JULIUS CAESAR
JULIUS CAESAR
WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE
Dramatis Personae
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Julius Caesar
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Octavius Caesar, triumvir after the death of Julius Caesar
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Marcus Antonius, triumvir after the death of Julius Caesar
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M. Aemilius Lepidus, triumvir after the death of Julius Caesar
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Cicero, senator
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Publius, senator
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Popilius Lena, senator
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Marcus Brutus, conspirator against Julius Caesar
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Cassius, conspirator against Julius Caesar
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Casca, conspirator against Julius Caesar
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Trebonius, conspirator against Julius Caesar
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Ligarius, conspirator against Julius Caesar
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Decius Brutus, conspirator against Julius Caesar
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Metellus Cimber, conspirator against Julius Caesar
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Cinna, conspirator against Julius Caesar
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Flavius and Marullus, tribunes
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Artemidorus of Cnidos, a teacher of rhetoric
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A Soothsayer
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Cinna, a poet. Another poet
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Lucilius, friend to Brutus and Cassius
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Titinius, friend to Brutus and Cassius
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Messala, friend to Brutus and Cassius
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Young Cato, friend to Brutus and Cassius
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Volumnius, friend to Brutus and Cassius
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Varro, servant to Brutus
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Clitus, servant to Brutus
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Claudius, servant to Brutus
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Strato, servant to Brutus
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Lucius, servant to Brutus
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Dardanius, servant to Brutus
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Pindarus, servant to Cassius
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Calpurnia, wife to Caesar
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Portia, wife to Brutus
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Senators, citizens, guards, attendants, etc.
Scene: Rome; the neighbourbood of Sardis; the neighbourbood of Philippi.
Julius Caesar
Act I
Scene I
Rome. A street.
Enter Flavius, Marullus, and certain Commoners. | |
Flavius |
Hence! home, you idle creatures get you home:
|
First Commoner | Why, sir, a carpenter. |
Marullus |
Where is thy leather apron and thy rule?
|
Second Commoner | Truly, sir, in respect of a fine workman, I am but, as you would say, a cobbler. |
Marullus | But what trade art thou? answer me directly. |
Second Commoner | A trade, sir, that, I hope, I may use with a safe conscience; which is, indeed, sir, a mender of bad soles. |
Marullus | What trade, thou knave? thou naughty knave, what trade? |
Second Commoner | Nay, I beseech you, sir, be not out with me: yet, if you be out, sir, I can mend you. |
Marullus | What meanest thou by that? mend me, thou saucy fellow! |
Second Commoner | Why, sir, cobble you. |
Flavius | Thou art a cobbler, art thou? |
Second Commoner | Truly, sir, all that I live by is with the awl: I meddle with no tradesman’s matters, nor women’s matters, but with awl. I am, indeed, sir, a surgeon to old shoes; when they are in great danger, I recover them. As proper men as ever trod upon neat’s leather have gone upon my handiwork. |
Flavius |
But wherefore art not in thy shop to-day?
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Second Commoner | Truly, sir, to wear out their shoes, to get myself into more work. But, indeed, sir, we make holiday, to see Caesar and to rejoice in his triumph. |
Marullus |
Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home?
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Flavius |
Go, go, good countrymen, and, for this fault,
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Marullus |
May we do so?
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Flavius |
It is no matter; let no images
|
Scene II
A public place.
Flourish. Enter Caesar; Antony, for the course; Calpurnia, Portia, Decius, Cicero, Brutus, Cassius, and Casca; a great crowd following, among them a Soothsayer. | |
Caesar | Calpurnia! |
Casca | Peace, ho! Caesar speaks. |
Caesar | Calpurnia! |
Calpurnia | Here, my lord. |
Caesar |
Stand you directly in Antonius’ way,
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Antony | Caesar, my lord? |
Caesar |
Forget not, in your speed, Antonius,
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Antony |
I shall remember:
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Caesar | Set on; and leave no ceremony out. Flourish. |
Soothsayer | Caesar! |
Caesar | Ha! who calls? |
Casca | Bid every noise be still: peace yet again! |
Caesar |
Who is it in the press that calls on me?
|
Soothsayer | Beware the ides of March. |
Caesar | What man is that? |
Brutus | A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March. |
Caesar | Set him before me; let me see his face. |
Cassius | Fellow, come from the throng; look upon Caesar. |
Caesar | What say’st thou to me now? speak once again. |
Soothsayer | Beware the ides of March. |
Caesar | He is a dreamer; let us leave him: pass. Sennet. Exeunt all except Brutus and Cassius. |
Cassius | Will you go see the order of the course? |
Brutus | Not I. |
Cassius | I pray you, do. |
Brutus |
I am not gamesome: I do lack some part
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Cassius |
Brutus, I do observe you now of late:
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Brutus |
Cassius,
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Cassius |
Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion;
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Brutus |
No, Cassius; for the eye sees not itself,
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Cassius |
’Tis just:
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Brutus |
Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius,
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Cassius |
Therefore, good Brutus, be prepared to hear:
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Brutus |
What means this shouting? I do fear, the people
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Cassius |
Ay, do you fear it?
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Brutus |
I would not, Cassius; yet I love him well.
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Cassius |
I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus,
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Brutus |
Another general shout!
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Cassius |
Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world
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Brutus |
That you do love me, I am nothing jealous;
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Cassius |
I am glad that my weak words
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Brutus | The games are done and Caesar is returning. |
Cassius |
As they pass by, pluck Casca by the sleeve;
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Re-enter Caesar and his Train. | |
Brutus |
I will do so. But, look you, Cassius,
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Cassius | Casca will tell us what the matter is. |
Caesar | Antonius! |
Antony | Caesar? |
Caesar |
Let me have men about me that are fat:
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Antony |
Fear him not, Caesar; he’s not dangerous;
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Caesar |
Would he were fatter! But I fear him not:
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Casca | You pull’d me by the cloak; would you speak with me? |
Brutus |
Ay, Casca; tell us what hath chanced to-day,
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Casca | Why, you were with him, were you not? |
Brutus | I should not then ask Casca what had chanced. |
Casca | Why, there was a crown offered him: and being offered him, he put it by with the back of his hand, thus; and then the people fell a-shouting. |
Brutus | What was the second noise for? |
Casca | Why, for that too. |
Cassius | They shouted thrice: what was the last cry for? |
Casca | Why, for that too. |
Brutus | Was the crown offered him thrice? |
Casca | Ay, marry, was’t, and he put it by thrice, every time gentler than other, and at every putting-by mine honest neighbours shouted. |
Cassius | Who offered him the crown? |
Casca | Why, Antony. |
Brutus | Tell us the manner of it, gentle Casca. |
Casca | I can as well be hanged as tell the manner of it: it was mere foolery; I did not mark it. I saw Mark Antony offer him a crown;—yet ’twas not a crown neither, ’twas one of these coronets;—and, as I told you, he put it by once: but, for all that, to my thinking, he would fain have had it. Then he offered it to him again; then he put it by again: but, to my thinking, he was very loath to lay his fingers off it. And then he offered it the third time; he put it the third time by: and still as he refused it, the rabblement hooted and clapped their chopped hands and threw up their sweaty night-caps and uttered such a deal of stinking breath because Caesar refused the crown that it had almost choked Caesar; for he swounded and fell down at it: and for mine own part, I durst not laugh, for fear of opening my lips and receiving the bad air. |
Cassius | But, soft, I pray you: what, did Caesar swound? |
Casca | He fell down in the market-place, and foamed at mouth, and was speechless. |
Brutus | ’Tis very like: he hath the failing sickness. |
Cassius |
No, Caesar hath it not; but you and I
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Casca | I know not what you mean by that; but, I am sure, Caesar fell down. If the tag-rag people did not clap him and hiss him, according as he pleased and displeased them, as they use to do the players in the theatre, I am no true man. |
Brutus | What said he when he came unto himself? |
Casca | Marry, before he fell down, when he perceived the common herd was glad he refused the crown, he plucked me ope his doublet and offered them his throat to cut. An I had been a man of any occupation, if I would not have taken him at a word, I would I might go to hell among the rogues. And so he fell. When he came to himself again, he said, If he had done or said anything amiss, he desired their worships to think it was his infirmity. Three or four wenches, where I stood, cried “Alas, good soul!” and forgave him with all their hearts: but there’s no heed to be taken of them: if Caesar had stabbed their mothers, they would have done no less. |
Brutus | And after that, he came, thus sad, away? |
Casca | Ay. |
Cassius | Did Cicero say anything? |
Casca | Ay, he spoke Greek. |
Cassius | To what effect? |
Casca | Nay, an I tell you that, I’ll ne’er look you i’ the face again: but those that understood him smiled at one another and shook their heads; but, for mine own part, it was Greek to me. I could tell you more news too: Marullus and Flavius, for pulling scarfs off Caesar’s images, are put to silence. Fare you well. There was more foolery yet, if I could remember it. |
Cassius | Will you sup with me to-night, Casca? |
Casca | No, I am promised forth. |
Cassius | Will you dine with me to-morrow? |
Casca | Ay, if I be alive and your mind hold and your dinner worth the eating. |
Cassius | Good: I will expect you. |
Casca | Do so. Farewell, both. Exit. |
Brutus |
What a blunt fellow is this grown to be!
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Cassius |
So is he now in execution
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Brutus |
And so it is. For this time I will leave you:
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Cassius |
I will do so: till then, think of the world. Exit Brutus.
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Scene III
The same. A street.
Thunder and lightning. Enter from opposite sides, Casca, with his sword drawn, and Cicero. | |
Cicero |
Good even, Casca: brought you Caesar home?
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Casca |
Are not you moved, when all the sway of earth
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Cicero | Why, saw you anything more wonderful? |
Casca |
A common slave—you know him well by sight—
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Cicero |
Indeed, it is a strange-disposed time:
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Casca |
He doth; for he did bid Antonius
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Cicero |
Good night then, Casca: this disturbed sky
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Casca | Farewell, Cicero. Exit Cicero. |
Enter Cassius. | |
Cassius | Who’s there? |
Casca | A Roman. |
Cassius | Casca, by your voice. |
Casca | Your ear is good. Cassius, what night is this! |
Cassius | A very pleasing night to honest men. |
Casca | Who ever knew the heavens menace so? |
Cassius |
Those that have known the earth so full of faults.
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Casca |
But wherefore did you so much tempt the heavens?
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Cassius |
You are dull, Casca, and those sparks of life
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Casca | ’Tis Caesar that you mean; is it not, Cassius? |
Cassius |
Let it be who it is: for Romans now
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Casca |
Indeed, they say the senators to-morrow
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Cassius |
I know where I will wear this dagger then;
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Casca |
So can I:
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Cassius |
And why should Caesar be a tyrant then?
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Casca |
You speak to Casca, and to such a man
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Cassius |
There’s a bargain made.
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Casca | Stand close awhile, for here comes one in haste. |
Cassius |
’Tis Cinna; I do know him by his gait;
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Enter Cinna. | |
Cinna, where haste you so? | |
Cinna | To find out you. Who’s that? Metellus Cimber? |
Cassius |
No, it is Casca; one incorporate
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Cinna |
I am glad on’t. What a fearful night is this!
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Cassius | Am I not stay’d for? tell me. |
Cinna |
Yes, you are.
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Cassius |
Be you content: good Cinna, take this paper,
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Cinna |
All but Metellus Cimber; and he’s gone
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Cassius |
That done, repair to Pompey’s theatre. Exit Cinna.
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Casca |
O, he sits high in all the people’s hearts:
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Cassius |
Him and his worth and our great need of him
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Act II
Scene I
Rome. Brutus’s orchard.
Enter Brutus. | |
Brutus |
What, Lucius, ho!
|
Enter Lucius. | |
Lucius | Call’d you, my lord? |
Brutus |
Get me a taper in my study, Lucius:
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Lucius | I will, my lord. Exit. |
Brutus |
It must be by his death: and for my part,
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Re-enter Lucius. | |
Lucius |
The taper burneth in your closet, sir.
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Brutus |
Get you to bed again; it is not day.
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Lucius | I know not, sir. |
Brutus | Look in the calendar, and bring me word. |
Lucius | I will, sir. Exit. |
Brutus |
The exhalations whizzing in the air
|
Re-enter Lucius. | |
Lucius | Sir, March is wasted fourteen days. Knocking within. |
Brutus |
’Tis good. Go to the gate; somebody knocks. Exit Lucius.
|
Re-enter Lucius. | |
Lucius |
Sir, ’tis your brother Cassius at the door,
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Brutus | Is he alone? |
Lucius | No, sir, there are moe with him. |
Brutus | Do you know them? |
Lucius |
No, sir; their hats are pluck’d about their ears,
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Brutus |
Let ’em enter. Exit Lucius.
|
Enter the conspirators, Cassius, Casca, Decius, Cinna, Metellus Cimber, and Trebonius. | |
Cassius |
I think we are too bold upon your rest:
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Brutus |
I have been up this hour, awake all night.
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Cassius |
Yes, every man of them, and no man here
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Brutus | He is welcome hither. |
Cassius | This, Decius Brutus. |
Brutus | He is welcome too. |
Cassius | This, Casca; this, Cinna; and this, Metellus Cimber. |
Brutus |
They are all welcome.
|
Cassius | Shall I entreat a word? Brutus and Cassius whisper. |
Decius | Here lies the east: doth not the day break here? |
Casca | No. |
Cinna |
O, pardon, sir, it doth; and yon gray lines
|
Casca |
You shall confess that you are both deceived.
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Brutus | Give me your hands all over, one by one. |
Cassius | And let us swear our resolution. |
Brutus |
No, not an oath: if not the face of men,
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Cassius |
But what of Cicero? shall we sound him?
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Casca | Let us not leave him out. |
Cinna | No, by no means. |
Metellus |
O, let us have him, for his silver hairs
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Brutus |
O, name him not: let us not break with him;
|
Cassius | Then leave him out. |
Casca | Indeed he is not fit. |
Decius | Shall no man else be touch’d but only Caesar? |
Cassius |
Decius, well urged: I think it is not meet,
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Brutus |
Our course will seem too bloody, Caius Cassius,
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Cassius |
Yet I fear him;
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Brutus |
Alas, good Cassius, do not think of him:
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Trebonius |
There is no fear in him: let him not die;
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Brutus | Peace! count the clock. |
Cassius | The clock hath stricken three. |
Trebonius | ’Tis time to part. |
Cassius |
But it is doubtful yet,
|
Decius |
Never fear that: if he be so resolved,
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Cassius | Nay, we will all of us be there to fetch him. |
Brutus | By the eighth hour: is that the uttermost? |
Cinna | Be that the uttermost, and fail not then. |
Metellus |
Caius Ligarius doth bear Caesar hard,
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Brutus |
Now, good Metellus, go along by him:
|
Cassius |
The morning comes upon’s: we’ll leave you, Brutus.
|
Brutus |
Good gentlemen, look fresh and merrily;
|
Enter Portia. | |
Portia | Brutus, my lord! |
Brutus |
Portia, what mean you? wherefore rise you now?
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Portia |
Nor for yours neither. You’ve ungently, Brutus,
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Brutus | I am not well in health, and that is all. |
Portia |
Brutus is wise, and, were he not in health,
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Brutus | Why, so I do. Good Portia, go to bed. |
Portia |
Is Brutus sick? and is it physical
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Brutus | Kneel not, gentle Portia. |
Portia |
I should not need, if you were gentle Brutus.
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Brutus |
You are my true and honourable wife,
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Portia |
If this were true, then should I know this secret.
|
Brutus |
O ye gods,
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Re-enter Lucius with Ligarius. | |
Lucius | Here is a sick man that would speak with you. |
Brutus |
Caius Ligarius, that Metellus spake of.
|
Ligarius | Vouchsafe good morrow from a feeble tongue. |
Brutus |
O, what a time have you chose out, brave Caius,
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Ligarius |
I am not sick, if Brutus have in hand
|
Brutus |
Such an exploit have I in hand, Ligarius,
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Ligarius |
By all the gods that Romans bow before,
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Brutus | A piece of work that will make sick men whole. |
Ligarius | But are not some whole that we must make sick? |
Brutus |
That must we also. What it is, my Caius,
|
Ligarius |
Set on your foot,
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Brutus | Follow me, then. Exeunt. |
Scene II
Caesar’s house.
Thunder and lightning. Enter Caesar, in his night-gown. | |
Caesar |
Nor heaven nor earth have been at peace to-night:
|
Enter a Servant. | |
Servant | My lord? |
Caesar |
Go bid the priests do present sacrifice
|
Servant | I will, my lord. Exit. |
Enter Calpurnia. | |
Calpurnia |
What mean you, Caesar, think you to walk forth?
|
Caesar |
Caesar shall forth: the things that threaten’d me
|
Calpurnia |
Caesar, I never stood on ceremonies,
|
Caesar |
What can be avoided
|
Calpurnia |
When beggars die, there are no comets seen;
|
Caesar |
Cowards die many times before their deaths;
|
Re-enter Servant. | |
What say the augurers? | |
Servant |
They would not have you to stir forth to-day.
|
Caesar |
The gods do this in shame of cowardice:
|
Calpurnia |
Alas, my lord,
|
Caesar |
Mark Antony shall say I am not well;
|
Enter Decius. | |
Here’s Decius Brutus, he shall tell them so. | |
Decius |
Caesar, all hail! good morrow, worthy Caesar:
|
Caesar |
And you are come in very happy time,
|
Calpurnia | Say he is sick. |
Caesar |
Shall Caesar send a lie?
|
Decius |
Most mighty Caesar, let me know some cause,
|
Caesar |
The cause is in my will: I will not come;
|
Decius |
This dream is all amiss interpreted;
|
Caesar | And this way have you well expounded it. |
Decius |
I have, when you have heard what I can say:
|
Caesar |
How foolish do your fears seem now, Calpurnia!
|
Enter Publius, Brutus, Ligarius, Metellus, Casca, Trebonius, and Cinna. | |
And look where Publius is come to fetch me. | |
Publius | Good morrow, Caesar. |
Caesar |
Welcome, Publius.
|
Brutus | Caesar, ’tis strucken eight. |
Caesar | I thank you for your pains and courtesy. |
Enter Antony. | |
See! Antony, that revels long o’ nights,
|
|
Antony | So to most noble Caesar. |
Caesar |
Bid them prepare within:
|
Trebonius |
Caesar, I will: Aside and so near will I be,
|
Caesar |
Good friends, go in, and taste some wine with me;
|
Brutus |
Aside That every like is not the same, O Caesar,
|
Scene III
A street near the Capitol.
Enter Artemidorus, reading a paper. | |
Artemidorus |
“Caesar, beware of Brutus; take heed of Cassius; come not near Casca; have an eye to Cinna; trust not Trebonius; mark well Metellus Cimber: Decius Brutus loves thee not: thou hast wronged Caius Ligarius. There is but one mind in all these men, and it is bent against Caesar. If thou beest not immortal, look about you: security gives way to conspiracy. The mighty gods defend thee! Thy lover, “Artemidorus.” |
Here will I stand till Caesar pass along,
|
Scene IV
Another part of the same street, before the house of Brutus.
Enter Portia and Lucius. | |
Portia |
I prithee, boy, run to the senate-house;
|
Lucius | To know my errand, madam. |
Portia |
I would have had thee there, and here again,
|
Lucius |
Madam, what should I do?
|
Portia |
Yes, bring me word, boy, if thy lord look well,
|
Lucius | I hear none, madam. |
Portia |
Prithee, listen well;
|
Lucius | Sooth, madam, I hear nothing. |
Enter the Soothsayer. | |
Portia | Come hither, fellow: which way hast thou been? |
Soothsayer | At mine own house, good lady. |
Portia | What is’t o’clock? |
Soothsayer | About the ninth hour, lady. |
Portia | Is Caesar yet gone to the Capitol? |
Soothsayer |
Madam, not yet: I go to take my stand,
|
Portia | Thou hast some suit to Caesar, hast thou not? |
Soothsayer |
That I have, lady: if it will please Caesar
|
Portia | Why, know’st thou any harm’s intended towards him? |
Soothsayer |
None that I know will be, much that I fear may chance.
|
Portia |
I must go in. Ay me, how weak a thing
|
Act III
Scene I
Rome. Before the Capitol; the Senate sitting above.
A crowd of people; among them Artemidorus and the Soothsayer. Flourish. Enter Caesar, Brutus, Cassius, Casca, Decius, Metellus, Trebonius, Cinna, Antony, Lepidus, Popilius, Publius, and others. | |
Caesar | To the Soothsayer The ides of March are come. |
Soothsayer | Ay, Caesar; but not gone. |
Artemidorus | Hail, Caesar! read this schedule. |
Decius |
Trebonius doth desire you to o’er-read,
|
Artemidorus |
O Caesar, read mine first; for mine’s a suit
|
Caesar | What touches us ourself shall be last served. |
Artemidorus | Delay not, Caesar; read it instantly. |
Caesar | What, is the fellow mad? |
Publius | Sirrah, give place. |
Cassius |
What, urge you your petitions in the street?
|
Caesar goes up to the Senate-House, the rest following. | |
Popilius | I wish your enterprise to-day may thrive. |
Cassius | What enterprise, Popilius? |
Popilius | Fare you well. Advances to Caesar. |
Brutus | What said Popilius Lena? |
Cassius |
He wish’d to-day our enterprise might thrive.
|
Brutus | Look, how he makes to Caesar: mark him. |
Cassius |
Casca, be sudden, for we fear prevention.
|
Brutus |
Cassius, be constant:
|
Cassius |
Trebonius knows his time; for, look you, Brutus,
|
Decius |
Where is Metellus Cimber? Let him go,
|
Brutus | He is address’d: press near and second him. |
Cinna | Casca, you are the first that rears your hand. |
Caesar |
Are we all ready? What is now amiss
|
Metellus |
Most high, most mighty, and most puissant Caesar,
|
Caesar |
I must prevent thee, Cimber.
|
Metellus |
Is there no voice more worthy than my own,
|
Brutus |
I kiss thy hand, but not in flattery, Caesar;
|
Caesar | What, Brutus! |
Cassius |
Pardon, Caesar; Caesar, pardon:
|
Cassius |
I could be well moved, if I were as you;
|
Cinna | O Caesar— |
Caesar | Hence! wilt thou lift up Olympus? |
Decius | Great Caesar— |
Caesar | Doth not Brutus bootless kneel? |
Casca | Speak, hands for me! Casca first, then the other Conspirators and Marcus Brutus stab Caesar. |
Caesar | Et tu, Brute! Then fall, Caesar. Dies. |
Cinna |
Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!
|
Cassius |
Some to the common pulpits, and cry out
|
Brutus |
People and senators, be not affrighted;
|
Casca | Go to the pulpit, Brutus. |
Decius | And Cassius too. |
Brutus | Where’s Publius? |
Cinna | Here, quite confounded with this mutiny. |
Metellus |
Stand fast together, lest some friend of Caesar’s
|
Brutus |
Talk not of standing. Publius, good cheer;
|
Cassius |
And leave us, Publius; lest that the people,
|
Brutus |
Do so: and let no man abide this deed,
|
Re-enter Trebonius. | |
Cassius | Where is Antony? |
Trebonius |
Fled to his house amazed:
|
Brutus |
Fates, we will know your pleasures:
|
Cassius |
Why, he that cuts off twenty years of life
|
Brutus |
Grant that, and then is death a benefit:
|
Cassius |
Stoop, then, and wash. How many ages hence
|
Brutus |
How many times shall Caesar bleed in sport,
|
Cassius |
So oft as that shall be,
|
Decius | What, shall we forth? |
Cassius |
Ay, every man away:
|
Enter a Servant. | |
Brutus | Soft! who comes here? A friend of Antony’s. |
Servant |
Thus, Brutus, did my master bid me kneel;
|
Brutus |
Thy master is a wise and valiant Roman;
|
Servant | I’ll fetch him presently. Exit. |
Brutus | I know that we shall have him well to friend. |
Cassius |
I wish we may: but yet have I a mind
|
Brutus | But here comes Antony. |
Re-enter Antony. | |
Welcome, Mark Antony. | |
Antony |
O mighty Caesar! dost thou lie so low?
|
Brutus |
O Antony, beg not your death of us.
|
Cassius |
Your voice shall be as strong as any man’s
|
Brutus |
Only be patient till we have appeased
|
Antony |
I doubt not of your wisdom.
|
Cassius | Mark Antony— |
Antony |
Pardon me, Caius Cassius:
|
Cassius |
I blame you not for praising Caesar so;
|
Antony |
Therefore I took your hands, but was, indeed,
|
Brutus |
Or else were this a savage spectacle:
|
Antony |
That’s all I seek:
|
Brutus | You shall, Mark Antony. |
Cassius |
Brutus, a word with you.
|
Brutus |
By your pardon;
|
Cassius | I know not what may fall; I like it not. |
Brutus |
Mark Antony, here, take you Caesar’s body.
|
Antony |
Be it so;
|
Brutus | Prepare the body then, and follow us. Exeunt all but Antony. |
Antony |
O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth,
|
Enter a Servant. | |
You serve Octavius Caesar, do you not? | |
Servant | I do, Mark Antony. |
Antony | Caesar did write for him to come to Rome. |
Servant |
He did receive his letters, and is coming;
|
Antony |
Thy heart is big, get thee apart and weep.
|
Servant | He lies to-night within seven leagues of Rome. |
Antony |
Post back with speed, and tell him what hath chanced:
|
Scene II
The Forum.
Enter Brutus and Cassius, and a throng of Citizens. | |
Citizens | We will be satisfied; let us be satisfied. |
Brutus |
Then follow me, and give me audience, friends.
|
First Citizen | I will hear Brutus speak. |
Second Citizen |
I will hear Cassius; and compare their reasons,
|
Third Citizen | The noble Brutus is ascended: silence! |
Brutus | Be patient till the last. Romans, countrymen, and lovers! hear me for my cause, and be silent, that you may hear: believe me for mine honour, and have respect to mine honour, that you may believe: censure me in your wisdom, and awake your senses, that you may the better judge. If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar’s, to him I say, that Brutus’ love to Caesar was no less than his. If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer:—Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more. Had you rather Caesar were living and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men? As Caesar loved me, I weep for him; as he was fortunate, I rejoice at it; as he was valiant, I honour him: but, as he was ambitious, I slew him. There is tears for his love; joy for his fortune; honour for his valour; and death for his ambition. Who is here so base that would be a bondman? If any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any, speak; for him have I offended. Who is here so vile that will not love his country? If any, speak; for him have I offended. I pause for a reply. |
All | None, Brutus, none. |
Brutus | Then none have I offended. I have done no more to Caesar than you shall do to Brutus. The question of his death is enrolled in the Capitol; his glory not extenuated, wherein he was worthy, nor his offences enforced, for which he suffered death. |
Enter Antony and others, with Caesar’s body. | |
Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony: who, though he had no hand in his death, shall receive the benefit of his dying, a place in the commonwealth; as which of you shall not? With this I depart—that, as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself, when it shall please my country to need my death. | |
All | Live, Brutus! live, live! |
First Citizen | Bring him with triumph home unto his house. |
Second Citizen | Give him a statue with his ancestors. |
Third Citizen | Let him be Caesar. |
Fourth Citizen |
Caesar’s better parts
|
First Citizen |
We’ll bring him to his house
|
Brutus | My countrymen— |
Second Citizen | Peace, silence! Brutus speaks. |
First Citizen | Peace, ho! |
Brutus |
Good countrymen, let me depart alone,
|
First Citizen | Stay, ho! and let us hear Mark Antony. |
Third Citizen |
Let him go up into the public chair;
|
Antony | For Brutus’ sake, I am beholding to you. Goes into the pulpit. |
Fourth Citizen | What does he say of Brutus? |
Third Citizen |
He says, for Brutus’ sake,
|
Fourth Citizen | ’Twere best he speak no harm of Brutus here. |
First Citizen | This Caesar was a tyrant. |
Third Citizen |
Nay, that’s certain:
|
Second Citizen | Peace! let us hear what Antony can say. |
Antony | You gentle Romans— |
Citizens | Peace, ho! let us hear him. |
Antony |
Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears;
|
First Citizen | Methinks there is much reason in his sayings. |
Second Citizen |
If thou consider rightly of the matter,
|
Third Citizen |
Has he, masters?
|
Fourth Citizen |
Mark’d ye his words? He would not take the crown;
|
First Citizen | If it be found so, some will dear abide it. |
Second Citizen | Poor soul! his eyes are red as fire with weeping. |
Third Citizen | There’s not a nobler man in Rome than Antony. |
Fourth Citizen | Now mark him, he begins again to speak. |
Antony |
But yesterday the word of Caesar might
|
Fourth Citizen | We’ll hear the will: read it, Mark Antony. |
All | The will, the will! we will hear Caesar’s will. |
Antony |
Have patience, gentle friends, I must not read it;
|
Fourth Citizen |
Read the will; we’ll hear it, Antony;
|
Antony |
Will you be patient? will you stay awhile?
|
Fourth Citizen | They were traitors: honourable men! |
All | The will! the testament! |
Second Citizen | They were villains, murderers: the will! read the will. |
Antony |
You will compel me, then, to read the will?
|
Several Citizens | Come down. |
Second Citizen | Descend. |
Third Citizen | You shall have leave. Antony comes down. |
Fourth Citizen | A ring; stand round. |
First Citizen | Stand from the hearse, stand from the body. |
Second Citizen | Room for Antony, most noble Antony. |
Antony | Nay, press not so upon me; stand far off. |
Several Citizens | Stand back; room; bear back. |
Antony |
If you have tears, prepare to shed them now.
|
First Citizen | O piteous spectacle! |
Second Citizen | O noble Caesar! |
Third Citizen | O woful day! |
Fourth Citizen | O traitors, villains! |
First Citizen | O most bloody sight! |
Second Citizen | We will be revenged. |
All | Revenge! About! Seek! Burn! Fire! Kill! Slay! Let not a traitor live! |
Antony | Stay, countrymen. |
First Citizen | Peace there! hear the noble Antony. |
Second Citizen | We’ll hear him, we’ll follow him, we’ll die with him. |
Antony |
Good friends, sweet friends, let me not stir you up
|
All | We’ll mutiny. |
First Citizen | We’ll burn the house of Brutus. |
Third Citizen | Away, then! come, seek the conspirators. |
Antony | Yet hear me, countrymen; yet hear me speak. |
All | Peace, ho! Hear Antony. Most noble Antony! |
Antony |
Why, friends, you go to do you know not what:
|
All | Most true. The will! Let’s stay and hear the will. |
Antony |
Here is the will, and under Caesar’s seal.
|
Second Citizen | Most noble Caesar! We’ll revenge his death. |
Third Citizen | O royal Caesar! |
Antony | Hear me with patience. |
All | Peace, ho! |
Antony |
Moreover, he hath left you all his walks,
|
First Citizen |
Never, never. Come, away, away!
|
Second Citizen | Go fetch fire. |
Third Citizen | Pluck down benches. |
Fourth Citizen | Pluck down forms, windows, anything. Exeunt Citizens with the body. |
Antony |
Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot,
|
Enter a Servant. | |
How now, fellow! | |
Servant | Sir, Octavius is already come to Rome. |
Antony | Where is he? |
Servant | He and Lepidus are at Caesar’s house. |
Antony |
And thither will I straight to visit him:
|
Servant |
I heard him say, Brutus and Cassius
|
Antony |
Belike they had some notice of the people,
|
Scene III
A street.
Enter Cinna the poet. | |
Cinna |
I dreamt to-night that I did feast with Caesar,
|
Enter Citizens. | |
First Citizen | What is your name? |
Second Citizen | Whither are you going? |
Third Citizen | Where do you dwell? |
Fourth Citizen | Are you a married man or a bachelor? |
Second Citizen | Answer every man directly. |
First Citizen | Ay, and briefly. |
Fourth Citizen | Ay, and wisely. |
Third Citizen | Ay, and truly, you were best. |
Cinna | What is my name? Whither am I going? Where do I dwell? Am I a married man or a bachelor? Then, to answer every man directly and briefly, wisely and truly: wisely I say, I am a bachelor. |
Second Citizen | That’s as much as to say, they are fools that marry: you’ll bear me a bang for that, I fear. Proceed; directly. |
Cinna | Directly, I am going to Caesar’s funeral. |
First Citizen | As a friend or an enemy? |
Cinna | As a friend. |
Second Citizen | That matter is answered directly. |
Fourth Citizen | For your dwelling—briefly. |
Cinna | Briefly, I dwell by the Capitol. |
Third Citizen | Your name, sir, truly. |
Cinna | Truly, my name is Cinna. |
First Citizen | Tear him to pieces; he’s a conspirator. |
Cinna | I am Cinna the poet, I am Cinna the poet. |
Fourth Citizen | Tear him for his bad verses, tear him for his bad verses. |
Cinna | I am not Cinna the conspirator. |
Fourth Citizen | It is no matter, his name’s Cinna; pluck but his name out of his heart, and turn him going. |
Third Citizen | Tear him, tear him! Come, brands ho! fire-brands: to Brutus’, to Cassius’; burn all: some to Decius’ house, and some to Casca’s; some to Ligarius’: away, go! Exeunt. |
Act IV
Scene I
A house in Rome.
Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus, seated at a table. | |
Antony | These many, then, shall die; their names are prick’d. |
Octavius | Your brother too must die; consent you, Lepidus? |
Lepidus | I do consent— |
Octavius | Prick him down, Antony. |
Lepidus |
Upon condition Publius shall not live,
|
Antony |
He shall not live; look, with a spot I damn him.
|
Lepidus | What, shall I find you here? |
Octavius | Or here, or at the Capitol. Exit Lepidus. |
Antony |
This is a slight unmeritable man,
|
Octavius |
So you thought him;
|
Antony |
Octavius, I have seen more days than you:
|
Octavius |
You may do your will;
|
Antony |
So is my horse, Octavius; and for that
|
Octavius |
Let us do so: for we are at the stake,
|
Scene II
Camp near Sardis. Before Brutus’s tent.
Drum. Enter Brutus, Lucilius, Lucius, and Soldiers; Titinius and Pindarus meeting them. | |
Brutus | Stand, ho! |
Lucilius | Give the word, ho! and stand. |
Brutus | What now, Lucilius! is Cassius near? |
Lucilius |
He is at hand; and Pindarus is come
|
Brutus |
He greets me well. Your master, Pindarus,
|
Pindarus |
I do not doubt
|
Brutus |
He is not doubted. A word, Lucilius;
|
Lucilius |
With courtesy and with respect enough;
|
Brutus |
Thou hast described
|
Lucilius |
They mean this night in Sardis to be quarter’d;
|
Brutus |
Hark! he is arrived. Low march within.
|
Enter Cassius and his powers. | |
Cassius | Stand, ho! |
Brutus | Stand, ho! Speak the word along. |
First Soldier | Stand! |
Second Soldier | Stand! |
Third Soldier | Stand! |
Cassius | Most noble brother, you have done me wrong. |
Brutus |
Judge me, you gods! wrong I mine enemies?
|
Cassius |
Brutus, this sober form of yours hides wrongs;
|
Brutus |
Cassius, be content;
|
Cassius |
Pindarus,
|
Brutus |
Lucilius, do you the like; and let no man
|
Scene III
Brutus’s tent.
Enter Brutus and Cassius. | |
Cassius |
That you have wrong’d me doth appear in this:
|
Brutus | You wrong’d yourself to write in such a case. |
Cassius |
In such a time as this it is not meet
|
Brutus |
Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself
|
Cassius |
I an itching palm!
|
Brutus |
The name of Cassius honours this corruption,
|
Cassius | Chastisement! |
Brutus |
Remember March, the ides of March remember:
|
Cassius |
Brutus, bay not me;
|
Brutus | Go to; you are not, Cassius. |
Cassius | I am. |
Brutus | I say you are not. |
Cassius |
Urge me no more, I shall forget myself;
|
Brutus | Away, slight man! |
Cassius | Is’t possible? |
Brutus |
Hear me, for I will speak.
|
Cassius | O ye gods, ye gods! must I endure all this? |
Brutus |
All this! ay, more: fret till your proud heart break;
|
Cassius | Is it come to this? |
Brutus |
You say you are a better soldier:
|
Cassius |
You wrong me every way; you wrong me, Brutus;
|
Brutus | If you did, I care not. |
Cassius | When Caesar lived, he durst not thus have moved me. |
Brutus | Peace, peace! you durst not so have tempted him. |
Cassius | I durst not! |
Brutus | No. |
Cassius | What, durst not tempt him! |
Brutus | For your life you durst not. |
Cassius |
Do not presume too much upon my love;
|
Brutus |
You have done that you should be sorry for.
|
Cassius | I denied you not. |
Brutus | You did. |
Cassius |
I did not: he was but a fool that brought
|
Brutus | I do not, till you practise them on me. |
Cassius | You love me not. |
Brutus | I do not like your faults. |
Cassius | A friendly eye could never see such faults. |
Brutus |
A flatterer’s would not, though they do appear
|
Cassius |
Come, Antony, and young Octavius, come,
|
Brutus |
Sheathe your dagger:
|
Cassius |
Hath Cassius lived
|
Brutus | When I spoke that, I was ill-temper’d too. |
Cassius | Do you confess so much? Give me your hand. |
Brutus | And my heart too. |
Cassius | O Brutus! |
Brutus | What’s the matter? |
Cassius |
Have not you love enough to bear with me,
|
Brutus |
Yes, Cassius; and, from henceforth,
|
Poet |
Within Let me go in to see the generals;
|
Lucilius | Within You shall not come to them. |
Poet | Within Nothing but death shall stay me. |
Enter Poet, followed by Lucilius, Titinius, and Lucius. | |
Cassius | How now! what’s the matter? |
Poet |
For shame, you generals! what do you mean?
|
Cassius | Ha, ha! how vilely doth this cynic rhyme! |
Brutus | Get you hence, sirrah; saucy fellow, hence! |
Cassius | Bear with him, Brutus; ’tis his fashion. |
Brutus |
I’ll know his humour, when he knows his time:
|
Cassius | Away, away, be gone! Exit Poet. |
Brutus |
Lucilius and Titinius, bid the commanders
|
Cassius |
And come yourselves, and bring Messala with you
|
Brutus | Lucius, a bowl of wine! Exit Lucius. |
Cassius | I did not think you could have been so angry. |
Brutus | O Cassius, I am sick of many griefs. |
Cassius |
Of your philosophy you make no use,
|
Brutus | No man bears sorrow better. Portia is dead. |
Cassius | Ha! Portia! |
Brutus | She is dead. |
Cassius |
How ’scaped I killing when I cross’d you so?
|
Brutus |
Impatient of my absence,
|
Cassius | And died so? |
Brutus | Even so. |
Cassius | O ye immortal gods! |
Re-enter Lucius, with wine and taper. | |
Brutus |
Speak no more of her. Give me a bowl of wine.
|
Cassius |
My heart is thirsty for that noble pledge.
|
Brutus | Come in, Titinius! Exit Lucius. |
Re-enter Titinius, with Messala. | |
Welcome, good Messala.
|
|
Cassius | Portia, art thou gone? |
Brutus |
No more, I pray you.
|
Messala | Myself have letters of the self-same tenor. |
Brutus | With what addition? |
Messala |
That by proscription and bills of outlawry,
|
Brutus |
Therein our letters do not well agree;
|
Cassius | Cicero one! |
Messala |
Cicero is dead,
|
Brutus | No, Messala. |
Messala | Nor nothing in your letters writ of her? |
Brutus | Nothing, Messala. |
Messala | That, methinks, is strange. |
Brutus | Why ask you? hear you aught of her in yours? |
Messala | No, my lord. |
Brutus | Now, as you are a Roman, tell me true. |
Messala |
Then like a Roman bear the truth I tell:
|
Brutus |
Why, farewell, Portia. We must die, Messala:
|
Messala | Even so great men great losses should endure. |
Cassius |
I have as much of this in art as you,
|
Brutus |
Well, to our work alive. What do you think
|
Cassius | I do not think it good. |
Brutus | Your reason? |
Cassius |
This it is:
|
Brutus |
Good reasons must, of force, give place to better.
|
Cassius | Hear me, good brother. |
Brutus |
Under your pardon. You must note beside,
|
Cassius |
Then, with your will, go on;
|
Brutus |
The deep of night is crept upon our talk,
|
Cassius |
No more. Good night:
|
Brutus |
Lucius! Enter Lucius. My gown. Exit Lucius. Farewell, good Messala:
|
Cassius |
O my dear brother!
|
Brutus | Everything is well. |
Cassius | Good night, my lord. |
Brutus | Good night, good brother. |
Titinius and Messala | Good night, Lord Brutus. |
Brutus | Farewell, everyone. Exeunt all but Brutus. |
Re-enter Lucius, with the gown. | |
Give me the gown. Where is thy instrument? | |
Lucius | Here in the tent. |
Brutus |
What, thou speak’st drowsily?
|
Lucius | Varro and Claudius! |
Enter Varro and Claudius. | |
Varro | Calls my lord? |
Brutus |
I pray you, sirs, lie in my tent and sleep;
|
Varro | So please you, we will stand and watch your pleasure. |
Brutus |
I will not have it so: lie down, good sirs;
|
Lucius | I was sure your lordship did not give it me. |
Brutus |
Bear with me, good boy, I am much forgetful.
|
Lucius | Ay, my lord, an’t please you. |
Brutus |
It does, my boy:
|
Lucius | It is my duty, sir. |
Brutus |
I should not urge thy duty past thy might;
|
Lucius | I have slept, my lord, already. |
Brutus |
It was well done; and thou shalt sleep again;
|
Enter the Ghost of Caesar. | |
How ill this taper burns! Ha! who comes here?
|
|
Ghost | Thy evil spirit, Brutus. |
Brutus | Why comest thou? |
Ghost | To tell thee thou shalt see me at Philippi. |
Brutus | Well; then I shall see thee again? |
Ghost | Ay, at Philippi. |
Brutus |
Why, I will see thee at Philippi, then. Exit Ghost.
|
Lucius | The strings, my lord, are false. |
Brutus |
He thinks he still is at his instrument.
|
Lucius | My lord? |
Brutus | Didst thou dream, Lucius, that thou so criedst out? |
Lucius | My lord, I do not know that I did cry. |
Brutus | Yes, that thou didst: didst thou see anything? |
Lucius | Nothing, my lord. |
Brutus |
Sleep again, Lucius. Sirrah Claudius!
|
Varro | My lord? |
Claudius | My lord? |
Brutus | Why did you so cry out, sirs, in your sleep? |
Varro and Claudius | Did we, my lord? |
Brutus | Ay: saw you anything? |
Varro | No, my lord, I saw nothing. |
Claudius | Nor I, my lord. |
Brutus |
Go and commend me to my brother Cassius;
|
Varro and Claudius | It shall be done, my lord. Exeunt. |
Act V
Scene I
The plains of Philippi.
Enter Octavius, Antony, and their army. | |
Octavius |
Now, Antony, our hopes are answered:
|
Antony |
Tut, I am in their bosoms, and I know
|
Enter a Messenger. | |
Messenger |
Prepare you, generals:
|
Antony |
Octavius, lead your battle softly on,
|
Octavius | Upon the right hand I; keep thou the left. |
Antony | Why do you cross me in this exigent? |
Octavius | I do not cross you; but I will do so. March. |
Drum. Enter Brutus, Cassius, and their Army; Lucilius, Titinius, Messala, and others. | |
Brutus | They stand, and would have parley. |
Cassius | Stand fast, Titinius: we must out and talk. |
Octavius | Mark Antony, shall we give sign of battle? |
Antony |
No, Caesar, we will answer on their charge.
|
Octavius | Stir not until the signal. |
Brutus | Words before blows: is it so, countrymen? |
Octavius | Not that we love words better, as you do. |
Brutus | Good words are better than bad strokes, Octavius. |
Antony |
In your bad strokes, Brutus, you give good words:
|
Cassius |
Antony,
|
Antony | Not stingless too. |
Brutus |
O, yes, and soundless too;
|
Antony |
Villains, you did not so, when your vile daggers
|
Cassius |
Flatterers! Now, Brutus, thank yourself:
|
Octavius |
Come, come, the cause: if arguing make us sweat,
|
Brutus |
Caesar, thou canst not die by traitors’ hands,
|
Octavius |
So I hope;
|
Brutus |
O, if thou wert the noblest of thy strain,
|
Cassius |
A peevish schoolboy, worthless of such honour,
|
Antony | Old Cassius still! |
Octavius |
Come, Antony, away!
|
Cassius |
Why, now, blow wind, swell billow and swim bark!
|
Brutus | Ho, Lucilius! hark, a word with you. |
Lucilius | Standing forth My lord? Brutus and Lucilius converse apart. |
Cassius | Messala! |
Messala | Standing forth What says my general? |
Cassius |
Messala,
|
Messala | Believe not so. |
Cassius |
I but believe it partly;
|
Brutus | Even so, Lucilius. |
Cassius |
Now, most noble Brutus,
|
Brutus |
Even by the rule of that philosophy
|
Cassius |
Then, if we lose this battle,
|
Brutus |
No, Cassius, no: think not, thou noble Roman,
|
Cassius |
Forever, and forever, farewell, Brutus!
|
Brutus |
Why, then, lead on. O, that a man might know
|
Scene II
The same. The field of battle.
Alarum. Enter Brutus and Messala. | |
Brutus |
Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give these bills
|
Scene III
Another part of the field.
Alarums. Enter Cassius and Titinius. | |
Cassius |
O, look, Titinius, look, the villains fly!
|
Titinius |
O Cassius, Brutus gave the word too early;
|
Enter Pindarus. | |
Pindarus |
Fly further off, my lord, fly further off;
|
Cassius |
This hill is far enough. Look, look, Titinius;
|
Titinius | They are, my lord. |
Cassius |
Titinius, if thou lovest me,
|
Titinius | I will be here again, even with a thought. Exit. |
Cassius |
Go, Pindarus, get higher on that hill;
|
Pindarus | Above O my lord! |
Cassius | What news? |
Pindarus |
Above Titinius is enclosed round about
|
Cassius |
Come down, behold no more.
|
Pindarus descends. | |
Come hither, sirrah:
|
|
Pindarus |
So, I am free; yet would not so have been,
|
Re-enter Titinius with Messala. | |
Messala |
It is but change, Titinius; for Octavius
|
Titinius | These tidings will well comfort Cassius. |
Messala | Where did you leave him? |
Titinius |
All disconsolate,
|
Messala | Is not that he that lies upon the ground? |
Titinius | He lies not like the living. O my heart! |
Messala | Is not that he? |
Titinius |
No, this was he, Messala,
|
Messala |
Mistrust of good success hath done this deed.
|
Titinius | What, Pindarus! where art thou, Pindarus? |
Messala |
Seek him, Titinius, whilst I go to meet
|
Titinius |
Hie you, Messala,
|
Alarum. Re-enter Messala, with Brutus, young Cato, Strato, Volumnius, and Lucilius. | |
Brutus | Where, where, Messala, doth his body lie? |
Messala | Lo, yonder, and Titinius mourning it. |
Brutus | Titinius’ face is upward. |
Cato | He is slain. |
Brutus |
O Julius Caesar, thou art mighty yet!
|
Cato |
Brave Titinius!
|
Brutus |
Are yet two Romans living such as these?
|
Scene IV
Another part of the field.
Alarum. Enter fighting, Soldiers of both armies; then Brutus, young Cato, Lucilius, and others. | |
Brutus | Yet, countrymen, O, yet hold up your heads! |
Cato |
What bastard doth not? Who will go with me?
|
Brutus |
And I am Brutus, Marcus Brutus, I;
|
Lucilius |
O young and noble Cato, art thou down?
|
First Soldier | Yield, or thou diest. |
Lucilius |
Only I yield to die:
|
First Soldier | We must not. A noble prisoner! |
Second Soldier | Room, ho! Tell Antony, Brutus is ta’en. |
First Soldier | I’ll tell the news. Here comes the general. |
Enter Antony. | |
Brutus is ta’en, Brutus is ta’en, my lord. | |
Antony | Where is he? |
Lucilius |
Safe, Antony; Brutus is safe enough:
|
Antony |
This is not Brutus, friend; but, I assure you,
|
Scene V
Another part of the field.
Enter Brutus, Dardanius, Clitus, Strato, and Volumnius. | |
Brutus | Come, poor remains of friends, rest on this rock. |
Clitus |
Statilius show’d the torch-light, but, my lord,
|
Brutus |
Sit thee down, Clitus: slaying is the word;
|
Clitus | What, I, my lord? No, not for all the world. |
Brutus | Peace then! no words. |
Clitus | I’ll rather kill myself. |
Brutus | Hark thee, Dardanius. Whispers. |
Dardanius | Shall I do such a deed? |
Clitus | O Dardanius! |
Dardanius | O Clitus! |
Clitus | What ill request did Brutus make to thee? |
Dardanius | To kill him, Clitus. Look, he meditates. |
Clitus |
Now is that noble vessel full of grief,
|
Brutus | Come hither, good Volumnius; list a word. |
Volumnius | What says my lord? |
Brutus |
Why, this, Volumnius:
|
Volumnius | Not so, my lord. |
Brutus |
Nay, I am sure it is, Volumnius.
|
Volumnius | That’s not an office for a friend, my lord. Alarum still. |
Clitus | Fly, fly, my lord; there is no tarrying here. |
Brutus |
Farewell to you; and you; and you, Volumnius.
|
Clitus | Fly, my lord, fly. |
Brutus |
Hence! I will follow. Exeunt Clitus, Dardanius, and Volumnius.
|
Strato | Give me your hand first. Fare you well, my lord. |
Brutus |
Farewell, good Strato. Runs on his sword. Caesar, now be still:
|
Alarum. Retreat. Enter Octavius, Antony, Messala, Lucilius, and the army. | |
Octavius | What man is that? |
Messala | My master’s man. Strato, where is thy master? |
Strato |
Free from the bondage you are in, Messala:
|
Lucilius |
So Brutus should be found. I thank thee, Brutus,
|
Octavius |
All that served Brutus, I will entertain them.
|
Strato | Ay, if Messala will prefer me to you. |
Octavius | Do so, good Messala. |
Messala | How died my master, Strato? |
Strato | I held the sword, and he did run on it. |
Messala |
Octavius, then take him to follow thee,
|
Antony |
This was the noblest Roman of them all:
|
Octavius |
According to his virtue let us use him,
|
Julius Caesar
was published in 1599 by
William Shakespeare.
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