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TheTragedyofJuliusCaesar
Crowther,John,ed.NoFearJuliusCaesar.SparkNotes.com.SparkNotesLLC.2005.Web.31Oct.2011. http://nfs.sparknotes.com/juliuscaesar
Act1,Scene1
EnterFLAVIUS,MURELLUS,aCARPENTER,aCOBBLER,andcertain otherCOMMONERSoverthestage FLAVIUSandMURELLUSenterandspeakto aCARPENTER,aCOBBLER,andsomeothercommoners.
CARPENTER Why,sir,acarpenter.
CARPENTER Imacarpenter,sir.
COBBLER 10 Truly,sir,inrespectofafineworkman,Iambut,asyouwouldsay,acobbler.
MURELLUS Butwhattradeartthou?Answermedirectly.
MURELLUS Butwhatsyourtrade?Answermestraightforwardly.
MURELLUS 15 Whattrade,thouknave?Thounaughtyknave,whattrade?
MURELLUS Whattrade,boy?Youinsolentrascal,whattrade?
MURELLUS
MURELLUS
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Whatmeanstthoubythat?Mendme,thousaucyfellow?
Whatdoyoumeanbythat?Mendme,youmpertinent fellow?!
COBBLER 20 Why,sir,cobbleyou.
COBBLER Cobbleyou,sir.
FLAVIUS Thouartacobbler,artthou?
FLAVIUS Youreacobbler,areyou?
MURELLUS Whereforerejoice?Whatconquestbringshehome? WhattributariesfollowhimtoRome Tograceincaptivebondshischariotwheels? 35 Youblocks,youstones,youworsethansenselessthings, Oyouhardhearts,youcrulmenofRome, KnewyounotPompey?Manyatimeandoft Haveyouclimbeduptowallsandbattlements, Totowersandwindows,yea,tochimneytops, 40 Yourinfantsinyourarms,andtherehavesat Thelivelongdaywithpatientexpectation ToseegreatPompeypassthestreetsofRome. Andwhenyousawhischariotbutappear, Haveyounotmadeanuniversalshout 45 ThatTibertrembledunderneathherbanks
MURELLUS Whywouldyoucelebrateit?Whatvictorydoeshebring home?Whatforeignlandshasheconqueredandcaptive foreignerschainedtohischariotwheels?Youblockheads, youunfeelingmen!Youhardhearts,youcruelmenofRome, didntyouknowPompey?Manytimesyouclimbedupon wallsandbattlements,towersandwindowsevenchimney topswithyourbabiesinyourarms,andsattherepatiently alldaywaitingtoseegreatPompeyridethroughthestreets ofRome.Andwhenyoucaughtaglimpseofhischariot, didntyoushoutsoloudthattheriverTibershookasit echoed?Andnowyouputonyourbestclothes?Andnow youtakeaholiday?
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Thatneedsmustlightonthisingratitude.
TheCARPENTER,COBBLER ,andallthecommonersexit.
MURELLUS Canwedothat?YouknowitsthefeastofLupercal.
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Act1,Scene2
Exeuntseverally Theyexitindifferentdirections.
CAESAR Calphurnia!
CAESAR Calphurnia!
CASCA Peace,ho!Caesarspeaks.
CASCA Quiet!Caesarstalking.
CAESAR Calphurnia!
CAESAR Calphurnia!
CALPHURNIA Here,mylord.
CALPHURNIA Imhere,mylord.
ANTONY Caesar,mylord.
ANTONY Yes,Caesar?
ANTONY Illremember.WhenCaesarsaysdothis,itisdone.
CAESAR Seton,andleavenoceremonyout.
CAESAR Continue,then,anddontforgettoperformalloftherituals.
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Music
Atrumpetplays.
SOOTHSAYER Caesar!
SOOTHSAYER Caesar!
CAESAR 15 Ha!Whocalls?
CAESAR Whoscallingme?
CASCA Bideverynoisebestill.Peaceyetagain.
CASCA Quiet,everyone!Quiet!
Musicceases
Thetrumpetstopsplaying.
SOOTHSAYER 20 BewaretheidesofMarch.
SOOTHSAYER BewareofMarch15th.
CAESAR Whatmanisthat?
CAESAR Whosthat?
BRUTUS AsoothsayerbidsyoubewaretheidesofMarch.
BRUTUS AsoothsayertellsyoutobewareofMarch15th.
CAESAR Sethimbeforeme.Letmeseehisface.
CAESAR Bringhiminfrontofme.Letmeseehisface.
CASSIUS Fellow,comefromthethrong.LookuponCaesar.
SOOTHSAYERapproaches
TheSOOTHSAYERapproaches.
CAESAR Whatsaystthoutomenow?Speakonceagain.
CAESAR Whatdoyouhavetosaytomenow?Speakonceagain.
SOOTHSAYER 25 BewaretheidesofMarch.
SOOTHSAYER BewareofMarch15th.
CAESAR Heisadreamer.Letusleavehim.Pass!
CAESAR Hesinsane.Letsleavehim.Letsmove.
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Sennet.Exeunt.ManentBRUTUSandCASSIUS
Trumpetsplay.Everyoneexits exceptBRUTUSandCASSIUS.
CASSIUS Willyougoseetheorderofthecourse?
CASSIUS Areyougoingtowatchtherace?
BRUTUS NotI.
BRUTUS Notme.
CASSIUS Iprayyou,do.
CASSIUS Please,come.
BRUTUS Cassius, Benotdeceived.IfIhaveveiledmylook, 40 Iturnthetroubleofmycountenance Merelyuponmyself.VexdIam Oflatewithpassionsofsomedifference, Conceptionsonlypropertomyself, Whichgivesomesoilperhapstomybehaviors. 45 Butletnottherefore,mygoodfriends,begrieved Amongwhichnumber,Cassius,beyouone Norconstrueanyfurthermyneglect ThanthatpoorBrutus,withhimselfatwar, Forgetstheshowsoflovetoothermen.
CASSIUS
CASSIUS
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CASSIUS 'Tisjust. Anditisverymuchlamented,Brutus, Thatyouhavenosuchmirrorsaswillturn Yourhiddenworthinessintoyoureye 60 Thatyoumightseeyourshadow.Ihaveheard WheremanyofthebestrespectinRome, ExceptimmortalCaesar,speakingofBrutus Andgroaningunderneaththisagesyoke, HavewishedthatnobleBrutushadhiseyes.
CASSIUS Therefore,goodBrutus,bepreparedtohear. Andsinceyouknowyoucannotseeyourself 70 Sowellasbyreflection,I,yourglass, Willmodestlydiscovertoyourself Thatofyourselfwhichyouyetknownotof. Andbenotjealousonme,gentleBrutus. WereIacommonlaugher,ordiduse 75 Tostalewithordinaryoathsmylove Toeverynewprotester,ifyouknow ThatIdofawnonmenandhugthemhard And,after,scandalthem,orifyouknow ThatIprofessmyselfinbanqueting 80 Toalltherout,thenholdmedangerous.
CASSIUS Illtellyou,goodBrutus.Andsinceyouknowyoucansee yourselfbestbyreflection,Illbeyourmirrorandshowyou, withoutexaggeration,thingsinsideyouthatyoucantsee. Anddontbesuspiciousofme,nobleBrutus.IfIwereyour averagefool,orifImademyfeelingsforyouworthlessby makingthesamepromisesoffriendshiptoeverybody,orif youdseenmefirstflatteringmen,huggingthemtightly,and laterslanderingthembehindtheirbacks,orifyouhearthatI drunkenlydeclarefriendshipatbanquetswithalltherabble, onlythen,ofcourse,goaheadandassumeImdangerous.
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Flourish,andshoutwithin
Trumpetsplayoffstage,andthenashoutisheard.
CASSIUS Iknowthatvirtuetobeinyou,Brutus, AswellasIdoknowyouroutwardfavor. Well,honoristhesubjectofmystory. 95 Icannottellwhatyouandothermen Thinkofthislife,but,formysingleself, Ihadasliefnotbeaslivetobe InaweofsuchathingasImyself. IwasbornfreeasCaesar.Sowereyou. 100 Webothhavefedaswell,andwecanboth Endurethewinterscoldaswellashe. Foronceuponarawandgustyday, ThetroubledTiberchafingwithhershores, Caesarsaidtome,Darestthou,Cassius,now 105 Leapinwithmeintothisangryflood Andswimtoyonderpoint?Upontheword, AccoutredasIwas,Iplungdin Andbadehimfollow.Soindeedhedid.
CASSIUS Iknowthisqualityinyou,Brutusitsasfamiliartomeas yourface.Indeed,honoriswhatIwanttotalktoyouabout.I dontknowwhatyouandothermenthinkofthislife,butas forme,Idrathernotliveatallthanlivetoworshipamanas ordinaryasmyself.IwasbornasfreeasCaesar.Sowere you.Webothhaveeatenaswell,andwecanbothendure thecoldwinteraswellashe.Once,onacoldandwindyday, whentheriverTiberwascrashingagainstitsbanks,Caesar saidtome,Cassius,Idareyoutojumpintothisroughwater withmeandswimtothatpointthere.Assoonashespoke, thoughIwasfullydressed,Iplungedinandcalledforhimto follow.Andhedid.Thewaterroared,andwefoughtagainst itwithvigorousarms.And,thankstoourfierce competitiveness,wemadeprogress.Butbeforewereached theendpoint,Caesarcried,Helpme,Cassius,orIwillsink! AndjustasAeneas,theherowhofoundedRome,emerged fromthefiresofTroywithhiselderlyfatherAnchisesonhis
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Thetorrentroared,andwedidbuffetit 110 Withlustysinews,throwingitaside Andstemmingitwithheartsofcontroversy. Buterewecouldarrivethepointproposed, Caesarcried,Helpme,Cassius,orIsink! I,asAeneas,ourgreatancestor, 115 DidfromtheflamesofTroyuponhisshoulder TheoldAnchisesbear,sofromthewavesofTiber DidIthetiredCaesar.Andthisman
shoulder,soIemergedfromtheTibercarryingthetired Caesar.
Isnowbecomeagod,andCassiusis Awretchedcreatureandmustbendhisbody 120 IfCaesarcarelesslybutnodonhim. HehadafeverwhenhewasinSpain, Andwhenthefitwasonhim,Ididmark Howhedidshake.'Tistrue,thisgoddidshake! Hiscowardlipsdidfromtheircolorfly, 125 Andthatsameeyewhosebenddothawetheworld Didlosehisluster.Ididhearhimgroan, Ay,andthattongueofhisthatbadetheRomans Markhimandwritehisspeechesintheirbooks Alas,itcried,givemesomedrink,Titinius, 130 Asasickgirl.Yegods,itdothamazeme Amanofsuchafeebletempershould Sogetthestartofthemajesticworld Andbearthepalmalone.
Andthisisthemanwhohasnowbecomeagod,andIma wretchedcreaturewhomustbowdownifCaesarsomuchas carelesslynodsmyway.InSpain,Caesarhadafever,andit madehimshake.Itstrue,thissocalledgodheshook. Hiscowardlylipsturnedwhite,andthesameeyewhose gazeterrifiestheworldlostitsgleam.Iheardhimgroan yes,IdidandthesametonguethatorderedtheRomansto obeyhimandtranscribehisspeechesintheirbookscried, Givemesomewater,Titinius,likeasickgirl.Itastounds methatsuchaweakmancouldbeatthewholeworldand carrythetrophyofvictoryalone.
Shoutwithin.Flourish
Ashoutoffstage.Trumpetsplay.
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BrutuswillstartaspiritassoonasCaesar. Nowinthenamesofallthegodsatonce, 150 UponwhatmeatdoththisourCaesarfeed Thatheisgrownsogreat?Age,thouartshamed! Rome,thouhastlostthebreedofnoblebloods! Whenwenttherebyanage,sincethegreatflood, Butitwasfamedwithmorethanwithoneman? 155 Whencouldtheysaytillnow,thattalkedofRome, Thatherwidewalksencompassedbutoneman? NowisitRomeindeed,androomenough, Whenthereisinitbutoneonlyman. Oh,youandIhaveheardourfatherssay, 160 TherewasaBrutusoncethatwouldhavebrooked Th'eternaldeviltokeephisstateinRome Aseasilyasaking.
Castspellswiththem,andBrutuswillcallupaghost aswellasCaesar.Now,inthenameofallthegods,I askyouwhatfooddoesCaesareatthathasmadehim grow sogreat?Ourerashouldbeashamed!Romehas losttheabilitytoraisenoblemen!Whenwasthereever anage,sincethebeginningoftime,thatdidntfeature morethanonefamousman?Untilnow,noonecouldsay thatonlyonemanmatteredinallofvastRome.Now, though,inallofRome,theresroomforonlyoneman. YouandIhaveheardourfatherstalkofanother Brutusyourancestorwhowouldveletthedevil himselfreigninhisRomanRepublicbeforeheletaking rule.
BRUTUS Thatyoudoloveme,Iamnothingjealous. Whatyouwouldworkmeto,Ihavesomeaim. 165 HowIhavethoughtofthisandofthesetimes Ishallrecounthereafter.Forthispresent, Iwouldnot,sowithloveImightentreatyou, Beanyfurthermoved.Whatyouhavesaid Iwillconsider,whatyouhavetosay 170 Iwillwithpatiencehear,andfindatime Bothmeettohearandanswersuchhighthings. Tillthen,mynoblefriend,chewuponthis:
BRUTUS Ihavenodoubtthatyouloveme.Imbeginningto understandwhatyouwantmetodo.WhatIthinkabout this,andaboutwhatshappeninghereinRome,Illtell youlater.Fornow,donttrytopersuademeanymoreI askyouasafriend.Illthinkoverwhatyouvesaid,Ill listenpatientlytowhateverelseyouhavetosay,andIll findagoodtimeforustodiscussfurthersuchweighty matters.Untilthen,mynoblefriend,thinkaboutthis:Id ratherbeapoorvillagerthancallmyselfacitizenof Romeunderthehardconditionsthatthistimeislikelyto
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putusthrough.
EnterCAESARandhistrain,whichincludesCASCA
CAESARenterswithhisfollowers,whoincludeCASCA.
BRUTUS ThegamesaredoneandCaesarisreturning.
BRUTUS ThegamesaredoneandCaesarisreturning.
CASSIUS Cascawilltelluswhatthematteris.
CASSIUS Cascawilltelluswhatsthematter.
Duringtheexchange betweenCAESARandANTONY,BRUTUSpullsCASCAbythesleeve
CAESAR Antonio!
ANTONY Caesar.
ANTONY Caesar?
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CAESAR (asidetoANTONY)Wouldhewerefatter!ButIfearhimnot. Yetifmynamewereliabletofear, 200 IdonotknowthemanIshouldavoid SosoonasthatspareCassius.Hereadsmuch. Heisagreatobserver,andhelooks Quitethroughthedeedsofmen.Helovesnoplays, Asthoudost,Antony.Hehearsnomusic. 205 Seldomhesmiles,andsmilesinsuchasort Asifhemockedhimselfandscornedhisspirit Thatcouldbemovedtosmileatanything. Suchmenashebeneveratheartsease Whilestheybeholdagreaterthanthemselves, 210 Andthereforearetheyverydangerous. Irathertelltheewhatistobefeared ThanwhatIfear,foralwaysIamCaesar. Comeonmyrighthand,forthisearisdeaf, Andtellmetrulywhatthouthinkstofhim.
CAESAR (speakingsothatonlyANTONYcanhear)Iwishhewere fatter!ButImnotafraidofhim.Andyet,ifIwerecapableof fearinganyone,CassiuswouldbethefirstmanIdavoid.He readsalot,hesakeenobserver,andheseesthehidden motivesinwhatmendo.Hedoesntlikeplaysthewayyou do,Antony.Hedoesntlistentomusic.Herarelysmiles,and whenhedoessmile,hedoessoinaselfmockingway,asif hescornshimselfforsmilingatall.Menlikehimwillneverbe comfortablewhilesomeonerankshigherthanthemselves, andthereforetheyreverydangerous.Imtellingyouwhat shouldbefeared,notwhatIfearbecauseafterall,Iam Caesar.Comeovertomyrightside,becausethisearisdeaf, andtellmewhatyoureallythinkofCassius.
Sennet.ExeuntCAESARandallhistrainexceptCASCA
Trumpetsplay.CAESARexitswithallhisfollowers exceptCASCA.
BRUTUS Ay,Casca.Telluswhathathchancedtoday
BRUTUS Yes,Casca.TelluswhathappenedtodaythatputCaesarin
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ThatCaesarlookssosad.
suchaseriousmood.
CASCA Why,youwerewithhim,wereyounot?
CASCA Butyouwerewithhim,werentyou?
BRUTUS IfIwere,Iwouldntneedtoaskyouwhathappened.
BRUTUS Whatwasthesecondnoisefor?
BRUTUS Whatwasthesecondnoisefor?
CASCA Thesamething.
CASSIUS Theyshoutedthrice.Whatwasthelastcryfor?
CASSIUS Theyshoutedthreetimes.Whatwasthelastcryfor?
CASCA Why,forthattoo.
CASCA Forthesamething.
BRUTUS Wasthecrownofferedhimthrice?
BRUTUS Thecrownwasofferedtohimthreetimes?
CASSIUS Whoofferedhimthecrown?
CASSIUS Whoofferedhimthecrown?
CASCA Why,Antony.
CASCA Antony.
BRUTUS Tellusthemannerofit,gentleCasca.
BRUTUS Tellushowithappened,nobleCasca.
CASCA
CASCA
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Icanaswellbehangedastellthemannerofit.Itwasmerefoolery.Ididnot markit.IsawMarkAntonyofferhimacrown(yettwasnotacrownneither, twasoneofthesecoronets)and,asItoldyou,heputitbyoncebut,forall that,tomythinking,hewouldfainhavehadit.Thenheofferedittohimagain, thenheputitbyagainbut,tomythinking,hewasveryloathtolayhisfingers offit.Andthenheoffereditthethirdtime.Heputitthethirdtimeby.Andstill, asherefusedit,therabblementhootedandclappedtheirchappedhandsand threwuptheirsweatynightcapsandutteredsuchadealofstinkingbreath becauseCaesarrefusedthecrownthatithadalmostchokedCaesarforhe swoonedandfelldownatit.Andformineownpart,Idurstnotlaughforfearof openingmylipsandreceivingthebadair.
Icantexplainit.ItwasallsillyandsoIpaidnoattention.I sawMarkAntonyofferhimacrownthoughitwasntareal crown,justasmallcircletand,asItoldyou,herefusedit oncethoughinmyopinionhewouldvelikedtohaveit. ThenAntonyofferedittohimagain,andherefuseditagain (though,inmyopinion,hewasreluctanttotakehishandoff it).ThenAntonyoffereditthethirdtime.Herefuseditthe thirdtime,andasherefuseditthecommonershootedand clappedtheirchappedhands,andthrewuptheirsweaty hats,andletloosesuchagreatdealofstinkingbreath becauseCaesarrefusedthecrownthatitnearlychoked Caesar,becausehefaintedandfelldown.Asformyself,I didntdarelaugh,forfearofopeningmylipsandinhalingthe stinkingair.
CASSIUS Butwaitaminute,please.DidyousayCaesarfainted? CASCA Hefelldowninthemarketplaceandfoamedatthemouth andwasspeechless. BRUTUS Thatsverylikely.Hehasepilepsy,adiseasewhereyoufall down. CASSIUS No,Caesardoesnthaveepilepsy.YouandI,andhonest Casca,wehaveepilepsywevefallen. CASCA Idontknowwhatyoumeanbythat,butImsureCaesarfell down.Therabbleapplaudedandhissedhimaccordingto whetherhepleasedthemordispleasedthem,justlikethey dotoactorsinthetheater.Iftheydidnt,Imaliar. BRUTUS Whatdidhesaywhenheregainedconsciousness? CASCA Indeed,beforehefelldown,whenherealizedthe commonersweregladherefusedthecrown,hepulledopen hisrobeandofferedthemhisthroattocut.IfIdbeena commonlaborerandhadnttakenhimuponhisoffer,tohell withme.Andsohefainted.Whenheregained consciousnessagain,hesaidthatifheddoneorsaid anythingwrong,hewantedthemtoknowthatitwasall becauseofhissickness.Threeorfourwomennearmecried, Alas,goodsoul!andforgavehimwithalltheirhearts.But nevermindthemifCaesarhadstabbedtheirmothers,they wouldveforgivenhim. BRUTUS Andafterthathecamebackherelookingsoserious? CASCA Yes.
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BRUTUS 'Tisverylike.Hehaththefallingsickness.
CASSIUS No,Caesarhathitnot.ButyouandI AndhonestCasca,wehavethefallingsickness. CASCA Iknownotwhatyoumeanbythat,butIamsureCaesarfelldown.Ifthetag ragpeopledidnotclaphimandhisshimaccordingashepleasedand displeasedthem,astheyusetodotheplayersinthetheatre,Iamnotrue man. BRUTUS Whatsaidhewhenhecameuntohimself? CASCA Marry,beforehefelldown,whenheperceivedthecommonherdwasgladhe refusedthecrown,hepluckedmeopehisdoubletandofferedthemhisthroat tocut.AnIhadbeenamanofanyoccupation,ifIwouldnothavetakenhimat aword,IwouldImightgotohellamongtherogues.Andsohefell.Whenhe cametohimselfagain,hesaid,ifhehaddoneorsaidanythingamiss,he desiredtheirworshipstothinkitwashisinfirmity.Threeorfourwencheswhere Istoodcried,Alas,goodsoul!andforgavehimwithalltheirhearts.But theresnoheedtobetakenofthem.IfCaesarhadstabbedtheirmothersthey wouldhavedonenoless.
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CASSIUS
CASSIUS
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DidCicerosayanything?
DidCicerosayanything?
CASCA Yes,hesaidsomethinginGreek.
CASSIUS Towhateffect?
CASSIUS Whatdidhesay?
CASSIUS Willyousupwithmetonight,Casca?
CASSIUS Willyouhavedinnerwithmetonight,Casca?
CASCA No,Ihaveacommitment.
CASSIUS Willyoudinewithmetomorrow?
CASSIUS Willyoudinewithmetomorrow?
CASCA Ay,ifIbealiveandyourmindholdandyourdinnerworththeeating.
CASSIUS Good.Iwillexpectyou.
CASSIUS Good.Illexpectyou.
CASCA Doso.Farewelltoyouboth.
ExitCASCA
CASCAexits.
CASSIUS Soishenowinexecution
CASSIUS Hesstillsharpwhenitcomestocarryingoutaboldornoble
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CASSIUS Iwilldoso.Tillthen,thinkoftheworld.
CASSIUS Illdoso.Untilthen,thinkaboutthewellbeingofRome.
ExitBRUTUS
BRUTUSexits.
Well,Brutus,thouartnoble.YetIsee 305 Thyhonorablemettlemaybewrought Fromthatitisdisposed.Thereforeitismeet Thatnoblemindskeepeverwiththeirlikes, Forwhosofirmthatcannotbeseduced? Caesardothbearmehard,buthelovesBrutus. 310 IfIwereBrutusnowandhewereCassius, Heshouldnothumorme.Iwillthisnight, Inseveralhands,inathiswindowsthrow, Asiftheycamefromseveralcitizens, Writingsalltendingtothegreatopinion 315 ThatRomeholdsofhisname,whereinobscurely Caesarsambitionshallbeglancdat. AndafterthisletCaesarseathimsure, Forwewillshakehim,orworsedaysendure.
Well,Brutus,yourenoble.YetIseethatyourhonorable charactercanbebentfromitsusualshape,whichproves thatgoodmenshouldstickonlytothecompanyofother goodmen,becausewhoissofirmthathecantbeseduced? Caesarresentsme,buthelovesBrutus.IfIwereBrutusnow andBrutuswereme,Iwouldnthavelethiminfluenceme. TonightIllthrowthroughhiswindowafewlettersindifferent handwritingasiftheycamefromseveralcitizensall testifyingtothegreatrespectRomanshaveforBrutus,and allalludingtoCaesarsunseemlyambition.Andafterthis,let Caesarbracehimself,forwelleitherdethronehimorsuffer evenworsethannow.
Exit
CASSIUSexits.
Act1,Scene3
Thunderandlightning.EnterCASCAandCICERO Thunderandlightning.CASCAandCICEROenter.
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CICERO Goodeven,Casca.BroughtyouCaesarhome? Whyareyoubreathless?Andwhystareyouso? CASCA Arenotyoumovedwhenalltheswayofearth Shakeslikeathingunfirm?OCicero, 5 Ihaveseentempestswhenthescoldingwinds Haverivedtheknottyoaks,andIhaveseen Th'ambitiousoceanswellandrageandfoam Tobeexaltedwiththethreateningclouds, Butnevertilltonight,nevertillnow, 10 DidIgothroughatempestdroppingfire. Eitherthereisacivilstrifeinheaven, Orelsetheworld,toosaucywiththegods, Incensesthemtosenddestruction. CICERO Why,sawyouanythingmorewonderful?
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CICERO
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Goodevening,Casca.DidyouaccompanyCaesarhome? Whyareyoubreathless,andwhyareyoustaringlikethat? CASCA Arentyoudisturbedwhentheearthitselfisshakingand swayingasifitwereaflimsything?Cicero,Iveseenstormsin whichtheangrywindssplitoldoaktrees,andIveseenthe oceanswell,rage,andfoam,asifitwantedtoreachthestorm clouds,butneverbeforetonight,neveruntilnow,haveI experiencedastormthatdropsfire.Eithertherearewarsin heaven,orelsetheworld,tooinsolenttowardthegods, provokesthemtosenddestruction.
CASCA 15 Acommonslaveyouknowhimwellbysight Helduphislefthand,whichdidflameandburn Liketwentytorchesjoined,andyethishand, Notsensibleoffire,remainedunscorched. BesidesIha'notsinceputupmysword 20 AgainsttheCapitolImetalion, Whoglareduponmeandwentsurlyby, Withoutannoyingme.Andthereweredrawn Uponaheapahundredghastlywomen, Transformdwiththeirfear,whosworetheysaw 25 Menallinfirewalkupanddownthestreets. Andyesterdaythebirdofnightdidsit Evenatnoondayuponthemarketplace, Hootingandshrieking.Whentheseprodigies Dosoconjointlymeet,letnotmensay, 30 Thesearetheirreasons.Theyarenatural. ForIbelievetheyareportentousthings Untotheclimatethattheypointupon. CICERO Indeed,itisastrangedisposdtime. Butmenmayconstruethingsaftertheirfashion, 35 Cleanfromthepurposeofthethingsthemselves. ComesCaesartotheCapitoltomorrow? CASCA Hedoth,forhedidbidAntonius Sendwordtoyouhewouldbetheretomorrow. CICERO Goodnightthen,Casca.Thisdisturbdsky 40 Isnottowalkin. CASCA
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Farewell,Cicero. ExitCICERO EnterCASSIUS CASSIUS Whosthere? CASCA ARoman. CASSIUS Casca,byyourvoice. CASCA Yourearisgood.Cassius,whatnightisthis! CASSIUS Averypleasingnighttohonestmen. CASCA 45 Whoeverknewtheheavensmenaceso? CASSIUS Thosethathaveknowntheearthsofulloffaults. Formypart,Ihavewalkedaboutthestreets, Submittingmeuntotheperilousnight, And,thusunbracd,Casca,asyousee, 50 Havebaredmybosomtothethunderstone. Andwhenthecrossbluelightningseemedtoopen Thebreastofheaven,Ididpresentmyself Evenintheaimandveryflashofit. CASCA Butwhereforedidyousomuchtempttheheavens? 55 Itisthepartofmentofearandtremble Whenthemostmightygodsbytokenssend Suchdreadfulheraldstoastonishus. CASSIUS Youaredull,Casca,andthosesparksoflife ThatshouldbeinaRomanyoudowant, 60 Orelseyouusenot.Youlookpale,andgaze, Andputonfear,andcastyourselfinwonder Toseethestrangeimpatienceoftheheavens. Butifyouwouldconsiderthetruecause Whyallthesefires,whyalltheseglidingghosts, 65 Whybirdsandbeastsfromqualityandkind, Whyoldmenfoolandchildrencalculate, Whyallthesethingschangefromtheirordinance Theirnaturesandpreformdfaculties Tomonstrousqualitywhy,youshallfind 70 Thatheavenhathinfusedthemwiththesespirits Tomaketheminstrumentsoffearandwarning Untosomemonstrousstate. NowcouldI,Casca,nametotheeaman Mostlikethisdreadfulnight, 75 Thatthunders,lightens,opensgraves,androars
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Farewell,Cicero CICEROexits. CASSIUSenters. CASSIUS Whosthere? CASCA ARoman. CASSIUS ItsCascaIknowyourvoice. CASCA Yourearisgood.Cassius,whatanightthisis! CASSIUS Itsaverypleasingnighttohonestmen. CASCA Whoeversawtheheavensthreatenlikethis? CASSIUS
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CASSIUS Youreactingstupid,Casca,andyoulackthequickwitsthata Romanshouldhaveorelseyoudontusethem.Yougopale, youstare,andyouactinaweofthestrangedisturbanceinthe heavens.Butifyouthoughtabouttherealreasonforallthese fires,alltheseglidingghosts,forwhybirdsandanimals abandontheirnaturalbehavior,whyoldmen,fools,and childrenmakepredictions,whyallsortsofthingshave departedfromtheusualcourseoftheirnaturesandbecome monstrosities,thenyoudunderstandthatheavenhadthem actthiswaysotheywouldserveasfrighteningwarningsofan unnaturalstatetocome.Rightthisminute,Casca,Icould nameamanwhosjustlikethisdreadfulnight.Amanwho thunders,throwslightning,splitsopengraves,androarslike thelionintheCapitol.
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AsdoththelionintheCapitol Amannomightierthanthyselforme Inpersonalaction,yetprodigiousgrown, Andfearfulasthesestrangeeruptionsare. CASCA 80 'TisCaesarthatyoumean.Isitnot,Cassius? CASSIUS Letitbewhoitis.ForRomansnow Havethewsandlimbsliketotheirancestors, Butwoethewhile!ourfathers'mindsaredead, Andwearegovernedwithourmothers'spirits. 85 Ouryokeandsufferanceshowuswomanish. CASCA Indeed,they saythesenatorstomorrow MeantoestablishCaesarasaking, Andheshallwearhiscrownbyseaandland IneveryplacesavehereinItaly. CASSIUS 90 IknowwhereIwillwearthisdaggerthen. CassiusfrombondagewilldeliverCassius. Therein,yegods,youmaketheweakmoststrong. Therein,yegods,youtyrantsdodefeat. Norstonytower,norwallsofbeatenbrass, 95 Norairlessdungeon,norstronglinksofiron Canberetentivetothestrengthofspirit. Butlife,beingwearyoftheseworldlybars, Neverlackspowertodismissitself. IfIknowthis,knowalltheworldbesides, 100 ThatpartoftyrannythatIdobear Icanshakeoffatpleasure. Thunderstill CASCA SocanI. Soeverybondmaninhisownhandbears Thepowertocancelhiscaptivity. CASSIUS AndwhyshouldCaesarbeatyrantthen? 105 Poorman!Iknowhewouldnotbeawolf ButthatheseestheRomansarebutsheep. HewerenolionwerenotRomanshinds. Thosethatwithhastewillmakeamightyfire Beginitwithweakstraws.WhattrashisRome, 110 Whatrubbishandwhatoffal,whenitserves Forthebasemattertoilluminate SovileathingasCaesar!But,Ogrief, Wherehastthouledme?Iperhapsspeakthis Beforeawillingbondman.ThenIknow 115 Myanswermustbemade.ButIamarmed, Anddangersaretomeindifferent.
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AmannomightierthanyouorIinability,yetgrownashuge andfrighteningastonightsstrangehappenings.
CASCA YouretalkingaboutCaesar,right,Cassius? CASSIUS Letitbewhoitis.Romanstodaystillhavethepowerfulbodies oftheirancestors,but,unfortunately,wedonthavetheir manlyspirits,andinsteadwetakeafterourmothers.Our toleranceforslaveryandoppressionshowsustobeweak,like women. CASCA Indeed,theysaythatthesenatorsplantoestablishCaesaras akingtomorrow,andhellwearhiscrownatseaandonland everywhereexcepthereinItaly.
CASSIUS HowcanCaesarbeatyrantthen?Poorman!Iknowhe wouldntbeawolfiftheRomansdidntactlikesheep.He couldntbealioniftheRomanswerentsucheasyprey. Peoplewhowanttostartabigfirequicklystartwithlittletwigs. Romebecomescompletetrash,nothingbutrubbishand garbage,whenitworkstolightuptheambitionsofsomeone asworthlessasCaesar.But,ohno!WhathaveIsaidinmy grief?Imightbespeakingtosomeonewhowantstobea slave,inwhichcaseIllbeheldaccountableformywords.But ImarmedandIdontcareaboutdanger.
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CASCA YouspeaktoCasca,andtosuchaman Thatisnofleeringtelltale.Hold,myhand. Befactiousforredressofallthesegriefs, 120 AndIwillsetthisfootofmineasfar Aswhogoesfarthest. CASSIUS Theresabargainmade. Nowknowyou,Casca,Ihavemovedalready SomecertainofthenoblestmindedRomans Toundergowithmeanenterprise 125 Ofhonorabledangerousconsequence. AndIdoknowbythistheystayforme InPompeysporch.Fornow,thisfearfulnight, Thereisnostirorwalkinginthestreets, Andthecomplexionoftheelement 130 Infavorsliketheworkwehaveinhand, Mostbloody,fiery,andmostterrible. EnterCINNA CASCA Standcloseawhile,forherecomesoneinhaste. CASSIUS 'TisCinna.Idoknowhimbyhisgait. Heisafriend.Cinna,wherehasteyouso? CINNA 135 Tofindoutyou.Whosthat?MetellusCimber? CASSIUS No,itisCasca,oneincorporate Toourattempts.AmInotstayedfor,Cinna? CINNA Iamgladont.Whatafearfulnightisthis! Therestwoorthreeofushaveseenstrangesights. CASSIUS 140 AmInotstayedfor?Tellme. CINNA Yes,youare. OCassius,ifyoucould ButwinthenobleBrutustoourparty CASSIUS Beyoucontent.GoodCinna,takethispaper, 145 Andlookyoulayitinthepraetorschair WhereBrutusmaybutfindit.Andthrowthis Inathiswindow.Setthisupwithwax UponoldBrutus'statue.Allthisdone, RepairtoPompeysporch,whereyoushallfindus. 150 IsDeciusBrutusandTreboniusthere? CINNA AllbutMetellusCimber,andhesgone
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CASCA
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CINNAenters. CASCA Hideforaminutesomeonesapproachingfast. CASSIUS ItsCinna.Irecognizehiswalk.Hesafriend.Cinna,whereare yougoinginsuchahurry? CINNA Tofindyou.Whosthat?MetellusCimber? CASSIUS No,itsCasca,someonewhosgoingtoworkwithus.Arent theotherswaitingforme,Cinna? CINNA ImgladCascaiswithus.Whatafearfulnightthisis!Twoor threeofushaveseenstrangethings. CASSIUS Aretheotherswaiting?Tellme. CINNA Yes,theyare.Oh,Cassius,ifyoucouldonlyconvinceBrutus tojoinus
CINNA EveryonesthereexceptMetellusCimber,andhesgoneto
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Toseekyouatyourhouse.Well,Iwillhie, Andsobestowthesepapersasyoubademe. CASSIUS Thatdone,repairtoPompeystheatre. ExitCINNA 155 Come,Casca,youandIwillyetereday SeeBrutusathishouse.Threepartsofhim Isoursalready,andthemanentire Uponthenextencounteryieldshimours. CASCA Oh,hesitshighinallthepeopleshearts, 160 Andthatwhichwouldappearoffenseinus, Hiscountenance,likerichestalchemy, Willchangetovirtueandtoworthiness. CASSIUS Himandhisworthandourgreatneedofhim Youhaverightwellconceited.Letusgo, 165 Foritisaftermidnight,andereday Wewillawakehimandbesureofhim. Exeunt
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Theyexit.
Act2,Scene1
EnterBRUTUSinhisorchard BRUTUS What,Lucius,ho! Icannotbytheprogressofthestars Giveguesshowneartoday.Lucius,Isay! Iwoulditweremyfaulttosleepsosoundly. 5 When,Lucius,when?Awake,Isay!What,Lucius! EnterLUCIUS LUCIUS Calledyou,mylord? BRUTUS Getmeataperinmystudy,Lucius. Whenitislighted,comeandcallmehere. LUCIUS Iwill,mylord. ExitLUCIUS BRUTUS 10 Itmustbebyhisdeath,andformypart Iknownopersonalcausetospurnathim Butforthegeneral.Hewouldbecrowned. Howthatmightchangehisnature,theresthequestion. Itisthebrightdaythatbringsforththeadder Andthatcraveswarywalking.Crownhimthat, LUCIUS Iwill,mylord. LUCIUSexits. BRUTUS TheonlywayistokillCaesar.Ihavenopersonalreasonto strikeathimonlythebestinterestofthepeople.Hewantsto becrowned.Thequestionis,howwouldbeingkingchange him?Evilcancomefromgood,justaspoisonoussnakestend tocomeoutintotheopenonbrightsunnydayswhichmeans wehavetowalkcarefully.Ifwecrownhim,Ihavetoadmit LUCIUSenters. LUCIUS Didyoucallme,mylord? BRUTUS Putacandleinmystudy,Lucius.Callmewhenitslit. BRUTUSentersinhisorchard. BRUTUS Lucius,areyouthere?Icanttellbythepositionofthestars hownearitistodaybreakLucius,areyouthere?IwishIhad thatweakness,tosleeptoosoundly.Comeon,Lucius!Wake up,Isay!Lucius!
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15 AndthenIgrantweputastinginhim Thatathiswillhemaydodangerwith. Th'abuseofgreatnessiswhenitdisjoins Remorsefrompower.And,tospeaktruthofCaesar, 20 Ihavenotknownwhenhisaffectionsswayed Morethanhisreason.Buttisacommonproof Thatlowlinessisyoungambitionsladder, Wheretotheclimberupwardturnshisface. Butwhenheonceattainstheupmostround, 25 Hethenuntotheladderturnshisback, Looksintheclouds,scorningthebasedegrees Bywhichhedidascend.SoCaesarmay. Then,lesthemay,prevent.Andsincethequarrel Willbearnocolorforthethingheis, 30 Fashionitthus:thatwhatheis,augmented, Wouldruntotheseandtheseextremities. Andthereforethinkhimasaserpentsegg Which,hatched,wouldashiskindgrowmischievous Andkillhimintheshell. EnterLUCIUS LUCIUS 35 Thetaperburnethinyourcloset,sir. Searchingthewindowforaflint,Ifound Thispaper,thussealedup,andIamsure ItdidnotlietherewhenIwenttobed. (giveshimaletter) BRUTUS 40 Getyoutobedagain.Itisnotday. Isnottomorrow,boy,theidesofMarch? LUCIUS Iknownot,sir. BRUTUS Lookinthecalendarandbringmeword. LUCIUS Iwill,sir. ExitLUCIUS BRUTUS 45 Theexhalationswhizzingintheair GivesomuchlightthatImayreadbythem. (openstheletterandreads) Brutus,thousleepst.Awake,andseethyself. ShallRome,etc.Speak,strike,redress! 50 Brutus,thousleepst.Awake. Suchinstigationshavebeenoftendropped WhereIhavetookthemup. ShallRome,etc.ThusmustIpieceitout: ShallRomestandunderonemansawe?What,Rome? 55 MyancestorsdidfromthestreetsofRome TheTarquindrivewhenhewascalledaking.
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wedbegivinghimthepowertododamage.
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Rulersabusetheirpowerwhentheyseparateitfrom compassion.Tobehonest,IveneverknownCaesartolethis emotionsgetthebetterofhisreason.Buteveryoneknowsthat anambitiousyoungmanuseshumilitytoadvancehimself,but whenhereachesthetop,heturnshisbackonhissupporters andreachesfortheskieswhilescorningthosewhohelpedhim getwhereheis.Caesarmightactlikethat.Therefore,incase hedoes,wemustholdhimback.Andsinceourquarreliswith hisfuturebehavior,notwhathedoesnow,Imustframethe argumentlikethis:ifhispositionisfurthered,hischaracterwill fulfillthesepredictions.Andthereforeweshouldlikenhimtoa serpentseggonceithashatched,itbecomesdangerous, likeallserpents.Thuswemustkillhimwhilehesstillinthe shell.
BRUTUS Gobacktobed.Itisntdaybreakyet.Istomorrowthe15thof March,boy? LUCIUS Idontknow,sir. BRUTUS Checkthecalendarandcometellme. LUCIUS Iwill,sir. LUCIUSexits. BRUTUS ThemeteorswhizzingintheskyaresobrightthatIcanread bythem.(heopenstheletterandreads)Brutus,youre sleeping.Wakeupandlookatyourself.IsRomegoingto etc.Speak,strike,fixthewrongs!Brutus,youresleeping. Wakeup.IvenoticedmanysuchcallstoactionleftwhereI wouldfindthem.IsRomegoingtoetc.Whatdoesthis mean?WillRomesubmittoonemanspower?Myancestors droveTarquinfromthestreetsofRomewhenhewas pronouncedaking.Speak,strike,fixit!Isthisaskingmeto speakandstrike?Oh,Rome,Ipromiseyou,ifyouremeantto receivejustice,youllreceiveitbymyhand!
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Speak,strike,redress!AmIentreated Tospeakandstrike?ORome,Imaketheepromise, Iftheredresswillfollow,thoureceivest 60 ThyfullpetitionatthehandofBrutus! EnterLUCIUS LUCIUS Sir,Marchiswastedfifteendays. Knockwithin BRUTUS 'Tisgood.Gotothegate.Somebodyknocks. ExitLUCIUS SinceCassiusfirstdidwhetmeagainstCaesar, Ihavenotslept. 65 Betweentheactingofadreadfulthing Andthefirstmotion,alltheinterimis Likeaphantasmaorahideousdream. Thegeniusandthemortalinstruments Arethenincouncil,andthestateofman, 70 Liketoalittlekingdom,suffersthen Thenatureofaninsurrection. EnterLUCIUS LUCIUS Sir,tisyourbrotherCassiusatthedoor, Whodothdesiretoseeyou. BRUTUS Ishealone? LUCIUS No,sir,therearemorewithhim. BRUTUS Doyouknowthem? LUCIUS 75 No,sir.Theirhatsarepluckedabouttheirears, Andhalftheirfacesburiedintheircloaks, ThatbynomeansImaydiscoverthem Byanymarkoffavor. BRUTUS Let'ementer. ExitLUCIUS Theyarethefaction.Oconspiracy, 80 Shamestthoutoshowthydangerousbrowbynight Whenevilsaremostfree?O,thenbyday Wherewiltthoufindacaverndarkenough Tomaskthymonstrousvisage?Seeknone,conspiracy. Hideitinsmilesandaffability.
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LUCIUSenters. LUCIUS Sir,fifteendaysofMarchhavegoneby. Thesoundofaknockoffstage. BRUTUS Good.Gotothegate.Somebodysknocking. LUCIUSexits. IhaventsleptsinceCassiusfirstbegantoturnmeagainst Caesar. Fromthetimewhenyoudecidetodosomethingterribletothe momentyoudoit,everythingfeelsunreal,likeahorrible dream.Theunconsciousandthebodyworktogetherandrebel againsttheconsciousmind.
LUCIUSenters. LUCIUS Sir,itsyourbrotherinlawCassiusatthedoor.Hewantsto seeyou. BRUTUS Ishealone? LUCIUS No,sir.Thereareotherswithhim. BRUTUS Doyouknowthem? LUCIUS No,sir,theirhatsarepulleddownovertheirearsandtheir facesarehalfburiedundertheircloaks,sotheresnowayto tellwhotheyare.
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85 Forifthoupath,thynativesemblanceon, NotErebusitselfweredimenough Tohidetheefromprevention. Entertheconspirators:CASSIUS,CASCA,DECIUS,CINNA,METELLUS,and TREBONIUS CASSIUS Ithinkwearetoobolduponyourrest. Goodmorrow,Brutus.Dowetroubleyou? BRUTUS 90 Ihavebeenupthishour,awakeallnight. KnowIthesementhatcomealongwithyou? CASSIUS Yes,everymanofthem,andnomanhere Buthonorsyou,andeveryonedothwish Youhadbutthatopinionofyourself 95 WhicheverynobleRomanbearsofyou. ThisisTrebonius. BRUTUS Heiswelcomehither. CASSIUS This,DeciusBrutus. BRUTUS Heiswelcometoo. CASSIUS This,Casca.This,Cinna.Andthis,MetellusCimber. BRUTUS 100 Theyareallwelcome. Whatwatchfulcaresdointerposethemselves Betwixtyoureyesandnight? CASSIUS ShallIentreataword? BRUTUSandCASSIUS withdrawandwhisper DECIUS Hereliestheeast.Dothnotthedaybreakhere? CASCA 105 No. CINNA O,pardon,sir,itdoth,andyongraylines Thatfretthecloudsaremessengersofday. CASCA Youshallconfessthatyouarebothdeceived. (pointshissword) 110 Here,asIpointmysword,thesunarises, Whichisagreatwaygrowingonthesouth, Weighingtheyouthfulseasonoftheyear. Sometwomonthshenceuphighertowardthenorth
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Ifyouwentaheadandexposedyourtrueface,Hellitself wouldntbedarkenoughtokeepyoufrombeingfoundand stopped. TheconspiratorsCASSIUS,CASCA,DECIUS,CINNA, METELLUS,andTREBONIUSenter. CASSIUS Imafraidwereintrudingtooboldlyonyoursleeptime.Good morning,Brutus.Arewebotheringyou? BRUTUS Iwasawake.Ivebeenupallnight.DoIknowthesemenwho arewithyou? CASSIUS Yes,everyoneofthem.Thereisntoneofthemwhodoesnt admireyou,andeachoneofthemwishesyouhadashighan opinionofyourselfaseverynobleRomanhasofyou.Thisis Trebonius.
BRUTUS Heswelcomehere. CASSIUS ThisisDeciusBrutus. BRUTUS Heswelcometoo. CASSIUS ThisisCasca.ThisisCinna.AndthisisMetellusCimber. BRUTUS Theyreallwelcome.Whatworrieshavekeptyouawake tonight?
CASSIUS CanIhaveawordwithyou? BRUTUSandCASSIUS whispertogether. DECIUS Herestheeast.Wontthedawncomefromhere? CASCA No. CINNA Excuseme,sir,itwill.Thesegraylinesthatlacethecloudsare thebeginningsofthedawn. CASCA Yourebothwrong.(pointinghissword)Here,whereIpointmy sword,thesunrises.Itsquitenearthesouth,sinceitsstill winter.Abouttwomonthsfromnow,thedawnwillbreak furthertowardthenorth,anddueeastiswheretheCapitol stands,here.
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Hefirstpresentshisfire,andthehigheast 115 Stands,astheCapitol,directlyhere. BRUTUS (comesforwardwithCASSIUS) Givemeyourhandsallover,onebyone. (shakestheirhands) CASSIUS Andletusswearourresolution. BRUTUS 120 No,notanoath.Ifnotthefaceofmen, Thesufferanceofoursouls,thetimesabuse Ifthesebemotivesweak,breakoffbetimes, Andeverymanhencetohisidlebed. Solethighsightedtyrannyrangeon 125 Tilleachmandropbylottery.Butifthese AsIamsuretheydobearfireenough Tokindlecowardsandtosteelwithvalor Themeltingspiritsofwomen,then,countrymen, Whatneedweanyspurbutourowncause 130 Toprickustoredress?Whatotherbond ThansecretRomansthathavespoketheword Andwillnotpalter?Andwhatotheroath Thanhonestytohonestyengaged, Thatthisshallbe,orwewillfallforit? 135 Swearpriestsandcowardsandmencautelous, Oldfeeblecarrionsandsuchsufferingsouls Thatwelcomewrongs.Untobadcausesswear Suchcreaturesasmendoubt.Butdonotstain Theevenvirtueofourenterprise, 140 North'insuppressivemettleofourspirits, Tothinkthatorourcauseorourperformance Didneedanoath,wheneverydropofblood ThateveryRomanbearsandnoblybears Isguiltyofaseveralbastardy 145 Ifhedobreakthesmallestparticle Ofanypromisethathathpassedfromhim. CASSIUS ButwhatofCicero?Shallwesoundhim? Ithinkhewillstandverystrongwithus. CASCA Letusnotleavehimout. CINNA No,bynomeans. METELLUS 150 O,letushavehim,forhissilverhairs Willpurchaseusagoodopinion Andbuymensvoicestocommendourdeeds. Itshallbesaidhisjudgmentruledourhands. Ouryouthsandwildnessshallnowhitappear, 155 Butallbeburiedinhisgravity.
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CASSIUS Andletussweartoourresolution. BRUTUS No,letsnotswearanoath.Ifthesadfacesofourfellowmen, thesufferingofourownsouls,andthecorruptionofthe presenttimearentenoughtomotivateus,letsbreakitoffnow andeachofusgobacktobed.Thenwecanletthisambitious tyrantcontinueunchallengeduntileachofusiskilledathis whim.Butifwehavereasonsthatarestrongenoughtoignite cowardsintoactionandtomakeweakwomenbraveandI thinkwedothen,countrymen,whatelsecouldwepossibly needtospurustoaction?Whatbonddoweneedotherthan thatofdiscreetRomanswhohavesaidwhattheyregoingto doandwontbackdown?Andwhatoathdoweneedother thanthatwehonestmenhavetoldeachotherthatthiswill happenorwewilldietrying?Swearingisforpriests,cowards, overlycautiousmen,feebleoldpeople,andthoselong sufferingweaklingswhowelcomeabuse.Onlymenwhomyou wouldnttrustanywaywouldswearoaths,andfortheworst reasons.Dontspoilthejustnessandvirtueofourendeavor norweakenourownirrepressiblespiritsbythinkingthatwe needabindingoath,whenthebloodthateverynobleRoman containswithinhimwouldbeprovenbastardsbloodifhe brokethesmallestpartofanypromisehehadmade.
CASSIUS ButwhataboutCicero?Shouldweseewhathethinks?Ithink hewillstandstrongwithus. CASCA Letsnotleavehimout. CINNA No,bynomeans. METELLUS Yes,weshouldgethissupport,forhismaturepresencewill makeothersthinkwellofusandspeakoutinsupportofour actions.TheyllassumethatCicero,withhissoundjudgment, orderedtheactions.Hisdignifiedmaturitywilldistractattention fromouryouthandwildness.
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BRUTUS O,namehimnot.Letusnotbreakwithhim, Forhewillneverfollowanything Thatothermenbegin. CASSIUS Thenleavehimout. CASCA 160 Indeedheisnotfit. DECIUS ShallnomanelsebetouchedbutonlyCaesar? CASSIUS Decius,wellurged.Ithinkitisnotmeet MarkAntony,sowellbelovedofCaesar, ShouldoutliveCaesar.Weshallfindofhim 165 Ashrewdcontriver.And,youknow,hismeans, Ifheimprovethem,maywellstretchsofar Astoannoyusallwhichtoprevent, LetAntonyandCaesarfalltogether. BRUTUS Ourcoursewillseemtoobloody,CaiusCassius, 170 Tocuttheheadoffandthenhackthelimbs, Likewrathindeathandenvyafterwards, ForAntonyisbutalimbofCaesar. Letusbesacrificersbutnotbutchers,Caius. WeallstandupagainstthespiritofCaesar, 175 Andinthespiritofmenthereisnoblood. Oh,thatwethencouldcomebyCaesarsspirit AndnotdismemberCaesar!But,alas, Caesarmustbleedforit.And,gentlefriends, Letskillhimboldlybutnotwrathfully. 180 Letscarvehimasadishfitforthegods, Nothewhimasacarcassfitforhounds. Andletourhearts,assubtlemastersdo, Stiruptheirservantstoanactofrage Andafterseemtochide'em.Thisshallmake 185 Ourpurposenecessaryandnotenvious, Whichsoappearingtothecommoneyes, Weshallbecalledpurgers,notmurderers. AndforMarkAntony,thinknotofhim, ForhecandonomorethanCaesarsarm 190 WhenCaesarsheadisoff. OriginalText CASSIUS YetIfearhim. ForintheengraftedlovehebearstoCaesar BRUTUS Alas,goodCassius,donotthinkofhim. IfheloveCaesar,allthathecando Istohimself:takethoughtanddieforCaesar.
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No,dontevenmentionhim.Weshouldnttellhimaboutour plans.Hellneverfollowanythingthatothermenhavestarted.
CASSIUS Thenleavehimout. CASCA Indeed,hesnotrightforthis. DECIUS ButshouldweonlygoafterCaesar?Nooneelse? CASSIUS Goodpoint,Decius.IdontthinkitwouldbewisetoletMark Antony,whomCaesarissofondof,outliveCaesar.Wedfind thathewasadangerousplotter.Andasyouknow,his connections,ifheputthemtogooduse,mightbeenoughto hurtusall.Topreventthis,MarkAntonyshoulddiealongwith Caesar.
BRUTUS OuractionwillseemtoobloodyifwecutoffCaesarshead andthenhackathisarmsandlegstoo,CaiusCassius becauseMarkAntonyismerelyoneofCaesarsarms.Itlllook likewekilledCaesaroutofangerandMarkAntonyoutof envy.Letsbesacrificersbutnotbutchers,Caius.Wereall againstwhatCaesarstandsfor,andtheresnobloodinthat. Oh,howIwishwecouldopposeCaesarsspirithis overblownambitionandnothackupCaesarhimself!But, unfortunately,Caesarhastobleedifweregoingtostophim. Noblefriends,letskillhimboldlybutnotwithanger.Lets carvehimuplikeadishfitforthegods,notchophimuplikea carcassfitfordogs.Letsbeangryonlylongenoughtodothe deed,andthenletsactlikeweredisgustedbywhatwehadto do.Thiswillmakeouractionsseempracticalandnotvengeful. Ifweappearcalmtothepeople,theyllcallussurgeonsrather thanmurderers.AsforMarkAntonyforgethim.Hellbeas uselessasCaesarsarmafterCaesarsheadiscutoff.
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195 Andthatweremuchheshould,forheisgiven Tosports,towildnessandmuchcompany. TREBONIUS Thereisnofearinhim.Lethimnotdie, Forhewillliveandlaughatthishereafter. Clockstrikes BRUTUS Peace!Counttheclock. CASSIUS 200 Theclockhathstrickenthree. TREBONIUS 'Tistimetopart. CASSIUS Butitisdoubtfulyet WhetherCaesarwillcomeforthtodayorno. Forheissuperstitiousgrownoflate, Quitefromthemainopinionheheldonce 205 Offantasy,ofdreamsandceremonies. Itmaybe,theseapparentprodigies, Theunaccustomedterrorofthisnight, Andthepersuasionofhisaugurers MayholdhimfromtheCapitoltoday. DECIUS 210 Neverfearthat.Ifhebesoresolved, Icano'erswayhim.Forhelovestohear Thatunicornsmaybebetrayedwithtrees, Andbearswithglasses,elephantswithholes, Lionswithtoils,andmenwithflatterers. 215 ButwhenItellhimhehatesflatterers, Hesayshedoes,beingthenmostflatterd. Letmework. ForIcangivehishumorthetruebent, AndIwillbringhimtotheCapitol. OriginalText CASSIUS 220 Nay,wewillallofusbetheretofetchhim. BRUTUS Bytheeighthhour.Isthattheuttermost? CINNA Bethattheuttermost,andfailnotthen. METELLUS CaiusLigariusdothbearCaesarhard, WhoratedhimforspeakingwellofPompey. 225 Iwondernoneofyouhavethoughtofhim. BRUTUS Now,goodMetellus,goalongbyhim.
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sports,fun,andfriends.
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TREBONIUS Theresnothingtofearinhim.Letsnotkillhim.Hellliveand laughatthisafterward. Aclockstrikes. BRUTUS Quiet!Counthowmanytimestheclockchimes. CASSIUS Theclockstruckthree. TREBONIUS Itstimetoleave. CASSIUS ButwestilldontknowwhetherCaesarwillgooutinpublic todayornot,becausehesbecomesuperstitiouslately,a completeturnaroundfromwhenheusedtohavesuchabad opinionoffortunetellers,dreaminterpreters,andritual mumbojumbo.Itmighthappenthatthesestrangesigns,the unusualterrorofthisnight,andtheurgingsofhisfortune tellerswillkeephimawayfromtheCapitoltoday.
ModernText CASSIUS No,wellallgotheretobringhim. BRUTUS Byeighto'clock.Isthatthelatestwecandoit? CINNA Letsmakethatthelatest,butbesuretogettherebeforethen. METELLUS CaiusLigariusdoesntlikeCaesar,whoberatedhimfor speakingwellofPompey.Iwonderthatnoneofyouthought aboutgettinghissupport. BRUTUS GoodMetellus,gotohimnow.Helikesme,andIvegivenhim
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Helovesmewell,andIhavegivenhimreasons. SendhimbuthitherandIllfashionhim. CASSIUS Themorningcomesupons.Wellleaveyou,Brutus. 230 And,friends,disperseyourselves.Butallremember Whatyouhavesaid,andshowyourselvestrueRomans. BRUTUS Goodgentlemen,lookfreshandmerrily. Letnotourlooksputonourpurposes, ButbearitasourRomanactorsdo, 235 Withuntiredspiritsandformalconstancy. Andsogoodmorrowtoyoueveryone. Exeunt.ManetBRUTUS Boy!Lucius!Fastasleep?Itisnomatter. Enjoythehoneyheavydewofslumber. Thouhastnofiguresnornofantasies, 240 Whichbusycaredrawsinthebrainsofmen. Thereforethousleepstsosound. EnterPORTIA PORTIA Brutus,mylord. BRUTUS Portia,whatmeanyou?Whereforeriseyounow? Itisnotforyourhealththustocommit Yourweakconditiontotheraw,coldmorning. PORTIA 245 Norforyoursneither.Y'haveungently,Brutus, Stolefrommybed.Andyesternight,atsupper, Yousuddenlyaroseandwalkedabout, Musingandsighing,withyourarmsacross, AndwhenIaskedyouwhatthematterwas, 250 Youstareduponmewithungentlelooks. Iurgedyoufurther,thenyouscratchedyourhead Andtooimpatientlystampedwithyourfoot. YetIinsistedyetyouanswerednot, Butwithanangrywaftureofyourhand 255 Gavesignformetoleaveyou.SoIdid, Fearingtostrengthenthatimpatience Whichseemedtoomuchenkindled,andwithal Hopingitwasbutaneffectofhumor, Whichsometimehathhishourwitheveryman. 260 Itwillnotletyoueatnortalknorsleep, Andcoulditworksomuchuponyourshape Asithathmuchprevailedonyourcondition, Ishouldnotknowyou,Brutus.Dearmylord, Makemeacquaintedwithyourcauseofgrief. BRUTUS 265 Iamnotwellinhealth,andthatisall.
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goodreasonto.Justsendhimhere,andIllpersuadehim.
PORTIA Itsnotgoodforyourhealth,either.Yourudelysnuckoutof bed.Andlastnightatdinner,yougotupabruptlyandpaced backandforthwithyourarmscrossed,broodingandsighing, andwhenIaskedyouwhatwasthematter,yougavemea dirtylook.Iaskedyouagain,andyouscratchedyourheadand stampedyourfootimpatiently.Istillinsistedonknowingwhat thematterwas,butyouwouldntanswerme,insteadgiving meanangrywaveofyourhandandtellingmetoleaveyou alone.SoIleft,afraidoffurtherprovokingangerthatwas alreadyinflamedbutstillhopingthiswasmerelymoodiness, whicheveryoneisaffectedbyonceinawhile.Yourstrange moodwontletyoueatortalkorsleep.Ifithadchangedyour outwardappearanceasmuchasithasaffectedyouonthe inside,Iwouldntevenbeabletorecognizeyou,Brutus.My dearlord,tellmewhatsbotheringyou.
BRUTUS Imnotfeelingwellthatsall.
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PORTIA Brutusiswise,andwerehenotinhealth, Hewouldembracethemeanstocomebyit. BRUTUS Why,soIdo.GoodPortia,gotobed. PORTIA IsBrutussick?Andisitphysical 270 Towalkunbracdandsuckupthehumors Ofthedankmorning?What,isBrutussick, Andwillhestealoutofhiswholesomebed, Todarethevilecontagionofthenight Andtempttherheumyandunpurgdair 275 Toadduntohissickness?No,myBrutus. Youhavesomesickoffensewithinyourmind, Whichbytherightandvirtueofmyplace Ioughttoknowof. (kneels)Anduponmyknees 280 Icharmyou,bymyoncecommendedbeauty, Byallyourvowsofloveandthatgreatvow Whichdidincorporateandmakeusone Thatyouunfoldtome,yourself,yourhalf, Whyyouareheavy,andwhatmentonight 285 Havehadtoresorttoyou.Forherehavebeen Somesixorsevenwhodidhidetheirfaces Evenfromdarkness. BRUTUS Kneelnot,gentlePortia. PORTIA (rising)Ishouldnotneedifyouweregentle,Brutus. Withinthebondofmarriage,tellme,Brutus, 290 IsitexceptedIshouldknownosecrets Thatappertaintoyou?AmIyourself But,asitwere,insortorlimitation, Tokeepwithyouatmeals,comfortyourbed, Andtalktoyousometimes? DwellIbutinthesuburbs 295 Ofyourgoodpleasure?Ifitbenomore, PortiaisBrutus'harlot,nothiswife. BRUTUS Youaremytrueandhonorablewife, Asdeartomeasaretheruddydrops Thatvisitmysadheart. PORTIA 300 Ifthisweretrue,thenshouldIknowthissecret. IgrantIamawoman,butwithal AwomanthatLordBrutustooktowife. IgrantIamawoman,butwithal Awomanwellreputed,Catosdaughter. 305 ThinkyouIamnostrongerthanmysex, Beingsofatheredandsohusbanded?
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Youresmart,though,andifyouweresick,youdtakewhat youneededtogetbetter. BRUTUS Imdoingso.GoodPortia,gotobed. PORTIA Areyousick?Andisithealthytowalkuncoveredandbreathe inthedampnessofthemorning?Youresick,yetyousneak outofyourwarmbedandletthehumidanddiseaseinfested airmakeyousicker?No,myBrutus,youhavesomesickness withinyourmind,whichbyvirtueofmypositionIdeserveto knowabout.(shekneels)Andonmyknees,Iurgeyou,bymy oncepraisedbeauty,byallyourvowsofloveandthatgreat vowofmarriagewhichmadethetwoofusoneperson,that youshouldrevealtome,whoisonehalfofyourself,why youretroubledandwhatmenhavevisitedyoutonight.For thereweresixorsevenmenhere,whohidtheirfacesevenin thedarkness.
Ismyplaceonlyontheoutskirtsofyourhappiness?Ifits nothingmorethanthat,thenImyourwhore,notyourwife.
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Tellmeyourcounsels.Iwillnotdisclose'em. Ihavemadestrongproofofmyconstancy, Givingmyselfavoluntarywound 310 Hereinthethigh.CanIbearthatwithpatience, Andnotmyhusbandssecrets? BRUTUS Oyegods, Rendermeworthyofthisnoblewife! Knockwithin Hark,hark!Oneknocks.Portia,goinawhile. Andbyandbythybosomshallpartake 315 Thesecretsofmyheart. AllmyengagementsIwillconstruetothee, Allthecharacteryofmysadbrows. Leavemewithhaste. ExitPORTIA Lucius,whosthatknocking? EnterLUCIUSandLIGARIUS
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hereinmythigh.IfIcanbearthatpain,thenIcanbearmy husbandssecrets.
BRUTUS Oh,gods,makemeworthyofthisnoblewife!
LUCIUS 320 Heisasickmanthatwouldspeakwithyou. BRUTUS CaiusLigarius,thatMetellusspakeof. Boy,standaside.CaiusLigarius,how? LIGARIUS Vouchsafegoodmorrowfromafeebletongue. BRUTUS O,whatatimehaveyouchoseout,braveCaius, 325 Towearakerchief!Wouldyouwerenotsick! LIGARIUS IamnotsickifBrutushaveinhand Anyexploitworthythenameofhonor. BRUTUS SuchanexploithaveIinhand,Ligarius, Hadyouahealthfuleartohearofit. LIGARIUS 330 (removeshiskerchief) ByallthegodsthatRomansbowbefore, Iherediscardmysickness!SoulofRome, Bravesonderivedfromhonorableloins, Thou,likeanexorcist,hastconjuredup 335 Mymortifidspirit.Nowbidmerun, AndIwillstrivewiththingsimpossible, Yea,getthebetterofthem.Whatstodo? BRUTUS Apieceofworkthatwillmakesickmenwhole.
LUCIUS Heresasickmanwhowantstospeakwithyou. BRUTUS ItsCaiusLigarius,whomMetellusspokeof.Boy,standaside. CaiusLigarius!Howareyou? LIGARIUS Pleaseacceptmyfeeblegoodmorning. BRUTUS Oh,whatatimeyouvechosentobesick,braveCaius!HowI wishyoufeltbetter! LIGARIUS Imnotsickifyouvepreparedsomehonorableexploitforme.
BRUTUS Indeed,Iwouldhavesuchanexploitforyou,Ligarius,ifyou werehealthyenoughtohearit. LIGARIUS (takesoffhisheadcovering)ByallthegodsthatRomans worship,Iherebythrowoffmysickness!SoulofRome!Brave sonofhonorableancestors!Youveconjuredupmydeadened spiritlikeanexorcist.Nowsaytheword,andIwilltackleall kindsofimpossiblethings,andsucceedtoo.Whatisthereto do?
BRUTUS Adeedthatwillmakesickmenhealthy.
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LIGARIUS Butarenotsomewholethatwemustmakesick?
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Butarenttheresomehealthymenwhomwehavetomake sick?
BRUTUS 340 Thatmustwealso.Whatitis,myCaius, Ishallunfoldtotheeaswearegoing Towhomitmustbedone. LIGARIUS Setonyourfoot, AndwithaheartnewfiredIfollowyou, TodoIknownotwhat.Butitsufficeth 345 ThatBrutusleadsmeon. Thunder BRUTUS Followme,then. Exeunt
Act2,Scene2
OriginalText ThunderandlightningEnterJuliusCAESARinhisnightgown CAESAR Norheavennorearthhavebeenatpeacetonight. ThricehathCalphurniainhersleepcriedout, Help,ho!TheymurderCaesar!Whoswithin? EnteraSERVANT SERVANT Mylord. CAESAR 5 Gobidthepriestsdopresentsacrifice Andbringmetheiropinionsofsuccess. SERVANT Iwill,mylord. ExitSERVANT EnterCALPHURNIA CALPHURNIA Whatmeanyou,Caesar?Thinkyoutowalkforth? Youshallnotstiroutofyourhousetoday. CAESAR 10 Caesarshallforth.Thethingsthatthreatenedme Ne'erlookedbutonmyback.Whentheyshallsee ThefaceofCaesar,theyarevanishd. ModernText Thunderandlightning.CAESARentersinhisnightgown. CAESAR Neithertheskynortheearthhavebeenquiettonight. Calphurniacriedoutthreetimesinhersleep,Help,someone! TheyremurderingCaesar!Whosthere? ASERVANTenters. SERVANT Mylord? CAESAR Gotelltheprieststoperformasacrificeimmediately,andbring metheirinterpretationoftheresults. SERVANT Iwill,mylord. TheSERVANTexits. CALPHURNIAenters. CALPHURNIA Whatareyoudoing,Caesar?Areyouplanningtogoout? Yourenotleavingthehousetoday. CAESAR Iwillgoout.Thethingsthatthreatenmehaveonlyseenmy back.WhentheyseethefaceofCaesar,theywillvanish.
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CALPHURNIA Caesar,Ineverstoodonceremonies, Yetnowtheyfrightme.Thereisonewithin, 15 Besidesthethingsthatwehaveheardandseen, Recountsmosthorridsightsseenbythewatch. Alionesshathwhelpdinthestreets, Andgraveshaveyawnedandyieldeduptheirdead. Fiercefierywarriorsfoughtupontheclouds 20 Inranksandsquadronsandrightformofwar, WhichdrizzledbloodupontheCapitol. Thenoiseofbattlehurtledintheair. Horsesdidneigh,anddyingmendidgroan, Andghostsdidshriekandsquealaboutthestreets. 25 OCaesar!Thesethingsarebeyondalluse, AndIdofearthem. CAESAR Whatcanbeavoided Whoseendispurposedbythemightygods? YetCaesarshallgoforth,forthesepredictions AretotheworldingeneralastoCaesar. CALPHURNIA 30 Whenbeggarsdietherearenocometsseen. Theheavensthemselvesblazeforththedeathofprinces. CAESAR Cowardsdiemanytimesbeforetheirdeaths. Thevaliantnevertasteofdeathbutonce. OfallthewondersthatIyethaveheard, 35 Itseemstomemoststrangethatmenshouldfear, Seeingthatdeath,anecessaryend, Willcomewhenitwillcome. EnterSERVANT Whatsaytheaugurers? SERVANT Theywouldnothaveyoutostirforthtoday. Pluckingtheentrailsofanofferingforth, 40 They couldnotfindaheartwithinthebeast. CAESAR Thegodsdothisinshameofcowardice. Caesarshouldbeabeastwithoutaheart Ifheshouldstayathometodayforfear. No,Caesarshallnot.Dangerknowsfullwell 45 ThatCaesarismoredangerousthanhe. Wearetwolionslitteredinoneday, AndItheelderandmoreterrible. AndCaesarshallgoforth. CALPHURNIA Alas,mylord, Yourwisdomisconsumedinconfidence.
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50 Donotgoforthtoday.Callitmyfear Thatkeepsyouinthehouse,andnotyourown. WellsendMarkAntonytothesenatehouse, Andheshallsayyouarenotwelltoday. (kneels)Letme,uponmyknee,prevailinthis. CAESAR 55 MarkAntonyshallsayIamnotwell, AndforthyhumorIwillstayathome. CALPHURNIArises EnterDECIUS HeresDeciusBrutus.Heshalltellthemso. DECIUS Caesar,allhail!Goodmorrow,worthyCaesar. Icometo fetchyoutothesenatehouse. CAESAR 60 Andyouarecomeinveryhappytime Tobearmygreetingtothesenators AndtellthemthatIwillnotcometoday. Cannotisfalse,andthatIdarenot,falser. Iwillnotcometoday.Tellthemso,Decius. CALPHURNIA 65 Sayheissick. CAESAR ShallCaesarsendalie? HaveIinconqueststretchedminearmsofar Tobeafraidtotellgraybeardsthetruth? Decius,gotellthemCaesarwillnotcome. DECIUS Mostmighty Caesar,letmeknowsomecause, 70 LestIbelaughedatwhenItellthemso. CAESAR Thecauseisinmywill.Iwillnotcome. Thatisenoughtosatisfythesenate. Butforyourprivatesatisfaction, BecauseIloveyou,Iwillletyouknow. 75 Calphurniahere,mywife,staysmeathome. Shedreamttonightshesawmystatue, Which,likeafountainwithanhundredspouts, Didrunpureblood.AndmanylustyRomans Camesmilinganddidbathetheirhandsinit. 80 Andthesedoessheapplyforwarningsandportents Andevilsimminent,andonherknee HathbeggedthatIwillstayathometoday. DECIUS Thisdreamisallamissinterpreted. Itwasavisionfairandfortunate. 85 Yourstatuespoutingbloodinmanypipes,
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CAESAR Allright.MarkAntonywillsayImnotwell,andtopleaseyou Illstayathome. CALPHURNIAgetsup. DECIUSenters. HeresDeciusBrutus.Helltellthemso. DECIUS Hail,Caesar!Goodmorning,worthyCaesar.Ivecometotake youtothesenatehouse. CAESAR Andyouvecomeatagoodtime,soyoucanconveymy greetingstothesenatorsandtellthemIwontcometoday.It wouldntbetruetosaythatIcantcome,andevenlesstrueto saythatIdontdarecome.Isimply wontcometoday.Tell themso,Decius. CALPHURNIA Sayhessick. CAESAR WouldIsendalie?HaveIaccomplishedsomuchinbattle, butnowImafraidtotellsomeoldmenthetruth?
Decius,gotellthemthatCaesarwontcome. DECIUS MostmightyCaesar,givemesomereason,soIwontbe laughedatwhenItellthemso. CAESAR ThereasonisthatitswhatIwant.Imnotcoming.Thats enoughforthesenate.Butforyourprivatesatisfaction, becauseIloveyou,Illtellyou.Calphurnia,mywife,iskeeping meathome.Lastnight,shedreamedshesawastatueofme withahundredholesinit,likeafountainwithpureblood flowingfromit,andmanyhappyRomanscamesmilingand washedtheirhandsinit.Shetakesthesesignsforwarnings andpredictionsofterribleevilstocome,and,onherknee,she beggedmetostayhometoday.
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InwhichsomanysmilingRomansbathed, SignifiesthatfromyougreatRomeshallsuck Revivingblood,andthatgreatmenshallpress Fortinctures,stains,relics,andcognizance. 90 ThisbyCalphurniasdreamissignified. CAESAR Andthiswayhaveyouwellexpoundedit. DECIUS Ihave,whenyouhaveheardwhatIcansay. Andknowitnow:thesenatehaveconcluded TogivethisdayacrowntomightyCaesar. OriginalText 95 Ifyoushallsendthemwordyouwillnotcome, Theirmindsmaychange.Besides,itwereamock Apttoberenderedforsomeonetosay, Breakupthesenatetillanothertime WhenCaesarswifeshallmeetwithbetterdreams. 100 IfCaesarhidehimself,shalltheynotwhisper, Lo,Caesarisafraid? Pardonme,Caesar.Formydear,dearlove Toyourproceedingbidsmetellyouthis, Andreasontomyloveisliable. CAESAR 105 Howfoolishdoyourfearsseemnow,Calphurnia! IamashamdIdidyieldtothem. Givememyrobe,forIwillgo. EnterBRUTUS,LIGARIUS,METELLUS,CASCA,TREBONIUS,CINNA,and PUBLIUS Andlook,wherePubliusiscometofetchme. PUBLIUS Goodmorrow,Caesar. CAESAR 110 Welcome,Publius. What,Brutus,areyoustirredsoearlytoo? Goodmorrow,Casca.CaiusLigarius, Caesarwasne'ersomuchyourenemy Asthatsameaguewhichhathmadeyoulean. 115 Whatisto'clock? BRUTUS Caesar,tisstruckeneight. CAESAR Ithankyouforyourpainsandcourtesy. EnterANTONY See,Antony,thatrevelslonganights, Isnotwithstandingup.Goodmorrow,Antony. ANTONY
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PUBLIUS,BRUTUS,LIGARIUS,METELLUS,CASCA, TREBONIUS,andCINNAenter. Andlook,heresPublius,cometofetchme. PUBLIUS Goodmorning,Caesar. CAESAR Welcome,Publius.What,Brutus?Areyouupthisearlytoo? Goodmorning,Casca.CaiusLigarius,Iwasneveryourenemy somuchasthesicknessthatsmadeyousothin.Whattimeis it?
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SotomostnobleCaesar. CAESAR Bidthempreparewithin. 120 Iamtoblametobethuswaitedfor. Now,Cinna.Now,Metellus.What,Trebonius, Ihaveanhourstalkinstoreforyou. Rememberthatyoucallonmetoday. Benearme,thatImayrememberyou. TREBONIUS 125 Caesar,Iwill.(aside)AndsonearwillIbe ThatyourbestfriendsshallwishIhadbeenfurther. CAESAR Goodfriends,goinandtastesomewinewithme. Andwe,likefriends,willstraightwaygotogether. BRUTUS (aside)Thateverylikeisnotthesame,OCaesar, 130 TheheartofBrutusearnstothinkupon. Exeunt
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Andtoyou,mostnobleCaesar. CAESAR
35
TREBONIUS Caesar,Iwill.(speakingquietlytohimself)Infact,Illbeso nearthatyourbestfriendswillwishIdbeenfurtheraway. CAESAR Goodfriends,goinandhavesomewinewithme.Andwell leavetogether,likefriends. BRUTUS (quietlytohimself)ThatwearenowonlylikefriendsOh Caesarmakesmyheartache. Theyallexit.
Act2,Scene3
EnterARTEMIDORUS,readingaletter ARTEMIDORUS (readsaloud) Caesar,bewareofBrutus.TakeheedofCassius.ComenotnearCasca.Havean eyetoCinna.TrustnotTrebonius.MarkwellMetellusCimber.DeciusBrutusloves theenot.ThouhastwrongedCaiusLigarius.Thereisbutonemindinallthese 10 men,anditisbentagainstCaesar.Ifthoubeestnotimmortal,lookaboutyou. Securitygiveswaytoconspiracy.Themightygodsdefendthee! Thylover, Artemidorus HerewillIstandtillCaesarpassalong, 15 AndasasuitorwillIgivehimthis. Myheartlamentsthatvirtuecannotlive Outoftheteethofemulation. Ifthoureadthis,OCaesar,thoumaystlive. Ifnot,theFateswithtraitorsdocontrive. Exit ARTEMIDORUSenters,readingaletter. ARTEMIDORUS (readingaloudfromtheletter) Caesar,bewareofBrutus.WatchCassius.Dontgonear Casca.KeepaneyeonCinna.DonttrustTrebonius.Pay attentiontoMetellusCimber.DeciusBrutusdoesntloveyou. YouvewrongedCaiusLigarius.Thesemenallhaveone intention,anditsdirectedagainstCaesar.Ifyouarent immortal,watchthosearoundyou.Asenseofsecurityopens thedoortoconspiracy.Ipraythatthemightygodsdefendyou! Yourfriend, Artemidorus. IllstandhereuntilCaesarpassesby,andIllgivehimthisas thoughitsapetition.Myheartregretsthatgoodmenarent safefromthebiteofjealousrivals.Ifyoureadthis,Caesar, youmightlive.Ifnot,theFatesareonthesideofthetraitors. Heexits.
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Act2,Scene4
EnterPORTIAandLUCIUS PORTIA Iprithee,boy,runtothesenatehouse. Staynottoanswerme,butgettheegone. Whydostthoustay? LUCIUS Toknowmyerrand,madam. PORTIA Iwouldhavehadtheethereandhereagain 5 EreIcantelltheewhatthoushouldstdothere. Oconstancy,bestronguponmyside, Setahugemountaintweenmyheartandtongue! Ihaveamansmindbutawomansmight. Howharditisforwomentokeepcounsel! 10 Artthouhereyet? LUCIUS Madam,whatshouldIdo? RuntotheCapitol,andnothingelse? Andsoreturntoyou,andnothingelse? PORTIA Yes,bringmeword,boy,ifthylordlookwell, Forhewentsicklyforth.Andtakegoodnote 15 WhatCaesardoth,whatsuitorspresstohim. Hark,boy!Whatnoiseisthat? LUCIUS Ihearnone,madam. PORTIA Prithee,listenwell. Iheardabustlingrumorlikeafray, 20 AndthewindbringsitfromtheCapitol. LUCIUS Sooth,madam,Ihearnothing. EntertheSOOTHSAYER PORTIA Comehither,fellow.Whichwayhastthoubeen? SOOTHSAYER Atmineownhouse,goodlady. PORTIA Whatisto'clock? SOOTHSAYER 25 Abouttheninthhour,lady. PORTIA IsCaesaryetgonetotheCapitol? LUCIUS Truly,madam,Idonthearanything. TheSOOTHSAYERenters. PORTIA Comehere,you.Whereareyoucomingfrom? SOOTHSAYER Myownhouse,goodlady. PORTIA Whattimeisit? SOOTHSAYER Aroundnineo'clock,madam. PORTIA HasCaesargonetotheCapitalyet? PORTIA Yes,returnandtellmeifyourmasterlookswell,becausehe wassickwhenheleft.AndpayattentiontowhatCaesardoes andwhichmenareclosetohim.Listen,boy!Whatsthat noise? LUCIUS Idonthearanything,madam. PORTIA Ibegyou,listenwell.Iheardanoiselikeascuffle.Thewind bringsitfromtheCapitol. LUCIUS Madam,whatshouldIdo?RuntotheCapitolandnothing else?Andthenreturntoyouandnothingelse? LUCIUS Tofindoutwhatyouwantmetodothere,madam. PORTIA IwantyouthereandbackagainbeforeIcaneventellyou whatyoushoulddothere.(toherself,sothatnoonecanhear her)Oh,letmydeterminationkeepmefromspeakingwhatis inmyheart!Ihaveamansmind,butonlyawomansstrength. How harditisforwomentokeepsecrets!(toLUCIUS)Areyou stillhere? PORTIAandLUCIUSenter. PORTIA Boy,Ibegyoutoruntothesenatehouse.Dontstayto answermegetgoing.Whyareyoustillstandingthere?
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SOOTHSAYER Madam,notyet.Igototakemystand ToseehimpassontotheCapitol. PORTIA ThouhastsomesuittoCaesar,hastthounot? SOOTHSAYER 30 ThatIhave,lady.IfitwillpleaseCaesar TobesogoodtoCaesarastohearme, Ishallbeseechhimtobefriendhimself. PORTIA Why,knowstthouanyharmsintendedtowardshim? SOOTHSAYER NonethatIknowwillbemuchthatIfearmaychance. 35 Goodmorrowtoyou.Herethestreetisnarrow. ThethrongthatfollowsCaesarattheheels, Ofsenators,ofpraetors,commonsuitors, Willcrowdafeeblemanalmosttodeath. Illgetmetoaplacemorevoid,andthere 40 SpeaktogreatCaesarashecomesalong. ExitSOOTHSAYER PORTIA Imustgoin.(aside)Ayme,howweakathing Theheartofwomanis!OBrutus, Theheavensspeedtheeinthineenterprise! Sure,theboyheardme.(toLUCIUS)Brutushathasuit 45 ThatCaesarwillnotgrant.Oh,Igrowfaint. Run,Lucius,andcommendmetomylord. SayIammerry.Cometomeagain, Andbringmewordwhathedothsaytothee. Exeuntseverally
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Theyexitinoppositedirections.
Act3,Scene1
FlourishEnterCAESAR ,BRUTUS,CASSIUS,CASCA,DECIUS,METELLUS, TREBONIUS,CINNA ,ANTONY,LEPIDUS,PUBLIUS,andPOPILLIUSLENA withacrowdofpeople,includingARTEMIDORUSandtheSOOTHSAYER Acrowdofpeopleenters,amongthemARTEMIDORUSand theSOOTHSAYER.Atrumpetplays.CAESAR,BRUTUS, CASSIUS,CASCA,DECIUS,METELLUS,TREBONIUS, CINNA,ANTONY,LEPIDUS,POPILLIUS,PUBLIUS,and othersenter. CAESAR (totheSOOTHSAYER)TheidesofMarcharecome. SOOTHSAYER Ay,Caesar,butnotgone. ARTEMIDORUS (offeringhisletter)Hail,Caesar!Readthisschedule. DECIUS (offeringCAESARanotherpaper) 5 Treboniusdothdesireyoutoo'erread, CAESAR (totheSOOTHSAYER)March15thhascome. SOOTHSAYER Yes,Caesar,butitsnotgoneyet. ARTEMIDORUS (offeringhisletter)Hail,Caesar!Readthisschedule. DECIUS (offeringCAESARanotherpaper)Treboniuswantsyoutolook overhishumblepetition,atyourleisure.
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Atyourbestleisure,thishishumblesuit. ARTEMIDORUS OCaesar,readminefirst,forminesasuit ThattouchesCaesarnearer.Readit,greatCaesar. CAESAR Whattouchesusourselfshallbelastserved. ARTEMIDORUS 10 Delaynot,Caesar.Readitinstantly. CAESAR What,isthefellowmad? PUBLIUS (toARTEMIDORUS)Sirrah,give CASSIUS (toARTEMIDORUS) What,urgeyouyourpetitionsinthestreet? 15 CometotheCapitol. CAESAR spartymovesasidetothesenatehouse POPILLIUS (toCASSIUS)Iwishyourenterprisetodaymaythrive. CASSIUS Whatenterprise,Popillius? POPILLIUS Fareyouwell. (approachesCAESAR) BRUTUS (toCASSIUS) WhatsaidPopilliusLena? CASSIUS (asidetoBRUTUS) 20 Hewishedtodayourenterprisemightthrive. Ifearourpurposeisdiscoverd. BRUTUS LookhowhemakestoCaesar.Markhim. CASSIUS Casca,besudden,forwefearprevention Brutus,whatshallbedone?Ifthisbeknown, 25 CassiusorCaesarnevershallturnback, ForIwillslaymyself. BRUTUS Cassius,beconstant. PopilliusLenaspeaksnotofourpurposes. For,look,hesmiles,andCaesardothnotchange. CASSIUS Treboniusknowshistime.For,lookyou,Brutus. 30 HedrawsMarkAntonyoutoftheway. place.
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ARTEMIDORUS Oh,Caesar,readminefirst,formypetitionaffectsyoumore directly.Readit,greatCaesar. CAESAR WhateverpertainstomyselfIwilldealwithlast. ARTEMIDORUS Dontdelay,Caesar.Readitinstantly. CAESAR What,isthemaninsane? PUBLIUS (toARTEMIDORUS)Standaside,you. CASSIUS (toARTEMIDORUS) What?Areyoupressingyourpetitionon thestreet?GototheCapitol.
CAESARgoesuptothesenatehouse,therestfollowing. POPILLIUS (toCASSIUS)Ihopeyourendeavorgoeswelltoday. CASSIUS Whatendeavor,Popillius? POPILLIUS Goodluck. POPILLIUSapproachesCAESAR . BRUTUS (toCASSIUS) WhatdidPopilliusLenasay? CASSIUS (speakingsothatonlyBRUTUScanhear)Hewishedthatour endeavorwouldgowelltoday.Imafraidwevebeenfound out. BRUTUS Look,hesapproachingCaesar.Keepaneyeonhim. CASSIUS Casca,bequick,becausewereworriedwemightbestopped. Brutus,whatwillwedo?Ifoursecretsknown,eitherCaesar orIwilldie,forIllkillmyself.
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ExeuntTREBONIUSandANTONY DECIUS WhereisMetellusCimber?Lethimgo AndpresentlypreferhissuittoCaesar. BRUTUS Heisaddressed.Pressnearandsecondhim. CINNA Casca,youarethefirstthatrearsyourhand. CAESAR 35 Areweallready?Whatisnowamiss ThatCaesarandhissenatemustredress? METELLUS (kneeling) Mosthigh,mostmighty,andmostpuissantCaesar, MetellusCimberthrowsbeforethyseat 40 Anhumbleheart CAESAR Imustpreventthee,Cimber. Thesecouchingsandtheselowlycourtesies Mightfirethebloodofordinarymen Andturnpreordinanceandfirstdecree Intothelawofchildren.Benotfond, 45 TothinkthatCaesarbearssuchrebelblood Thatwillbethawedfromthetruequality WiththatwhichmeltethfoolsImean,sweetwords, Lowcrookdcurtsies,andbasespanielfawning. Thybrotherbydecreeisbanishd. 50 Ifthoudostbendandprayandfawnforhim, Ispurntheelikeacuroutofmyway. Know,Caesardothnotwrong,norwithoutcause Willhebesatisfied. METELLUS Istherenovoicemoreworthythanmyown 55 TosoundmoresweetlyingreatCaesarsear Fortherepealingofmybanishedbrother? BRUTUS (kneeling)Ikissthyhand,butnotinflattery,Caesar, DesiringtheethatPubliusCimbermay Haveanimmediatefreedomofrepeal. CAESAR 60 What,Brutus? CASSIUS (kneeling) Pardon,Caesar.Caesar, pardon. AslowastothyfootdothCassiusfall TobegenfranchisementforPubliusCimber. CAESAR IcouldbewellmovedifIwereasyou. IfIcouldpraytomove,prayerswouldmoveme.
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WheresMetellusCimber?Heshouldgoupandofferhis petitiontoCaesarnow. BRUTUS Theyrespeakingtohim.Goupthereandsecondhispetition. CINNA Casca,youllbethefirsttoraiseyourhand. CAESAR Areweallready?WhatproblemshouldIdiscusswithyou first? METELLUS (kneeling)Mosthigh,mostmighty,andmostpowerfulCaesar, MetellusCimberkneelsbeforeyouwithahumbleheart
CAESAR Ihavetostopyou,Cimber.Thesekneelingsandhumble courtesiesmightexciteordinarymen,flatteringtheminto turningRomanlawintochildrensgames.Butdontbeso foolishastothinkyoucanswaymefromwhatsrightbyusing thetacticsthatpersuadefoolsImeanthisflattery,lowbows, andpuppylikefawning.Yourbrotherhasbeenbanishedby decree.Ifyoukneelandbegandflatterforhim,Illkickyouout ofmywaylikeIwouldadog.KnowthatIamnotunjust,andI willnotgranthimapardonwithoutreason.
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65 ButIamconstantasthenorthernstar, Ofwhosetruefixedandrestingquality Thereisnofellowinthefirmament. Theskiesarepaintedwithunnumberedsparks. Theyareallfireandeveryonedothshine, 70 Buttheresbutoneinalldothholdhisplace. Sointheworld.'Tisfurnishedwellwithmen, Andmenarefleshandblood,andapprehensive, YetinthenumberIdoknowbutone Thatunassailableholdsonhisrank, 75 Unshakedofmotion.AndthatIamhe Letmealittleshowiteveninthis: ThatIwasconstantCimbershouldbebanished, Andconstantdoremaintokeephimso. CINNA (kneeling)OCaesar CAESAR 80 Hence!WiltthouliftupOlympus? DECIUS (kneeling)GreatCaesar CAESAR DothnotBrutusbootlesskneel? CASCA Speak,hands,forme! CASCAandtheotherconspiratorsstabCAESAR,BRUTUSlast
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asimmovableasthenorthernstar,whosestableand stationaryqualityhasnoequalinthesky.Theskyshows countlessstars.Theyreallmadeoffire,andeachoneshines. Butonlyoneamongallofthemremainsinafixedposition.So itisonearth.Theworldisfullofmen,andmenarefleshand blood,andtheyarecapableofreason.Yetoutofallofthem,I knowonlyonewhoisunassailable,whonevermovesfromhis position.Toshowyouthatthatsme,letmeproveitalittle eveninthiscase.IwasfirminorderingthatCimberbe banished,andIremainfirminthatdecision.
CINNA (kneeling)Oh,Caesar CAESAR Enough!WouldyoutrytoliftMountOlympus? DECIUS (kneeling)GreatCaesar CAESAR HaventIresistedevenBrutus,beggingfromhisknees? CASCA Hands,speakforme! CASCAandtheotherconspiratorsstabCAESAR.BRUTUS stabshimlast.
CAESAR Ettu,Brut?Thenfall,Caesar. 85 (dies) CINNA Liberty!Freedom!Tyrannyisdead! Runhence,proclaim,cryitaboutthestreets. CASSIUS Sometothecommonpulpits,andcryout, Liberty,freedom,andenfranchisement! Confusion.Exeuntsomeplebiansandsenators BRUTUS 90 Peopleandsenators,benotaffrighted. Flynot.Standstill.Ambitionsdebtispaid. CASCA Gotothepulpit,Brutus. DECIUS AndCassiustoo. BRUTUS WheresPublius? CINNA
CAESAR Andyoutoo,Brutus?Inthatcase,die,Caesar. (hedies) CINNA Liberty!Freedom!Tyrannyisdead!Runandproclaimitinthe streets. CASSIUS Someshouldgotothepublicplatformsandcryout,Liberty, freedom,anddemocracy! Confusion.Somecitizensandsenatorsexit. BRUTUS Peopleandsenators,dontbeafraid.Dontrunawaystay whereyouare.OnlyCaesarhadtodieforhisambition. CASCA Gototheplatform,Brutus. DECIUS AndCassiustoo. BRUTUS WheresPublius? CINNA
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95 Here,quiteconfoundedwiththismutiny. METELLUS Standfasttogether,lestsomefriendofCaesars Shouldchance BRUTUS Talknotofstanding.Publius,goodcheer. Thereisnoharmintendedtoyourperson, 100 NortonoRomanelse.Sotellthem,Publius. CASSIUS Andleaveus,Publius,lestthatthepeople, Rushingonus,shoulddoyouragesomemischief. BRUTUS Doso.Andletnomanabidethisdeed Butwethedoers. ExitPUBLIUS EnterTREBONIUS CASSIUS 105 WhereisAntony? TREBONIUS Fledtohishouseamazed. Men,wives,andchildrenstare,cryout,andrun Asitweredoomsday. BRUTUS Fates,wewillknowyourpleasures. Thatweshalldie,weknow.'Tisbutthetime, 110 Anddrawingdaysout,thatmenstandupon. CASSIUS Why,hethatcutsofftwentyyearsoflife Cutsoffsomanyyearsoffearingdeath. BRUTUS Grantthat,andthenisdeathabenefit. SoareweCaesarsfriends,thathaveabridged 115 Histimeoffearingdeath.Stoop,Romans,stoop, AndletusbatheourhandsinCaesarsblood Uptotheelbows,andbesmearourswords. Thenwalkweforth,eventothemarketplace, Andwavingourredweaponso'erourheads 120 Letsallcry,Peace,freedom,andliberty! CASSIUS Stoop,then,andwash. TheconspiratorssmeartheirhandsandswordswithCAESAR sblood
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Here.Hescompletelystunnedbythismutiny. METELLUS
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Standclosetogether,incasesomeoneloyaltoCaesartries to BRUTUS Donttalkaboutstandingtogether.Publius,cheerup.We dontintendanyharmtoyou,nortoanyoneelse.Tellthem this,Publius. CASSIUS Andleaveus,Publius,incasethepeoplestormingusshould harmyou. BRUTUS Doso.Andletnoonesufferforthisdeedexceptus,the perpetrators. PUBLIUSexits. TREBONIUSenters. CASSIUS WheresAntony? TREBONIUS Herantohishouse,stunned.Men,wives,andchildrenstare, cryout,andruninthestreetsasthoughitweredoomsday.
BRUTUS Wellsoonfindoutwhatfatehasinstoreforus.Allweknowis thatwelldiesometime,whichisallanyoneeverknows, thoughwetrytodrawoutourdaysforaslongaspossible. CASSIUS Why,themanwhoshortenshislifebytwentyyearscutsoff twentyyearsofworryingaboutdeath. BRUTUS So,then,deathisagift,andweareCaesarsfriends,forweve donehimaservicebyshorteninghistimespentfearingdeath. Kneel,Romans,kneel,andletswashourhands,uptothe elbows,inCaesarsbloodandsmearitonourswords.Then wellgoout,eventothemarketplace,and,wavingourbloody swordsoverourheads,letscry,Peace,freedom,andliberty!
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HowmanytimesshallCaesarbleedinsport, 125 ThatnowonPompeysbasisliesalong Noworthierthanthedust! CASSIUS Sooftasthatshallbe, Sooftenshalltheknotofusbecalled Thementhatgavetheircountryliberty. DECIUS What,shallweforth? CASSIUS Ay,everymanaway. 130 Brutusshalllead,andwewillgracehisheels WiththemostboldestandbestheartsofRome. EnterANTONY'SSERVANT BRUTUS Soft!Whocomeshere?AfriendofAntonys. ANTONY'SSERVANT (kneeling)Thus,Brutus,didmymasterbidmekneel. (fallsprostrate)ThusdidMarkAntonybidmefalldown, 135 And,beingprostrate,thushebademesay: Brutusisnoble,wise,valiant,andhonest. Caesarwasmighty,bold,royal,andloving. SayIloveBrutus,andIhonorhim. SayIfearedCaesar,honoredhim,andlovedhim. 140 IfBrutuswillvouchsafethatAntony Maysafelycometohimandberesolved HowCaesarhathdeservedtolieindeath, MarkAntonyshallnotloveCaesardead SowellasBrutusliving,butwillfollow 145 ThefortunesandaffairsofnobleBrutus Thoroughthehazardsofthisuntrodstate Withalltruefaith.SosaysmymasterAntony. BRUTUS ThymasterisawiseandvaliantRoman. Ineverthoughthimworse. 150 Tellhim,sopleasehimcomeuntothisplace, Heshallbesatisfiedand,bymyhonor, Departuntouched. ANTONY'SSERVANT (rising)Illfetchhimpresently. ExitANTONY'SSERVANT BRUTUS Iknowthatweshallhavehimwelltofriend. CASSIUS Iwishwemay.ButyethaveIamind 155 Thatfearshimmuch,andmymisgivingstill Fallsshrewdlytothepurpose.
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HowmanytimeswillCaesarbleedagaininshow,thoughhe nowliesatthebaseofPompeysstatue,asworthlessasdust!
ANTONY'SSERVANTenters. BRUTUS Waitaminute.Whosthatcoming?ItsafriendofAntonys. ANTONY'SSERVANT (kneeling)Brutus,mymasterorderedmetokneellikethis.(he kneels,headbowedlow)Heorderedmetokneellow,and, fromtheground,likethis,heorderedmetosay:Brutusis noble,wise,brave,andhonest.Caesarwasmighty,bold, royal,andloving.AntonylovesBrutusandhonorshim.Antony fearedCaesar,honoredhim,andlovedhim.
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EnterANTONY BRUTUS ButherecomesAntony.Welcome,MarkAntony. ANTONY OmightyCaesar!Dostthouliesolow? Areallthyconquests,glories,triumphs,spoils, 160 Shrunktothislittlemeasure?Faretheewell. Iknownot,gentlemen,whatyouintend, Whoelsemustbeletblood,whoelseisrank. OriginalText IfImyself,thereisnohoursofit AsCaesarsdeathshour,nornoinstrument 165 Ofhalfthatworthasthoseyourswords,maderich Withthemostnoblebloodofallthisworld. Idobeseechye,ifyoubearmehard, Now,whilstyourpurpledhandsdoreekandsmoke, Fulfillyourpleasure.Liveathousandyears, 170 Ishallnotfindmyselfsoapttodie. Noplacewillpleasemeso,nomeanofdeath, AsherebyCaesar,andbyyoucutoff, Thechoiceandmasterspiritsofthisage. BRUTUS OAntony,begnotyourdeathofus. 175 Thoughnowwemustappearbloodyandcruel Asbyourhandsandthisourpresentact Youseewedoyetseeyoubutourhands Andthisthebleedingbusinesstheyhavedone. Ourheartsyouseenot.Theyarepitiful. 180 AndpitytothegeneralwrongofRome Asfiredrivesoutfire,sopitypity HathdonethisdeedonCaesar.Foryourpart, Toyouourswordshaveleadenpoints,MarkAntony. Ourarmsinstrengthofmaliceandourhearts 185 Ofbrothers'temperdoreceiveyouin Withallkindlove,goodthoughts,andreverence. CASSIUS Yourvoiceshallbeasstrongasanymans Inthedisposingofnewdignities. BRUTUS Onlybepatienttillwehaveappeased 190 Themultitude,besidethemselveswithfear, Andthenwewilldeliveryouthecause, WhyI,thatdidloveCaesarwhenIstruckhim, Havethusproceeded. ANTONY Idoubtnotofyourwisdom. Leteachmanrendermehisbloodyhand. 195 (shakeshandswiththeconspirators) First,MarcusBrutus,willIshakewithyou.
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ANTONYenters. BRUTUS ButherecomesAntony.Welcome,MarkAntony. ANTONY
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BRUTUS Oh,Antony,dontbegustokillyou.Thoughweseembloody andcruelrightnow,withourbloodyhandsandthisdeed wevedone,youveonlyseenourhandsandtheirbloody businessyouhaventlookedintoourhearts.Theyarefullof pityforCaesar.Butastrongerpity,forthewrongscommitted againstRome,droveoutourpityforCaesar,asfiredrivesout fire,andsowekilledhim.Foryou,ourswordshaveblunt edges,toodulltoharmyou,MarkAntony.Ourarms,which canbestrongandcruel,andourhearts,filledwithbrotherly love,embraceyouwithkindlove,goodthoughts,and reverence.
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Next,CaiusCassius,doItakeyourhand. Now,DeciusBrutus,yours.Nowyours,Metellus. Yours,Cinna.And,myvaliantCasca,yours. 200 Thoughlast,notlastinlove,yours,goodTrebonius. Gentlemenall,alas,whatshallIsay? Mycreditnowstandsonsuchslipperyground Thatoneoftwobadwaysyoumustconceitme, Eitheracowardoraflatterer 205 ThatIdidlovethee,Caesar,O,tistrue. Ifthenthyspiritlookuponusnow, Shallitnotgrievetheedearerthanthydeath ToseethyAntonymakinghispeace, Shakingthebloodyfingersofthyfoes 210 Mostnoble!inthepresenceofthycorse? HadIasmanyeyesasthouhastwounds, Weepingasfastastheystreamforththyblood, Itwouldbecomemebetterthantoclose Intermsoffriendshipwiththineenemies. 215 Pardonme,Julius!Herewastthoubayed,bravehart Heredidstthoufallandherethyhuntersstand, Signedinthyspoil,andcrimsonedinthylethe. Oworld,thouwasttheforesttothishart, Andthisindeed,Oworld,theheartofthee. 220 Howlikeadeer,struckenbymanyprinces, Dostthouherelie! CASSIUS MarkAntony ANTONY Pardonme,CaiusCassius. TheenemiesofCaesarshallsaythis 225 Then,inafriend,itiscoldmodesty. CASSIUS IblameyounotforpraisingCaesarso. Butwhatcompactmeanyoutohavewithus? Willyoubeprickedinnumberofourfriends? Orshallweon,andnotdependonyou? ANTONY 230 ThereforeItookyourhands,butwasindeed SwayedfromthepointbylookingdownonCaesar. FriendsamIwithyouallandloveyouall Uponthishope:thatyoushallgivemereasons WhyandwhereinCaesarwasdangerous. BRUTUS 235 Orelsewerethisasavagespectacle! Ourreasonsaresofullofgoodregard Thatwereyou,Antony,thesonofCaesar, Youshouldbesatisfied. ANTONY ThatsallIseek. AndammoreoversuitorthatImay
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Cinna.Andyours,mybraveCasca.Lastbutnotleast,yours, goodTrebonius.Youareallgentlemenalas,whatcanIsay? NowthatIveshakenyourhands,youlltakemeforeithera cowardoraflattererineithercase,mycredibilitystandson slipperyground.ItstruethatIlovedyou,Caesarnothing couldbetruer.Ifyourspiritislookingdownuponusnow,it musthurtyoumorethanevenyourdeathtoseeyourAntony makingpeaceshakingthebloodyhandsofyourenemiesin frontofyourcorpse.IfIhadasmanyeyesasyouhave wounds,andtheyweptasfastasyourwoundsstreamblood eventhatwouldbemorebecomingthanjoiningyourenemies infriendship.Forgiveme,Julius!Onthisveryspotyouwere hunteddown,likeabravedeer.Andhereyoufell,whereyour huntersarenowstanding.Thespotismarkedbyyourdeath andstainedbyyourblood.Ohworld,youweretheforestto thisdeer,andthisdeer,ohworld,wasyourdear.Nowyoulie here,stabbedbymanyprinces!
CASSIUS MarkAntony ANTONY Pardonme,CaiusCassius.EvenCaesarsenemieswouldsay thesame.Fromafriend,itsacoolassessmentnomore thanthat. CASSIUS IdontblameyouforpraisingCaesarlikethis,butwhat agreementdoyouintendtoreachwithus?Willyoube countedasourfriend,orshouldweproceedwithout dependingonyou? ANTONY Itookyourhandsinfriendship,but,indeed,Iwasdistracted whenIlookeddownatCaesar.Iamfriendswithyoualland loveyouall,ononeconditionthatyouprovetomethat Caesarwasdangerous.
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240 Producehisbodytothemarketplace, Andinthepulpit,asbecomesafriend, Speakintheorderofhisfuneral. BRUTUS Youshall,MarkAntony. CASSIUS Brutus,awordwithyou. (asidetoBRUTUS)Youknownotwhatyoudo. 245 Donotconsent ThatAntonyspeakinhisfuneral. Knowyouhowmuchthepeoplemaybemoved Bythatwhichhewillutter? BRUTUS (asidetoCASSIUS)Byyour 250 pardon. Iwillmyselfintothepulpitfirst, AndshowthereasonofourCaesarsdeath. WhatAntonyshallspeak,Iwillprotest, Hespeaksbyleaveandbypermission, AndthatwearecontentedCaesarshall 255 Havealltrueritesandlawfulceremonies. Itshalladvantagemorethandouswrong. CASSIUS (asidetoBRUTUS)Iknownotwhatmayfall.Ilikeitnot.
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platformandgiveaproperfuneraloration.
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BRUTUS MarkAntony,here,takeyouCaesarsbody. Youshallnotinyourfuneralspeechblameus, 260 ButspeakallgoodyoucandeviseofCaesar, Andsayyoudotbyourpermission. Elseshallyounothaveanyhandatall Abouthisfuneral.Andyoushallspeak InthesamepulpitwheretoIamgoing, 265 Aftermyspeechisended. ANTONY Beitso. Idodesirenomore. BRUTUS Preparethebodythen,andfollowus. Exeunt.ManetANTONY ANTONY O,pardonme,thoubleedingpieceofearth, 270 ThatIammeekandgentlewiththesebutchers! Thouarttheruinsofthenoblestman Thateverlivdinthetideoftimes. Woetothehandthatshedthiscostlyblood! OverthywoundsnowdoIprophesy 275 Which,likedumbmouths,doopetheirrubylips Tobegthevoiceandutteranceofmytongue
ANTONY Sobeit.Idontwantanythingmore.
BRUTUS Preparethebody,then,andfollowus. EveryoneexceptANTONYexits. ANTONY Oh,pardonme,youbleedingcorpse,forspeakingpolitelyand actingmildlywiththesebutchers!Youarewhatsleftofthe noblestmanthateverlived.Pitythehandthatshedthis valuableblood.Overyourwoundswhich,likespeechless mouths,opentheirredlips,asthoughtobegmetospeakI predictthatacursewillfalluponthebodiesofmen.
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Acurseshalllightuponthelimbsofmen. Domesticfuryandfiercecivilstrife 280 ShallcumberallthepartsofItaly. Bloodanddestructionshallbesoinuse, Anddreadfulobjectssofamiliar, 285 Thatmothersshallbutsmilewhentheybehold Theirinfantsquarteredwiththehandsofwar, Allpitychokedwithcustomoffelldeeds, 290 AndCaesarsspirit,rangingforrevenge, WithAtebyhissidecomehotfromhell, Shallintheseconfineswithamonarchsvoice CryHavoc!andletslipthedogsofwar, Thatthisfouldeedshallsmellabovetheearth Withcarrionmen,groaningforburial.
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EnterOCTAVIUS'SERVANT
OCTAVIUS'SSERVANTenters.
YouserveOctaviusCaesar,doyounot?
YouserveOctaviusCaesar,right?
OCTAVIUS'SERVANT Ido,MarkAntony.
OCTAVIUS'SSERVANT Ido,MarkAntony.
ANTONY CaesardidwriteforhimtocometoRome.
ANTONY CaesarwroteforhimtocometoRome.
300
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Begantowater.Isthymastercoming?
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OCTAVIUS'SERVANT HeliestonightwithinsevenleaguesofRome.
OCTAVIUS'SSERVANT HereststonightwithintwentyonemilesofRome.
ANTONY Postbackwithspeed,andtellhimwhathathchanced. HereisamourningRome,adangerousRome, NoRomeofsafetyforOctaviusyet. 305 Hiehence,andtellhimso.Yet,stayawhile. ThoushaltnotbacktillIhavebornethiscorse Intothemarketplace.ThereshallItry, Inmyoration,howthepeopletake Thecrulissueofthesebloodymen. 310 Accordingtothewhich,thoushaltdiscourse ToyoungOctaviusofthestateofthings. Lendmeyourhand. ExeuntwithCAESAR sbody
TheyexitwithCAESAR sbody.
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EnterBRUTUSandCASSIUS withthePLEBEIANS BRUTUSandCASSIUSenterwithathrongofPLEBEIANS.
PLEBEIANS Wewillbesatisfied!Letusbesatisfied!
PLEBEIANS Wewantanswers.Giveusanswers.
FIRSTPLEBEIAN IwillhearBrutusspeak.
FIRSTPLEBEIAN IlllistentoBrutus.
SECONDPLEBEIAN IlllistentoCassius,andwewillcomparetheirreasons.
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ExitCASSIUS withsomeofthePLEBEIANS BRUTUSgoesintothepulpit
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CASSIUSexitswithsomeofthePLEBEIANS.BRUTUSgets upontheplatform.
THIRDPLEBEIAN ThenobleBrutusisascended.Silence!
THIRDPLEBEIAN Quiet!NobleBrutushasmountedtheplatform.
BRUTUS BepatientuntilIfinish.Romans,countrymen,andfriends! Listentomyreasonsandbesilentsoyoucanhear.Believe meonmyhonorandkeepmyhonorinmind,soyoumay believeme.Bewisewhenyoucriticizemeandkeepyour mindsalertsoyoucanjudgemefairly.Iftheresanyoneinthis assembly,anydearfriendofCaesars,Isaytohimthatmy loveforCaesarwasnolessthanhis.If,then,thatfriend demandstoknowwhyIroseupagainstCaesar,thisismy answer:itsnotthatIlovedCaesarless,butthatIlovedRome more.
WouldyouratherthatCaesarwerelivingandwewouldallgo toourgravesasslaves,orthatCaesarweredeadandweall livedasfreemen?IweepforCaesarinthathewasgoodto me.Irejoiceinhisgoodfortune.Ihonorhimforbeingbrave. Buthisambitionforthat,Ikilledhim.Therearetearsforhis love,joyforhisfortune,honorforhisbravery,anddeathforhis ambition.Whohereissolowthathewantstobeaslave?If thereareany,speak,foritishewhomIveoffended.Who hereissobarbarousthathedoesntwanttobeaRoman?If thereareany,speak,foritishewhomIveoffended.Who hereissovilethathedoesntlovehiscountry?Ifthereare any,speak,foritishewhomIhaveoffended.Iwillpausefora reply.
ALL 45 Live,Brutus!Live,live!
ALL Live,Brutus!Live,live!
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FIRSTPLEBEIAN Bringhimwithtriumphhomeuntohishouse!
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FIRSTPLEBEIAN Letscarryhimintriumphtohishouse!
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SECONDPLEBEIAN Givehimastatuewithhisancestors!
SECONDPLEBEIAN Letsbuildastatueofhim,nearthoseofhisancestors!
THIRDPLEBEIAN LethimbeCaesar!
THIRDPLEBEIAN LethimbecomeCaesar!
FIRSTPLEBEIAN 50 Wellbringhimtohishousewithshoutsandclamors.
FIRSTPLEBEIAN Wellbringhimtohishousewithshoutsandcelebration!
BRUTUS Mycountrymen
BRUTUS Mycountrymen
SECONDPLEBEIAN Peace,silence!Brutusspeaks.
SECONDPLEBEIAN Silence!Brutusspeaks.
FIRSTPLEBEIAN Peace,ho!
FIRSTPLEBEIAN Quietthere!
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Idoentreatyou,notamandepart, SaveIalone,tillAntonyhavespoke.
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ExitBRUTUS
BRUTUSexits.
FIRSTPLEBEIAN 60 Stay,ho!AndletushearMarkAntony.
FOURTHPLEBEIAN 65 WhatdoeshesayofBrutus? THIRDPLEBEIAN HesaysforBrutus'sake Hefindshimselfbeholdingtousall. FOURTHPLEBEIAN 'TwerebesthespeaknoharmofBrutushere. FIRSTPLEBEIAN ThisCaesarwasatyrant. THIRDPLEBEIAN Nay,thatscertain. WeareblestthatRomeisridofhim. FOURTHPLEBEIAN 70 Peace!LetushearwhatAntonycansay. ANTONY YougentleRomans ALL Peace,ho!Letushearhim. ANTONY Friends,Romans,countrymen,lendmeyourears. IcometoburyCaesar,nottopraisehim. Theevilthatmendolivesafterthem 75 Thegoodisoftinterrdwiththeirbones. SoletitbewithCaesar.ThenobleBrutus HathtoldyouCaesarwasambitious. Ifitwereso,itwasagrievousfault, AndgrievouslyhathCaesaransweredit.
FOURTHPLEBEIAN WhatdoeshesayaboutBrutus? THIRDPLEBEIAN HesaysthatforBrutusssakehefindshimselfindebtedtous all. FOURTHPLEBEIAN HedbetternotspeakbadlyofBrutushere. FIRSTPLEBEIAN Caesarwasatyrant. THIRDPLEBEIAN Thatsforsure.WereluckythatRomeisridofhim.
SECONDPLEBEIAN Quiet!LetshearwhatAntonyhastosay. ANTONY YougentleRomans ALL Quietthere!Letushearhim. ANTONY Friends,Romans,countrymen,givemeyourattention.Ihave comeheretoburyCaesar,nottopraisehim.Theevilthatmen doisrememberedaftertheirdeaths,butthegoodisoften buriedwiththem.ItmightaswellbethesamewithCaesar. ThenobleBrutustoldyouthatCaesarwasambitious.Ifthats true,itsaseriousfault,andCaesarhaspaidseriouslyforit. WiththepermissionofBrutusandtheothersforBrutusisan honorablemantheyareallhonorablemenIhavecomehere
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80 Here,underleaveofBrutusandtherest ForBrutusisanhonorableman Soaretheyall,allhonorablemen ComeItospeakinCaesarsfuneral. Hewasmyfriend,faithfulandjusttome. 85 ButBrutussayshewasambitious, AndBrutusisanhonorableman. HehathbroughtmanycaptiveshometoRome Whoseransomsdidthegeneralcoffersfill. DidthisinCaesarseemambitious? 90 Whenthatthepoorhavecried,Caesarhathwept. Ambitionshouldbemadeofsternerstuff. YetBrutussayshewasambitious, AndBrutusisanhonorableman. YoualldidseethatontheLupercal 95 Ithricepresentedhimakinglycrown, Whichhedidthricerefuse.Wasthisambition? YetBrutussayshewasambitious, And,sure,heisanhonorableman. IspeaknottodisprovewhatBrutusspoke, 100 ButhereIamtospeakwhatIdoknow. Youalldidlovehimonce,notwithoutcause. Whatcausewithholdsyouthentomournforhim? Ojudgment!Thouartfledtobrutishbeasts, Andmenhavelosttheirreason.Bearwithme. 105 MyheartisinthecoffintherewithCaesar, AndImustpausetillitcomebacktome.(weeps) FIRSTPLEBEIAN Methinksthereismuchreasoninhissayings. SECONDPLEBEIAN Ifthouconsiderrightlyofthematter, Caesarhashadgreatwrong. THIRDPLEBEIAN Hashe,masters? 110 Ifeartherewillaworsecomeinhisplace. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Markedyehiswords?Hewouldnottakethecrown. Thereforetiscertainhewasnotambitious. FIRSTPLEBEIAN Ifitbefoundso,somewilldearabideit. SECONDPLEBEIAN Poorsoul!Hiseyesareredasfirewithweeping. THIRDPLEBEIAN 115 TheresnotanoblermaninRomethanAntony. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Nowmarkhim.Hebeginsagaintospeak. ANTONY ButyesterdaythewordofCaesarmight
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Isthistheworkofanambitiousman?Whenthepoorcried, Caesarcriedtoo.Ambitionshouldntbesosoft.YetBrutus sayshewasambitious,andBrutusisanhonorableman.You allsawthatontheLupercalfeastdayIofferedhimakings crownthreetimes,andherefuseditthreetimes.Wasthis ambition?YetBrutussayshewasambitious.And,no question,Brutusisanhonorableman.Iamnothereto disprovewhatBrutushassaid,buttosaywhatIknow.Youall lovedhimonce,andnotwithoutreason.Thenwhatreason holdsyoubackfrommourninghimnow?Menhavebecome brutishbeastsandlosttheirreason!Bearwithme.Myheartis inthecoffintherewithCaesar,andImustpauseuntilitreturns tome.(heweeps)
FIRSTPLEBEIAN Ithinktheresalotofsenseinwhathesays. SECONDPLEBEIAN Ifyouthinkaboutitcorrectly,Caesarhassufferedagreat wrong. THIRDPLEBEIAN Hashe,sirs?Imworriedtherewillbesomeoneworseto replacehim. FOURTHPLEBEIAN DidyouhearAntony?Caesarwouldnttakethecrown. Thereforeitscertainthathewasntambitious. FIRSTPLEBEIAN Ifitturnsouthewasnt,certainpeoplearegoingtogetit. SECONDPLEBEIAN Poorman!Antonyseyesarefieryredfromcrying. THIRDPLEBEIAN ThereisntanoblermanthanAntonyinallofRome. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Nowlisten,hesgoingtospeakagain. ANTONY OnlyyesterdaythewordofCaesarmighthavestoodagainst
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Havestoodagainsttheworld.Nowlieshethere, Andnonesopoortodohimreverence. 120 Omasters,ifIweredisposedtostir Yourheartsandmindstomutinyandrage, IshoulddoBrutuswrong,andCassiuswrong Who,youallknow,arehonorablemen. Iwillnotdothemwrong.Iratherchoose 125 Towrongthedead,towrongmyselfandyou, ThanIwillwrongsuchhonorablemen. ButheresaparchmentwiththesealofCaesar. Ifounditinhiscloset.'Tishiswill. Letbutthecommonshearthistestament 130 Which,pardonme,Idonotmeantoread AndtheywouldgoandkissdeadCaesarswounds Anddiptheirnapkinsinhissacredblood, Yea,begahairofhimformemory, And,dying,mentionitwithintheirwills, 135 Bequeathingitasarichlegacy Untotheirissue. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Wellhearthewill.Readit,MarkAntony! ALL Thewill,thewill!WewillhearCaesarswill. ANTONY Havepatience,gentlefriends.Imustnotreadit. 140 ItisnotmeetyouknowhowCaesarlovedyou. Youarenotwood,youarenotstones,butmen. And,beingmen,bearingthewillofCaesar, Itwillinflameyou,itwillmakeyoumad. 'Tisgoodyouknownotthatyouarehisheirs. 145 For,ifyoushouldOh,whatwouldcomeofit! FOURTHPLEBEIAN Readthewill.Wellhearit,Antony. Youshallreadusthewill,Caesarswill. ANTONY Willyoubepatient?Willyoustayawhile? Ihaveo'ershotmyselftotellyouofit. 150 IfearIwrongthehonorablemen WhosedaggershavestabbedCaesar.Idofearit. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Theyweretraitors!Honorablemen! ALL Thewill!Thetestament! SECONDPLEBEIAN Theywerevillains,murderers.Thewill!Readthewill! ANTONY 155 Youwillcompelme,then,toreadthewill? ThenmakearingaboutthecorpseofCaesar, Andletmeshowyouhimthatmadethewill.
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theworld.Nowheliesthereworthnothing,andnooneisso humbleastoshowhimrespect.Oh,sirs,ifIstirredyourhearts andmindstomutinyandrage,IwouldoffendBrutusand Cassius,who,youallknow,arehonorablemen.Iwillnotdo themwrong.Iwouldratherwrongthedead,andwrongmyself andyou,thanwrongsuchhonorablemen.Butheresapaper withCaesarssealonit.Ifounditinhisroomitshiswill.If youcouldonlyhearthistestamentwhich,excuseme,Idont intendtoreadaloudyouwouldkissdeadCaesarswounds anddipyourhandkerchiefsinhissacredblood,andbegfora lockofhairtorememberhimby.Andwhenyoudied,you wouldmentionthehandkerchieforthehairinyourwill, bequeathingittoyourheirslikearichlegacy.
FOURTHPLEBEIAN Wewanttohearthewill.Readit,MarkAntony. ALL Thewill,thewill!WewanttohearCaesarswill. ANTONY Bepatient,gentlefriends,Imustnotreadit.Itisntproperfor youtoknowhowmuchCaesarlovedyou.Youarentwood, youarentstonesyouremen.And,beingmen,thecontents ofCaesarswillwouldenrageyou.Itsbetterthatyoudont knowyourehisheirs,forifyouknew,justimaginewhatwould comeofit!
FOURTHPLEBEIAN Theyweretraitors.Honorablemen! ALL Thewill!Thetestament! SECONDPLEBEIAN Theywerevillains,murderers.Thewill!Readthewill! ANTONY Youforcemetoreadthewill,then?Thenmakeacircle aroundCaesarscorpse,andletmeshowyouthemanwho madethiswill.ShallIcomedown?Willyouletme?
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ShallIdescend?Andwillyougivemeleave? ALL Comedown. SECONDPLEBEIAN Descend. THIRDPLEBEIAN Youshallhaveleave. ANTONYdescendsfromthepulpit FOURTHPLEBEIAN Aring! 160 Standround. FIRSTPLEBEIAN Standfromthehearse.Standfromthe SECONDPLEBEIAN RoomforAntony,mostnobleAntony! OriginalText ANTONY Nay,pressnotsouponme.Standfaroff. ALL Standback.Room!Bearback. ANTONY Ifyouhavetears,preparetoshedthemnow. 165 Youalldoknowthismantle.Iremember ThefirsttimeeverCaesarputiton. 'Twasonasummerseveninginhistent, ThatdayheovercametheNervii. Look,inthisplaceranCassius'daggerthrough. 170 SeewhatarenttheenviousCascamade. ThroughthisthewellbelovdBrutusstabbed. Andashepluckedhiscursdsteelaway, MarkhowthebloodofCaesarfollowedit, Asrushingoutofdoors,toberesolved 175 IfBrutussounkindlyknocked,orno. ForBrutus,asyouknow,wasCaesarsangel. Judge,Oyougods,howdearlyCaesarlovedhim! Thiswasthemostunkindestcutofall. ForwhenthenobleCaesarsawhimstab, 180 Ingratitude,morestrongthantraitors'arms, Quitevanquishedhim.Thenbursthismightyheart, And,inhismantlemufflinguphisface, EvenatthebaseofPompeysstatue, Whichallthewhileranblood,greatCaesarfell. 185 O,whatafallwasthere,mycountrymen! ThenI,andyou,andallofusfelldown, Whilstbloodytreasonflourishedoverus. Oh,nowyouweep,and,Iperceive,youfeel Thedintofpity.Thesearegraciousdrops. body.
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FIRSTPLEBEIAN Standawayfromthehearse.Standawayfromthebody. SECONDPLEBEIAN MakeroomforAntony,mostnobleAntony! ModernText ANTONY No,dontpressupagainstme.Standfurtheraway. ALL Standback.Givehimroom. ANTONY Ifyouhavetears,preparetoshedthemnow.Youallknowthis cloak.IrememberthefirsttimeCaesareverputiton.Itwasa summerseveninghewasinhistent.Itwasthedayhe overcametheNerviiwarriors.Look,hereswhereCassiuss daggerpiercedit.SeethewoundthatCascamade.Through thisholebelovedBrutusstabbed.Andwhenhepulledouthis curseddagger,seehowCaesarsbloodcamewithit,asif rushingoutadoortoseeifitwasreallyBrutuswhowas knockingsorudely.ForBrutus,asyouknow,wasCaesars angel.ThegodsknowhowdearlyCaesarlovedhim!Thiswas themostunkindcutofall.ForwhenthenobleCaesarsawhim stab,heunderstoodhisbelovedBrutussingratitudeitwas strongerthantheviolenceoftraitors,anditdefeatedhim, burstinghismightyheart.AndatthebaseofPompeysstatue, withhiscloakcoveringhisface,whichwasdrippingwithblood thewholetime,greatCaesarfell.Oh,whatafallitwas,my countrymen!ThenyouandIandallofusfelldown,while bloodytreasontriumphed.Oh,nowyouweep,andIsensethat youfeelpity.Thesearegracioustears.Butifitoverwhelms youtolookatCaesarswoundedcloak,howwillyoufeel,kind men,now?Lookatthis,hereisthemanscarred,asyoucan see,bytraitors.(heliftsupCAESAR'scloak)
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190 Kindsouls,what,weepyouwhenyoubutbehold OurCaesarsvesturewounded?Lookyouhere, Hereishimself,marred,asyousee,withtraitors. (liftsupCAESAR'smantle) OriginalText FIRSTPLEBEIAN Opiteousspectacle! SECONDPLEBEIAN OnobleCaesar! THIRDPLEBEIAN 195 Owoefulday! FOURTHPLEBEIAN Otraitors,villains! FIRSTPLEBEIAN Omostbloodysight! SECONDPLEBEIAN Wewillberevenged. ALL Revenge!About!Seek!Burn!Fire!Kill!Slay! Letnotatraitorlive! ANTONY Stay,countrymen. FIRSTPLEBEIAN 200 Peacethere!HearthenobleAntony. SECONDPLEBEIAN Wellhearhim.Wellfollowhim.Welldiewithhim. ANTONY Goodfriends,sweetfriends!Letmenotstiryouup Tosuchasuddenfloodofmutiny. Theythathavedonethisdeedarehonorable. 205 Whatprivategriefstheyhave,alas,Iknownot, Thatmadethemdoit.Theyarewiseandhonorable, Andwill,nodoubt,withreasonsansweryou. Icomenot,friends,tostealawayyourhearts. Iamnoorator,asBrutusis, 210 But,asyouknowmeall,aplainbluntman Thatlovemyfriend.Andthattheyknowfullwell Thatgavemepublicleavetospeakofhim. ForIhaveneitherwitnorwordsnorworth, Actionnorutterancenorthepowerofspeech, 215 Tostirmensblood.Ionlyspeakrighton. Itellyouthatwhichyouyourselvesdoknow, ShowyousweetCaesarswounds,poorpoordumbmouths, Andbidthemspeakforme.ButwereIBrutus, AndBrutusAntony,therewereanAntony 220 Wouldruffleupyourspiritsandputatongue IneverywoundofCaesarthatshouldmove
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ModernText FIRSTPLEBEIAN Oh,whatasadsight! SECONDPLEBEIAN Oh,nobleCaesar! THIRDPLEBEIAN Oh,sadday! FOURTHPLEBEIAN Oh,traitors,villains! FIRSTPLEBEIAN Oh,mostbloodysight! SECONDPLEBEIAN Wewillgetrevenge. ALL Revenge!Letsgoafterthem!Seek!Burn!Setfire!Kill!Slay! Leavenotraitorsalive! ANTONY Wait,countrymen. FIRSTPLEBEIAN Quietthere!ListentothenobleAntony. SECONDPLEBEIAN Welllistentohim,wellfollowhim,welldiewithhim. ANTONY Goodfriends,sweetfriends,dontletmestiryouuptosucha suddenmutiny.Thosewhohavedonethisdeedare honorable.Idontknowwhatprivategrudgestheyhadthat madethemdoit.Theyrewiseandhonorable,andwillno doubtgiveyoureasonsforit.Ihaventcometostealyour loyalty,friends.Imnoorator,asBrutusis.Imonly,asyou know,aplain,bluntmanwholovedhisfriend,andthemen wholetmespeakknowthiswell.Ihaveneitherclevernessnor rhetoricalskillnortheauthoritynorgesturenoreloquencenor thepowerofspeechtostirmenup.Ijustspeakdirectly.Itell youwhatyoualreadyknow.IshowyousweetCaesars woundspoor,speechlessmouths!andmakethemspeak forme.ButifIwereBrutusandBrutuswereme,thenIdstir youup,andinstallineachofCaesarswoundsthekindof voicethatcouldconvinceevenstonestoriseupandmutiny.
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ThestonesofRometoriseandmutiny. ALL Wellmutiny. FIRSTPLEBEIAN WellburnthehouseofBrutus. THIRDPLEBEIAN Away,then!Come,seektheconspirators. ANTONY 225 Yethearme,countrymen.Yethearmespeak. ALL Peace,ho!HearAntony.MostnobleAntony! ANTONY Why,friends,yougotodoyouknownotwhat. WhereinhathCaesarthusdeservedyourloves? Alas,youknownot.Imusttellyouthen. 230 YouhaveforgotthewillItoldyouof. ALL Mosttrue.Thewill!Letsstayandhearthewill. ANTONY Hereisthewill,andunderCaesarsseal ToeveryRomancitizenhegives Toeveryseveralmanseventyfivedrachmas. SECONDPLEBEIAN 235 MostnobleCaesar!Wellrevengehisdeath. THIRDPLEBEIAN OroyalCaesar! ANTONY Hearmewithpatience. OriginalText ALL Peace,ho! ANTONY Moreover,hehathleftyouallhiswalks, Hisprivatearborsandnewplantedorchards, OnthissideTiber.Hehathleftthemyou 240 Andtoyourheirsforevercommonpleasures, Towalkabroadandrecreateyourselves. HerewasaCaesar!Whencomessuchanother? FIRSTPLEBEIAN Never,never.Come,away,away! Wellburnhisbodyintheholyplace, 245 Andwiththebrandsfirethetraitors'houses. Takeupthebody. SECONDPLEBEIAN Gofetchfire.
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ALL Wellmutiny. FIRSTPLEBEIAN WellburnBrutusshouse. THIRDPLEBEIAN Letsgo,then!Come,findtheconspirators! ANTONY Wait,andlistentome,countrymen. ALL Quiet!Wait!ListentoAntony.MostnobleAntony! ANTONY Why,friends,youdontevenknowwhatyouredoingyet. WhathasCaesardonetodeserveyourlove?Alas,youdont know.Imusttellyouthen.YouveforgottenthewillItoldyou about. ALL Yes!Thewill!Letsstayandhearthewill! ANTONY Heresthewill,writtenunderCaesarsseal.ToeveryRoman citizenhegivestoeveryindividualmanseventyfive drachmas. SECONDPLEBEIAN MostnobleCaesar!Wellrevengehisdeath. THIRDPLEBEIAN Oh,royalCaesar! ANTONY Listentomepatiently. ModernText ALL Quiet,there! ANTONY Also,hesleftyouallhiswalkwaysinhisprivategardensand newlyplantedorchardsonthissideoftheTiberRiver.Hes leftthemtoyouandtoyourheirsforeverpublicpleasuresin whichyouwillbeabletostrollandrelax.HerewasaCaesar! Whenwilltherebeanotherlikehim?
SECONDPLEBEIAN Wellstartafire.
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THIRDPLEBEIAN Pluckdownbenches. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Pluckdownforms,windows,anything. ExeuntPLEBEIANSwithCAESAR sbody ANTONY Nowletitwork.Mischief,thouartafoot. 250 Takethouwhatcoursethouwilt! EnterOCTAVIUS'SERVANT Hownow,fellow? OCTAVIUS'SERVANT Sir,OctaviusisalreadycometoRome. ANTONY Whereishe? OCTAVIUS'SERVANT HeandLepidusareatCaesarshouse. OriginalText ANTONY AndthitherwillIstraighttovisithim. 255 Hecomesuponawish.Fortuneismerry, Andinthismoodwillgiveusanything. OCTAVIUS'SERVANT Iheardhimsay,BrutusandCassius AreridlikemadmenthroughthegatesofRome. ANTONY Beliketheyhadsomenoticeofthepeople 260 HowIhadmovedthem.BringmetoOctavius. Exeunt
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THIRDPLEBEIAN Wellusebenchesforwood FOURTHPLEBEIAN Andwindowsills,anything. CitizensexitwithCAESAR sbody. ANTONY
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Now,letitwork.Trouble,youhavebeguntakewhatever courseyouchoose! OCTAVIUS'SSERVANTenters. Whatsup,myman? OCTAVIUS'SSERVANT Sir,OctaviushasalreadyarrivedinRome. ANTONY Whereishe? OCTAVIUS'SSERVANT HeandLepidusareatCaesarshouse. ModernText ANTONY Iwillgostraighttovisithim.Iaskforhim,andhecomes. Fortuneishappytodayand,inthismood,willgiveusanything wewant. OCTAVIUS'SSERVANT IheardOctaviussaythatBrutusandCassiushaveriddenlike madmenthroughthegatesofRome. ANTONY TheyprobablyreceivedwarningabouthowmuchIstirredup thepeople.TakemetoOctavius. Theyexit.
Act3,Scene3
OriginalText EnterCINNATHEPOET,andafterhimthePLEBEIANS CINNATHEPOET IdreamttonightthatIdidfeastwithCaesar, Andthingsunluckychargemyfantasy. Ihavenowilltowanderforthofdoors, Yetsomethingleadsmeforth. FIRSTPLEBEIAN 5 Whatisyourname? SECONDPLEBEIAN FIRSTPLEBEIAN Whatsyourname? SECONDPLEBEIAN ModernText CINNATHEPOETenters,followedbyPLEBEIANS. CINNATHEPOET IdreamedlastnightthatIfeastedwithCaesar,andunlucky signsoverwhelmedmyimagination.Ihavenodesiretogo outside,yetsomethingleadsmethere.
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Whitherareyougoing? THIRDPLEBEIAN Wheredoyoudwell? FOURTHPLEBEIAN Areyouamarriedmanorabachelor? SECONDPLEBEIAN Answereverymandirectly. FIRSTPLEBEIAN 10 Ay,andbriefly. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Ay,andwisely. THIRDPLEBEIAN Ay,andtruly,youwerebest. CINNATHEPOET Whatismyname?WhitheramIgoing?WheredoIdwell?AmIamarriedmanora bachelor?Then,toanswereverymandirectlyandbriefly,wiselyandtrulywiselyI say,Iamabachelor. SECONDPLEBEIAN Thatsasmuchastosay theyarefoolsthatmarry.Youllbearmeabangforthat,I fear.Proceed,directly.
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Whereareyougoing? THIRDPLEBEIAN Wheredoyoulive? FOURTHPLEBEIAN Areyouamarriedmanorabachelor? SECONDPLEBEIAN Answerallofus,now. FIRSTPLEBEIAN Yes,andbebrief. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Yes,andbewise. THIRDPLEBEIAN
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CINNATHEPOET Directly,IamgoingtoCaesarsfuneral. FIRSTPLEBEIAN 20 Asafriendoranenemy? CINNATHEPOET Asafriend. SECONDPLEBEIAN Thatmatterisanswereddirectly. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Foryourdwellingbriefly. CINNATHEPOET Briefly,IdwellbytheCapitol. THIRDPLEBEIAN 25 Yourname,sir,truly. CINNATHEPOET Truly,mynameisCinna. FIRSTPLEBEIAN Tearhimtopieces.Hesaconspirator. CINNATHEPOET IamCinnathepoet.IamCinnathepoet. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Tearhimforhisbadverses!Tearhimforhisbadverses!
CINNATHEPOET Rightthisinstant,ImgoingtoCaesarsfuneral. FIRSTPLEBEIAN Asafriendoranenemy? CINNATHEPOET Asafriend. SECONDPLEBEIAN Heansweredthatquestionstraight. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Asforwhereyoulive,tellusquicklygettothepoint. CINNATHEPOET Gettingrighttothepoint,IliveneartheCapitol. THIRDPLEBEIAN Tellusyourname,sir,truthfully. CINNATHEPOET Truthfully,mynameisCinna. FIRSTPLEBEIAN Tearhimtopieces.Hesaconspirator. CINNATHEPOET IamCinnathepoet,IamCinnathepoet! FOURTHPLEBEIAN Tearhimapartforhisbadverses,tearhimup!
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CINNATHEPOET 30 IamnotCinnatheconspirator. FOURTHPLEBEIAN Itisnomatter.HisnamesCinna.Pluckbuthisnameoutofhisheartandturnhim going. THIRDPLEBEIAN Tearhim,tearhim! PLEBEIANSattackCINNATHEPOET ALL Come,brands,ho,firebrands.ToBrutus',toCassius',burnall.SometoDecius' houseandsometoCascas.SometoLigarius'.Away,go!
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CINNATHEPOET ImnotCinnatheconspirator. FOURTHPLEBEIAN
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ExeuntPLEBEIANSdraggingCINNATHEPOET
ThePLEBEIANSexit,draggingCINNATHEPOET.
Act4,Scene1
EnterANTONY,OCTAVIUS,andLEPIDUS ANTONY Thesemany,then,shalldie.Theirnamesarepricked. ANTONY,OCTAVIUS,andLEPIDUSenter. ANTONY Theseones,then,willbeassassinated.Theirnamesare marked. OCTAVIUS (toLEPIDUS) Yourbrothertoomustdie.Consentyou,Lepidus? LEPIDUS Idoconsent OCTAVIUS Prickhimdown,Antony. LEPIDUS 5 UponconditionPubliusshallnotlive, Whoisyoursistersson,MarkAntony. ANTONY Heshallnotlive.Look,withaspotIdamnhim. But,Lepidus,goyoutoCaesarshouse. Fetchthewillhither,andweshalldetermine 10 Howtocutoffsomechargeinlegacies. LEPIDUS What,shallIfindyouhere? OCTAVIUS Orhere,orattheCapitol. ExitLEPIDUS ANTONY Thisisaslight,unmeritableman, Meettobesentonerrands.Isitfit, 15 Thethreefoldworlddivided,heshouldstand Oneofthethreetoshareit? OCTAVIUS (toLEPIDUS)Yourbrotherhastodietoo.Doyouagree, Lepidus? LEPIDUS Iagree OCTAVIUS Putamarknexttohisnametoo,Antony. LEPIDUS Ontheconditionthatyoursistersson,Publius,alsomustdie, MarkAntony. ANTONY Hewilldie.SeeIvesealedhisfatewiththismarknexttohis name.But,Lepidus,gotoCaesarshouse.Bringhiswillhere, andwellfigureoutawaytoreducehisbequeststothe people. LEPIDUS WillyoubeherewhenIreturn? OCTAVIUS EitherhereorattheCapitol. LEPIDUSexits. ANTONY Hesanunremarkableman,fitonlytobesentonerrands. Doesitreallymakesense,oncewedividetheworldintothree parts,thatheshouldbeoneofthethreerulers?
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OCTAVIUS Soyouthoughthim. Andtookhisvoicewhoshouldbeprickedtodie Inourblacksentenceandproscription. ANTONY Octavius,Ihaveseenmoredaysthanyou. 20 Andthoughwelaythesehonorsonthisman Toeaseourselvesofdiversslanderousloads, Heshallbutbearthemastheassbearsgold, Togroanandsweatunderthebusiness, Eitherledordriven,aswepointtheway. 25 Andhavingbroughtourtreasurewherewewill, Thentakewedownhisloadandturnhimoff, Liketotheemptyass,toshakehisears Andgrazeincommons. OCTAVIUS Youmaydoyourwill, Buthesatriedandvaliantsoldier. ANTONY 30 Soismyhorse,Octavius,andforthat Idoappointhimstoreofprovender. ItisacreaturethatIteachtofight, Towind,tostop,torundirectlyon, Hiscorporalmotiongovernedbymyspirit, 35 And,insometaste,isLepidusbutso. Hemustbetaughtandtrainedandbidgoforth, Abarrenspiritedfellow,onethatfeeds Onobjects,arts,andimitations, Which,outofuseandstaledbyothermen, 40 Beginhisfashion.Donottalkofhim Butasaproperty.Andnow,Octavius, Listengreatthings.BrutusandCassius Arelevyingpowers.Wemuststraightmakehead. Thereforeletouralliancebecombined, 45 Ourbestfriendsmade,ourmeansstretched. Andletuspresentlygositincouncil Howcovertmattersmaybebestdisclosed, Andopenperilssurestanswered. OCTAVIUS Letusdoso.Forweareatthestake 50 Andbayedaboutwithmanyenemies. Andsomethatsmilehaveintheirhearts,Ifear, Millionsofmischiefs. Exeunt
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OCTAVIUS
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Youthoughtitmadesense,andyoulistenedtohimaboutwho shouldbemarkedtodieintheseharshdeathsentences.
OCTAVIUS Youcandowhatyouwant,buthesanexperiencedand honorablesoldier. ANTONY Soismyhorse,Octavius,andforthatreasonIgivehimallthe hayhewants.ButmyhorseisacreaturethatIteachtofight toturn,tostop,toruninastraightline.Igovernthemotionof hisbody.Andinsomeways,Lepidusisjustlikethat.Hehas tobetaughtandtrainedandtoldtogoforward.Hesanempty man,whopaysattentiontofashionsandtastesthatothermen tookupandgottiredoflongago.DontthinkaboutLepidus exceptasameanstoanend.Andnow,Octavius,listento moreimportantthings.BrutusandCassiusareraisingarmies. Wehavetoraiseourownimmediately.So,weshould combineforcesandorganizeourallies,pulltogetherour friends,andstretchourresourcesasfarastheyllgo.
Theyexit.
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Act4,Scene2
Drum.EnterBRUTUS withLUCIUS,LUCILLIUS,andthearmy.TITINIUSand PINDARUSmeetthem BRUTUS Stand,ho! LUCILLIUS Givetheword,ho,andstand. BRUTUS Whatnow,Lucillius?IsCassiusnear? LUCILLIUS Heisathand,andPindarusiscome 5 Todoyousalutationfromhismaster. BRUTUS Hegreetsmewell.Yourmaster,Pindarus, Inhisownchangeorbyillofficers Hathgivenmesomeworthycausetowish Thingsdone,undone.Butifhebeathand 10 Ishallbesatisfied. PINDARUS Idonotdoubt Butthatmynoblemasterwillappear Suchasheis,fullofregardandhonor. BRUTUS Heisnotdoubted.Aword,Lucillius. (takesLUCILLIUSaside) 15 Howhereceivedyou,letmeberesolved. LUCILLIUS Withcourtesyandwithrespectenough. Butnotwithsuchfamiliarinstances Norwithsuchfreeandfriendlyconference Ashehathusedofold. BRUTUS Thouhastdescribed 20 Ahotfriendcooling.Evernote,Lucillius, Whenlovebeginstosickenanddecay, Itusethanenforcdceremony. Therearenotricksinplainandsimplefaith. Buthollowmen,likehorseshotathand, 25 Makegallantshowandpromiseoftheirmettle. OriginalText Lowmarchwithin Butwhentheyshouldendurethebloodyspur, Theyfalltheircrestsand,likedeceitfuljades, Sinkinthetrial.Comeshisarmyon? LUCILLIUS TheymeanthisnightinSardistobequartered. LUCILLIUS TheyplantospendthenightinSardis.Thelargerpart,the ModernText AlowsoundofdrumsandSOLDIERSmarching. Butwhenpushcomestoshove,theydrooplikethosehorses thatareallshowandslowtoacrawl.Ishisarmyapproaching? BRUTUS Youvedescribedawarmfriendwhoscoolingoff.Remember this,Lucillius.Whenafriendstartstogetsickofyou,hetreats youartificially.Plainandsimpleloyaltydoesntmakeanyone actphony.Butinsinceremen,likehorseswhoaretoolivelyat thestartofarace,makeabigshowoftheirspirit. BRUTUS Idontdoubthim.CanIhaveawordwithyou,Lucillius?(takes LUCILLIUSaside)TellmehowCassiustreatedyou.Putmy mindatrest. LUCILLIUS Hereceivedmewithcourtesyandsufficientrespect,butnot withaffection,norwithasmuchopenandfriendly conversationasheoncegreetedme. Adrumplays.BRUTUS,LUCILLIUS,LUCIUS,and SOLDIERSenter.TITINIUSandPINDARUSmeetthem. BRUTUS Stop. LUCILLIUS Passonthecommandtohalt! BRUTUS Whatshappeningnow,Lucillius?IsCassiusnearby? LUCILLIUS Hesnearby,andPindarushascometosaluteyouonbehalf ofhismaster. BRUTUS Hesendshisgreetingsthroughagoodman.Yourmaster, Pindarus,eitherbecauseheschangedhismindorbeen influencedbybadofficers,hasmademewishwehadntdone someofthethingswedid.Ifhesnearby,Iwantan explanation. PINDARUS Ihavenodoubtthatmynoblemasterwillprovehimselftobe whatheis:honorableandnoble.
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30 Thegreaterpart,thehorseingeneral, ArecomewithCassius. BRUTUS Hark!Heisarrived. Marchgentlyontomeethim. EnterCASSIUSandhispowers CASSIUS Stand,ho! BRUTUS Stand,ho!Speakthewordalong. FIRSTSOLDIER 35 Stand! SECONDSOLDIER Stand! THIRDSOLDIER Stand! CASSIUS Mostnoblebrother,youhavedonemewrong. BRUTUS Judgeme,yougods!WrongImineenemies? 40 Andifnotso,howshouldIwrongabrother? OriginalText CASSIUS Brutus,thissoberformofyourshideswrongs. Andwhenyoudothem BRUTUS Cassius,becontent. Speakyourgriefssoftly.Idoknowyouwell. Beforetheeyesofbothourarmieshere, 45 Whichshouldperceivenothingbutlovefromus, Letusnotwrangle.Bidthemmoveaway. Theninmytent,Cassius,enlargeyourgriefs, AndIwillgiveyouaudience. CASSIUS Pindarus, Bidourcommandersleadtheirchargesoff 50 Alittlefromthisground. BRUTUS Lucillius,doyouthelike.Andletnoman Cometoourtenttillwehavedoneourconference. LetLuciusandTitiniusguardourdoor. Exeunt
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mainbodyofcavalry,arecomingwithCassius.
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BRUTUS Look!Hesarrived.Marchtomeethimatadignifiedpace.
CASSIUSenterswithhisarmy. CASSIUS Halt. BRUTUS Halt!Passtheorderalong. FIRSTSOLDIER Halt! SECONDSOLDIER Halt! THIRDSOLDIER Halt! CASSIUS Mostnoblebrother,youhavedonemewrong. BRUTUS Letthegodsjudgeme!DoImistreatevenmyenemies?No. SohowcouldIpossiblywrongabrother? ModernText CASSIUS Brutus,yoursoberexpressionisamasktohidethefactthat youvewrongedme.Andwhenyoudo BRUTUS Cassius,calmdown.Weknoweachotherwell,andyoucan speakyourgrievancesquietly.Letsnotarguehereinfrontof bothourarmies,whichoughttoseenothingbutlovebetween us.Orderthemtomoveback.Then,inmytent,youcan elaborateonyourcomplaints,andIlllisten.
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Act4,Scene3
ManentBRUTUSandCASSIUS,nowinthetent BRUTUSandCASSIUS remainonstage.Theyarenowin theirtent. CASSIUS Thatyouhavewrongedmedothappearinthis: YouhavecondemnedandnotedLuciusPella FortakingbribeshereoftheSardians, Whereinmyletters,prayingonhisside 5 BecauseIknewtheman,wereslightedoff. BRUTUS Youwrongedyourselftowriteinsuchacase. CASSIUS Insuchatimeasthisitisnotmeet Thateveryniceoffenseshouldbearhiscomment. BRUTUS Letmetellyou,Cassius,youyourself 10 Aremuchcondemnedtohaveanitchingpalm, Tosellandmartyourofficesforgold Toundeservers. CASSIUS Ianitchingpalm! YouknowthatyouareBrutusthatspeakthis, Or,bythegods,thisspeechwereelseyourlast. BRUTUS 15 ThenameofCassiushonorsthiscorruption, Andchastisementdoththereforehidehishead. CASSIUS Chastisement! BRUTUS RememberMarch,theidesofMarchremember. DidnotgreatJuliusbleedforjustice'sake? 20 Whatvillaintouchedhisbody,thatdidstab, Andnotforjustice?What,shalloneofus Thatstrucktheforemostmanofallthisworld Butforsupportingrobbers,shallwenow Contaminateourfingerswithbasebribes, 25 Andsellthemightyspaceofourlargehonors Forsomuchtrashasmaybegraspdthus? Ihadratherbeadogandbaythemoon ThansuchaRoman. CASSIUS Brutus,baitnotme. Illnotendureit.Youforgetyourself 30 Tohedgemein.Iamasoldier,I, Olderinpractice,ablerthanyourself Tomakeconditions. BRUTUS BRUTUS CASSIUS Brutus,donotprovokeme.Iwillnottakeit.Youreforgetting yourselfwhenyoubackmeintoacorner.Imasoldier,more experiencedthanyou,andbetterabletogiveorders. BRUTUS ThenameofCassiusgivescredittothesecorruptactions,and sotheygounpunished. CASSIUS Unpunished! BRUTUS RememberMarch,March15th.DidntgreatCaesarbleedfor thesakeofjustice? Whoamongusstabbedhimforanycausebutjustice?What didoneofusstrikedownthemostpowerfulmanintheworld inordertosupportrobbers?Shouldwenowdirtyourfingers withlowlybribesandsellthemightyofficesthatweholdfor whatevermoneywecangetourhandson?Idratherbeadog andhowlatthemoonthanbethatkindofRoman. CASSIUS Me,greedy!Youknow,ifyouwereanyoneotherthanBrutus, thatspeechwouldbeyourlast. BRUTUS Youwrongedyourselftowriteonbehalfofsuchaman. CASSIUS Inatimelikethis,itdoesntmakesensetocriticizeevery offense. BRUTUS Illtellyou,Cassius,youyourselfhavebeencalledgreedyand beenaccusedofgivingyourpositionstoundeservingmenin exchangeforgold. CASSIUS Myevidencethatyouhavewrongedmeisthatyou condemnedanddisgracedLuciusPellafortakingbribeshere fromtheSardinians,andyouignoredmyletters,whereI arguedthathewasinnocentIknowtheman.
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Goto.Youarenot,Cassius. CASSIUS Iam. BRUTUS 35 Isayyouarenot. CASSIUS Urgemenomore,Ishallforgetmyself. Haveminduponyourhealth,temptmenofurther. BRUTUS Away,slightman! CASSIUS Istpossible? BRUTUS 40 Hearme,forIwillspeak. MustIgivewayandroomtoyourrashcholer? ShallIbefrightedwhenamadmanstares? CASSIUS Oyegods,yegods,mustIendureallthis? OriginalText BRUTUS Allthis?Ay,more.Frettillyourproudheartbreak. 45 Goshowyourslaveshowcholericyouare Andmakeyourbondmentremble.MustIbudge? MustIobserveyou?MustIstandandcrouch Underyourtestyhumor?Bythegods, Youshalldigestthevenomofyourspleen, 50 Thoughitdosplityou.Forfromthisdayforth, Illuseyouformymirth,yea,formylaughter, Whenyouarewaspish. CASSIUS Isitcometothis? BRUTUS Yousayyouareabettersoldier. Letitappearso.Makeyourvauntingtrue, 55 Anditshallpleasemewell.Formineownpart, Ishallbegladtolearnofnoblemen. CASSIUS Youwrongmeeveryway.Youwrongme,Brutus. Isaidaneldersoldier,notabetter. DidIsaybetter? BRUTUS 60 Ifyoudid,Icarenot. CASSIUS WhenCaesarlived,hedurstnotthushavemovedme.
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Getlost!Youarenot,Cassius. CASSIUS Iam. BRUTUS Isayyourenot. CASSIUS
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DontprovokemeanyfurtherorIllforgettorestrainmyself.If youcareaboutyourhealth,youwontpushmeanyfurther. BRUTUS Leave,youlittleman. CASSIUS Isthispossible? BRUTUS Listentome,forIhavesomethingtotellyou.AmIrequiredto indulgeyourrashanger?Doesamadmanscaremewhenhe staresatme? CASSIUS Ohgods,ohgods!MustIendureallthis? ModernText BRUTUS Allthis?Yes,andmore.Goaheadragetillyourproudheart breaks.Showyourslaveshowmadyouare,andmakeyour servantstremble.ButmeamIgoingtocoweratyouand yourirritablemoods?Youllhavetoswallowyourownpoison tillitmakesyouburstbeforeImgoingtorespondfromnow on,Illmakeyouthebuttofmyjokeswheneveryougetsharp withme.
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BRUTUS Peace,peace!Youdurstnotsohavetemptedhim. CASSIUS Idurstnot! BRUTUS No. CASSIUS 65 What,durstnottempthim? BRUTUS Foryourlifeyoudurstnot. CASSIUS Donotpresumetoomuchuponmylove. ImaydothatIshallbesorryfor. BRUTUS Youhavedonethatyoushouldbesorryfor. 70 Thereisnoterror,Cassius,inyourthreats, ForIamarmedsostronginhonesty Thattheypassbymeastheidlewind, WhichIrespectnot.Ididsendtoyou Forcertainsumsofgold,whichyoudeniedme, 75 ForIcanraisenomoneybyvilemeans. Byheaven,Ihadrathercoinmyheart Anddropmybloodfordrachmasthantowring Fromthehardhandsofpeasantstheirviletrash Byanyindirection.Ididsend 80 Toyouforgoldtopaymylegions, Whichyoudeniedme.WasthatdonelikeCassius? ShouldIhaveansweredCaiusCassiusso? WhenMarcusBrutusgrowssocovetous Tolocksuchrascalcountersfromhisfriends, 85 Beready,gods,withallyourthunderbolts. Dashhimtopieces! CASSIUS Ideniedyounot. BRUTUS Youdid. CASSIUS Ididnot.Hewasbutafoolthatbrought Myanswerback.Brutushathrivedmyheart. Afriendshouldbearhisfriendsinfirmities, 90 ButBrutusmakesminegreaterthantheyare. BRUTUS Idonot,tillyoupracticethemonme. CASSIUS Youlovemenot.
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Oh,bequiet.Youwouldnthavedaredtotempthimso. CASSIUS Iwouldnthavedared! BRUTUS No. CASSIUS What?Notdaredtotempthim? BRUTUS Youwouldnthavedared,outoffearforyourlife. CASSIUS Donttakemyloveforgranted.ImightdosomethingIllbe sorryfor. BRUTUS Youvealreadydonesomethingyoushouldbesorryfor.Your threatsdontscareme,Cassius,becauseImsosecureinmy honestyandintegritythattheypassmebylikeaweakbreeze. Iaskedyouforacertainamountofgold,whichyouwouldnt giveme.Imyselfcantraisemoneybyunethicalmeans.Id ratherturnmyheartintomoneyandmydropsofbloodinto coinsthanusecrookedtacticstowringpettycashfromthe hardworkinghandsofpeasants.Iaskedyouforgoldtopaymy soldiers,andyouwouldntgiveittome.WasthattheCaius CassiusthatIknew?AndwouldIhaveeverdonethattoyou? IfIevergetsogreedythatIhoardsuchpettycashfrommy friends,maythegodsdashmetopieceswiththeir thunderbolts!
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BRUTUS Idonotlikeyourfaults.
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BRUTUS Idontlikeyourfaults.
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CASSIUS Afriendlyeyecouldneverseesuchfaults.
CASSIUS Afriendwouldneverseethosefaults.
CASSIUS Come,Antony,andyoungOctavius,come, RevengeyourselvesaloneonCassius, 100 ForCassiusisawearyoftheworld Hatedbyonehelovesbravedbyhisbrother Checkedlikeabondman,allhisfaultsobserved, 105 Setinanotebook,learned,andconnedbyrote Tocastintomyteeth.Oh,Icouldweep Myspiritfrommineeyes. 110 (offersBRUTUShisbareddagger)Thereismydagger. Andheremynakedbreast.Within,aheart DearerthanPlutus'mine,richerthangold. IfthatthoubeestaRoman,takeitforth. I,thatdeniedtheegold,willgivemyheart. Strike,asthoudidstatCaesar.ForIknow Whenthoudidsthatehimworst,thoulovedsthimbetter ThaneverthoulovedstCassius.
CASSIUS Come,AntonyandyoungOctavius!Getyourrevengeon Cassius,becauseCassiushasgrowntiredoftheworld.Hes hatedbysomeoneheloves,defiedbyhisbrother,rebukedlike aservant,allhisfaultsobserved,cataloguedinanotebook, read,andcommittedtomemorysotheycanbethrowninhis face.Oh,Icouldweepmysoulrightoutofmyself!Theresmy dagger(heoffersBRUTUShisunsheatheddagger),and heresmybarechest.Insideitisaheartmorevaluablethan Plutossilvermineandricherthangold.IfyoureaRoman, takemyheartout.I,whodeniedyougold,willgiveyoumy heart.StrikeasyoudidatCaesar,forIknowevenwhenyou hatedhimthemost,youstilllovedhimbetterthanyouever lovedme.
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Thatcarriesangerastheflintbearsfire, Who,muchenforcd,showsahastyspark Andstraightiscoldagain.
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CASSIUS HathCassiuslived TobebutmirthandlaughtertohisBrutus, Whengriefandbloodilltemperedvexethhim? BRUTUS 120 WhenIspokethat,Iwasilltemperedtoo. CASSIUS Doyouconfesssomuch?Givemeyourhand. BRUTUS Andmyhearttoo. CASSIUSandBRUTUS shakehands CASSIUS OBrutus! BRUTUS Whatsthematter? CASSIUS Havenotyouloveenoughtobearwithme, Whenthatrashhumorwhichmymothergaveme 125 Makesmeforgetful? BRUTUS Yes,Cassius.Andfromhenceforth WhenyouareoverearnestwithyourBrutus, Hellthinkyourmotherchidesandleaveyouso. POET (within)Letmegointoseethegenerals. Thereissomegrudgebetween'em.'Tisnotmeet 130 Theybealone. LUCILLIUS (within)Youshallnotcometo POET (within)Nothingbutdeathshallstayme. EnteraPOETfollowedbyLUCILLIUSandTITINIUS CASSIUS Hownow?Whatsthematter? POET Forshame,yougenerals!Whatdoyoumean? 135 Love,andbefriendsastwosuchmenshouldbe. ForIhaveseenmoreyears,Imsure,thanye. them.
BRUTUS WhenIsaidthat,Iwasangrytoo. CASSIUS Youadmitit,then?Givemeyourhand. BRUTUS Andmyhearttoo. CASSIUSandBRUTUS shakehands. CASSIUS Oh,Brutus! BRUTUS Whatsthematter? CASSIUS Doyouhaveenoughloveformetobepatientwhenmybad temper,whichIinheritedfrommymother,makesmeforget howIshouldbehave? BRUTUS Yes,Cassius.Andfromnowon,whenyougethotwithme,Ill assumeitsyourmotherspeakingandleaveitatthat.
LUCILLIUS (offstage)Youcantseethem. POET (offstage)Youdhavetokillmetostopme. APOETenters,followedbyLUCILLIUSandTITINIUS. CASSIUS Whatsthis!Whatsthematter? POET Youshouldbeashamed,generals!Whatdoyouthinkyoure doing? Loveeachotherandbefriends,liketwosuchmenshouldbe. Listentome,becauseImolderthanyou,surely.
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Ha,ha,howvilelydoththiscynicrhyme! BRUTUS (toPOET)Getyouhence,sirrah.Saucyfellow,hence! CASSIUS Bearwithhim,Brutus.'Tishisfashion. BRUTUS 140 Illknowhishumorwhenheknowshistime. Whatshouldthewarsdowiththesejiggingfools? Companion,hence! CASSIUS Away,away,begone. ExitPOET BRUTUS LucilliusandTitinius,bidthecommanders Preparetolodgetheircompaniestonight. CASSIUS 145 Andcomeyourselves,andbringMessalawithyou, Immediatelytous. ExeuntLUCILLIUSandTITINIUS BRUTUS (callsoff) Lucius,abowlof CASSIUS Ididnotthinkyoucouldhavebeensoangry. OriginalText BRUTUS OCassius,Iamsickofmanygriefs. CASSIUS Ofyourphilosophyyoumakenouse 150 Ifyougiveplacetoaccidentalevils. BRUTUS Nomanbearssorrowbetter.Portiaisdead. CASSIUS Ha,Portia? BRUTUS Sheisdead. CASSIUS HowscapedIkillingwhenIcrossedyouso? 155 Oinsupportableandtouchingloss! Uponwhatsickness? BRUTUS Impatientofmyabsence, AndgriefthatyoungOctaviuswithMarkAntony Havemadethemselvessostrongforwithherdeath Thattidingscamewiththisshefelldistract wine!
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Haha!Thismansrhymesareterrible! BRUTUS
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(toPOET)Getoutofhere,you!Getaway,yourudefellow! CASSIUS Bepatientwithhim,Brutus.Thatsjusthowheis. BRUTUS Illhumorhimwhenhelearnshowtobehave.Whatshouldwe dowithalltheserhymingfoolsthatfollowusfromposttopost? Getoutofhere,myfriend. CASSIUS Away,away,begone. ThePOETexits. BRUTUS LucilliusandTitinius,orderthecommanderstohavethemen campforthenight. CASSIUS Andreturntousimmediately,bringingMessalawithyou.
LUCILLIUSandTITINIUSexit. BRUTUS (callingoffstage)Lucius,bringabowlofwine. CASSIUS Ididntthinkyoucouldevenbesoangry. ModernText BRUTUS OhCassius,Imtiredoutbymanysorrows. CASSIUS YoureforgettingyourStoicphilosophyifyouallowchance misfortunestoupsetyou. BRUTUS Noonebearssorrowbetterthanme.Portiaisdead. CASSIUS Portia! BRUTUS Sheisdead. CASSIUS Howdidyoumanagenottokillmewhenwearguedjustnow? Whatanirreplaceableandgrievousloss!Whatsicknessdid shedieof? BRUTUS Shewasworriedaboutmyabsence,andaboutthefactthat youngOctaviusandMarkAntonyhavegrownsostrong whichIfoundoutatthesametimeasthenewsofherdeath. Shebecamefullofdespairand,whenherattendantswere
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160 And,herattendantsabsent,swallowedfire. CASSIUS Anddiedso? BRUTUS Evenso. CASSIUS Oyeimmortalgods! EnterLUCIUS withwineandtapers OriginalText BRUTUS Speaknomoreofher.Givemeabowlofwine. InthisIburyallunkindness,Cassius. (drinks) CASSIUS 165 Myheartisthirstyforthatnoblepledge. Fill,Lucius,tillthewineo'erswellthecup. IcannotdrinktoomuchofBrutus'love. (drinks) ExitLUCIUS EnterTITINIUSandMESSALA BRUTUS Comein,Titinius.Welcome,goodMessala! 170 Nowsitwecloseaboutthistaperhere Andcallinquestionournecessities. CASSIUS Portia,artthougone? BRUTUS Nomore,Iprayyou. Messala,Ihaveherereceivdletters ThatyoungOctaviusandMarkAntony 175 Comedownuponuswithamightypower, BendingtheirexpeditiontowardPhilippi. MESSALA Myselfhavelettersoftheselfsametenor. BRUTUS Withwhataddition? MESSALA Thatbyproscriptionandbillsofoutlawry, 180 Octavius,Antony,andLepidus Haveputtodeathanhundredsenators. BRUTUS Thereinourlettersdonotwellagree. Minespeakofseventysenatorsthatdied Bytheirproscriptions,Cicerobeingone.
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away,swallowedburningcoals. CASSIUS Andthatshowshedied? BRUTUS Yes,likethat. CASSIUS Oh,immortalgods! LUCIUSenterswithwineandcandles. ModernText BRUTUS
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CASSIUS 185 Ciceroone? MESSALA Ciceroisdead, Andbythatorderofproscription. (toBRUTUS)Hadyouyourlettersfromyourwife,mylord? BRUTUS No,Messala. MESSALA Nornothinginyourletterswritofher? BRUTUS 190 Nothing,Messala. MESSALA Thatmethinksisstrange. BRUTUS Whyaskyou?Hearyouaughtofherinyours?
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CASSIUS Cicerotoo? MESSALA
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Ciceroisdead,bytheirdecree.(toBRUTUS)Haveyou receivedlettersfromyourwife,mylord?
BRUTUS No,Messala. MESSALA Andyouhaventheardanynewsaboutherinyourletters? BRUTUS Nothing,Messala. MESSALA Ithinkthatsstrange. BRUTUS Whydoyouask?Haveyouheardsomethingofherinyour letters?
MESSALA No,mylord. BRUTUS Now,asyouareaRoman,tellmetrue. MESSALA ThenlikeaRomanbearthetruthItell. 195 Forcertainsheisdead,andbystrangemanner. BRUTUS Why,farewell,Portia.Wemustdie,Messala. Withmeditatingthatshemustdieonce, Ihavethepatiencetoendureitnow. MESSALA Evensogreatmengreatlossesshouldendure. OriginalText CASSIUS 200 Ihaveasmuchofthisinartasyou, Butyetmynaturecouldnotbearitso. BRUTUS Well,toourworkalive.Whatdoyouthink OfmarchingtoPhilippipresently? CASSIUS Idonotthinkitgood. BRUTUS Yourreason? CASSIUS Thisitis: 205 'Tisbetterthattheenemyseekus.
MESSALA No,mylord. BRUTUS Now,asyoureaRoman,tellmethetruth. MESSALA ThenyoumusttakethetruthIhavetotelllikeaRoman.Its certainthatsheisdead,andshediedinastrangeway. BRUTUS Well,goodbye,Portia.Weallmustdie,Messala.Having alreadythoughtaboutthefactthatshewouldhavetodie sometime,Icanendureherdeathnow. MESSALA Thatsthewaygreatmenoughttoenduregreatlosses. ModernText CASSIUS IvepracticedStoicismwithasmuchdevotionasyou,butIstill couldntbearthisnewslikeyoudo. BRUTUS Well,letsmoveontoourworkwiththeliving.Whatdoyou thinkofmarchingtoPhilippiimmediately? CASSIUS Idontthinkitsagoodidea. BRUTUS Whynot? CASSIUS Hereswhy:itdbebetterfortheenemytocomeafterus.That way,hellwastehisprovisionsandtireouthissoldiers,
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Soshallhewastehismeans,wearyhissoldiers, Doinghimselfoffense,whilstwe,lyingstill, Arefullofrest,defense,andnimbleness. BRUTUS Goodreasonsmustofforcegiveplacetobetter. 210 ThepeopletwixtPhilippiandthisground Dostandbutinaforcedaffection, Fortheyhavegrudgeduscontribution. Theenemy,marchingalongbythem, Bythemshallmakeafullernumberup, 215 Comeonrefreshed,newadded,andencouraged, Fromwhichadvantageshallwecuthimoff IfatPhilippiwedofacehimthere, Thesepeopleatourback. CASSIUS Hearme,goodbrother BRUTUS Underyourpardon.Youmustnotebeside, 220 Thatwehavetriedtheutmostofourfriends, Ourlegionsarebrimfull,ourcauseisripe. Theenemyincreasetheveryday. We,attheheight,arereadytodecline. Thereisatideintheaffairsofmen, 225 Which,takenattheflood,leadsontofortune Omitted,allthevoyageoftheirlife Isboundinshallowsandinmiseries. Onsuchafullseaarewenowafloat, Andwemusttakethecurrentwhenitserves 230 Orloseourventures. CASSIUS Then,withyourwill,goon. Wellalongourselves,andmeetthematPhilippi. BRUTUS Thedeepofnightiscreptuponourtalk, Andnaturemustobeynecessity, Whichwewillniggardwithalittlerest. 235 Thereisnomoretosay? CASSIUS Nomore.Goodnight. Earlytomorrowwillweriseandhence. BRUTUS Lucius! EnterLUCIUS My gown. ExitLUCIUS Farewell,goodMessala. Goodnight,Titinius.Noble,nobleCassius, Goodnightandgoodrepose.
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weakeninghisowncapacities,whilewe,lyingstill,arerested, energetic,andnimble.
CASSIUS Listentome,goodbrother. BRUTUS Beggingyourpardon,IllcontinuewhatIwassaying.Youmust alsotakeintoaccountthatwevegottenasmuchfromour friendsastheycangive.Ourregimentsarefulltothebrimour causeisready. Theenemygetslargereachday.We,nowatourlargest,can onlydecrease.Theresatidalmovementinmensaffairs. Seizingthehighesttideleadsontofortune.Ifhightideisletto pass,alltherestofthevoyageoftheirliveswillbemarkedby difficultyandmisery.Itsonsuchahightidethatwerenow floating,andwemusttakethecurrentwhenitisoffered,or loseourcampaign.
CASSIUS Theresnothingelse.Goodnight.Wellriseandleaveearly tomorrow. BRUTUS Lucius! LUCIUSenters. Mynightgown. LUCIUSexits. Farewell,goodMessala.Goodnight,Titinius.Noble,noble Cassius,goodnightandsleepwell.
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CASSIUS Omydearbrother, 240 Thiswasanillbeginningofthenight. Nevercomesuchdivisiontweenoursouls. Letitnot,Brutus. EnterLUCIUS withthegown OriginalText BRUTUS Everythingiswell. CASSIUS Goodnight,mylord. BRUTUS Goodnight,goodbrother. TITINIUS,MESSALA Goodnight,LordBrutus. BRUTUS 245 Farewell,everyone. ExeuntCASSIUS,TITINIUS,andMESSALA Givemethegown.Whereisthyinstrument? LUCIUS Hereinthetent. BRUTUS What,thouspeakstdrowsily? Poorknave,Iblametheenot.Thouarto'erwatched. CallClaudioandsomeotherofmymen. 250 Illhavethemsleeponcushionsinmytent. LUCIUS VarrusandClaudio! EnterVARRUSandCLAUDIO VARRUS Callsmylord? BRUTUS Iprayyou,sirs,lieinmytentandsleep. ItmaybeIshallraiseyoubyandby OnbusinesstomybrotherCassius. VARRUS 255 Sopleaseyou,wewillstandandwatchyourpleasure. BRUTUS Iwillnothaveitso.Liedown,goodsirs. ItmaybeIshallotherwisebethinkme. Look,Lucius,heresthebookIsoughtforso. Iputitinthepocketofmygown. VARRUSandCLAUDIOliedown
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CASSIUS
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LUCIUSenterswiththenightgown. ModernText BRUTUS Everythingsfine. CASSIUS Goodnight,mylord. BRUTUS Goodnight,goodbrother. TITINIUS,MESSALA Goodnight,LordBrutus. BRUTUS Farewell,everyone. CASSIUS,TITINIUS,andMESSALAexit. Givemethegown.Wheresyourlute? LUCIUS Hereinthetent. BRUTUS What,areyousleepy?Poorboy,Idontblameyouyouve stayedawaketoolong.CallClaudioandsomeofmyother men.Illhavethemsleeponcushionsinmytent.
VARRUSandCLAUDIOliedown.
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LUCIUS 260 Iwassureyourlordshipdidnotgiveitme. BRUTUS Bearwithme,goodboy,Iammuchforgetful. Canstthouholdupthyheavyeyesawhile, Andtouchthyinstrumentastrainortwo? LUCIUS Ay,mylord,antpleaseyou. BRUTUS Itdoes,myboy. 265 Itroubletheetoomuch,butthouartwilling. LUCIUS Itismyduty,sir. BRUTUS Ishouldnoturgethydutypastthymight. Iknowyoungbloodslookforatimeofrest. LUCIUS Ihaveslept,mylord,already. BRUTUS 270 Itwaswelldone,andthoushaltsleepagain. Iwillnotholdtheelong.IfIdolive, Iwillbegoodtothee. LUCIUSplaysmusicandsingsasong,fallingasleep Thisisasleepytune.Omurderousslumber, Laystthouthyleadenmaceuponmyboy 275 Thatplaystheemusic?Gentleknave,goodnight. Iwillnotdotheesomuchwrongtowakethee. Ifthoudostnod,thoubreakstthyinstrument. Illtakeitfromthee.And,goodboy,goodnight. Letmesee,letmesee.Isnottheleafturneddown 280 WhereIleftreading?Hereitis,Ithink. EntertheGHOSTofCaesar Howillthistaperburns!Ha,whocomeshere? Ithinkitistheweaknessofmineeyes Thatshapesthismonstrousapparition. Itcomesuponme.Artthouanything? 285 Artthousomegod,someangel,orsomedevil Thatmakestmybloodcoldandmyhairtostare? Speaktomewhatthouart. GHOST Thyevilspirit,Brutus. BRUTUS Whycomestthou? GHOST 290 TotelltheethoushaltseemeatPhilippi. BRUTUS
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LUCIUS Iwassurethatyouhadntgivenittome. BRUTUS
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Bearwithme,goodboy.Ivebecomeveryforgetful.Canyou stayawakeabitlongerandplayafewtunesonyourlute?
LUCIUS Yes,mylord,ifyouwouldlike. BRUTUS Iwould,myboy.Iasktoomuchofyou,butyourealways willing. LUCIUS Itsmyduty,sir. BRUTUS Ishouldntmakeyoudomorethanyoureable.Iknowthat youngmenlookforwardtotheirrest. LUCIUS Ivealreadyslept,mylord. BRUTUS Thatwasgoodplanning,andyoullsleepsomemore.Iwont keepyouverylong.IfIlivethroughthis,Illbegoodtoyou.
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Well,thenIshallseetheeagain? GHOST Ay,atPhilippi. BRUTUS Why,IwillseetheeatPhilippi,then. ExitGHOST NowIhavetakenheartthouvanishest. Illspirit,Iwouldholdmoretalkwiththee. 295 Boy,Lucius!Varrus!Claudio!Sirs,awake! Claudio! LUCIUS Thestrings,mylord,arefalse. BRUTUS Hethinkshestillisathisinstrument. Lucius,awake. LUCIUS 300 Mylord? BRUTUS Didstthoudream,Lucius,thatthousocriedstout? LUCIUS Mylord,IdonotknowthatIdidcry. BRUTUS Yes,thatthoudidst.Didstthouseeanything? LUCIUS Nothing,mylord. BRUTUS 305 Sleepagain,Lucius.SirrahClaudio! (toVARRUS) Fellowthou,awake! VARRUS Mylord? CLAUDIO Mylord? BRUTUS Whydidyousocryout,sirs,inyoursleep? VARRUS,CLAUDIO 310 Didwe,mylord? BRUTUS Ay.Sawyouanything? VARRUS No,mylord,Isawnothing. CLAUDIO NorI,mylord.
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ThenIllseeyouagain? GHOST Yes,atPhilippi. BRUTUS Alright,thenIllseeyouatPhilippi. TheGHOSTexits.
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LUCIUS Mylord? BRUTUS Wereyoudreaming,Lucius?Isthatwhyyoucriedout? LUCIUS Mylord,IdontthinkIcriedout. BRUTUS Yes,youdid.Didyouseeanything? LUCIUS Nothing,mylord. BRUTUS Gobacktosleep,Lucius.Claudio!(toVARRUS)Youthere, wakeup!
VARRUS Mylord? CLAUDIO Mylord? BRUTUS Whydidyoucryoutinyoursleep? VARRUS,CLAUDIO Didwe,mylord? BRUTUS Yes.Didyouseeanything? VARRUS No,mylord,Ididntseeanything. CLAUDIO Meneither,mylord.
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BRUTUS GoandcommendmetomybrotherCassius. Bidhimsetonhispowersbetimesbefore, Andwewillfollow. VARRUS,CLAUDIO Itshallbedone,mylord. Exeuntseverally
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BRUTUS
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GotomybrotherCassius.Orderhimtoadvancehisforces firstthing,andwellfollow.
Act5,Scene1
EnterOCTAVIUS,ANTONY,andtheirarmy OCTAVIUSandANTONYenterwiththeirarmy.
EnteraMESSENGER
AMESSENGERenters.
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OCTAVIUS UpontherighthandI.Keepthoutheleft.
OCTAVIUS Illgototherightside.Youstayontheleft.
ANTONY Whydoyoucrossmeinthisexigent?
ANTONY Whyareyoudefyingmeinthisurgentmatter?
OCTAVIUS 20 Idonotcrossyou.ButIwilldoso.
OCTAVIUS Imnotdefyingyou,butitswhatImgoingtodo.
March.Drum.EnterBRUTUS,CASSIUS,andtheirarmy,includingLUCILLIUS, TITINIUS,andMESSALA
BRUTUS Theystandandwouldhaveparley.
BRUTUS Theyvestopped.Theywanttotalk.
CASSIUS Standfast,Titinius.Wemustoutandtalk.
CASSIUS Stayhere,Titinius.Wehavetogooutandtalktothem.
OCTAVIUS MarkAntony,shallwegivesignofbattle?
OCTAVIUS MarkAntony,shouldwegivethesignaltoattack?
OCTAVIUS (tohisarmy)Stirnotuntilthesignal.
OCTAVIUS (tohisarmy)Dontmoveuntilwegivethesignal.
BRUTUS Wordsbeforeblows.Isitso,countrymen?
BRUTUS Wordsbeforefighting.Isthathowitis,countrymen?
OCTAVIUS Notthatwelovewordsbetter,asyoudo.
OCTAVIUS Notthatwelovewordsmorethanfighting,likeyoudo.
BRUTUS Goodwordsarebetterthanbadstrokes,Octavius.
BRUTUS Goodwordsarebetterthanbadstrokes,Octavius.
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ANTONY Notstinglesstoo?
ANTONY Itooktheirstingstoo,wouldntyousay?
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OCTAVIUS Ihopeyoureright.Iwasntborntodieonyoursword.
ANTONY OldCassiusstill.
ANTONY StillthesameoldCassius!
ExeuntOCTAVIUS,ANTONY,andtheirarmy
OCTAVIUS,ANTONY,andtheirarmyexit.
BRUTUS Ho,Lucillius,hark,awordwithyou.
BRUTUS Lucillius!Idlikeawordwithyou.
LUCILLIUS (comingforward)Mylord?
BRUTUSandLUCILLIUS converseapart
BRUTUSandLUCILLIUS conversetotheside.
CASSIUS Messala!
CASSIUS Messala!
MESSALA (standsforth)
MESSALA (comingforward)Whatisit,mygeneral?
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Whatsaysmygeneral?
YouknowthatIheldEpicurusstrong Andhisopinion.NowIchangemymind, 80 Andpartlycreditthingsthatdopresage. ComingfromSardis,onourformerensign Twomightyeaglesfell,andtheretheyperched, Gorgingandfeedingfromoursoldiers'hands, WhotoPhilippihereconsortedus. 85 Thismorningaretheyfledawayandgone, Andintheirsteadsdoravens,crows,andkites Flyo'erourheadsanddownwardlookonus Asweweresicklyprey.Theirshadowsseem Acanopymostfatal,underwhich 90 Ourarmylies,readytogiveuptheghost.
MESSALA Believenotso.
MESSALA Dontbelieveinthis.
BRUTUS (returningwithLUCILLIUS)Evenso,Lucillius.
BRUTUS (returningwithLUCILLIUS)Right,Lucillius.
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BRUTUS Evenbytheruleofthatphilosophy BywhichIdidblameCatoforthedeath Whichhedidgivehimself(Iknownothow, 105 ButIdofinditcowardlyandvile, Forfearofwhatmightfall,sotoprevent Thetimeoflife),armingmyselfwithpatience Tostaytheprovidenceofsomehighpowers Thatgovernusbelow.
BRUTUS No,Cassius,no.Thinknot,thounobleRoman, ThateverBrutuswillgoboundtoRome. Hebearstoogreatamind.Butthissameday 115 MustendthatworktheidesofMarchbegun. AndwhetherweshallmeetagainIknownot. Thereforeoureverlastingfarewelltake. Foreverandforeverfarewell,Cassius. Ifwedomeetagain,why,weshallsmile. 120 Ifnot,whythenthispartingwaswellmade.
BRUTUS
BRUTUS
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Exeunt
Theyallexit.
Act5,Scene2
Alarum.EnterBRUTUSandMESSALA Soundsofbattle.BRUTUSandMESSALAenter.
Lowalarum
Faintsoundsofbattle.
Exeuntseverally
Theyexitinoppositedirections.
Act5,Scene3
AlarumsEnterCASSIUSandTITINIUS Soundsofbattle.CASSIUSandTITINIUSenter.
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EnterPINDARUS
PINDARUSenters.
TITINIUS 15 Theyare,mylord.
TITINIUS Theyare,mylord.
TITINIUS 20 Iwillbehereagain,evenwithathought.
TITINIUS Illbebackquickerthanyoucanthinkathought.
ExitTITINIUS
Heexits.
PINDARUSascendsthehill
PINDARUSascendsthehill.
PINDARUS (above)Omylord!
PINDARUS (above)Oh,mylord!
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CASSIUS Whatnews?
CASSIUS Whatnews?
Shoutwithin
Ashoutoffstage.
35
And,hark!Theyshoutforjoy.
Andlisten!Theyshoutforjoy.
PINDARUS returns
PINDARUS returns.
Comehither,sirrah. InParthiadidItaketheeprisoner. 40 AndthenIsworethee,savingofthylife, ThatwhatsoeverIdidbidtheedo, Thoushouldstattemptit.Comenow,keepthineoath. (giveshisswordtoPINDARUS ) Nowbeafreeman,andwiththisgoodsword 45 ThatranthroughCaesarsbowels,searchthisbosom. Standnottoanswer.Heretakethouthehilts And,whenmyfaceiscovered,astisnow, Guidethouthesword.
PINDARUS stabsCASSIUS
PINDARUS stabsCASSIUS.
Caesar,youarerevengedwiththeverysameswordthatkilled you.(hedies)
PINDARUS
PINDARUS
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So Imfree.ButIdidntwanttobefreelikethis.Oh,Cassius,Ill runfarfromthiscountrytowherenoRomanscanfindme.
ExitPINDARUS
Heexits.
EnterTITINIUSandMESSALA
TITINIUSandMESSALAenter.
TITINIUS ThesetidingswillwellcomfortCassius.
TITINIUS ThisnewswillcomfortCassius.
MESSALA Wheredidyouleavehim?
MESSALA Wheredidyouleavehim?
TITINIUS Onthishillandindespair,withhisslavePindarus.
MESSALA Isnotthathethatliesupontheground?
MESSALA Isntthathimontheground?
TITINIUS Heliesnotliketheliving.Omyheart!
TITINIUS Hedoesntseemtobealive.Oh,myheart!
MESSALA Isnotthathe?
MESSALA Isntthathim?
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TITINIUS What,Pindarus!Whereartthou,Pindarus?
TITINIUS Pindarus!Whereareyou,Pindarus?
TITINIUS Hurry,Messala,andIlllookforPindarusinthemeantime.
ExitMESSALA
MESSALAexits.
Whydidstthousendmeforth,braveCassius? 85 DidInotmeetthyfriends?Anddidnotthey Putonmybrowsthiswreathofvictory Andbidmegiveitthee?Didstthounotheartheirshouts? Alas,thouhastmisconstruedeverything! But,holdthee,takethisgarlandonthybrow. 90 ThyBrutusbidmegiveitthee,andI Willdohisbidding. (layswreathonCASSIUSshead)Brutus,comeapace, AndseehowIregardedCaiusCassius. Byyourleave,gods,thisisaRomanspart. 95 Come,Cassius'sword,andfindTitinius'heart. (stabshimselfwithCASSIUSsswordanddies)
Whydidyousendmeout,braveCassius?DidntImeetupwith yourallies?Anddidnttheyplacethewreathofvictoryonmy browandordermetogiveittoyou?Didntyouheartheir shouts?Alas,youmisunderstoodeverything!Butletmeplace thiswreathonyourhead.YourBrutusorderedmetogiveitto you,andIlldowhathesays.(helaysawreathonCASSIUSs head)Brutus,comethiswayandseehowmuchIadmired CaiusCassius.Withyourpermission,gods,thisisaRomans duty.Come,Cassiusssword,andstrikeTitiniussheart.(he stabshimselfwithCASSIUSsswordanddies.)
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BRUTUS Where,where,Messala,dothhisbodylie?
BRUTUS Whereishisbody,Messala?
MESSALA Lo,yonder,andTitiniusmourningit.
MESSALA Overthere,whereTitiniusmournsit.
BRUTUS Titinius'faceisupward.
BRUTUS Titiniusislyingfaceup.
CATO Heisslain.
CATO Hesbeenkilled.
Lowalarums
Faintsoundsofbattle.
CATO BraveTitinius!Look,heevenputthecrownondeadCassius!
BRUTUS AreyettwoRomanslivingsuchasthese? 105 ThelastofalltheRomans,faretheewell! ItisimpossiblethateverRome Shouldbreedthyfellow.Friends,Iowemoretears Tothisdeadmanthanyoushallseemepay. Ishallfindtime,Cassius,Ishallfindtime. 110 Come,therefore,andtoThasossendhisbody. Hisfuneralsshallnotbeinourcamp, Lestitdiscomfortus.Lucillius,come. Andcome,youngCato.Letustothefield. LabioandFlavio,setourbattleson. 115 'Tisthreeo'clock,and,Romans,yeterenight
BRUTUS CouldyouhavefoundtwoRomansasgoodasthesetwo? Goodbyetoyou,thelastofalltheRomans.Romewillnever produceyourequal.Friends,Iowemoretearstothisdeadman thanyouwillseemeshed.Iwillfindthetimetocryforyou, Cassius,Illfindthetime.Come,then,andsendhisbodyto Thasos.Wewonthavehisfuneralatourcamp,becauseit mightmakeustoosadtofight.Lucillius,come.Andcome, youngCato.Letsproceedtothefield.LabioandFlavio,push ourarmiesonward.Itisthreeo'clock,and,Romans,before night,wewilltryourluckinasecondbattle.
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Weshalltryfortuneinasecondfight.
Exeunt
Theyallexit.
BRUTUS Yet,countrymen,O,yetholdupyourheads!
BRUTUS Keepon,countrymen.Oh,keepyourheadsup,evennow!
ExeuntBRUTUS,MESSALA ,andFLAVIO
BRUTUS,MESSALA ,andFLAVIOexit.
EnterANTONYandOCTAVIUS'SOLDIERSFight
ANTONYandOCTAVIUS'SOLDIERSenterandfight.
SOLDIERSkillyoungCATO
SOLDIERSkillyoungCATO .
FIRSTSOLDIER (toLUCILLIUS)Yield,orthoudiest.
FIRSTSOLDIER (toLUCILLIUS)Surrenderoryouwilldie.
FIRSTSOLDIER 15 Wemustnot.Anobleprisoner!
FIRSTSOLDIER Wemustnot.Heisanobleprisoner!
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EnterANTONY
ANTONYenters.
SECONDSOLDIER Room,ho!TellAntonyBrutusista'en.
SECONDSOLDIER Makeroom!TellAntonythatBrutushasbeentaken.
ANTONY Whereishe?
ANTONY Whereishe?
Exeuntseverally
Theyexitinoppositedirections.
EnterBRUTUS,DARDANIUS,CLITUS,STRATO,andVOLUMNIUS
BRUTUS,DARDANIUS,CLITUS,STRATO,andVOLUMNIUS enter.
BRUTUS Come,poorremainsoffriends,restonthisrock.
BRUTUS Come,lastofmyfriends,restonthisrock.
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CLITUS What,I,mylord?No,notforalltheworld.
CLITUS Who,me,mylord?No,notforalltheworld.
BRUTUS Peacethen!Nowords.
BRUTUS Silence,then!Dontgiveitaway.
CLITUS Illratherkillmyself.
CLITUS Idratherkillmyself.
BRUTUS Listen,Dardanius.(hewhisperstoDARDANIUS )
DARDANIUS ShallIdosuchadeed?
DARDANIUS WouldIdaredosomethinglikethat?
CLITUS ODardanius!
CLITUS OhDardanius!
DARDANIUS OClitus!
DARDANIUS OhClitus!
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Alarum.Retreat.EnterOCTAVIUS,ANTONY,MESSALA,LUCILLIUS,and thearmy
Soundsofbattle.Trumpetssoundaretreat.OCTAVIUS, ANTONY,MESSALA,andLUCILLIUSenterwiththearmy.
OCTAVIUS Whatmanisthat?
OCTAVIUS Whatmanisthat?
MESSALA Mymastersman.Strato,whereisthymaster?
MESSALA Mymastersman.Strato,wheresyourmaster?
STRATO Ay,ifMessalawillprefermetoyou.
STRATO Yes,ifMessalarecommendsmetoyou.
OCTAVIUS Doso,goodMessala.
OCTAVIUS Doso,goodMessala.
MESSALA Howdiedmymaster,Strato?
MESSALA Howdidmymasterdie,Strato?
STRATO 70 Iheldtheswordandhedidrunonit.
STRATO Iheldtheswordandheranonit.
ANTONY ThiswasthenoblestRomanofthemall.
ANTONY ThiswasthenoblestRomanofthemall.Alltherestofthe
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Exeuntomnes
Everyoneexits.
Crowther,John,ed.NoFearJuliusCaesar.SparkNotes.com.SparkNotesLLC.2005.Web.31Oct.2011. http://nfs.sparknotes.com/juliuscaesar