is at his instrument .
Lucius , awake !
LUCIUS
My lord ?
BRUTUS
Didst thou dream , Lucius , that thou so criedst out ?
LUCIUS
My lord , I do not know that I did cry .
BRUTUS
Yes , that thou didst . Didst thou see anything ?
LUCIUS
Nothing , my lord .
BRUTUS
Sleep again , Lucius . — Sirrah Claudius !
To Varro .
Fellow thou , awake !
They rise up .
VARRO
My lord ?
CLAUDIUS
My lord ?
BRUTUS
Why did you so cry out , sirs , in your sleep ?
BOTH
Did we , my lord ?
BRUTUS
Ay . Saw you anything ?
VARRO
No , my lord , I saw nothing .
CLAUDIUS

Nor I , my lord .

BRUTUS
Go and commend me to my brother Cassius .
Bid him set on his powers betimes before ,
And we will follow .
BOTH
It shall be done , my lord .
They exit .

ACT 5

Scene 1

Enter Octavius , Antony , and their army .
OCTAVIUS
5.1.1 Now , Antony , our hopes are answerèd .
5.1.2 You said the enemy would not come down
5.1.3 But keep the hills and upper regions .
5.1.4 It proves not so ; their battles are at hand .
5.1.5 They mean to warn us at Philippi here ,
5.1.6 Answering before we do demand of them .
ANTONY
5.1.7 Tut , I am in their bosoms , and I know
5.1.8 Wherefore they do it . They could be content
5.1.9 To visit other places , and come down
5.1.10 With fearful bravery , thinking by this face
5.1.11 To fasten in our thoughts that they have courage .
5.1.12 But ’tis not so .
Enter a Messenger .
MESSENGER
5.1.13 Prepare you , generals .
5.1.14 The enemy comes on in gallant show .
5.1.15 Their bloody sign of battle is hung out ,
5.1.16 And something to be done immediately .
ANTONY
5.1.17 Octavius , lead your battle softly on
5.1.18 Upon the left hand of the even field .
OCTAVIUS
5.1.19 Upon the right hand , I ; keep thou the left .
ANTONY
5.1.20 Why do you cross me in this exigent ?
OCTAVIUS
5.1.21 I do not cross you , but I will do so .
March .
Drum .
Enter Brutus , Cassius , and their army including Lucilius , Titinius , and Messala .
BRUTUS

They stand and would have parley .

CASSIUS
5.1.23 Stand fast , Titinius . We must out and talk .
OCTAVIUS
5.1.24 Mark Antony , shall we give sign of battle ?
ANTONY
5.1.25 No , Caesar , we will answer on their charge .
5.1.26 Make forth . The Generals would have some words .
OCTAVIUS
, to his Officers

Stir not until the signal .

The Generals step forward .
BRUTUS
5.1.28 Words before blows ; is it so , countrymen ?
OCTAVIUS
5.1.29 Not that we love words better , as you do .
BRUTUS
5.1.30 Good words are better than bad strokes , Octavius .
ANTONY
5.1.31 In your bad strokes , Brutus , you give good words .
5.1.32 Witness the hole you made in Caesar’s heart ,
5.1.33 Crying “ Long live , hail , Caesar ! ”
CASSIUS
5.1.34 Antony ,
5.1.35 The posture of your blows are yet unknown ,
5.1.36 But , for your words , they rob the Hybla bees
5.1.37 And leave them honeyless .
ANTONY
5.1.38 Not stingless too .
BRUTUS
5.1.39 O yes , and soundless too ,
5.1.40 For you have stolen their buzzing , Antony ,
5.1.41 And very wisely threat before you sting .
ANTONY
5.1.42 Villains , you did not so when your vile daggers
5.1.43 Hacked one another in the sides of Caesar .
5.1.44 You showed your teeth like apes and fawned like hounds
5.1.46 And bowed like bondmen , kissing Caesar’s feet ,
5.1.47 Whilst damnèd Casca , like a cur , behind
5.1.48 Struck Caesar on the neck . O you flatterers !
CASSIUS
5.1.49 Flatterers ? — Now , Brutus , thank yourself !
5.1.50 This tongue had not offended so today
5.1.51 If Cassius might have ruled .
OCTAVIUS
5.1.52 Come , come , the cause . If arguing make us sweat ,
5.1.53 The proof of it will turn to redder drops .
5.1.54 Look , I draw a sword against conspirators ;
He draws .
5.1.55 When think you that the sword goes up again ?
5.1.56 Never , till Caesar’s three and thirty wounds
5.1.57 Be well avenged , or till another Caesar
5.1.58 Have added slaughter to the sword of traitors .
BRUTUS
5.1.59 Caesar , thou canst not die by traitors’ hands
5.1.60 Unless thou bring’st them with thee .
OCTAVIUS
5.1.61 So I hope .
5.1.62 I was not born to die on Brutus’ sword .
BRUTUS
5.1.63 O , if thou wert the noblest of thy strain ,
5.1.64 Young man , thou couldst not die more honorable .
CASSIUS
5.1.65 A peevish schoolboy , worthless of such honor ,
5.1.66 Joined with a masker and a reveler !
ANTONY
5.1.67 Old Cassius still .
OCTAVIUS
5.1.68 Come , Antony , away ! —
5.1.69 Defiance , traitors , hurl we in your teeth .
5.1.70 If you dare fight today , come to the field ;
5.1.71 If not , when you have stomachs .
Octavius , Antony , and their army exit .
CASSIUS
5.1.72 Why now , blow wind , swell billow , and swim bark !
5.1.73 The storm is up , and all is on the hazard .
BRUTUS
5.1.74 Ho , Lucilius , hark , a word with you .
Lucilius and Messala stand forth .
LUCILIUS

My lord ?

Brutus and Lucilius step aside together .
CASSIUS
5.1.76 Messala .
MESSALA
5.1.77 What says my general ?
CASSIUS
5.1.78 Messala ,
5.1.79 This is my birthday , as this very day
5.1.80 Was Cassius born . Give me thy hand , Messala .
5.1.81 Be thou my witness that against my will
5.1.82 ( As Pompey was ) am I compelled to set
5.1.83 Upon one battle all our liberties .
5.1.84 You know that I held Epicurus strong
5.1.85 And his opinion . Now I change my mind
5.1.86 And partly credit things that do presage .
5.1.87 Coming from Sardis , on our former ensign
5.1.88 Two mighty eagles fell , and there they perched ,
5.1.89 Gorging and feeding from our soldiers’ hands ,
5.1.90 Who to Philippi here consorted us .
5.1.91 This morning are they fled away and gone ,
5.1.92 And in their steads do ravens , crows , and kites
5.1.93 Fly o’er our heads and downward look on us
5.1.94 As we were sickly prey . Their shadows seem
5.1.95 A canopy most fatal , under which
5.1.96 Our army lies , ready to give up the ghost .
MESSALA
5.1.97 Believe not so .
CASSIUS
5.1.98 I but believe it partly ,
5.1.99 For I am fresh of spirit and resolved
5.1.100 To meet all perils very constantly .
BRUTUS
5.1.101 Even so , Lucilius .
Brutus returns to Cassius .
CASSIUS
5.1.102 Now , most noble Brutus ,
5.1.103 The gods today stand friendly that we may ,
5.1.104 Lovers in peace , lead on our days to age .
5.1.105 But since the affairs of men rests still incertain ,
5.1.106 Let’s reason with the worst that may befall .
5.1.107 If we do lose this battle , then is this
5.1.108 The very last time we shall speak together .
5.1.109 What are you then determinèd to do ?
BRUTUS
5.1.110 Even by the rule of that philosophy
5.1.111 By which I did blame Cato for the death
5.1.112 Which he did give himself ( I know not how ,
5.1.113 But I do find it cowardly and vile ,
5.1.114 For fear of what might fall , so to prevent
5.1.115 The time of life ) , arming myself with patience
5.1.116 To stay the providence of some high powers
5.1.117 That govern us below .
CASSIUS
5.1.118 Then , if we lose this battle ,
5.1.119 You are contented to be led in triumph
5.1.120 Thorough the streets of Rome ?
BRUTUS
5.1.121 No , Cassius , no . Think not , thou noble Roman ,
5.1.122 That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome .
5.1.123 He bears too great a mind . But this same day
5.1.124 Must end that work the ides of March begun .
5.1.125 And whether we shall meet again , I know not .
5.1.126 Therefore our everlasting farewell take .
5.1.127 Forever and forever farewell , Cassius .
5.1.128 If we do meet again , why we shall smile ;
5.1.129 If not , why then this parting was well made .
CASSIUS
5.1.130 Forever and forever farewell , Brutus .
5.1.131 If we do meet again , we’ll smile indeed ;
5.1.132 If not , ’tis true this parting was well made .
BRUTUS
5.1.133 Why then , lead on . — O , that a man might know
5.1.134 The end of this day’s business ere it come !
5.1.135 But it sufficeth that the day will end ,
5.1.136 And then the end is known . — Come ho , away !
They exit .

Scene 2

Alarum .
Enter Brutus and Messala .
BRUTUS
5.2.1 Ride , ride , Messala , ride , and give these bills
5.2.2 Unto the legions on the other side !
He hands Messala papers .
Loud alarum .
5.2.3 Let them set on at once , for I perceive
5.2.4 But cold demeanor in Octavius’ wing ,
5.2.5 And sudden push gives them the overthrow .
5.2.6 Ride , ride , Messala ! Let them all come down .
They exit .

Scene 3

Alarums .
Enter Cassius carrying a standard and Titinius .
CASSIUS
5.3.1 O , look , Titinius , look , the villains fly !
5.3.2 Myself have to mine own turned enemy .
5.3.3 This ensign here of mine was turning back ;
5.3.4 I slew the coward and did take it from him .
TITINIUS
5.3.5 O Cassius , Brutus gave the word too early ,
5.3.6 Who , having some advantage on Octavius ,
5.3.7 Took it too eagerly . His soldiers fell to spoil ,
5.3.8 Whilst we by Antony are all enclosed .
Enter Pindarus .
PINDARUS
5.3.9 Fly further off , my lord , fly further off !
5.3.10 Mark Antony is in your tents , my lord .
5.3.11 Fly therefore , noble Cassius , fly far off .
CASSIUS
5.3.12 This hill is far enough . — Look , look , Titinius ,
5.3.13 Are those my tents where I perceive the fire ?
TITINIUS
5.3.14 They are , my lord .
CASSIUS
5.3.15 Titinius , if thou lovest me ,
5.3.16 Mount thou my horse and hide thy spurs in him
5.3.17 Till he have brought thee up to yonder troops
5.3.18 And here again , that I may rest assured
5.3.19 Whether yond troops are friend or enemy .
TITINIUS
5.3.20 I will be here again even with a thought .
He exits .
CASSIUS
5.3.21 Go , Pindarus , get higher on that hill .
5.3.22 My sight was ever thick . Regard Titinius
5.3.23 And tell me what thou not’st about the field .
Pindarus goes up .
5.3.24 This day I breathèd first . Time is come round ,
5.3.25 And where I did begin , there shall I end ;
5.3.26 My life is run his compass . — Sirrah , what news ?
PINDARUS
, above .
5.3.27 O my lord !
CASSIUS
5.3.28 What news ?
PINDARUS
5.3.29 Titinius is enclosèd round about
5.3.30 With horsemen that make to him on the spur ,
5.3.31 Yet he spurs on . Now they are almost on him .
5.3.32 Now Titinius ! Now some light . O , he lights too .
5.3.33 He’s ta’en .
Shout .
5.3.34 And hark , they shout for joy .
CASSIUS
5.3.35 Come down , behold no more . —
5.3.36 O , coward that I am to live so long
5.3.37 To see my best friend ta’en before my face !
Pindarus comes down .
5.3.38 Come hither , sirrah .
5.3.39 In Parthia did I take thee prisoner ,
5.3.40 And then I swore thee , saving of thy life ,
5.3.41 That whatsoever I did bid thee do
5.3.42 Thou shouldst attempt it . Come now , keep thine oath .
5.3.44 Now be a freeman , and with this good sword ,
5.3.45 That ran through Caesar’s bowels , search this bosom .
5.3.47 Stand not to answer . Here , take thou the hilts ,
5.3.48 And , when my face is covered , as ’tis now ,
5.3.49 Guide thou the sword .
Pindarus stabs him .
5.3.50 Caesar , thou art revenged
5.3.51 Even with the sword that killed thee .
He dies .
PINDARUS
5.3.52 So I am free , yet would not so have been ,
5.3.53 Durst I have done my will . — O Cassius ! —
5.3.54 Far from this country Pindarus shall run ,
5.3.55 Where never Roman shall take note of him .
He exits .
Enter Titinius and Messala .
MESSALA
5.3.56 It is but change , Titinius , for Octavius
5.3.57 Is overthrown by noble Brutus’ power ,
5.3.58 As Cassius’ legions are by Antony .
TITINIUS
5.3.59 These tidings will well comfort Cassius .
MESSALA
5.3.60 Where did you leave him ?
TITINIUS
5.3.61 All disconsolate ,
5.3.62 With Pindarus his bondman , on this hill .
MESSALA
5.3.63 Is not that he that lies upon the ground ?
TITINIUS
5.3.64 He lies not like the living . O my heart !
MESSALA
5.3.65 Is not that he ?
TITINIUS
5.3.66 No , this was he , Messala ,
5.3.67 But Cassius is no more . O setting sun ,
5.3.68 As in thy red rays thou dost sink to night ,
5.3.69 So in his red blood Cassius’ day is set .
5.3.70 The sun of Rome is set . Our day is gone ;
5.3.71 Clouds , dews , and dangers come . Our deeds are done .
5.3.73 Mistrust of my success hath done this deed .
MESSALA
5.3.74 Mistrust of good success hath done this deed .
5.3.75 O hateful error , melancholy’s child ,
5.3.76 Why dost thou show to the apt thoughts of men
5.3.77 The things that are not ? O error , soon conceived ,
5.3.78 Thou never com’st unto a happy birth
5.3.79 But kill’st the mother that engendered thee !
TITINIUS
5.3.80 What , Pindarus ! Where art thou , Pindarus ?
MESSALA
5.3.81 Seek him , Titinius , whilst I go to meet
5.3.82 The noble Brutus , thrusting this report
5.3.83 Into his ears . I may say “ thrusting it , ”
5.3.84 For piercing steel and darts envenomèd
5.3.85 Shall be as welcome to the ears of Brutus
5.3.86 As tidings of this sight .
TITINIUS
5.3.87 Hie you , Messala ,
5.3.88 And I will seek for Pindarus the while .
Messala exits .
5.3.89 Why didst thou send me forth , brave Cassius ?
5.3.90 Did I not meet thy friends , and did not they
5.3.91 Put on my brows this wreath of victory
5.3.92 And bid me give it thee ? Didst thou not hear their shouts ?
5.3.94 Alas , thou hast misconstrued everything .
5.3.95 But hold thee , take this garland on thy brow .
Laying the garland on Cassius’ brow .
5.3.96 Thy Brutus bid me give it thee , and I
5.3.97 Will do his bidding . — Brutus , come apace ,
5.3.98 And see how I regarded Caius Cassius . —
5.3.99 By your leave , gods , this is a Roman’s part .
5.3.100 Come , Cassius’ sword , and find Titinius’ heart !
He dies on Cassius’ sword .
Alarum .
Enter Brutus , Messala , young Cato , Strato , Volumnius , and Lucilius , Labeo , and Flavius .
BRUTUS
5.3.101 Where , where , Messala , doth his body lie ?
MESSALA
5.3.102 Lo , yonder , and Titinius mourning it .
BRUTUS
5.3.103 Titinius’ face is upward .
CATO
5.3.104 He is slain .
BRUTUS
5.3.105 O Julius Caesar , thou art mighty yet ;
5.3.106 Thy spirit walks abroad and turns our swords
5.3.107 In our own proper entrails .
Low alarums .
CATO
5.3.108 Brave Titinius ! —
5.3.109 Look whe’er he have not crowned dead Cassius .
BRUTUS
5.3.110 Are yet two Romans living such as these ? —
5.3.111 The last of all the Romans , fare thee well .
5.3.112 It is impossible that ever Rome
5.3.113 Should breed thy fellow . — Friends , I owe more tears
5.3.115 To this dead man than you shall see me pay . —
5.3.116 I shall find time , Cassius ; I shall find time . —
5.3.117 Come , therefore , and to Thasos send his body .
5.3.118 His funerals shall not be in our camp ,
5.3.119 Lest it discomfort us . — Lucilius , come . —
5.3.120 And come , young Cato . Let us to the field . —
5.3.121 Labeo and Flavius , set our battles on .
5.3.122 ’Tis three o’clock , and , Romans , yet ere night
5.3.123 We shall try fortune in a second fight .
They exit .

Scene 4

Alarum .
Enter Brutus , Messala , Cato , Lucilius , and Flavius .
BRUTUS
5.4.1 Yet , countrymen , O , yet hold up your heads !
Brutus , Messala , and Flavius exit .
CATO
5.4.2 What bastard doth not ? Who will go with me ?
5.4.3 I will proclaim my name about the field .
5.4.4 I am the son of Marcus Cato , ho !
5.4.5 A foe to tyrants and my country’s friend .
5.4.6 I am the son of Marcus Cato , ho !
Enter Soldiers
and fight .
LUCILIUS
5.4.7 And I am Brutus , Marcus Brutus , I !
5.4.8 Brutus , my country’s friend ! Know me for Brutus .
Cato is killed .
5.4.9 O young and noble Cato , art thou down ?
5.4.10 Why , now thou diest as bravely as Titinius
5.4.11 And mayst be honored , being Cato’s son .
FIRST SOLDIER
, seizing Lucilius
5.4.12 Yield , or thou diest .
LUCILIUS
5.4.13 Only I yield to die .
5.4.14 There is so much that thou wilt kill me straight .
Offering money .
5.4.15 Kill Brutus and be honored in his death .
FIRST SOLDIER
5.4.16 We must not . A noble prisoner !
Enter Antony .
SECOND SOLDIER
5.4.17 Room , ho ! Tell Antony Brutus is ta’en .
FIRST SOLDIER
5.4.18 I’ll tell the news . Here comes the General . —
5.4.19 Brutus is ta’en , Brutus is ta’en , my lord .
ANTONY

Where is he ?

LUCILIUS
5.4.21 Safe , Antony , Brutus is safe enough .
5.4.22 I dare assure thee that no enemy
5.4.23 Shall ever take alive the noble Brutus .
5.4.24 The gods defend him from so great a shame !
5.4.25 When you do find him , or alive or dead ,
5.4.26 He will be found like Brutus , like himself .
ANTONY
5.4.27 This is not Brutus , friend , but I assure you ,
5.4.28 A prize no less in worth . Keep this man safe .
5.4.29 Give him all kindness . I had rather have
5.4.30 Such men my friends than enemies . Go on ,
5.4.31 And see whe’er Brutus be alive or dead ,
5.4.32 And bring us word unto Octavius’ tent
5.4.33 How everything is chanced .
They exit in different directions .

Scene 5

Enter Brutus , Dardanus , Clitus , Strato , and Volumnius .
BRUTUS
5.5.1 Come , poor remains of friends , rest on this rock .
He sits down .
CLITUS
5.5.2 Statilius showed the torchlight , but , my lord ,
5.5.3 He came not back . He is or ta’en or slain .
BRUTUS
5.5.4 Sit thee down , Clitus . Slaying is the word ;
5.5.5 It is a deed in fashion . Hark thee , Clitus .
He whispers to Clitus .
CLITUS
5.5.6 What , I , my lord ? No , not for all the world .
BRUTUS
5.5.7 Peace , then , no words .
CLITUS
5.5.8 I’ll rather kill myself .
BRUTUS
5.5.9 Hark thee , Dardanus .
He whispers to Dardanus .
DARDANUS
5.5.10 Shall I do such a deed ?
CLITUS

O Dardanus !

DARDANUS

O Clitus !

Dardanus and Clitus step aside .
CLITUS
5.5.13 What ill request did Brutus make to thee ?
DARDANUS
5.5.14 To kill him , Clitus . Look , he meditates .
CLITUS
5.5.15 Now is that noble vessel full of grief ,
5.5.16 That it runs over even at his eyes .
BRUTUS
5.5.17 Come hither , good Volumnius . List a word .
VOLUMNIUS
5.5.18 What says my lord ?
BRUTUS
5.5.19 Why this , Volumnius :
5.5.20 The ghost of Caesar hath appeared to me
5.5.21 Two several times by night — at Sardis once
5.5.22 And this last night here in Philippi fields .
5.5.23 I know my hour is come .
VOLUMNIUS
5.5.24 Not so , my lord .
BRUTUS
5.5.25 Nay , I am sure it is , Volumnius .
5.5.26 Thou seest the world , Volumnius , how it goes .
5.5.27 Our enemies have beat us to the pit .
Low alarums .
5.5.28 It is more worthy to leap in ourselves
5.5.29 Than tarry till they push us . Good Volumnius ,
5.5.30 Thou know’st that we two went to school together ;
5.5.31 Even for that our love of old , I prithee ,
5.5.32 Hold thou my sword hilts whilst I run on it .
VOLUMNIUS
5.5.33 That’s not an office for a friend , my lord .
Alarum continues .
CLITUS
5.5.34 Fly , fly , my lord ! There is no tarrying here .
BRUTUS
5.5.35 Farewell to you — and you — and you , Volumnius . —
5.5.36 Strato , thou hast been all this while asleep .
5.5.37 Farewell to thee , too , Strato . — Countrymen ,
5.5.38 My heart doth joy that yet in all my life
5.5.39 I found no man but he was true to me .
5.5.40 I shall have glory by this losing day
5.5.41 More than Octavius and Mark Antony
5.5.42 By this vile conquest shall attain unto .
5.5.43 So fare you well at once , for Brutus’ tongue
5.5.44 Hath almost ended his life’s history .
5.5.45 Night hangs upon mine eyes ; my bones would rest ,
5.5.46 That have but labored to attain this hour .
Alarum .
Cry within “ Fly , fly , fly ! ”
CLITUS
5.5.47 Fly , my lord , fly !
BRUTUS
5.5.48 Hence . I will follow .
All exit but Brutus and Strato .
5.5.49 I prithee , Strato , stay thou by thy lord .
5.5.50 Thou art a fellow of a good respect ;
5.5.51 Thy life hath had some smatch of honor in it .
5.5.52 Hold , then , my sword , and turn away thy face
5.5.53 While I do run upon it . Wilt thou , Strato ?
STRATO
5.5.54 Give me your hand first . Fare you well , my lord .
BRUTUS
5.5.55 Farewell , good Strato .
Brutus runs on his sword .
5.5.56 Caesar , now be still .
5.5.57 I killed not thee with half so good a will .
He dies .
Alarum . Retreat .
Enter Antony , Octavius , Messala , Lucilius , and the army .
OCTAVIUS

What man is that ?

MESSALA
5.5.59 My master’s man . — Strato , where is thy master ?
STRATO
5.5.60 Free from the bondage you are in , Messala .
5.5.61 The conquerors can but make a fire of him ,
5.5.62 For Brutus only overcame himself ,
5.5.63 And no man else hath honor by his death .
LUCILIUS
5.5.64 So Brutus should be found . — I thank thee , Brutus ,
5.5.65 That thou hast proved Lucilius’ saying true .
OCTAVIUS
5.5.66 All that served Brutus , I will entertain them . —
5.5.67 Fellow , wilt thou bestow thy time with me ?
STRATO
5.5.68 Ay , if Messala will prefer me to you .
OCTAVIUS
5.5.69 Do so , good Messala .
MESSALA
5.5.70 How died my master , Strato ?
STRATO
5.5.71 I held the sword , and he did run on it .
MESSALA
5.5.72 Octavius , then take him to follow thee ,
5.5.73 That did the latest service to my master .
ANTONY
5.5.74 This was the noblest Roman of them all .
5.5.75 All the conspirators save only he
5.5.76 Did that they did in envy of great Caesar .
5.5.77 He only in a general honest thought
5.5.78 And common good to all made one of them .
5.5.79 His life was gentle and the elements
5.5.80 So mixed in him that nature might stand up
5.5.81 And say to all the world “ This was a man . ”
OCTAVIUS
5.5.82 According to his virtue , let us use him
5.5.83 With all respect and rites of burial .
5.5.84 Within my tent his bones tonight shall lie ,
5.5.85 Most like a soldier , ordered honorably .
5.5.86 So call the field to rest , and let’s away
5.5.87 To part the glories of this happy day .
They all exit .