1. society
2. unrest and war

T HET RAGEDYOFJULIUSCAESAR
byWilliamShakespear e
Dr amatisPer so nae
JULIUSCAESAR,Ro manstatesmanandg ener al
OCTAVIUS,Tr iumvir after Caesar 'sdeath,later Aug ustusCaesar,
fir stemper o r o fRo me
MARKANT ONY,g ener alandfr iendo fCaesar,aTr iumvir after his
death
LEPIDUS,thirdmemberoftheTriumvirate
MARCUSBRUTUS,leaderoftheconspiracyagainstCaesar
CASSIUS,instigatoroftheconspiracy
CASCA,conspiratoragainstCaesar
TREBONIUS,"""
CAIUSLIGARIUS,"""
DECIUSBRUTUS,"""
METELLUSCIMBER,"""
CINNA,"""
CALPURNIA,wifeofCaesar
PORTIA,wifeofBrutus
CICERO,senator
POPILIUS,"
POPILIUSLENA,"
FLAVIUS,tribune
MARULLUS,tribune
CATO,supportorofBrutus
LUCILIUS,"""
TITINIUS,"""
MESSALA,"""
VOLUMNIUS,"""
ARTEMIDORUS,ateacherofrhetoric
CINNA,apoet
VARRO,servanttoBrutus
CLITUS,"""
CLAUDIO,"""
STRATO,"""
LUCIUS,"""
DARDANIUS,"""
PINDARUS,servanttoCassius
TheGhostofCaesar
ASoothsayer
APoet
Senators,Citizens,Soldiers,Commoners,Messengers,and
Servants
<<THISELECTRONICVERSIONOFTHECOMPLETEWORKSOFWILLIAM
SHAKESPEAREISCOPYRIGHT1990-1993BYWORLDLIBRARY,INC.,ANDIS
PROVIDEDBYPROJECTGUTENBERGETEXTOFCARNEGIEMELLONUNIVERSITY
WITHPERMISSION.ELECTRONICANDMACHINEREADABLECOPIESMAYBE
DISTRIBUTEDSOLONGASSUCHCOPIES(1)AREFORYOUROROTHERS
PERSONALUSEONLY,AND(2)ARENOTDISTRIBUTEDORUSED
COMMERCIALLY.PROHIBITEDCOMMERCIALDISTRIBUTIONINCLUDESBYANY
SERVICETHATCHARGESFORDOWNLOADTIMEORFORMEMBERSHIP.>>
SCENE:Rome,theconspirators'campnearSardis,andtheplainsofPhilippi.
ACTI.SCENEI.Rome.Astreet.
EnterFlavius,Marullus,andcertainCommoners.
FLAVIUS.Hence,home,youidlecreatures,getyouhome.
Isthisaholiday?What,knowyounot,
Beingmechanical,yououghtnotwalk
Uponalaboringdaywithoutthesign
Ofyourprofession?Speak,whattradeartthou?
FIRSTCOMMONER.Why,sir,acarpenter.
MARULLUS.Whereisthyleatherapronandthyrule?
Whatdostthouwiththybestapparelon?
You,sir,whattradeareyou?
SECONDCOMMONER.Truly,sir,inrespectofafineworkman,Iam
but,asyouwouldsay,acobbler.
MARULLUS.Butwhattradeartthou?Answermedirectly.
SECONDCOMMONER.Atrade,sir,that,Ihope,Imayusewitha
safe
conscience,whichisindeed,sir,amenderofbadsoles.
MARULLUS.Whattrade,thouknave?Thounaughtyknave,what
trade?
SECONDCOMMONER.Nay,Ibeseechyou,sir,benotoutwithme;
yet,
ifyoubeout,sir,Icanmendyou.
MARULLUS.Whatmean'stthoubythat?Mendme,thousaucy
fellow!
SECONDCOMMONER.Why,sir,cobbleyou.
FLAVIUS.Thouartacobbler,artthou?
SECONDCOMMONER.Truly,Sir,allthatIlivebyiswiththe
awl;I
meddlewithnotradesman'smatters,norwomen'smatters,but
with
awl.Iamindeed,sir,asurgeontooldshoes;whentheyare
in
greatdanger,Irecoverthem.Aspropermenasevertrodupon
neat'sleatherhavegoneuponmyhandiwork.
FLAVIUS.Butwhereforeartnotinthyshoptoday?
Whydostthouleadthesemenaboutthestreets?
SECONDCOMMONER.Truly,sir,towearouttheirshoestoget
myself
intomorework.Butindeed,sir,wemakeholidaytosee
Caesar
andtorejoiceinhistriumph.
MARULLUS.Whereforerejoice?Whatconquestbringshehome?
WhattributariesfollowhimtoRome
Tograceincaptivebondshischariotwheels?
Youblocks,youstones,youworsethansenselessthings!
Oyouhardhearts,youcruelmenofRome,
KnewyounotPompey?Manyatimeandoft
Haveyouclimb'duptowallsandbattlements,
Totowersandwindows,yea,tochimneytops,
Yourinfantsinyourarms,andtherehavesat
Thelivelongdaywithpatientexpectation
ToseegreatPompeypassthestreetsofRome.
Andwhenyousawhischariotbutappear,
Haveyounotmadeanuniversalshout
ThatTibertrembledunderneathherbanks
Tohearthereplicationofyoursounds
Madeinherconcaveshores?
Anddoyounowputonyourbestattire?
Anddoyounowculloutaholiday?
Anddoyounowstrewflowersinhisway
ThatcomesintriumphoverPompey'sblood?
Begone!
Runtoyourhouses,falluponyourknees,
Praytothegodstointermittheplague
Thatneedsmustlightonthisingratitude.
FLAVIUS.Go,go,goodcountrymen,and,forthisfault,
Assembleallthepoormenofyoursort,
DrawthemtoTiberbanks,andweepyourtears
Intothechannel,tilltheloweststream
Dokissthemostexaltedshoresofall.
ExeuntallCommoners.
Seewhethertheirbasestmetalbenotmoved;
Theyvanishtongue-tiedintheirguiltiness.
GoyoudownthatwaytowardstheCapitol;
ThiswaywillI.Disrobetheimages
Ifyoudofindthemdeck'dwithceremonies.
MARULLUS.Maywedoso?
YouknowitisthefeastofLupercal.
FLAVIUS.Itisnomatter;letnoimages
BehungwithCaesar'strophies.I'llabout
Anddriveawaythevulgarfromthestreets;
Sodoyoutoo,whereyouperceivethemthick.
Thesegrowingfeatherspluck'dfromCaesar'swing
Willmakehimflyanordinarypitch,
Whoelsewouldsoarabovetheviewofmen
Andkeepusallinservilefearfulness.Exeunt.
SCENEII.Apublicplace.
Flourish.EnterCaesar;Antony,forthecourse;Calpurnia,
Portia,
Decius,Cicero,Brutus,Cassius,andCasca;agreatcrowd
follows,
amongthemaSoothsayer.
CAESAR.Calpurnia!
CASCA.Peace,ho!Caesarspeaks.
Musicceases.
CAESAR.Calpurnia!
CALPURNIA.Here,mylord.
CAESAR.StandyoudirectlyinAntonio'sway,
Whenhedothrunhiscourse.Antonio!
ANTONY.Caesar,mylord?
CAESAR.Forgetnotinyourspeed,Antonio,
TotouchCalpurnia,forourelderssay
Thebarren,touchedinthisholychase,
Shakeofftheirsterilecurse.
ANTONY.Ishallremember.
WhenCaesarsays"Dothis,"itisperform'd.
CAESAR.Seton,andleavenoceremonyout.Flourish.
SOOTHSAYER.Caesar!
CAESAR.Ha!Whocalls?
CASCA.Bideverynoisebestill.Peaceyetagain!
CAESAR.Whoisitinthepressthatcallsonme?
Ihearatongue,shrillerthanallthemusic,
Cry"Caesar."Speak,Caesaristurn'dtohear.
SOOTHSAYER.BewaretheidesofMarch.
CAESAR.Whatmanisthat?
BRUTUS.AsoothsayeryoubewaretheidesofMarch.
CAESAR.Sethimbeforemeletmeseehisface.
CASSIUS.Fellow,comefromthethrong;lookuponCaesar.
CAESAR.Whatsay'stthoutomenow?Speakonceagain.
SOOTHSAYER.BewaretheidesofMarch.
CAESAR.Heisadreamer;letusleavehim.Pass.
Sennet.ExeuntallbutBrutusandCassius.
CASSIUS.Willyougoseetheorderofthecourse?
BRUTUS.NotI.
CASSIUS.Iprayyou,do.
BRUTUS.Iamnotgamesome;Idolacksomepart
OfthatquickspiritthatisinAntony.
Letmenothinder,Cassius,yourdesires;
I'llleaveyou.
CASSIUS.Brutus,Idoobserveyounowoflate;
Ihavenotfromyoureyesthatgentleness
AndshowofloveasIwaswonttohave;
Youbeartoostubbornandtoostrangeahand
Overyourfriendthatlovesyou.
BRUTUS.Cassius,
Benotdeceived;ifIhaveveil'dmylook,
Iturnthetroubleofmycountenance
Merelyuponmyself.VexedIam
Oflatewithpassionsofsomedifference,
Conceptionsonlypropertomyself,
Whichgivesomesoilperhapstomybehaviors;
ButletnotthereforemygoodfriendsbegrievedAmongwhichnumber,Cassius,beyouoneNorconstrueanyfurthermyneglect
ThanthatpoorBrutuswithhimselfatwar
Forgetstheshowsoflovetoothermen.
CASSIUS.Then,Brutus,Ihavemuchmistookyourpassion,
Bymeanswhereofthisbreastofminehathburied
Thoughtsofgreatvalue,worthycogitations.
Tellme,goodBrutus,canyouseeyourface?
BRUTUS.No,Cassius,fortheeyeseesnotitself
Butbyreflection,bysomeotherthings.
CASSIUS.'Tisjust,
Anditisverymuchlamented,Brutus,
Thatyouhavenosuchmirrorsaswillturn
Yourhiddenworthinessintoyoureye
Thatyoumightseeyourshadow.Ihaveheard
WheremanyofthebestrespectinRome,
ExceptimmortalCaesar,speakingofBrutus
Andgroaningunderneaththisage'syoke,
Havewish'dthatnobleBrutushadhiseyes.
BRUTUS.Intowhatdangerswouldyouleadme,Cassius,
Thatyouwouldhavemeseekintomyself
Forthatwhichisnotinme?
CASSIUS.Therefore,goodBrutus,bepreparedtohear,
Andsinceyouknowyoucannotseeyourself
Sowellasbyreflection,Iyourglass
Willmodestlydiscovertoyourself
Thatofyourselfwhichyouyetknownotof.
Andbenotjealousonme,gentleBrutus;
WereIacommonlaugher,ordiduse
Tostalewithordinaryoathsmylove
Toeverynewprotester,ifyouknow
ThatIdofawnonmenandhugthemhard
Andafterscandalthem,orifyouknow
ThatIprofessmyselfinbanqueting
Toalltherout,thenholdmedangerous.
Flourishandshout.
BRUTUS.Whatmeansthisshouting?Idofearthepeople
ChooseCaesarfortheirking.
CASSIUS.Ay,doyoufearit?
ThenmustIthinkyouwouldnothaveitso.
BRUTUS.Iwouldnot,Cassius,yetIlovehimwell.
Butwhereforedoyouholdmeheresolong?
Whatisitthatyouwouldimparttome?
Ifitbeaughttowardthegeneralgood,
Sethonorinoneeyeanddeathi'theother
AndIwilllookonbothindifferently.
ForletthegodssospeedmeasIlove
ThenameofhonormorethanIfeardeath.
CASSIUS.Iknowthatvirtuetobeinyou,Brutus,
AswellasIdoknowyouroutwardfavor.
Well,honoristhesubjectofmystory.
Icannottellwhatyouandothermen
Thinkofthislife,but,formysingleself,
Ihadasliefnotbeaslivetobe
InaweofsuchathingasImyself.
IwasbornfreeasCaesar,sowereyou;
Webothhavefedaswell,andwecanboth
Endurethewinter'scoldaswellashe.
Foronce,uponarawandgustyday,
ThetroubledTiberchafingwithhershores,
Caesarsaidtome,"Darestthou,Cassius,now
Leapinwithmeintothisangryflood
Andswimtoyonderpoint?"Upontheword,
AccoutredasIwas,Iplungedin
Andbadehimfollow.Soindeedhedid.
Thetorrentroar'd,andwedidbuffetit
Withlustysinews,throwingitaside
Andstemmingitwithheartsofcontroversy.
Buterewecouldarrivethepointproposed,
Caesarcried,"Helpme,Cassius,orIsink!
I,asAeneasourgreatancestor
DidfromtheflamesofTroyuponhisshoulder
TheoldAnchisesbear,sofromthewavesofTiber
DidIthetiredCaesar.Andthisman
Isnowbecomeagod,andCassiusis
Awretchedcreatureandmustbendhisbody
IfCaesarcarelesslybutnodonhim.
HehadafeverwhenhewasinSpain,
AndwhenthefitwasonhimIdidmark
Howhedidshake.'Tistrue,thisgoddidshake;
Hiscowardlipsdidfromtheircolorfly,
Andthatsameeyewhosebenddothawetheworld
Didlosehisluster.Ididhearhimgroan.
Ay,andthattongueofhisthatbadetheRomans
Markhimandwritehisspeechesintheirbooks,
Alas,itcried,"Givemesomedrink,Titinius,"
Asasickgirl.Yegods!Itdothamazeme
Amanofsuchafeebletempershould
Sogetthestartofthemajesticworld
Andbearthepalmalone.Shout.Flourish.
BRUTUS.Anothergeneralshout!
Idobelievethattheseapplausesare
Forsomenewhonorsthatareheap'donCaesar.
CASSIUS.Why,man,hedothbestridethenarrowworld
LikeaColossus,andwepettymen
Walkunderhishugelegsandpeepabout
Tofindourselvesdishonorablegraves.
Menatsometimearemastersoftheirfates:
Thefault,dearBrutus,isnotinourstars,
Butinourselvesthatweareunderlings.
BrutusandCaesar:whatshouldbeinthat"Caesar"?
Whyshouldthatnamebesoundedmorethanyours?
Writethemtogether,yoursisasfairaname;
Soundthem,itdothbecomethemouthaswell;
Weighthem,itisasheavy;conjurewith'em,
"Brutus"willstartaspiritassoonas"Caesar."
Now,inthenamesofallthegodsatonce,
UponwhatmeatdoththisourCaesarfeed
Thatheisgrownsogreat?Age,thouartshamed!
Rome,thouhastlostthebreedofnoblebloods!
Whenwenttherebyanagesincethegreatflood
Butitwasfamedwithmorethanwithoneman?
Whencouldtheysaytillnowthattalk'dofRome
Thatherwidewallsencompass'dbutoneman?
NowisitRomeindeed,androomenough,
Whenthereisinitbutoneonlyman.
O,youandIhaveheardourfatherssay
TherewasaBrutusoncethatwouldhavebrook'd
TheeternaldeviltokeephisstateinRome
Aseasilyasaking.
BRUTUS.Thatyoudoloveme,Iamnothingjealous;
Whatyouwouldworkmeto,Ihavesomeaim.
HowIhavethoughtofthisandofthesetimes,
Ishallrecounthereafter;forthispresent,
Iwouldnot,sowithloveImightentreatyou,
Beanyfurthermoved.Whatyouhavesaid
Iwillconsider;whatyouhavetosay
Iwillwithpatiencehear,andfindatime
Bothmeettohearandanswersuchhighthings.
Tillthen,mynoblefriend,chewuponthis:
Brutushadratherbeavillager
ThantoreputehimselfasonofRome
Underthesehardconditionsasthistime
Isliketolayuponus.
CASSIUS.Iamgladthatmyweakwords
HavestruckbutthusmuchshowoffirefromBrutus.
Re-enterCaesarandhisTrain.
BRUTUS.Thegamesaredone,andCaesarisreturning.
CASSIUS.Astheypassby,pluckCascabythesleeve,
Andhewill,afterhissourfashion,tellyou
Whathathproceededworthynotetoday.
BRUTUS.Iwilldoso.But,lookyou,Cassius,
TheangryspotdothglowonCaesar'sbrow,
Andalltherestlooklikeachiddentrain:
Calpurnia'scheekispale,andCicero
Lookswithsuchferretandsuchfieryeyes
AswehaveseenhimintheCapitol,
Beingcross'dinconferencebysomesenators.
CASSIUS.Cascawilltelluswhatthematteris.
CAESAR.Antonio!
ANTONY.Caesar?
CAESAR.Letmehavemenaboutmethatarefat,
Sleek-headedmen,andsuchassleepo'nights:
YondCassiushasaleanandhungrylook;
Hethinkstoomuch;suchmenaredangerous.
ANTONY.Fearhimnot,Caesar;he'snotdangerous;
HeisanobleRomanandwellgiven.
CAESAR.Wouldhewerefatter!ButIfearhimnot,
Yetifmynamewereliabletofear,
IdonotknowthemanIshouldavoid
SosoonasthatspareCassius.Hereadsmuch,
Heisagreatobserver,andhelooks
Quitethroughthedeedsofmen.Helovesnoplays,
Asthoudost,Antony;hehearsnomusic;
Seldomhesmiles,andsmilesinsuchasort
Asifhemock'dhimselfandscorn'dhisspirit
Thatcouldbemovedtosmileatanything.
Suchmenashebeneveratheart'sease
Whilestheybeholdagreaterthanthemselves,
Andthereforearetheyverydangerous.
Irathertelltheewhatistobefear'd
ThanwhatIfear,foralwaysIamCaesar.
Comeonmyrighthand,forthisearisdeaf,
Andtellmetrulywhatthouthink'stofhim.
Sennet.ExeuntCaesarandallhisTrainbutCasca.
CASCA.Youpull'dmebythecloak;wouldyouspeakwithme?
BRUTUS.Ay,Casca,telluswhathathchancedtoday
ThatCaesarlookssosad.
CASCA.Why,youwerewithhim,wereyounot?
BRUTUS.IshouldnotthenaskCascawhathadchanced.
CASCA.Why,therewasacrownofferedhim,andbeingoffered
him,
heputitbywiththebackofhishand,thus,andthenthe
peoplefellashouting.
BRUTUS.Whatwasthesecondnoisefor?
CASCA.Why,forthattoo.
CASSIUS.Theyshoutedthrice.Whatwasthelastcryfor?
CASCA.Why,forthattoo.
BRUTUS.Wasthecrownofferedhimthrice?
CASCA.Ay,marry,wast,andheputitbythrice,everytime
gentler
thanother,andateveryputtingbyminehonestneighbors
shouted.
CASSIUS.Whoofferedhimthecrown?
CASCA.Why,Antony.
BRUTUS.Tellusthemannerofit,gentleCasca.
CASCA.Icanaswellbehang'dastellthemannerofit.Itwas
merefoolery;Ididnotmarkit.IsawMarkAntonyofferhim
a
crown(yet'twasnotacrownneither,'twasoneofthese
coronets)and,asItoldyou,heputitbyonce.Butforall
that,tomythinking,hewouldfainhavehadit.Thenhe
offered
ittohimagain;thenheputitbyagain.But,tomy
thinking,he
wasveryloathtolayhisfingersoffit.Andthenheoffered
it
thethirdtime;heputitthethirdtimeby;andstillashe
refusedit,therabblementhootedandclappedtheirchopped
hands
andthrewuptheirsweatynightcapsandutteredsuchadeal
of
stinkingbreathbecauseCaesarrefusedthecrownthatithad
almostchokedCaesar,forheswoundedandfelldownatit.
And
formineownpart,Idurstnotlaughforfearofopeningmy
lips
andreceivingthebadair.
CASSIUS.But,soft,Iprayyou,what,didCaesarswound?
CASCA.Hefelldowninthemarketplaceandfoamedatmouthand
was
speechless.
BRUTUS.'Tisverylike.Hehaththefallingsickness.
CASSIUS.No,Caesarhathitnot,butyou,andI,
AndhonestCasca,wehavethefallingsickness.
CASCA.Iknownotwhatyoumeanbythat,butIamsureCaesar
fell
down.Ifthetagragpeopledidnotclaphimandhisshim
accordingashepleasedanddispleasedthem,astheyuseto
do
theplayersinthetheatre,Iamnotrueman.
BRUTUS.Whatsaidhewhenhecameuntohimself?
CASCA.Marry,beforehefelldown,whenheperceivedthecommon
herdwasgladherefusedthecrown,hepluckedmeopehis
doublet
andofferedthemhisthroattocut.Anhadbeenamanofany
occupation,ifIwouldnothavetakenhimataword,Iwould
I
mightgotohellamongtherogues.Andsohefell.Whenhe
came
tohimselfagain,hesaid,ifhehaddoneorsaidanything
amiss,
hedesiredtheirworshipstothinkitwashisinfirmity.
Threeor
fourwencheswhereIstoodcried,"Alas,goodsoul!"and
forgave
himwithalltheirhearts.Butthere'snoheedtobetakenof
them;ifCaesarhadstabbedtheirmothers,theywouldhave
done
noless.
BRUTUS.Andafterthathecame,thussad,away?
CASCA.Ay.
CASSIUS.DidCicerosayanything?
CASCA.Ay,hespokeGreek.
CASSIUS.Towhateffect?
CASCA.Nay,anItellyouthat,I'llne'erlookyoui'theface
again;butthosethatunderstoodhimsmiledatoneanother
and
shooktheirheads;butformineownpart,itwasGreektome.
I
couldtellyoumorenewstoo:MarullusandFlavius,for
pulling
scarfsoffCaesar'simages,areputtosilence.Fareyou
well.
Therewasmorefooleryyet,ifcouldrememberit.
CASSIUS.Willyousupwithmetonight,Casca?
CASCA.No,Iampromisedforth.
CASSIUS.Willyoudinewithmetomorrow?
CASCA.Ay,ifIbealive,andyourmindhold,andyourdinner
worth
theeating.
CASSIUS.Good,Iwillexpectyou.
CASCA.Doso,farewell,both.Exit.
BRUTUS.Whatabluntfellowisthisgrowntobe!
Hewasquickmettlewhenhewenttoschool.
CASSIUS.Soishenowinexecution
Ofanyboldornobleenterprise,
Howeverheputsonthistardyform.
Thisrudenessisasaucetohisgoodwit,
Whichgivesmenstomachtodigesthiswords
Withbetterappetite.
BRUTUS.Andsoitis.ForthistimeIwillleaveyou.
Tomorrow,ifyoupleasetospeakwithme,
Iwillcomehometoyou,or,ifyouwill,
ComehometomeandIwillwaitforyou.
CASSIUS.Iwilldoso.Tillthen,thinkoftheworld.
ExitBrutus.
Well,Brutus,thouartnoble;yet,Isee
Thyhonorablemettlemaybewrought
Fromthatitisdisposed;thereforeitismeet
Thatnoblemindskeepeverwiththeirlikes;
Forwhosofirmthatcannotbeseduced?
Caesardothbearmehard,buthelovesBrutus.
IfIwereBrutusnowandhewereCassius,
Heshouldnothumorme.Iwillthisnight,
Inseveralhands,inathiswindowsthrow,
Asiftheycamefromseveralcitizens,
Writings,alltendingtothegreatopinion
ThatRomeholdsofhisname,whereinobscurely
Caesar'sambitionshallbeglancedat.
AndafterthisletCaesarseathimsure;
Forwewillshakehim,orworsedaysendure.Exit.
SCENEIII.Astreet.Thunderandlightning.
Enter,fromoppositesides,Casca,withhissworddrawn,and
Cicero.
CICERO.Goodeven,Casca.BroughtyouCaesarhome?
Whyareyoubreathless,andwhystareyouso?
CASCA.Arenotyoumoved,whenalltheswayofearth
Shakeslikeathingunfirm?OCicero,
Ihaveseentempestswhenthescoldingwinds
Haverivedtheknottyoaks,andIhaveseen
Theambitiousoceanswellandrageandfoam
Tobeexaltedwiththethreateningclouds,
Butnevertilltonight,nevertillnow,
DidIgothroughatempestdroppingfire.
Eitherthereisacivilstrifeinheaven,
Orelsetheworldtoosaucywiththegods
Incensesthemtosenddestruction.
CICERO.Why,sawyouanythingmorewonderful?
CASCA.Acommonslave-youknowhimwellbysightHelduphislefthand,whichdidflameandburn
Liketwentytorchesjoin'd,andyethishand
Notsensibleoffireremain'dunscorch'd.
Besides-Iha'notsinceputupmyswordAgainsttheCapitolImetalion,
Whoglaz'duponmeandwentsurlyby
Withoutannoyingme.Andthereweredrawn
Uponaheapahundredghastlywomen
Transformedwiththeirfear,whosworetheysaw
Menallinfirewalkupanddownthestreets.
Andyesterdaythebirdofnightdidsit
Evenatnoondayuponthemarketplace,
Howlingandshrieking.Whentheseprodigies
Dosoconjointlymeet,letnotmensay
"Thesearetheirreasons;theyarenatural":
ForIbelievetheyareportentousthings
Untotheclimatethattheypointupon.
CICERO.Indeed,itisastrange-disposedtime.
Butmenmayconstruethingsaftertheirfashion,
Cleanfromthepurposeofthethingsthemselves.
ComesCaesartotheCapitoltomorrow?
CASCA.Hedoth,forhedidbidAntonio
Sendwordtoyouhewouldbetheretomorrow.
CICERO.Goodthen,Casca.Thisdisturbedsky
Isnottowalkin.
CASCA.Farewell,Cicero.ExitCicero.
EnterCassius.
CASSIUS.Who'sthere?
CASCA.ARoman.
CASSIUS.Casca,byyourvoice.
CASCA.Yourearisgood.Cassius,whatnightisthis!
CASSIUS.Averypleasingnighttohonestmen.
CASCA.Whoeverknewtheheavensmenaceso?
CASSIUS.Thosethathaveknowntheearthsofulloffaults.
Formypart,Ihavewalk'daboutthestreets,
Submittingmeuntotheperilousnight,
Andthusunbraced,Casca,asyousee,
Havebaredmybosomtothethunderstone;
Andwhenthecrossbluelightningseem'dtoopen
Thebreastofheaven,Ididpresentmyself
Evenintheaimandveryflashofit.
CASCA.Butwhereforedidyousomuchtempttheheavens?
Itisthepartofmentofearandtremble
Whenthemostmightygodsbytokenssend
Suchdreadfulheraldstoastonishus.
CASSIUS.Youaredull,Casca,andthosesparksoflife
ThatshouldbeinaRomanyoudowant,
Orelseyouusenot.Youlookpaleandgaze
Andputonfearandcastyourselfinwonder
Toseethestrangeimpatienceoftheheavens.
Butifyouwouldconsiderthetruecause
Whyallthesefires,whyalltheseglidingghosts,
Whybirdsandbeastsfromqualityandkind,
Whyoldmen,fools,andchildrencalculate,
Whyallthesethingschangefromtheirordinance,
Theirnatures,andpreformedfaculties
Tomonstrousquality,why,youshallfind
Thatheavenhathinfusedthemwiththesespirits
Tomaketheminstrumentsoffearandwarning
Untosomemonstrousstate.
NowcouldI,Casca,nametotheeaman
Mostlikethisdreadfulnight,
Thatthunders,lightens,opensgraves,androars
AsdoththelionintheCapitol,
Amannomightierthanthyselforme
Inpersonalaction,yetprodigiousgrown
Andfearful,asthesestrangeeruptionsare.
CASCA.'TisCaesarthatyoumean,isitnot,Cassius?
CASSIUS.Letitbewhoitis,forRomansnow
Havethewsandlimbsliketotheirancestors.
But,woethewhile!Ourfathers'mindsaredead,
Andwearegovern'dwithourmothers'spirits;
Ouryokeandsufferanceshowuswomanish.
CASCA.Indeedtheysaythesenatorstomorrow
MeantoestablishCaesarasaking,
Andheshallwearhiscrownbyseaandland
IneveryplacesavehereinItaly.
CASSIUS.IknowwhereIwillwearthisdaggerthen:
CassiusfrombondagewilldeliverCassius.
Therein,yegods,youmaketheweakmoststrong;
Therein,yegods,youtyrantsdodefeat.
Norstonytower,norwallsofbeatenbrass,
Norairlessdungeon,norstronglinksofiron
Canberetentivetothestrengthofspirit;
Butlife,beingwearyoftheseworldlybars,
Neverlackspowertodismissitself.
IfIknowthis,knowalltheworldbesides,
ThatpartoftyrannythatIdobear
Icanshakeoffatpleasure.Thunderstill.
CASCA.SocanI.
Soeverybondmaninhisownhandbears
Thepowertocancelhiscaptivity.
CASSIUS.AndwhyshouldCaesarbeatyrantthen?
Poorman!Iknowhewouldnotbeawolf
ButthatheseestheRomansarebutsheep.
Hewerenolion,werenotRomanshinds.
Thosethatwithhastewillmakeamightyfire
Beginitwithweakstraws.WhattrashisRome,
Whatrubbish,andwhatoffal,whenitserves
Forthebasemattertoilluminate
SovileathingasCaesar?But,Ogrief,
Wherehastthouledme?Iperhapsspeakthis
Beforeawillingbondman;thenIknow
Myanswermustbemade.ButIamarm'd,
Anddangersaretomeindifferent.
CASCA.YouspeaktoCasca,andtosuchaman
Thatisnofleeringtell-tale.Hold,myhand.
Befactiousforredressofallthesegriefs,
AndIwillsetthisfootofmineasfar
Aswhogoesfarthest.
CASSIUS.There'sabargainmade.
Nowknowyou,Casca,Ihavemovedalready
Somecertainofthenoblest-mindedRomans
Toundergowithmeanenterprise
Ofhonorable-dangerousconsequence;
AndIdoknowbythis,theystayforme
InPompey'sPorch.Fornow,thisfearfulnight,
Thereisnostirorwalkinginthestreets,
Andthecomplexionoftheelement
Infavor'sliketheworkwehaveinhand,
Mostbloody,fiery,andmostterrible.
EnterCinna.
CASCA.Standcloseawhile,forherecomesoneinhaste.
CASSIUS.'TisCinna,Idoknowhimbyhisgait;
Heisafriend.Cinna,wherehasteyouso?
CINNA.Tofindoutyou.Who'sthat?MetellusCimber?
CASSIUS.No,itisCasca,oneincorporate
Toourattempts.AmInotstay'dfor,Cinna?
CINNA.Iamgladon't.Whatafearfulnightisthis!
There'stwoorthreeofushaveseenstrangesights.
CASSIUS.AmInotstay'dfor?Tellme.
CINNA.Yes,youare.
OCassius,ifyoucould
ButwinthenobleBrutustoourpartyCASSIUS.Beyoucontent.GoodCinna,takethispaper,
Andlookyoulayitinthepraetor'schair,
WhereBrutusmaybutfindit;andthrowthis
Inathiswindow;setthisupwithwax
UponoldBrutus'statue.Allthisdone,
RepairtoPompey'sPorch,whereyoushallfindus.
IsDeciusBrutusandTreboniusthere?
CINNA.AllbutMetellusCimber,andhe'sgone
Toseekyouatyourhouse.Well,Iwillhie
Andsobestowthesepapersasyoubademe.
CASSIUS.Thatdone,repairtoPompey'sTheatre.
ExitCinna.
Come,Casca,youandIwillyetereday
SeeBrutusathishouse.Threepartsofhim
Isoursalready,andthemanentire
Uponthenextencounteryieldshimours.
CASCA.O,hesitshighinallthepeople'shearts,
Andthatwhichwouldappearoffenseinus,
Hiscountenance,likerichestalchemy,
Willchangetovirtueandtoworthiness.
CASSIUS.Himandhisworthandourgreatneedofhim
Youhaverightwellconceited.Letusgo,
Foritisaftermidnight,andereday
Wewillawakehimandbesureofhim.Exeunt.
<<THISELECTRONICVERSIONOFTHECOMPLETEWORKSOFWILLIAM
SHAKESPEAREISCOPYRIGHT1990-1993BYWORLDLIBRARY,INC.,ANDIS
PROVIDEDBYPROJECTGUTENBERGETEXTOFCARNEGIEMELLONUNIVERSITY
WITHPERMISSION.ELECTRONICANDMACHINEREADABLECOPIESMAYBE
DISTRIBUTEDSOLONGASSUCHCOPIES(1)AREFORYOUROROTHERS
PERSONALUSEONLY,AND(2)ARENOTDISTRIBUTEDORUSED
COMMERCIALLY.PROHIBITEDCOMMERCIALDISTRIBUTIONINCLUDESBYANY
SERVICETHATCHARGESFORDOWNLOADTIMEORFORMEMBERSHIP.>>
ACTII.SCENEI.
EnterBrutusinhisorchard.
BRUTUS.What,Lucius,ho!
Icannot,bytheprogressofthestars,
Giveguesshowneartoday.Lucius,Isay!
Iwoulditweremyfaulttosleepsosoundly.
When,Lucius,when?Awake,Isay!What,Lucius!
EnterLucius.
LUCIUS.Call'dyou,mylord?
BRUTUS.Getmeataperinmystudy,Lucius.
Whenitislighted,comeandcallmehere.
LUCIUS.Iwill,mylord.Exit.
BRUTUS.Itmustbebyhisdeath,and,formypart,
Iknownopersonalcausetospurnathim,
Butforthegeneral.Hewouldbecrown'd:
Howthatmightchangehisnature,there'sthequestion.
Itisthebrightdaythatbringsforththeadder
Andthatcraveswarywalking.Crownhimthat,
Andthen,Igrant,weputastinginhim
Thatathiswillhemaydodangerwith.
Theabuseofgreatnessiswhenitdisjoins
Remorsefrompower,and,tospeaktruthofCaesar,
Ihavenotknownwhenhisaffectionssway'd
Morethanhisreason.But'tisacommonproof
Thatlowlinessisyoungambition'sladder,
Wheretotheclimber-upwardturnshisface;
Butwhenheonceattainstheupmostround,
Hethenuntotheladderturnshisback,
Looksintheclouds,scorningthebasedegrees
Bywhichhedidascend.SoCaesarmay;
Then,lesthemay,prevent.And,sincethequarrel
Willbearnocolorforthethingheis,
Fashionitthus,thatwhatheis,augmented,
Wouldruntotheseandtheseextremities;
Andthereforethinkhimasaserpent'segg
Whichhatch'dwouldashiskindgrowmischievous,
Andkillhimintheshell.
Re-enterLucius.
LUCIUS.Thetaperburnethinyourcloset,sir.
SearchingthewindowforaflintIfound
Thispaperthusseal'dup,andIamsure
ItdidnotlietherewhenIwenttobed.
Giveshimtheletter.
BRUTUS.Getyoutobedagain,itisnotday.
Isnottomorrow,boy,theidesofMarch?
LUCIUS.Iknownot,sir.
BRUTUS.Lookinthecalendarandbringmeword.
LUCIUS.Iwill,sir.Exit.
BRUTUS.Theexhalationswhizzingintheair
GivesomuchlightthatImayreadbythem.
Openstheletterandreads.
"Brutus,thousleep'st:awakeandseethyself!
ShallRome,etc.Speak,strike,redress!"
"Brutus,thousleep'st:awake!"
Suchinstigationshavebeenoftendropp'd
WhereIhavetookthemup.
"ShallRome,etc."ThusmustIpieceitout.
ShallRomestandunderoneman'sawe?What,Rome?
MyancestorsdidfromthestreetsofRome
TheTarquindrive,whenhewascall'daking.
"Speak,strike,redress!"AmIentreated
Tospeakandstrike?ORome,Imaketheepromise,
Iftheredresswillfollow,thoureceivest
ThyfullpetitionatthehandofBrutus!
Re-enterLucius.
LUCIUS.Sir,Marchiswastedfifteendays.
Knockingwithin.
BRUTUS.'Tisgood.Gotothegate,somebodyknocks.
ExitLucius.
SinceCassiusfirstdidwhetmeagainstCaesar
Ihavenotslept.
Betweentheactingofadreadfulthing
Andthefirstmotion,alltheinterimis
Likeaphantasmaorahideousdream;
Thegeniusandthemortalinstruments
Arethenincouncil,andthestateofman,
Liketoalittlekingdom,suffersthen
Thenatureofaninsurrection.
Re-enterLucius.
LUCIUS.Sir,'tisyourbrotherCassiusatthedoor,
Whodothdesiretoseeyou.
BRUTUS.Ishealone?
LUCIUS.No,sir,therearemorewithhim.
BRUTUS.Doyouknowthem?
LUCIUS.No,sir,theirhatsarepluck'dabouttheirears,
Andhalftheirfacesburiedintheircloaks,
ThatbynomeansImaydiscoverthem
Byanymarkoffavor.
BRUTUS.Let'ementer.ExitLucius.
Theyarethefaction.OConspiracy,
Shamestthoutoshowthydangerousbrowbynight,
Whenevilsaremostfree?O,then,byday
Wherewiltthoufindacaverndarkenough
Tomaskthymonstrousvisage?Seeknone,Conspiracy;
Hideitinsmilesandaffability;
Forifthoupath,thynativesemblanceon,
NotErebusitselfweredimenough
Tohidetheefromprevention.
Entertheconspirators,Cassius,Casca,Decius,Cinna,
MetellusCimber,andTrebonius.
CASSIUS.Ithinkwearetoobolduponyourrest.
Goodmorrow,Brutus,dowetroubleyou?
BRUTUS.Ihavebeenupthishour,awakeallnight.
KnowIthesementhatcomealongwithyou?
CASSIUS.Yes,everymanofthem,andnomanhere
Buthonorsyou,andeveryonedothwish
Youhadbutthatopinionofyourself
WhicheverynobleRomanbearsofyou.
ThisisTrebonius.
BRUTUS.Heiswelcomehither.
CASSIUS.This,DeciusBrutus.
BRUTUS.Heiswelcometoo.
CASSIUS.This,Casca;this,Cinna;andthis,MetellusCimber.
BRUTUS.Theyareallwelcome.
Whatwatchfulcaresdointerposethemselves
Betwixtyoureyesandnight?
CASSIUS.ShallIentreataword?Theywhisper.
DECIUS.Hereliestheeast.Dothnotthedaybreakhere?
CASCA.No.
CINNA.O,pardon,sir,itdoth,andyongreylines
Thatfretthecloudsaremessengersofday.
CASCA.Youshallconfessthatyouarebothdeceived.
Here,asIpointmysword,thesunarises,
Whichisagreatwaygrowingonthesouth,
Weighingtheyouthfulseasonoftheyear.
Sometwomonthshenceuphighertowardthenorth
Hefirstpresentshisfire,andthehigheast
StandsastheCapitol,directlyhere.
BRUTUS.Givemeyourhandsallover,onebyone.
CASSIUS.Andletusswearourresolution.
BRUTUS.No,notanoath.Ifnotthefaceofmen,
Thesufferanceofoursouls,thetime'sabuseIfthesebemotivesweak,breakoffbetimes,
Andeverymanhencetohisidlebed;
Solethigh-sightedtyrannyrangeon
Tilleachmandropbylottery.Butifthese,
AsIamsuretheydo,bearfireenough
Tokindlecowardsandtosteelwithvalor
Themeltingspiritsofwomen,then,countrymen,
Whatneedweanyspurbutourowncause
Toprickustoredress?Whatotherbond
ThansecretRomansthathavespoketheword
Andwillnotpalter?Andwhatotheroath
Thanhonestytohonestyengaged
Thatthisshallbeorwewillfallforit?
Swearpriestsandcowardsandmencautelous,
Oldfeeblecarrionsandsuchsufferingsouls
Thatwelcomewrongs;untobadcausesswear
Suchcreaturesasmendoubt;butdonotstain
Theevenvirtueofourenterprise,
Northeinsuppressivemettleofourspirits,
Tothinkthatorourcauseorourperformance
Didneedanoath;wheneverydropofblood
ThateveryRomanbears,andnoblybears,
Isguiltyofaseveralbastardy
Ifhedobreakthesmallestparticle
Ofanypromisethathathpass'dfromhim.
CASSIUS.ButwhatofCicero?Shallwesoundhim?
Ithinkhewillstandverystrongwithus.
CASCA.Letusnotleavehimout.
CINNA.No,bynomeans.
METELLUS.O,letushavehim,forhissilverhairs
Willpurchaseusagoodopinion,
Andbuymen'svoicestocommendourdeeds.
Itshallbesaidhisjudgementruledourhands;
Ouryouthsandwildnessshallnowhitappear,
Butallbeburiedinhisgravity.
BRUTUS.O,namehimnot;letusnotbreakwithhim,
Forhewillneverfollowanything
Thatothermenbegin.
CASSIUS.Thenleavehimout.
CASCA.Indeedheisnotfit.
DECIUS.Shallnomanelsebetouch'dbutonlyCaesar?
CASSIUS.Decius,wellurged.Ithinkitisnotmeet
MarkAntony,sowellbelovedofCaesar,
ShouldoutliveCaesar.Weshallfindofhim
Ashrewdcontriver;andyouknowhismeans,
Ifheimprovethem,maywellstretchsofar
Astoannoyusall,whichtoprevent,
LetAntonyandCaesarfalltogether.
BRUTUS.Ourcoursewillseemtoobloody,CaiusCassius,
Tocuttheheadoffandthenhackthelimbs
Likewrathindeathandenvyafterwards;
ForAntonyisbutalimbofCaesar.
Letusbesacrificers,butnotbutchers,Caius.
WeallstandupagainstthespiritofCaesar,
Andinthespiritofmenthereisnoblood.
O,thatwethencouldcomebyCaesar'sspirit,
AndnotdismemberCaesar!But,alas,
Caesarmustbleedforit!And,gentlefriends,
Let'skillhimboldly,butnotwrathfully;
Let'scarvehimasadishfitforthegods,
Nothewhimasacarcassfitforhounds;
Andletourhearts,assubtlemastersdo,
Stiruptheirservantstoanactofrage
Andafterseemtochide'em.Thisshallmake
Ourpurposenecessaryandnotenvious,
Whichsoappearingtothecommoneyes,
Weshallbecall'dpurgers,notmurderers.
AndforMarkAntony,thinknotofhim,
ForhecandonomorethanCaesar'sarm
WhenCaesar'sheadisoff.
CASSIUS.YetIfearhim,
ForintheingratedlovehebearstoCaesarBRUTUS.Alas,goodCassius,donotthinkofhim.
IfheloveCaesar,allthathecando
Istohimself,takethoughtanddieforCaesar.
Andthatweremuchheshould,forheisgiven
Tosports,towildness,andmuchcompany.
TREBONIUS.Thereisnofearinhim-lethimnotdie,
Forhewillliveandlaughatthishereafter.
Clockstrikes.
BRUTUS.Peace,counttheclock.
CASSIUS.Theclockhathstrickenthree.
TREBONIUS.'Tistimetopart.
CASSIUS.Butitisdoubtfulyet
WhetherCaesarwillcomeforthtodayorno,
Forheissuperstitiousgrownoflate,
Quitefromthemainopinionheheldonce
Offantasy,ofdreams,andceremonies.
Itmaybetheseapparentprodigies,
Theunaccustom'dterrorofthisnight,
Andthepersuasionofhisaugurers
MayholdhimfromtheCapitoltoday.
DECIUS.Neverfearthat.Ifhebesoresolved,
Icano'erswayhim,forhelovestohear
Thatunicornsmaybebetray'dwithtrees,
Andbearswithglasses,elephantswithholes,
Lionswithtoils,andmenwithflatterers;
ButwhenItellhimhehatesflatterers,
Hesayshedoes,beingthenmostflattered.
Letmework;
ForIcangivehishumorthetruebent,
AndIwillbringhimtotheCapitol.
CASSIUS.Nay,wewillallofusbetheretofetchhim.
BRUTUS.Bytheeighthhour.Isthattheuttermost?
CINNA.Bethattheuttermost,andfailnotthen.
METELLUS.CaiusLigariusdothbearCaesarhard,
WhoratedhimforspeakingwellofPompey.
Iwondernoneofyouhavethoughtofhim.
BRUTUS.Now,goodMetellus,goalongbyhim.
Helovesmewell,andIhavegivenhimreasons;
Sendhimbuthither,andI'llfashionhim.
CASSIUS.Themorningcomesupon's.We'llleaveyou,Brutus,
And,friends,disperseyourselves,butallremember
WhatyouhavesaidandshowyourselvestrueRomans.
BRUTUS.Goodgentlemen,lookfreshandmerrily;
Letnotourlooksputonourpurposes,
ButbearitasourRomanactorsdo,
Withuntiredspiritsandformalconstancy.
Andso,goodmorrowtoyoueveryone.
ExeuntallbutBrutus.
Boy!Lucius!Fastasleep?Itisnomatter.
Enjoythehoney-heavydewofslumber;
Thouhastnofiguresnornofantasies,
Whichbusycaredrawsinthebrainsofmen;
Thereforethousleep'stsosound.
EnterPortia.
PORTIA.Brutus,mylord!
BRUTUS.Portia,whatmeanyou?Whereforeriseyounow?
Itisnotforyourhealththustocommit
Yourweakconditiontotherawcoldmorning.
PORTIA.Norforyoursneither.haveungently,Brutus,
Stolefrommybed;andyesternightatsupper
Yousuddenlyaroseandwalk'dabout,
Musingandsighing,withyourarmsacross;
AndwhenIask'dyouwhatthematterwas,
Youstareduponmewithungentlelooks.
Iurgedyoufurther;thenyouscratch'dyourhead,
Andtooimpatientlystamp'dwithyourfoot.
YetIinsisted,yetyouanswer'dnot,
Butwithanangrywaiterofyourhand
Gavesignformetoleaveyou.SoIdid,
Fearingtostrengthenthatimpatience
Whichseem'dtoomuchenkindled,andwithal
Hopingitwasbutaneffectofhumor,
Whichsometimehathhishourwitheveryman.
Itwillnotletyoueat,nortalk,norsleep,
And,coulditworksomuchuponyourshape
Asithathmuchprevail'donyourcondition,
Ishouldnotknowyou,Brutus.Dearmylord,
Makemeacquaintedwithyourcauseofgrief.
BRUTUS.Iamnotwellinhealth,andthatisall.
PORTIA.Brutusiswise,and,werehenotinhealth,
Hewouldembracethemeanstocomebyit.
BRUTUS.Why,soIdo.GoodPortia,gotobed.
PORTIA.IsBrutussick,andisitphysical
Towalkunbracedandsuckupthehumors
Ofthedankmorning?What,isBrutussick,
Andwillhestealoutofhiswholesomebed
Todarethevilecontagionofthenight
Andtempttherheumyandunpurgedair
Toadduntohissickness?No,myBrutus,
Youhavesomesickoffensewithinyourmind,
Whichbytherightandvirtueofmyplace
Ioughttoknowof;and,uponmyknees,
Icharmyou,bymyoncecommendedbeauty,
Byallyourvowsofloveandthatgreatvow
Whichdidincorporateandmakeusone,
Thatyouunfoldtome,yourself,yourhalf,
Whyyouareheavyandwhatmentonight
Havehadresorttoyou;forherehavebeen
Somesixorseven,whodidhidetheirfaces
Evenfromdarkness.
BRUTUS.Kneelnot,gentlePortia.
PORTIA.Ishouldnotneed,ifyouweregentleBrutus.
Withinthebondofmarriage,tellme,Brutus,
IsitexceptedIshouldknownosecrets
Thatappertaintoyou?AmIyourself
But,asitwere,insortorlimitation,
Tokeepwithyouatmeals,comfortyourbed,
Andtalktoyousometimes?DwellIbutinthesuburbs
Ofyourgoodpleasure?Ifitbenomore,
PortiaisBrutus'harlot,nothiswife.
BRUTUS.Youaremytrueandhonorablewife,
Asdeartomeasaretheruddydrops
Thatvisitmysadheart.
PORTIA.Ifthisweretrue,thenshouldIknowthissecret.
IgrantIamawoman,butwithal
AwomanthatLordBrutustooktowife.
IgrantIamawoman,butwithal
Awomanwellreputed,Cato'sdaughter.
ThinkyouIamnostrongerthanmysex,
Beingsofather'dandsohusbanded?
Tellmeyourcounsels,Iwillnotdisclose'em.
Ihavemadestrongproofofmyconstancy,
Givingmyselfavoluntarywound
Hereinthethigh.CanIbearthatwithpatience
Andnotmyhusband'ssecrets?
BRUTUS.Oyegods,
Rendermeworthyofthisnoblewife!Knockingwithin.
Hark,hark,oneknocks.Portia,goinawhile,
Andbyandbythybosomshallpartake
Thesecretsofmyheart.
AllmyengagementsIwillconstruetothee,
Allthecharacteryofmysadbrows.
Leavemewithhaste.[ExitPortia.]Lucius,who'sthat
knocks?
Re-enterLuciuswithLigarius.
LUCIUS.Hereisasickmanthatwouldspeakwithyou.
BRUTUS.CaiusLigarius,thatMetellusspakeof.
Boy,standaside.CaiusLigarius,how?
LIGARIUS.Vouchsafegoodmorrowfromafeebletongue.
BRUTUS.O,whatatimehaveyouchoseout,braveCaius,
Towearakerchief!Wouldyouwerenotsick!
LIGARIUS.Iamnotsick,ifBrutushaveinhand
Anyexploitworthythenameofhonor.
BRUTUS.SuchanexploithaveIinhand,Ligarius,
Hadyouahealthfuleartohearofit.
LIGARIUS.ByallthegodsthatRomansbowbefore,
Iherediscardmysickness!SoulofRome!
Braveson,derivedfromhonorableloins!
Thou,likeanexorcist,hastconjuredup
Mymortifiedspirit.Nowbidmerun,
AndIwillstrivewiththingsimpossible,
Yea,getthebetterofthem.What'stodo?
BRUTUS.Apieceofworkthatwillmakesickmenwhole.
LIGARIUS.Butarenotsomewholethatwemustmakesick?
BRUTUS.Thatmustwealso.Whatitis,myCaius,
Ishallunfoldtothee,aswearegoing
Towhomitmustbedone.
LIGARIUS.Setonyourfoot,
Andwithaheartnew-firedIfollowyou,
TodoIknownotwhat;butitsufficeth
ThatBrutusleadsmeon.
BRUTUS.Followmethen.Exeunt.
SCENEII.Caesar'shouse.Thunderandlightning.
EnterCaesar,inhisnightgown.
CAESAR.Norheavennorearthhavebeenatpeacetonight.
ThricehathCalpurniainhersleepcriedout,
"Help,ho!TheymurtherCaesar!"Who'swithin?
EnteraServant.
SERVANT.Mylord?
CAESAR.Gobidthepriestsdopresentsacrifice,
Andbringmetheiropinionsofsuccess.
SERVANT.Iwill,mylord.Exit.
EnterCalpurnia.
CALPURNIA.Whatmeanyou,Caesar?Thinkyoutowalkforth?
Youshallnotstiroutofyourhousetoday.
CAESAR.Caesarshallforth:thethingsthatthreaten'dme
Ne'erlook'dbutonmyback;whentheyshallsee
ThefaceofCaesar,theyarevanished.
CALPURNIA.Caesar,IIstoodonceremonies,
Yetnowtheyfrightme.Thereisonewithin,
Besidesthethingsthatwehaveheardandseen,
Recountsmosthorridsightsseenbythewatch.
Alionesshathwhelpedinthestreets;
Andgraveshaveyawn'd,andyieldeduptheirdead;
Fiercefierywarriorsfightupontheclouds,
Inranksandsquadronsandrightformofwar,
WhichdrizzledbloodupontheCapitol;
Thenoiseofbattlehurtledintheair,
Horsesdidneighanddyingmendidgroan,
Andghostsdidshriekandsquealaboutthestreets.
OCaesar!Thesethingsarebeyondalluse,
AndIdofearthem.
CAESAR.Whatcanbeavoided
Whoseendispurposedbythemightygods?
YetCaesarshallgoforth,forthesepredictions
AretotheworldingeneralastoCaesar.
CALPURNIA.Whenbeggarsdie,therearenocometsseen;
Theheavensthemselvesblazeforththedeathofprinces.
CAESAR.Cowardsdiemanytimesbeforetheirdeaths;
Thevaliantnevertasteofdeathbutonce.
OfallthewondersthatIyethaveheard,
Itseemstomemoststrangethatmenshouldfear
Seeingthatdeath,anecessaryend,
Willcomewhenitwillcome.
Re-enterServant.
Whatsaytheaugurers?
SERVANT.Theywouldnothaveyoutostirforthtoday.
Pluckingtheentrailsofanofferingforth,
Theycouldnotfindaheartwithinthebeast.
CAESAR.Thegodsdothisinshameofcowardice.
Caesarshouldbeabeastwithoutaheart
Ifheshouldstayathometodayforfear.
No,Caesarshallnot.Dangerknowsfullwell
ThatCaesarismoredangerousthanhe.
Wearetwolionslitter'dinoneday,
AndItheelderandmoreterrible.
AndCaesarshallgoforth.
CALPURNIA.Alas,mylord,
Yourwisdomisconsumedinconfidence.
Donotgoforthtoday.Callitmyfear
Thatkeepsyouinthehouseandnotyourown.
We'llsendMarkAntonytotheSenateHouse,
Andheshallsayyouarenotwelltoday.
Letme,uponmyknee,prevailinthis.
CAESAR.MarkAntonyshallsayIamnotwell,
And,forthyhumor,Iwillstayathome.
EnterDecius.
Here'sDeciusBrutus,heshalltellthemso.
DECIUS.Caesar,allhail!Goodmorrow,worthyCaesar!
IcometofetchyoutotheSenateHouse.
CAESAR.Andyouarecomeinveryhappytime
Tobearmygreetingtothesenators
AndtellthemthatIwillnotcometoday.
Cannot,isfalse,andthatIdarenot,falser:
Iwillnotcometoday.Tellthemso,Decius.
CALPURNIA.Sayheissick.
CAESAR.ShallCaesarsendalie?
HaveIinconqueststretch'dminearmsofar
Tobeafeardtotellgreybeardsthetruth?
Decius,gotellthemCaesarwillnotcome.
DECIUS.MostmightyCaesar,letmeknowsomecause,
LestIbelaugh'datwhenItellthemso.
CAESAR.Thecauseisinmywill:Iwillnotcome,
ThatisenoughtosatisfytheSenate.
But,foryourprivatesatisfaction,
BecauseIloveyou,Iwillletyouknow.
Calpurniahere,mywife,staysmeathome;
Shedreamttonightshesawmystatue,
Which,likeafountainwithanhundredspouts,
Didrunpureblood,andmanylustyRomans
Camesmilinganddidbathetheirhandsinit.
Andthesedoessheapplyforwarningsandportents
Andevilsimminent,andonherknee
Hathbegg'dthatIwillstayathometoday.
DECIUS.Thisdreamisallamissinterpreted;
Itwasavisionfairandfortunate.
Yourstatuespoutingbloodinmanypipes,
InwhichsomanysmilingRomansbathed,
SignifiesthatfromyougreatRomeshallsuck
Revivingblood,andthatgreatmenshallpress
Fortinctures,stains,relics,andcognizance.
ThisbyCalpurnia'sdreamissignified.
CAESAR.Andthiswayhaveyouwellexpoundedit.
DECIUS.Ihave,whenyouhaveheardwhatIcansay.
Andknowitnow,theSenatehaveconcluded
TogivethisdayacrowntomightyCaesar.
Ifyoushallsendthemwordyouwillnotcome,
Theirmindsmaychange.Besides,itwereamock
Apttoberender'd,forsomeonetosay
"BreakuptheSenatetillanothertime,
WhenCaesar'swifeshallmeetwithbetterdreams."
IfCaesarhidehimself,shalltheynotwhisper
"Lo,Caesarisafraid"?
Pardonme,Caesar,formydeardearlove
Toyourproceedingbidsmetellyouthis,
Andreasontomyloveisliable.
CAESAR.Howfoolishdoyourfearsseemnow,Calpurnia!
IamashamedIdidyieldtothem.
Givememyrobe,forIwillgo.
EnterPublius,Brutus,Ligarius,Metellus,Casca,
Trebonius,andCinna.
AndlookwherePubliusiscometofetchme.
PUBLIUS.Goodmorrow,Caesar.
CAESAR.Welcome,Publius.
What,Brutus,areyoustirr'dsoearlytoo?
Goodmorrow,Casca.CaiusLigarius,
Caesarwasne'ersomuchyourenemy
Asthatsameaguewhichhathmadeyoulean.
Whatis'to'clock?
BRUTUS.Caesar,'tisstruckeneight.
CAESAR.Ithankyouforyourpainsandcourtesy.
EnterAntony.
See,Antony,thatrevelslongo'nights,
Isnotwithstandingup.Goodmorrow,Antony.
ANTONY.SotomostnobleCaesar.
CAESAR.Bidthempreparewithin.
Iamtoblametobethuswaitedfor.
Now,Cinna;now,Metellus;what,Trebonius,
Ihaveanhour'stalkinstoreforyou;
Rememberthatyoucallonmetoday;
Benearme,thatImayrememberyou.
TREBONIUS.Caesar,Iwill.[Aside.]AndsonearwillIbe
ThatyourbestfriendsshallwishIhadbeenfurther.
CAESAR.Goodfriends,goinandtastesomewinewithme,
Andwelikefriendswillstraightwaygotogether.
BRUTUS.[Aside.]Thateverylikeisnotthesame,OCaesar,
TheheartofBrutusyearnstothinkupon!Exeunt.
SCENEIII.AstreetneartheCapitol.
EnterArtemidorus,readingpaper.
ARTEMIDORUS."Caesar,bewareofBrutus;takeheedofCassius;
come
notnearCasca;haveaneyetoCinna;trustnotTrebonius;
mark
wellMetellusCimber;DeciusBrutuslovestheenot;thouhast
wrongedCaiusLigarius.Thereisbutonemindinallthese
men,
anditisbentagainstCaesar.Ifthoubeestnotimmortal,
look
aboutyou.Securitygiveswaytoconspiracy.Themightygods
defendthee!
Thylover,Artemidorus."
HerewillIstandtillCaesarpassalong,
AndasasuitorwillIgivehimthis.
Myheartlamentsthatvirtuecannotlive
Outoftheteethofemulation.
Ifthoureadthis,OCaesar,thoumayestlive;
Ifnot,theFateswithtraitorsdocontrive.Exit.
SCENEIV.Anotherpartofthesamestreet,beforethehouseof
Brutus.
EnterPortiaandLucius.
PORTIA.Iprithee,boy,runtotheSenateHouse;
Staynottoanswerme,butgettheegone.
Whydostthoustay?
LUCIUS.Toknowmyerrand,madam.
PORTIA.Iwouldhavehadtheethere,andhereagain,
EreIcantelltheewhatthoushouldstdothere.
Oconstancy,bestronguponmyside!
Setahugemountain'tweenmyheartandtongue!
Ihaveaman'smind,butawoman'smight.
Howharditisforwomentokeepcounsel!
Artthouhereyet?
LUCIUS.Madam,whatshouldIdo?
RuntotheCapitol,andnothingelse?
Andsoreturntoyou,andnothingelse?
PORTIA.Yes,bringmeword,boy,ifthylordlookwell,
Forhewentsicklyforth;andtakegoodnote
WhatCaesardoth,whatsuitorspresstohim.
Hark,boy,whatnoiseisthat?
LUCIUS.Ihearnone,madam.
PORTIA.Prithee,listenwell.
Iheardabustlingrumorlikeafray,
AndthewindbringsitfromtheCapitol.
LUCIUS.Sooth,madam,Ihearnothing.
EntertheSoothsayer.
PORTIA.Comehither,fellow;
Whichwayhastthoubeen?
SOOTHSAYER.Atmineownhouse,goodlady.
PORTIA.Whatis'to'clock?
SOOTHSAYER.Abouttheninthhour,lady.
PORTIA.IsCaesaryetgonetotheCapitol?
SOOTHSAYER.Madam,notyet.Igototakemystand
ToseehimpassontotheCapitol.
PORTIA.ThouhastsomesuittoCaesar,hastthounot?
SOOTHSAYER.ThatIhave,lady.IfitwillpleaseCaesar
TobesogoodtoCaesarastohearme,
Ishallbeseechhimtobefriendhimself.
PORTIA.Why,know'stthouanyharm'sintendedtowardshim?
SOOTHSAYER.NonethatIknowwillbe,muchthatIfearmay
chance.
Goodmorrowtoyou.Herethestreetisnarrow,
ThethrongthatfollowsCaesarattheheels,
Ofsenators,ofpraetors,commonsuitors,
Willcrowdafeeblemanalmosttodeath.
I'llgetmetoaplacemorevoidandthere
SpeaktogreatCaesarashecomesalong.Exit.
PORTIA.Imustgoin.Ayme,howweakathing
Theheartofwomanis!OBrutus,
Theheavensspeedtheeinthineenterprise!
Sure,theboyheardme.Brutushathasuit
ThatCaesarwillnotgrant.O,Igrowfaint.
Run,Lucius,andcommendmetomylord;
SayIammerry.Cometomeagain,
Andbringmewordwhathedothsaytothee.
Exeuntseverally.
<<THISELECTRONICVERSIONOFTHECOMPLETEWORKSOFWILLIAM
SHAKESPEAREISCOPYRIGHT1990-1993BYWORLDLIBRARY,INC.,ANDIS
PROVIDEDBYPROJECTGUTENBERGETEXTOFCARNEGIEMELLONUNIVERSITY
WITHPERMISSION.ELECTRONICANDMACHINEREADABLECOPIESMAYBE
DISTRIBUTEDSOLONGASSUCHCOPIES(1)AREFORYOUROROTHERS
PERSONALUSEONLY,AND(2)ARENOTDISTRIBUTEDORUSED
COMMERCIALLY.PROHIBITEDCOMMERCIALDISTRIBUTIONINCLUDESBYANY
SERVICETHATCHARGESFORDOWNLOADTIMEORFORMEMBERSHIP.>>
ACTIII.SCENEI.Rome.BeforetheCapitol;theSenatesittingabove.Acrowdof
people,amongthemArtemidorusandtheSoothsayer.
Flourish.EnterCaesar,Brutus,Cassius,Casca,Decius,Metellus,
Trebonius,Cinna,Antony,Lepidus,Popilius,Publius,andothers.
CAESAR.TheidesofMarcharecome.
SOOTHSAYER.Ay,Caesar,butnotgone.
AHail,Caesar!Readthisschedule.
DECIUS.Treboniusdothdesireyoutoo'erread,
Atyourbestleisure,thishishumblesuit.
ARTEMIDORUS.OCaesar,readminefirst,formine'sasuit
ThattouchesCaesarnearer.Readit,greatCaesar.
CAESAR.Whattouchesusourselfshallbelastserved.
ARTEMIDORUS.Delaynot,Caesar;readitinstantly.
CAESAR.What,isthefellowmad?
PUBLIUS.Sirrah,giveplace.
CASSIUS.What,urgeyouyourpetitionsinthestreet?
CometotheCapitol.
CaesargoesuptotheSenateHouse,therestfollow.
POPILIUS.Iwishyourenterprisetodaymaythrive.
CASSIUS.Whatenterprise,Popilius?
POPILIUS.Fareyouwell.
AdvancestoCaesar.
BRUTUS.WhatsaidPopiliusLena?
CASSIUS.Hewish'dtodayourenterprisemightthrive.
Ifearourpurposeisdiscovered.
BRUTUS.Look,howhemakestoCaesar.Markhim.
CASSIUS.Casca,
Besudden,forwefearprevention.
Brutus,whatshallbedone?Ifthisbeknown,
CassiusorCaesarnevershallturnback,
ForIwillslaymyself.
BRUTUS.Cassius,beconstant.
PopiliusLenaspeaksnotofourpurposes;
For,look,hesmiles,andCaesardothnotchange.
CASSIUS.Treboniusknowshistime,for,lookyou,Brutus,
HedrawsMarkAntonyoutoftheway.
ExeuntAntonyandTrebonius.
DECIUS.WhereisMetellusCimber?Lethim
AndpresentlypreferhissuittoCaesar.
BRUTUS.Heisaddress'd;pressnearandsecondhim.
CINNA.Casca,youarethefirstthatrearsyourhand.
CAESAR.Areweallready?Whatisnowamiss
ThatCaesarandhisSenatemustredress?
METELLUS.Mosthigh,mostmighty,andmostpuissantCaesar,
MetellusCimberthrowsbeforethyseat
Anhumbleheart.Kneels.
CAESAR.Imustpreventthee,Cimber.
Thesecouchingsandtheselowlycourtesies
Mightfirethebloodofordinarymen
Andturnpreordinanceandfirstdecree
Intothelawofchildren.Benotfond
TothinkthatCaesarbearssuchrebelblood
Thatwillbethaw'dfromthetruequality
Withthatwhichmeltethfools-Imeansweetwords,
Low-crookedcourt'sies,andbasespaniel-fawning.
Thybrotherbydecreeisbanished.
Ifthoudostbendandprayandfawnforhim,
Ispurntheelikeacuroutofmyway.
Know,Caesardothnotwrong,norwithoutcause
Willhebesatisfied.
METELLUS.Istherenovoicemoreworthythanmyown,
TosoundmoresweetlyingreatCaesar'sear
Fortherepealingofmybanish'dbrother?
BRUTUS.Ikissthyhand,butnotinflattery,Caesar,
DesiringtheethatPubliusCimbermay
Haveanimmediatefreedomofrepeal.
CAESAR.What,Brutus?
CASSIUS.Pardon,Caesar!Caesar,pardon!
AslowastothyfootdothCassiusfall
TobegenfranchisementforPubliusCimber.
CAESAR.Icouldbewellmoved,ifIwereasyou;
IfIcouldpraytomove,prayerswouldmoveme;
ButIamconstantasthenorthernstar,
Ofwhosetrue-fix'dandrestingquality
Thereisnofellowinthefirmament.
Theskiesarepaintedwithunnumber'dsparks;
Theyareallfireandeveryonedothshine;
Butthere'sbutoneinalldothholdhisplace.
Sointheworld,'tisfurnish'dwellwithmen,
Andmenarefleshandblood,andapprehensive;
YetinthenumberIdoknowbutone
Thatunassailableholdsonhisrank,
Unshakedofmotion;andthatIamhe,
Letmealittleshowit,eveninthis;
ThatIwasconstantCimbershouldbebanish'd,
Andconstantdoremaintokeephimso.
CINNA.OCaesarCAESAR.Hence!WiltthouliftupOlympus?
DECIUS.GreatCaesarCAESAR.DothnotBrutusbootlesskneel?
CASCA.Speak,hands,forme!
Cascafirst,thentheotherConspirators
andMarcusBrutusstabCaesar.
CAESAR.Ettu,Brute?-Thenfall,Caesar!Dies.
CINNA.Liberty!Freedom!Tyrannyisdead!
Runhence,proclaim,cryitaboutthestreets.
CASSIUS.Sometothecommonpulpitsandcryout
"Liberty,freedom,andenfranchisement!"
BRUTUS.Peopleandsenators,benotaffrighted,
Flynot,standstill;ambition'sdebtispaid.
CASCA.Gotothepulpit,Brutus.
DECIUS.AndCassiustoo.
BRUTUS.Where'sPublius?
CINNA.Here,quiteconfoundedwiththismutiny.
METELLUS.Standfasttogether,lestsomefriendofCaesar's
Shouldchance-
BRUTUS.Talknotofstanding.Publius,goodcheer,
Thereisnoharmintendedtoyourperson,
NortonoRomanelse.Sotellthem,Publius.
CASSIUS.Andleaveus,Publius,lestthatthepeople
Rushingonusshoulddoyouragesomemischief.
BRUTUS.Doso,andletnomanabidethisdeed
Butwethedoers.
Re-enterTrebonius.
CASSIUS.WhereisAntony?
TREBONIUS.Fledtohishouseamazed.
Men,wives,andchildrenstare,cryout,andrun
Asitweredoomsday.
BRUTUS.Fates,wewillknowyourpleasures.
Thatweshalldie,weknow;'tisbutthetime
Anddrawingdaysoutthatmenstandupon.
CASSIUS.Why,hethatcutsofftwentyyearsoflife
Cutsoffsomanyyearsoffearingdeath.
BRUTUS.Grantthat,andthenisdeathabenefit;
SoareweCaesar'sfriendsthathaveabridged
Histimeoffearingdeath.Stoop,Romans,stoop,
AndletusbatheourhandsinCaesar'sblood
Uptotheelbows,andbesmearourswords;
Thenwalkweforth,eventothemarketplace,
Andwavingourredweaponso'erourheads,
Let'sallcry,"Peace,freedom,andliberty!"
CASSIUS.Stoopthen,andwash.Howmanyageshence
Shallthisourloftyscenebeactedover
Instatesunbornandaccentsyetunknown!
BRUTUS.HowmanytimesshallCaesarbleedinsport,
ThatnowonPompey'sbasisliesalong
Noworthierthanthedust!
CASSIUS.Sooftasthatshallbe,
Sooftenshalltheknotofusbecall'd
Thementhatgavetheircountryliberty.
DECIUS.What,shallweforth?
CASSIUS.Ay,everymanaway.
Brutusshalllead,andwewillgracehisheels
WiththemostboldestandbestheartsofRome.
EnteraServant.
BRUTUS.Soft,whocomeshere?AfriendofAntony's.
SERVANT.Thus,Brutus,didmymasterbidmekneel,
ThusdidMarkAntonybidmefalldown,
And,beingprostrate,thushebademesay:
Brutusisnoble,wise,valiant,andhonest;
Caesarwasmighty,bold,royal,andloving.
SayIloveBrutusandIhonorhim;
SayIfear'dCaesar,honor'dhim,andlovedhim.
IfBrutuswillvouchsafethatAntony
Maysafelycometohimandberesolved
HowCaesarhathdeservedtolieindeath,
MarkAntonyshallnotloveCaesardead
SowellasBrutusliving,butwillfollow
ThefortunesandaffairsofnobleBrutus
Thoroughthehazardsofthisuntrodstate
Withalltruefaith.SosaysmymasterAntony.
BRUTUS.ThymasterisawiseandvaliantRoman;
Ineverthoughthimworse.
Tellhim,sopleasehimcomeuntothisplace,
Heshallbesatisfiedand,bymyhonor,
Departuntouch'd.
SERVANT.I'llfetchhimpresently.Exit.
BRUTUS.Iknowthatweshallhavehimwelltofriend.
CASSIUS.Iwishwemay,butyethaveIamind
Thatfearshimmuch,andmymisgivingstill
Fallsshrewdlytothepurpose.
Re-enterAntony.
BRUTUS.ButherecomesAntony.Welcome,MarkAntony.
ANTONY.OmightyCaesar!Dostthouliesolow?
Areallthyconquests,glories,triumphs,spoils,
Shrunktothislittlemeasure?Faretheewell.
Iknownot,gentlemen,whatyouintend,
Whoelsemustbeletblood,whoelseisrank.
IfImyself,thereisnohoursofit
AsCaesar'sdeath'shour,nornoinstrument
Ofhalfthatworthasthoseyourswords,maderich
Withthemostnoblebloodofallthisworld.
Idobeseechye,ifyoubearmehard,
Now,whilstyourpurpledhandsdoreekandsmoke,
Fulfillyourpleasure.Liveathousandyears,
Ishallnotfindmyselfsoapttodie;
Noplacewillpleasemeso,nomeansofdeath,
AsherebyCaesar,andbyyoucutoff,
Thechoiceandmasterspiritsofthisage.
BRUTUS.OAntony,begnotyourdeathofus!
Thoughnowwemustappearbloodyandcruel,
As,byourhandsandthisourpresentact
Youseewedo,yetseeyoubutourhands
Andthisthebleedingbusinesstheyhavedone.
Ourheartsyouseenot;theyarepitiful;
AndpitytothegeneralwrongofRomeAsfiredrivesoutfire,sopitypityHathdonethisdeedonCaesar.Foryourpart,
Toyouourswordshaveleadenpoints,MarkAntony;
Ourarmsinstrengthofmalice,andourhearts
Ofbrothers'temper,doreceiveyouin
Withallkindlove,goodthoughts,andreverence.
CASSIUS.Yourvoiceshallbeasstrongasanyman's
Inthedisposingofnewdignities.
BRUTUS.Onlybepatienttillwehaveappeased
Themultitude,besidethemselveswithfear,
Andthenwewilldeliveryouthecause
WhyI,thatdidloveCaesarwhenIstruckhim,
Havethusproceeded.
ANTONY.Idoubtnotofyourwisdom.
Leteachmanrendermehisbloodyhand.
First,MarcusBrutus,willIshakewithyou;
Next,CaiusCassius,doItakeyourhand;
Now,DeciusBrutus,yours;nowyours,Metellus;
Yours,Cinna;and,myvaliantCasca,yours;
Thoughlast,notleastinlove,yours,goodTrebonius.
Gentlemenall-alas,whatshallIsay?
Mycreditnowstandsonsuchslipperyground,
Thatoneoftwobadwaysyoumustconceitme,
Eitheracowardoraflatterer.
ThatIdidlovethee,Caesar,O,'tistrue!
Ifthenthyspiritlookuponusnow,
Shallitnotgrievetheedearerthanthydeath
ToseethyAntonymakinghispeace,
Shakingthebloodyfingersofthyfoes,
Mostnoble!Inthepresenceofthycorse?
HadIasmanyeyesasthouhastwounds,
Weepingasfastastheystreamforththyblood,
Itwouldbecomemebetterthantoclose
Intermsoffriendshipwiththineenemies.
Pardonme,Julius!Herewastthoubay'd,bravehart,
Heredidstthoufall,andherethyhuntersstand,
Sign'dinthyspoil,andcrimson'dinthyLethe.
Oworld,thouwasttheforesttothishart,
Andthis,indeed,Oworld,theheartofthee.
Howlikeadeerstruckenbymanyprinces
Dostthouherelie!
CASSIUS.MarkAntonyANTONY.Pardonme,CaiusCassius.
TheenemiesofCaesarshallsaythis:
Then,inafriend,itiscoldmodesty.
CASSIUS.IblameyounotforpraisingCaesarso;
Butwhatcompactmeanyoutohavewithus?
Willyoubeprick'dinnumberofourfriends,
Orshallweon,andnotdependonyou?
ANTONY.ThereforeItookyourhands,butwasindeed
Sway'dfromthepointbylookingdownonCaesar.
FriendsamIwithyouallandloveyouall,
Uponthishopethatyoushallgivemereasons
WhyandwhereinCaesarwasdangerous.
BRUTUS.Orelsewerethisasavagespectacle.
Ourreasonsaresofullofgoodregard
Thatwereyou,Antony,thesonofCaesar,
Youshouldbesatisfied.
ANTONY.That'sallIseek;
AndammoreoversuitorthatImay
Producehisbodytothemarketplace,
Andinthepulpit,asbecomesafriend,
Speakintheorderofhisfuneral.
BRUTUS.Youshall,MarkAntony.
CASSIUS.Brutus,awordwithyou.
[AsidetoBrutus.]Youknownotwhatyoudo.Donotconsent
ThatAntonyspeakinhisfuneral.
Knowyouhowmuchthepeoplemaybemoved
Bythatwhichhewillutter?
BRUTUS.Byyourpardon,
Iwillmyselfintothepulpitfirst,
AndshowthereasonofourCaesar'sdeath.
WhatAntonyshallspeak,Iwillprotest
Hespeaksbyleaveandbypermission,
AndthatwearecontentedCaesarshall
Havealltrueritesandlawfulceremonies.
Itshalladvantagemorethandouswrong.
CASSIUS.Iknownotwhatmayfall;Ilikeitnot.
BRUTUS.MarkAntony,here,takeyouCaesar'sbody.
Youshallnotinyourfuneralspeechblameus,
ButspeakallgoodyoucandeviseofCaesar,
Andsayyoudo'tbyourpermission,
Elseshallyounothaveanyhandatall
Abouthisfuneral.Andyoushallspeak
InthesamepulpitwheretoIamgoing,
Aftermyspeechisended.
ANTONY.Beitso,
Idodesirenomore.
BRUTUS.Preparethebodythen,andfollowus.
ExeuntallbutAntony.
ANTONY.O,pardonme,thoubleedingpieceofearth,
ThatIammeekandgentlewiththesebutchers!
Thouarttheruinsofthenoblestman
Thateverlivedinthetideoftimes.
Woetothehandthatshedthiscostlyblood!
OverthywoundsnowdoIprophesy
(Whichlikedumbmouthsdoopetheirrubylips
Tobegthevoiceandutteranceofmytongue)
Acurseshalllightuponthelimbsofmen;
Domesticfuryandfiercecivilstrife
ShallcumberallthepartsofItaly;
Bloodanddestructionshallbesoinuse,
Anddreadfulobjectssofamiliar,
Thatmothersshallbutsmilewhentheybehold
Theirinfantsquarter'dwiththehandsofwar;
Allpitychokedwithcustomoffelldeeds,
AndCaesar'sspiritrangingforrevenge,
WithAtebyhissidecomehotfromhell,
Shallintheseconfineswithamonarch'svoice
Cry"Havoc!"andletslipthedogsofwar,
Thatthisfouldeedshallsmellabovetheearth
Withcarrionmen,groaningforburial.
EnteraServant.
YouserveOctaviusCaesar,doyounot?
SERVANT.Ido,MarkAntony.
ANTONY.CaesardidwriteforhimtocometoRome.
SERVANT.Hedidreceivehisletters,andiscoming,
AndbidmesaytoyoubywordofmouthOCaesar!Seesthebody.
ANTONY.Thyheartisbig;gettheeapartandweep.
Passion,Isee,iscatching,formineeyes,
Seeingthosebeadsofsorrowstandinthine,
Begantowater.Isthymastercoming?
SERVANT.HeliestonightwithinsevenleaguesofRome.
ANTONY.Postbackwithspeedandtellhimwhathathchanced.
HereisamourningRome,adangerousRome,
NoRomeofsafetyforOctaviusyet;
Hiehence,andtellhimso.Yetstayawhile,
ThoushaltnotbacktillIhavebornethiscorse
Intothemarketplace.ThereshallItry,
Inmyoration,howthepeopletake
Thecruelissueofthesebloodymen,
Accordingtothewhichthoushaltdiscourse
ToyoungOctaviusofthestateofthings.
Lendmeyourhand.ExeuntwithCaesar'sbody.
SCENEII.TheForum.
EnterBrutusandCassius,andathrongofCitizens.
CITIZENS.Wewillbesatisfied!Letusbesatisfied!
BRUTUS.Thenfollowmeandgivemeaudience,friends.
Cassius,goyouintotheotherstreet
Andpartthenumbers.
Thosethatwillhearmespeak,let'emstayhere;
ThosethatwillfollowCassius,gowithhim;
Andpublicreasonsshallberendered
OfCaesar'sdeath.
FIRSTCITIZEN.IwillhearBrutusspeak.
SECONDCITIZEN.IwillhearCassiusandcomparetheirreasons,
Whenseverallywehearthemrendered.
ExitCassius,withsomeCitizens.
Brutusgoesintothepulpit.
THIRDCITIZEN.ThenobleBrutusisascended.Silence!
BRUTUS.Bepatienttillthelast.
Romans,countrymen,andlovers!Hearmeformycause,andbe
silent,thatyoumayhear.Believemeforminehonor,and
have
respecttominehonor,thatyoumaybelieve.Censuremein
your
wisdom,andawakeyoursenses,thatyoumaythebetterjudge.
If
therebeanyinthisassembly,anydearfriendofCaesar's,
to
himIsaythatBrutus'lovetoCaesarwasnolessthanhis.
If
thenthatfrienddemandwhyBrutusroseagainstCaesar,this
is
myanswer:NotthatIlovedCaesarless,butthatIloved
Rome
more.HadyouratherCaesarwerelivinganddieallslaves,
than
thatCaesarweredeadtoliveallfreemen?AsCaesarloved
me,I
weepforhim;ashewasfortunate,Irejoiceatit;ashewas
valiant,Ihonorhim;butashewasambitious,Islewhim.
There
istearsforhislove,joyforhisfortune,honorforhis
valor,
anddeathforhisambition.Whoisheresobasethatwouldbe
a
bondman?Ifany,speak,forhimhaveIoffended.Whoishere
so
rudethatwouldnotbeaRoman?Ifany,speak,forhimhaveI
offended.Whoisheresovilethatwillnotlovehiscountry?
If
any,speak,forhimhaveIoffended.Ipauseforareply.
ALL.None,Brutus,none.
BRUTUS.ThennonehaveIoffended.Ihavedonenomoreto
Caesar
thanyoushalldotoBrutus.Thequestionofhisdeathis
enrolledintheCapitol,hisglorynotextenuated,whereinhe
was
worthy,norhisoffensesenforced,forwhichhesuffered
death.
EnterAntonyandothers,withCaesar'sbody.
Herecomeshisbody,mournedbyMarkAntony,who,thoughhe
had
nohandinhisdeath,shallreceivethebenefitofhisdying,
a
placeinthecommonwealth,aswhichofyoushallnot?With
thisI
depart-that,asIslewmybestloverforthegoodofRome,I
havethesamedaggerformyself,whenitshallpleasemy
country
toneedmydeath.
ALL.Live,Brutus,live,live!
FIRSTCITIZEN.Bringhimwithtriumphhomeuntohishouse.
SECONDCITIZEN.Givehimastatuewithhisancestors.
THIRDCITIZEN.LethimbeCaesar.
FOURTHCITIZEN.Caesar'sbetterparts
Shallbecrown'dinBrutus.
FIRSTCITIZEN.We'llbringhimtohishousewithshoutsand
clamors.
BRUTUS.MycountrymenSECONDCITIZEN.Peace!Silence!Brutusspeaks.
FIRSTCITIZEN.Peace,ho!
BRUTUS.Goodcountrymen,letmedepartalone,
And,formysake,stayherewithAntony.
DogracetoCaesar'scorse,andgracehisspeech
TendingtoCaesar'sglories,whichMarkAntony,
Byourpermission,isallow'dtomake.
Idoentreatyou,notamandepart,
SaveIalone,tillAntonyhavespoke.Exit.
FIRSTCITIZEN.Stay,ho,andletushearMarkAntony.
THIRDCITIZEN.Lethimgoupintothepublicchair;
We'llhearhim.NobleAntony,goup.
ANTONY.ForBrutus'sake,Iambeholdingtoyou.
Goesintothepulpit.
FOURTHCITIZEN.WhatdoeshesayofBrutus?
THIRDCITIZEN.Hesays,forBrutus'sake,
Hefindshimselfbeholdingtousall.
FOURTHCITIZEN.'TwerebesthespeaknoharmofBrutushere.
FIRSTCITIZEN.ThisCaesarwasatyrant.
THIRDCITIZEN.Nay,that'scertain.
WeareblestthatRomeisridofhim.
SECONDCITIZEN.Peace!LetushearwhatAntonycansay.
ANTONY.YougentleRomansALL.Peace,ho!Letushearhim.
ANTONY.Friends,Romans,countrymen,lendmeyourears!
IcometoburyCaesar,nottopraisehim.
Theevilthatmendolivesafterthem,
Thegoodisoftinterredwiththeirbones;
SoletitbewithCaesar.ThenobleBrutus
HathtoldyouCaesarwasambitious;
Ifitwereso,itwasagrievousfault,
AndgrievouslyhathCaesaranswer'dit.
Here,underleaveofBrutusandtherestForBrutusisanhonorableman;
Soaretheyall,allhonorablemenComeItospeakinCaesar'sfuneral.
Hewasmyfriend,faithfulandjusttome;
ButBrutussayshewasambitious,
AndBrutusisanhonorableman.
HehathbroughtmanycaptiveshometoRome,
Whoseransomsdidthegeneralcoffersfill.
DidthisinCaesarseemambitious?
Whenthatthepoorhavecried,Caesarhathwept;
Ambitionshouldbemadeofsternerstuff:
YetBrutussayshewasambitious,
AndBrutusisanhonorableman.
YoualldidseethatontheLupercal
Ithricepresentedhimakinglycrown,
Whichhedidthricerefuse.Wasthisambition?
YetBrutussayshewasambitious,
Andsureheisanhonorableman.
IspeaknottodisprovewhatBrutusspoke,
ButhereIamtospeakwhatIdoknow.
Youalldidlovehimonce,notwithoutcause;
Whatcausewithholdsyouthentomournforhim?
Ojudgement,thouartfledtobrutishbeasts,
Andmenhavelosttheirreason.Bearwithme;
MyheartisinthecoffintherewithCaesar,
AndImustpausetillitcomebacktome.
FIRSTCITIZEN.Methinksthereismuchreasoninhissayings.
SECONDCITIZEN.Ifthouconsiderrightlyofthematter,
Caesarhashadgreatwrong.
THIRDCITIZEN.Hashe,masters?
Ifeartherewillaworsecomeinhisplace.
FOURTHCITIZEN.Mark'dyehiswords?Hewouldnottakethe
crown;
Therefore'tiscertainhewasnotambitious.
FIRSTCITIZEN.Ifitbefoundso,somewilldearabideit.
SECONDCITIZEN.Poorsoul,hiseyesareredasfirewith
weeping.
THIRDCITIZEN.There'snotanoblermaninRomethanAntony.
FOURTHCITIZEN.Nowmarkhim,hebeginsagaintospeak.
ANTONY.ButyesterdaythewordofCaesarmight
Havestoodagainsttheworld.Nowlieshethere,
Andnonesopoortodohimreverence.
Omasters!IfIweredisposedtostir
Yourheartsandmindstomutinyandrage,
IshoulddoBrutuswrongandCassiuswrong,
Who,youallknow,arehonorablemen.
Iwillnotdothemwrong;Iratherchoose
Towrongthedead,towrongmyselfandyou,
ThanIwillwrongsuchhonorablemen.
Buthere'saparchmentwiththesealofCaesar;
Ifounditinhiscloset,'tishiswill.
LetbutthecommonshearthistestamentWhich,pardonme,IdonotmeantoreadAndtheywouldgoandkissdeadCaesar'swounds
Anddiptheirnapkinsinhissacredblood,
Yea,begahairofhimformemory,
And,dying,mentionitwithintheirwills,
Bequeathingitasarichlegacy
Untotheirissue.
FOURTHCITIZEN.We'llhearthewill.Readit,MarkAntony.
ALL.Thewill,thewill!WewillhearCaesar'swill.
ANTONY.Havepatience,gentlefriends,Imustnotreadit;
ItisnotmeetyouknowhowCaesarlovedyou.
Youarenotwood,youarenotstones,butmen;
And,beingmen,hearingthewillofCaesar,
Itwillinflameyou,itwillmakeyoumad.
'Tisgoodyouknownotthatyouarehisheirs,
Forifyoushould,O,whatwouldcomeofit!
FOURTHCITIZEN.Readthewill;we'llhearit,Antony.
Youshallreadusthewill,Caesar'swill.
ANTONY.Willyoubepatient?Willyoustayawhile?
Ihaveo'ershotmyselftotellyouofit.
IfearIwrongthehonorablemen
Whosedaggershavestabb'dCaesar;Idofearit.
FOURTHCITIZEN.Theyweretraitors.Honorablemen!
ALL.Thewill!Thetestament!
SECONDCITIZEN.Theywerevillains,murtherers.Thewill!
Readthewill!
ANTONY.Youwillcompelmethentoreadthewill?
ThenmakearingaboutthecorseofCaesar,
Andletmeshowyouhimthatmadethewill.
ShallIdescend?Andwillyougivemeleave?
ALL.Comedown.
SECONDCITIZEN.Descend.
Hecomesdownfromthepulpit.
THIRDCITIZEN.Youshallhaveleave.
FOURTHCITIZEN.Aring,standround.
FIRSTCITIZEN.Standfromthehearse,standfromthebody.
SECONDCITIZEN.RoomforAntony,mostnobleAntony.
ANTONY.Nay,pressnotsouponme,standfaroff.
ALL.Standback;room,bearback!
ANTONY.Ifyouhavetears,preparetoshedthemnow.
Youalldoknowthismantle.Iremember
ThefirsttimeeverCaesarputiton;
'Twasonasummer'sevening,inhistent,
ThatdayheovercametheNervii.
Look,inthisplaceranCassius'daggerthrough;
SeewhatarenttheenviousCascamade;
Throughthisthewell-belovedBrutusstabb'd;
Andashepluck'dhiscursedsteelaway,
MarkhowthebloodofCaesarfollow'dit,
Asrushingoutofdoors,toberesolved
IfBrutussounkindlyknock'd,orno;
ForBrutus,asyouknow,wasCaesar'sangel.
Judge,Oyougods,howdearlyCaesarlovedhim!
Thiswasthemostunkindestcutofall;
ForwhenthenobleCaesarsawhimstab,
Ingratitude,morestrongthantraitors'arms,
Quitevanquish'dhim.Thenbursthismightyheart,
And,inhismantlemufflinguphisface,
EvenatthebaseofPompey'sstatue,
Whichallthewhileranblood,greatCaesarfell.
O,whatafallwasthere,mycountrymen!
ThenI,andyou,andallofusfelldown,
Whilstbloodytreasonflourish'doverus.
O,nowyouweep,andIperceiveyoufeel
Thedintofpity.Thesearegraciousdrops.
Kindsouls,whatweepyouwhenyoubutbehold
OurCaesar'svesturewounded?Lookyouhere,
Hereishimself,marr'd,asyousee,withtraitors.
FIRSTCITIZEN.Opiteousspectacle!
SECONDCITIZEN.OnobleCaesar!
THIRDCITIZEN.Owoefulday!
FOURTHCITIZEN.Otraitorsvillains!
FIRSTCITIZEN.Omostbloodysight!
SECONDCITIZEN.Wewillberevenged.
ALL.Revenge!About!Seek!Burn!Fire!Kill!
Slay!Letnotatraitorlive!
ANTONY.Stay,countrymen.
FIRSTCITIZEN.Peacethere!HearthenobleAntony.
SECONDCITIZEN.We'llhearhim,we'llfollowhim,we'lldie
with
him.
ANTONY.Goodfriends,sweetfriends,letmenotstiryouup
Tosuchasuddenfloodofmutiny.
Theythathavedonethisdeedarehonorable.
Whatprivategriefstheyhave,alas,Iknownot,
Thatmadethemdoit.Theyarewiseandhonorable,
Andwill,nodoubt,withreasonsansweryou.
Icomenot,friends,tostealawayyourhearts.
Iamnoorator,asBrutusis;
But,asyouknowmeall,aplainbluntman,
Thatlovemyfriend,andthattheyknowfullwell
Thatgavemepublicleavetospeakofhim.
ForIhaveneitherwit,norwords,norworth,
Action,norutterance,northepowerofspeech,
Tostirmen'sblood.Ionlyspeakrighton;
Itellyouthatwhichyouyourselvesdoknow;
ShowyousweetCaesar'swounds,poordumbmouths,
Andbidthemspeakforme.ButwereIBrutus,
AndBrutusAntony,therewereanAntony
Wouldruffleupyourspiritsandputatongue
IneverywoundofCaesarthatshouldmove
ThestonesofRometoriseandmutiny.
ALL.We'llmutiny.
FIRSTCITIZEN.We'llburnthehouseofBrutus.
THIRDCITIZEN.Away,then!Come,seektheconspirators.
ANTONY.Yethearme,countrymen;yethearmespeak.
ALL.Peace,ho!HearAntony,mostnobleAntony!
ANTONY.Why,friends,yougotodoyouknownotwhat.
WhereinhathCaesarthusdeservedyourloves?
Alas,youknownot;Imusttellyouthen.
YouhaveforgotthewillItoldyouof.
ALL.Mosttrue,thewill!Let'sstayandhearthewill.
ANTONY.Hereisthewill,andunderCaesar'sseal.
ToeveryRomancitizenhegives,
Toeveryseveralman,seventy-fivedrachmas.
SECONDCITIZEN.MostnobleCaesar!We'llrevengehisdeath.
THIRDCITIZEN.OroyalCaesar!
ANTONY.Hearmewithpatience.
ALL.Peace,ho!
ANTONY.Moreover,hehathleftyouallhiswalks,
Hisprivatearbors,andnew-plantedorchards,
OnthissideTiber;hehathleftthemyou,
Andtoyourheirsforever-commonpleasures,
Towalkabroadandrecreateyourselves.
HerewasaCaesar!Whencomessuchanother?
FIRSTCITIZEN.Never,never.Come,away,away!
We'llburnhisbodyintheholyplace
Andwiththebrandsfirethetraitors'houses.
Takeupthebody.
SECONDCITIZEN.Gofetchfire.
THIRDCITIZEN.Pluckdownbenches.
FOURTHCITIZEN.Pluckdownforms,windows,anything.
ExeuntCitizenswiththebody.
ANTONY.Nowletitwork.Mischief,thouartafoot,
Takethouwhatcoursethouwilt.
EnteraServant.
Hownow,fellow?
SERVANT.Sir,OctaviusisalreadycometoRome.
ANTONY.Whereishe?
SERVANT.HeandLepidusareatCaesar'shouse.
ANTONY.AndthitherwillIstraighttovisithim.
Hecomesuponawish.Fortuneismerry,
Andinthismoodwillgiveusanything.
SERVANT.IheardhimsayBrutusandCassius
AreridlikemadmenthroughthegatesofRome.
ANTONY.Beliketheyhadsomenoticeofthepeople,
HowIhadmovedthem.BringmetoOctavius.Exeunt.
SCENEIII.Astreet.
EnterCinnathepoet.
CINNA.IdreamttonightthatIdidfeastwithCaesar,
Andthingsunluckilychargemyfantasy.
Ihavenowilltowanderforthofdoors,
Yetsomethingleadsmeforth.
EnterCitizens.
FIRSTCITIZEN.Whatisyourname?
SECONDCITIZEN.Whitherareyougoing?
THIRDCITIZEN.Wheredoyoudwell?
FOURTHCITIZEN.Areyouamarriedmanorabachelor?
SECONDCITIZEN.Answereverymandirectly.
FIRSTCITIZEN.Ay,andbriefly.
FOURTHCITIZEN.Ay,andwisely.
THIRDCITIZEN.Ay,andtruly,youwerebest.
CINNA.Whatismyname?WhitheramIgoing?WheredoIdwell?
AmI
amarriedmanorabachelor?Then,toanswereveryman
directly
andbriefly,wiselyandtruly:wiselyIsay,Iamabachelor.
SECONDCITIZEN.That'sasmuchastosaytheyarefoolsthat
marry.
You'llbearmeabangforthat,Ifear.Proceeddirectly.
CINNA.Directly,IamgoingtoCaesar'sfuneral.
FIRSTCITIZEN.Asafriendoranenemy?
CINNA.Asafriend.
SECONDCITIZEN.Thatmatterisanswereddirectly.
FOURTHCITIZEN.Foryourdwelling,briefly.
CINNA.Briefly,IdwellbytheCapitol.
THIRDCITIZEN.Yourname,sir,truly.
CINNA.Truly,mynameisCinna.
FIRSTCITIZEN.Tearhimtopieces,he'saconspirator.
CINNA.IamCinnathepoet,IamCinnathepoet.
FOURTHCITIZEN.Tearhimforhisbadverses,tearhimforhis
bad
verses.
CINNA.IamnotCinnatheconspirator.
FOURTHCITIZEN.Itisnomatter,hisname'sCinna.Pluckbut
his
nameoutofhisheart,andturnhimgoing.
THIRDCITIZEN.Tearhim,tearhim!Come,brands,ho,
firebrands.To
Brutus',toCassius';burnall.SometoDecius'house,and
some
toCasca's,sometoLigarius'.Away,go!Exeunt.
<<THISELECTRONICVERSIONOFTHECOMPLETEWORKSOFWILLIAM
SHAKESPEAREISCOPYRIGHT1990-1993BYWORLDLIBRARY,INC.,ANDIS
PROVIDEDBYPROJECTGUTENBERGETEXTOFCARNEGIEMELLONUNIVERSITY
WITHPERMISSION.ELECTRONICANDMACHINEREADABLECOPIESMAYBE
DISTRIBUTEDSOLONGASSUCHCOPIES(1)AREFORYOUROROTHERS
PERSONALUSEONLY,AND(2)ARENOTDISTRIBUTEDORUSED
COMMERCIALLY.PROHIBITEDCOMMERCIALDISTRIBUTIONINCLUDESBYANY
SERVICETHATCHARGESFORDOWNLOADTIMEORFORMEMBERSHIP.>>
ACTIV.SCENEI.AhouseinRome.Antony,Octavius,andLepidus,seatedata
table.
ANTONY.Thesemanythenshalldie,theirnamesareprick'd.
OCTAVIUS.Yourbrothertoomustdie;consentyou,Lepidus?
LEPIDUS.IdoconsentOCTAVIUS.Prickhimdown,Antony.
LEPIDUS.UponconditionPubliusshallnotlive,
Whoisyoursister'sson,MarkAntony.
ANTONY.Heshallnotlive;look,withaspotIdamnhim.
But,Lepidus,goyoutoCaesar'shouse,
Fetchthewillhither,andweshalldetermine
Howtocutoffsomechargeinlegacies.
LEPIDUS.What,shallIfindyouhere?
OCTAVIUS.Orhere,orattheCapitol.ExitLepidus.
ANTONY.Thisisaslightunmeritableman,
Meettobesentonerrands.Isitfit,
Thethree-foldworlddivided,heshouldstand
Oneofthethreetoshareit?
OCTAVIUS.Soyouthoughthim,
Andtookhisvoicewhoshouldbeprick'dtodie
Inourblacksentenceandproscription.
ANTONY.Octavius,Ihaveseenmoredaysthanyou,
Andthoughwelaythesehonorsonthisman
Toeaseourselvesofdiversslanderousloads,
Heshallbutbearthemastheassbearsgold,
Togroanandsweatunderthebusiness,
Eitherledordriven,aswepointtheway;
Andhavingbroughtourtreasurewherewewill,
Thentakewedownhisloadandturnhimoff,
Liketotheemptyass,toshakehisears
Andgrazeincommons.
OCTAVIUS.Youmaydoyourwill,
Buthe'satriedandvaliantsoldier.
ANTONY.Soismyhorse,Octavius,andforthat
Idoappointhimstoreofprovender.
ItisacreaturethatIteachtofight,
Towind,tostop,torundirectlyon,
Hiscorporalmotiongovern'dbymyspirit.
And,insometaste,isLepidusbutso:
Hemustbetaught,andtrain'd,andbidgoforth;
Abarren-spiritedfellow,onethatfeeds
Onobjects,arts,andimitations,
Which,outofuseandstaledbyothermen,
Beginhisfashion.Donottalkofhim
Butasaproperty.Andnow,Octavius,
Listengreatthings.BrutusandCassius
Arelevyingpowers;wemuststraightmakehead;
Thereforeletouralliancebecombined,
Ourbestfriendsmade,ourmeansstretch'd;
Andletuspresentlygositincouncil,
Howcovertmattersmaybebestdisclosed,
Andopenperilssurestanswered.
OCTAVIUS.Letusdoso,forweareatthestake,
Andbay'daboutwithmanyenemies;
Andsomethatsmilehaveintheirhearts,Ifear,
Millionsofmischiefs.Exeunt.
SCENEII.CampnearSardis.BeforeBrutus'tent.Drum.
EnterBrutus,Lucilius,Lucius,andSoldiers;Titiniusand
Pindarusmeetthem.
BRUTUS.Stand,ho!
LUCILIUS.Givetheword,ho,andstand.
BRUTUS.Whatnow,Lucilius,isCassiusnear?
LUCILIUS.Heisathand,andPindarusiscome
Todoyousalutationfromhismaster.
BRUTUS.Hegreetsmewell.Yourmaster,Pindarus,
Inhisownchange,orbyillofficers,
Hathgivenmesomeworthycausetowish
Thingsdoneundone;butifhebeathand,
Ishallbesatisfied.
PINDARUS.Idonotdoubt
Butthatmynoblemasterwillappear
Suchasheis,fullofregardandhonor.
BRUTUS.Heisnotdoubted.Aword,Lucilius,
Howhereceivedyou.Letmeberesolved.
LUCILIUS.Withcourtesyandwithrespectenough,
Butnotwithsuchfamiliarinstances,
Norwithsuchfreeandfriendlyconference,
Ashehathusedofold.
BRUTUS.Thouhastdescribed
Ahotfriendcooling.Evernote,Lucilius,
Whenlovebeginstosickenanddecay
Itusethanenforcedceremony.
Therearenotricksinplainandsimplefaith;
Buthollowmen,likehorseshotathand,
Makegallantshowandpromiseoftheirmettle;
Butwhentheyshouldendurethebloodyspur,
Theyfalltheircrestsandlikedeceitfuljades
Sinkinthetrial.Comeshisarmyon?
LUCILIUS.TheymeanthisnightinSardistobequarter'd;
Thegreaterpart,thehorseingeneral,
ArecomewithCassius.Lowmarchwithin.
BRUTUS.Hark,heisarrived.
Marchgentlyontomeethim.
EnterCassiusandhisPowers.
CASSIUS.Stand,ho!
BRUTUS.Stand,ho!Speakthewordalong.
FIRSTSOLDIER.Stand!
SECONDSOLDIER.Stand!
THIRDSOLDIER.Stand!
CASSIUS.Mostnoblebrother,youhavedonemewrong.
BRUTUS.Judgeme,yougods!WrongImineenemies?
And,ifnotso,howshouldIwrongabrother?
CASSIUS.Brutus,thissoberformofyourshideswrongs,
AndwhenyoudothemBRUTUS.Cassius,becontent,
Speakyourgriefssoftly,Idoknowyouwell.
Beforetheeyesofbothourarmieshere,
Whichshouldperceivenothingbutlovefromus,
Letusnotwrangle.Bidthemmoveaway;
Theninmytent,Cassius,enlargeyourgriefs,
AndIwillgiveyouaudience.
CASSIUS.Pindarus,
Bidourcommandersleadtheirchargesoff
Alittlefromthisground.
BRUTUS.Lucilius,doyouthelike,andletnoman
Cometoourtenttillwehavedoneourconference.
LetLuciusandTitiniusguardourdoor.Exeunt.
SCENEIII.Brutus'tent.
EnterBrutusandCassius.
CASSIUS.Thatyouhavewrong'dmedothappearinthis:
Youhavecondemn'dandnotedLuciusPella
FortakingbribeshereoftheSardians,
Whereinmyletters,prayingonhisside,
BecauseIknewtheman,wereslightedoff.
BRUTUS.Youwrong'dyourselftowriteinsuchacase.
CASSIUS.Insuchatimeasthisitisnotmeet
Thateveryniceoffenseshouldbearhiscomment.
BRUTUS.Letmetellyou,Cassius,youyourself
Aremuchcondemn'dtohaveanitchingpalm,
Tosellandmartyourofficesforgold
Toundeservers.
CASSIUS.Ianitchingpalm?
YouknowthatyouareBrutusthatspeaksthis,
Or,bythegods,thisspeechwereelseyourlast.
BRUTUS.ThenameofCassiushonorsthiscorruption,
Andchastisementdoththereforehidehishead.
CASSIUS.Chastisement?
BRUTUS.RememberMarch,theidesofMarchremember.
DidnotgreatJuliusbleedforjustice'sake?
Whatvillaintouch'dhisbody,thatdidstab,
Andnotforjustice?What,shalloneofus,
Thatstrucktheforemostmanofallthisworld
Butforsupportingrobbers,shallwenow
Contaminateourfingerswithbasebribes
Andsellthemightyspaceofourlargehonors
Forsomuchtrashasmaybegraspedthus?
Ihadratherbeadog,andbaythemoon,
ThansuchaRoman.
CASSIUS.Brutus,baitnotme,
I'llnotendureit.Youforgetyourself
Tohedgemein.Iamasoldier,I,
Olderinpractice,ablerthanyourself
Tomakeconditions.
BRUTUS.Goto,youarenot,Cassius.
CASSIUS.Iam.
BRUTUS.Isayyouarenot.
CASSIUS.Urgemenomore,Ishallforgetmyself;
Haveminduponyourhealth,temptmenofarther.
BRUTUS.Away,slightman!
CASSIUS.Is'tpossible?
BRUTUS.Hearme,forIwillspeak.
MustIgivewayandroomtoyourrashcholer?
ShallIbefrightedwhenamadmanstares?
CASSIUS.Ogods,yegods!MustIendureallthis?
BRUTUS.Allthis?Ay,more.Frettillyourproudheartbreak.
Goshowyourslaveshowcholericyouare,
Andmakeyourbondmentremble.MustIbouge?
MustIobserveyou?MustIstandandcrouch
Underyourtestyhumor?Bythegods,
Youshalldigestthevenomofyourspleen,
Thoughitdosplityou,for,fromthisdayforth,
I'lluseyouformymirth,yea,formylaughter,
Whenyouarewaspish.
CASSIUS.Isitcometothis?
BRUTUS.Yousayyouareabettersoldier:
Letitappearso,makeyourvauntingtrue,
Anditshallpleasemewell.Formineownpart,
Ishallbegladtolearnofnoblemen.
CASSIUS.Youwrongmeeveryway,youwrongme,Brutus.
Isaid,aneldersoldier,notabetter.
DidIsay"better"?
BRUTUS.Ifyoudid,Icarenot.
CASSIUS.WhenCaesarlived,hedurstnotthushavemovedme.
BRUTUS.Peace,peace!Youdurstnotsohavetemptedhim.
CASSIUS.Idurstnot?
BRUTUS.No.
CASSIUS.What,durstnottempthim?
BRUTUS.Foryourlifeyoudurstnot.
CASSIUS.Donotpresumetoomuchuponmylove;
ImaydothatIshallbesorryfor.
BRUTUS.Youhavedonethatyoushouldbesorryfor.
Thereisnoterror,Cassius,inyourthreats,
ForIamarm'dsostronginhonesty,
Thattheypassbymeastheidlewind
WhichIrespectnot.Ididsendtoyou
Forcertainsumsofgold,whichyoudeniedme,
ForIcanraisenomoneybyvilemeans.
Byheaven,Ihadrathercoinmyheart
Anddropmybloodfordrachmasthantowring
Fromthehardhandsofpeasantstheirviletrash
Byanyindirection.Ididsend
Toyouforgoldtopaymylegions,
Whichyoudeniedme.WasthatdonelikeCassius?
ShouldIhaveanswer'dCaiusCassiusso?
WhenMarcusBrutusgrowssocovetous
Tolocksuchrascalcountersfromhisfriends,
Beready,gods,withallyourthunderbolts,
Dashhimtopieces!
CASSIUS.Ideniedyounot.
BRUTUS.Youdid.
CASSIUS.Ididnot.Hewasbutafool
Thatbroughtmyanswerback.Brutushathrivedmyheart.
Afriendshouldbearhisfriend'sinfirmities,
ButBrutusmakesminegreaterthantheyare.
BRUTUS.Idonot,tillyoupractisethemonme.
CASSIUS.Youlovemenot.
BRUTUS.Idonotlikeyourfaults.
CASSIUS.Afriendlyeyecouldneverseesuchfaults.
BRUTUS.Aflatterer'swouldnot,thoughtheydoappear
AshugeashighOlympus.
CASSIUS.Come,Antony,andyoungOctavius,come,
RevengeyourselvesaloneonCassius,
ForCassiusisawearyoftheworld:
Hatedbyoneheloves;bravedbyhisbrother;
Check'dlikeabondman;allhisfaultsobserved,
Setinanotebook,learn'dandconn'dbyrote,
Tocastintomyteeth.O,Icouldweep
Myspiritfrommineeyes!Thereismydagger,
Andheremynakedbreast;within,aheart
DearerthanPluto'smine,richerthangold.
IfthatthoubestaRoman,takeitforth;
I,thatdeniedtheegold,willgivemyheart.
Strike,asthoudidstatCaesar,forIknow,
Whenthoudidsthatehimworst,thoulovedsthimbetter
ThaneverthoulovedstCassius.
BRUTUS.Sheatheyourdagger.
Beangrywhenyouwill,itshallhavescope;
Dowhatyouwill,dishonorshallbehumor.
OCassius,youareyokedwithalamb,
Thatcarriesangerastheflintbearsfire,
Who,muchenforced,showsahastyspark
Andstraightiscoldagain.
CASSIUS.HathCassiuslived
TobebutmirthandlaughtertohisBrutus,
Whengriefandbloodill-temper'dvexethhim?
BRUTUS.WhenIspokethat,Iwasill-temper'dtoo.
CASSIUS.Doyouconfesssomuch?Givemeyourhand.
BRUTUS.Andmyhearttoo.
CASSIUS.OBrutus!
BRUTUS.What'sthematter?
CASSIUS.Havenotyouloveenoughtobearwithme
Whenthatrashhumorwhichmymothergaveme
Makesmeforgetful?
BRUTUS.Yes,Cassius,andfromhenceforth,
WhenyouareoverearnestwithyourBrutus,
He'llthinkyourmotherchides,andleaveyouso.
POET.[Within.]Letmegointoseethegenerals.
Thereissomegrudgebetween'em,'tisnotmeet
Theybealone.
LUCILIUS.[Within.]Youshallnotcometothem.
POET.[Within.]Nothingbutdeathshallstayme.
EnterPoet,followedbyLucilius,Titinius,andLucius.
CASSIUS.Hownow,what'sthematter?
POET.Forshame,yougenerals!Whatdoyoumean?
Love,andbefriends,astwosuchmenshouldbe;
ForIhaveseenmoreyears,I'msure,thanye.
CASSIUS.Ha,ha!Howvilelydoththiscynicrhyme!
BRUTUS.Getyouhence,sirrah;saucyfellow,hence!
CASSIUS.Bearwithhim,Brutus;'tishisfashion.
BRUTUS.I'llknowhishumorwhenheknowshistime.
Whatshouldthewarsdowiththesejiggingfools?
Companion,hence!
CASSIUS.Away,away,begone!ExitPoet.
BRUTUS.LuciliusandTitinius,bidthecommanders
Preparetolodgetheircompaniestonight.
CASSIUS.AndcomeyourselvesandbringMessalawithyou
Immediatelytous.ExeuntLuciliusandTitinius.
BRUTUS.Lucius,abowlofwine!ExitLucius.
CASSIUS.Ididnotthinkyoucouldhavebeensoangry.
BRUTUS.OCassius,Iamsickofmanygriefs.
CASSIUS.Ofyourphilosophyyoumakenouse,
Ifyougiveplacetoaccidentalevils.
BRUTUS.Nomanbearssorrowbetter.Portiaisdead.
CASSIUS.Ha?Portia?
BRUTUS.Sheisdead.
CASSIUS.How'scapedkillingwhenIcross'dyouso?
Oinsupportableandtouchingloss!
Uponwhatsickness?
BRUTUS.Impatientofmyabsence,
AndgriefthatyoungOctaviuswithMarkAntony
Havemadethemselvessostrong-forwithherdeath
Thattidingscame-withthisshefelldistract,
And(herattendantsabsent)swallow'dfire.
CASSIUS.Anddiedso?
BRUTUS.Evenso.
CASSIUS.Oyeimmortalgods!
Re-enterLucius,withwineandtaper.
BRUTUS.Speaknomoreofher.Givemeabowlofwine.
InthisIburyallunkindness,Cassius.Drinks.
CASSIUS.Myheartisthirstyforthatnoblepledge.
Fill,Lucius,tillthewineo'erswellthecup;
IcannotdrinktoomuchofBrutus'love.Drinks.
BRUTUS.Comein,Titinius!ExitLucius.
Re-enterTitinius,withMessala.
Welcome,goodMessala.
Nowsitwecloseaboutthistaperhere,
Andcallinquestionournecessities.
CASSIUS.Portia,artthougone?
BRUTUS.Nomore,Iprayyou.
Messala,Ihaveherereceivedletters
ThatyoungOctaviusandMarkAntony
Comedownuponuswithamightypower,
BendingtheirexpeditiontowardPhilippi.
MESSALA.Myselfhavelettersoftheselfsametenure.
BRUTUS.Withwhataddition?
MESSALA.Thatbyproscriptionandbillsofoutlawry
Octavius,Antony,andLepidus
Haveputtodeathanhundredsenators.
BRUTUS.Thereinourlettersdonotwellagree;
Minespeakofseventysenatorsthatdied
Bytheirproscriptions,Cicerobeingone.
CASSIUS.Ciceroone!
MESSALA.Ciceroisdead,
Andbythatorderofproscription.
Hadyouyourlettersfromyourwife,mylord?
BRUTUS.No,Messala.
MESSALA.Nornothinginyourletterswritofher?
BRUTUS.Nothing,Messala.
MESSALA.That,methinks,isstrange.
BRUTUS.Whyaskyou?Hearyouaughtofherinyours?
MESSALA.No,mylord.
BRUTUS.Now,asyouareaRoman,tellmetrue.
MESSALA.ThenlikeaRomanbearthetruthItell:
Forcertainsheisdead,andbystrangemanner.
BRUTUS.Why,farewell,Portia.Wemustdie,Messala.
Withmeditatingthatshemustdieonce
Ihavethepatiencetoendureitnow.
MESSALA.Evensogreatmengreatlossesshouldendure.
CASSIUS.Ihaveasmuchofthisinartasyou,
Butyetmynaturecouldnotbearitso.
BRUTUS.Well,toourworkalive.Whatdoyouthink
OfmarchingtoPhilippipresently?
CASSIUS.Idonotthinkitgood.
BRUTUS.Yourreason?
CASSIUS.Thisitis:
'Tisbetterthattheenemyseekus;
Soshallhewastehismeans,wearyhissoldiers,
Doinghimselfoffense,whilstwelyingstill
Arefullofrest,defense,andnimbleness.
BRUTUS.Goodreasonsmustofforcegiveplacetobetter.
Thepeople'twixtPhilippiandthisground
Dostandbutinaforcedaffection,
Fortheyhavegrudgeduscontribution.
Theenemy,marchingalongbythem,
Bythemshallmakeafullernumberup,
Comeonrefresh'd,new-added,andencouraged;
Fromwhichadvantageshallwecuthimoff
IfatPhilippiwedofacehimthere,
Thesepeopleatourback.
CASSIUS.Hearme,goodbrother.
BRUTUS.Underyourpardon.Youmustnotebeside
Thatwehavetriedtheutmostofourfriends,
Ourlegionsarebrim-full,ourcauseisripe:
Theenemyincreasetheveryday;
We,attheheight,arereadytodecline.
Thereisatideintheaffairsofmen
Whichtakenatthefloodleadsontofortune;
Omitted,allthevoyageoftheirlife
Isboundinshallowsandinmiseries.
Onsuchafullseaarewenowafloat,
Andwemusttakethecurrentwhenitserves,
Orloseourventures.
CASSIUS.Then,withyourwill,goon;
We'llalongourselvesandmeetthematPhilippi.
BRUTUS.Thedeepofnightiscreptuponourtalk,
Andnaturemustobeynecessity,
Whichwewillniggardwithalittlerest.
Thereisnomoretosay?
CASSIUS.Nomore.Goodnight.
Earlytomorrowwillweriseandhence.
BRUTUS.Lucius!
Re-enterLucius.
Mygown.ExitLucius.
Farewell,goodMessala;
Goodnight,Titinius;noble,nobleCassius,
Goodnightandgoodrepose.
CASSIUS.Omydearbrother!
Thiswasanillbeginningofthenight.
Nevercomesuchdivision'tweenoursouls!
Letitnot,Brutus.
BRUTUS.Everythingiswell.
CASSIUS.Goodnight,mylord.
BRUTUS.Goodnight,goodbrother.
TITINIUS.MESSALA.Goodnight,LordBrutus.
BRUTUS.Farewell,everyone.
ExeuntallbutBrutus.
Re-enterLucius,withthegown.
Givemethegown.Whereisthyinstrument?
LUCIUS.Hereinthetent.
BRUTUS.What,thouspeak'stdrowsily?
Poorknave,Iblametheenot,thouarto'erwatch'd.
CallClaudioandsomeotherofmymen,
I'llhavethemsleeponcushionsinmytent.
LUCIUS.VarroandClaudio!
EnterVarroandClaudio.
VARRO.Callsmylord?
BRUTUS.Iprayyou,sirs,lieinmytentandsleep;
ItmaybeIshallraiseyoubyandby
OnbusinesstomybrotherCassius.
VARRO.Sopleaseyou,wewillstandandwatchyourpleasure.
BRUTUS.Iwouldnothaveitso.Liedown,goodsirs.
ItmaybeIshallotherwisebethinkme.
LookLucius,here'sthebookIsoughtforso;
Iputitinthepocketofmygown.
VarroandClaudioliedown.
LUCIUS.Iwassureyourlordshipdidnotgiveitme.
BRUTUS.Bearwithme,goodboy,Iammuchforgetful.
Canstthouholdupthyheavyeyesawhile,
Andtouchthyinstrumentastrainortwo?
LUCIUS.Ay,mylord,an'tpleaseyou.
BRUTUS.Itdoes,myboy.
Itroubletheetoomuch,butthouartwilling.
LUCIUS.Itismyduty,sir.
BRUTUS.Ishouldnoturgethydutypastthymight;
Iknowyoungbloodslookforatimeofrest.
LUCIUS.Ihaveslept,mylord,already.
BRUTUS.Itwaswelldone,andthoushaltsleepagain;
Iwillnotholdtheelong.IfIdolive,
Iwillbegoodtothee.Music,andasong.
Thisisasleepytune.Omurtherousslumber,
Layestthouthyleadenmaceuponmyboy
Thatplaystheemusic?Gentleknave,goodnight.
Iwillnotdotheesomuchwrongtowakethee.
Ifthoudostnod,thoubreak'stthyinstrument;
I'lltakeitfromthee;and,goodboy,goodnight.
Letmesee,letmesee;isnottheleafturn'ddown
WhereIleftreading?Hereitis,Ithink.Sitsdown.
EntertheGhostofCaesar.
Howillthistaperburns!Ha,whocomeshere?
Ithinkitistheweaknessofmineeyes
Thatshapesthismonstrousapparition.
Itcomesuponme.Artthouanything?
Artthousomegod,someangel,orsomedevil
Thatmakestmybloodcoldandmyhairtostare?
Speaktomewhatthouart.
GHOST.Thyevilspirit,Brutus.
BRUTUS.Whycomestthou?
GHOST.TotelltheethoushaltseemeatPhilippi.
BRUTUS.Well,thenIshallseetheeagain?
GHOST.Ay,atPhilippi.
BRUTUS.Why,IwillseetheeatPhilippithen.ExitGhost.
NowIhavetakenheartthouvanishest.
Illspirit,Iwouldholdmoretalkwiththee.
Boy!Lucius!Varro!Claudio!Sirs,awake!
Claudio!
LUCIUS.Thestrings,mylord,arefalse.
BRUTUS.Hethinkshestillisathisinstrument.
Lucius,awake!
LUCIUS.Mylord?
BRUTUS.Didstthoudream,Lucius,thatthousocriedstout?
LUCIUS.Mylord,IdonotknowthatIdidcry.
BRUTUS.Yes,thatthoudidst.Didstthouseeanything?
LUCIUS.Nothing,mylord.
BRUTUS.Sleepagain,Lucius.SirrahClaudio!
[ToVarro.]Fellowthou,awake!
VARRO.Mylord?
CLAUDIO.Mylord?
BRUTUS.Whydidyousocryout,sirs,inyoursleep?
VARRO.CLAUDIO.Didwe,mylord?
BRUTUS.Ay,sawyouanything?
VARRO.No,mylord,Isawnothing.
CLAUDIO.NorI,mylord.
BRUTUS.GoandcommendmetomybrotherCassius;
Bidhimsetonhispowersbetimesbefore,
Andwewillfollow.
VARRO.CLAUDIO.Itshallbedone,mylord.Exeunt.
<<THISELECTRONICVERSIONOFTHECOMPLETEWORKSOFWILLIAM
SHAKESPEAREISCOPYRIGHT1990-1993BYWORLDLIBRARY,INC.,ANDIS
PROVIDEDBYPROJECTGUTENBERGETEXTOFCARNEGIEMELLONUNIVERSITY
WITHPERMISSION.ELECTRONICANDMACHINEREADABLECOPIESMAYBE
DISTRIBUTEDSOLONGASSUCHCOPIES(1)AREFORYOUROROTHERS
PERSONALUSEONLY,AND(2)ARENOTDISTRIBUTEDORUSED
COMMERCIALLY.PROHIBITEDCOMMERCIALDISTRIBUTIONINCLUDESBYANY
SERVICETHATCHARGESFORDOWNLOADTIMEORFORMEMBERSHIP.>>
ACTV.SCENEI.TheplainsofPhilippi.
EnterOctavius,Antony,andtheirArmy.
OCTAVIUS.Now,Antony,ourhopesareanswered.
Yousaidtheenemywouldnotcomedown,
Butkeepthehillsandupperregions.
Itprovesnotso.Theirbattlesareathand;
TheymeantowarnusatPhilippihere,
Answeringbeforewedodemandofthem.
ANTONY.Tut,Iamintheirbosoms,andIknow
Whereforetheydoit.Theycouldbecontent
Tovisitotherplaces,andcomedown
Withfearfulbravery,thinkingbythisface
Tofasteninourthoughtsthattheyhavecourage;
But'tisnotso.
EnteraMessenger.
MESSENGER.Prepareyou,generals.
Theenemycomesoningallantshow;
Theirbloodysignofbattleishungout,
Andsomethingtobedoneimmediately.
ANTONY.Octavius,leadyourbattlesoftlyon,
Uponthelefthandoftheevenfield.
OCTAVIUS.UpontherighthandI,keepthoutheleft.
ANTONY.Whydoyoucrossmeinthisexigent?
OCTAVIUS.Idonotcrossyou,butIwilldoso.
March.Drum.EnterBrutus,Cassius,andtheirArmy;
Lucilius,Titinius,Messala,andothers.
BRUTUS.Theystand,andwouldhaveparley.
CASSIUS.Standfast,Titinius;wemustoutandtalk.
OCTAVIUS.MarkAntony,shallwegivesignofbattle?
ANTONY.No,Caesar,wewillanswerontheircharge.
Makeforth,thegeneralswouldhavesomewords.
OCTAVIUS.Stirnotuntilthesignalnotuntilthesignal.
BRUTUS.Wordsbeforeblows.Isitso,countrymen?
OCTAVIUS.Notthatwelovewordsbetter,asyoudo.
BRUTUS.Goodwordsarebetterthanbadstrokes,Octavius.
ANTONY.Inyourbadstrokes,Brutus,yougivegoodwords.
WitnesstheholeyoumadeinCaesar'sheart,
Crying"Longlive!Hail,Caesar!"
CASSIUS.Antony,
Thepostureofyourblowsareyetunknown;
Butforyourwords,theyrobtheHyblabees,
Andleavethemhoneyless.
ANTONY.Notstinglesstoo.
BRUTUS.O,yes,andsoundlesstoo,
Foryouhavestol'ntheirbuzzing,Antony,
Andverywiselythreatbeforeyousting.
ANTONY.Villains!Youdidnotsowhenyourviledaggers
Hack'doneanotherinthesidesofCaesar.
Youshow'dyourteethlikeapes,andfawn'dlikehounds,
Andbow'dlikebondmen,kissingCaesar'sfeet;
WhilstdamnedCasca,likeacur,behind
StrookeCaesarontheneck.Oyouflatterers!
CASSIUS.Flatterers?Now,Brutus,thankyourself.
Thistonguehadnotoffendedsotoday,
IfCassiusmighthaveruled.
OCTAVIUS.Come,come,thecause.Ifarguingmakeussweat,
Theproofofitwillturntoredderdrops.
Look,
Idrawaswordagainstconspirators;
Whenthinkyouthattheswordgoesupagain?
Never,tillCaesar'sthreeandthirtywounds
Bewellavenged,ortillanotherCaesar
Haveaddedslaughtertotheswordoftraitors.
BRUTUS.Caesar,thoucanstnotdiebytraitors'hands,
Unlessthoubring'stthemwiththee.
OCTAVIUS.SoIhope,
IwasnotborntodieonBrutus'sword.
BRUTUS.O,ifthouwertthenoblestofthystrain,
Youngman,thoucouldstnotdiemorehonorable.
CASSIUS.Apeevishschoolboy,worthlessofsuchhonor,
Join'dwithamaskerandareveler!
ANTONY.OldCassiusstill!
OCTAVIUS.Come,Antony,away!
Defiance,traitors,hurlweinyourteeth.
Ifyoudarefighttoday,cometothefield;
Ifnot,whenyouhavestomachs.
ExeuntOctavius,Antony,andtheirArmy.
CASSIUS.Why,now,blowand,swellbillow,andswimbark!
Thestormisup,andallisonthehazard.
BRUTUS.Ho,Lucilius!Hark,awordwithyou.
LUCILIUS.[Standsforth.]Mylord?
BrutusandLuciliusconverseapart.
CASSIUS.Messala!
MESSALA.[Standsforth.]Whatsaysmygeneral?
CASSIUS.Messala,
Thisismybirthday,asthisveryday
WasCassiusborn.Givemethyhand,Messala.
Bethoumywitnessthat,againstmywill,
AsPompeywas,amIcompell'dtoset
Upononebattleallourliberties.
YouknowthatIheldEpicurusstrong,
Andhisopinion.NowIchangemymind,
Andpartlycreditthingsthatdopresage.
ComingfromSardis,onourformerensign
Twomightyeaglesfell,andtheretheyperch'd,
Gorgingandfeedingfromoursoldiers'hands,
WhotoPhilippihereconsortedus.
Thismorningaretheyfledawayandgone,
Andintheirsteadsdoravens,crows,andkites
Flyo'erourheadsanddownwardlookonus,
Asweweresicklyprey.Theirshadowsseem
Acanopymostfatal,underwhich
Ourarmylies,readytogiveuptheghost.
MESSALA.Believenotso.
CASSIUS.Ibutbelieveitpartly,
ForIamfreshofspiritandresolved
Tomeetallperilsveryconstantly.
BRUTUS.Evenso,Lucilius.
CASSIUS.Now,mostnobleBrutus,
Thegodstodaystandfriendlythatwemay,
Loversinpeace,leadonourdaystoage!
But,sincetheaffairsofmenreststillincertain,
Let'sreasonwiththeworstthatmaybefall.
Ifwedolosethisbattle,thenisthis
Theverylasttimeweshallspeaktogether.
Whatareyouthendeterminedtodo?
BRUTUS.Evenbytheruleofthatphilosophy
BywhichIdidblameCatoforthedeath
Whichhedidgivehimself-Iknownothow,
ButIdofinditcowardlyandvile,
Forfearofwhatmightfall,sotoprevent
Thetimeoflife-armingmyselfwithpatience
Tostaytheprovidenceofsomehighpowers
Thatgovernusbelow.
CASSIUS.Then,ifwelosethisbattle,
Youarecontentedtobeledintriumph
ThoroughthestreetsofRome?
BRUTUS.No,Cassius,no.Thinknot,thounobleRoman,
ThateverBrutuswillgoboundtoRome;
Hebearstoogreatamind.Butthissameday
MustendthatworktheidesofMarchbegun.
AndwhetherweshallmeetagainIknownot.
Thereforeoureverlastingfarewelltake.
Forever,andforever,farewell,Cassius!
Ifwedomeetagain,why,weshallsmile;
Ifnot,whythenthispartingwaswellmade.
CASSIUS.Foreverandforeverfarewell,Brutus!
Ifwedomeetagain,we'llsmileindeed;
Ifnot,'tistruethispartingwaswellmade.
BRUTUS.Whythen,leadon.O,thatamanmightknow
Theendofthisday'sbusinessereitcome!
Butitsufficeththatthedaywillend,
Andthentheendisknown.Come,ho!Away!Exeunt.
SCENEII.Thefieldofbattle.
Alarum.EnterBrutusandMessala.
BRUTUS.Ride,ride,Messala,ride,andgivethesebills
Untothelegionsontheotherside.Loudalarum.
Letthemsetonatonce,forIperceive
ButcolddemeanorinOctavia'swing,
Andsuddenpushgivesthemtheoverthrow.
Ride,ride,Messala.Letthemallcomedown.Exeunt.
SCENEIII.Anotherpartofthefield.
Alarums.EnterCassiusandTitinius.
CASSIUS.O,look,Titinius,look,thevillainsfly!
Myselfhavetomineownturn'denemy.
Thisensignhereofminewasturningback;
Islewthecoward,anddidtakeitfromhim.
TITINIUS.OCassius,Brutusgavethewordtooearly,
Who,havingsomeadvantageonOctavius,
Tookittooeagerly.Hissoldiersfelltospoil,
WhilstwebyAntonyareallenclosed.
EnterPindarus.
PINDARUS.Flyfurtheroff,mylord,flyfurtheroff;
MarkAntonyisinyourtents,mylord;
Fly,therefore,nobleCassius,flyfaroff.
CASSIUS.Thishillisfarenough.Look,look,Titinius:
ArethosemytentswhereIperceivethefire?
TITINIUS.Theyare,mylord.
CASSIUS.Titinius,ifthoulovestme,
Mountthoumyhorseandhidethyspursinhim,
Tillhehavebroughttheeuptoyondertroops
Andhereagain,thatImayrestassured
Whetheryondtroopsarefriendorenemy.
TITINIUS.Iwillbehereagain,evenwithathought.Exit.
CASSIUS.Go,Pindarus,gethigheronthathill;
Mysightwaseverthick;regardTitinius,
Andtellmewhatthounotestaboutthefield.
Pindarusascendsthehill.
ThisdayIbreathedfirst:timeiscomeround,
AndwhereIdidbegin,thereshallIend;
Mylifeisrunhiscompass.Sirrah,whatnews?
PINDARUS.[Above.]Omylord!
CASSIUS.Whatnews?
PINDARUS.[Above.]Titiniusisenclosedroundabout
Withhorsemen,thatmaketohimonthespur;
Yethespurson.Nowtheyarealmostonhim.
Now,Titinius!Nowsomelight.O,helightstoo.
He'sta'en[Shout.]And,hark!Theyshoutforjoy.
CASSIUS.Comedown;beholdnomore.
O,cowardthatIam,tolivesolong,
Toseemybestfriendta'enbeforemyface!
Pindarusdescends.
Comehither,sirrah.
InParthiadidItaketheeprisoner,
AndthenIsworethee,savingofthylife,
ThatwhatsoeverIdidbidtheedo,
Thoushouldstattemptit.Comenow,keepthineoath;
Nowbeafreeman,andwiththisgoodsword,
ThatranthroughCaesar'sbowels,searchthisbosom.
Standnottoanswer:here,takethouthehilts;
Andwhenmyfaceiscover'd,as'tisnow,
Guidethouthesword.[Pindarusstabshim.]Caesar,thouart
revenged,
Evenwiththeswordthatkill'dthee.Dies.
PINDARUS.So,Iamfree,yetwouldnotsohavebeen,
DurstIhavedonemywill.OCassius!
FarfromthiscountryPindarusshallrun,
WhereneverRomanshalltakenoteofhim.Exit.
Re-enterTitiniuswithMessala.
MESSALA.Itisbutchange,Titinius,forOctavius
IsoverthrownbynobleBrutus'power,
AsCassius'legionsarebyAntony.
TITINIUS.ThesetidingswouldwellcomfortCassius.
MESSALA.Wheredidyouleavehim?
TITINIUS.Alldisconsolate,
WithPindarushisbondman,onthishill.
MESSALA.Isnotthathethatliesupontheground?
TITINIUS.Heliesnotliketheliving.Omyheart!
MESSALA.Isnotthathe?
TITINIUS.No,thiswashe,Messala,
ButCassiusisnomore.Osettingsun,
Asinthyredraysthoudostsinktonight,
SoinhisredbloodCassius'dayisset,
ThesunofRomeisset!Ourdayisgone;
Clouds,dews,anddangerscome;ourdeedsaredone!
Mistrustofmysuccesshathdonethisdeed.
MESSALA.Mistrustofgoodsuccesshathdonethisdeed.
Ohatefulerror,melancholy'schild,
Whydostthoushowtotheaptthoughtsofmen
Thethingsthatarenot?Oerror,soonconceived,
Thounevercomestuntoahappybirth,
Butkill'stthemotherthatengender'dthee!
TITINIUS.What,Pindarus!Whereartthou,Pindarus?
MESSALA.Seekhim,Titinius,whilstIgotomeet
ThenobleBrutus,thrustingthisreport
Intohisears.Imaysay"thrusting"it,
Forpiercingsteelanddartsenvenomed
ShallbeaswelcometotheearsofBrutus
Astidingsofthissight.
TITINIUS.Hieyou,Messala,
AndIwillseekforPindarusthewhile.ExitMessala.
Whydidstthousendmeforth,braveCassius?
DidInotmeetthyfriends?Anddidnotthey
Putonmybrowsthiswreathofvictory,
Andbidmegiveitthee?Didstthounotheartheirshouts?
Alas,thouhastmisconstruedeverything!
But,holdthee,takethisgarlandonthybrow;
ThyBrutusbidmegiveitthee,andI
Willdohisbidding.Brutus,comeapace,
AndseehowIregardedCaiusCassius.
Byyourleave,gods,thisisaRoman'spart.
Come,Cassius'sword,andfindTitinius'heart.
Killshimself.
Alarum.Re-enterMessala,withBrutus,youngCato,
andothers.
BRUTUS.Where,where,Messala,dothhisbodylie?
MESSALA.Lo,yonder,andTitiniusmourningit.
BRUTUS.Titinius'faceisupward.
CATO.Heisslain.
BRUTUS.OJuliusCaesar,thouartmightyyet!
Thyspiritwalksabroad,andturnsourswords
Inourownproperentrails.Lowalarums.
CATO.BraveTitinius!
Lookwhe'erhehavenotcrown'ddeadCassius!
BRUTUS.AreyettwoRomanslivingsuchasthese?
ThelastofalltheRomans,faretheewell!
ItisimpossiblethateverRome
Shouldbreedthyfellow.Friends,Iowemoetears
Tothisdeadmanthanyoushallseemepay.
Ishallfindtime,Cassius,Ishallfindtime.
Cometherefore,andtoThasossendhisbody;
Hisfuneralsshallnotbeinourcamp,
Lestitdiscomfortus.Lucilius,come,
Andcome,youngCato;letustothefield.
LabioandFlavio,setourbattleson.
'Tisthreeo'clock,andRomans,yeterenight
Weshalltryfortuneinasecondfight.Exeunt.
SCENEIV.Anotherpartofthefield.
Alarum.Enter,fighting,Soldiersofbotharmies;thenBrutus,
youngCato,
Lucilius,andothers.
BRUTUS.Yet,countrymen,O,yetholdupyourheads!
CATO.Whatbastarddothnot?Whowillgowithme?
Iwillproclaimmynameaboutthefield.
IamthesonofMarcusCato,ho!
Afoetotyrants,andmycountry'sfriend.
IamthesonofMarcusCato,ho!
BRUTUS.AndIamBrutus,MarcusBrutus,I;
Brutus,mycountry'sfriend;knowmeforBrutus!Exit.
LUCILIUS.OyoungandnobleCato,artthoudown?
Why,nowthoudiestasbravelyasTitinius,
Andmaystbehonor'd,beingCato'sson.
FIRSTSOLDIER.Yield,orthoudiest.
LUCILIUS.OnlyIyieldtodie.
[Offersmoney.]Thereissomuchthatthouwiltkillme
straight:
KillBrutus,andbehonor'dinhisdeath.
FIRSTSOLDIER.Wemustnot.Anobleprisoner!
SECONDSOLDIER.Room,ho!TellAntony,Brutusista'en.
FIRSTSOLDIER.I'lltellthenews.Herecomesthegeneral.
EnterAntony.
Brutusista'en,Brutusista'en,mylord.
ANTONY.Whereishe?
LUCILIUS.Safe,Antony,Brutusissafeenough.
Idareassuretheethatnoenemy
ShallevertakealivethenobleBrutus;
Thegodsdefendhimfromsogreatashame!
Whenyoudofindhim,oraliveordead,
HewillbefoundlikeBrutus,likehimself.
ANTONY.ThisisnotBrutus,friend,but,Iassureyou,
Aprizenolessinworth.Keepthismansafe,
Givehimallkindness;Ihadratherhave
Suchmenmyfriendsthanenemies.Goon,
AndseewheerBrutusbealiveordead,
AndbringusworduntoOctavius'tent
Howeverythingischanced.Exeunt.
SCENEV.Anotherpartofthefield.
EnterBrutus,Dardanius,Clitus,Strato,andVolumnius.
BRUTUS.Come,poorremainsoffriends,restonthisrock.
CLITUS.Statiliusshow'dthetorchlight,but,mylord,
Hecamenotback.Heisorta'enorslain.
BRUTUS.Sittheedown,Clitus.Slayingistheword:
Itisadeedinfashion.Harkthee,Clitus.Whispers.
CLITUS.What,I,mylord?No,notforalltheworld.
BRUTUS.Peacethen,nowords.
CLITUS.I'llratherkillmyself.
BRUTUS.Harkthee,Dardanius.Whispers.
DARDANIUS.ShallIdosuchadeed?
CLITUS.ODardanius!
DARDANIUS.OClitus!
CLITUS.WhatillrequestdidBrutusmaketothee?
DARDANIUS.Tokillhim,Clitus.Look,hemeditates.
CLITUS.Nowisthatnoblevesselfullofgrief,
Thatitrunsoverevenathiseyes.
BRUTUS.Comehither,goodVolumnius,listaword.
VOLUMNIUS.Whatsaysmylord?
BRUTUS.Why,this,Volumnius:
TheghostofCaesarhathappear'dtome
Twoseveraltimesbynight;atSardisonce,
AndthislastnighthereinPhilippifields.
Iknowmyhouriscome.
VOLUMNIUS.Notso,mylord.
BRUTUS.NayIamsureitis,Volumnius.
Thouseesttheworld,Volumnius,howitgoes;
Ourenemieshavebeatustothepit;Lowalarums.
Itismoreworthytoleapinourselves
Thantarrytilltheypushus.GoodVolumnius,
Thouknow'stthatwetwowenttoschooltogether;
Evenforthatourloveofold,Iprithee,
Holdthoumysword-hilts,whilstIrunonit.
VOLUMNIUS.That'snotanofficeforafriend,mylord.
Alarumstill.
CLITUS.Fly,fly,mylord,thereisnotarryinghere.
BRUTUS.Farewelltoyou,andyou,andyou,Volumnius.
Strato,thouhastbeenallthiswhileasleep;
Farewelltotheetoo,Strato.Countrymen,
Myheartdothjoythatyetinallmylife
Ifoundnomanbuthewastruetome.
Ishallhaveglorybythislosingday,
MorethanOctaviusandMarkAntony
Bythisvileconquestshallattainunto.
So,fareyouwellatonce,forBrutus'tongue
Hathalmostendedhislife'shistory.
Nighthangsuponmineeyes,myboneswouldrest
Thathavebutlabor'dtoattainthishour.
Alarum.Crywithin,"Fly,fly,fly!"
CLITUS.Fly,mylord,fly.
BRUTUS.Hence!Iwillfollow.
ExeuntClitus,Dardanius,andVolumnius.
Iprithee,Strato,staythoubythylord.
Thouartafellowofagoodrespect;
Thylifehathhadsomesmatchofhonorinit.
Holdthenmysword,andturnawaythyface,
WhileIdorunuponit.Wiltthou,Strato?
STRATO.Givemeyourhandfirst.Fareyouwell,mylord.
BRUTUS.Farewell,goodStrato.Runsonhissword.
Caesar,nowbestill;
Ikill'dnottheewithhalfsogoodawill.Dies.
Alarum.Retreat.EnterOctavius,Antony,Messala,
Lucilius,andtheArmy.
OCTAVIUS.Whatmanisthat?
MESSALA.Mymaster'sman.Strato,whereisthymaster?
STRATO.Freefromthebondageyouarein,Messala:
Theconquerorscanbutmakeafireofhim;
ForBrutusonlyovercamehimself,
Andnomanelsehathhonorbyhisdeath.
LUCILIUS.SoBrutusshouldbefound.Ithankthee,Brutus,
ThatthouhastprovedLucilius'sayingtrue.
OCTAVIUS.AllthatservedBrutus,Iwillentertainthem.
Fellow,wiltthoubestowthytimewithme?
STRATO.Ay,ifMessalawillprefermetoyou.
OCTAVIUS.Doso,goodMessala.
MESSALA.Howdiedmymaster,Strato?
STRATO.Iheldthesword,andhedidrunonit.
MESSALA.Octavius,thentakehimtofollowthee
Thatdidthelatestservicetomymaster.
ANTONY.ThiswasthenoblestRomanofthemall.
Alltheconspirators,saveonlyhe,
DidthattheydidinenvyofgreatCaesar;
Heonly,inageneralhonestthought
Andcommongoodtoall,madeoneofthem.
Hislifewasgentle,andtheelements
Somix'dinhimthatNaturemightstandup
Andsaytoalltheworld,"Thiswasaman!"
OCTAVIUS.Acco r ding to hisvir tueletususehim
Withallr espectandr iteso fbur ial.
Withinmytenthisbo nesto nig htshalllie,
Mo stlikeaso ldier,o r der edho no r ably.
So callthefieldto r est,andlet'saway,
To par ttheg lo r ieso fthishappyday.Exeunt.
T HEEND
Endo fthisEtexto fT heCo mpleteWo r kso fWilliamShakespear e
T heTr ag edyo fJuliusCaesar