JULIUS CAESAR

JULIUS CAESAR ON 21 September 1599 a Swiss doctor, Thomas Platter, saw what can only have been Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar ‘very pleasingly performed’ in the newly built Globe Theatre—‘the straw-thatched house’—on the south side of the Thames. Francis Meres does not mention the play in Palladis Tamia of 1598, and minor resemblances with works printed in the early part of 1599 suggest that Shakespeare wrote it during that year. It was first printed in the 1623 Folio. Julius Caesar shows Shakespeare turning from English to Roman history, which he had last used in Titus Andronicus and The Rape of Lucrece. Caesar was regarded as perhaps the greatest ruler in the history of the world, and his murder by Brutus as one of the foulest crimes: but it was also recognized that Caesar had faults and Brutus virtues. Other plays, some now lost, had been written about Caesar and may have influenced Shakespeare; but there is no question that he made extensive use (for the first time in this play) of Sir Thomas North’s great translation (based on Jacques Amyot’s French version and published in 1579) of Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans by the Greek historian Plutarch, who lived from about AD 50 to 130. Shakespeare was interested in the aftermath of Caesar’s death as well as in the events leading up to it, and in the public and private motives of those responsible for it. So, although the Folio calls the play The Tragedy of Julius Caesar, Caesar is dead before the play is half over; Brutus, Cassius, and Antony have considerably longer roles, and Brutus is portrayed with a degree of introspection which links him more closely to Shakespeare’s other tragic heroes. Shakespeare draws mainly on the last quarter of Plutarch’s Life of Caesar, showing his fall; he also uses the Lives of Antony and Brutus for the play’s first sweep of action, showing the rise of the conspiracy against Caesar, its leaders’ efforts to persuade Brutus to join them, the assassination itself, and its immediate aftermath as Antony incites the citizens to revenge. The second part, showing the formation of the triumvirate of Antony, Lepidus, and Octavius Caesar, the uneasy alliance of Brutus and Cassius, and the battles in which Caesar’s spirit revenges itself, depends mainly on the Life of Brutus. Facts are often altered and rearranged in the interests of dramatic economy and effectiveness. Although Shakespeare wrote the play at a point in his career at which he was tending to use a high proportion of prose, Julius Caesar is written mainly in verse; as if to suit the subject matter, the style is classical in its lucidity and eloquence, reaching a climax of rhetorical effectiveness in the speeches over Caesar’s body (3.2). The play’s stage-worthiness has been repeatedly demonstrated; it offers excellent opportunities in all its main roles, and the quarrel between Brutus and Cassius (4.2) has been admired ever since Leonard Digges, a contemporary of Shakespeare, praised it at the expense of Ben Jonson: So have I seen, when Caesar would appear, And on the stage at half-sword parley were Brutus and Cassius; O, how the audience Were ravished, with what wonder they went thence, When some new day they would not brook a line Of tedious though well-laboured Catiline.

THE PERSONS OF THE PLAY

The Tragedy of Julius Caesar

Atto 1, Scena 1

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter Flavius, Murellus, and certain commoners over the stage
FLAVIUS	Hence, home, you idle creatures, get you home! Is this a holiday? What, know you not, Being mechanical, you ought not walk Upon a labouring day without the sign Of your profession?—Speak, what trade art thou?
CARPENTER	Why, sir, a carpenter.
MURELLUS	Where is thy leather apron and thy rule? What dost thou with thy best apparel on?— You, sir, what trade are you?
COBBLER	Truly, sir, in respect of a fine workman I am but, as you would say, a cobbler.
MURELLUS	But what trade art thou? Answer me directly.
COBBLER	A trade, sir, that I hope I may use with a safe conscience, which is indeed, sir, a mender of bad soles.
FLAVIUS	What trade, thou knave? Thou naughty knave, what trade?
COBBLER	Nay, I beseech you, sir, be not out with me. Yet if you be out, sir, I can mend you.
MURELLUS	What mean’st thou by that? Mend me, thou saucy fellow?
COBBLER	Why, sir, cobble you.
FLAVIUS	Thou art a cobbler, art thou?
COBBLER	Truly, sir, all that I live by is with the awl. I meddle with no tradesman’s matters, nor women’s matters, but withal I am indeed, sir, a surgeon to old shoes: when they are in great danger I recover them. As proper men as ever trod upon neat’s leather have gone upon my handiwork.
FLAVIUS	But wherefore art not in thy shop today? Why dost thou lead these men about the streets?
COBBLER	Truly, sir, to wear out their shoes to get myself into more work. But indeed, sir, we make holiday to see Caesar, and to rejoice in his triumph.
MURELLUS	Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home? What tributaries follow him to Rome To grace in captive bonds his chariot wheels? You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things! O, you hard hearts, you cruel men of Rome, Knew you not Pompey? Many a time and oft Have you climbed up to walls and battlements, To towers and windows, yea to chimney-tops, Your infants in your arms, and there have sat The livelong day with patient expectation To see great Pompey pass the streets of Rome. And when you saw his chariot but appear, Have you not made an universal shout, That Tiber trembled underneath her banks To hear the replication of your sounds Made in her concave shores? And do you now put on your best attire? And do you now cull out a holiday? And do you now strew flowers in his way That comes in triumph over Pompey’s blood? Be gone! Run to your houses, fall upon your knees, Pray to the gods to intermit the plague That needs must light on this ingratitude.
FLAVIUS	Go, go, good countrymen, and for this fault Assemble all the poor men of your sort; Draw them to Tiber banks, and weep your tears Into the channel, till the lowest stream Do kiss the most exalted shores of all.
(didascalia)	Exeunt all the commoners
FLAVIUS	See whe’er their basest mettle be not moved. They vanish tongue-tied in their guiltiness. Go you down that way towards the Capitol; This way will I. Disrobe the images If you do find them decked with ceremonies.
MURELLUS	May we do so? You know it is the Feast of Lupercal.
FLAVIUS	It is no matter. Let no images Be hung with Caesar’s trophies. I’ll about, And drive away the vulgar from the streets; So do you too where you perceive them thick. These growing feathers plucked from Caesar’s wing Will make him fly an ordinary pitch, Who else would soar above the view of men And keep us all in servile fearfulness.
(didascalia)	Exeunt
(didascalia)	1.2 Loud music. Enter Caesar, Antony stripped for the course, Calpurnia, Portia, Decius, Cicero, Brutus, Cassius, Casca, a Soothsayer, a throng of citizens; after them, Murellus and Flavius
CAESAR	Calpurnia.
(didascalia)	CASCA Peace, ho! Caesar speaks. Music ceases
CAESAR	Calpurnia.
CALPURMA	Here, my lord.
CAESAR	Stand you directly in Antonio’s way When he doth run his course.—Antonio.
ANTONY	Caesar, my lord.
CAESAR	Forget not in your speed, Antonio, To touch Calpurnia, for our elders say The barren, touched in this holy chase, Shake off their sterile curse.
ANTONY	I shall remember: When Caesar says ‘Do this’, it is performed.
CAESAR	Set on, and leave no ceremony out.
(didascalia)	music
SOOTHSAYER	Caesar!
CAESAR	Ha! Who calls?
CASCA	Bid every noise be still. Peace yet again.
(didascalia)	Music ceases
CAESAR	Who is it in the press that calls on me? I hear a tongue shriller than all the music Cry ‘Caesar!’ Speak. Caesar is turned to hear.
SOOTHSAYER	Beware the ides of March.
CAESAR	What man is that?
BRUTUS	A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March.
CAESAR	Set him before me; let me see his face.
CASSIUS	Fellow, come from the throng; look upon Caesar. The Soothsayer comes forward
CAESAR	What sayst thou to me now? Speak once again.
SOOTHSAYER	Beware the ides of March.
CAESAR	He is a dreamer. Let us leave him. Pass!
(didascalia)	Sennet. Exeunt all but Brutus and Cassius
CASSIUS	Will you go see the order of the course?
BRUTUS	Not I.
CASSIUS	I pray you, do.
BRUTUS	I am not gamesome; I do lack some part Of that quick spirit that is in Antony. Let me not hinder, Cassius, your desires. I’ll leave you.
CASSIUS	Brutus, I do observe you now of late. I have not from your eyes that gentleness And show of love as I was wont to have. You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand Over your friend that loves you.
BRUTUS	Cassius, Be not deceived. If I have veiled my look, I turn the trouble of my countenance Merely upon myself. Vexed I am Of late with passions of some difference, Conceptions only proper to myself, Which give some soil, perhaps, to my behaviours. But let not therefore my good friends be grieved— Among which number, Cassius, be you one— Nor construe any further my neglect Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war, Forgets the shows of love to other men.
CASSIUS	Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion, By means whereof this breast of mine hath buried Thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations. Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?
BRUTUS	No, Cassius, for the eye sees not itself But by reflection, by some other things.
CASSIUS	’Tis just; And it is very much lamented, Brutus, That you have no such mirrors as will turn Your hidden worthiness into your eye, That you might see your shadow. I have heard Where many of the best respect in Rome— Except immortal Caesar—speaking of Brutus, And groaning underneath this age’s yoke, Have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes.
BRUTUS	Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius, That you would have me seek into myself For that which is not in me?
CASSIUS	Therefor, good Brutus, be prepared to hear. And since you know you cannot see yourself So well as by reflection, I, your glass, Will modestly discover to yourself That of yourself which you yet know not of. And be not jealous on me, gentle Brutus. Were I a common laughter, or did use To stale with ordinary oaths my love To every new protester; if you know That I do fawn on men and hug them hard, And after scandal them; or if you know That I profess myself in banqueting To all the rout: then hold me dangerous.
(didascalia)	Flourish and shout within
BRUTUS	What means this shouting? I do fear the people Choose Caesar for their king.
CASSIUS	Ay, do you fear it? Then must I think you would not have it so.
BRUTUS	I would not, Cassius; yet I love him well. But wherefore do you hold me here so long? What is it that you would impart to me? If it be aught toward the general good, Set honour in one eye and death i’th’ other, And I will look on both indifferently; For let the gods so speed me as I love The name of honour more than I fear death.
CASSIUS	I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus, As well as I do know your outward favour. Well, honour is the subject of my story. I cannot tell what you and other men Think of this life; but for my single self, I had as lief not be, as live to be In awe of such a thing as I myself. I was born free as Caesar, so were you. We both have fed as well, and we can both Endure the winter’s cold as well as he. For once upon a raw and gusty day, The troubled Tiber chafing with her shores, Said Caesar to me ‘Dar’st thou, Cassius, now Leap in with me into this angry flood, And swim to yonder point?’ Upon the word, Accoutred as I was I plungèd in, And bade him follow. So indeed he did. The torrent roared, and we did buffet it With lusty sinews, throwing it aside, And stemming it with hearts of controversy. But ere we could arrive the point proposed, Caesar cried ‘Help me, Cassius, or I sinkl’ Ay, as Aeneas our great ancestor Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber Did I the tired Caesar. And this man Is now become a god, and Cassius is A wretched creature, and must bend his body If Caesar carelessly but nod on him. He had a fever when he was in Spain, And when the fit was on him, I did mark How he did shake. ‘Tis true, this god did shake. His coward lips did from their colour fly; And that same eye whose bend doth awe the world Did lose his lustre. I did hear him groan, Ay, and that tongue of his that bade the Romans Mark him and write his speeches in their books, ‘Alas!’ it cried, ‘Give me some drink, Titinius’, As a sick girl. Ye gods, it doth amaze me A man of such a feeble temper should So get the start of the majestic world, And bear the palm alone!
(didascalia)	Flourish and shout within
BRUTUS	Another general shout! I do believe that these applauses are For some new honours that are heaped on Caesar.
CASSIUS	Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world Like a Colossus, and we petty men Walk under his huge legs, and peep about To find ourselves dishonourable graves. Men at sometime were masters of their fates. The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings. Brutus and Caesar: what should be in that ‘Caesar’? Why should that name be sounded more than yours? Write them together: yours is as fair a name.
(didascalia)	Sound them: it doth become the mouth as well.
CASSIUS	Weigh them: it is as heavy. Conjure with ‘em: ‘Brutus’ will start a spirit as soon as ‘Caesar’. Now in the names of all the gods at once, Upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed That he is grown so great? Age, thou art shamed. Rome, thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods. When went there by an age since the great flood, But it was famed with more than with one man? When could they say till now, that talked of Rome, That her wide walls encompassed but one man? Now is it Rome indeed, and room enough When there is in it but one only man. O, you and I have heard our fathers say There was a Brutus once that would have brooked Th’eternal devil to keep his state in Rome As easily as a king.
BRUTUS	That you do love me I am nothing jealous. What you would work me to I have some aim. How I have thought of this and of these times I shall recount hereafter. For this present, I would not, so with love I might entreat you, Be any further moved. What you have said I will consider. What you have to say I will with patience hear, and find a time Both meet to hear and answer such high things. Till then, my noble friend, chew upon this: Brutus had rather be a villager Than to repute himself a son of Rome Under these hard conditions as this time Is like to lay upon us.
CASSIUS	I am glad That my weak words have struck but thus much show Of fire from Brutus.
(didascalia)	music. Enter Caesar and his train
BRUTUS	The games are done, and Caesar is returning.
CASSIUS	As they pass by, pluck Casca by the sleeve, And he will, after his sour fashion, tell you What hath proceeded worthy note today.
BRUTUS	I will do so. But look you, Cassius, The angry spot doth glow on Caesar’s brow, And all the rest look like a chidden train. Calpurnia’s cheek is pale, and Cicero Looks with such ferret and such fiery eyes As we have seen him in the Capitol Being crossed in conference by some senators.
CASSIUS	Casca will tell us what the matter is.
CAESAR	Antonio.
ANTONY	Caesar.
CAESAR	Let me have men about me that are fat, Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep a-nights. Yon Cassius has a lean and hungry look. He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous.
ANTONY	Fear him not, Caesar, he’s not dangerous. He is a noble Roman, and well given.
CAESAR	Would he were fatter! But I fear him not. Yet if my name were liable to fear, I do not know the man I should avoid So soon as that spare Cassius. He reads much, He is a great observer, and he looks Quite through the deeds of men. He loves no plays, As thou dost, Antony; he hears no music. Seldom he smiles, and smiles in such a sort As if he mocked himself, and scorned his spirit That could be moved to smile at anything. Such men as he be never at heart’s ease Whiles they behold a greater than themselves, And therefore are they very dangerous. I rather tell thee what is to be feared Than what I fear, for always I am Caesar. Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf, And tell me truly what thou think’st of him.
(didascalia)	Sennet. Exeunt Caesar and his train. Brutus, Cassius, and Casca remain
CASCA	(to Brutus) You pulled me by the cloak. Would you speak with me?
BRUTUS	Ay, Casca. Tell us what hath chanced today, That Caesar looks so sad.
CASCA	Why, you were with him, were you not?
BRUTUS	I should not then ask Casca what had chanced.
CASCA	Why, there was a crown offered him; and being offered him, he put it by with the back of his hand, thus; and then the people fell a-shouting.
BRUTUS	What was the second noise for?
CASCA	Why, for that too.
CASSIUS	They shouted thrice. What was the last cry for?
CASCA	Why, for that too.
BRUTUS	Was the crown offered him thrice?
CASCA	Ay, marry, was’t; and he put it by thrice, every time gentler than other; and at every putting by, mine honest neighbours shouted.
CASSIUS	Who offered him the crown?
CASCA	Why, Antony.
BRUTUS	Tell us the manner of it, gentle Casca.
CASCA	I can as well be hanged as tell the manner of it. It was mere foolery, I did not mark it. I saw Mark Antony offer him a crown—yet ‘twas not a crown neither, ’twas one of these coronets—and as I told you he put it by once; but for all that, to my thinking he would fain have had it. Then he offered it to him again; then he put it by again—but to my thinking he was very loath to lay his fingers off it. And then he offered it the third time; he put it the third time by. And still as he refused it, the rabblement hooted, and clapped their chapped hands, and threw up their sweaty nightcaps, and uttered such a deal of stinking breath because Caesar refused the crown that it had almost choked Caesar; for he swooned and fell down at it. And for mine own part, I durst not laugh for fear of opening my lips and receiving the bad air.
CASSIUS	But soft, I pray you. What, did Caesar swoon?
CASCA	He fell down in the market-place, and foamed at mouth, and was speechless.
BRUTUS	‘Tis very like: he hath the falling sickness.
CASSIUS	No, Caesar hath it not; but you and I And honest Casca, we have the falling sickness.
CASCA	I know not what you mean by that, but I am sure Caesar fell down. If the tag-rag people did not clap him and hiss him, according as he pleased and displeased them, as they use to do the players in the theatre, I am no true man.
BRUTUS	What said he when he came unto himself?
CASCA	Marry, before he fell down, when he perceived the common herd was glad he refused the crown, he plucked me ope his doublet and offered them his throat to cut. An I had been a man of any occupation, if I would not have taken him at a word, I would I might go to hell among the rogues. And so he fell. When he came to himself again, he said, if he had done or said anything amiss, he desired their worships to think it was his infirmity. Three or four wenches where I stood cried ‘Alas, good soul!’ and forgave him with all their hearts. But there’s no heed to be taken of them: if Caesar had stabbed their mothers they would have done no less.
BRUTUS	And after that he came thus sad away?
CASCA	Ay.
CASSIUS	Did Cicero say anything?
CASCA	Ay, he spoke Greek.
CASSIUS	To what effect?
CASCA	Nay, an I tell you that, I’ll ne‘er look you i’th’ face again. But those that understood him smiled at one another, and shook their heads. But for mine own part, it was Greek to me. I could tell you more news, too. Murellus and Flavius, for pulling scarves off Caesar’s images, are put to silence. Fare you well. There was more foolery yet, if I could remember it. CASSIUS Will you sup with me tonight, Casca?
CASCA	No, I am promised forth.
CASSIUS	Will you dine with me tomorrow?
CASCA	Ay, if I be alive, and your mind hold, and your dinner worth the eating.
CASSIUS	Good; I will expect you.
CASCA	Do so. Farewell both. Exit
BRUTUS	What a blunt fellow is this grown to be! He was quick mettle when he went to school.
CASSIUS	So is he now, in execution Of any bold or noble enterprise, However he puts on this tardy form. This rudeness is a sauce to his good wit, Which gives men stomach to digest his words With better appetite.
BRUTUS	And so it is. For this time I will leave you. Tomorrow, if you please to speak with me, I will come home to you; or if you will, Come home to me and I will wait for you.
CASSIUS	I will do so. Till then, think of the world.
(didascalia)	Exit Brutus
CASSIUS	Well, Brutus, thou art noble; yet I see Thy honourable mettle may be wrought From that it is disposed. Therefore it is meet That noble minds keep ever with their likes; For who so firm that cannot be seduced? Caesar doth bear me hard, but he loves Brutus. If I were Brutus now, and he were Cassius, He should not humour me. I will this night In several hands in at his windows throw– As if they came from several citizens— Writings, all tending to the great opinion That Rome holds of his name, wherein obscurely Caesar’s ambition shall be glanced at. And after this, let Caesar seat him sure, For we will shake him, or worse days endure. Exit

Atto 1, Scena 3

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

Atto 2, Scena 1

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter Brutus in his orchard
BRUTUS	What, Lucius, ho!— I cannot by the progress of the stars Give guess how near to day.—Lucius, I say!— I would it were my fault to sleep so soundty.— When, Lucius, when? Awake, I say! What, Lucius!
(didascalia)	Enter Lucius
LUCIUS	Called you, my lord?
BRUTUS	Get me a taper in my study, Lucius. When it is lighted, come and call me here.
LUCIUS	I will, my lord.
(didascalia)	Exit
BRUTUS	It must be by his death. And for my part I know no personal cause to spurn at him, But for the general. He would be crowned. How that might change his nature, there’s the question. It is the bright day that brings forth the adder, And that craves wary walking. Crown him: that! And then I grant we put a sting in him That at his will he may do danger with. Th‘abuse of greatness is when it disjoins Remorse from power. And to speak truth of Caesar, I have not known when his affections swayed More than his reason. But ’tis a common proof That lowliness is young ambition’s ladder, Whereto the climber-upward turns his face; But when he once attains the upmost round, He then unto the ladder turns his back, Looks in the clouds, scorning the base degrees By which he did ascend. So Caesar may. Then lest he may, prevent. And since the quarrel Will bear no colour for the thing he is, Fashion it thus: that what he is, augmented, Would run to these and these extremities; And therefore think him as a serpent’s egg, Which, hatched, would as his kind grow mischievous, And kill him in the shell.
(didascalia)	Enter Lucius, with a letter
LUCIUS	The taper burneth in your closet, sir. Searching the window for a flint, I found This paper, thus sealed up, and I am sure It did not lie there when I went to bed. He gives him the letter
BRUTUS	Get you to bed again; it is not day. Is not tomorrow, boy, the ides of March?
LUCIUS	I know not, sir.
BRUTUS	Look in the calendar and bring me word.
LUCIUS	I will, sir. Exit
BRUTUS	The exhalations whizzing in the air Give so much light that I may read by them. He opens the letter and reads ‘Brutus, thou sleep’st. Awake, and see thyself. Shall Rome, et cetera? Speak, strike, redress.‘— ‘Brutus, thou sleep‘st. Awake.’ Such instigations have been often dropped Where I have took them up. ‘Shall Rome, et cetera?’ Thus must I piece it out: Shall Rome stand under one man’s awe? What, Rome? My ancestors did from the streets of Rome The Tarquin drive when he was called a king. ‘Speak, strike, redress.’ Am I entreated To speak and strike? O Rome, I make thee promise, If the redress will follow, thou receivest Thy full petition at the hand of Brutus.
(didascalia)	Enter Lucius
LUCIUS	Sir, March is wasted fifteen days. Knock within
BRUTUS	‘Tis good. Go to the gate; somebody knocks.
(didascalia)	Exit Lucius
BRUTUS	Since Cassius first did whet me against Caesar I have not slept. Between the acting of a dreadful thing And the first motion, all the interim is Like a phantasma or a hideous dream. The genius and the mortal instruments Are then in counsel, and the state of man, Like to a little kingdom, suffers then The nature of an insurrection.
(didascalia)	Enter Lucius
LUCIUS	Sir, ’tis your brother Cassius at the door, Who doth desire to see you.
BRUTUS	Is he alone?
LUCIUS	No, sir, there are more with him.
BRUTUS	Do you know them?
LUCIUS	No, sir; their hats are plucked about their ears, And half their faces buried in their cloaks, That by no means I may discover them By any mark of favour.
BRUTUS	Let ’em enter. Exit Lucius They are the faction. O conspiracy, Sham‘st thou to show thy dang’rous brow by night, When evils are most free? O then by day Where wilt thou find a cavern dark enough To mask thy monstrous visage? Seek none, conspiracy. Hide it in smiles and affability; For if thou put thy native semblance on, Not Erebus itself were dim enough To hide thee from prevention.
(didascalia)	Enter the conspirators, muffled: Cassius, Casca, Decius, Cinna, Metellus, and Trebonius
CASSIUS	I think we are too bold upon your rest. Good morrow, Brutus. Do we trouble you?
BRUTUS	I have been up this hour, awake all night. Know I these men that come along with you?
CASSIUS	Yes, every man of them; and no man here But honours you; and every one doth wish You had but that opinion of yourself Which every noble Roman bears of you. This is Trebonius.
BRUTUS	He is welcome hither.
CASSIUS	This, Decius Brutus.
BRUTUS	He is welcome too.
CASSIUS	This, Casca; Cinna, this; and this, Metellus Cimber.
BRUTUS	They are all welcome. What watchful cares do interpose themselves Betwixt your eyes and night?
CASSIUS	Shall I entreat a word?
(didascalia)	Cassius and Brutus stand aside and whisper
DECIUS	Here lies the east. Doth not the day break here?
CASCA	No.
CINNA	O pardon, sir, it doth; and yon grey lines That fret the clouds are messengers of day.
CASCA	You shall confess that you are both deceived. He points his sword Here, as I point my sword, the sun arises, Which is a great way growing on the south, Weighing the youthful season of the year. Some two months hence up higher toward the north He first presents his fire, and the high east Stands, as the Capitol, directly here.
(didascalia)	He points his sword. Brutus and Cassius join the other conspirators
BRUTUS	Give me your hands all over, one by one. He shakes their hands
CASSIUS	And let us swear our resolution.
BRUTUS	No, not an oath. If not the face of men, The sufferance of our souls, the time’s abuse— If these be motives weak, break off betimes, And every man hence to his idle bed. So let high-sighted tyranny range on Till each man drop by lottery. But if these, As I am sure they do, bear fire enough To kindle cowards and to steel with valour The melting spirits of women, then, countrymen, What need we any spur but our own cause To prick us to redress? What other bond Than secret Romans, that have spoke the word And will not palter? And what other oath Than honesty to honesty engaged That this shall be or we will fall for it? Swear priests and cowards and men cautelous, Old feeble carrions, and such suffering souls That welcome wrongs; unto bad causes swear Such creatures as men doubt; but do not stain The even virtue of our enterprise, Nor th’insuppressive mettle of our spirits, To think that or our cause or our performance Did need an oath, when every drop of blood That every Roman bears, and nobly bears, Is guilty of a several bastardy If he do break the smallest particle Of any promise that hath passed from him.
CASSIUS	But what of Cicero? Shall we sound him? I think he will stand very strong with us.
CASCA	Let us not leave him out.
CINNA	No, by no means.
METELLUS	O, let us have him, for his silver hairs Will purchase us a good opinion, And buy men’s voices to commend our deeds. It shall be said his judgement ruled our hands. Our youths and wildness shall no whit appear, But all be buried in his gravity.
BRUTUS	O, name him not! Let us not break with him, For he will never follow anything That other men begin.
CASSIUS	Then leave him out.
CASCA	Indeed he is not fit.
DECIUS	Shall no man else be touched, but only Caesar?
CASSIUS	Decius, well urged. I think it is not meet Mark Antony, so well beloved of Caesar, Should outlive Caesar. We shall find of him A shrewd contriver. And you know his means, If he improve them, may well stretch so far As to annoy us all; which to prevent, Let Antony and Caesar fall together.
BRUTUS	Our course will seem too bloody, Caius Cassius, To cut the head off and then hack the limbs, Like wrath in death and envy afterwards— For Antony is but a limb of Caesar. Let’s be sacrificers, but not butchers, Caius. We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar, And in the spirit of men there is no blood. O, that we then could come by Caesar’s spirit, And not dismember Caesar! But, alas, Caesar must bleed for it. And, gentle friends, Let’s kill him boldly, but not wrathfully. Let’s carve him as a dish fit for the gods, Not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds. And let our hearts, as subtle masters do, Stir up their servants to an act of rage, And after seem to chide ’em. This shall make Our purpose necessary, and not envious; Which so appearing to the common eyes, We shall be called purgers, not murderers. And for Mark Antony, think not of him, For he can do no more than Caesar’s arm When Caesar’s head is off.
CASSIUS	Yet I fear him; For in the engrafted love he bears to Caesar—
BRUTUS	Alas, good Cassius, do not think of him. If he love Caesar, all that he can do Is to himself: take thought, and die for Caesar. And that were much he should, for he is given To sports, to wildness, and much company.
TREBONIUS	There is no fear in him. Let him not die; For he will live, and laugh at this hereafter. Clock strikes
BRUTUS	Peace, count the clock.
CASSIUS	The clock hath stricken three.
TREBONIUS	’Tis time to part.
CASSIUS	But it is doubtful yet Whether Caesar will come forth today or no; For he is superstitious grown of late, Quite from the main opinion he held once Of fantasy, of dreams and ceremonies. It may be these apparent prodigies, The unaccustomed terror of this night, And the persuasion of his augurers, May hold him from the Capitol today.
DECIUS	Never fear that. If he be so resolved I can o’ersway him; for he loves to hear That unicorns may be betrayed with trees, And bears with glasses, elephants with holes, Lions with toils, and men with flatterers; But when I tell him he hates flatterers; He says he does, being then most flattered. Let me work, For I can give his humour the true bent, And I will bring him to the Capitol.
CASSIUS	Nay, we will all of us be there to fetch him.
BRUTUS	By the eighth hour. Is that the uttermost?
CINNA	Be that the uttermost, and fail not then.
METELLUS	Caius Ligarius doth bear Caesar hard, Who rated him for speaking well of Pompey. I wonder none of you have thought of him.
BRUTUS	Now good Metellus, go along by him. He loves me well, and I have given him reasons. Send him but hither, and I’ll fashion him.
CASSIUS	The morning comes upon’s. We’ll leave you, Brutus. And, friends, disperse yourselves; but all remember What you have said, and show yourselves true Romans.
BRUTUS	Good gentlemen, look fresh and merrily. Let not our looks put on our purposes; But bear it as our Roman actors do, With untired spirits and formal constancy. And so good morrow to you every one.
(didascalia)	Exeunt all but Brutus
BRUTUS	Boy, Lucius!—Fast asleep? It is no matter. Enjoy the honey-heavy dew of slumber. Thou hast no figures nor no fantasies Which busy care draws in the brains of men; Therefore thou sleep’st so sound.
(didascalia)	Enter Portia
PORTIA	Brutus, my lord.
BRUTUS	Portia, what mean you? Wherefore rise you now? It is not for your health thus to commit Your weak condition to the raw cold morning.
PORTIA	Nor for yours neither. You’ve ungently, Brutus, Stole from my bed; and yesternight at supper You suddenly arose, and walked about Musing and sighing, with your arms across; And when I asked you what the matter was, You stared upon me with ungentle looks. I urged you further; then you scratched your head, And too impatiently stamped with your foot. Yet I insisted; yet you answered not, But with an angry wafture of your hand Gave sign for me to leave you. So I did, Fearing to strengthen that impatience Which seemed too much enkindled, and withal Hoping it was but an effect of humour, Which sometime hath his hour with every man. It will not let you eat, nor talk, nor sleep; And could it work so much upon your shape As it hath much prevailed on your condition, I should not know you Brutus. Dear my lord, Make me acquainted with your cause of grief.
BRUTUS	I am not well in health, and that is all.
PORTIA	Brutus is wise, and were he not in health He would embrace the means to come by it.
BRUTUS	Why, so I do. Good Portia, go to bed.
PORTIA	Is Brutus sick? And is it physical To walk unbracèd and suck up the humours Of the dank morning? What, is Brutus sick? And will he steal out of his wholesome bed To dare the vile contagion of the night, And tempt the rheumy and unpurgèd air To add unto his sickness? No, my Brutus, You have some sick offence within your mind, Which by the right and virtue of my place I ought to know of. (Kneeling) And upon my knees, I charm you by my once-commended beauty, By all your vows of love, and that great vow Which did incorporate and make us one, That you unfold to me, your self, your half, Why you are heavy, and what men tonight Have had resort to you—for here have been Some six or seven, who did hide their faces Even from darkness.
BRUTUS	Kneel not, gentle Portia.
(didascalia)	PORTIA rising
BRUTUS	I should not need if you were gentle Brutus.
(didascalia)	Within the bond of marriage, tell me, Brutus,
BRUTUS	Is it excepted I should know no secrets That appertain to you? Am I your self But as it were in sort or limitation? To keep with you at meals, comfort your bed, And talk to you sometimes? Dwell I but in the suburbs Of your good pleasure? If it be no more, Portia is Brutus’ harlot, not his wife.
BRUTUS	You are my true and honourable wife, As dear to me as are the ruddy drops That visit my sad heart.
PORTIA	If this were true, then should I know this secret. I grant I am a woman, but withal A woman that Lord Brutus took to wife. I grant I am a woman, but withal A woman well reputed, Cato’s daughter. Think you I am no stronger than my sex, Being so fathered and so husbanded? Tell me your counsels; I will not disclose ’em. I have made strong proof of my constancy, Giving myself a voluntary wound Here in the thigh. Can I bear that with patience, And not my husband’s secrets?
BRUTUS	O ye gods, Render me worthy of this noble wife!
(didascalia)	Knocking within
BRUTUS	Hark, hark, one knocks. Portia, go in a while, And by and by thy bosom shall partake The secrets of my heart. All my engagements I will construe to thee, All the charactery of my sad brows. Leave me with haste.
(didascalia)	Exit Portia
BRUTUS	Lucius, who’s that knocks?
(didascalia)	Enter Lucius, and Ligarius, with a kerchief round his head
LUCIUS	Here is a sick man that would speak with you.
BRUTUS	Caius Ligarius, that Metellus spake of.— Boy, stand aside.
(didascalia)	Exit Lucius
BRUTUS	Caius Ligarius, how?
LIGARIUS	Vouchsafe good morrow from a feeble tongue.
BRUTUS	O, what a time have you chose out, brave Caius, To wear a kerchief! Would you were not sick!
LIGARIUS	I am not sick if Brutus have in hand Any exploit worthy the name of honour.
BRUTUS	Such an exploit have I in hand, Ligarius, Had you a healthful ear to hear of it.
LIGARIUS	By all the gods that Romans bow before, I here discard my sickness. He pulls off his kerchief Soul of Rome, Brave son derived from honourable loins, Thou like an exorcist hast conjured up My mortifièd spirit. Now bid me run, And I will strive with things impossible, Yea, get the better of them. What’s to do?
BRUTUS	A piece of work that will make sick men whole.
LIGARIUS	But are not some whole that we must make sick?
BRUTUS	That must we also. What it is, my Caius, I shall unfold to thee as we are going To whom it must be done.
LIGARIUS	Set on your foot, And with a heart new-fired I follow you To do I know not what; but it sufficeth That Brutus leads me on.
BRUTUS	Follow me then.
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Atto 2, Scena 2

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Thunder and lightning. Enter Julius Caesar in his nightgown
CAESAR	Nor heaven nor earth have been at peace tonight. Thrice hath Calpurnia in her sleep cried out ‘Help, ho! They murder Caesar!’—Who’s within?
(didascalia)	Enter a Servant
SERVANT	My lord.
CAESAR	Go bid the priests do present sacrifice, And bring me their opinions of success.
SERVANT	I will, my lord.
(didascalia)	Exit
(didascalia)	Enter Calpurnia
CALPURNIA	What mean you, Caesar? Think you to walk forth? You shall not stir out of your house today.
CAESAR	Caesar shall forth. The things that threatened me Ne’er looked but on my back; when they shall see The face of Caesar, they are vanished.
CALPURNIA	Caesar, I never stood on ceremonies, Yet now they fright me. There is one within, Besides the things that we have heard and seen, Recounts most horrid sights seen by the watch. A lioness hath whelpèd in the streets, And graves have yawned and yielded up their dead. Fierce fiery warriors fight upon the clouds, In ranks and squadrons and right form of war, Which drizzled blood upon the Capitol. The noise of battle hurtled in the air. Horses do neigh, and dying men did groan, And ghosts did shriek and squeal about the streets. O Caesar, these things are beyond all use, And I do fear them.
CAESAR	What can be avoided Whose end is purposed by the mighty gods? Yet Caesar shall go forth, for these predictions Are to the world in general as to Caesar.
CALPURNIA	When beggars die there are no comets seen; The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.
CAESAR	Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once. Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, It seems to me most strange that men should fear, Seeing that death, a necessary end, Will come when it will come.
(didascalia)	Enter Servant
CAESAR	What say the augurers?
SERVANT	They would not have you to stir forth today. Plucking the entrails of an offering forth, They could not find a heart within the beast.
CAESAR	The gods do this in shame of cowardice. Caesar should be a beast without a heart If he should stay at home today for fear. No, Caesar shall not. Danger knows full well That Caesar is more dangerous than he. We are two lions littered in one day, And I the elder and more terrible. And Caesar shall go forth.
CALPURNIA	Alas, my lord, Your wisdom is consumed in confidence. Do not go forth today. Call it my fear That keeps you in the house, and not your own. We’ll send Mark Antony to the Senate House, And he shall say you are not well today. Let me upon my knee prevail in this. She kneels
CAESAR	Mark Antony shall say I am not well, And for thy humour I will stay at home.
(didascalia)	Enter Decius
CAESAR	Here’s Decius Brutus; he shall tell them so.
(didascalia)	Calpurnia rises
DECIUS	Caesar, all hail! Good morrow, worthy Caesar. I come to fetch you to the Senate House.
CAESAR	And you are come in very happy time To bear my greeting to the senators And tell them that I will not come today. Cannot is false, and that I dare not, falser. I will not come today; tell them so, Decius.
CALPURNIA	Say he is sick.
CAESAR	Shall Caesar send a lie? Have I in conquest stretched mine arm so far, To be afeard to tell greybeards the truth? Decius, go tell them Caesar will not come.
DECIUS	Most mighty Caesar, let me know some cause, Lest I be laughed at when I tell them so.
CAESAR	The cause is in my will; I will not come. That is enough to satisfy the Senate. But for your private satisfaction, Because I love you, I will let you know. Calpurnia here, my wife, stays me at home. She dreamt tonight she saw my statue, Which like a fountain with an hundred spouts Did run pure blood; and many lusty Romans Came smiling and did bathe their hands in it. And these does she apply for warnings and portents Of evils imminent, and on her knee Hath begged that I will stay at home today.
DECIUS	This dream is all amiss interpreted. It was a vision fair and fortunate. Your statue spouting blood in many pipes, In which so many smiling Romans bathed, Signifies that from you great Rome shall suck Reviving blood, and that great men shall press For tinctures, stains, relics, and cognizance. This by Calpurnia’s dream is signified.
CAESAR	And this way have you well expounded it.
DECIUS	I have, when you have heard what I can say. And know it now: the Senate have concluded To give this day a crown to mighty Caesar. If you shall send them word you will not come, Their minds may change. Besides, it were a mock Apt to be rendered for someone to say ‘Break up the Senate till another time, When Caesar’s wife shall meet with better dreams.’ If Caesar hide himself, shall they not whisper ‘Lo, Caesar is afraid’? Pardon me, Caesar; for my dear dear love To your proceeding bids me tell you this, And reason to my love is liable.
CAESAR	How foolish do your fears seem now, Calpurnial I am ashamed I did yield to them. Give me my robe, for I will go.
(didascalia)	Enter Cassius, Brutus, Ligarius, Metellus, Casca, Trebonius, and Cinna
CAESAR	And look where Cassius is come to fetch me.
(didascalia)	CASSIUS
CAESAR	Good morrow, Caesar.
CAESAR	Welcome, Cassius.— What, Brutus, are you stirred so early too?— Good morrow, Casca.—Caius Ligarius, Caesar was ne‘er so much your enemy As that same ague which hath made you lean. What is’t o’clock?
BRUTUS	Caesar, ’tis strucken eight.
CAESAR	I thank you for your pains and courtesy.
(didascalia)	Enter Antony
CAESAR	See, Antony that revels long a-nights Is notwithstanding up. Good morrow, Antony.
ANTONY	So to most noble Caesar.
(didascalia)	CAESAR to Calpurnia Bid them prepare within.
(didascalia)	I am to blame to be thus waited for. Exit Calpurnia
ANTONY	Now, Cinna.—Now, Metellus.—What, Trebonius! I have an hour’s talk in store for you. Remember that you call on me today. Be near me, that I may remember you.
(didascalia)	Caesar, I will, aside and so near will I be
TREBONIUS	That your best friends shall wish I had been further.
CAESAR	Good friends, go in and taste some wine with me, And we, like friends, will straightway go together.
BRUTUS	(aside) That every like is not the same, O Caesar, The heart of Brutus ernes to think upon. Exeunt

Atto 2, Scena 3

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter Artemidorus, reading a letter
ARTEMIDORUS	’Caesar, beware of Brutus. Take heed of Cassius. Come not near Casca. Have an eye to Cinna. Trust not Trebonius. Mark well Metellus Cimber. Decius Brutus loves thee not. Thou hast wronged Caius Ligarius. There is but one mind in all these men, and it is bent against Caesar. If thou beest not immortal, look about you. Security gives way to conspiracy. The mighty gods defend thee! Thy lover, Artemidorus.’ Here will I stand till Caesar pass along, And as a suitor will I give him this. My heart laments that virtue cannot live Out of the teeth of emulation. If thou read this, O Caesar, thou mayst live. If not, the fates with traitors do contrive. Exit

Atto 2, Scena 4

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter Portia and Lucius
PORTIA	I prithee, boy, run to the Senate House. Stay not to answer me, but get thee gone.— Why dost thou stay?
LUCIUS	To know my errand, madam.
PORTIA	I would have had thee there and here again Ere I can tell thee what thou shouldst do there. (Aside) O constancy, be strong upon my side; Set a huge mountain ’tween my heart and tongue. I have a man’s mind, but a woman’s might. How hard it is for women to keep counsel! (To Lucius) Art thou here yet?
LUCIUS	Madam, what should I do? Run to the Capitol, and nothing else? And so return to you, and nothing else?
PORTIA	Yes, bring me word, boy, if thy lord look well, For he went sickly forth; and take good note What Caesar doth, what suitors press to him. Hark, boy, what noise is that?
LUCIUS	I hear none, madam.
PORTIA	Prithee, listen well. I heard a bustling rumour, like a fray, And the wind brings it from the Capitol.
LUCIUS	Sooth, madam, I hear nothing.
(didascalia)	Enter the Soothsayer
PORTIA	Come hither, fellow. Which way hast thou been?
SOOTHSAYER	At mine own house, good lady.
PORTIA	What is’t o’clock?
SOOTHSAYER	About the ninth hour, lady.
PORTIA	Is Caesar yet gone to the Capitol?
SOOTHSAYER	Madam, not yet. I go to take my stand To see him pass on to the Capitol.
PORTIA	Thou hast some suit to Caesar, hast thou not?
SOOTHSAYER	That I have, lady. If it will please Caesar To be so good to Caesar as to hear me, I shall beseech him to befriend himself.
PORTIA	Why, know’st thou any harms intended towards him?
SOOTHSAYER	None that I know will be; much that I fear may chance. Good morrow to you.
(didascalia)	He moves away Here the street is narrow.
SOOTHSAYER	The throng that follows Caesar at the heels, Of senators, of praetors, common suitors, Will crowd a feeble man almost to death. I’ll get me to a place more void, and there Speak to great Caesar as he comes along. Exit
PORTIA	(aside) I must go in. Ay me! How weak a thing The heart of woman is! O Brutus, The heavens speed thee in thine enterprise!— Sure the boy heard me. (To Lucius) Brutus hath a suit That Caesar will not grant. (Aside) O, I grow faint! (To Lucius) Run, Lucius, and commend me to my lord. Say I am merry. Come to me again, And bring me word what he doth say to thee.
(didascalia)	Exeunt severally

Atto 3, Scena 1

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

Atto 3, Scena 2

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter Brutus and Cassius, with the Plebeians
ALL THE PLEBEIANS	We will be satisfied! Let us be satisfied!
BRUTUS	Then follow me, and give me audience, friends. (Aside to Cassius) Cassius, go you into the other street, And part the numbers. (To the Plebeians) Those that will hear me speak, let ’em stay here; Those that will follow Cassius, go with him; And public reasons shall be rendered Of Caesar’s death. Brutus ascends to the pulpit
FIRST PLEBEIAN	I will hear Brutus speak.
SECOND PLEBEIAN	I will hear Cassius, and compare their reasons When severally we hear them rendered.
(didascalia)	Exit Cassius, with some Plebeians
(didascalia)	Enter Brutus abovein the pulpit
THIRD PLEBEIAN	The noble Brutus is ascended. Silence.
BRUTUS	Be patient till the last. Romans, countrymen, and lovers, hear me for my cause, and be silent that you may hear. Believe me for mine honour, and have respect to mine honour, that you may believe. Censure me in your wisdom, and awake your senses, that you may the better judge. If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar’s, to him I say that Brutus’ love to Caesar was no less than his. If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more. Had you rather Caesar were living, and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men? As Caesar loved me, I weep for him. As he was fortunate, I rejoice at it. As he was valiant, I honour him. But as he was ambitious, I slew him. There is tears for his love, joy for his fortune, honour for his valour, and death for his ambition. Who is here so base that would be a bondman? If any, speak, for him have I offended. Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any, speak, for him have I offended. Who is here so vile that will not love his country? If any, speak, for him have I offended. I pause for a reply.
ALL THE PLEBEIANS	None, Brutus, none.
BRUTUS	Then none have I offended. I have done no more to Caesar than you shall do to Brutus. The question of his death is enrolled in the Capitol, his glory not extenuated wherein he was worthy, nor his offences enforced for which he suffered death.
(didascalia)	Enter Mark Antony, with others
(didascalia)	bearing Caesar’s body in a coffin‪‪‪‫‎
BRUTUS	Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony, who, though he had no hand in his death, shall receive the benefit of his dying: a place in the commonwealth—as which of you shall not? With this I depart: that as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself when it shall please my country to need my death.
ALL THE PLEBEIANS	Live, Brutus, live, live!
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Bring him with triumph home unto his house.
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Give him a statue with his ancestors.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Let him be Caesar.
(didascalia)	FIFTH PLEBEIAN Caesar’s better parts
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Shall be crowned in Brutus.
FIRST PLEBEIAN	We’ll bring him to his house with shouts and clamours.
BRUTUS	My countrymen.
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN Peace, silence. Brutus speaks.
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Peace, ho!
BRUTUS	Good countrymen, let me depart alone, And, for my sake, stay here with Antony. Do grace to Caesar’s corpse, and grace his speech Tending to Caesar’s glories, which Mark Antony, By our permission, is allowed to make. I do entreat you, not a man depart Save I alone till Antony have spoke. Exit
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Stay, ho, and let us hear Mark Antony.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Let him go up into the public chair. We’ll hear him. Noble Antony, go up.
ANTONY	For Brutus’ sake I am beholden to you. Antony ascends to the pulpit
(didascalia)	FIFTH PLEBEIAN
ANTONY	What does he say of Brutus?
THIRD PLEBEIAN	He says, for Brutus’ sake He finds himself beholden to us all.
(didascalia)	FIFTH PLEBEIAN
THIRD PLEBEIAN	’Twere best he speak no harm of Brutus here!
FIRST PLEBEIAN	This Caesar was a tyrant.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Nay, that’s certain. We are blessed that Rome is rid of him.
(didascalia)	Enter Antony in the pulpit
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Peace, let us hear what Antony can say.
ANTONY	You gentle Romans. ALL THE PLEBEIANS Peace, ho! Let us hear him.
ANTONY	Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears. I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones. So let it be with Caesar. The noble Brutus Hath told you Caesar was ambitious. If it were so, it was a grievous fault, And grievously hath Caesar answered it. Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest— For Brutus is an honourable man, So are they all, all honourable men— Come I to speak in Caesar’s funeral. He was my friend, faithful and just to me. But Brutus says he was ambitious, And Brutus is an honourable man. He hath brought many captives home to Rome, Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill. Did this in Caesar seem ambitious? When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept. Ambition should be made of sterner stuff. Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, And Brutus is an honourable man. You all did see that on the Lupercal I thrice presented him a kingly crown, Which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition? Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, And sure he is an honourable man. I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke, But here I am to speak what I do know. You all did love him once, not without cause. What cause withholds you then to mourn for him? O judgement, thou art fled to brutish beasts, And men have lost their reason! He weeps Bear with me. My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar, And I must pause till it come back to me.
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Methinks there is much reason in his sayings.
(didascalia)	FOURTHmlk, PLEBEIAN
FIRST PLEBEIAN	If thou consider rightly of the matter, Caesar has had great wrong.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Has he not, masters? I fear there will a worse come in his place.
(didascalia)	FIFTH PLEBEIAN
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Marked ye his words? He would not take the crown, Therefore ’tis certain he was not ambitious.
FIRST PLEBEIAN	If it be found so, some will dear abide it.
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Poor soul, his eyes are red as fire with weeping.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	There’s not a nobler man in Rome than Antony.
(didascalia)	FIFTH PLEBEIAN
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Now mark him; he begins again to speak.
ANTONY	But yesterday the word of Caesar might Have stood against the world. Now lies he there, And none so poor to do him reverence. O masters, if I were disposed to stir Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage, I should do Brutus wrong, and Cassius wrong, Who, you all know, are honourable men. I will not do them wrong. I rather choose To wrong the dead, to wrong myself and you, Than I will wrong such honourable men. But here’s a parchment with the seal of Caesar. I found it in his closet. ’Tis his will. Let but the commons hear this testament— Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read— And they would go and kiss dead Caesar’s wounds, And dip their napkins in his sacred blood, Yea, beg a hair of him for memory, And, dying, mention it within their wills, Bequeathing it as a rich legacy Unto their issue.
(didascalia)	FIFTH PLEBEIAN
ANTONY	We’ll hear the will. Read it, Mark Antony.
ALL THE PLEBEIANS	The will, the will! We will hear Caesar’s will.
ANTONY	Have patience, gentle friends, I must not read it. It is not meet you know how Caesar loved you. You are not wood, you are not stones, but men; And, being men, hearing the will of Caesar, It will inflame you, it will make you mad. ’Tis good you know not that you are his heirs, For if you should, O what would come of it?
(didascalia)	FIFTH ‪PLEBEIAN
ANTONY	Read the will. We’ll hear it, Antony. You shall read us the will, Caesar’s will.
ANTONY	Will you be patient? Will you stay a while? I have o’ershot myself to tell you of it. I fear I wrong the honourable men Whose daggers have stabbed Caesar; I do fear it.
(didascalia)	FIFTH PLEBEIAN They were traitors. Honourable men?
ALL THE PLEBEIANS	The will, the testament!
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN They were villains, murderers. The will, read the will!
ANTONY	You will compel me then to read the will? Then make a ring about the corpse of Caesar, And let me show you him that made the will. Shall I descend? And will you give me leave?
ALL THE PLEBEIANS	Come down.
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN Descend.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	You shall have leave. Antony descends from the pulpit
(didascalia)	FIFTH PLEBEIAN A ring.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Stand round.
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Stand from the hearse. Stand from the body.
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Room for Antony, most noble Antony!
(didascalia)	Enter Antony below
ANTONY	Nay, press not so upon me. Stand farre off.
ALL THE PLEBEIANS	Stand back! Room! Bear back!
ANTONY	If you have tears, prepare to shed them now. You all do know this mantle. I remember The first time ever Caesar put it on. ’Twas on a summer’s evening in his tent, That day he overcame the Nervii. Look, in this place ran Cassius’ dagger through. See what a rent the envious Casca made. Through this the well-beloved Brutus stabbed; And as he plucked his cursèd steel away, Mark how the blood of Caesar followed it, As rushing out of doors to be resolved If Brutus so unkindly knocked or no— For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar’s angel. Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him! This was the most unkindest cut of all. For when the noble Caesar saw him stab, Ingratitude, more strong than traitors’ arms, Quite vanquished him. Then burst his mighty heart, And in his mantle muffling up his face, Even at the base of Pompey’s statue, Which all the while ran blood, great Caesar fell. O, what a fall was there, my countrymen! Then I, and you, and all of us fell down, Whilst bloody treason flourished over us. O now you weep, and I perceive you feel The dint of pity. These are gracious drops. Kind souls, what, weep you when you but behold Our Caesar’s vesture wounded? Look you here. Here is himself, marred, as you see, with traitors. He uncovers Caesar’s body
FIRST PLEBEIAN	O piteous spectacle!
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN O noble Caesar!
THIRD PLEBEIAN	O woeful day!
(didascalia)	FIFTH PLEBEIAN
THIRD PLEBEIAN	O traitors, villains!
FIRST PLEBEIAN	O most bloody sight!
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN We will be revenged.
(didascalia)	ALL THE PLEBEIANS
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Revenge! About! Seek! Burn! Fire! Kill! Slay! Let not a traitor live !
ANTONY	Stay, countrymen.
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Peace there, hear the noble Antony.
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN We’ll hear him, we’ll follow him, we’ll die with him!
ANTONY	Good friends, sweet friends, let me not stir you up To such a sudden flood of mutiny. They that have done this deed are honourable. What private griefs they have, alas, I know not, That made them do it. They are wise and honourable, And will no doubt with reasons answer you. I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts. I am no orator as Brutus is, But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man That love my friend; and that they know full well That gave me public leave to speak of him. For I have neither wit, nor words, nor worth, Action, nor utterance, nor the power of speech, To stir men’s blood. I only speak right on. I tell you that which you yourselves do know, Show you sweet Caesar’s wounds, poor poor dumb mouths, And bid them speak for me. But were I Brutus, And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony Would ruffle up your spirits, and put a tongue In every wound of Caesar that should move The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny.
ALL THE PLEBEIANS	We’ll mutiny.
FIRST PLEBEIAN	We’ll burn the house of Brutus.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Away then! Come, seek the conspirators.
ANTONY	Yet hear me, countrymen, yet hear me speak.
ALL THE PLEBEIANS	Peace, ho! Hear Antony, most noble Antony.
ANTONY	Why, friends, you go to do you know not what. Wherein hath Caesar thus deserved your loves? Alas, you know not. I must tell you’ then. You have forgot the will I told you of.
ALL THE PLEBEIANS	Most true. The will. Let’s stay and hear the will.
ANTONY	Here is the will, and under Caesar’s seal. To every Roman citizen he gives— To every several man—seventy-five drachmas.
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN
ANTONY	Most noble Caesar! We’ll revenge his death.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	O royal Caesar!
ANTONY	Hear me with patience.
ALL THE PLEBEIANS	Peace, ho!
ANTONY	Moreover he hath left you all his walks, His private arbours, and new-planted orchards, On this side Tiber. He hath left them you, And to your heirs for ever—common pleasures To walk abroad and recreate yourselves. Here was a Caesar. When comes such another?
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Never, never! Come, away, away! We’ll burn his body in the holy place, And with the brands fire the traitors’ houses. Take up the body.
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN Go, fetch fire!
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Pluck down benches!
(didascalia)	FIFTH PLEBEIAN Pluck down forms, windows, anything!
(didascalia)	Exeunt Plebeians with Caesar’s body
ANTONY	Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot. Take thou what course thou wilt.
(didascalia)	Enter Octavius’ Servant
ANTONY	How now, fellow?
SERVANT	Sir, Octavius is already come to Rome.
ANTONY	Where is he?
SERVANT	He and Lepidus are at Caesar’s house.
ANTONY	And thither will I straight to visit him. He comes upon a wish. Fortune is merry, And in this mood will give us anything.
SERVANT	I heard him say Brutus and Cassius Are rid like madmen through the gates of Rome.
ANTONY	Belike they had some notice of the people, How I had moved them. Bring me to Octavius.
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Atto 3, Scena 3

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter Cinna the poet
CINNA	I dreamt tonight that I did feast with Caesar, And things unlucky charge my fantasy. I have no will to wander forth of doors, Yet something leads me forth.
(didascalia)	Enter the Plebeians
FIRST PLEBEIAN	What is your name?
SECOND PLEBEIAN	Whither are you going?
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Where do you dwell?
FOURTH PLEBEIAN	Are you a married man or a bachelor?
SECOND PLEBEIAN	Answer every man directly.
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Ay, and briefly.
FOURTH PLEBEIAN	Ay, and wisely.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Ay, and truly, you were best.
CINNA	What is my name? Whither am I going? Where do I dwell? Am I a married man or a bachelor? Then to answer every man directly and briefly, wisely and truly: wisely, I say, I am a bachelor.
SECOND PLEBEIAN	That’s as much as to say they are fools that marry. You’ll bear me a bang for that, I fear. Proceed directly.
CINNA	Directly I am going to Caesar’s funeral.
FIRST PLEBEIAN	As a friend or an enemy?
CINNA	As a friend.
SECOND PLEBEIAN	That matter is answered directly.
FOURTH PLEBEIAN	For your dwelling—briefly.
CINNA	Briefly, I dwell by the Capitol.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Your name, sir, truly.
CINNA	Truly, my name is Cinna.
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Tear him to pieces! He’s a conspirator.
CINNA	I am Cinna the poet, I am Cinna the poet.
FOURTH PLEBEIAN	Tear him for his bad verses, tear him for his bad verses.
CINNA	I am not Cinna the conspirator.
FOURTH PLEBEIAN	It is no matter, his name’s Cinna. Pluck but his name out of his heart, and turn him going.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Tear him, tear him!
(didascalia)	They set upon Cinna
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Come, brands, ho! Firebrands! To Brutus’, to Cassius’! Burn all! Some to Decius’ house, and some to Casca’s; some to Ligarius‘. Away, go!
(didascalia)	Exeunt all the Plebeians, with Cinna

Atto 4, Scena 1

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

Atto 4, Scena 2

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Drum. Enter Brutus, Lucius, and the army. Lucillius, Titinius, and Pindarus meet them
BRUTUS	Stand, ho!
(didascalia)	SOLDIER Give the word ‘ho’, and stand.
BRUTUS	What now, Lucillius: is Cassius near?
LUCILLIUS	He is at hand, and Pindarus is come To do you salutation from his master.
BRUTUS	He greets me well. Your master, Pindarus, In his own change or by ill officers, Hath given me some worthy cause to wish Things done undone. But if he be at hand, I shall be satisfied.
PINDARUS	I do not doubt But that my noble master will appear Such as he is, full of regard and honour.
BRUTUS	He is not doubted.—A word, Lucillius. Brutus and Lucillius speak apart How he received you let me be resolved.
LUCILLIUS	With courtesy and with respect enough, But not with such familiar instances, Nor with such free and friendly conference, As he hath used of old.
BRUTUS	Thou hast described A hot friend cooling. Ever note, Lucillius: When love begins to sicken and decay It useth an enforced ceremony. There are no tricks in plain and simple faith; But hollow men, like horses hot at hand, Make gallant show and promise of their mettle; Low march within But when they should endure the bloody spur, They fall their crests and, like deceitful jades, Sink in the trial. Comes his army on?
LUCILLIUS	They mean this night in Sardis to be quartered. The greater part, the horse in general, Are come with Cassius.
(didascalia)	Enter Cassius and his powers
BRUTUS	Hark, he is arrived. March gently on to meet him. The armies march
CASSIUS	Stand, ho!
BRUTUS	Stand, ho! Speak the word along.
(didascalia)	FIRST SOLDIER Stand!
(didascalia)	second SOLDIER Stand!
(didascalia)	THIRD SOLDIER Standl
CASSIUS	Most noble brother, you have done me wrong.
BRUTUS	Judge me, you gods: wrong I mine enemies? And if not so, how should I wrong a brother?
CASSIUS	Brutus, this sober form of yours hides wrongs, And when you do them—
BRUTUS	Cassius, be content. Speak your griefs softly. I do know you well. Before the eyes of both our armies here, Which should perceive nothing but love from us, Let us not wrangle. Bid them move away, Then in my tent, Cassius, enlarge your griefs, And I will give you audience.
CASSIUS	Pindarus, Bid our commanders lead their charges off A little from this ground.
BRUTUS	Lucillius, do you the like; and let no man Come to our tent till we have done our conference. Let Lucius and Titinius guard our door.
(didascalia)	Exeunt the armies Brutus and Cassius remain, with Titinius, and Lucius guarding the door
CASSIUS	That you have wronged me doth appear in this: You have condemned and noted Lucius Pella For taking bribes here of the Sardians, Wherein my letters praying on his side, Because I knew the man, was slighted off.
BRUTUS	You wronged yourself to write in such a case.
CASSIUS	In such a time as this it is not meet That every nice offence should bear his comment.
BRUTUS	Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself Are much condemned to have an itching palm, To sell and mart your offices for gold To undeservers.
CASSIUS	I, an itching palm? You know that you are Brutus that speaks this, 65 Or, by the gods, this speech were else your last.
BRUTUS	The name of Cassius honours this corruption, And chastisement doth therefore hide his head.
CASSIUS	Chastisement?
BRUTUS	Remember March, the ides of March, remember. Did not great Julius bleed for justice’ sake? What villain touched his body, that did stab, And not for justice? What, shall one of us, That struck the foremost man of all this world But for supporting robbers, shall we now Contaminate our fingers with base bribes, And sell the mighty space of our large honours For so much trash as may be grasped thus? I had rather be a dog and bay the moon Than such a Roman.
CASSIUS	Brutus, bay not me. I’ll not endure it. You forget yourself To hedge me in. I am a soldier, I, Older in practice, abler than yourself To make conditions.
BRUTUS	Go to, you are not, Cassius.
CASSIUS	I am.
BRUTUS	I say you are not.
CASSIUS	Urge me no more, I shall forget myself. Have mind upon your health. Tempt me no farther.
BRUTUS	Away, slight man.
CASSIUS	Is’t possible?
BRUTUS	Hear me, for I will speak. Must I give way and room to your rash choler? Shall I be frighted when a madman stares?
CASSIUS	O ye gods, ye gods! Must I endure all this?
BRUTUS	All this? Ay, more. Fret till your proud heart break. Go show your slaves how choleric you are, And make your bondmen tremble. Must I budge? Must I observe you? Must I stand and crouch Under your testy humour? By the gods, You shall digest the venom of your spleen, Though it do split you. For from this day forth I’ll use you for my mirth, yea for my laughter, When you are waspish.
CASSIUS	Is it come to this?
BRUTUS	You say you are a better soldier. Let it appear so, make your vaunting true, And it shall please me well. For mine own part, I shall be glad to learn of noble men.
CASSIUS	You wrong me every way, you wrong me, Brutus. I said an elder soldier, not a better. Did I say better?
BRUTUS	If you did, I care not.
CASSIUS	When Caesar lived he durst not thus have moved me.
BRUTUS	Peace, peace; you durst not so have tempted him.
CASSIUS	I durst not?
BRUTUS	No.
CASSIUS	What, durst not tempt him?
BRUTUS	For your life you durst not.
CASSIUS	Do not presume too much upon my love. I may do that I shall be sorry for.
BRUTUS	You have done that you should be sorry for. There is no terror, Cassius, in your threats, For I am armed so strong in honesty That they pass by me as the idle wind, Which I respect not. I did send to you For certain sums of gold, which you denied me; For I can raise no money by vile means. By heaven, I had rather coin my heart And drop my blood for drachmas than to wring From the hard hands of peasants their vile trash By any indirection. I did send To you for gold to pay my legions, Which you denied me. Was that done like Cassius? Should I have answered Caius Cassius so? When Marcus Brutus grows so covetous To lock such rascal counters from his friends, Be ready, gods, with all your thunderbolts; Dash him to pieces.
CASSIUS	I denied you not.
BRUTUS	You did.
CASSIUS	I did not. He was but a fool That brought my answer back. Brutus hath rived my heart. A friend should bear his friend’s infirmities, But Brutus makes mine greater than they are.
BRUTUS	I do not, till you practise them on me.
CASSIUS	You love me not.
BRUTUS	I do not like your faults.
CASSIUS	A friendly eye could never see such faults.
BRUTUS	A flatterer’s would not, though they do appear As huge as high Olympus.
CASSIUS	Come, Antony and young Octavius, come, Revenge yourselves alone on Cassius; For Cassius is aweary of the world, Hated by one he loves, braved by his brother, Checked like a bondman; all his faults observed, Set in a notebook, learned and conned by rote, To cast into my teeth. O, I could weep My spirit from mine eyes! There is my dagger, And here my naked breast; within, a heart Dearer than Pluto’s mine, richer than gold. If that thou beest a Roman, take it forth. I that denied thee gold will give my heart. Strike as thou didst at Caesar; for I know When thou didst hate him worst, thou loved‘st him better Than ever thou loved’st Cassius.
BRUTUS	Sheathe your dagger. Be angry when you will; it shall have scope. Do what you will; dishonour shall be humour. O Cassius, you are yoked with a lamb That carries anger as the flint bears fire, Who, much enforced, shows a hasty spark And straight is cold again.
CASSIUS	Hath Cassius lived To be but mirth and laughter to his Brutus When grief and blood ill-tempered vexeth him?
BRUTUS	When I spoke that, I was ill-tempered too.
CASSIUS	Do you confess so much? Give me your hand.
BRUTES	And my heart too.
(didascalia)	They embrace
CASSIUS	O Brutus!
BRUTUS	What’s the matter?
CASSIUS	Have not you love enough to bear with me When that rash humour which my mother gave me Makes me forgetful?
BRUTUS	Yes, Cassius, and from henceforth, When you are over-earnest with your Brutus, He’ll think your mother chides, and leave you so.
(didascalia)	Enter Lucillius and a Poet
POET	Let me go in to see the generals. There is some grudge between ’em; ’tis not meet They be alone.
LUCILLIUS	You shall not come to them.
POET	Nothing but death shall stay me.
CASSIUS	How now! What’s the matter?
POET	For shame, you generals, what do you mean? Love and be friends, as two such men should be, For I have seen more years, I’m sure, than ye.
CASSIUS	Ha, ha! How vilely doth this cynic rhyme!
BRUTUS	(to the Poet) Get you hence, sirrah; saucy fellow, hence!
CASSIUS	Bear with him, Brutus, ’tis his fashion.
BRUTUS	I’ll know his humour when he knows his time. What should the wars do with these jigging fools? (To the Poet) Companion, hence!
CASSIUS	(to the Poet) Away, away, be gone!
(didascalia)	Exit Poet
BRUTUS	Lucillius and Titinius, bid the commanders Prepare to lodge their companies tonight.
CASSIUS	And come yourselves, and bring Messala with you Immediately to us.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Lucillius and Titinius
BRUTUS	Lucius, a bowl of wine.
(didascalia)	Exit Lucius
CASSIUS	I did not think you could have been so angry.
BRUTUS	O Cassius, I am sick of many griefs.
CASSIUS	Of your philosophy you make no use, If you give place to accidental evils.
BRUTUS	No man bears sorrow better. Portia is dead.
CASSIUS	Ha! Portia?
BRUTUS	She is dead.
CASSIUS	How scaped I killing when I crossed you so? O insupportable and touching loss! Upon what sickness?
BRUTUS	Impatience of my absence, And grief that young Octavius with Mark Antony Have made themselves so strong—for with her death That tidings came. With this, she fell distraught, And, her attendants absent, swallowed fire.
CASSIUS	And died so?
BRUTUS	Even so.
CASSIUS	Oye immortal gods!
(didascalia)	Enter Lucius, with wine and tapers
BRUTUS	Speak no more of her. (To Lucius) Give me a bowl of wine. (To Cassius) In this I bury all unkindness, Cassius. He drinks
CASSIUS	My heart is thirsty for that noble pledge. Fill, Lucius, till the wine o’erswell the cup. I cannot drink too much of Brutus’ love. He drinks.
(didascalia)	Exit Lucius Enter Titinius and Messala
BRUTUS	Come in, Titinius; welcome, good Messala. Now sit we close about this taper here, And call in question our necessities.
CASSIUS	(aside) Portia, art thou gone?
BRUTUS	No more, I pray you.
(didascalia)	They sit
BRUTUS	Messala, I have here received letters That young Octavius and Mark Antony Come down upon us with a mighty power, Bending their expedition toward Philippi.
MESSALA	Myself have letters of the selfsame tenor.
BRUTUS	With what addition?
MESSALA	That by proscription and bills of outlawry Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus Have put to death an hundred senators.
BRUTUS	Therein our letters do not well agree. Mine speak of seventy senators that died By their proscriptions, Cicero being one.
CASSIUS	Cicero one?
MESSALA	Ay, Cicero is dead, And by that order of proscription. (To Brutus) Had you your letters from your wife, my lord?
BRUTUS	No, Messala.
MESSALA	Nor nothing in your letters writ of her?
BRUTUS	Nothing, Messala.
MESSALA	That methinks is strange.
BRUTUS	Why ask you? Hear you aught of her in yours?
MESSALA	No, my lord.
BRUTUS	Now as you are a Roman, tell me true.
MESSALA	Then like a Roman bear the truth I tell; For certain she is dead, and by strange manner.
BRUTUS	Why, farewell, Portia. We must die, Messala. With meditating that she must die once, I have the patience to endure it now.
MESSALA	Even so great men great losses should endure.
CASSIUS	I have as much of this in art as you, But yet my nature could not bear it so.
BRUTUS	Well, to our work alive. What do you think Of marching to Philippi presently?
CASSIUS	I do not think it good.
BRUTUS	Your reason?
CASSIUS	This it is: ’Tis better that the enemy seek us; So shall he waste his means, weary his soldiers, Doing himself offence; whilst we, lying still, Are full of rest, defence, and nimbleness.
BRUTUS	Good reasons must of force give place to better. The people ’twixt Philippi and this ground Do stand but in a forced affection, For they have grudged us contribution. The enemy marching along by them By them shall make a fuller number up, Come on refreshed, new added, and encouraged; From which advantage shall we cut him off, If at Philippi we do face him there, These people at our back.
CASSIUS	Hear me, good brother.
BRUTUS	Under your pardon. You must note beside That we have tried the utmost of our friends; Our legions are brim-full, our cause is ripe. The enemy increaseth every day; We at the height are ready to decline. There is a tide in the affairs of men Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat, And we must take the current when it serves, Or lose our ventures.
CASSIUS	Then, with your will, go on. We’ll along ourselves, and meet them at Philippi.
BRUTUS	The deep of night is crept upon our talk, And nature must obey necessity, Which we will niggard with a little rest. There is no more to say.
CASSIUS	No more. Good night. Early tomorrow will we rise and hence.
BRUTUS	Lucius.
(didascalia)	Enter Lucius
BRUTUS	My gown.
(didascalia)	Exit Lucius
BRUTUS	Farewell, good Messala. Good night, Titinius. Noble, noble, Cassius, Good night and good repose.
CASSIUS	O my dear brother, This was an ill beginning of the night! Never come such division ’tween our souls. Let it not, Brutus.
(didascalia)	Enter Lucius with the gown
BRUTUS	Everything is well.
CASSIUS	Good night, my lord.
BRUTUS	Good night, good brother.
TITINIUS	and MESSALA Good night, Lord Brutus.
BRUTUS	Farewell, every one.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Cassius, Titinius, and Messala
BRUTUS	Give me the gown.
(didascalia)	He puts on the gown
BRUTUS	Where is thy instrument?
LUCIUS	Here in the tent.
BRUTUS	What, thou speak’t drowsily. Poor knave, I blame thee not; thou art o’erwatched. Call Claudio and some other of my men. I’ll have them sleep on cushions in my tent.
LUCIUS	Varrus and Claudio!
(didascalia)	Enter Varrus and Claudio
VARRUS	Calls my lord?
BRUTUS	I pray you, sirs, lie in my tent and sleep. It may be I shall raise you by and by On business to my brother Cassius.
VARRUS	So please you, we will stand and watch your pleasure.
BRUTUS	I will not have it so. Lie down, good sirs. It may be I shall otherwise bethink me. Varrus and Claudio lie down to sleep Look, Lucius, here’s the book I sought for so. I put it in the pocket of my gown.
LUCIUS	I was sure your lordship did not give it me.
BRUTUS	Bear with me, good boy, I am much forgetful. Canst thou hold up thy heavy eyes a while, And touch thy instrument a strain or two?
LUCIUS	Ay, my lord, an’t please you.
BRUTUS	It does, my boy. I trouble thee too much, but thou art willing.
LUCIUS	It is my duty, sir.
BRUTUS	I should not urge thy duty past thy might. I know young bloods look for a time of rest.
LUCIUS	I have slept, my lord, already.
BRUTUS	It was well done, and thou shalt sleep again. I will not hold thee long. If I do live, I will be good to thee. Lucius plays music and sings a song, and so falls asleep This is a sleepy tune. O murd‘rous slumber, Lay’st thou thy leaden mace upon my boy That plays thee music?—Gentle knave, good night. I will not do thee so much wrong to wake thee. If thou dost nod thou break’st thy instrument; I’ll take it from thee, and, good boy, good night. He takes away Lucius’ instrument, then opens the book Let me see, let me see, is not the leaf turned down Where I left reading? Here it is, I think.
(didascalia)	Enter the Ghost of Caesar
BRUTUS	How ill this taper burns! Ha! Who comes here? I think it is the weakness of mine eyes That shapes this monstrous apparition. It comes upon me. Art thou any thing? Art thou some god, some angel, or some devil, That mak’st my blood cold and my hair to stare? Speak to me what thou art.
GHOST	Thy evil spirit, Brutus.
BRUTUS	Why com’st thou?
GHOST	To tell thee thou shalt see me at Philippi.
BRUTUS	Well; then I shall see thee again?
GHOST	Ay, at Philippi.
BRUTUS	Why, I will see thee at Philippi then. Exit Ghost Now I have taken heart, thou vanishest. Ill spirit, I would hold more talk with thee.— Boy, Lucius, Varrus, Claudio, sirs, awake! Claudio!
LUCIUS	The strings, my lord, are false.
BRUTUS	He thinks he still is at his instrument.— Lucius, awake!
LUCIUS	My lord.
BRUTUS	Didst thou dream, Lucius, that thou so cried’st out?
LUCIUS	My lord, I do not know that I did cry.
BRUTUS	Yes, that thou didst. Didst thou see anything?
LUCIUS	Nothing, my lord.
BRUTUS	Sleep again, Lucius.—Sirrah Claudio! (To Varrus) Fellow, Thou, awake!
VARRUS	My lord.
CLAUDIO	My lord.
BRUTUS	Why did you so cry out, sirs, in your sleep?
BOTH	Did we, my lord?
BRUTUS	Ay. Saw you anything?
VARRUS	No, my lord, I saw nothing.
CLAUDIO	Nor I, my lord.
BRUTUS	Go and commend me to my brother Cassius. Bid him set on his powers betimes before, And we will follow.
BOTH	It shall be done, my lord.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Varrus and Claudio at one door, Brutus and Lucius at another door

Atto 5, Scena 1

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter Octavius, Antony, and their army
OCTAVIUS	Now, Antony, our hopes are answered. You said the enemy would not come down, But keep the hills and upper regions. It proves not so; their battles are at hand. They mean to warn us at Philippi here, Answering before we do demand of them.
ANTONY	Tut, I am in their bosoms, and I know Wherefore they do it. They could be content To visit other places; and come down With fearful bravery, thinking by this face To fasten in our thoughts that they have courage; But ’tis not so.
(didascalia)	Enter a Messenger
MESSENGER	Prepare you, generals. The enemy comes on in gallant show. Their bloody sign of battle is hung out, And something to be done immediately.
ANTONY	Octavius, lead your battle softly on Upon the left hand of the even field.
OCTAVIUS	Upon the right hand, I; keep thou the left.
ANTONY	Why do you cross me in this exigent?
OCTAVIUS	I do not cross you, but I will do so.
(didascalia)	Drum. Antony and Octavius march with their army. Drum within. Enter, marching, Brutus, Cassius, and their army, amongst them Titinius, Lucillius, and Messala. Octavius’ and Antony’s army makes a stand
BRUTUS	They stand, and would have parley.
CASSIUS	Stand fast, Titinius. We must out and talk. Brutus’ and Cassius’ army makes a stand
OCTAVIUS	Mark Antony, shall we give sign of battle?
ANTONY	No, Caesar, we will answer on their charge. Make forth, the generals would have some words.
OCTAVIUS	(to his army) Stir not until the signal. Antony and Octavius meet Brutus and Cassius
BRUTUS	Words before blows: is it so, countrymen?
OCTAVIUS	Not that we love words better, as you do.
BRUTUS	Good words are better than bad strokes, Octavius.
ANTONY	In your bad strokes, Brutus, you give good words. Witness the hole you made in Caesar’s heart, Crying ‘Long live, hail Caesar’.
CASSIUS	Antony, The posture of your blows are yet unknown; But for your words, they rob the Hybla bees, And leave them honeyless.
ANTONY	Not stingless too.
BRUTUS	O yes, and soundless too, For you have stolen their buzzing, Antony, And very wisely threat before you sting.
ANTONY	Villains, you did not so when your vile daggers Hacked one another in the sides of Caesar. You showed your teeth like apes, and fawned like hounds, And bowed like bondmen, kissing Caesar’s feet, Whilst damnèd Casca, like a cur, behind, Struck Caesar on the neck. O you flatterers!
CASSIUS	Flatterers? Now, Brutus, thank yourself. This tongue had not offended so today If Cassius might have ruled.
OCTAVIUS	Come, come, the cause. If arguing make us sweat, The proof of it will turn to redder drops. He draws Look, I draw a sword against conspirators. When think you that the sword goes up again? Never till Caesar’s three and thirty wounds Be well avenged, or till another Caesar Have added slaughter to the swords of traitors.
BRUTUS	Caesar, thou canst not die by traitors’ hands, Unless thou bring’st them with thee.
OCTAVIUS	So I hope. I was not born to die on Brutus’ sword.
BRUTUS	O, if thou wert the noblest of thy strain, Young man, thou couldst not die more honourable.
CASSIUS	A peevish schoolboy, worthless of such honour, Joined with a masquer and a reveller!
ANTONY	Old Cassius still.
OCTAVIUS	Come, Antony, away. Defiance, traitors, hurl we in your teeth. If you dare fight today, come to the field. If not, when you have stomachs.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Octavius, Antony, and their army
CASSIUS	Why, now blow wind, swell billow, and swim bark. The storm is up, and all is on the hazard.
BRUTUS	Ho, Lucillius! Hark, a word with you.
LUCILLIUS	My lord. He stands forth, and speaks with Brutus
CASSIUS	Messala.
MESSALA	(standing forth) What says my general?
CASSIUS	Messala, This is my birthday; as this very day Was Cassius born. Give me thy hand, Messala. Be thou my witness that, against my will, As Pompey was, am I compelled to set Upon one battle all our liberties. You know that I held Epicurus strong, And his opinion. Now I change my mind, And partly credit things that do presage. Coming from Sardis, on our former ensigns Two mighty eagles fell, and there they perched, Gorging and feeding from our soldiers’ hands, Who to Philippi here consorted us. This morning are they fled away and gone, And in their steads do ravens, crows, and kites Fly o’er our heads and downward look on us, As we were sickly prey. Their shadows seem A canopy most fatal, under which Our army lies ready to give the ghost.
MESSALA	Believe not so.
CASSIUS	I but believe it partly, For I am fresh of spirit, and resolved To meet all perils very constantly.
BRUTUS	Even so, Lucillius.
CASSIUS	(joining Brutus) Now, most noble Brutus, The gods today stand friendly, that we may, Lovers in peace, lead on our days to age. But since the affairs of men rest still incertain, Let’s reason with the worst that may befall. If we do lose this battle, then is this The very last time we shall speak together. What are you then determined to do?
BRUTUS	Even by the rule of that philosophy By which I did blame Cato for the death Which he did give himself—I know not how, But I do find it cowardly and vile For fear of what might fall so to prevent The time of life—arming myself with patience To stay the providence of some high powers That govern us below.
CASSIUS	Then if we lose this battle, You are contented to be led in triumph Thorough the streets of Rome?
BRUTUS	No, Cassius, no. Think not, thou noble Roman, That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome. He bears too great a mind. But this same day Must end that work the ides of March begun; And whether we shall meet again I know not. Therefore our everlasting farewell take. For ever and for ever farewell, Cassius. If we do meet again, why, we shall smile. If not, why then, this parting was well made.
CASSIUS	For ever and for ever farewell, Brutus. If we do meet again, we’ll smile indeed. If not, ’tis true this parting was well made.
BRUTUS	Why then, lead on. O that a man might know The end of this day’s business ere it come! But it sufliceth that the day will end, And then the end is known.—Come, ho, away!
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Atto 5, Scena 2

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Alarum. Enter Brutus and Messala
BRUTUS	Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give these bills Unto the legions on the other side. Loud alarum Let them set on at once, for I perceive But cold demeanour in Octavio’s wing, And sudden push gives them the overthrow. Ride, ride, Messala; let them all come down.
(didascalia)	Exeunt severally

Atto 5, Scena 3

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Alarums. Enter Cassius with an ensign, and Titinius
CASSIUS	O look, Titinius, look: the villains fly. Myself have to mine own turned enemy: This ensign here of mine was turning back; I slew the coward, and did take it from him.
TITINIUS	O Cassius, Brutus gave the word too early, Who, having some advantage on Octavius, Took it too eagerly. His soldiers fell to spoil, Whilst we by Antony are all enclosed.
(didascalia)	Enter Pindarus
PINDARUS	Fly further off, my lord, fly further off! Mark Antony is in your tents, my lord; Fly therefore, noble Cassius, fly farre off.
CASSIUS	This hill is far enough. Look, look, Titinius, Are those my tents where I perceive the fire?
TITINIUS	They are, my lord.
CASSIUS	Titinius, if thou lovest me, Mount thou my horse, and hide thy spurs in him Till he have brought thee up to yonder troops And here again, that I may rest assured Whether yon troops are friend or enemy.
TITINIUS	I will be here again even with a thought. Exit
CASSIUS	Go, Pindarus, get higher on that hill. My sight was ever thick. Regard, Titinius, And tell me what thou not’st about the field.
(didascalia)	Exit Pindarus
CASSIUS	This day I breathed first. Time is come round, And where I did begin, there shall I end. My life is run his compass.
(didascalia)	Enter Pindarus above
CASSIUS	Sirrah, what news?
PINDARUS	O my lord!
CASSIUS	What news?
PINDARUS	Titinius is enclosed round about With horsemen, that make to him on the spur. Yet he spurs on. Now they are almost on him. Now Titinius. Now some light. O, he lights too. He’s ta’en.
(didascalia)	Shout within
PINDARUS	And hark, they shout for joy.
CASSIUS	Come down; behold no more.
(didascalia)	Exit Pindarus
CASSIUS	O coward that I am, to live so long To see my best friend ta’en before my face!
(didascalia)	Enter Pindarus below
CASSIUS	Come hither, sirrah. In Parthia did I take thee prisoner, And then I swore thee, saving of thy life, That whatsoever I did bid thee do Thou shouldst attempt it. Come now, keep thine oath. Now be a freeman, and, with this good sword That ran through Caesar’s bowels, search this bosom. Stand not to answer. Here, take thou the hilts, Pindarus takes the sword And when my face is covered, as ’tis now, Guide thou the sword. Pindarus stabs him Caesar, thou art revenged, Even with the sword that killed thee. He dies
PINDARUS	So, I am free, yet would not so have been Durst I have done my will. O Cassius! Far from this country Pindarus shall run, Where never Roman shall take note of him.
(didascalia)	Exit
(didascalia)	Enter Titinius, wearing a wreath of victory, and Messala
MESSALA	It is but change, Titinius, for Octavius Is overthrown by noble Brutus’ power, As Cassius’ legions are by Antony.
TITINIUS	These tidings will well comfort Cassius.
MESSALA	Where did you leave him?
TITINIUS	All disconsolate, With Pindarus his bondman, on this hill.
MESSALA	Is not that he that lies upon the ground?
TITINIUS	He lies not like the living.—O my heart!
MESSALA	Is not that he? TITINlUS No, this was he, Messala; But Cassius is no more. O setting sun, As in thy red rays thou dost sink tonight, So in his red blood Cassius’ day is set. The sun of Rome is set. Our day is gone. Clouds, dews, and dangers come. Our deeds are done. Mistrust of my success hath done this deed.
MESSALA	Mistrust of good success hath done this deed. O hateful Error, Melancholy’s child, Why dost thou show to the apt thoughts of men The things that are not? O Error, soon conceived, Thou never com‘st unto a happy birth, But kill’st the mother that engendered thee.
TITINIUS	What, Pindarus! Where art thou, Pindarus?
MESSALA	Seek him, Titinius, whilst I go to meet The noble Brutus, thrusting this report Into his ears. I may say ‘thrusting’ it, For piercing steel and darts envenomed Shall be as welcome to the ears of Brutus As tidings of this sight.
TITINIUS	Hie you, Messala, And I will seek for Pindarus the while.
(didascalia)	Exit Messala
TITINIUS	Why didst thou send me forth, brave Cassius? Did I not meet thy friends, and did not they Put on my brows this wreath of victory, And bid me give it thee? Didst thou not hear their shouts? Alas, thou hast misconstrued everything. But hold thee, take this garland on thy brow. Thy Brutus bid me give it thee, and I Will do his bidding. Brutus, come apace, And see how I regarded Caius Cassius. By your leave, gods, this is a Roman’s part: Come Cassius’ sword, and find Titinius’ heart. He stabs himself, and dies
(didascalia)	Alarum. Enter Brutus, Messala, young Cato,
(didascalia)	Strato, Volumnius, Lucillius, Labio, and Flavio
BRUTUS	Where, where, Messala, doth his body lie?
MESSALA	Lo yonder, and Titinius mourning it.
BRUTUS	Titinius’ face is upward.
CATO	He is slain.
BRUTUS	O Julius Caesar, thou art mighty yet. Thy spirit walks abroad, and turns our swords In our own proper entrails. Low Alarums
CATO	Brave Titinius, Look whe’er he have not crowned dead Cassius.
BRUTUS	Are yet two Romans living such as these? The last of all the Romans, fare thee well. It is impossible that ever Rome Should breed thy fellow. Friends, I owe more tears To this dead man than you shall see me pay.— I shall find time, Cassius, I shall find time.— Come, therefore, and to Thasos send his body. His funerals shall not be in our camp, Lest it discomfort us. Lucillius, come; And come, young Cato. Let us to the field. Labio and Flavio, set our battles on. ‘Tis three o’clock, and, Romans, yet ere night We shall try fortune in a second fight.
(didascalia)	Exeunt with the bodies

Atto 5, Scena 4

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Alarum. Enter Brutus, Messala, young Cato, Lucillius, and Flavius
BRUTUS	Yet, countrymen, O yet hold up your heads.
(didascalia)	Exit with Messala and Flavius
CATO	What bastard doth not? Who will go with me? I will proclaim my name about the field. I am the son of Marcus Cato, ho! A foe to tyrants, and my country’s friend. I am the son of Marcus Cato, ho!
(didascalia)	Enter Soldiers, and fight
LUCILLIUS	And I am Brutus, Marcus Brutus, I, Brutus, my country’s friend. Know me for Brutus. Soldiers kill Cato O young and noble Cato, art thou down? Why, now thou diest as bravely as Titinius, And mayst be honoured, being Cato’s son.
(didascalia)	FIRST SOLDIER
LUCILLIUS	Yield, or thou diest.
LUCILLIUS	Only I yield to die. There is so much, that thou wilt kill me straight: Kill Brutus, and be honoured in his death.
(didascalia)	FIRST SOLDIER
LUCILLIUS	We must not.—A noble prisoner.
SECOND SOLDIER	Room, ho! Tell Antony Brutus is ta’en.
(didascalia)	Enter Antony
FIRST SOLDIER	I’ll tell the news. Here comes the general.— (To Antony) Brutus is ta‘en, Brutus is ta’en, my lord.
ANTONY	Where is he?
LUCILLIUS	Safe, Antony, Brutus is safe enough. I dare assure thee that no enemy Shall ever take alive the noble Brutus. The gods defend him from so great a shame. When you do find him, or alive or dead, He will be found like Brutus, like himself.
ANTONY	(to First Soldier) This is not Brutus, friend, but, I assure you, A prize no less in worth. Keep this man safe. Give him all kindness. I had rather have Such men my friends than enemies.
(didascalia)	To another Soldier Go on,
ANTONY	And see whe’er Brutus be alive or dead, And bring us word unto Octavius’ tent How everything is chanced.
(didascalia)	Exeunt the Soldier at one door, Antony, Lucillius and other Soldiers, some bearing Cato’s body, at another door

Atto 5, Scena 5

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter Brutus, Dardanius, Clitus, Strato, and Volumnius
BRUTUS	Come, poor remains of friends, rest on this rock.
(didascalia)	He sits. Strato rests and falls asleep
CLITUS	Statillius showed the torchlight, but, my lord, He came not back. He is or ta’en or slain.
BRUTUS	Sit thee down, Clitus. Slaying is the word: It is a deed in fashion. Hark thee, Clitus. He whispers
CLITUS	What I, my lord? No, not for all the world.
BRUTUS	Peace, then, no words.
CLITUS	I’ll rather kill myself. He stands apart
BRUTUS	Hark thee, Dardanius. He whispers
DARDANIUS	Shall I do such a deed? He joins Clitus
CLITUS	O Dardanius!
DARDANIUS	O Clitus!
CLITUS	What ill request did Brutus make to thee?
DARDANIUS	To kill him, Clitus. Look, he meditates.
CLITUS	Now is that noble vessel full of grief, That it runs over even at his eyes.
BRUTES	Come hither, good Volumnius. List a word.
VOLUMNIUS	What says my lord?
BRUTUS	Why this, Volumnius. The ghost of Caesar hath appeared to me Two several times by night—at Sardis once, And this last night, here in Philippi fields. I know my hour is come.
VOLUMNIUS	Not so, my lord.
BRUTUS	Nay, I am sure it is, Volumnius. Thou seest the world, Volumnius, how it goes. Our enemies have beat us to the pit, Low alarums It is more worthy to leap in ourselves Than tarry till they push us. Good Volumnius, Thou know’st that we two went to school together. Even for that, our love of old, I prithee, Hold thou my sword hilts whilst I run on it.
VOLUMNIUS	That’s not an office for a friend, my lord. Alarun still
CLITUS	Fly, fly, my lord! There is no tarrying here.
BRUTUS	Farewell to you, and you, and you, Volumnius.— Strato, thou hast been all this while asleep.
(didascalia)	Strato wakes
BRUTUS	Farewell to thee too, Strato. Countrymen, My heart doth joy that yet in all my life I found no man but he was true to me. I shall have glory by this losing day, More than Octavius and Mark Antony By this vile conquest shall attain unto. So fare you well at once, for Brutus’ tongue Hath almost ended his life’s history. Night hangs upon mine eyes. My bones would rest, That have but laboured to attain this hour.
(didascalia)	Alarum. Cry within: ‘Fly, fly, fly!’
CLITUS	Fly, my lord, fly!
BRUTUS	Hence; I will follow.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Clitus, Dardanius, and Volumnius
BRUTUS	I prithee, Strato, stay thou by thy lord. Thou art a fellow of a good respect. Thy life hath had some smatch of honour in it. Hold then my sword, and turn away thy face While I do run upon it. Wilt thou, Strato?
STRATO	Give me your hand first. Fare you well, my lord.
BRUTUS	Farewell, good Strato. Strato holds the sword, while Brutus runs on it Caesar, now be still. I killed not thee with half so good a will. He dies
(didascalia)	Alarum. Retreat. Enter Antony, Octavius, Messala, Lucillius, and the army
OCTAVIUS	What man is that?
MESSALA	My master’s man. Strato, where is thy master?
STRATO	Free from the bondage you are in, Messala. The conquerors can but make a fire of him, For Brutus only overcame himself, And no man else hath honour by his death.
LUCILLIUS	So Brutus should be found. I thank thee, Brutus, That thou hast proved Lucillius’ saying true.
OCTAVIUS	All that served Brutus, I will entertain them. (To Strato) Fellow, wilt thou bestow thy time with me?
STRATO	Ay, if Messala will prefer me to you.
OCTAVIUS	Do so, good Messala.
MESSALA	How died my master, Strato?
STRATO	I held the sword, and he did run on it.
MESSALA	Octavius, then take him to follow thee, That did the latest service to my master.
ANTONY	This was the noblest Roman of them all. All the conspirators save only he Did that they did in envy of great Caesar. He only in a general honest thought And common good to all made one of them. His life was gentle, and the elements So mixed in him that nature might stand up And say to all the world ‘This was a man’.
OCTAVIUS	According to his virtue let us use him, With all respect and rites of burial.
(didascalia)	Within my tent his bones tonight shall lie,
OCTAVIUS	Most like a soldier, ordered honourably. So call the field to rest, and let’s away To part the glories of this happy day.
(didascalia)	Exeunt [with Brutus’ body]
AS YOU LIKE IT	As You Like It is first heard of in the Stationers’ Register on 4 August 1600, and was probably written not long before. In spite of its early entry for publication, it was not printed until 1623. This play, with its contrasts between court and country, its bucolic as well as its aristocratic characters, its inset songs and poems, its predominantly woodland setting, its conscious artifice and its romantic ending, is the one in which Shakespeare makes most use of the conventions of pastoral literature, though he does not wholly endorse them. The story of the love between a high-born maiden—Rosalind—oppressed by the uncle—Duke Frederick—who has usurped his elder brother’s dukedom, and Orlando, the third and youngest son of Duke Frederick’s old enemy Sir Rowland de Bois, himself oppressed by his tyrannical eldest brother Oliver, derives from Thomas Lodge’s Rosalynde, a prose romance interspersed with verses, which first appeared in 1590 and was several times reprinted. There are many indications that Shakespeare thought of the action as taking place in the Ardenne area of France, as in Rosalynde, even though there was also a Forest of Arden in Warwickshire. Like Lodge, Shakespeare counterpoints the developing love between Rosalind—who for much of the action is disguised as a boy, Ganymede—with the idealized pastoral romance of Silvius and Phoebe; he adds the down-to-earth, unromantic affair between the jester Touchstone and Audrey. Once Rosalind and her cousin Celia (also disguised) reach the forest, plot is virtually suspended in favour of a series of scintillating conversations making much use of prose. The sudden flowering of love between Celia and Orlando’s brother Oliver, newly converted to virtue, is based on Rosalynde, but Shakespeare alters the climax of the story, bringing Hymen, the god of marriage, on stage to resolve all complications. As well as Touchstone, Shakespeare added the melancholy courtier Jaques, both of whom act as commentators, though from very different standpoints. The first performances of Shakespeare’s text after his own time were given in 1740. It rapidly established itself in the theatrical repertoire, and has also been appreciated for its literary qualities. It has usually been played in picturesque settings, often since the late nineteenth century in the open air. Rosalind (written originally, of course, for a boy actor) is the dominant character, but other roles, especially Jaques, Touchstone, Audrey, Corin, and—in his single scene—William, have proved particularly effective when played by performers with a strong sense of their latent individuality.
THE PERSONS OF THE	PLAY
DUKE	SENIOR, living in banishment ROSALIND, his daughter, later disguised as Ganymede
DUKE FREDERICK	CELIA, his daughter, later disguised as Aliena
LE	BEAU, a courtier attending on him CHARLES, Duke Frederick’s wrestler TOUCHSTONE, a jester OLIVER, eldest son of Sir Rowland de Bois ADAM, a former servant of Sir Rowland DENIS, Oliver’s servant
SIR OLIVER	MARTEXT, a country clergyman CORIN, an old shepherd SILVIUS, a young shepherd, in love with Phoebe PHOEBE, a shepherdess WILLIAM, a countryman, in love with Audrey AUDREY, a goatherd, betrothed to Touchstone HYMEN, god of marriage Lords, pages, and other attendants

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter Flavius, Murellus, and certain commoners over the stage
FLAVIUS	Hence, home, you idle creatures, get you home! Is this a holiday? What, know you not, Being mechanical, you ought not walk Upon a labouring day without the sign Of your profession?—Speak, what trade art thou?
CARPENTER	Why, sir, a carpenter.
MURELLUS	Where is thy leather apron and thy rule? What dost thou with thy best apparel on?— You, sir, what trade are you?
COBBLER	Truly, sir, in respect of a fine workman I am but, as you would say, a cobbler.
MURELLUS	But what trade art thou? Answer me directly.
COBBLER	A trade, sir, that I hope I may use with a safe conscience, which is indeed, sir, a mender of bad soles.
FLAVIUS	What trade, thou knave? Thou naughty knave, what trade?
COBBLER	Nay, I beseech you, sir, be not out with me. Yet if you be out, sir, I can mend you.
MURELLUS	What mean’st thou by that? Mend me, thou saucy fellow?
COBBLER	Why, sir, cobble you.
FLAVIUS	Thou art a cobbler, art thou?
COBBLER	Truly, sir, all that I live by is with the awl. I meddle with no tradesman’s matters, nor women’s matters, but withal I am indeed, sir, a surgeon to old shoes: when they are in great danger I recover them. As proper men as ever trod upon neat’s leather have gone upon my handiwork.
FLAVIUS	But wherefore art not in thy shop today? Why dost thou lead these men about the streets?
COBBLER	Truly, sir, to wear out their shoes to get myself into more work. But indeed, sir, we make holiday to see Caesar, and to rejoice in his triumph.
MURELLUS	Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home? What tributaries follow him to Rome To grace in captive bonds his chariot wheels? You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things! O, you hard hearts, you cruel men of Rome, Knew you not Pompey? Many a time and oft Have you climbed up to walls and battlements, To towers and windows, yea to chimney-tops, Your infants in your arms, and there have sat The livelong day with patient expectation To see great Pompey pass the streets of Rome. And when you saw his chariot but appear, Have you not made an universal shout, That Tiber trembled underneath her banks To hear the replication of your sounds Made in her concave shores? And do you now put on your best attire? And do you now cull out a holiday? And do you now strew flowers in his way That comes in triumph over Pompey’s blood? Be gone! Run to your houses, fall upon your knees, Pray to the gods to intermit the plague That needs must light on this ingratitude.
FLAVIUS	Go, go, good countrymen, and for this fault Assemble all the poor men of your sort; Draw them to Tiber banks, and weep your tears Into the channel, till the lowest stream Do kiss the most exalted shores of all.
(didascalia)	Exeunt all the commoners
FLAVIUS	See whe’er their basest mettle be not moved. They vanish tongue-tied in their guiltiness. Go you down that way towards the Capitol; This way will I. Disrobe the images If you do find them decked with ceremonies.
MURELLUS	May we do so? You know it is the Feast of Lupercal.
FLAVIUS	It is no matter. Let no images Be hung with Caesar’s trophies. I’ll about, And drive away the vulgar from the streets; So do you too where you perceive them thick. These growing feathers plucked from Caesar’s wing Will make him fly an ordinary pitch, Who else would soar above the view of men And keep us all in servile fearfulness.
(didascalia)	Exeunt
(didascalia)	1.2 Loud music. Enter Caesar, Antony stripped for the course, Calpurnia, Portia, Decius, Cicero, Brutus, Cassius, Casca, a Soothsayer, a throng of citizens; after them, Murellus and Flavius
CAESAR	Calpurnia.
(didascalia)	CASCA Peace, ho! Caesar speaks. Music ceases
CAESAR	Calpurnia.
CALPURMA	Here, my lord.
CAESAR	Stand you directly in Antonio’s way When he doth run his course.—Antonio.
ANTONY	Caesar, my lord.
CAESAR	Forget not in your speed, Antonio, To touch Calpurnia, for our elders say The barren, touched in this holy chase, Shake off their sterile curse.
ANTONY	I shall remember: When Caesar says ‘Do this’, it is performed.
CAESAR	Set on, and leave no ceremony out.
(didascalia)	music
SOOTHSAYER	Caesar!
CAESAR	Ha! Who calls?
CASCA	Bid every noise be still. Peace yet again.
(didascalia)	Music ceases
CAESAR	Who is it in the press that calls on me? I hear a tongue shriller than all the music Cry ‘Caesar!’ Speak. Caesar is turned to hear.
SOOTHSAYER	Beware the ides of March.
CAESAR	What man is that?
BRUTUS	A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March.
CAESAR	Set him before me; let me see his face.
CASSIUS	Fellow, come from the throng; look upon Caesar. The Soothsayer comes forward
CAESAR	What sayst thou to me now? Speak once again.
SOOTHSAYER	Beware the ides of March.
CAESAR	He is a dreamer. Let us leave him. Pass!
(didascalia)	Sennet. Exeunt all but Brutus and Cassius
CASSIUS	Will you go see the order of the course?
BRUTUS	Not I.
CASSIUS	I pray you, do.
BRUTUS	I am not gamesome; I do lack some part Of that quick spirit that is in Antony. Let me not hinder, Cassius, your desires. I’ll leave you.
CASSIUS	Brutus, I do observe you now of late. I have not from your eyes that gentleness And show of love as I was wont to have. You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand Over your friend that loves you.
BRUTUS	Cassius, Be not deceived. If I have veiled my look, I turn the trouble of my countenance Merely upon myself. Vexed I am Of late with passions of some difference, Conceptions only proper to myself, Which give some soil, perhaps, to my behaviours. But let not therefore my good friends be grieved— Among which number, Cassius, be you one— Nor construe any further my neglect Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war, Forgets the shows of love to other men.
CASSIUS	Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion, By means whereof this breast of mine hath buried Thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations. Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?
BRUTUS	No, Cassius, for the eye sees not itself But by reflection, by some other things.
CASSIUS	’Tis just; And it is very much lamented, Brutus, That you have no such mirrors as will turn Your hidden worthiness into your eye, That you might see your shadow. I have heard Where many of the best respect in Rome— Except immortal Caesar—speaking of Brutus, And groaning underneath this age’s yoke, Have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes.
BRUTUS	Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius, That you would have me seek into myself For that which is not in me?
CASSIUS	Therefor, good Brutus, be prepared to hear. And since you know you cannot see yourself So well as by reflection, I, your glass, Will modestly discover to yourself That of yourself which you yet know not of. And be not jealous on me, gentle Brutus. Were I a common laughter, or did use To stale with ordinary oaths my love To every new protester; if you know That I do fawn on men and hug them hard, And after scandal them; or if you know That I profess myself in banqueting To all the rout: then hold me dangerous.
(didascalia)	Flourish and shout within
BRUTUS	What means this shouting? I do fear the people Choose Caesar for their king.
CASSIUS	Ay, do you fear it? Then must I think you would not have it so.
BRUTUS	I would not, Cassius; yet I love him well. But wherefore do you hold me here so long? What is it that you would impart to me? If it be aught toward the general good, Set honour in one eye and death i’th’ other, And I will look on both indifferently; For let the gods so speed me as I love The name of honour more than I fear death.
CASSIUS	I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus, As well as I do know your outward favour. Well, honour is the subject of my story. I cannot tell what you and other men Think of this life; but for my single self, I had as lief not be, as live to be In awe of such a thing as I myself. I was born free as Caesar, so were you. We both have fed as well, and we can both Endure the winter’s cold as well as he. For once upon a raw and gusty day, The troubled Tiber chafing with her shores, Said Caesar to me ‘Dar’st thou, Cassius, now Leap in with me into this angry flood, And swim to yonder point?’ Upon the word, Accoutred as I was I plungèd in, And bade him follow. So indeed he did. The torrent roared, and we did buffet it With lusty sinews, throwing it aside, And stemming it with hearts of controversy. But ere we could arrive the point proposed, Caesar cried ‘Help me, Cassius, or I sinkl’ Ay, as Aeneas our great ancestor Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber Did I the tired Caesar. And this man Is now become a god, and Cassius is A wretched creature, and must bend his body If Caesar carelessly but nod on him. He had a fever when he was in Spain, And when the fit was on him, I did mark How he did shake. ‘Tis true, this god did shake. His coward lips did from their colour fly; And that same eye whose bend doth awe the world Did lose his lustre. I did hear him groan, Ay, and that tongue of his that bade the Romans Mark him and write his speeches in their books, ‘Alas!’ it cried, ‘Give me some drink, Titinius’, As a sick girl. Ye gods, it doth amaze me A man of such a feeble temper should So get the start of the majestic world, And bear the palm alone!
(didascalia)	Flourish and shout within
BRUTUS	Another general shout! I do believe that these applauses are For some new honours that are heaped on Caesar.
CASSIUS	Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world Like a Colossus, and we petty men Walk under his huge legs, and peep about To find ourselves dishonourable graves. Men at sometime were masters of their fates. The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings. Brutus and Caesar: what should be in that ‘Caesar’? Why should that name be sounded more than yours? Write them together: yours is as fair a name.
(didascalia)	Sound them: it doth become the mouth as well.
CASSIUS	Weigh them: it is as heavy. Conjure with ‘em: ‘Brutus’ will start a spirit as soon as ‘Caesar’. Now in the names of all the gods at once, Upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed That he is grown so great? Age, thou art shamed. Rome, thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods. When went there by an age since the great flood, But it was famed with more than with one man? When could they say till now, that talked of Rome, That her wide walls encompassed but one man? Now is it Rome indeed, and room enough When there is in it but one only man. O, you and I have heard our fathers say There was a Brutus once that would have brooked Th’eternal devil to keep his state in Rome As easily as a king.
BRUTUS	That you do love me I am nothing jealous. What you would work me to I have some aim. How I have thought of this and of these times I shall recount hereafter. For this present, I would not, so with love I might entreat you, Be any further moved. What you have said I will consider. What you have to say I will with patience hear, and find a time Both meet to hear and answer such high things. Till then, my noble friend, chew upon this: Brutus had rather be a villager Than to repute himself a son of Rome Under these hard conditions as this time Is like to lay upon us.
CASSIUS	I am glad That my weak words have struck but thus much show Of fire from Brutus.
(didascalia)	music. Enter Caesar and his train
BRUTUS	The games are done, and Caesar is returning.
CASSIUS	As they pass by, pluck Casca by the sleeve, And he will, after his sour fashion, tell you What hath proceeded worthy note today.
BRUTUS	I will do so. But look you, Cassius, The angry spot doth glow on Caesar’s brow, And all the rest look like a chidden train. Calpurnia’s cheek is pale, and Cicero Looks with such ferret and such fiery eyes As we have seen him in the Capitol Being crossed in conference by some senators.
CASSIUS	Casca will tell us what the matter is.
CAESAR	Antonio.
ANTONY	Caesar.
CAESAR	Let me have men about me that are fat, Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep a-nights. Yon Cassius has a lean and hungry look. He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous.
ANTONY	Fear him not, Caesar, he’s not dangerous. He is a noble Roman, and well given.
CAESAR	Would he were fatter! But I fear him not. Yet if my name were liable to fear, I do not know the man I should avoid So soon as that spare Cassius. He reads much, He is a great observer, and he looks Quite through the deeds of men. He loves no plays, As thou dost, Antony; he hears no music. Seldom he smiles, and smiles in such a sort As if he mocked himself, and scorned his spirit That could be moved to smile at anything. Such men as he be never at heart’s ease Whiles they behold a greater than themselves, And therefore are they very dangerous. I rather tell thee what is to be feared Than what I fear, for always I am Caesar. Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf, And tell me truly what thou think’st of him.
(didascalia)	Sennet. Exeunt Caesar and his train. Brutus, Cassius, and Casca remain
CASCA	(to Brutus) You pulled me by the cloak. Would you speak with me?
BRUTUS	Ay, Casca. Tell us what hath chanced today, That Caesar looks so sad.
CASCA	Why, you were with him, were you not?
BRUTUS	I should not then ask Casca what had chanced.
CASCA	Why, there was a crown offered him; and being offered him, he put it by with the back of his hand, thus; and then the people fell a-shouting.
BRUTUS	What was the second noise for?
CASCA	Why, for that too.
CASSIUS	They shouted thrice. What was the last cry for?
CASCA	Why, for that too.
BRUTUS	Was the crown offered him thrice?
CASCA	Ay, marry, was’t; and he put it by thrice, every time gentler than other; and at every putting by, mine honest neighbours shouted.
CASSIUS	Who offered him the crown?
CASCA	Why, Antony.
BRUTUS	Tell us the manner of it, gentle Casca.
CASCA	I can as well be hanged as tell the manner of it. It was mere foolery, I did not mark it. I saw Mark Antony offer him a crown—yet ‘twas not a crown neither, ’twas one of these coronets—and as I told you he put it by once; but for all that, to my thinking he would fain have had it. Then he offered it to him again; then he put it by again—but to my thinking he was very loath to lay his fingers off it. And then he offered it the third time; he put it the third time by. And still as he refused it, the rabblement hooted, and clapped their chapped hands, and threw up their sweaty nightcaps, and uttered such a deal of stinking breath because Caesar refused the crown that it had almost choked Caesar; for he swooned and fell down at it. And for mine own part, I durst not laugh for fear of opening my lips and receiving the bad air.
CASSIUS	But soft, I pray you. What, did Caesar swoon?
CASCA	He fell down in the market-place, and foamed at mouth, and was speechless.
BRUTUS	‘Tis very like: he hath the falling sickness.
CASSIUS	No, Caesar hath it not; but you and I And honest Casca, we have the falling sickness.
CASCA	I know not what you mean by that, but I am sure Caesar fell down. If the tag-rag people did not clap him and hiss him, according as he pleased and displeased them, as they use to do the players in the theatre, I am no true man.
BRUTUS	What said he when he came unto himself?
CASCA	Marry, before he fell down, when he perceived the common herd was glad he refused the crown, he plucked me ope his doublet and offered them his throat to cut. An I had been a man of any occupation, if I would not have taken him at a word, I would I might go to hell among the rogues. And so he fell. When he came to himself again, he said, if he had done or said anything amiss, he desired their worships to think it was his infirmity. Three or four wenches where I stood cried ‘Alas, good soul!’ and forgave him with all their hearts. But there’s no heed to be taken of them: if Caesar had stabbed their mothers they would have done no less.
BRUTUS	And after that he came thus sad away?
CASCA	Ay.
CASSIUS	Did Cicero say anything?
CASCA	Ay, he spoke Greek.
CASSIUS	To what effect?
CASCA	Nay, an I tell you that, I’ll ne‘er look you i’th’ face again. But those that understood him smiled at one another, and shook their heads. But for mine own part, it was Greek to me. I could tell you more news, too. Murellus and Flavius, for pulling scarves off Caesar’s images, are put to silence. Fare you well. There was more foolery yet, if I could remember it. CASSIUS Will you sup with me tonight, Casca?
CASCA	No, I am promised forth.
CASSIUS	Will you dine with me tomorrow?
CASCA	Ay, if I be alive, and your mind hold, and your dinner worth the eating.
CASSIUS	Good; I will expect you.
CASCA	Do so. Farewell both. Exit
BRUTUS	What a blunt fellow is this grown to be! He was quick mettle when he went to school.
CASSIUS	So is he now, in execution Of any bold or noble enterprise, However he puts on this tardy form. This rudeness is a sauce to his good wit, Which gives men stomach to digest his words With better appetite.
BRUTUS	And so it is. For this time I will leave you. Tomorrow, if you please to speak with me, I will come home to you; or if you will, Come home to me and I will wait for you.
CASSIUS	I will do so. Till then, think of the world.
(didascalia)	Exit Brutus
CASSIUS	Well, Brutus, thou art noble; yet I see Thy honourable mettle may be wrought From that it is disposed. Therefore it is meet That noble minds keep ever with their likes; For who so firm that cannot be seduced? Caesar doth bear me hard, but he loves Brutus. If I were Brutus now, and he were Cassius, He should not humour me. I will this night In several hands in at his windows throw– As if they came from several citizens— Writings, all tending to the great opinion That Rome holds of his name, wherein obscurely Caesar’s ambition shall be glanced at. And after this, let Caesar seat him sure, For we will shake him, or worse days endure. Exit

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Entrano Flavio, Marullo e alcuni popolani attraverso la scena
FLAVIO	Via di qui, a casa, creature oziose, tornatevene a casa! È forse giorno di festa? Come, non sapete, essendo artigiani, che non dovete andare in giro in un giorno di lavoro senza il segno del vostro mestiere?—Parla, che mestiere fai?
FALEGNAME	Ma, signore, il falegname.
MARULLO	Dov’è il tuo grembiule di cuoio e la tua squadra? Che ci fai con addosso l’abito migliore?— E voi, signore, che mestiere fate?
CIABATTINO	In verità, signore, a paragone d’un fine artigiano io non sono che, come direste voi, un ciabattino.
MARULLO	Ma che mestiere fai? Rispondimi chiaramente.
CIABATTINO	Un mestiere, signore, che spero di poter esercitare con coscienza tranquilla: sono, in verità, signore, un risanatore di suole malandate.
FLAVIO	Che mestiere, briccone? Furfante malnato, che mestiere?
CIABATTINO	No, vi prego, signore, non uscite di sesto con me. Eppure, se siete sconciato, signore, io posso rappezzarvi.
MARULLO	Che vuoi dire con questo? Rappezzare me, sfacciato che non sei altro?
CIABATTINO	Ma, signore, rattopparvi.
FLAVIO	Sei un ciabattino, dunque?
CIABATTINO	In verità, signore, tutto ciò di cui vivo è la lesina. Non m’immischio nelle faccende degli altri artigiani, né in quelle delle donne; ma con tutto ciò io sono, signore, un chirurgo di scarpe vecchie: quando sono in grave pericolo, le risano. Uomini dabbene quanti mai ne calcarono cuoio di vitello hanno camminato sull’opera delle mie mani.
FLAVIO	Ma perché oggi non sei nella tua bottega? Perché conduci costoro in giro per le strade?
CIABATTINO	In verità, signore, per consumar loro le scarpe e procurarmi più lavoro. Ma davvero, signore, facciamo festa per veder Cesare, e per rallegrarci del suo trionfo.
MARULLO	Rallegrarvi di che? Quale conquista porta a casa? Quali tributari lo seguono a Roma per ornare in ceppi di prigionia le ruote del suo carro? O ceppi, o pietre, o voi peggio che insensibili cose! O duri cuori, o crudeli uomini di Roma, non conosceste Pompeo? Quante volte, e spesso, vi arrampicaste su mura e bastioni, su torri e finestre, sì, in cima ai comignoli, con i vostri bimbi in braccio, e là restaste l’intera giornata in paziente attesa di veder passare il grande Pompeo per le vie di Roma. E quando appena vedevate apparire il suo carro, non levaste voi un grido universale, sì che il Tevere tremò sotto le sue rive nell’udire la ripercussione dei vostri clamori fra le sue sponde incavate? E ora vi mettete l’abito migliore? E ora vi scegliete un giorno di festa? E ora spargete fiori sul cammino di chi viene in trionfo sul sangue di Pompeo? Via di qui! Correte alle vostre case, cadete in ginocchio, pregate gli dèi di sospendere il flagello che per forza deve piombare su tanta ingratitudine.
FLAVIO	Andate, andate, buona gente, e per questa colpa radunate tutti i poveri della vostra condizione; conduceteli alle rive del Tevere, e piangete le vostre lacrime dentro l’alveo, finché la corrente più bassa baci le sponde più alte di tutte.
(didascalia)	Escono tutti i popolani
FLAVIO	Guarda se la loro più vile tempra non si è commossa. Spariscono con la lingua legata dalla loro colpa. Tu scendi per quella via verso il Campidoglio; io per questa. Spoglia le statue se le trovi ornate di paramenti.
MARULLO	Possiamo farlo? Sai che è la festa dei Lupercali.
FLAVIO	Non importa. Che nessuna statua sia adorna dei trofei di Cesare. Io andrò in giro a scacciare il volgo dalle strade; fa’ altrettanto tu, dove li vedi affollati. Queste penne che crescono, strappate all’ala di Cesare, lo faranno volare a un’altezza comune; altrimenti si leverebbe oltre lo sguardo degli uomini e ci terrebbe tutti in servile timore.
(didascalia)	Escono

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Loud music. Enter Caesar, Antony stripped for the course, Calpurnia, Portia, Decius, Cicero, Brutus, Cassius, Casca, a Soothsayer, a throng of citizens; after them, Murellus and Flavius
CAESAR	Calpurnia.
(didascalia)	CASCA Peace, ho! Caesar speaks. Music ceases
CAESAR	Calpurnia.
CALPURMA	Here, my lord.
CAESAR	Stand you directly in Antonio’s way When he doth run his course.—Antonio.
ANTONY	Caesar, my lord.
CAESAR	Forget not in your speed, Antonio, To touch Calpurnia, for our elders say The barren, touched in this holy chase, Shake off their sterile curse.
ANTONY	I shall remember: When Caesar says ‘Do this’, it is performed.
CAESAR	Set on, and leave no ceremony out.
(didascalia)	music
SOOTHSAYER	Caesar!
CAESAR	Ha! Who calls?
CASCA	Bid every noise be still. Peace yet again.
(didascalia)	Music ceases
CAESAR	Who is it in the press that calls on me? I hear a tongue shriller than all the music Cry ‘Caesar!’ Speak. Caesar is turned to hear.
SOOTHSAYER	Beware the ides of March.
CAESAR	What man is that?
BRUTUS	A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March.
CAESAR	Set him before me; let me see his face.
CASSIUS	Fellow, come from the throng; look upon Caesar. The Soothsayer comes forward
CAESAR	What sayst thou to me now? Speak once again.
SOOTHSAYER	Beware the ides of March.
CAESAR	He is a dreamer. Let us leave him. Pass!
(didascalia)	Sennet. Exeunt all but Brutus and Cassius
CASSIUS	Will you go see the order of the course?
BRUTUS	Not I.
CASSIUS	I pray you, do.
BRUTUS	I am not gamesome; I do lack some part Of that quick spirit that is in Antony. Let me not hinder, Cassius, your desires. I’ll leave you.
CASSIUS	Brutus, I do observe you now of late. I have not from your eyes that gentleness And show of love as I was wont to have. You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand Over your friend that loves you.
BRUTUS	Cassius, Be not deceived. If I have veiled my look, I turn the trouble of my countenance Merely upon myself. Vexed I am Of late with passions of some difference, Conceptions only proper to myself, Which give some soil, perhaps, to my behaviours. But let not therefore my good friends be grieved— Among which number, Cassius, be you one— Nor construe any further my neglect Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war, Forgets the shows of love to other men.
CASSIUS	Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion, By means whereof this breast of mine hath buried Thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations. Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?
BRUTUS	No, Cassius, for the eye sees not itself But by reflection, by some other things.
CASSIUS	’Tis just; And it is very much lamented, Brutus, That you have no such mirrors as will turn Your hidden worthiness into your eye, That you might see your shadow. I have heard Where many of the best respect in Rome— Except immortal Caesar—speaking of Brutus, And groaning underneath this age’s yoke, Have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes.
BRUTUS	Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius, That you would have me seek into myself For that which is not in me?
CASSIUS	Therefor, good Brutus, be prepared to hear. And since you know you cannot see yourself So well as by reflection, I, your glass, Will modestly discover to yourself That of yourself which you yet know not of. And be not jealous on me, gentle Brutus. Were I a common laughter, or did use To stale with ordinary oaths my love To every new protester; if you know That I do fawn on men and hug them hard, And after scandal them; or if you know That I profess myself in banqueting To all the rout: then hold me dangerous.
(didascalia)	Flourish and shout within
BRUTUS	What means this shouting? I do fear the people Choose Caesar for their king.
CASSIUS	Ay, do you fear it? Then must I think you would not have it so.
BRUTUS	I would not, Cassius; yet I love him well. But wherefore do you hold me here so long? What is it that you would impart to me? If it be aught toward the general good, Set honour in one eye and death i’th’ other, And I will look on both indifferently; For let the gods so speed me as I love The name of honour more than I fear death.
CASSIUS	I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus, As well as I do know your outward favour. Well, honour is the subject of my story. I cannot tell what you and other men Think of this life; but for my single self, I had as lief not be, as live to be In awe of such a thing as I myself. I was born free as Caesar, so were you. We both have fed as well, and we can both Endure the winter’s cold as well as he. For once upon a raw and gusty day, The troubled Tiber chafing with her shores, Said Caesar to me ‘Dar’st thou, Cassius, now Leap in with me into this angry flood, And swim to yonder point?’ Upon the word, Accoutred as I was I plungèd in, And bade him follow. So indeed he did. The torrent roared, and we did buffet it With lusty sinews, throwing it aside, And stemming it with hearts of controversy. But ere we could arrive the point proposed, Caesar cried ‘Help me, Cassius, or I sinkl’ Ay, as Aeneas our great ancestor Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber Did I the tired Caesar. And this man Is now become a god, and Cassius is A wretched creature, and must bend his body If Caesar carelessly but nod on him. He had a fever when he was in Spain, And when the fit was on him, I did mark How he did shake. ‘Tis true, this god did shake. His coward lips did from their colour fly; And that same eye whose bend doth awe the world Did lose his lustre. I did hear him groan, Ay, and that tongue of his that bade the Romans Mark him and write his speeches in their books, ‘Alas!’ it cried, ‘Give me some drink, Titinius’, As a sick girl. Ye gods, it doth amaze me A man of such a feeble temper should So get the start of the majestic world, And bear the palm alone!
(didascalia)	Flourish and shout within
BRUTUS	Another general shout! I do believe that these applauses are For some new honours that are heaped on Caesar.
CASSIUS	Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world Like a Colossus, and we petty men Walk under his huge legs, and peep about To find ourselves dishonourable graves. Men at sometime were masters of their fates. The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings. Brutus and Caesar: what should be in that ‘Caesar’? Why should that name be sounded more than yours? Write them together: yours is as fair a name.
(didascalia)	Sound them: it doth become the mouth as well.
CASSIUS	Weigh them: it is as heavy. Conjure with ‘em: ‘Brutus’ will start a spirit as soon as ‘Caesar’. Now in the names of all the gods at once, Upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed That he is grown so great? Age, thou art shamed. Rome, thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods. When went there by an age since the great flood, But it was famed with more than with one man? When could they say till now, that talked of Rome, That her wide walls encompassed but one man? Now is it Rome indeed, and room enough When there is in it but one only man. O, you and I have heard our fathers say There was a Brutus once that would have brooked Th’eternal devil to keep his state in Rome As easily as a king.
BRUTUS	That you do love me I am nothing jealous. What you would work me to I have some aim. How I have thought of this and of these times I shall recount hereafter. For this present, I would not, so with love I might entreat you, Be any further moved. What you have said I will consider. What you have to say I will with patience hear, and find a time Both meet to hear and answer such high things. Till then, my noble friend, chew upon this: Brutus had rather be a villager Than to repute himself a son of Rome Under these hard conditions as this time Is like to lay upon us.
CASSIUS	I am glad That my weak words have struck but thus much show Of fire from Brutus.
(didascalia)	music. Enter Caesar and his train
BRUTUS	The games are done, and Caesar is returning.
CASSIUS	As they pass by, pluck Casca by the sleeve, And he will, after his sour fashion, tell you What hath proceeded worthy note today.
BRUTUS	I will do so. But look you, Cassius, The angry spot doth glow on Caesar’s brow, And all the rest look like a chidden train. Calpurnia’s cheek is pale, and Cicero Looks with such ferret and such fiery eyes As we have seen him in the Capitol Being crossed in conference by some senators.
CASSIUS	Casca will tell us what the matter is.
CAESAR	Antonio.
ANTONY	Caesar.
CAESAR	Let me have men about me that are fat, Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep a-nights. Yon Cassius has a lean and hungry look. He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous.
ANTONY	Fear him not, Caesar, he’s not dangerous. He is a noble Roman, and well given.
CAESAR	Would he were fatter! But I fear him not. Yet if my name were liable to fear, I do not know the man I should avoid So soon as that spare Cassius. He reads much, He is a great observer, and he looks Quite through the deeds of men. He loves no plays, As thou dost, Antony; he hears no music. Seldom he smiles, and smiles in such a sort As if he mocked himself, and scorned his spirit That could be moved to smile at anything. Such men as he be never at heart’s ease Whiles they behold a greater than themselves, And therefore are they very dangerous. I rather tell thee what is to be feared Than what I fear, for always I am Caesar. Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf, And tell me truly what thou think’st of him.
(didascalia)	Sennet. Exeunt Caesar and his train. Brutus, Cassius, and Casca remain
CASCA	(to Brutus) You pulled me by the cloak. Would you speak with me?
BRUTUS	Ay, Casca. Tell us what hath chanced today, That Caesar looks so sad.
CASCA	Why, you were with him, were you not?
BRUTUS	I should not then ask Casca what had chanced.
CASCA	Why, there was a crown offered him; and being offered him, he put it by with the back of his hand, thus; and then the people fell a-shouting.
BRUTUS	What was the second noise for?
CASCA	Why, for that too.
CASSIUS	They shouted thrice. What was the last cry for?
CASCA	Why, for that too.
BRUTUS	Was the crown offered him thrice?
CASCA	Ay, marry, was’t; and he put it by thrice, every time gentler than other; and at every putting by, mine honest neighbours shouted.
CASSIUS	Who offered him the crown?
CASCA	Why, Antony.
BRUTUS	Tell us the manner of it, gentle Casca.
CASCA	I can as well be hanged as tell the manner of it. It was mere foolery, I did not mark it. I saw Mark Antony offer him a crown—yet ‘twas not a crown neither, ’twas one of these coronets—and as I told you he put it by once; but for all that, to my thinking he would fain have had it. Then he offered it to him again; then he put it by again—but to my thinking he was very loath to lay his fingers off it. And then he offered it the third time; he put it the third time by. And still as he refused it, the rabblement hooted, and clapped their chapped hands, and threw up their sweaty nightcaps, and uttered such a deal of stinking breath because Caesar refused the crown that it had almost choked Caesar; for he swooned and fell down at it. And for mine own part, I durst not laugh for fear of opening my lips and receiving the bad air.
CASSIUS	But soft, I pray you. What, did Caesar swoon?
CASCA	He fell down in the market-place, and foamed at mouth, and was speechless.
BRUTUS	‘Tis very like: he hath the falling sickness.
CASSIUS	No, Caesar hath it not; but you and I And honest Casca, we have the falling sickness.
CASCA	I know not what you mean by that, but I am sure Caesar fell down. If the tag-rag people did not clap him and hiss him, according as he pleased and displeased them, as they use to do the players in the theatre, I am no true man.
BRUTUS	What said he when he came unto himself?
CASCA	Marry, before he fell down, when he perceived the common herd was glad he refused the crown, he plucked me ope his doublet and offered them his throat to cut. An I had been a man of any occupation, if I would not have taken him at a word, I would I might go to hell among the rogues. And so he fell. When he came to himself again, he said, if he had done or said anything amiss, he desired their worships to think it was his infirmity. Three or four wenches where I stood cried ‘Alas, good soul!’ and forgave him with all their hearts. But there’s no heed to be taken of them: if Caesar had stabbed their mothers they would have done no less.
BRUTUS	And after that he came thus sad away?
CASCA	Ay.
CASSIUS	Did Cicero say anything?
CASCA	Ay, he spoke Greek.
CASSIUS	To what effect?
CASCA	Nay, an I tell you that, I’ll ne‘er look you i’th’ face again. But those that understood him smiled at one another, and shook their heads. But for mine own part, it was Greek to me. I could tell you more news, too. Murellus and Flavius, for pulling scarves off Caesar’s images, are put to silence. Fare you well. There was more foolery yet, if I could remember it. CASSIUS Will you sup with me tonight, Casca?
CASCA	No, I am promised forth.
CASSIUS	Will you dine with me tomorrow?
CASCA	Ay, if I be alive, and your mind hold, and your dinner worth the eating.
CASSIUS	Good; I will expect you.
CASCA	Do so. Farewell both. Exit
BRUTUS	What a blunt fellow is this grown to be! He was quick mettle when he went to school.
CASSIUS	So is he now, in execution Of any bold or noble enterprise, However he puts on this tardy form. This rudeness is a sauce to his good wit, Which gives men stomach to digest his words With better appetite.
BRUTUS	And so it is. For this time I will leave you. Tomorrow, if you please to speak with me, I will come home to you; or if you will, Come home to me and I will wait for you.
CASSIUS	I will do so. Till then, think of the world.
(didascalia)	Exit Brutus
CASSIUS	Well, Brutus, thou art noble; yet I see Thy honourable mettle may be wrought From that it is disposed. Therefore it is meet That noble minds keep ever with their likes; For who so firm that cannot be seduced? Caesar doth bear me hard, but he loves Brutus. If I were Brutus now, and he were Cassius, He should not humour me. I will this night In several hands in at his windows throw– As if they came from several citizens— Writings, all tending to the great opinion That Rome holds of his name, wherein obscurely Caesar’s ambition shall be glanced at. And after this, let Caesar seat him sure, For we will shake him, or worse days endure. Exit

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Musica alta. Entrano Cesare, Antonio spogliato per la corsa, Calpurnia, Porzia, Decio, Cicerone, Bruto, Cassio, Casca, un Indovino, una folla di cittadini; dopo di loro, Marullo e Flavio
CESARE	Calpurnia.
(didascalia)	CASCA Silenzio, olà! Cesare parla. La musica cessa
CESARE	Calpurnia.
CALPURNIA	Son qui, mio signore.
CESARE	Mettiti proprio sul cammino di Antonio quando correrà la sua corsa.—Antonio.
ANTONIO	Cesare, mio signore.
CESARE	Non dimenticare, nella tua foga, Antonio, di toccare Calpurnia; ché i nostri antichi dicono che le sterili, toccate in questa sacra caccia, si scuotono di dosso la maledizione dell’infecondità.
ANTONIO	Me ne ricorderò: quando Cesare dice ‘Fa’ questo’, è cosa fatta.
CESARE	Procedete, e non si tralasci alcuna cerimonia.
(didascalia)	musica
INDOVINO	Cesare!
CESARE	Ah! Chi chiama?
CASCA	Che ogni rumore si acquieti. Silenzio ancora.
(didascalia)	La musica cessa
CESARE	Chi è, nella calca, che mi chiama? Odo una voce più stridula d’ogni musica gridare ‘Cesare!’ Parla. Cesare si è volto ad ascoltare.
INDOVINO	Guàrdati dalle idi di marzo.
CESARE	Chi è quell’uomo?
BRUTO	Un indovino ti dice di guardarti dalle idi di marzo.
CESARE	Mettetelo davanti a me; ch’io veda il suo volto.
CASSIO	Tu là, esci dalla folla; guarda Cesare. L’Indovino si fa avanti
CESARE	Che mi dici ora? Parla ancora una volta.
INDOVINO	Guàrdati dalle idi di marzo.
CESARE	È un sognatore. Lasciamolo. Avanti!
(didascalia)	Squillo di trombe. Escono tutti tranne Bruto e Cassio
CASSIO	Volete andare a veder lo svolgimento della corsa?
BRUTO	Io no.
CASSIO	Vi prego, andateci.
BRUTO	Non amo i giochi; mi manca in parte quel vivace spirito che è in Antonio. Non voglio ostacolare, Cassio, i vostri desideri. Vi lascio.
CASSIO	Bruto, vi osservo da qualche tempo. Non ricevo dai vostri occhi quella dolcezza e quel segno d’amore che ero solito avere. Troppo dura e troppo estranea è la mano che tenete sull’amico che vi ama.
BRUTO	Cassio, non v’ingannate. Se ho velato il mio sguardo, il turbamento del mio volto lo rivolgo soltanto contro me stesso. Da qualche tempo son tormentato da passioni discordi, pensieri che riguardano me solo, e che forse macchiano un poco i miei modi. Ma non se ne affliggano per questo i miei buoni amici— e nel loro numero, Cassio, siate voi uno— né interpretate la mia trascuratezza oltre questo: che il povero Bruto, in guerra con se stesso, dimentica di mostrare amore agli altri uomini.
CASSIO	Allora, Bruto, ho assai frainteso la vostra pena, e per ciò questo mio petto ha sepolto pensieri di gran valore, degne meditazioni. Ditemi, buon Bruto, potete voi vedere il vostro volto?
BRUTO	No, Cassio, ché l’occhio non vede se stesso se non per riflesso, per mezzo d’altre cose.
CASSIO	È giusto; e assai si lamenta, Bruto, che voi non abbiate specchi tali da volgere il vostro nascosto valore sotto il vostro occhio, sì che possiate vedere la vostra ombra. Ho udito che molti fra i più stimati in Roma— eccettuato l’immortale Cesare—parlando di Bruto, e gemendo sotto il giogo di questa età, hanno desiderato che il nobile Bruto avesse i loro occhi.
BRUTO	In quali pericoli vorreste condurmi, Cassio, volendo che io cerchi dentro me stesso ciò che in me non è?
CASSIO	Perciò, buon Bruto, preparatevi ad ascoltare. E poiché sapete di non potervi vedere così bene se non per riflesso, io, vostro specchio, vi rivelerò modestamente quello di voi che ancora non conoscete. E non diffidate di me, gentile Bruto. Se io fossi un buffone da nulla, o usassi svilire con giuramenti da poco il mio amore verso ogni nuovo adulatore; se sapete che io blandisco gli uomini e li stringo forte, e poi li diffamo; o se sapete che io mi professo amico, nei banchetti, a tutta la marmaglia: allora tenetemi per pericoloso.
(didascalia)	Squilli e grida dall’interno
BRUTO	Che significa questo gridare? Temo che il popolo scelga Cesare per suo re.
CASSIO	Ah, lo temete? Devo dunque pensare che non vorreste fosse così.
BRUTO	Non vorrei, Cassio; eppure lo amo, e bene. Ma perché mi trattenete qui tanto a lungo? Che cosa volete confidarmi? Se è qualcosa che tenda al bene comune, ponete l’onore in un occhio e la morte nell’altro, e io guarderò entrambi con pari indifferenza; ché gli dèi mi assistano quanto è vero che amo il nome dell’onore più di quanto tema la morte.
CASSIO	So che quella virtù è in voi, Bruto, così bene come conosco il vostro aspetto esteriore. Ebbene, l’onore è il tema del mio discorso. Non so che cosa voi e gli altri uomini pensiate di questa vita; ma quanto a me stesso, preferirei non essere, che vivere nel timore d’una cosa simile a me stesso. Nacqui libero come Cesare, e così voi. Entrambi ci siamo nutriti altrettanto bene, ed entrambi possiamo sopportare il freddo dell’inverno così bene come lui. Ché un giorno crudo e ventoso, mentre il Tevere agitato s’infuriava contro le sue rive, Cesare mi disse: ‘Osi tu, Cassio, ora gettarti con me in questa corrente adirata, e nuotare fino a quel punto laggiù?’ A quella parola, bardato com’ero mi tuffai, e gli dissi di seguirmi. E infatti lo fece. Il torrente ruggiva, e noi lo battevamo con nerbo gagliardo, respingendolo da parte, e fendendolo con cuori di sfida. Ma prima di poter giungere al punto stabilito, Cesare gridò: ‘Aiutami, Cassio, o affondo!’ Sì, e come Enea, nostro grande antenato, portò sulle spalle dalle fiamme di Troia il vecchio Anchise, così dalle onde del Tevere io portai lo stanco Cesare. E quest’uomo è ora diventato un dio, e Cassio è una misera creatura, e deve piegare il suo corpo se Cesare gli fa appena un cenno distratto. Ebbe la febbre quando era in Spagna, e quando l’accesso lo prendeva, osservai come tremava. È vero, questo dio tremava. Le sue labbra vili fuggirono dal loro colore; e quello stesso occhio il cui cenno atterrisce il mondo perdette il suo splendore. Lo udii gemere, sì, e quella sua lingua che ordinava ai Romani di ascoltarlo e di scrivere i suoi discorsi nei loro libri, ‘Ahimè!’ gridava, ‘Dammi da bere, Titinio’, come una fanciulla malata. O dèi, mi stupisce che un uomo di tempra così fiacca debba prendere così il passo sul maestoso mondo, e portare la palma da solo!
(didascalia)	Squilli e grida dall’interno
BRUTO	Un altro grido generale! Credo che questi applausi siano per nuovi onori accumulati su Cesare.
CASSIO	Ma sì, egli scavalca l’angusto mondo come un Colosso, e noi, uomini da poco, camminiamo sotto le sue enormi gambe, e spiamo intorno per trovarci tombe disonorate. Gli uomini talvolta sono padroni del loro destino. La colpa, caro Bruto, non è nelle nostre stelle, ma in noi stessi, se siamo dei sottoposti. Bruto e Cesare: che c’è mai in quel ‘Cesare’? Perché quel nome dovrebbe risuonare più del vostro? Scriveteli insieme: il vostro è nome altrettanto bello.
(didascalia)	Pronunciateli: sta in bocca altrettanto bene.
CASSIO	Pesateli: è altrettanto pesante. Evocate con essi: ‘Bruto’ farà sorgere uno spirito non meno presto di ‘Cesare’. Ora, in nome di tutti gli dèi insieme, di quale carne si nutre questo nostro Cesare per esser cresciuto tanto grande? Età, sei svergognata. Roma, hai perduto la stirpe dei nobili sangui. Quando mai passò un’età, dopo il gran diluvio, che non fosse illustre per più d’un uomo solo? Quando poterono dire, fino ad ora, quanti parlavano di Roma, che le sue ampie mura racchiudevano un uomo soltanto? Ora sì che è Roma davvero, e spazio ne avanza, quando in essa non c’è che un uomo solo. Oh, voi ed io abbiamo udito dire dai nostri padri che vi fu un Bruto, un tempo, che avrebbe sopportato l’eterno demonio a tener corte in Roma tanto facilmente quanto un re.
BRUTO	Che voi mi amiate non ne dubito affatto. A che vogliate indurmi, qualcosa intuisco. Come io abbia pensato di ciò e di questi tempi vi racconterò in seguito. Per il momento, non vorrei, e con affetto ve ne prego, essere ulteriormente sollecitato. Ciò che avete detto lo mediterò. Ciò che avete da dire lo ascolterò con pazienza, e troverò un tempo acconcio a udire e a rispondere a cose così alte. Fino allora, mio nobile amico, rimuginate questo: Bruto preferirebbe essere un villano che stimarsi figlio di Roma sotto le dure condizioni che questo tempo è probabile ci imponga.
CASSIO	Son lieto che le mie deboli parole abbiano tratto anche solo tanto di fuoco da Bruto.
(didascalia)	musica. Entrano Cesare e il suo seguito
BRUTO	I giochi sono finiti, e Cesare torna.
CASSIO	Mentre passano, tirate Casca per la manica, e vi dirà, alla sua maniera arcigna, quanto è accaduto oggi di degno di nota.
BRUTO	Così farò. Ma guardate, Cassio, la macchia dell’ira arde sulla fronte di Cesare, e tutti gli altri sembrano un seguito rimproverato. La guancia di Calpurnia è pallida, e Cicerone ha occhi così di furetto e così infuocati come glieli abbiamo visti in Campidoglio quando era contraddetto nel dibattito da qualche senatore.
CASSIO	Casca ci dirà di che si tratta.
CESARE	Antonio.
ANTONIO	Cesare.
CESARE	Vorrei intorno a me uomini grassi, dal capo ben lisciato, e che di notte dormano. Quel Cassio ha un aspetto magro e affamato. Pensa troppo. Uomini simili sono pericolosi.
ANTONIO	Non lo temere, Cesare, non è pericoloso. È un nobile Romano, e ben disposto.
CESARE	Fosse più grasso! Ma non lo temo. Eppure, se il mio nome fosse soggetto al timore, non conosco uomo che dovrei evitare quanto quel magro Cassio. Legge molto, è un grande osservatore, e penetra a fondo nelle azioni degli uomini. Non ama gli spettacoli, come fai tu, Antonio; non ascolta musica. Di rado sorride, e sorride in tal modo come se schernisse se stesso, e disprezzasse il proprio spirito che si fosse lasciato indurre a sorridere di qualcosa. Uomini come lui non hanno mai pace nel cuore finché vedono uno più grande di loro, e perciò sono molto pericolosi. Ti dico piuttosto ciò che è da temersi che non ciò che io temo, perché sono sempre Cesare. Vieni alla mia destra, ché quest’orecchio è sordo, e dimmi sinceramente che pensi di lui.
(didascalia)	Squillo di trombe. Escono Cesare e il suo seguito. Restano Bruto, Cassio e Casca
CASCA	(a Bruto) Mi avete tirato per il mantello. Volete parlarmi?
BRUTO	Sì, Casca. Diteci che cosa è accaduto oggi, che Cesare ha l’aria così cupa.
CASCA	Ma come, eravate con lui, non è vero?
BRUTO	Non chiederei allora a Casca che cosa è accaduto.
CASCA	Ebbene, gli fu offerta una corona; e come gli fu offerta, la respinse col dorso della mano, così; e allora il popolo si mise a gridare.
BRUTO	E il secondo clamore, per che cosa fu?
CASCA	Ma, per quello stesso.
CASSIO	Gridarono tre volte. E l’ultimo grido, per che cosa fu?
CASCA	Ma, per quello stesso.
BRUTO	Gli fu offerta la corona tre volte?
CASCA	Sì, perbacco, tre volte; e tre volte la respinse, ogni volta più mollemente della precedente; e a ogni rifiuto i miei onesti vicini gridavano.
CASSIO	Chi gli offrì la corona?
CASCA	Ma, Antonio.
BRUTO	Raccontaci come andò, gentile Casca.
CASCA	Tanto bene potrei farmi impiccare quanto raccontare come andò. Fu pura buffoneria, non ci badai. Vidi Marco Antonio offrirgli una corona—eppure non era neanche una corona, era una di quelle coroncine—e come vi ho detto la respinse una volta; ma con tutto ciò, a mio parere, l’avrebbe presa volentieri. Poi gliela offrì di nuovo; e di nuovo la respinse—ma a mio parere era assai restio a staccarne le dita. E poi gliela offrì la terza volta; e la terza volta la respinse. E ogni volta che la rifiutava, la marmaglia urlava, batteva le mani screpolate, gettava in aria i berretti sudati, ed esalava tanto di quel fiato puzzolente perché Cesare rifiutava la corona, che per poco non soffocò Cesare; ché egli svenne e cadde a terra. E per parte mia, non osai ridere per paura di aprire le labbra e ricevere quell’aria cattiva.
CASSIO	Ma piano, vi prego. Come, Cesare svenne?
CASCA	Cadde a terra nella piazza del mercato, schiumava dalla bocca, e restò senza parola.
BRUTO	È molto probabile: ha il mal caduco.
CASSIO	No, Cesare non l’ha; ma voi ed io e l’onesto Casca, noi abbiamo il mal caduco.
CASCA	Non so che vogliate dire con questo, ma sono certo che Cesare cadde a terra. Se la plebaglia non lo applaudì e non lo fischiò, secondo che li contentava o li scontentava, come suole fare con gli attori a teatro, allora io non sono un uomo dabbene.
BRUTO	Che disse quando tornò in sé?
CASCA	Perbacco, prima di cadere, quando s’accorse che il gregge volgare era contento che rifiutasse la corona, si strappò aperto il giustacuore e offrì loro la gola da tagliare. Se fossi stato un uomo di qualche mestiere, e non l’avessi preso in parola, possa io andare all’inferno tra i furfanti. E così cadde. Quando tornò di nuovo in sé, disse che, se aveva fatto o detto qualcosa di sconveniente, pregava le loro signorie di pensare che era la sua infermità. Tre o quattro donnicciole là dov’ero io gridarono: ‘Ahimè, buon’anima!’ e lo perdonarono con tutto il cuore. Ma non c’è da badare a loro: se Cesare avesse pugnalato le loro madri, non avrebbero fatto di meno.
BRUTO	E dopo di ciò se ne andò così cupo?
CASCA	Sì.
CASSIO	Cicerone disse qualcosa?
CASCA	Sì, parlò greco.
CASSIO	Per dire che cosa?
CASCA	No, se ve lo dicessi, non vi guarderei mai più in faccia. Ma quelli che lo capivano si sorridevano l’un l’altro, e scuotevano il capo. Ma quanto a me, per me era greco. Potrei darvi anche altre notizie. Marullo e Flavio, per aver strappato le sciarpe dalle statue di Cesare, sono stati ridotti al silenzio. State bene. Ci furono ancora altre buffonerie, se potessi ricordarmele. CASSIO Volete cenare con me stasera, Casca?
CASCA	No, sono impegnato altrove.
CASSIO	Volete pranzare con me domani?
CASCA	Sì, se sarò vivo, e se il vostro proposito reggerà, e se il vostro pranzo varrà la pena d’esser mangiato.
CASSIO	Bene; vi aspetterò.
CASCA	Fatelo. Addio a entrambi. Esce
BRUTO	Che tipo rozzo è diventato costui! Era di pronto ingegno quando andava a scuola.
CASSIO	Tale è anche adesso, nell’eseguire qualunque ardita o nobile impresa, per quanto assuma questa lenta apparenza. Questa rozzezza è una salsa al suo buon ingegno, che mette agli uomini lo stomaco di digerire le sue parole con miglior appetito.
BRUTO	E così è. Per questa volta vi lascio. Domani, se vi piacerà parlarmi, verrò a casa vostra; o, se preferite, venite a casa mia e vi aspetterò.
CASSIO	Così farò. Fino allora, pensate al mondo.
(didascalia)	Esce Bruto
CASSIO	Ebbene, Bruto, tu sei nobile; eppure vedo che la tua onorevole tempra può essere piegata dalla sua naturale inclinazione. Perciò conviene che le nobili menti stiano sempre coi loro simili; ché chi è tanto saldo da non poter esser sedotto? Cesare mi porta rancore, ma ama Bruto. Se io fossi Bruto ora, e lui fosse Cassio, non mi blandirebbe. Questa notte getterò alle sue finestre, in diverse calligrafie— come venissero da diversi cittadini— scritti, tutti volti alla grande stima che Roma ha del suo nome, e in cui oscuramente si accennerà all’ambizione di Cesare. E dopo di ciò, che Cesare si assicuri il seggio, ché noi lo scuoteremo, o soffriremo giorni peggiori. Esce

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

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Tuoni e lampi. Entra Casca da una porta, con la spada sguainata, e Cicerone da un’altra
CICERONE	Buona sera, Casca. Avete accompagnato Cesare a casa? Perché siete senza fiato, e perché guardate così fisso?
CASCA	Non vi commuovete voi, quando tutta la compagine della terra vacilla come cosa malferma? O Cicerone, ho veduto tempeste, quando i venti rabbiosi hanno spaccato le querce nodose, e ho veduto l’ambizioso oceano gonfiarsi e infuriare e spumare per innalzarsi fino alle nubi minacciose; ma mai fino a stanotte, mai fino ad ora, attraversai una tempesta che stillasse fuoco. O c’è guerra civile in cielo, o il mondo, troppo insolente verso gli dèi, li accende a mandar distruzione.
CICERONE	Come, avete visto qualcosa di ancor più prodigioso?
CASCA	Uno schiavo qualunque—lo conoscete bene di vista— levò in alto la mano sinistra, che fiammeggiava e ardeva come venti torce riunite; eppure la sua mano, insensibile al fuoco, rimase non bruciata. E poi—non ho più rinfoderato da allora la mia spada— presso il Campidoglio incontrai un leone che mi fissò con occhio vitreo, e passò oltre torvo senza molestarmi. E c’erano ammassate in un mucchio cento donne spaventate, trasfigurate dalla paura, che giuravano d’aver visto uomini tutti in fiamme andare su e giù per le strade. E ieri l’uccello della notte si posò persino in pieno mezzogiorno sulla piazza del mercato, gufando e stridendo. Quando questi prodigi s’incontrano così tutti insieme, non dicano gli uomini ’Queste ne sono le ragioni’, ‘sono cose naturali’, ché io credo siano presagi funesti per il paese su cui si appuntano.
CICERONE	Davvero è un tempo stranamente disposto; ma gli uomini possono interpretare le cose a modo loro, del tutto fuori dal senso delle cose stesse. Viene Cesare domani in Campidoglio?
CASCA	Viene, ché disse ad Antonio di mandarvi parola che sarebbe stato là domani.
CICERONE	Buona notte allora, Casca. Questo cielo sconvolto non è da passeggiarci sotto.
CASCA	Addio, Cicerone. Esce Cicerone
(didascalia)	Entra Cassio, con le vesti slacciate
CASSIO	Chi è là?
CASCA	Un Romano.
CASSIO	Casca, dalla voce.
CASCA	Avete buon orecchio. Cassio, che notte è questa?
CASSIO	Una notte assai gradita agli uomini onesti.
CASCA	Chi vide mai i cieli minacciare così?
CASSIO	Quelli che hanno visto la terra così piena di colpe. Per parte mia, sono andato in giro per le strade, esponendomi alla notte perigliosa; e così slacciato, Casca, come vedete, ho denudato il petto alla folgore; e quando il guizzo azzurro del lampo sembrava aprire il seno del cielo, io mi offrivo proprio al segno e in mezzo al suo bagliore.
CASCA	Ma perché tentaste tanto i cieli? È proprio degli uomini temere e tremare quando gli dèi potentissimi mandano per segni araldi così terribili a sbigottirci.
CASSIO	Siete ottuso, Casca, e quelle scintille di vita che dovrebbero essere in un Romano vi mancano, o non le adoperate. Impallidite, e sbarrate gli occhi, e assumete paura, e vi gettate nello stupore, al vedere la strana impazienza dei cieli; ma se voleste considerare la vera causa del perché tutti questi fuochi, tutti questi spettri erranti, perché uccelli e bestie fuori dalla loro natura e specie— perché vecchi, sciocchi e fanciulli fanno profezie— perché tutte queste cose mutino dal loro ordine, dalle loro nature e dalle facoltà prestabilite in una qualità mostruosa—ebbene, troverete che il cielo le ha infuse di questi spiriti per farne strumenti di terrore e di avvertimento verso qualche mostruoso stato di cose. Ora potrei, Casca, nominarti un uomo simile in tutto a questa terribile notte, che tuona, lampeggia, apre le tombe e ruggisce come il leone in Campidoglio; un uomo non più potente di te o di me nell’azione personale, eppure cresciuto prodigioso e spaventoso, come sono queste strane eruzioni.
CASCA	È Cesare che intendete, non è vero, Cassio?
CASSIO	Sia chi vuol essere; ché i Romani ora hanno nervi e membra simili ai loro antenati. Ma sventura ai tempi! Le menti dei nostri padri son morte, e noi siamo governati dagli spiriti delle nostre madri. Il nostro giogo e la nostra pazienza ci mostrano effeminati.
CASCA	Davvero si dice che i senatori domani intendano proclamare Cesare re, ed egli porterà la sua corona per mare e per terra in ogni luogo, tranne qui in Italia.
CASSIO	(sguainando il pugnale) So allora dove porterò questo pugnale: Cassio libererà Cassio dalla schiavitù. In ciò, o dèi, voi fate fortissimo il debole; in ciò, o dèi, voi sconfiggete i tiranni. Né torre di pietra, né mura di bronzo battuto, né segreta senz’aria, né forti catene di ferro possono trattenere la forza dello spirito; ma la vita, stanca di queste sbarre terrene, non manca mai del potere di congedare se stessa. Se io so questo, lo sappia tutto il mondo: quella parte di tirannide che io sopporto posso scuoterla via a mio piacere.
(didascalia)	Ancora tuoni
CASCA	E così posso io. Così ogni schiavo porta nella propria mano il potere di annullare la sua prigionia.
CASSIO	E perché dunque Cesare dovrebbe essere un tiranno? Pover’uomo, so che non sarebbe un lupo se non vedesse che i Romani non sono che pecore. Non sarebbe un leone, se i Romani non fossero cerve. Chi in fretta vuol fare un potente fuoco lo comincia con deboli fuscelli. Che spazzatura è Roma, che immondizia, che rifiuto, quando serve da vile materia per illuminare una cosa tanto abietta quanto Cesare! Ma, o dolore, dove mi hai condotto? Forse dico questo davanti a uno schiavo consenziente; allora so che dovrò renderne conto. Ma io sono armato, e i pericoli mi sono indifferenti.
CASCA	Voi parlate a Casca, e a un uomo tale che non è un delatore beffardo. Tenete. La mia mano. Fate parte per riparare tutti questi mali, e io porterò questo mio piede tanto lontano quanto chi va più lontano di tutti. Si stringono la mano
CASSIO	Il patto è concluso. Ora sappiate, Casca, che ho già indotto alcuni tra i Romani di più nobile animo a intraprendere con me un’impresa di conseguenze onorevolmente pericolose. E so che a quest’ora essi mi attendono sotto il Portico di Pompeo; ché ora, in questa notte paurosa, non c’è movimento né passeggio per le strade, e l’aspetto degli elementi somiglia nel volto all’opera che abbiamo per le mani: sanguinosissimo, infuocato e terribilissimo.
(didascalia)	Entra Cinna
CASCA	State un poco in disparte, ché qui ne viene uno in fretta.
CASSIO	È Cinna; lo riconosco dal passo. È un amico.—Cinna, dove correte così?
CINNA	A cercare voi. Chi è quello? Metello Cimbro?
CASSIO	No, è Casca, uno ormai incorporato ai nostri disegni. Non mi si attende, Cinna?
CINNA	Ne son lieto. Che notte paurosa è questa! Due o tre di noi hanno visto strane visioni.
CASSIO	Non mi si attende? Ditemelo.
CINNA	Sì, vi si attende. O Cassio, se solo poteste guadagnare il nobile Bruto al nostro partito—
CASSIO	State tranquillo. Buon Cinna, prendete questo foglio, Dà a Cinna delle lettere e badate di deporlo sul Seggio del Pretore, dove Bruto non possa che trovarlo; e questo gettatelo dentro la sua finestra. Questo affiggetelo con la cera sulla statua del vecchio Bruto. Fatto tutto questo, venite al Portico di Pompeo, dove ci troverete. Ci sono là Decio Bruto e Trebonio?
CINNA	Tutti, tranne Metello Cimbro, ed egli è andato a cercarvi a casa vostra. Ebbene, mi affretterò, e disporrò questi fogli come mi avete ordinato.
CASSIO	Fatto ciò, venite al Teatro di Pompeo.
(didascalia)	Esce Cinna
CASSIO	Venite, Casca, voi ed io andremo ancor prima del giorno a veder Bruto a casa sua. Tre parti di lui sono già nostre, e l’uomo intero al prossimo incontro si darà tutto a noi.
CASCA	Oh, egli siede alto nei cuori di tutto il popolo, e ciò che in noi apparirebbe delitto il suo favore, come ricchissima alchimia, muterà in virtù e in merito.
CASSIO	Lui e il suo valore, e il gran bisogno che ne abbiamo, li avete concepiti proprio bene. Andiamo, ché è passata la mezzanotte, e prima del giorno lo desteremo e ce lo assicureremo. Escono

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter Brutus in his orchard
BRUTUS	What, Lucius, ho!— I cannot by the progress of the stars Give guess how near to day.—Lucius, I say!— I would it were my fault to sleep so soundty.— When, Lucius, when? Awake, I say! What, Lucius!
(didascalia)	Enter Lucius
LUCIUS	Called you, my lord?
BRUTUS	Get me a taper in my study, Lucius. When it is lighted, come and call me here.
LUCIUS	I will, my lord.
(didascalia)	Exit
BRUTUS	It must be by his death. And for my part I know no personal cause to spurn at him, But for the general. He would be crowned. How that might change his nature, there’s the question. It is the bright day that brings forth the adder, And that craves wary walking. Crown him: that! And then I grant we put a sting in him That at his will he may do danger with. Th‘abuse of greatness is when it disjoins Remorse from power. And to speak truth of Caesar, I have not known when his affections swayed More than his reason. But ’tis a common proof That lowliness is young ambition’s ladder, Whereto the climber-upward turns his face; But when he once attains the upmost round, He then unto the ladder turns his back, Looks in the clouds, scorning the base degrees By which he did ascend. So Caesar may. Then lest he may, prevent. And since the quarrel Will bear no colour for the thing he is, Fashion it thus: that what he is, augmented, Would run to these and these extremities; And therefore think him as a serpent’s egg, Which, hatched, would as his kind grow mischievous, And kill him in the shell.
(didascalia)	Enter Lucius, with a letter
LUCIUS	The taper burneth in your closet, sir. Searching the window for a flint, I found This paper, thus sealed up, and I am sure It did not lie there when I went to bed. He gives him the letter
BRUTUS	Get you to bed again; it is not day. Is not tomorrow, boy, the ides of March?
LUCIUS	I know not, sir.
BRUTUS	Look in the calendar and bring me word.
LUCIUS	I will, sir. Exit
BRUTUS	The exhalations whizzing in the air Give so much light that I may read by them. He opens the letter and reads ‘Brutus, thou sleep’st. Awake, and see thyself. Shall Rome, et cetera? Speak, strike, redress.‘— ‘Brutus, thou sleep‘st. Awake.’ Such instigations have been often dropped Where I have took them up. ‘Shall Rome, et cetera?’ Thus must I piece it out: Shall Rome stand under one man’s awe? What, Rome? My ancestors did from the streets of Rome The Tarquin drive when he was called a king. ‘Speak, strike, redress.’ Am I entreated To speak and strike? O Rome, I make thee promise, If the redress will follow, thou receivest Thy full petition at the hand of Brutus.
(didascalia)	Enter Lucius
LUCIUS	Sir, March is wasted fifteen days. Knock within
BRUTUS	‘Tis good. Go to the gate; somebody knocks.
(didascalia)	Exit Lucius
BRUTUS	Since Cassius first did whet me against Caesar I have not slept. Between the acting of a dreadful thing And the first motion, all the interim is Like a phantasma or a hideous dream. The genius and the mortal instruments Are then in counsel, and the state of man, Like to a little kingdom, suffers then The nature of an insurrection.
(didascalia)	Enter Lucius
LUCIUS	Sir, ’tis your brother Cassius at the door, Who doth desire to see you.
BRUTUS	Is he alone?
LUCIUS	No, sir, there are more with him.
BRUTUS	Do you know them?
LUCIUS	No, sir; their hats are plucked about their ears, And half their faces buried in their cloaks, That by no means I may discover them By any mark of favour.
BRUTUS	Let ’em enter. Exit Lucius They are the faction. O conspiracy, Sham‘st thou to show thy dang’rous brow by night, When evils are most free? O then by day Where wilt thou find a cavern dark enough To mask thy monstrous visage? Seek none, conspiracy. Hide it in smiles and affability; For if thou put thy native semblance on, Not Erebus itself were dim enough To hide thee from prevention.
(didascalia)	Enter the conspirators, muffled: Cassius, Casca, Decius, Cinna, Metellus, and Trebonius
CASSIUS	I think we are too bold upon your rest. Good morrow, Brutus. Do we trouble you?
BRUTUS	I have been up this hour, awake all night. Know I these men that come along with you?
CASSIUS	Yes, every man of them; and no man here But honours you; and every one doth wish You had but that opinion of yourself Which every noble Roman bears of you. This is Trebonius.
BRUTUS	He is welcome hither.
CASSIUS	This, Decius Brutus.
BRUTUS	He is welcome too.
CASSIUS	This, Casca; Cinna, this; and this, Metellus Cimber.
BRUTUS	They are all welcome. What watchful cares do interpose themselves Betwixt your eyes and night?
CASSIUS	Shall I entreat a word?
(didascalia)	Cassius and Brutus stand aside and whisper
DECIUS	Here lies the east. Doth not the day break here?
CASCA	No.
CINNA	O pardon, sir, it doth; and yon grey lines That fret the clouds are messengers of day.
CASCA	You shall confess that you are both deceived. He points his sword Here, as I point my sword, the sun arises, Which is a great way growing on the south, Weighing the youthful season of the year. Some two months hence up higher toward the north He first presents his fire, and the high east Stands, as the Capitol, directly here.
(didascalia)	He points his sword. Brutus and Cassius join the other conspirators
BRUTUS	Give me your hands all over, one by one. He shakes their hands
CASSIUS	And let us swear our resolution.
BRUTUS	No, not an oath. If not the face of men, The sufferance of our souls, the time’s abuse— If these be motives weak, break off betimes, And every man hence to his idle bed. So let high-sighted tyranny range on Till each man drop by lottery. But if these, As I am sure they do, bear fire enough To kindle cowards and to steel with valour The melting spirits of women, then, countrymen, What need we any spur but our own cause To prick us to redress? What other bond Than secret Romans, that have spoke the word And will not palter? And what other oath Than honesty to honesty engaged That this shall be or we will fall for it? Swear priests and cowards and men cautelous, Old feeble carrions, and such suffering souls That welcome wrongs; unto bad causes swear Such creatures as men doubt; but do not stain The even virtue of our enterprise, Nor th’insuppressive mettle of our spirits, To think that or our cause or our performance Did need an oath, when every drop of blood That every Roman bears, and nobly bears, Is guilty of a several bastardy If he do break the smallest particle Of any promise that hath passed from him.
CASSIUS	But what of Cicero? Shall we sound him? I think he will stand very strong with us.
CASCA	Let us not leave him out.
CINNA	No, by no means.
METELLUS	O, let us have him, for his silver hairs Will purchase us a good opinion, And buy men’s voices to commend our deeds. It shall be said his judgement ruled our hands. Our youths and wildness shall no whit appear, But all be buried in his gravity.
BRUTUS	O, name him not! Let us not break with him, For he will never follow anything That other men begin.
CASSIUS	Then leave him out.
CASCA	Indeed he is not fit.
DECIUS	Shall no man else be touched, but only Caesar?
CASSIUS	Decius, well urged. I think it is not meet Mark Antony, so well beloved of Caesar, Should outlive Caesar. We shall find of him A shrewd contriver. And you know his means, If he improve them, may well stretch so far As to annoy us all; which to prevent, Let Antony and Caesar fall together.
BRUTUS	Our course will seem too bloody, Caius Cassius, To cut the head off and then hack the limbs, Like wrath in death and envy afterwards— For Antony is but a limb of Caesar. Let’s be sacrificers, but not butchers, Caius. We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar, And in the spirit of men there is no blood. O, that we then could come by Caesar’s spirit, And not dismember Caesar! But, alas, Caesar must bleed for it. And, gentle friends, Let’s kill him boldly, but not wrathfully. Let’s carve him as a dish fit for the gods, Not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds. And let our hearts, as subtle masters do, Stir up their servants to an act of rage, And after seem to chide ’em. This shall make Our purpose necessary, and not envious; Which so appearing to the common eyes, We shall be called purgers, not murderers. And for Mark Antony, think not of him, For he can do no more than Caesar’s arm When Caesar’s head is off.
CASSIUS	Yet I fear him; For in the engrafted love he bears to Caesar—
BRUTUS	Alas, good Cassius, do not think of him. If he love Caesar, all that he can do Is to himself: take thought, and die for Caesar. And that were much he should, for he is given To sports, to wildness, and much company.
TREBONIUS	There is no fear in him. Let him not die; For he will live, and laugh at this hereafter. Clock strikes
BRUTUS	Peace, count the clock.
CASSIUS	The clock hath stricken three.
TREBONIUS	’Tis time to part.
CASSIUS	But it is doubtful yet Whether Caesar will come forth today or no; For he is superstitious grown of late, Quite from the main opinion he held once Of fantasy, of dreams and ceremonies. It may be these apparent prodigies, The unaccustomed terror of this night, And the persuasion of his augurers, May hold him from the Capitol today.
DECIUS	Never fear that. If he be so resolved I can o’ersway him; for he loves to hear That unicorns may be betrayed with trees, And bears with glasses, elephants with holes, Lions with toils, and men with flatterers; But when I tell him he hates flatterers; He says he does, being then most flattered. Let me work, For I can give his humour the true bent, And I will bring him to the Capitol.
CASSIUS	Nay, we will all of us be there to fetch him.
BRUTUS	By the eighth hour. Is that the uttermost?
CINNA	Be that the uttermost, and fail not then.
METELLUS	Caius Ligarius doth bear Caesar hard, Who rated him for speaking well of Pompey. I wonder none of you have thought of him.
BRUTUS	Now good Metellus, go along by him. He loves me well, and I have given him reasons. Send him but hither, and I’ll fashion him.
CASSIUS	The morning comes upon’s. We’ll leave you, Brutus. And, friends, disperse yourselves; but all remember What you have said, and show yourselves true Romans.
BRUTUS	Good gentlemen, look fresh and merrily. Let not our looks put on our purposes; But bear it as our Roman actors do, With untired spirits and formal constancy. And so good morrow to you every one.
(didascalia)	Exeunt all but Brutus
BRUTUS	Boy, Lucius!—Fast asleep? It is no matter. Enjoy the honey-heavy dew of slumber. Thou hast no figures nor no fantasies Which busy care draws in the brains of men; Therefore thou sleep’st so sound.
(didascalia)	Enter Portia
PORTIA	Brutus, my lord.
BRUTUS	Portia, what mean you? Wherefore rise you now? It is not for your health thus to commit Your weak condition to the raw cold morning.
PORTIA	Nor for yours neither. You’ve ungently, Brutus, Stole from my bed; and yesternight at supper You suddenly arose, and walked about Musing and sighing, with your arms across; And when I asked you what the matter was, You stared upon me with ungentle looks. I urged you further; then you scratched your head, And too impatiently stamped with your foot. Yet I insisted; yet you answered not, But with an angry wafture of your hand Gave sign for me to leave you. So I did, Fearing to strengthen that impatience Which seemed too much enkindled, and withal Hoping it was but an effect of humour, Which sometime hath his hour with every man. It will not let you eat, nor talk, nor sleep; And could it work so much upon your shape As it hath much prevailed on your condition, I should not know you Brutus. Dear my lord, Make me acquainted with your cause of grief.
BRUTUS	I am not well in health, and that is all.
PORTIA	Brutus is wise, and were he not in health He would embrace the means to come by it.
BRUTUS	Why, so I do. Good Portia, go to bed.
PORTIA	Is Brutus sick? And is it physical To walk unbracèd and suck up the humours Of the dank morning? What, is Brutus sick? And will he steal out of his wholesome bed To dare the vile contagion of the night, And tempt the rheumy and unpurgèd air To add unto his sickness? No, my Brutus, You have some sick offence within your mind, Which by the right and virtue of my place I ought to know of. (Kneeling) And upon my knees, I charm you by my once-commended beauty, By all your vows of love, and that great vow Which did incorporate and make us one, That you unfold to me, your self, your half, Why you are heavy, and what men tonight Have had resort to you—for here have been Some six or seven, who did hide their faces Even from darkness.
BRUTUS	Kneel not, gentle Portia.
(didascalia)	PORTIA rising
BRUTUS	I should not need if you were gentle Brutus.
(didascalia)	Within the bond of marriage, tell me, Brutus,
BRUTUS	Is it excepted I should know no secrets That appertain to you? Am I your self But as it were in sort or limitation? To keep with you at meals, comfort your bed, And talk to you sometimes? Dwell I but in the suburbs Of your good pleasure? If it be no more, Portia is Brutus’ harlot, not his wife.
BRUTUS	You are my true and honourable wife, As dear to me as are the ruddy drops That visit my sad heart.
PORTIA	If this were true, then should I know this secret. I grant I am a woman, but withal A woman that Lord Brutus took to wife. I grant I am a woman, but withal A woman well reputed, Cato’s daughter. Think you I am no stronger than my sex, Being so fathered and so husbanded? Tell me your counsels; I will not disclose ’em. I have made strong proof of my constancy, Giving myself a voluntary wound Here in the thigh. Can I bear that with patience, And not my husband’s secrets?
BRUTUS	O ye gods, Render me worthy of this noble wife!
(didascalia)	Knocking within
BRUTUS	Hark, hark, one knocks. Portia, go in a while, And by and by thy bosom shall partake The secrets of my heart. All my engagements I will construe to thee, All the charactery of my sad brows. Leave me with haste.
(didascalia)	Exit Portia
BRUTUS	Lucius, who’s that knocks?
(didascalia)	Enter Lucius, and Ligarius, with a kerchief round his head
LUCIUS	Here is a sick man that would speak with you.
BRUTUS	Caius Ligarius, that Metellus spake of.— Boy, stand aside.
(didascalia)	Exit Lucius
BRUTUS	Caius Ligarius, how?
LIGARIUS	Vouchsafe good morrow from a feeble tongue.
BRUTUS	O, what a time have you chose out, brave Caius, To wear a kerchief! Would you were not sick!
LIGARIUS	I am not sick if Brutus have in hand Any exploit worthy the name of honour.
BRUTUS	Such an exploit have I in hand, Ligarius, Had you a healthful ear to hear of it.
LIGARIUS	By all the gods that Romans bow before, I here discard my sickness. He pulls off his kerchief Soul of Rome, Brave son derived from honourable loins, Thou like an exorcist hast conjured up My mortifièd spirit. Now bid me run, And I will strive with things impossible, Yea, get the better of them. What’s to do?
BRUTUS	A piece of work that will make sick men whole.
LIGARIUS	But are not some whole that we must make sick?
BRUTUS	That must we also. What it is, my Caius, I shall unfold to thee as we are going To whom it must be done.
LIGARIUS	Set on your foot, And with a heart new-fired I follow you To do I know not what; but it sufficeth That Brutus leads me on.
BRUTUS	Follow me then.
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Entra Bruto nel suo giardino
BRUTO	Ehi, Lucio, olà!— Non posso, dal corso delle stelle, indovinare quanto manchi al giorno.—Lucio, dico!— Vorrei che fosse un mio difetto dormire così profondamente.— Su, Lucio, su! Svegliati, dico! Ehi, Lucio!
(didascalia)	Entra Lucio
LUCIO	Chiamavate, mio signore?
BRUTO	Portami una candela nel mio studio, Lucio. Quando sarà accesa, vieni a chiamarmi qui.
LUCIO	Sì, mio signore.
(didascalia)	Esce
BRUTO	Dev’essere con la sua morte. E per parte mia non conosco causa personale per colpirlo, ma solo il bene comune. Vuol essere incoronato. Come ciò possa mutare la sua natura, ecco la questione. È il giorno luminoso che fa uscire la vipera, e ciò esige un camminare guardingo. Incoronatelo: ecco! E allora, lo concedo, gli mettiamo dentro un pungiglione col quale a suo talento possa far danno. L’abuso della grandezza è quando essa disgiunge il rimorso dal potere. E a dire il vero di Cesare, non ho mai visto che i suoi affetti prevalessero sulla sua ragione. Ma è cosa comunemente provata che l’umiltà è la scala della giovane ambizione, verso cui chi sale volge il viso; ma quando una volta raggiunge il piolo più alto, allora volge le spalle alla scala, guarda nelle nubi, sprezzando i bassi gradini per cui è salito. Così può fare Cesare. Perché non possa, preveniamolo. E poiché l’accusa non ha colore per quello che egli è ora, formuliamola così: che ciò che egli è, accresciuto, correrebbe a questi e a questi estremi; e perciò consideriamolo come un uovo di serpente, che, schiuso, secondo la sua specie diverrebbe nocivo, e uccidiamolo nel guscio.
(didascalia)	Entra Lucio, con una lettera
LUCIO	La candela arde nel vostro studio, signore. Cercando una pietra focaia sulla finestra, ho trovato questo foglio, così sigillato, e sono certo che non era là quando andai a letto. Gli dà la lettera
BRUTO	Torna a letto; non è ancora giorno. Non è domani, ragazzo, il giorno delle idi di marzo?
LUCIO	Non lo so, signore.
BRUTO	Guarda nel calendario e vieni a dirmelo.
LUCIO	Sì, signore. Esce
BRUTO	Le esalazioni che sibilano nell’aria danno tanta luce che posso leggervi. Apre la lettera e legge ’Bruto, tu dormi. Svégliati, e guarda te stesso. Dovrà Roma, eccetera? Parla, colpisci, ripara.’— ‘Bruto, tu dormi. Svégliati.‘ Simili istigazioni sono state spesso lasciate cadere dove io le ho raccolte. ‘Dovrà Roma, eccetera?’ Così devo completarlo: dovrà Roma star soggetta al timore d’un uomo solo? Come, Roma? I miei antenati cacciarono dalle vie di Roma il Tarquinio, quando fu chiamato re. ‘Parla, colpisci, ripara.’ Sono io pregato di parlare e di colpire? O Roma, io ti prometto: se la riparazione seguirà, tu riceverai per intero la tua richiesta dalla mano di Bruto.
(didascalia)	Entra Lucio
LUCIO	Signore, di marzo son trascorsi quindici giorni. Bussano dentro
BRUTO	Sta bene. Va’ al cancello; qualcuno bussa.
(didascalia)	Esce Lucio
BRUTO	Da quando Cassio mi aizzò la prima volta contro Cesare non ho più dormito. Fra il compiersi d’una cosa terribile e il primo impulso, tutto l’intervallo è come un fantasma o un sogno orrendo. Il genio e gli strumenti mortali tengono allora consiglio, e lo stato dell’uomo, simile a un piccolo regno, subisce allora la natura di un’insurrezione.
(didascalia)	Entra Lucio
LUCIO	Signore, è vostro cognato Cassio alla porta, che desidera vedervi.
BRUTO	È solo?
LUCIO	No, signore, ce ne sono altri con lui.
BRUTO	Li conosci?
LUCIO	No, signore; hanno i cappelli calati sulle orecchie, e metà del viso sepolta nei mantelli, sì che in nessun modo posso riconoscerli da alcun tratto del volto.
BRUTO	Falli entrare. Esce Lucio Sono la fazione. O congiura, ti vergogni di mostrare la tua fronte pericolosa di notte, quando i mali sono più liberi? Oh, di giorno allora dove troverai una caverna abbastanza buia da mascherare il tuo mostruoso volto? Non cercarne, congiura. Nascondilo in sorrisi e affabilità; ché se indossi il tuo aspetto nativo, neppure l’Erebo sarebbe abbastanza fosco da celarti e sottrarti al sospetto.
(didascalia)	Entrano i congiurati, imbacuccati: Cassio, Casca, Decio, Cinna, Metello e Trebonio
CASSIO	Temo che ci prendiamo troppa libertà col vostro riposo. Buon giorno, Bruto. Vi disturbiamo?
BRUTO	Sono in piedi da un’ora, sveglio tutta la notte. Li conosco questi uomini che vengono con voi?
CASSIO	Sì, ognuno di loro; e non c’è qui uomo che non vi onori; e ognuno desidera che voi aveste di voi stesso quell’opinione che ogni nobile Romano ha di voi. Questi è Trebonio.
BRUTO	Sia il benvenuto qui.
CASSIO	Questi, Decio Bruto.
BRUTO	Anch’egli è il benvenuto.
CASSIO	Questi, Casca; questi, Cinna; e questi, Metello Cimbro.
BRUTO	Tutti sono i benvenuti. Quali affanni vigili s’interpongono fra i vostri occhi e la notte?
CASSIO	Posso chiedervi una parola?
(didascalia)	Cassio e Bruto si traggono in disparte e bisbigliano
DECIO	Qui è l’oriente. Non spunta di qui il giorno?
CASCA	No.
CINNA	Oh, perdonate, signore, sì; e quelle linee grigie che striano le nubi sono messaggere del giorno.
CASCA	Confesserete che siete entrambi in errore. Punta la spada Qui, dove punto la mia spada, sorge il sole, che è ancora assai inclinato verso il sud, considerata la giovane stagione dell’anno. Fra circa due mesi, più in alto verso il nord, presenterà il suo primo fuoco, e l’oriente vero sta, come il Campidoglio, proprio qui.
(didascalia)	Punta la spada. Bruto e Cassio si riuniscono agli altri congiurati
BRUTO	Datemi tutti la mano, uno per uno. Stringe loro la mano
CASSIO	E giuriamo la nostra risoluzione.
BRUTO	No, nessun giuramento. Se il volto degli uomini, la sofferenza delle nostre anime, l’abuso del tempo— se questi son motivi deboli, sciogliamoci per tempo, e ognuno se ne torni al suo ozioso letto. Lasciamo così che l’altezzosa tirannide spazi finché ciascuno cada a sorte. Ma se questi, come son certo che fanno, portano fuoco abbastanza da infiammare i vili e da temprare di valore i molli spiriti delle donne, allora, concittadini, che bisogno abbiamo d’altro sprone che la nostra causa per spingerci a riparare? Quale altro vincolo che Romani segreti, i quali han dato la parola e non verranno meno? E quale altro giuramento che l’onestà impegnata all’onestà che questo sarà, o per esso cadremo? Giurino i preti, i vili e gli uomini cauti, vecchie carogne fiacche, e quelle anime sofferenti che accolgono i torti; alle cause cattive giurino creature di cui gli uomini dubitano; ma non macchiate la pari virtù della nostra impresa, né l’indomabile tempra dei nostri spiriti, col pensare che la nostra causa o la nostra azione avessero bisogno d’un giuramento, quando ogni goccia di sangue che ogni Romano porta, e nobilmente porta, è colpevole d’una sua propria bastardia se egli infrange la più piccola particella di qualunque promessa uscita dalla sua bocca.
CASSIO	Ma che dire di Cicerone? Lo sonderemo? Credo che starà molto saldo con noi.
CASCA	Non lasciamolo fuori.
CINNA	No, in nessun modo.
METELLO	Oh, prendiamolo con noi, ché i suoi capelli d’argento ci procureranno una buona fama, e compreranno le voci degli uomini a lodare le nostre azioni. Si dirà che il suo giudizio guidò le nostre mani. La nostra giovinezza e la nostra avventatezza non appariranno affatto, ma saranno tutte sepolte nella sua gravità.
BRUTO	Oh, non nominatelo! Non apriamoci con lui, ché non seguirà mai nulla che altri uomini abbiano cominciato.
CASSIO	Allora lasciamolo fuori.
CASCA	Davvero non è adatto.
DECIO	Nessun altro sarà toccato, se non Cesare soltanto?
CASSIO	Decio, ben detto. Non credo sia conveniente che Marco Antonio, così ben amato da Cesare, sopravviva a Cesare. Lo troveremo un astuto macchinatore. E sapete che i suoi mezzi, se li adopera, possono bene estendersi tanto da nuocere a tutti noi; per prevenire ciò, cadano insieme Antonio e Cesare.
BRUTO	Il nostro procedere sembrerà troppo sanguinoso, Caio Cassio, tagliare il capo e poi mozzare le membra, come ira nella morte e livore dopo— ché Antonio non è che un membro di Cesare. Siamo sacrificatori, non macellai, Caio. Tutti noi ci leviamo contro lo spirito di Cesare, e nello spirito degli uomini non c’è sangue. Oh, se potessimo dunque raggiungere lo spirito di Cesare, senza smembrare Cesare! Ma, ahimè, Cesare deve sanguinarne. E, cari amici, uccidiamolo arditamente, ma non con ira. Trinciamolo come vivanda degna degli dèi, non facciamolo a pezzi come carcassa buona per i cani. E i nostri cuori, come fanno i padroni accorti, eccitino i loro servi a un atto di furore, e poi fingano di rimproverarli. Ciò renderà il nostro proposito necessario, e non odioso; e apparendo tale agli occhi del volgo, saremo chiamati purificatori, non assassini. E quanto a Marco Antonio, non pensateci, ché non può far più del braccio di Cesare quando la testa di Cesare è recisa.
CASSIO	Eppure lo temo; ché nell’amore innestato che porta a Cesare—
BRUTO	Ahimè, buon Cassio, non pensate a lui. Se ama Cesare, tutto ciò che può fare è contro se stesso: darsi alla malinconia, e morire per Cesare. E sarebbe già molto ch’egli lo facesse, ché è dedito ai divertimenti, agli stravizi e alla molta compagnia.
TREBONIO	Non c’è nulla da temere in lui. Non muoia; ché vivrà, e in seguito riderà di questo. Batte l’orologio
BRUTO	Silenzio, contate l’orologio.
CASSIO	L’orologio ha battuto le tre.
TREBONIO	È tempo di separarci.
CASSIO	Ma è ancora incerto se Cesare uscirà oggi o no; ché di recente è diventato superstizioso, ben lontano dall’opinione salda che teneva un tempo sulle fantasie, sui sogni e sulle cerimonie. Può darsi che questi prodigi manifesti, l’insolito terrore di questa notte, e la persuasione dei suoi àuguri, lo trattengano oggi dal Campidoglio.
DECIO	Non temete questo. Se sarà così deciso, saprò smuoverlo; ché ama sentirsi dire che gli unicorni si prendono con gli alberi, gli orsi con gli specchi, gli elefanti con le fosse, i leoni con le reti, e gli uomini con gli adulatori; ma quando gli dico che egli odia gli adulatori, risponde di sì, ed è allora adulato al massimo. Lasciate fare a me, ché so dare al suo umore la giusta piega, e lo condurrò al Campidoglio.
CASSIO	Anzi, saremo tutti là a prenderlo.
BRUTO	All’ottava ora. È questo il termine estremo?
CINNA	Sia quello il termine estremo, e allora non mancate.
METELLO	Caio Ligario porta rancore a Cesare, che lo rimproverò per aver parlato bene di Pompeo. Mi stupisco che nessuno di voi abbia pensato a lui.
BRUTO	Ora, buon Metello, passate da lui. Mi vuol bene, e gliene ho dato ragione. Mandatemelo qui, e io lo plasmerò.
CASSIO	Il mattino ci sorprende. Vi lasciamo, Bruto. E voi, amici, disperdetevi; ma tutti ricordate ciò che avete detto, e mostratevi veri Romani.
BRUTO	Buoni signori, abbiate l’aria fresca e lieta. I nostri volti non indossino i nostri propositi; ma portiamoli come fanno i nostri attori romani, con spiriti instancabili e decorosa costanza. E così buon giorno a ciascuno di voi.
(didascalia)	Escono tutti tranne Bruto
BRUTO	Ragazzo, Lucio!—Profondamente addormentato? Non importa. Gòditi la rugiada greve di miele del sonno. Tu non hai immagini né fantasmi che l’affanno operoso disegna nei cervelli degli uomini; perciò dormi così profondamente.
(didascalia)	Entra Porzia
PORZIA	Bruto, mio signore.
BRUTO	Porzia, che fate? Perché vi alzate ora? Non giova alla vostra salute esporre così la vostra debole complessione al crudo freddo del mattino.
PORZIA	Né giova alla vostra. Voi, Bruto, scortesemente vi siete sottratto al mio letto; e ieri sera a cena vi alzaste all’improvviso, e camminaste in giro meditando e sospirando, con le braccia conserte; e quando vi chiesi che cosa vi fosse, mi fissaste con sguardi sgarbati. Insistetti ancora; allora vi grattaste il capo, e batteste il piede con troppa impazienza. Pure insistetti; pure non rispondeste, ma con un gesto irato della mano mi faceste segno di lasciarvi. E così feci, temendo di accrescere quell’impazienza che pareva troppo accesa, e insieme sperando che fosse solo un effetto dell’umore, che talvolta ha la sua ora con ogni uomo. Non vi lascia mangiare, né parlare, né dormire; e se potesse operare sul vostro aspetto quanto ha prevalso sul vostro animo, non vi riconoscerei per Bruto. Caro mio signore, fatemi conoscere la causa del vostro dolore.
BRUTO	Non sto bene in salute, e questo è tutto.
PORZIA	Bruto è savio, e se non fosse in salute abbraccerebbe i mezzi per riacquistarla.
BRUTO	Ma è ciò che faccio. Buona Porzia, andate a letto.
PORZIA	È malato Bruto? Ed è salutare andare in giro slacciato e assorbire gli umori del mattino umidiccio? Come, è malato Bruto? E vuol sgusciare fuori dal suo letto salubre per sfidare il vile contagio della notte, e tentare l’aria catarrosa e non purificata perché aggiunga al suo male? No, mio Bruto, voi avete qualche morbosa offesa nella mente, della quale, per diritto e virtù del mio posto, io dovrei essere informata. (Inginocchiandosi) E in ginocchio, vi scongiuro per la mia bellezza un tempo lodata, per tutti i vostri voti d’amore, e per quel gran voto che ci incorporò e ci fece una cosa sola, di rivelare a me, voi stesso, vostra metà, perché siete oppresso, e quali uomini stanotte sono venuti da voi—ché qui ce ne sono stati sei o sette, che nascondevano il volto perfino alle tenebre.
BRUTO	Non v’inginocchiate, gentile Porzia.
(didascalia)	PORZIA alzandosi
BRUTO	Non ne avrei bisogno, se voi foste il gentile Bruto.
(didascalia)	Entro il vincolo del matrimonio, ditemi, Bruto,
BRUTO	è forse escluso che io conosca i segreti che vi riguardano? Sono io voi stesso solo, per così dire, in parte e con limiti? Per starvi accanto ai pasti, allietare il vostro letto, e parlarvi qualche volta? Abito io solo nei sobborghi del vostro buon piacere? Se non è più di questo, Porzia è la meretrice di Bruto, non sua moglie.
BRUTO	Voi siete la mia vera e onorevole moglie, a me cara quanto le rosse gocce che visitano il mio triste cuore.
PORZIA	Se questo fosse vero, allora conoscerei questo segreto. Ammetto d’essere una donna, ma insieme una donna che il signor Bruto prese in moglie. Ammetto d’essere una donna, ma insieme una donna ben reputata, figlia di Catone. Credete voi che io non sia più forte del mio sesso, avendo tal padre e tal marito? Ditemi i vostri disegni; non li rivelerò. Ho dato forte prova della mia costanza, infliggendomi una ferita volontaria qui nella coscia. Posso sopportare quella con pazienza, e non i segreti di mio marito?
BRUTO	O dèi, rendetemi degno di questa nobile moglie!
(didascalia)	Bussano dentro
BRUTO	Ascolta, ascolta, qualcuno bussa. Porzia, rientra per un poco, e fra breve il tuo petto parteciperà ai segreti del mio cuore. Tutti i miei impegni ti spiegherò, tutti i caratteri scritti sulla mia fronte triste. Lasciami in fretta.
(didascalia)	Esce Porzia
BRUTO	Lucio, chi è che bussa?
(didascalia)	Entrano Lucio e Ligario, con una benda intorno al capo
LUCIO	C’è qui un uomo malato che vorrebbe parlarvi.
BRUTO	Caio Ligario, quello di cui parlò Metello.— Ragazzo, tirati da parte.
(didascalia)	Esce Lucio
BRUTO	Caio Ligario, come state?
LIGARIO	Accogliete un buon giorno da una lingua fiacca.
BRUTO	Oh, che momento avete scelto, prode Caio, per portare una benda! Foste voi non malato!
LIGARIO	Non sono malato, se Bruto ha per le mani qualche impresa degna del nome d’onore.
BRUTO	Una tale impresa ho per le mani, Ligario, se aveste un orecchio sano per udirne.
LIGARIO	Per tutti gli dèi davanti a cui s’inchinano i Romani, qui getto via la mia malattia. Si toglie la benda Anima di Roma, prode figlio disceso da lombi onorati, tu come un esorcista hai evocato il mio spirito mortificato. Ora comandami di correre, e lotterò con l’impossibile, sì, e ne avrò ragione. Che c’è da fare?
BRUTO	Un’opera che renderà sani gli uomini malati.
LIGARIO	Ma non ce ne sono di sani che dobbiamo far malati?
BRUTO	Anche questo dobbiamo fare. Che cosa sia, mio Caio, te lo svelerò mentre andiamo da colui a cui deve esser fatto.
LIGARIO	Movete il piede, e con cuore riacceso vi seguo a fare non so che cosa; ma mi basta che Bruto mi conduca.
BRUTO	Seguimi, dunque.
(didascalia)	Escono

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Thunder and lightning. Enter Julius Caesar in his nightgown
CAESAR	Nor heaven nor earth have been at peace tonight. Thrice hath Calpurnia in her sleep cried out ‘Help, ho! They murder Caesar!’—Who’s within?
(didascalia)	Enter a Servant
SERVANT	My lord.
CAESAR	Go bid the priests do present sacrifice, And bring me their opinions of success.
SERVANT	I will, my lord.
(didascalia)	Exit
(didascalia)	Enter Calpurnia
CALPURNIA	What mean you, Caesar? Think you to walk forth? You shall not stir out of your house today.
CAESAR	Caesar shall forth. The things that threatened me Ne’er looked but on my back; when they shall see The face of Caesar, they are vanished.
CALPURNIA	Caesar, I never stood on ceremonies, Yet now they fright me. There is one within, Besides the things that we have heard and seen, Recounts most horrid sights seen by the watch. A lioness hath whelpèd in the streets, And graves have yawned and yielded up their dead. Fierce fiery warriors fight upon the clouds, In ranks and squadrons and right form of war, Which drizzled blood upon the Capitol. The noise of battle hurtled in the air. Horses do neigh, and dying men did groan, And ghosts did shriek and squeal about the streets. O Caesar, these things are beyond all use, And I do fear them.
CAESAR	What can be avoided Whose end is purposed by the mighty gods? Yet Caesar shall go forth, for these predictions Are to the world in general as to Caesar.
CALPURNIA	When beggars die there are no comets seen; The heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.
CAESAR	Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once. Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, It seems to me most strange that men should fear, Seeing that death, a necessary end, Will come when it will come.
(didascalia)	Enter Servant
CAESAR	What say the augurers?
SERVANT	They would not have you to stir forth today. Plucking the entrails of an offering forth, They could not find a heart within the beast.
CAESAR	The gods do this in shame of cowardice. Caesar should be a beast without a heart If he should stay at home today for fear. No, Caesar shall not. Danger knows full well That Caesar is more dangerous than he. We are two lions littered in one day, And I the elder and more terrible. And Caesar shall go forth.
CALPURNIA	Alas, my lord, Your wisdom is consumed in confidence. Do not go forth today. Call it my fear That keeps you in the house, and not your own. We’ll send Mark Antony to the Senate House, And he shall say you are not well today. Let me upon my knee prevail in this. She kneels
CAESAR	Mark Antony shall say I am not well, And for thy humour I will stay at home.
(didascalia)	Enter Decius
CAESAR	Here’s Decius Brutus; he shall tell them so.
(didascalia)	Calpurnia rises
DECIUS	Caesar, all hail! Good morrow, worthy Caesar. I come to fetch you to the Senate House.
CAESAR	And you are come in very happy time To bear my greeting to the senators And tell them that I will not come today. Cannot is false, and that I dare not, falser. I will not come today; tell them so, Decius.
CALPURNIA	Say he is sick.
CAESAR	Shall Caesar send a lie? Have I in conquest stretched mine arm so far, To be afeard to tell greybeards the truth? Decius, go tell them Caesar will not come.
DECIUS	Most mighty Caesar, let me know some cause, Lest I be laughed at when I tell them so.
CAESAR	The cause is in my will; I will not come. That is enough to satisfy the Senate. But for your private satisfaction, Because I love you, I will let you know. Calpurnia here, my wife, stays me at home. She dreamt tonight she saw my statue, Which like a fountain with an hundred spouts Did run pure blood; and many lusty Romans Came smiling and did bathe their hands in it. And these does she apply for warnings and portents Of evils imminent, and on her knee Hath begged that I will stay at home today.
DECIUS	This dream is all amiss interpreted. It was a vision fair and fortunate. Your statue spouting blood in many pipes, In which so many smiling Romans bathed, Signifies that from you great Rome shall suck Reviving blood, and that great men shall press For tinctures, stains, relics, and cognizance. This by Calpurnia’s dream is signified.
CAESAR	And this way have you well expounded it.
DECIUS	I have, when you have heard what I can say. And know it now: the Senate have concluded To give this day a crown to mighty Caesar. If you shall send them word you will not come, Their minds may change. Besides, it were a mock Apt to be rendered for someone to say ‘Break up the Senate till another time, When Caesar’s wife shall meet with better dreams.’ If Caesar hide himself, shall they not whisper ‘Lo, Caesar is afraid’? Pardon me, Caesar; for my dear dear love To your proceeding bids me tell you this, And reason to my love is liable.
CAESAR	How foolish do your fears seem now, Calpurnial I am ashamed I did yield to them. Give me my robe, for I will go.
(didascalia)	Enter Cassius, Brutus, Ligarius, Metellus, Casca, Trebonius, and Cinna
CAESAR	And look where Cassius is come to fetch me.
(didascalia)	CASSIUS
CAESAR	Good morrow, Caesar.
CAESAR	Welcome, Cassius.— What, Brutus, are you stirred so early too?— Good morrow, Casca.—Caius Ligarius, Caesar was ne‘er so much your enemy As that same ague which hath made you lean. What is’t o’clock?
BRUTUS	Caesar, ’tis strucken eight.
CAESAR	I thank you for your pains and courtesy.
(didascalia)	Enter Antony
CAESAR	See, Antony that revels long a-nights Is notwithstanding up. Good morrow, Antony.
ANTONY	So to most noble Caesar.
(didascalia)	CAESAR to Calpurnia Bid them prepare within.
(didascalia)	I am to blame to be thus waited for. Exit Calpurnia
ANTONY	Now, Cinna.—Now, Metellus.—What, Trebonius! I have an hour’s talk in store for you. Remember that you call on me today. Be near me, that I may remember you.
(didascalia)	Caesar, I will, aside and so near will I be
TREBONIUS	That your best friends shall wish I had been further.
CAESAR	Good friends, go in and taste some wine with me, And we, like friends, will straightway go together.
BRUTUS	(aside) That every like is not the same, O Caesar, The heart of Brutus ernes to think upon. Exeunt

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Tuoni e lampi. Entra Giulio Cesare in veste da notte
CESARE	Né cielo né terra hanno avuto pace stanotte. Tre volte Calpurnia nel sonno ha gridato ’Aiuto, olà! Assassinano Cesare!’—Chi è là dentro?
(didascalia)	Entra un Servo
SERVO	Mio signore.
CESARE	Va’, di’ ai sacerdoti di compiere subito il sacrificio, e portami il loro parere sull’esito.
SERVO	Sì, mio signore.
(didascalia)	Esce
(didascalia)	Entra Calpurnia
CALPURNIA	Che intendete fare, Cesare? Pensate di uscire? Non vi muoverete oggi dalla vostra casa.
CESARE	Cesare uscirà. Le cose che mi minacciarono non guardarono mai che le mie spalle; quando vedranno il volto di Cesare, saranno svanite.
CALPURNIA	Cesare, non ho mai dato peso ai presagi, eppure ora mi spaventano. C’è uno là dentro che, oltre alle cose che abbiamo udito e visto, racconta visioni orrende viste dalle guardie. Una leonessa ha figliato per le strade, e le tombe si sono spalancate e hanno reso i loro morti. Feroci guerrieri di fuoco combattono sulle nubi, in file e in squadre e in vera forma di battaglia, e ne piovve sangue a spruzzi sul Campidoglio. Il fragore della battaglia si scagliava nell’aria. I cavalli nitriscono, e i morenti gemevano, e gli spettri stridevano e squittivano per le strade. O Cesare, queste cose sono fuori d’ogni consuetudine, e io le temo.
CESARE	Che cosa si può evitare, se il suo fine è voluto dagli dèi possenti? Eppure Cesare uscirà, ché queste predizioni riguardano il mondo in generale quanto Cesare.
CALPURNIA	Quando muoiono i mendicanti non si vedono comete; i cieli stessi fiammeggiano per la morte dei principi.
CESARE	I vili muoiono molte volte prima della loro morte; i valorosi non gustano la morte che una volta sola. Di tutti i prodigi che ho udito finora, mi pare stranissimo che gli uomini temano, vedendo che la morte, fine necessario, verrà quando dovrà venire.
(didascalia)	Entra il Servo
CESARE	Che dicono gli àuguri?
SERVO	Non vorrebbero che usciste oggi. Estraendo le viscere d’una vittima, non riuscirono a trovare il cuore dentro la bestia.
CESARE	Gli dèi fanno questo a vergogna della viltà. Cesare sarebbe una bestia senza cuore se restasse oggi a casa per paura. No, Cesare non resterà. Il pericolo sa bene che Cesare è più pericoloso di lui. Siamo due leoni figliati in un sol giorno, e io il maggiore e il più terribile. E Cesare uscirà.
CALPURNIA	Ahimè, mio signore, la vostra saggezza è divorata dalla presunzione. Non uscite oggi. Dite che è la mia paura a trattenervi in casa, e non la vostra. Manderemo Marco Antonio alla Curia del Senato, e dirà che oggi non state bene. Lasciate che in ginocchio io la spunti in questo. S’inginocchia
CESARE	Marco Antonio dirà che non sto bene, e per assecondare il tuo capriccio resterò a casa.
(didascalia)	Entra Decio
CESARE	Ecco Decio Bruto; sarà lui a dirglielo.
(didascalia)	Calpurnia si alza
DECIO	Cesare, salve! Buon giorno, degno Cesare. Vengo a condurvi alla Curia del Senato.
CESARE	E venite in momento assai opportuno per portare il mio saluto ai senatori e dir loro che oggi non verrò. ‘Non posso’ è falso, e ‘non oso’ più falso ancora. Non verrò oggi; dite loro così, Decio.
CALPURNIA	Dite che è malato.
CESARE	Cesare manderà una menzogna? Ho io steso tanto lontano il mio braccio nelle conquiste, per aver timore di dire la verità a delle barbe grigie? Decio, andate a dir loro che Cesare non verrà.
DECIO	Potentissimo Cesare, fatemi sapere una ragione, perché non si rida di me quando dirò loro così.
CESARE	La ragione è nella mia volontà; non verrò. Questo basta a soddisfare il Senato. Ma per vostra privata soddisfazione, poiché vi amo, ve lo farò sapere. Calpurnia qui, mia moglie, mi trattiene a casa. Stanotte sognò di vedere la mia statua che, come una fontana da cento zampilli, colava puro sangue; e molti gagliardi Romani venivano sorridendo e vi bagnavano le mani. Ed ella li interpreta come avvertimenti e presagi di mali imminenti, e in ginocchio mi ha supplicato di restare oggi a casa.
DECIO	Questo sogno è tutto male interpretato. Fu una visione bella e fortunata. La vostra statua che zampilla sangue da molte cannelle, nel quale tanti Romani sorridenti si bagnavano, significa che da voi la grande Roma succhierà sangue rinnovatore, e che grandi uomini faranno ressa per averne tinture, macchie, reliquie e insegne. Questo è significato dal sogno di Calpurnia.
CESARE	E in questo modo l’avete bene spiegato.
DECIO	L’ho fatto, quando avrete udito ciò che posso dire. E sappiatelo ora: il Senato ha deciso di dare oggi una corona al potente Cesare. Se manderete loro parola che non verrete, le loro menti potrebbero mutare. Inoltre, sarebbe una beffa facile a rendersi, che qualcuno dicesse: ‘Si sciolga il Senato fino a un altro momento, quando la moglie di Cesare farà sogni migliori.‘ Se Cesare si nasconde, non bisbiglieranno forse: ‘Ecco, Cesare ha paura’? Perdonatemi, Cesare; ché il mio caro carissimo affetto per la vostra grandezza mi impone di dirvi questo, e la ragione è soggetta al mio amore.
CESARE	Quanto sciocchi appaiono ora i vostri timori, Calpurnia! Mi vergogno d’aver ceduto ad essi. Datemi la mia toga, ché voglio andare.
(didascalia)	Entrano Cassio, Bruto, Ligario, Metello, Casca, Trebonio e Cinna
CESARE	Ed ecco che Cassio è venuto a prendermi.
(didascalia)	CASSIO
CESARE	Buon giorno, Cesare.
CESARE	Benvenuto, Cassio.— Come, Bruto, siete in piedi anche voi così presto?— Buon giorno, Casca.—Caio Ligario, Cesare non vi fu mai tanto nemico quanto quella febbre che vi ha fatto magro. Che ora è?
BRUTO	Cesare, sono suonate le otto.
CESARE	Vi ringrazio della vostra fatica e cortesia.
(didascalia)	Entra Antonio
CESARE	Guardate: Antonio, che fa baldoria fino a tardi la notte, è tuttavia in piedi. Buon giorno, Antonio.
ANTONIO	Altrettanto al nobilissimo Cesare.
(didascalia)	CESARE a Calpurnia Di’ loro di preparare là dentro.
(didascalia)	Ho colpa a farmi attendere così. Esce Calpurnia
ANTONIO	Ora, Cinna.—Ora, Metello.—Ehi, Trebonio! Ho in serbo per voi un’ora di conversazione. Ricordatevi di venire da me oggi. Statemi vicino, perché possa ricordarmi di voi.
(didascalia)	Cesare, lo farò, a parte e tanto vicino sarò
TREBONIO	che i vostri migliori amici vorranno che fossi stato più lontano.
CESARE	Buoni amici, entrate e assaggiate un po’ di vino con me, e poi, da amici, andremo subito insieme.
BRUTO	(a parte) Che ogni simile non sia lo stesso, o Cesare, il cuore di Bruto si duole a pensarlo. Escono

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter Artemidorus, reading a letter
ARTEMIDORUS	’Caesar, beware of Brutus. Take heed of Cassius. Come not near Casca. Have an eye to Cinna. Trust not Trebonius. Mark well Metellus Cimber. Decius Brutus loves thee not. Thou hast wronged Caius Ligarius. There is but one mind in all these men, and it is bent against Caesar. If thou beest not immortal, look about you. Security gives way to conspiracy. The mighty gods defend thee! Thy lover, Artemidorus.’ Here will I stand till Caesar pass along, And as a suitor will I give him this. My heart laments that virtue cannot live Out of the teeth of emulation. If thou read this, O Caesar, thou mayst live. If not, the fates with traitors do contrive. Exit

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Entra Artemidoro, leggendo una lettera
ARTEMIDORO	’Cesare, guardati da Bruto. Sta’ in guardia da Cassio. Non accostarti a Casca. Tieni d’occhio Cinna. Non fidarti di Trebonio. Osserva bene Metello Cimbro. Decio Bruto non ti ama. Hai fatto torto a Caio Ligario. In tutti questi uomini non c’è che un solo animo, ed è rivolto contro Cesare. Se non sei immortale, guardati intorno. La sicurezza apre la via alla congiura. Ti difendano gli dèi possenti! Il tuo devoto, Artemidoro.‘ Qui starò finché Cesare non passi, e come postulante gli porgerò questo. Il mio cuore si duole che la virtù non possa vivere fuori dalle zanne dell’invidia. Se leggerai questo, o Cesare, potrai vivere. Se no, i fati congiurano coi traditori. Esce

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter Portia and Lucius
PORTIA	I prithee, boy, run to the Senate House. Stay not to answer me, but get thee gone.— Why dost thou stay?
LUCIUS	To know my errand, madam.
PORTIA	I would have had thee there and here again Ere I can tell thee what thou shouldst do there. (Aside) O constancy, be strong upon my side; Set a huge mountain ’tween my heart and tongue. I have a man’s mind, but a woman’s might. How hard it is for women to keep counsel! (To Lucius) Art thou here yet?
LUCIUS	Madam, what should I do? Run to the Capitol, and nothing else? And so return to you, and nothing else?
PORTIA	Yes, bring me word, boy, if thy lord look well, For he went sickly forth; and take good note What Caesar doth, what suitors press to him. Hark, boy, what noise is that?
LUCIUS	I hear none, madam.
PORTIA	Prithee, listen well. I heard a bustling rumour, like a fray, And the wind brings it from the Capitol.
LUCIUS	Sooth, madam, I hear nothing.
(didascalia)	Enter the Soothsayer
PORTIA	Come hither, fellow. Which way hast thou been?
SOOTHSAYER	At mine own house, good lady.
PORTIA	What is’t o’clock?
SOOTHSAYER	About the ninth hour, lady.
PORTIA	Is Caesar yet gone to the Capitol?
SOOTHSAYER	Madam, not yet. I go to take my stand To see him pass on to the Capitol.
PORTIA	Thou hast some suit to Caesar, hast thou not?
SOOTHSAYER	That I have, lady. If it will please Caesar To be so good to Caesar as to hear me, I shall beseech him to befriend himself.
PORTIA	Why, know’st thou any harms intended towards him?
SOOTHSAYER	None that I know will be; much that I fear may chance. Good morrow to you.
(didascalia)	He moves away Here the street is narrow.
SOOTHSAYER	The throng that follows Caesar at the heels, Of senators, of praetors, common suitors, Will crowd a feeble man almost to death. I’ll get me to a place more void, and there Speak to great Caesar as he comes along. Exit
PORTIA	(aside) I must go in. Ay me! How weak a thing The heart of woman is! O Brutus, The heavens speed thee in thine enterprise!— Sure the boy heard me. (To Lucius) Brutus hath a suit That Caesar will not grant. (Aside) O, I grow faint! (To Lucius) Run, Lucius, and commend me to my lord. Say I am merry. Come to me again, And bring me word what he doth say to thee.
(didascalia)	Exeunt severally

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Entrano Porzia e Lucio
PORZIA	Ti prego, ragazzo, corri alla Curia del Senato. Non fermarti a rispondermi, ma va’ via.— Perché indugi?
LUCIO	Per sapere il mio incarico, signora.
PORZIA	Vorrei che tu fossi già là e di nuovo qui, prima ch’io possa dirti che cosa devi farvi. (A parte) O costanza, siimi forte accanto; poni un monte immenso tra il mio cuore e la lingua. Ho la mente d’un uomo, ma la forza d’una donna. Com’è duro per le donne serbare un segreto! (A Lucio) Sei ancora qui?
LUCIO	Signora, che devo fare? Correre al Campidoglio, e nient’altro? E poi tornare da voi, e nient’altro?
PORZIA	Sì, portami parola, ragazzo, se il tuo signore sta bene, ché uscì sofferente; e prendi buona nota di ciò che fa Cesare, di quali postulanti gli fanno ressa. Ascolta, ragazzo: che rumore è quello?
LUCIO	Non ne odo alcuno, signora.
PORZIA	Ti prego, ascolta bene. Ho udito un brusio agitato, come d’una rissa, e il vento lo porta dal Campidoglio.
LUCIO	In verità, signora, non odo nulla.
(didascalia)	Entra l’Indovino
PORZIA	Vieni qua, brav’uomo. Da che parte sei stato?
INDOVINO	A casa mia, buona signora.
PORZIA	Che ora è?
INDOVINO	Circa la nona ora, signora.
PORZIA	Cesare è già andato al Campidoglio?
INDOVINO	Signora, non ancora. Io vado a prendere posto per vederlo passare verso il Campidoglio.
PORZIA	Hai qualche supplica da rivolgere a Cesare, non è vero?
INDOVINO	Sì, signora. Se piacerà a Cesare d’esser tanto buono verso Cesare da ascoltarmi, lo supplicherò d’essere amico di se stesso.
PORZIA	Come, sai tu di qualche male ordito contro di lui?
INDOVINO	Nessuno che io sappia certo; molto che temo possa accadere. Buon giorno a voi.
(didascalia)	Si sposta Qui la strada è stretta.
INDOVINO	La calca che segue Cesare alle calcagna, di senatori, di pretori, di comuni postulanti, schiaccerebbe un uomo debole quasi a morte. Mi porterò in un luogo più sgombro, e là parlerò al grande Cesare mentre passa. Esce
PORZIA	(a parte) Devo rientrare. Ahimè! Che debole cosa è il cuore d’una donna! O Bruto, i cieli ti assistano nella tua impresa!— Certo il ragazzo mi ha udita. (A Lucio) Bruto ha una supplica che Cesare non concederà. (A parte) Oh, mi sento venir meno! (A Lucio) Corri, Lucio, e raccomandami al mio signore. Digli che sono lieta. Torna poi da me, e portami parola di ciò che egli ti dirà.
(didascalia)	Escono da parti diverse

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

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Entrano da una porta Artemidoro, l’Indovino,
(didascalia)	e cittadini. Squillo di trombe. Entrano da un’altra porta Cesare, Bruto, Cassio, Casca, Decio, Metello, Trebonio, Cinna, Ligario, Antonio, Lepido, Publio, Popilio e altri senatori
CESARE	(all’Indovino) Le idi di marzo sono venute.
INDOVINO	Sì, Cesare, ma non sono passate.
ARTEMIDORO	Salve, Cesare! Leggi questo foglio.
DECIO	(a Cesare) Trebonio desidera che rileggiate a vostro comodo questa sua umile supplica.
ARTEMIDORO	O Cesare, leggi prima la mia, ché la mia è una supplica che tocca Cesare più da vicino. Leggila, grande Cesare.
CESARE	Ciò che tocca noi stessi sarà servito per ultimo.
ARTEMIDORO	Non indugiare, Cesare, leggila all’istante.
CESARE	Come, è pazzo costui?
PUBLIO	(ad Artemidoro) Ehi tu, fatti da parte.
CASSIO	(ad Artemidoro) Come, insistete con le vostre petizioni per la strada? Venite al Campidoglio.
(didascalia)	Camminano per la scena
POPILIO	(a parte a Cassio) Auguro che la vostra impresa oggi prosperi.
CASSIO	Quale impresa, Popilio?
POPILIO	State bene. Lascia Cassio, e si dirige verso Cesare
BRUTO	Che ha detto Popilio Lena?
CASSIO	Ha augurato che oggi la nostra impresa prosperi. Temo che il nostro disegno sia scoperto.
BRUTO	Guarda come si dirige verso Cesare. Osservalo.
CASSIO	Casca, sii rapido, ché temiamo d’esser prevenuti.— Bruto, che si farà? Se questo si risapesse, Cassio o Cesare non tornerà mai indietro, ché io mi ucciderò.
BRUTO	Cassio, sii saldo. Popilio Lena non parla dei nostri disegni, ché guarda, sorride, e Cesare non muta volto.
CASSIO	Trebonio sa il suo momento, ché guardate, Bruto, trae Marco Antonio fuori dai piedi.
(didascalia)	Escono Trebonio e Antonio
DECIO	Dov’è Metello Cimbro? Vada e presenti subito la sua supplica a Cesare.
(didascalia)	Cesare siede
BRUTO	È pronto. Fatevi presso, e secondatelo.
CINNA	Casca, voi siete il primo ad alzare la mano.
(didascalia)	I congiurati e gli altri senatori prendono i loro posti
CESARE	Siamo tutti pronti? Che cosa v’è ora di storto che Cesare e il suo Senato debbano raddrizzare?
METELLO	(facendosi avanti e inginocchiandosi) Altissimo, potentissimo e possentissimo Cesare, Metello Cimbro getta dinanzi al tuo seggio un cuore umile.
CESARE	Devo prevenirti, Cimbro. Questi prostramenti e queste basse riverenze potrebbero infiammare il sangue degli uomini comuni, e mutare il preordinato e il primo decreto nella legge dei fanciulli. Non essere così sciocco da credere che Cesare abbia un sangue tanto ribelle da lasciarsi sciogliere dalla sua vera natura con ciò che intenerisce gli sciocchi: intendo dolci parole, inchini piegati a terra e vile scodinzolare da bracchetto. Tuo fratello è bandito per decreto. Se ti pieghi e preghi e strisci per lui, ti scaccio a calci come un botolo dal mio cammino. Sappi che Cesare non fa torto se non con giusta causa, né senza causa si dichiarerà soddisfatto.
METELLO	Non v’è voce più degna della mia che suoni più dolce all’orecchio del grande Cesare per il richiamo del mio fratello bandito?
BRUTO	(facendosi avanti e inginocchiandosi) Ti bacio la mano, ma non per adulazione, Cesare, chiedendoti che Publio Cimbro possa avere immediata libertà di richiamo.
CESARE	Come, Bruto?
CASSIO	(facendosi avanti e inginocchiandosi) Perdono, Cesare; Cesare, perdono. Fino ai tuoi piedi si prostra Cassio per implorare la grazia per Publio Cimbro.
CESARE	Potrei ben esser mosso, se fossi come voi. Se sapessi pregare per commuovere, le preghiere commuoverebbero me. Ma io sono costante come la Stella Polare, alla cui vera qualità, ferma e immota, non v’è compagna nel firmamento. I cieli sono dipinti d’innumerevoli scintille; sono tutte fuoco, e ognuna risplende; ma una sola fra tutte tiene il suo posto. Così nel mondo: è ben fornito d’uomini, e gli uomini sono carne e sangue, e sensibili; eppure fra il numero io ne conosco uno solo che inespugnabile mantiene il suo grado, non scosso da moto; e che io sia quello, lasciate ch’io un poco lo mostri anche in questo— che fui costante nel volere Cimbro bandito, e costante rimango nel mantenerlo tale.
CINNA	(facendosi avanti e inginocchiandosi) O Cesare!
CESARE	Via! Vuoi tu sollevare l’Olimpo?
(didascalia)	DECIO (facendosi avanti con Ligario e inginocchiandosi) Grande Cesare!
CESARE	Non s’inginocchia invano Bruto?
(didascalia)	CASCA (facendosi avanti e inginocchiandosi)
CESARE	Parlate, mani, per me.
(didascalia)	Pugnalano Cesare, Casca per primo, Bruto per ultimo
CESARE	Et tu, Brute?—Allora cadi, Cesare. Muore
CINNA	Libertà! Franchigia! La tirannide è morta! Correte, proclamatelo, gridatelo per le strade.
CASSIO	Alcuni ai pulpiti pubblici, e gridate ’Libertà, franchigia e affrancamento!’
BRUTO	Popolo e senatori, non vi spaventate.
(didascalia)	Escono in tumulto Lepido, Popilio, gli altri senatori, Artemidoro, l’Indovino e un cittadino
BRUTO	Non fuggite! Fermatevi! Il debito dell’ambizione è pagato.
CASCA	Va’ al pulpito, Bruto.
DECIO	E anche Cassio.
BRUTO	Dov’è Publio?
CINNA	Qui, tutto sconvolto da questo tumulto.
METELLO	Restiamo stretti insieme, ché qualche amico di Cesare non abbia a—-
BRUTO	Non parlate di restare.—Publio, fatevi animo! Nessun male è inteso alla vostra persona, né ad alcun altro Romano—dite loro così, Publio.
CASSIO	E lasciateci, Publio, ché il popolo, precipitandosi su di noi, non faccia danno alla vostra età.
BRUTO	Fate così; e nessuno risponda di quest’atto se non noi che l’abbiamo compiuto.
(didascalia)	Esce Publio Entra Trebonio
CASSIO	Dov’è Antonio?
TREBONIO	Fuggito alla sua casa, sbigottito. Uomini, mogli e fanciulli guardano attoniti, gridano e corrono, come fosse il giorno del giudizio.
BRUTO	Fati, conosceremo i vostri voleri. Che dovremo morire, lo sappiamo; è solo il tempo e il tirare in lungo i giorni che agli uomini importa.
CASCA	Ebbene, chi taglia via vent’anni di vita taglia via altrettanti anni di paura della morte.
BRUTO	Ammesso questo, la morte è allora un beneficio. Così noi siamo amici di Cesare, che gli abbiamo abbreviato il tempo di temere la morte. Chinatevi, Romani, chinatevi, e bagniamoci le mani nel sangue di Cesare fino ai gomiti, e intingiamovi le spade; poi usciamo fino al foro, e, agitando sopra il capo le nostre armi rosse, gridiamo tutti ‘pace, franchigia e libertà!’
CASSIO	Chinatevi, dunque, e lavatevi. Si imbrattano le mani col sangue di Cesare Quante età di qui innanzi sarà recitata di nuovo questa nostra alta scena, in stati non ancora nati e in accenti ancora ignoti!
BRUTO	Quante volte sanguinerà Cesare per gioco, lui che ora giace disteso ai piedi della statua di Pompeo, non più degno della polvere!
CASSIO	Tante volte quante ciò avverrà, altrettante il nostro gruppo sarà chiamato gli uomini che diedero la libertà alla patria.
DECIO	Ebbene, usciamo?
CASSIO	Sì, ognuno via. Bruto guiderà, e noi gli faremo onore alle calcagna coi più arditi e migliori cuori di Roma.
(didascalia)	Entra il Servo di Antonio
BRUTO	Piano; chi viene qui? Un amico di Antonio.
SERVO	(inginocchiandosi e prostrandosi) Così, Bruto, il mio padrone mi ordinò d’inginocchiarmi. Così Marco Antonio mi ordinò di prostrarmi, e, prostrato, così mi ordinò di dire. ‘Bruto è nobile, saggio, valoroso e onesto. Cesare era potente, ardito, regale e amorevole. Di’ che io amo Bruto, e che lo onoro. Di’ che temevo Cesare, lo onoravo e lo amavo. Se Bruto vorrà concedere che Antonio possa venire sicuro da lui ed essere chiarito di come Cesare abbia meritato di giacere nella morte, Marco Antonio non amerà Cesare morto così bene come Bruto vivo, ma seguirà le fortune e le sorti del nobile Bruto attraverso i rischi di questo stato non battuto con tutta vera fede.’ Così dice il mio padrone Antonio.
BRUTO	Il tuo padrone è un Romano saggio e valoroso. Non l’ho mai stimato da meno. Digli che, se gli piace venire in questo luogo, sarà soddisfatto, e, sul mio onore, se ne andrà intatto.
(didascalia)	IL SERVO alzandosi Lo condurrò subito. Esce
BRUTO	So che l’avremo ben amico.
CASSIO	Lo spero. Eppure ho un animo che molto lo teme; e i miei presentimenti sempre colpiscono acutamente nel segno.
(didascalia)	Entra Antonio
BRUTO	Ma ecco venire Antonio.—Benvenuto, Marco Antonio.
ANTONIO	O potente Cesare! Giaci tu così in basso? Sono tutte le tue conquiste, glorie, trionfi, spoglie, ridotte a questa piccola misura? Sta’ bene.— Non so, signori, che cosa intendiate— a chi altri si debba cavar sangue, chi altri sia in soprappiù. Se io stesso, non v’è ora così adatta come l’ora della morte di Cesare, né strumento di metà quel pregio come queste vostre spade, fatte ricche del più nobile sangue di tutto questo mondo. Vi supplico, se avete rancore contro di me, ora, mentre le vostre mani imporporate fumano e vaporano, compite il vostro piacere. Vivessi mille anni, non mi troverò mai così disposto a morire. Nessun luogo mi piacerà tanto, nessun modo di morte, come qui presso Cesare, e reciso da voi, gli spiriti eletti e sovrani di questa età.
BRUTO	O Antonio, non chiederci la tua morte! Benché ora dobbiamo apparire sanguinari e crudeli, come dalle nostre mani e da questo nostro atto presente vedete che siamo, pure voi non vedete che le nostre mani, e questa l’opera sanguinosa che hanno compiuto. I nostri cuori non li vedete; sono pietosi; e la pietà per il torto generale di Roma— come il fuoco scaccia il fuoco, così pietà pietà– ha compiuto quest’atto su Cesare. Quanto a voi, per voi le nostre spade hanno punte di piombo, Marco Antonio. Le nostre braccia, disarmate d’ogni malizia, e i nostri cuori di tempra fraterna, vi accolgono con ogni gentile affetto, buoni pensieri e riverenza.
CASSIO	La vostra voce sarà forte quanto quella di chiunque nella distribuzione delle nuove dignità.
BRUTO	Solo siate paziente finché non avremo placato la moltitudine, fuori di sé per la paura, e allora vi esporremo la ragione per cui io, che amavo Cesare quando lo colpii, ho proceduto così.
ANTONIO	Non dubito della vostra saggezza. Ognuno mi porga la sua mano insanguinata. Stringe la mano ai congiurati Primo, Marco Bruto, stringerò la vostra.— Poi, Caio Cassio, prendo la vostra mano.— Ora, Decio Bruto, la vostra;—ora la vostra, Metello;— La vostra, Cinna;—e la vostra, mio valoroso Casca;— Ultimo, ma non ultimo nell’affetto, la vostra, buon Trebonio. Signori tutti—ahimè, che dirò? Il mio credito posa ora su terreno tanto sdrucciolevole che in uno di due modi cattivi dovrete giudicarmi: o un vile o un adulatore. Che io ti amassi, Cesare, oh, è vero. Se dunque il tuo spirito ci guarda ora, non ti dorrà più caramente della tua morte vedere il tuo Antonio far pace, stringendo le dita insanguinate dei tuoi nemici— nobilissimo!—alla presenza del tuo cadavere? Se avessi tanti occhi quante tu hai ferite, piangenti così rapidi come esse versano il tuo sangue, mi si converrebbe meglio che concludere patti d’amicizia coi tuoi nemici. Perdonami, Giulio. Qui fosti braccato, prode cervo; qui cadesti, e qui stanno i tuoi cacciatori segnati della tua preda e imporporati nel tuo lete. O mondo, tu eri la foresta di questo cervo; e questi davvero, o mondo, era il cuore di te. Come un cervo abbattuto da molti principi giaci tu qui!
CASSIO	Marco Antonio.
ANTONIO	Perdonatemi, Caio Cassio. I nemici di Cesare diranno altrettanto; dunque in un amico è fredda modestia.
CASSIO	Non vi biasimo perché lodate Cesare così; ma quale patto intendete avere con noi? Sarete segnato nel numero dei nostri amici, o proseguiremo senza contare su di voi?
ANTONIO	Perciò vi presi le mani, ma davvero fui distolto dal punto guardando in basso Cesare. Sono amico con tutti voi, e vi amo tutti su questa speranza: che mi darete le ragioni del perché e in che cosa Cesare fosse pericoloso.
BRUTO	Altrimenti questo sarebbe uno spettacolo selvaggio. Le nostre ragioni sono così piene di giusto riguardo, che se voi, Antonio, foste il figlio di Cesare, ne sareste soddisfatto.
ANTONIO	È tutto ciò che chiedo; e sono, inoltre, supplice perché io possa portare il suo corpo al foro, e dal pulpito, come si conviene a un amico, parlare nell’ordine del suo funerale.
BRUTO	Lo farete, Marco Antonio.
CASSIO	Bruto, una parola con voi. (A parte a Bruto) Non sapete quel che fate. Non consentite che Antonio parli al suo funerale. Sapete voi quanto il popolo può esser commosso da ciò che egli dirà?
BRUTO	(a parte a Cassio) Col vostro permesso, salirò io stesso per primo sul pulpito, e mostrerò la ragione della morte del nostro Cesare. Ciò che Antonio dirà, io dichiarerò ch’egli lo dice per licenza e permesso; e che siamo contenti che Cesare abbia tutti i veri riti e le legittime cerimonie, ci gioverà più che farci torto.
CASSIO	(a parte a Bruto) Non so che possa accadere. Non mi piace.
BRUTO	Marco Antonio, ecco, prendete il corpo di Cesare. Non ci biasimerete nel vostro discorso funebre; ma direte tutto il bene che saprete immaginare di Cesare, e direte che lo fate col nostro permesso; altrimenti non avrete parte alcuna nel suo funerale. E parlerete dallo stesso pulpito a cui io mi reco, dopo che il mio discorso sarà finito.
ANTONIO	Sia così; non desidero altro.
BRUTO	Preparate dunque il corpo, e seguiteci.
(didascalia)	Escono tutti tranne Antonio
ANTONIO	Oh perdonami, tu sanguinante pezzo di terra, s’io sono mite e gentile con questi macellai. Tu sei le rovine dell’uomo più nobile che mai visse nella corrente dei tempi. Guai alla mano che versò questo prezioso sangue! Sulle tue ferite ora profetizzo— ferite che come bocche mute schiudono le labbra di rubino per implorare la voce e la parola della mia lingua— una maledizione scenderà sulle membra degli uomini; furore domestico e feroce discordia civile ingombreranno tutte le parti d’Italia; Sangue e distruzione saranno tanto in uso, e le cose spaventose tanto familiari, che le madri non faranno che sorridere quando vedranno i loro bambini squartati dalle mani della guerra, ogni pietà soffocata dall’abitudine ad atti crudeli; e lo spirito di Cesare, errando in cerca di vendetta, con Ate al suo fianco venuta ardente dall’inferno, griderà in questi confini con voce di monarca ’strage!’ e scioglierà i cani della guerra, sì che quest’atto immondo puzzerà sopra la terra di uomini carogna, gementi per la sepoltura.
(didascalia)	Entra il Servo di Ottavio
ANTONIO	Voi servite Ottavio Cesare, non è vero?
SERVO	Sì, Marco Antonio.
ANTONIO	Cesare gli scrisse di venire a Roma.
SERVO	Ricevette le sue lettere, e sta venendo, e mi ordinò di dirvi a voce— (Vedendo il corpo) O Cesare!
ANTONIO	Il tuo cuore è gonfio. Va’ in disparte e piangi. La passione, vedo, è contagiosa, ché i miei occhi, vedendo quelle perle di dolore fermarsi nei tuoi, cominciarono a lacrimare. Viene il tuo padrone?
SERVO	Stanotte alloggia a sette leghe da Roma.
ANTONIO	Corri indietro con prestezza e digli quel che è accaduto. Qui è una Roma in lutto, una Roma pericolosa, non ancora una Roma sicura per Ottavio. Affrettati e diglielo.—Eppure resta un poco. Non tornerai finché io non abbia portato questo cadavere nel foro. Là proverò con la mia orazione come il popolo accolga il crudele operato di questi uomini sanguinari; e secondo ciò tu riferirai al giovane Ottavio lo stato delle cose. Datemi la vostra mano.
(didascalia)	Escono col corpo di Cesare

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter Brutus and Cassius, with the Plebeians
ALL THE PLEBEIANS	We will be satisfied! Let us be satisfied!
BRUTUS	Then follow me, and give me audience, friends. (Aside to Cassius) Cassius, go you into the other street, And part the numbers. (To the Plebeians) Those that will hear me speak, let ’em stay here; Those that will follow Cassius, go with him; And public reasons shall be rendered Of Caesar’s death. Brutus ascends to the pulpit
FIRST PLEBEIAN	I will hear Brutus speak.
SECOND PLEBEIAN	I will hear Cassius, and compare their reasons When severally we hear them rendered.
(didascalia)	Exit Cassius, with some Plebeians
(didascalia)	Enter Brutus abovein the pulpit
THIRD PLEBEIAN	The noble Brutus is ascended. Silence.
BRUTUS	Be patient till the last. Romans, countrymen, and lovers, hear me for my cause, and be silent that you may hear. Believe me for mine honour, and have respect to mine honour, that you may believe. Censure me in your wisdom, and awake your senses, that you may the better judge. If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar’s, to him I say that Brutus’ love to Caesar was no less than his. If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more. Had you rather Caesar were living, and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men? As Caesar loved me, I weep for him. As he was fortunate, I rejoice at it. As he was valiant, I honour him. But as he was ambitious, I slew him. There is tears for his love, joy for his fortune, honour for his valour, and death for his ambition. Who is here so base that would be a bondman? If any, speak, for him have I offended. Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any, speak, for him have I offended. Who is here so vile that will not love his country? If any, speak, for him have I offended. I pause for a reply.
ALL THE PLEBEIANS	None, Brutus, none.
BRUTUS	Then none have I offended. I have done no more to Caesar than you shall do to Brutus. The question of his death is enrolled in the Capitol, his glory not extenuated wherein he was worthy, nor his offences enforced for which he suffered death.
(didascalia)	Enter Mark Antony, with others
(didascalia)	bearing Caesar’s body in a coffin‪‪‪‫‎
BRUTUS	Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony, who, though he had no hand in his death, shall receive the benefit of his dying: a place in the commonwealth—as which of you shall not? With this I depart: that as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself when it shall please my country to need my death.
ALL THE PLEBEIANS	Live, Brutus, live, live!
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Bring him with triumph home unto his house.
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Give him a statue with his ancestors.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Let him be Caesar.
(didascalia)	FIFTH PLEBEIAN Caesar’s better parts
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Shall be crowned in Brutus.
FIRST PLEBEIAN	We’ll bring him to his house with shouts and clamours.
BRUTUS	My countrymen.
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN Peace, silence. Brutus speaks.
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Peace, ho!
BRUTUS	Good countrymen, let me depart alone, And, for my sake, stay here with Antony. Do grace to Caesar’s corpse, and grace his speech Tending to Caesar’s glories, which Mark Antony, By our permission, is allowed to make. I do entreat you, not a man depart Save I alone till Antony have spoke. Exit
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Stay, ho, and let us hear Mark Antony.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Let him go up into the public chair. We’ll hear him. Noble Antony, go up.
ANTONY	For Brutus’ sake I am beholden to you. Antony ascends to the pulpit
(didascalia)	FIFTH PLEBEIAN
ANTONY	What does he say of Brutus?
THIRD PLEBEIAN	He says, for Brutus’ sake He finds himself beholden to us all.
(didascalia)	FIFTH PLEBEIAN
THIRD PLEBEIAN	’Twere best he speak no harm of Brutus here!
FIRST PLEBEIAN	This Caesar was a tyrant.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Nay, that’s certain. We are blessed that Rome is rid of him.
(didascalia)	Enter Antony in the pulpit
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Peace, let us hear what Antony can say.
ANTONY	You gentle Romans. ALL THE PLEBEIANS Peace, ho! Let us hear him.
ANTONY	Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears. I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. The evil that men do lives after them; The good is oft interred with their bones. So let it be with Caesar. The noble Brutus Hath told you Caesar was ambitious. If it were so, it was a grievous fault, And grievously hath Caesar answered it. Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest— For Brutus is an honourable man, So are they all, all honourable men— Come I to speak in Caesar’s funeral. He was my friend, faithful and just to me. But Brutus says he was ambitious, And Brutus is an honourable man. He hath brought many captives home to Rome, Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill. Did this in Caesar seem ambitious? When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept. Ambition should be made of sterner stuff. Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, And Brutus is an honourable man. You all did see that on the Lupercal I thrice presented him a kingly crown, Which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition? Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, And sure he is an honourable man. I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke, But here I am to speak what I do know. You all did love him once, not without cause. What cause withholds you then to mourn for him? O judgement, thou art fled to brutish beasts, And men have lost their reason! He weeps Bear with me. My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar, And I must pause till it come back to me.
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Methinks there is much reason in his sayings.
(didascalia)	FOURTHmlk, PLEBEIAN
FIRST PLEBEIAN	If thou consider rightly of the matter, Caesar has had great wrong.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Has he not, masters? I fear there will a worse come in his place.
(didascalia)	FIFTH PLEBEIAN
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Marked ye his words? He would not take the crown, Therefore ’tis certain he was not ambitious.
FIRST PLEBEIAN	If it be found so, some will dear abide it.
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Poor soul, his eyes are red as fire with weeping.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	There’s not a nobler man in Rome than Antony.
(didascalia)	FIFTH PLEBEIAN
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Now mark him; he begins again to speak.
ANTONY	But yesterday the word of Caesar might Have stood against the world. Now lies he there, And none so poor to do him reverence. O masters, if I were disposed to stir Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage, I should do Brutus wrong, and Cassius wrong, Who, you all know, are honourable men. I will not do them wrong. I rather choose To wrong the dead, to wrong myself and you, Than I will wrong such honourable men. But here’s a parchment with the seal of Caesar. I found it in his closet. ’Tis his will. Let but the commons hear this testament— Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read— And they would go and kiss dead Caesar’s wounds, And dip their napkins in his sacred blood, Yea, beg a hair of him for memory, And, dying, mention it within their wills, Bequeathing it as a rich legacy Unto their issue.
(didascalia)	FIFTH PLEBEIAN
ANTONY	We’ll hear the will. Read it, Mark Antony.
ALL THE PLEBEIANS	The will, the will! We will hear Caesar’s will.
ANTONY	Have patience, gentle friends, I must not read it. It is not meet you know how Caesar loved you. You are not wood, you are not stones, but men; And, being men, hearing the will of Caesar, It will inflame you, it will make you mad. ’Tis good you know not that you are his heirs, For if you should, O what would come of it?
(didascalia)	FIFTH ‪PLEBEIAN
ANTONY	Read the will. We’ll hear it, Antony. You shall read us the will, Caesar’s will.
ANTONY	Will you be patient? Will you stay a while? I have o’ershot myself to tell you of it. I fear I wrong the honourable men Whose daggers have stabbed Caesar; I do fear it.
(didascalia)	FIFTH PLEBEIAN They were traitors. Honourable men?
ALL THE PLEBEIANS	The will, the testament!
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN They were villains, murderers. The will, read the will!
ANTONY	You will compel me then to read the will? Then make a ring about the corpse of Caesar, And let me show you him that made the will. Shall I descend? And will you give me leave?
ALL THE PLEBEIANS	Come down.
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN Descend.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	You shall have leave. Antony descends from the pulpit
(didascalia)	FIFTH PLEBEIAN A ring.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Stand round.
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Stand from the hearse. Stand from the body.
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Room for Antony, most noble Antony!
(didascalia)	Enter Antony below
ANTONY	Nay, press not so upon me. Stand farre off.
ALL THE PLEBEIANS	Stand back! Room! Bear back!
ANTONY	If you have tears, prepare to shed them now. You all do know this mantle. I remember The first time ever Caesar put it on. ’Twas on a summer’s evening in his tent, That day he overcame the Nervii. Look, in this place ran Cassius’ dagger through. See what a rent the envious Casca made. Through this the well-beloved Brutus stabbed; And as he plucked his cursèd steel away, Mark how the blood of Caesar followed it, As rushing out of doors to be resolved If Brutus so unkindly knocked or no— For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar’s angel. Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him! This was the most unkindest cut of all. For when the noble Caesar saw him stab, Ingratitude, more strong than traitors’ arms, Quite vanquished him. Then burst his mighty heart, And in his mantle muffling up his face, Even at the base of Pompey’s statue, Which all the while ran blood, great Caesar fell. O, what a fall was there, my countrymen! Then I, and you, and all of us fell down, Whilst bloody treason flourished over us. O now you weep, and I perceive you feel The dint of pity. These are gracious drops. Kind souls, what, weep you when you but behold Our Caesar’s vesture wounded? Look you here. Here is himself, marred, as you see, with traitors. He uncovers Caesar’s body
FIRST PLEBEIAN	O piteous spectacle!
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN O noble Caesar!
THIRD PLEBEIAN	O woeful day!
(didascalia)	FIFTH PLEBEIAN
THIRD PLEBEIAN	O traitors, villains!
FIRST PLEBEIAN	O most bloody sight!
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN We will be revenged.
(didascalia)	ALL THE PLEBEIANS
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Revenge! About! Seek! Burn! Fire! Kill! Slay! Let not a traitor live !
ANTONY	Stay, countrymen.
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Peace there, hear the noble Antony.
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN We’ll hear him, we’ll follow him, we’ll die with him!
ANTONY	Good friends, sweet friends, let me not stir you up To such a sudden flood of mutiny. They that have done this deed are honourable. What private griefs they have, alas, I know not, That made them do it. They are wise and honourable, And will no doubt with reasons answer you. I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts. I am no orator as Brutus is, But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man That love my friend; and that they know full well That gave me public leave to speak of him. For I have neither wit, nor words, nor worth, Action, nor utterance, nor the power of speech, To stir men’s blood. I only speak right on. I tell you that which you yourselves do know, Show you sweet Caesar’s wounds, poor poor dumb mouths, And bid them speak for me. But were I Brutus, And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony Would ruffle up your spirits, and put a tongue In every wound of Caesar that should move The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny.
ALL THE PLEBEIANS	We’ll mutiny.
FIRST PLEBEIAN	We’ll burn the house of Brutus.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Away then! Come, seek the conspirators.
ANTONY	Yet hear me, countrymen, yet hear me speak.
ALL THE PLEBEIANS	Peace, ho! Hear Antony, most noble Antony.
ANTONY	Why, friends, you go to do you know not what. Wherein hath Caesar thus deserved your loves? Alas, you know not. I must tell you’ then. You have forgot the will I told you of.
ALL THE PLEBEIANS	Most true. The will. Let’s stay and hear the will.
ANTONY	Here is the will, and under Caesar’s seal. To every Roman citizen he gives— To every several man—seventy-five drachmas.
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN
ANTONY	Most noble Caesar! We’ll revenge his death.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	O royal Caesar!
ANTONY	Hear me with patience.
ALL THE PLEBEIANS	Peace, ho!
ANTONY	Moreover he hath left you all his walks, His private arbours, and new-planted orchards, On this side Tiber. He hath left them you, And to your heirs for ever—common pleasures To walk abroad and recreate yourselves. Here was a Caesar. When comes such another?
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Never, never! Come, away, away! We’ll burn his body in the holy place, And with the brands fire the traitors’ houses. Take up the body.
(didascalia)	FOURTH PLEBEIAN Go, fetch fire!
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Pluck down benches!
(didascalia)	FIFTH PLEBEIAN Pluck down forms, windows, anything!
(didascalia)	Exeunt Plebeians with Caesar’s body
ANTONY	Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot. Take thou what course thou wilt.
(didascalia)	Enter Octavius’ Servant
ANTONY	How now, fellow?
SERVANT	Sir, Octavius is already come to Rome.
ANTONY	Where is he?
SERVANT	He and Lepidus are at Caesar’s house.
ANTONY	And thither will I straight to visit him. He comes upon a wish. Fortune is merry, And in this mood will give us anything.
SERVANT	I heard him say Brutus and Cassius Are rid like madmen through the gates of Rome.
ANTONY	Belike they had some notice of the people, How I had moved them. Bring me to Octavius.
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Entrano Bruto e Cassio, con i Plebei
TUTTI I PLEBEI	Vogliamo essere soddisfatti! Che ci si soddisfi!
BRUTO	Seguitemi allora, e datemi ascolto, amici. (A parte a Cassio) Cassio, andate voi nell’altra strada, e dividete la folla. (Ai Plebei) Quelli che vogliono udir me, restino qui; quelli che vogliono seguire Cassio, vadano con lui; e saranno rese pubbliche ragioni della morte di Cesare. Bruto sale al pulpito
PRIMO PLEBEO	Voglio udire Bruto parlare.
SECONDO PLEBEO	Voglio udire Cassio, e confrontare le loro ragioni quando separatamente le udremo esporre.
(didascalia)	Esce Cassio, con alcuni Plebei
(didascalia)	Entra Bruto in altonel pulpito
TERZO PLEBEO	Il nobile Bruto è salito. Silenzio.
BRUTO	Siate pazienti fino alla fine. Romani, concittadini e amici, ascoltatemi per la mia causa, e tacete per poter udire. Credetemi per il mio onore, e abbiate riguardo al mio onore, perché possiate credere. Giudicatemi nella vostra saggezza, e destate i vostri sensi, per poter meglio giudicare. Se v’è alcuno in questa assemblea, qualche caro amico di Cesare, a lui dico che l’amore di Bruto per Cesare non fu minore del suo. Se dunque quell’amico domanda perché Bruto insorse contro Cesare, questa è la mia risposta: non che amassi Cesare di meno, ma che amavo Roma di più. Preferireste che Cesare vivesse, e morire tutti schiavi, piuttosto che Cesare fosse morto, per vivere tutti liberi? Poiché Cesare mi amava, io lo piango. Poiché fu fortunato, me ne rallegro. Poiché fu valoroso, lo onoro. Ma poiché fu ambizioso, l’ho ucciso. Vi sono lacrime per il suo amore, gioia per la sua fortuna, onore per il suo valore, e morte per la sua ambizione. Chi è qui tanto vile da voler essere schiavo? Se v’è alcuno, parli, ché lui ho offeso. Chi è qui tanto rozzo da non voler essere Romano? Se v’è alcuno, parli, ché lui ho offeso. Chi è qui tanto abbietto che non ami la sua patria? Se v’è alcuno, parli, ché lui ho offeso. Attendo una risposta.
TUTTI I PLEBEI	Nessuno, Bruto, nessuno.
BRUTO	Allora nessuno ho offeso. Non ho fatto a Cesare più di quanto voi farete a Bruto. La questione della sua morte è registrata in Campidoglio, senza attenuare la sua gloria in ciò per cui fu degno, né aggravare le sue colpe per le quali subì la morte.
(didascalia)	Entra Marco Antonio, con altri
(didascalia)	che recano il corpo di Cesare in una bara
BRUTO	Ecco venire il suo corpo, pianto da Marco Antonio, il quale, benché non abbia avuto parte nella sua morte, riceverà il beneficio del suo morire: un posto nella repubblica—e chi di voi non l’avrà? Con questo mi congedo: che come uccisi il mio migliore amico per il bene di Roma, così ho lo stesso pugnale per me stesso, quando piacerà alla mia patria d’aver bisogno della mia morte.
TUTTI I PLEBEI	Viva Bruto, viva, viva!
PRIMO PLEBEO	Portiamolo in trionfo a casa, alla sua dimora.
(didascalia)	QUARTO PLEBEO
PRIMO PLEBEO	Dategli una statua accanto ai suoi antenati.
TERZO PLEBEO	Sia lui Cesare.
(didascalia)	QUINTO PLEBEO Le parti migliori di Cesare
TERZO PLEBEO	saranno coronate in Bruto.
PRIMO PLEBEO	Lo condurremo alla sua casa con grida e clamori.
BRUTO	Concittadini miei.
(didascalia)	QUARTO PLEBEO Pace, silenzio. Parla Bruto.
PRIMO PLEBEO	Pace, olà!
BRUTO	Buoni concittadini, lasciate ch’io parta solo, e, per amor mio, restate qui con Antonio. Rendete onore alla salma di Cesare, e onore al discorso volto alle glorie di Cesare, che Marco Antonio, per nostro permesso, è autorizzato a fare. Vi supplico, nessuno si allontani tranne me solo, finché Antonio non abbia parlato. Esce
PRIMO PLEBEO	Fermi, olà, e udiamo Marco Antonio.
TERZO PLEBEO	Salga sulla tribuna pubblica. Lo ascolteremo. Nobile Antonio, sali.
ANTONIO	Per amore di Bruto vi sono obbligato. Antonio sale al pulpito
(didascalia)	QUINTO PLEBEO
ANTONIO	Che dice di Bruto?
TERZO PLEBEO	Dice che, per amore di Bruto, si trova obbligato a tutti noi.
(didascalia)	QUINTO PLEBEO
TERZO PLEBEO	Farà meglio a non dir male di Bruto qui!
PRIMO PLEBEO	Questo Cesare era un tiranno.
TERZO PLEBEO	Certo, non c’è dubbio. Siamo benedetti che Roma se ne sia liberata.
(didascalia)	Entra Antonio nel pulpito
(didascalia)	QUARTO PLEBEO
TERZO PLEBEO	Pace, udiamo che cosa può dire Antonio.
ANTONIO	Voi, gentili Romani. TUTTI I PLEBEI Pace, olà! Ascoltiamolo.
ANTONIO	Amici, Romani, concittadini, prestatemi orecchio. Vengo a seppellire Cesare, non a lodarlo. Il male che gli uomini fanno vive dopo di loro; il bene è spesso sepolto con le loro ossa. Così sia di Cesare. Il nobile Bruto vi ha detto che Cesare era ambizioso. Se così fu, fu una colpa grave, e gravemente Cesare ne ha risposto. Qui, con licenza di Bruto e degli altri— ché Bruto è uomo d’onore, e così sono tutti, tutti uomini d’onore— vengo a parlare al funerale di Cesare. Era mio amico, fedele e giusto verso di me. Ma Bruto dice che era ambizioso, e Bruto è uomo d’onore. Egli condusse molti prigionieri a casa, a Roma, i cui riscatti riempirono le casse pubbliche. Sembrava questo ambizioso in Cesare? Quando i poveri hanno pianto, Cesare ha lacrimato. L’ambizione dovrebbe esser fatta di più dura stoffa. Eppure Bruto dice che era ambizioso, e Bruto è uomo d’onore. Vedeste tutti che ai Lupercali gli offrii tre volte una corona regale, che egli tre volte rifiutò. Era questa ambizione? Eppure Bruto dice che era ambizioso, e certo egli è uomo d’onore. Non parlo per smentire ciò che Bruto ha detto, ma sono qui per dire ciò che so. Voi tutti l’amaste una volta, non senza ragione. Quale ragione vi trattiene dunque dal piangerlo? O giudizio, sei fuggito alle bestie brute, e gli uomini hanno perduto la ragione! Piange Abbiate pazienza con me. Il mio cuore è là nella bara con Cesare, e devo attendere finché non torni a me.
PRIMO PLEBEO	Mi pare che vi sia molta ragione nelle sue parole.
(didascalia)	QUARTO PLEBEO
PRIMO PLEBEO	Se consideri rettamente la faccenda, Cesare ha subìto un gran torto.
TERZO PLEBEO	Non è vero, signori? Temo che ne verrà uno peggiore al suo posto.
(didascalia)	QUINTO PLEBEO
TERZO PLEBEO	Avete notato le sue parole? Non volle prendere la corona, dunque è certo che non era ambizioso.
PRIMO PLEBEO	Se si troverà che è così, qualcuno la pagherà cara.
(didascalia)	QUARTO PLEBEO
PRIMO PLEBEO	Povera anima, ha gli occhi rossi come fuoco dal pianto.
TERZO PLEBEO	Non v’è uomo più nobile in Roma di Antonio.
(didascalia)	QUINTO PLEBEO
TERZO PLEBEO	Ora osservatelo; ricomincia a parlare.
ANTONIO	Ancora ieri la parola di Cesare avrebbe potuto reggere contro il mondo. Ora egli giace là, e nessuno è tanto misero da rendergli riverenza. O signori, se io fossi disposto a sollevare i vostri cuori e le vostre menti a rivolta e furore, farei torto a Bruto, e torto a Cassio, che, lo sapete tutti, sono uomini d’onore. Non farò loro torto. Preferisco piuttosto far torto al morto, far torto a me stesso e a voi, che far torto a tali uomini d’onore. Ma ecco una pergamena col sigillo di Cesare. La trovai nel suo studio. È il suo testamento. Bastasse che il popolo udisse questo testamento— che, perdonatemi, non intendo leggere— e andrebbero a baciare le ferite di Cesare morto, e a intingere i fazzoletti nel suo sacro sangue, sì, a chiedere un suo capello per ricordo, e, morendo, a menzionarlo nei loro testamenti, lasciandolo come ricco lascito alla loro discendenza.
(didascalia)	QUINTO PLEBEO
ANTONIO	Udiremo il testamento. Leggetelo, Marco Antonio.
TUTTI I PLEBEI	Il testamento, il testamento! Vogliamo udire il testamento di Cesare.
ANTONIO	Abbiate pazienza, gentili amici, non devo leggerlo. Non conviene che sappiate quanto Cesare vi amava. Non siete legno, non siete pietre, ma uomini; ed essendo uomini, udendo il testamento di Cesare, vi infiammerà, vi farà impazzire. È bene che non sappiate d’essere suoi eredi, ché se lo sapeste, oh, che ne verrebbe?
(didascalia)	QUINTO PLEBEO
ANTONIO	Leggi il testamento. Vogliamo udirlo, Antonio. Ci leggerai il testamento, il testamento di Cesare.
ANTONIO	Sarete pazienti? Attenderete un poco? Sono andato troppo oltre a parlarvene. Temo di far torto agli uomini d’onore i cui pugnali hanno colpito Cesare; sì, lo temo.
(didascalia)	QUINTO PLEBEO Erano traditori. Uomini d’onore?
TUTTI I PLEBEI	Il testamento, le ultime volontà!
(didascalia)	QUARTO PLEBEO Erano scellerati, assassini. Il testamento, leggi il testamento!
ANTONIO	Mi costringerete dunque a leggere il testamento? Fate allora cerchio intorno alla salma di Cesare, e lasciate ch’io vi mostri colui che fece il testamento. Devo scendere? E me ne darete licenza?
TUTTI I PLEBEI	Scendi.
(didascalia)	QUARTO PLEBEO Scendi.
TERZO PLEBEO	Ne avrete licenza. Antonio scende dal pulpito
(didascalia)	QUINTO PLEBEO Un cerchio.
TERZO PLEBEO	Fate cerchio.
PRIMO PLEBEO	Scostatevi dal feretro. Scostatevi dal corpo.
(didascalia)	QUARTO PLEBEO
PRIMO PLEBEO	Largo ad Antonio, nobilissimo Antonio!
(didascalia)	Entra Antonio in basso
ANTONIO	No, non accalcatevi così su di me. State più lontano.
TUTTI I PLEBEI	Indietro! Largo! Fatevi indietro!
ANTONIO	Se avete lacrime, preparatevi a versarle ora. Voi tutti conoscete questo mantello. Ricordo la prima volta che Cesare lo indossò. Fu in una sera d’estate, nella sua tenda, il giorno in cui vinse i Nervi. Guardate, in questo punto passò il pugnale di Cassio. Vedete che squarcio fece l’invidioso Casca. Per questo colpì il benamato Bruto; e mentre ritraeva il suo acciaio maledetto, osservate come il sangue di Cesare lo seguì, come precipitandosi fuori dalla porta per accertarsi se Bruto avesse bussato così crudelmente o no— ché Bruto, come sapete, era l’angelo di Cesare. Giudicate, o dèi, quanto teneramente Cesare l’amava! Questo fu il più crudele di tutti i colpi. Ché quando il nobile Cesare lo vide colpire, l’ingratitudine, più forte delle braccia dei traditori, lo vinse del tutto. Allora gli scoppiò il possente cuore, e, avvolgendosi il volto nel mantello, proprio ai piedi della statua di Pompeo, che intanto grondava sangue, il grande Cesare cadde. Oh, che caduta fu quella, concittadini miei! Allora io, e voi, e tutti noi cademmo, mentre il sanguinoso tradimento trionfava sopra di noi. Oh, ora piangete, e m’accorgo che sentite il colpo della pietà. Queste sono gocce benedette. Anime gentili, come, piangete solo a vedere ferita la veste del nostro Cesare? Guardate qui. Ecco lui stesso, straziato, come vedete, dai traditori. Scopre il corpo di Cesare
PRIMO PLEBEO	O spettacolo pietoso!
(didascalia)	QUARTO PLEBEO O nobile Cesare!
TERZO PLEBEO	O giorno di lutto!
(didascalia)	QUINTO PLEBEO
TERZO PLEBEO	O traditori, scellerati!
PRIMO PLEBEO	O vista sanguinosissima!
(didascalia)	QUARTO PLEBEO Ci vendicheremo.
(didascalia)	TUTTI I PLEBEI
PRIMO PLEBEO	Vendetta! Attorno! Cercate! Bruciate! Fuoco! Uccidete! Ammazzate! Non viva un solo traditore !
ANTONIO	Fermi, concittadini.
PRIMO PLEBEO	Pace là, udite il nobile Antonio.
(didascalia)	QUARTO PLEBEO Lo udiremo, lo seguiremo, moriremo con lui!
ANTONIO	Buoni amici, dolci amici, ch’io non vi ecciti a un così improvviso diluvio di rivolta. Coloro che hanno compiuto quest’atto sono uomini d’onore. Quali privati rancori abbiano, ahimè, non so, che li spinsero a farlo. Sono saggi e onorevoli, e senza dubbio vi risponderanno con ragioni. Non vengo, amici, a rubarvi i cuori. Non sono un oratore come Bruto, ma, come tutti mi conoscete, un uomo semplice e schietto che ama il suo amico; e questo lo sanno bene coloro che m’han dato pubblica licenza di parlare di lui. Ché non ho né ingegno, né parole, né merito, gesto, né dizione, né potenza d’eloquio, per accendere il sangue degli uomini. Parlo solo alla buona. Vi dico ciò che voi stessi sapete, vi mostro le ferite del dolce Cesare, povere povere mute bocche, e chiedo loro di parlare per me. Ma se io fossi Bruto, e Bruto Antonio, ci sarebbe un Antonio che vi scompiglierebbe gli animi, e metterebbe una lingua in ogni ferita di Cesare, tale da muovere le pietre di Roma a insorgere e ribellarsi.
TUTTI I PLEBEI	Ci ribelleremo.
PRIMO PLEBEO	Bruceremo la casa di Bruto.
TERZO PLEBEO	Via dunque! Venite, cerchiamo i congiurati.
ANTONIO	Udite ancora, concittadini, udite ancora ch’io parli.
TUTTI I PLEBEI	Pace, olà! Udite Antonio, nobilissimo Antonio.
ANTONIO	Come, amici, andate a fare non sapete che cosa. In che cosa Cesare ha meritato così il vostro amore? Ahimè, non lo sapete. Devo dirvelo allora. Avete dimenticato il testamento di cui vi parlai.
TUTTI I PLEBEI	Verissimo. Il testamento. Restiamo e udiamo il testamento.
ANTONIO	Ecco il testamento, e sotto il sigillo di Cesare. A ogni cittadino romano egli dà— a ciascun uomo singolarmente—settantacinque dracme.
(didascalia)	QUARTO PLEBEO
ANTONIO	Nobilissimo Cesare! Vendicheremo la sua morte.
TERZO PLEBEO	O regale Cesare!
ANTONIO	Uditemi con pazienza.
TUTTI I PLEBEI	Pace, olà!
ANTONIO	Inoltre vi ha lasciato tutti i suoi viali, i suoi pergolati privati e i frutteti nuovamente piantati, di qua dal Tevere. Li ha lasciati a voi, e ai vostri eredi per sempre—diletti comuni per passeggiare all’aperto e ricrearvi. Questo era un Cesare. Quando ne verrà un altro simile?
PRIMO PLEBEO	Mai, mai! Venite, via, via! Bruceremo il suo corpo nel luogo sacro, e coi tizzoni daremo fuoco alle case dei traditori. Sollevate il corpo.
(didascalia)	QUARTO PLEBEO Andate, portate il fuoco!
TERZO PLEBEO	Abbattete le panche!
(didascalia)	QUINTO PLEBEO Abbattete i sedili, le finestre, qualunque cosa!
(didascalia)	Escono i Plebei col corpo di Cesare
ANTONIO	Ora lascia che agisca. Sciagura, sei in cammino. Prendi la strada che vuoi.
(didascalia)	Entra il Servo di Ottavio
ANTONIO	Ebbene, amico?
SERVO	Signore, Ottavio è già giunto a Roma.
ANTONIO	Dov’è?
SERVO	Lui e Lepido sono alla casa di Cesare.
ANTONIO	E là andrò subito a visitarlo. Viene a desiderio. La Fortuna è allegra, e in questo umore ci darà qualunque cosa.
SERVO	L’ho udito dire che Bruto e Cassio sono fuggiti a cavallo come pazzi per le porte di Roma.
ANTONIO	Probabilmente ebbero notizia del popolo, di come l’avessi commosso. Conducimi da Ottavio.
(didascalia)	Escono

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter Cinna the poet
CINNA	I dreamt tonight that I did feast with Caesar, And things unlucky charge my fantasy. I have no will to wander forth of doors, Yet something leads me forth.
(didascalia)	Enter the Plebeians
FIRST PLEBEIAN	What is your name?
SECOND PLEBEIAN	Whither are you going?
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Where do you dwell?
FOURTH PLEBEIAN	Are you a married man or a bachelor?
SECOND PLEBEIAN	Answer every man directly.
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Ay, and briefly.
FOURTH PLEBEIAN	Ay, and wisely.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Ay, and truly, you were best.
CINNA	What is my name? Whither am I going? Where do I dwell? Am I a married man or a bachelor? Then to answer every man directly and briefly, wisely and truly: wisely, I say, I am a bachelor.
SECOND PLEBEIAN	That’s as much as to say they are fools that marry. You’ll bear me a bang for that, I fear. Proceed directly.
CINNA	Directly I am going to Caesar’s funeral.
FIRST PLEBEIAN	As a friend or an enemy?
CINNA	As a friend.
SECOND PLEBEIAN	That matter is answered directly.
FOURTH PLEBEIAN	For your dwelling—briefly.
CINNA	Briefly, I dwell by the Capitol.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Your name, sir, truly.
CINNA	Truly, my name is Cinna.
FIRST PLEBEIAN	Tear him to pieces! He’s a conspirator.
CINNA	I am Cinna the poet, I am Cinna the poet.
FOURTH PLEBEIAN	Tear him for his bad verses, tear him for his bad verses.
CINNA	I am not Cinna the conspirator.
FOURTH PLEBEIAN	It is no matter, his name’s Cinna. Pluck but his name out of his heart, and turn him going.
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Tear him, tear him!
(didascalia)	They set upon Cinna
THIRD PLEBEIAN	Come, brands, ho! Firebrands! To Brutus’, to Cassius’! Burn all! Some to Decius’ house, and some to Casca’s; some to Ligarius‘. Away, go!
(didascalia)	Exeunt all the Plebeians, with Cinna

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Entra Cinna il poeta
CINNA	Ho sognato stanotte di banchettare con Cesare, e presagi funesti gravano sulla mia fantasia. Non ho voglia d’andare errando fuori di casa, eppure qualcosa mi trae fuori.
(didascalia)	Entrano i Plebei
PRIMO PLEBEO	Come vi chiamate?
SECONDO PLEBEO	Dove andate?
TERZO PLEBEO	Dove abitate?
QUARTO PLEBEO	Siete ammogliato o scapolo?
SECONDO PLEBEO	Rispondete a ciascuno direttamente.
PRIMO PLEBEO	Sì, e brevemente.
QUARTO PLEBEO	Sì, e saggiamente.
TERZO PLEBEO	Sì, e sinceramente, sarà meglio per voi.
CINNA	Come mi chiamo? Dove vado? Dove abito? Sono ammogliato o scapolo? Dunque, per rispondere a ciascuno direttamente e brevemente, saggiamente e sinceramente: saggiamente, dico, sono scapolo.
SECONDO PLEBEO	Questo è come dire che son pazzi quelli che si sposano. Ti buscherai un colpo da me per questo, temo. Procedi direttamente.
CINNA	Direttamente, vado al funerale di Cesare.
PRIMO PLEBEO	Da amico o da nemico?
CINNA	Da amico.
SECONDO PLEBEO	A questo punto s’è risposto direttamente.
QUARTO PLEBEO	Quanto alla vostra dimora—brevemente.
CINNA	Brevemente, abito presso il Campidoglio.
TERZO PLEBEO	Il vostro nome, signore, sinceramente.
CINNA	Sinceramente, il mio nome è Cinna.
PRIMO PLEBEO	Fatelo a pezzi! È un congiurato.
CINNA	Sono Cinna il poeta, sono Cinna il poeta.
QUARTO PLEBEO	Fatelo a pezzi per i suoi cattivi versi, fatelo a pezzi per i suoi cattivi versi.
CINNA	Non sono Cinna il congiurato.
QUARTO PLEBEO	Non importa, si chiama Cinna. Strappategli soltanto il nome dal cuore, e poi mandatelo pure via.
TERZO PLEBEO	A pezzi, a pezzi!
(didascalia)	Si avventano su Cinna
TERZO PLEBEO	Venite, tizzoni, olà! Fiaccole! Da Bruto, da Cassio! Bruciate tutto! Alcuni alla casa di Decio, e altri a quella di Casca; altri a quella di Ligario. Via, andate!
(didascalia)	Escono tutti i Plebei, con Cinna

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

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Entrano Antonio con delle carte, Ottavio e Lepido
ANTONIO	Costoro, dunque, moriranno; i loro nomi sono segnati.
OTTAVIO	(a Lepido) Anche vostro fratello deve morire. Acconsentite, Lepido?
LEPIDO	Acconsento.
OTTAVIO	Segnatelo, Antonio.
LEPIDO	A condizione che Publio non viva, che è figlio di vostra sorella, Marco Antonio.
ANTONIO	Non vivrà. Guardate: con un punto lo condanno. Ma voi, Lepido, andate alla casa di Cesare; portate qui il testamento, e stabiliremo come tagliare qualche spesa nei lasciti.
LEPIDO	Come, vi troverò qui?
OTTAVIO	O qui o in Campidoglio. Esce Lepido
ANTONIO	Costui è un uomo dappoco, senza merito, buono a esser mandato in commissioni. È giusto che, diviso in tre il mondo, egli stia come uno dei tre a spartirselo?
OTTAVIO	Tale lo giudicaste voi, e prendeste il suo voto su chi dovesse esser segnato a morte nella nostra nera sentenza di proscrizione.
ANTONIO	Ottavio, ho visto più giorni di voi, e benché deponiamo questi onori su quest’uomo per alleggerirci di diversi carichi d’infamia, egli non li porterà che come l’asino porta l’oro: per gemere e sudare sotto il peso, o condotto o spinto dove noi additiamo la via; e portato il nostro tesoro dove vogliamo, gli togliamo allora il carico e lo scacciamo, come l’asino scarico, a scuotere gli orecchi e a brucare sul pascolo comune.
OTTAVIO	Fate come volete; ma è un soldato provato e valoroso.
ANTONIO	Tale è il mio cavallo, Ottavio, e per questo gli assegno abbondanza di biada. È una creatura che io ammaestro a combattere, a volteggiare, a fermarsi, a correre diritto, col moto del suo corpo governato dal mio spirito; e in qualche misura Lepido non è che questo. Va istruito, addestrato, e mandato avanti— uomo di spirito sterile, uno che si nutre di oggetti, artifici e imitazioni, i quali, fuori d’uso e resi stantii da altri, diventano la sua moda. Non parlate di lui se non come d’uno strumento. E ora, Ottavio, ascoltate cose grandi. Bruto e Cassio stanno levando eserciti. Dobbiamo subito far fronte. Perciò sia stretta la nostra alleanza, procurati i migliori amici, ampliate le nostre schiere, e andiamo senz’indugio a sedere in consiglio, su come scoprire al meglio le trame occulte, e come affrontare più sicuri i pericoli palesi.
OTTAVIO	Facciamo così, ché siamo al palo e assaliti tutt’intorno da molti nemici; e certuni che sorridono hanno in cuore, temo, milioni di malanni. Escono

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Drum. Enter Brutus, Lucius, and the army. Lucillius, Titinius, and Pindarus meet them
BRUTUS	Stand, ho!
(didascalia)	SOLDIER Give the word ‘ho’, and stand.
BRUTUS	What now, Lucillius: is Cassius near?
LUCILLIUS	He is at hand, and Pindarus is come To do you salutation from his master.
BRUTUS	He greets me well. Your master, Pindarus, In his own change or by ill officers, Hath given me some worthy cause to wish Things done undone. But if he be at hand, I shall be satisfied.
PINDARUS	I do not doubt But that my noble master will appear Such as he is, full of regard and honour.
BRUTUS	He is not doubted.—A word, Lucillius. Brutus and Lucillius speak apart How he received you let me be resolved.
LUCILLIUS	With courtesy and with respect enough, But not with such familiar instances, Nor with such free and friendly conference, As he hath used of old.
BRUTUS	Thou hast described A hot friend cooling. Ever note, Lucillius: When love begins to sicken and decay It useth an enforced ceremony. There are no tricks in plain and simple faith; But hollow men, like horses hot at hand, Make gallant show and promise of their mettle; Low march within But when they should endure the bloody spur, They fall their crests and, like deceitful jades, Sink in the trial. Comes his army on?
LUCILLIUS	They mean this night in Sardis to be quartered. The greater part, the horse in general, Are come with Cassius.
(didascalia)	Enter Cassius and his powers
BRUTUS	Hark, he is arrived. March gently on to meet him. The armies march
CASSIUS	Stand, ho!
BRUTUS	Stand, ho! Speak the word along.
(didascalia)	FIRST SOLDIER Stand!
(didascalia)	second SOLDIER Stand!
(didascalia)	THIRD SOLDIER Standl
CASSIUS	Most noble brother, you have done me wrong.
BRUTUS	Judge me, you gods: wrong I mine enemies? And if not so, how should I wrong a brother?
CASSIUS	Brutus, this sober form of yours hides wrongs, And when you do them—
BRUTUS	Cassius, be content. Speak your griefs softly. I do know you well. Before the eyes of both our armies here, Which should perceive nothing but love from us, Let us not wrangle. Bid them move away, Then in my tent, Cassius, enlarge your griefs, And I will give you audience.
CASSIUS	Pindarus, Bid our commanders lead their charges off A little from this ground.
BRUTUS	Lucillius, do you the like; and let no man Come to our tent till we have done our conference. Let Lucius and Titinius guard our door.
(didascalia)	Exeunt the armies Brutus and Cassius remain, with Titinius, and Lucius guarding the door
CASSIUS	That you have wronged me doth appear in this: You have condemned and noted Lucius Pella For taking bribes here of the Sardians, Wherein my letters praying on his side, Because I knew the man, was slighted off.
BRUTUS	You wronged yourself to write in such a case.
CASSIUS	In such a time as this it is not meet That every nice offence should bear his comment.
BRUTUS	Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself Are much condemned to have an itching palm, To sell and mart your offices for gold To undeservers.
CASSIUS	I, an itching palm? You know that you are Brutus that speaks this, 65 Or, by the gods, this speech were else your last.
BRUTUS	The name of Cassius honours this corruption, And chastisement doth therefore hide his head.
CASSIUS	Chastisement?
BRUTUS	Remember March, the ides of March, remember. Did not great Julius bleed for justice’ sake? What villain touched his body, that did stab, And not for justice? What, shall one of us, That struck the foremost man of all this world But for supporting robbers, shall we now Contaminate our fingers with base bribes, And sell the mighty space of our large honours For so much trash as may be grasped thus? I had rather be a dog and bay the moon Than such a Roman.
CASSIUS	Brutus, bay not me. I’ll not endure it. You forget yourself To hedge me in. I am a soldier, I, Older in practice, abler than yourself To make conditions.
BRUTUS	Go to, you are not, Cassius.
CASSIUS	I am.
BRUTUS	I say you are not.
CASSIUS	Urge me no more, I shall forget myself. Have mind upon your health. Tempt me no farther.
BRUTUS	Away, slight man.
CASSIUS	Is’t possible?
BRUTUS	Hear me, for I will speak. Must I give way and room to your rash choler? Shall I be frighted when a madman stares?
CASSIUS	O ye gods, ye gods! Must I endure all this?
BRUTUS	All this? Ay, more. Fret till your proud heart break. Go show your slaves how choleric you are, And make your bondmen tremble. Must I budge? Must I observe you? Must I stand and crouch Under your testy humour? By the gods, You shall digest the venom of your spleen, Though it do split you. For from this day forth I’ll use you for my mirth, yea for my laughter, When you are waspish.
CASSIUS	Is it come to this?
BRUTUS	You say you are a better soldier. Let it appear so, make your vaunting true, And it shall please me well. For mine own part, I shall be glad to learn of noble men.
CASSIUS	You wrong me every way, you wrong me, Brutus. I said an elder soldier, not a better. Did I say better?
BRUTUS	If you did, I care not.
CASSIUS	When Caesar lived he durst not thus have moved me.
BRUTUS	Peace, peace; you durst not so have tempted him.
CASSIUS	I durst not?
BRUTUS	No.
CASSIUS	What, durst not tempt him?
BRUTUS	For your life you durst not.
CASSIUS	Do not presume too much upon my love. I may do that I shall be sorry for.
BRUTUS	You have done that you should be sorry for. There is no terror, Cassius, in your threats, For I am armed so strong in honesty That they pass by me as the idle wind, Which I respect not. I did send to you For certain sums of gold, which you denied me; For I can raise no money by vile means. By heaven, I had rather coin my heart And drop my blood for drachmas than to wring From the hard hands of peasants their vile trash By any indirection. I did send To you for gold to pay my legions, Which you denied me. Was that done like Cassius? Should I have answered Caius Cassius so? When Marcus Brutus grows so covetous To lock such rascal counters from his friends, Be ready, gods, with all your thunderbolts; Dash him to pieces.
CASSIUS	I denied you not.
BRUTUS	You did.
CASSIUS	I did not. He was but a fool That brought my answer back. Brutus hath rived my heart. A friend should bear his friend’s infirmities, But Brutus makes mine greater than they are.
BRUTUS	I do not, till you practise them on me.
CASSIUS	You love me not.
BRUTUS	I do not like your faults.
CASSIUS	A friendly eye could never see such faults.
BRUTUS	A flatterer’s would not, though they do appear As huge as high Olympus.
CASSIUS	Come, Antony and young Octavius, come, Revenge yourselves alone on Cassius; For Cassius is aweary of the world, Hated by one he loves, braved by his brother, Checked like a bondman; all his faults observed, Set in a notebook, learned and conned by rote, To cast into my teeth. O, I could weep My spirit from mine eyes! There is my dagger, And here my naked breast; within, a heart Dearer than Pluto’s mine, richer than gold. If that thou beest a Roman, take it forth. I that denied thee gold will give my heart. Strike as thou didst at Caesar; for I know When thou didst hate him worst, thou loved‘st him better Than ever thou loved’st Cassius.
BRUTUS	Sheathe your dagger. Be angry when you will; it shall have scope. Do what you will; dishonour shall be humour. O Cassius, you are yoked with a lamb That carries anger as the flint bears fire, Who, much enforced, shows a hasty spark And straight is cold again.
CASSIUS	Hath Cassius lived To be but mirth and laughter to his Brutus When grief and blood ill-tempered vexeth him?
BRUTUS	When I spoke that, I was ill-tempered too.
CASSIUS	Do you confess so much? Give me your hand.
BRUTES	And my heart too.
(didascalia)	They embrace
CASSIUS	O Brutus!
BRUTUS	What’s the matter?
CASSIUS	Have not you love enough to bear with me When that rash humour which my mother gave me Makes me forgetful?
BRUTUS	Yes, Cassius, and from henceforth, When you are over-earnest with your Brutus, He’ll think your mother chides, and leave you so.
(didascalia)	Enter Lucillius and a Poet
POET	Let me go in to see the generals. There is some grudge between ’em; ’tis not meet They be alone.
LUCILLIUS	You shall not come to them.
POET	Nothing but death shall stay me.
CASSIUS	How now! What’s the matter?
POET	For shame, you generals, what do you mean? Love and be friends, as two such men should be, For I have seen more years, I’m sure, than ye.
CASSIUS	Ha, ha! How vilely doth this cynic rhyme!
BRUTUS	(to the Poet) Get you hence, sirrah; saucy fellow, hence!
CASSIUS	Bear with him, Brutus, ’tis his fashion.
BRUTUS	I’ll know his humour when he knows his time. What should the wars do with these jigging fools? (To the Poet) Companion, hence!
CASSIUS	(to the Poet) Away, away, be gone!
(didascalia)	Exit Poet
BRUTUS	Lucillius and Titinius, bid the commanders Prepare to lodge their companies tonight.
CASSIUS	And come yourselves, and bring Messala with you Immediately to us.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Lucillius and Titinius
BRUTUS	Lucius, a bowl of wine.
(didascalia)	Exit Lucius
CASSIUS	I did not think you could have been so angry.
BRUTUS	O Cassius, I am sick of many griefs.
CASSIUS	Of your philosophy you make no use, If you give place to accidental evils.
BRUTUS	No man bears sorrow better. Portia is dead.
CASSIUS	Ha! Portia?
BRUTUS	She is dead.
CASSIUS	How scaped I killing when I crossed you so? O insupportable and touching loss! Upon what sickness?
BRUTUS	Impatience of my absence, And grief that young Octavius with Mark Antony Have made themselves so strong—for with her death That tidings came. With this, she fell distraught, And, her attendants absent, swallowed fire.
CASSIUS	And died so?
BRUTUS	Even so.
CASSIUS	Oye immortal gods!
(didascalia)	Enter Lucius, with wine and tapers
BRUTUS	Speak no more of her. (To Lucius) Give me a bowl of wine. (To Cassius) In this I bury all unkindness, Cassius. He drinks
CASSIUS	My heart is thirsty for that noble pledge. Fill, Lucius, till the wine o’erswell the cup. I cannot drink too much of Brutus’ love. He drinks.
(didascalia)	Exit Lucius Enter Titinius and Messala
BRUTUS	Come in, Titinius; welcome, good Messala. Now sit we close about this taper here, And call in question our necessities.
CASSIUS	(aside) Portia, art thou gone?
BRUTUS	No more, I pray you.
(didascalia)	They sit
BRUTUS	Messala, I have here received letters That young Octavius and Mark Antony Come down upon us with a mighty power, Bending their expedition toward Philippi.
MESSALA	Myself have letters of the selfsame tenor.
BRUTUS	With what addition?
MESSALA	That by proscription and bills of outlawry Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus Have put to death an hundred senators.
BRUTUS	Therein our letters do not well agree. Mine speak of seventy senators that died By their proscriptions, Cicero being one.
CASSIUS	Cicero one?
MESSALA	Ay, Cicero is dead, And by that order of proscription. (To Brutus) Had you your letters from your wife, my lord?
BRUTUS	No, Messala.
MESSALA	Nor nothing in your letters writ of her?
BRUTUS	Nothing, Messala.
MESSALA	That methinks is strange.
BRUTUS	Why ask you? Hear you aught of her in yours?
MESSALA	No, my lord.
BRUTUS	Now as you are a Roman, tell me true.
MESSALA	Then like a Roman bear the truth I tell; For certain she is dead, and by strange manner.
BRUTUS	Why, farewell, Portia. We must die, Messala. With meditating that she must die once, I have the patience to endure it now.
MESSALA	Even so great men great losses should endure.
CASSIUS	I have as much of this in art as you, But yet my nature could not bear it so.
BRUTUS	Well, to our work alive. What do you think Of marching to Philippi presently?
CASSIUS	I do not think it good.
BRUTUS	Your reason?
CASSIUS	This it is: ’Tis better that the enemy seek us; So shall he waste his means, weary his soldiers, Doing himself offence; whilst we, lying still, Are full of rest, defence, and nimbleness.
BRUTUS	Good reasons must of force give place to better. The people ’twixt Philippi and this ground Do stand but in a forced affection, For they have grudged us contribution. The enemy marching along by them By them shall make a fuller number up, Come on refreshed, new added, and encouraged; From which advantage shall we cut him off, If at Philippi we do face him there, These people at our back.
CASSIUS	Hear me, good brother.
BRUTUS	Under your pardon. You must note beside That we have tried the utmost of our friends; Our legions are brim-full, our cause is ripe. The enemy increaseth every day; We at the height are ready to decline. There is a tide in the affairs of men Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows and in miseries. On such a full sea are we now afloat, And we must take the current when it serves, Or lose our ventures.
CASSIUS	Then, with your will, go on. We’ll along ourselves, and meet them at Philippi.
BRUTUS	The deep of night is crept upon our talk, And nature must obey necessity, Which we will niggard with a little rest. There is no more to say.
CASSIUS	No more. Good night. Early tomorrow will we rise and hence.
BRUTUS	Lucius.
(didascalia)	Enter Lucius
BRUTUS	My gown.
(didascalia)	Exit Lucius
BRUTUS	Farewell, good Messala. Good night, Titinius. Noble, noble, Cassius, Good night and good repose.
CASSIUS	O my dear brother, This was an ill beginning of the night! Never come such division ’tween our souls. Let it not, Brutus.
(didascalia)	Enter Lucius with the gown
BRUTUS	Everything is well.
CASSIUS	Good night, my lord.
BRUTUS	Good night, good brother.
TITINIUS	and MESSALA Good night, Lord Brutus.
BRUTUS	Farewell, every one.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Cassius, Titinius, and Messala
BRUTUS	Give me the gown.
(didascalia)	He puts on the gown
BRUTUS	Where is thy instrument?
LUCIUS	Here in the tent.
BRUTUS	What, thou speak’t drowsily. Poor knave, I blame thee not; thou art o’erwatched. Call Claudio and some other of my men. I’ll have them sleep on cushions in my tent.
LUCIUS	Varrus and Claudio!
(didascalia)	Enter Varrus and Claudio
VARRUS	Calls my lord?
BRUTUS	I pray you, sirs, lie in my tent and sleep. It may be I shall raise you by and by On business to my brother Cassius.
VARRUS	So please you, we will stand and watch your pleasure.
BRUTUS	I will not have it so. Lie down, good sirs. It may be I shall otherwise bethink me. Varrus and Claudio lie down to sleep Look, Lucius, here’s the book I sought for so. I put it in the pocket of my gown.
LUCIUS	I was sure your lordship did not give it me.
BRUTUS	Bear with me, good boy, I am much forgetful. Canst thou hold up thy heavy eyes a while, And touch thy instrument a strain or two?
LUCIUS	Ay, my lord, an’t please you.
BRUTUS	It does, my boy. I trouble thee too much, but thou art willing.
LUCIUS	It is my duty, sir.
BRUTUS	I should not urge thy duty past thy might. I know young bloods look for a time of rest.
LUCIUS	I have slept, my lord, already.
BRUTUS	It was well done, and thou shalt sleep again. I will not hold thee long. If I do live, I will be good to thee. Lucius plays music and sings a song, and so falls asleep This is a sleepy tune. O murd‘rous slumber, Lay’st thou thy leaden mace upon my boy That plays thee music?—Gentle knave, good night. I will not do thee so much wrong to wake thee. If thou dost nod thou break’st thy instrument; I’ll take it from thee, and, good boy, good night. He takes away Lucius’ instrument, then opens the book Let me see, let me see, is not the leaf turned down Where I left reading? Here it is, I think.
(didascalia)	Enter the Ghost of Caesar
BRUTUS	How ill this taper burns! Ha! Who comes here? I think it is the weakness of mine eyes That shapes this monstrous apparition. It comes upon me. Art thou any thing? Art thou some god, some angel, or some devil, That mak’st my blood cold and my hair to stare? Speak to me what thou art.
GHOST	Thy evil spirit, Brutus.
BRUTUS	Why com’st thou?
GHOST	To tell thee thou shalt see me at Philippi.
BRUTUS	Well; then I shall see thee again?
GHOST	Ay, at Philippi.
BRUTUS	Why, I will see thee at Philippi then. Exit Ghost Now I have taken heart, thou vanishest. Ill spirit, I would hold more talk with thee.— Boy, Lucius, Varrus, Claudio, sirs, awake! Claudio!
LUCIUS	The strings, my lord, are false.
BRUTUS	He thinks he still is at his instrument.— Lucius, awake!
LUCIUS	My lord.
BRUTUS	Didst thou dream, Lucius, that thou so cried’st out?
LUCIUS	My lord, I do not know that I did cry.
BRUTUS	Yes, that thou didst. Didst thou see anything?
LUCIUS	Nothing, my lord.
BRUTUS	Sleep again, Lucius.—Sirrah Claudio! (To Varrus) Fellow, Thou, awake!
VARRUS	My lord.
CLAUDIO	My lord.
BRUTUS	Why did you so cry out, sirs, in your sleep?
BOTH	Did we, my lord?
BRUTUS	Ay. Saw you anything?
VARRUS	No, my lord, I saw nothing.
CLAUDIO	Nor I, my lord.
BRUTUS	Go and commend me to my brother Cassius. Bid him set on his powers betimes before, And we will follow.
BOTH	It shall be done, my lord.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Varrus and Claudio at one door, Brutus and Lucius at another door

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Tamburo. Entrano Bruto, Lucio e l’esercito. Lucilio, Titinio e Pindaro li incontrano
BRUTO	Alt, olà!
(didascalia)	SOLDATO Passate la parola ‘olà’, e fermatevi.
BRUTO	Ebbene, Lucilio: è vicino Cassio?
LUCILIO	È a portata, e Pindaro è venuto a portarvi il saluto del suo padrone.
BRUTO	Mi saluta bene. Il tuo padrone, Pindaro, o per suo mutamento o per cattivi ufficiali, mi ha dato buon motivo di desiderare disfatto ciò che è stato fatto. Ma se è vicino, sarò soddisfatto.
PINDARO	Non dubito che il mio nobile padrone apparirà quale egli è, pieno di riguardo e d’onore.
BRUTO	Non è messo in dubbio.—Una parola, Lucilio. Bruto e Lucilio parlano in disparte Fammi sapere come ti ha ricevuto.
LUCILIO	Con cortesia e con rispetto a sufficienza, ma non con quelle prove familiari, né con quel colloquio libero e amichevole ch’egli usava un tempo.
BRUTO	Hai descritto un amico ardente che si raffredda. Nota sempre, Lucilio: quando l’amore comincia a languire e a decadere ricorre a una cerimonia forzata. Non vi sono artifici nella fede schietta e semplice; ma gli uomini vuoti, come cavalli focosi alla partenza, fanno bella mostra e promessa del loro ardore; Marcia sommessa dentro ma quando dovrebbero sopportare lo sprone sanguinoso, abbassano la criniera e, come ronzini ingannevoli, crollano alla prova. Viene avanti il suo esercito?
LUCILIO	Intendono acquartierarsi questa notte a Sardi. La maggior parte, e tutta la cavalleria, è giunta con Cassio.
(didascalia)	Entra Cassio con le sue truppe
BRUTO	Ascolta, è arrivato. Marciate piano incontro a lui. Gli eserciti marciano
CASSIO	Alt, olà!
BRUTO	Alt, olà! Passate la parola.
(didascalia)	PRIMO SOLDATO Alt!
(didascalia)	secondo SOLDATO Alt!
(didascalia)	TERZO SOLDATO Alt!
CASSIO	Nobilissimo fratello, mi avete fatto torto.
BRUTO	Giudicatemi, o dèi: faccio io torto ai miei nemici? E se non a loro, come potrei far torto a un fratello?
CASSIO	Bruto, questo vostro contegno severo nasconde torti, e quando li commettete—
BRUTO	Cassio, calmatevi. Esponete piano i vostri rancori. Vi conosco bene. Davanti agli occhi di entrambi i nostri eserciti, che da noi non dovrebbero cogliere altro che amore, non litighiamo. Fate che si allontanino, poi nella mia tenda, Cassio, sfogate i vostri rancori, e io vi darò ascolto.
CASSIO	Pindaro, di’ ai nostri comandanti di condurre le loro truppe un po’ lontano da questo terreno.
BRUTO	Lucilio, fate voi altrettanto; e nessuno venga alla nostra tenda finché non avremo finito il colloquio. Lucio e Titinio custodiscano la nostra porta.
(didascalia)	Escono gli eserciti Bruto e Cassio restano, con Titinio e Lucio a guardia della porta
CASSIO	Che mi abbiate fatto torto appare da questo: avete condannato e bollato Lucio Pella per aver preso qui doni dai Sardiani, e in ciò le mie lettere che intercedevano per lui, perché conoscevo l’uomo, furono messe da parte.
BRUTO	Faceste torto a voi stesso a scrivere in tal caso.
CASSIO	In un tempo come questo non conviene che ogni minima colpa abbia il suo commento.
BRUTO	Lasciate che vi dica, Cassio, che voi stesso siete molto biasimato d’aver la mano che prude, di vendere e mercanteggiare i vostri uffici per oro a gente immeritevole.
CASSIO	Io, la mano che prude? Sapete d’essere Bruto voi che dite questo, 65 o, per gli dèi, questo discorso sarebbe altrimenti l’ultimo.
BRUTO	Il nome di Cassio fa onore a questa corruzione, e il castigo perciò nasconde il capo.
CASSIO	Castigo?
BRUTO	Ricordate marzo, le idi di marzo, ricordate. Non sanguinò il grande Giulio per amor di giustizia? Quale scellerato toccò il suo corpo, che colpisse e non per giustizia? Come, dovrà uno di noi, che colpimmo il primo uomo di tutto questo mondo solo perché proteggeva i ladri, dovremo ora contaminare le nostre dita con vili doni, e vendere il vasto spazio dei nostri grandi onori per tanta spazzatura quanta se ne può stringere così? Preferirei essere un cane e abbaiare alla luna che un tale Romano.
CASSIO	Bruto, non abbaiate a me. Non lo sopporterò. Dimenticate voi stesso nel volermi porre limiti. Io sono un soldato, io, più vecchio nella pratica, più capace di voi di stabilire condizioni.
BRUTO	Andiamo, non lo siete, Cassio.
CASSIO	Lo sono.
BRUTO	Dico che non lo siete.
CASSIO	Non incalzatemi oltre, dimenticherò me stesso. Badate alla vostra salute. Non tentatemi più.
BRUTO	Via, uomo dappoco.
CASSIO	È possibile?
BRUTO	Uditemi, ché voglio parlare. Devo cedere il passo alla vostra collera avventata? Devo spaventarmi quando un pazzo mi guarda torvo?
CASSIO	O dèi, o dèi! Devo sopportare tutto questo?
BRUTO	Tutto questo? Sì, e di più. Rodetevi finché il vostro cuore superbo scoppi. Andate a mostrare ai vostri schiavi quanto siete collerico, e fate tremare i vostri servi. Devo io scansarmi? Devo farvi riverenza? Devo star ritto e curvarmi sotto il vostro umore stizzoso? Per gli dèi, digerirete voi il veleno della vostra bile, foss’anche che vi spacchi. Ché da questo giorno in poi vi userò per mio spasso, sì, per mia risata, quando sarete come una vespa.
CASSIO	Siamo giunti a questo?
BRUTO	Dite d’essere un soldato migliore. Che si veda, rendete vero il vostro vanto, e mi farà molto bene. Per parte mia, sarò lieto d’imparare da uomini nobili.
CASSIO	Mi fate torto in ogni modo, mi fate torto, Bruto. Dissi un soldato più anziano, non migliore. Dissi forse migliore?
BRUTO	Se lo diceste, non m’importa.
CASSIO	Quando Cesare viveva, non avrebbe osato irritarmi così.
BRUTO	Piano, piano; voi non avreste osato tentarlo così.
CASSIO	Non avrei osato?
BRUTO	No.
CASSIO	Come, non avrei osato tentarlo?
BRUTO	Per la vostra vita, non avreste osato.
CASSIO	Non presumete troppo del mio affetto. Potrei fare ciò di cui mi pentirei.
BRUTO	Avete già fatto ciò di cui dovreste pentirvi. Non v’è terrore, Cassio, nelle vostre minacce, ché sono armato così forte d’onestà che mi passano accanto come vento ozioso, cui non bado. Mandai da voi a chiedere certe somme d’oro, che mi negaste; ché io non so raccogliere denaro con mezzi vili. Per il cielo, preferirei coniare il mio cuore e stillare il mio sangue in dracme, che strappare dalle dure mani dei contadini il loro vile denaro con qualche traverso raggiro. Mandai da voi per dell’oro con cui pagare le mie legioni, e voi me lo negaste. Fu questo un agire da Cassio? Avrei io risposto così a Caio Cassio? Quando Marco Bruto diverrà tanto avido da chiudere ai suoi amici tali gettoni da furfante, siate pronti, o dèi, con tutti i vostri fulmini; fatelo a pezzi.
CASSIO	Non ve lo negai.
BRUTO	Sì.
CASSIO	Non lo feci. Non era che uno sciocco colui che riportò la mia risposta. Bruto mi ha spaccato il cuore. Un amico dovrebbe sopportare le debolezze dell’amico, ma Bruto fa le mie più grandi di quel che sono.
BRUTO	Non lo faccio, finché non le esercitate su di me.
CASSIO	Non mi amate.
BRUTO	Non mi piacciono i vostri difetti.
CASSIO	Un occhio amico non vedrebbe mai tali difetti.
BRUTO	Quello d’un adulatore no, anche se apparissero enormi come l’alto Olimpo.
CASSIO	Venite, Antonio e giovane Ottavio, venite, vendicatevi su Cassio solo; ché Cassio è stanco del mondo, odiato da chi ama, sfidato dal suo fratello, ripreso come un servo; tutti i suoi difetti osservati, scritti in un taccuino, imparati e ripetuti a memoria, per gettarmeli in faccia. Oh, potrei piangere l’anima fuori dagli occhi! Ecco il mio pugnale, e qui il mio petto nudo; dentro, un cuore più caro della miniera di Plutone, più ricco dell’oro. Se sei un Romano, cavalo fuori. Io che ti negai l’oro ti darò il cuore. Colpisci come colpisti Cesare; ché so che quando più l’odiavi, l’amavi più di quanto mai amasti Cassio.
BRUTO	Rinfoderate il pugnale. Adiratevi quando volete; avrà libero corso. Fate ciò che volete; il disonore sarà umore. O Cassio, siete aggiogato a un agnello che porta l’ira come la selce porta il fuoco, e che, molto percosso, mostra una scintilla frettolosa e subito è freddo di nuovo.
CASSIO	È vissuto Cassio per essere solo spasso e riso al suo Bruto, quando il dolore e il sangue mal temprato lo tormentano?
BRUTO	Quando dissi ciò, anch’io ero mal temprato.
CASSIO	Lo confessate? Datemi la mano.
BRUTO	E anche il mio cuore.
(didascalia)	Si abbracciano
CASSIO	O Bruto!
BRUTO	Che c’è?
CASSIO	Non avete abbastanza affetto da sopportarmi quando quell’umore avventato che mi diede mia madre mi rende smemorato?
BRUTO	Sì, Cassio, e d’ora in poi, quando sarete troppo veemente col vostro Bruto, egli penserà che sia vostra madre a sgridare, e vi lascerà fare.
(didascalia)	Entrano Lucilio e un Poeta
POETA	Lasciatemi entrare a vedere i generali. C’è del rancore fra loro; non conviene che restino soli.
LUCILIO	Non andrete da loro.
POETA	Nulla se non la morte mi fermerà.
CASSIO	Ebbene! Che succede?
POETA	Vergogna, generali, che intendete fare? Amatevi e siate amici, come due tali uomini dovrebbero, ché ho visto più anni di voi, ne son certo.
CASSIO	Ah, ah! Come rima vilmente questo cinico!
BRUTO	(al Poeta) Andatevene, messere; sfrontato, via di qui!
CASSIO	Sopportatelo, Bruto, è il suo modo.
BRUTO	Riconoscerò il suo umore quando egli conoscerà il suo tempo. Che se ne fanno le guerre di questi buffoni rimatori? (Al Poeta) Compare, via!
CASSIO	(al Poeta) Via, via, andatevene!
(didascalia)	Esce il Poeta
BRUTO	Lucilio e Titinio, dite ai comandanti di prepararsi ad alloggiare le compagnie stanotte.
CASSIO	E venite voi stessi, e portate Messala con voi subito da noi.
(didascalia)	Escono Lucilio e Titinio
BRUTO	Lucio, una coppa di vino.
(didascalia)	Esce Lucio
CASSIO	Non pensavo che poteste adirarvi tanto.
BRUTO	O Cassio, sono malato di molti dolori.
CASSIO	Della vostra filosofia non fate uso, se cedete ai mali accidentali.
BRUTO	Nessuno sopporta meglio il dolore. Porzia è morta.
CASSIO	Ah! Porzia?
BRUTO	È morta.
CASSIO	Come sfuggii alla morte, contraddicendovi così? O perdita insopportabile e straziante! Di quale male?
BRUTO	L’impazienza della mia assenza, e il dolore che il giovane Ottavio con Marco Antonio si siano fatti tanto forti—ché con la sua morte giunse quella notizia. Con questo, cadde nel delirio, e, assenti le ancelle, inghiottì il fuoco.
CASSIO	E morì così?
BRUTO	Proprio così.
CASSIO	O dèi immortali!
(didascalia)	Entra Lucio, con vino e candele
BRUTO	Non parlate più di lei. (A Lucio) Dammi una coppa di vino. (A Cassio) In questo seppellisco ogni malanimo, Cassio. Beve
CASSIO	Il mio cuore ha sete di quel nobile brindisi. Versa, Lucio, finché il vino trabocchi dalla coppa. Non posso mai bere troppo dell’amore di Bruto. Beve.
(didascalia)	Esce Lucio Entrano Titinio e Messala
BRUTO	Entrate, Titinio; benvenuto, buon Messala. Ora sediamo stretti intorno a questa candela, e discutiamo le nostre necessità.
CASSIO	(a parte) Porzia, sei tu partita?
BRUTO	Basta, ve ne prego.
(didascalia)	Siedono
BRUTO	Messala, ho ricevuto qui lettere che il giovane Ottavio e Marco Antonio scendono contro di noi con forze poderose, volgendo la loro spedizione verso Filippi.
MESSALA	Anch’io ho lettere dello stesso tenore.
BRUTO	Con quale aggiunta?
MESSALA	Che per proscrizione e bandi di fuorilegge Ottavio, Antonio e Lepido hanno messo a morte cento senatori.
BRUTO	In ciò le nostre lettere non concordano bene. Le mie parlano di settanta senatori morti per le loro proscrizioni, e Cicerone fra questi.
CASSIO	Cicerone fra questi?
MESSALA	Sì, Cicerone è morto, e per quell’ordine di proscrizione. (A Bruto) Aveste lettere da vostra moglie, mio signore?
BRUTO	No, Messala.
MESSALA	Né nulla di lei scritto nelle vostre lettere?
BRUTO	Nulla, Messala.
MESSALA	Ciò mi pare strano.
BRUTO	Perché domandate? Sapete qualcosa di lei nelle vostre?
MESSALA	No, mio signore.
BRUTO	Ora, come siete Romano, ditemi il vero.
MESSALA	Allora da Romano sopportate la verità che dico; ella è certamente morta, e in strano modo.
BRUTO	Ebbene, addio, Porzia. Dobbiamo morire, Messala. Meditando che ella doveva morire una volta, ho la pazienza di sopportarlo ora.
MESSALA	Così i grandi uomini devono sopportare le grandi perdite.
CASSIO	Io ne ho altrettanto nella dottrina quanto voi, eppure la mia natura non saprebbe sopportarlo così.
BRUTO	Ebbene, all’opera che ci resta. Che ne pensate di marciare subito su Filippi?
CASSIO	Non lo credo buono.
BRUTO	La vostra ragione?
CASSIO	Eccola: è meglio che il nemico cerchi noi; così consumerà i suoi mezzi, stancherà i suoi soldati, facendo danno a se stesso; mentre noi, restando fermi, siamo pieni di riposo, di difesa e d’agilità.
BRUTO	Le buone ragioni devono per forza cedere alle migliori. Il popolo fra Filippi e questo terreno non ci sta che in un affetto forzato, ché ci ha lesinato i contributi. Il nemico, marciando attraverso di loro, per mezzo loro accrescerà il suo numero, avanzerà rinfrescato, ingrossato e rincuorato; e di questo vantaggio lo priveremo, se a Filippi lo affronteremo là, con questa gente alle nostre spalle.
CASSIO	Uditemi, buon fratello.
BRUTO	Col vostro permesso. Dovete notare inoltre che abbiamo spremuto il massimo dai nostri amici; le nostre legioni sono al colmo, la nostra causa è matura. Il nemico cresce ogni giorno; noi, al culmine, siamo prossimi a declinare. V’è una marea nelle cose degli uomini che, presa al flusso, conduce alla fortuna; trascurata, tutto il viaggio della loro vita resta chiuso fra secche e miserie. Su un tal mare pieno siamo ora a galla, e dobbiamo prendere la corrente quando è propizia, o perdere le nostre imprese.
CASSIO	Allora, sia fatta la vostra volontà, avanti. Andremo anche noi, e li affronteremo a Filippi.
BRUTO	Il fondo della notte è calato sul nostro discorso, e la natura deve obbedire alla necessità, che appagheremo con un po’ di riposo. Non v’è altro da dire.
CASSIO	Non altro. Buona notte. Domani presto ci leveremo e via.
BRUTO	Lucio.
(didascalia)	Entra Lucio
BRUTO	La mia veste.
(didascalia)	Esce Lucio
BRUTO	Addio, buon Messala. Buona notte, Titinio. Nobile, nobile Cassio, buona notte e buon riposo.
CASSIO	O mio caro fratello, questo fu un cattivo inizio della notte! Mai venga tale divisione fra le nostre anime. Non avvenga, Bruto.
(didascalia)	Entra Lucio con la veste
BRUTO	Tutto va bene.
CASSIO	Buona notte, mio signore.
BRUTO	Buona notte, buon fratello.
TITINIO	e MESSALA Buona notte, signor Bruto.
BRUTO	Addio a tutti.
(didascalia)	Escono Cassio, Titinio e Messala
BRUTO	Dammi la veste.
(didascalia)	Indossa la veste
BRUTO	Dov’è il tuo strumento?
LUCIO	Qui nella tenda.
BRUTO	Come, parli assonnato. Povero ragazzo, non ti biasimo; hai vegliato troppo. Chiama Claudio e qualche altro dei miei uomini. Voglio che dormano su cuscini nella mia tenda.
LUCIO	Varro e Claudio!
(didascalia)	Entrano Varro e Claudio
VARRO	Chiama il mio signore?
BRUTO	Vi prego, signori, coricatevi nella mia tenda e dormite. Può darsi ch’io vi svegli fra poco per una faccenda presso mio fratello Cassio.
VARRO	Se vi piace, resteremo in piedi ad attendere il vostro comando.
BRUTO	Non voglio così. Coricatevi, buoni signori. Può darsi ch’io muti pensiero. Varro e Claudio si coricano a dormire Guarda, Lucio, ecco il libro che tanto cercavo. L’avevo messo nella tasca della mia veste.
LUCIO	Ero certo che vossignoria non me l’aveva dato.
BRUTO	Abbi pazienza, buon ragazzo, sono molto smemorato. Puoi tener aperti ancora un poco i tuoi occhi pesanti, e toccare sul tuo strumento un’aria o due?
LUCIO	Sì, mio signore, se vi piace.
BRUTO	Mi piace, ragazzo mio. Ti disturbo troppo, ma tu sei volenteroso.
LUCIO	È mio dovere, signore.
BRUTO	Non dovrei spingere il tuo dovere oltre le tue forze. So che il sangue giovane cerca un tempo di riposo.
LUCIO	Ho già dormito, mio signore.
BRUTO	Facesti bene, e dormirai di nuovo. Non ti tratterrò a lungo. Se vivrò, sarò buono con te. Lucio suona e canta una canzone, e così s’addormenta Questa è un’aria sonnolenta. O sonno assassino, posi tu la tua mazza di piombo sul mio ragazzo che ti fa musica?—Gentile fanciullo, buona notte. Non ti farò il torto di svegliarti. Se ciondoli il capo, romperai il tuo strumento; te lo toglierò, e, buon ragazzo, buona notte. Toglie lo strumento a Lucio, poi apre il libro Vediamo, vediamo: non è piegato l’angolo del foglio dove smisi di leggere? Eccolo qui, credo.
(didascalia)	Entra lo Spettro di Cesare
BRUTO	Come arde male questa candela! Ah! Chi viene qui? Credo che sia la debolezza dei miei occhi a foggiare questa mostruosa apparizione. Viene verso di me. Sei tu qualcosa? Sei un dio, un angelo, o un demonio, che mi fai freddo il sangue e dritti i capelli? Dimmi che cosa sei.
SPETTRO	Il tuo spirito maligno, Bruto.
BRUTO	Perché vieni?
SPETTRO	Per dirti che mi vedrai a Filippi.
BRUTO	Bene; ti vedrò dunque di nuovo?
SPETTRO	Sì, a Filippi.
BRUTO	Ebbene, ti vedrò a Filippi allora. Esce lo Spettro Ora che ho preso coraggio, tu svanisci. Spirito maligno, vorrei parlare ancora con te.— Ragazzo, Lucio, Varro, Claudio, signori, svegliatevi! Claudio!
LUCIO	Le corde, mio signore, sono stonate.
BRUTO	Crede d’essere ancora al suo strumento.— Lucio, svegliati!
LUCIO	Mio signore.
BRUTO	Hai sognato, Lucio, che gridavi così?
LUCIO	Mio signore, non so d’aver gridato.
BRUTO	Sì, hai gridato. Hai visto qualcosa?
LUCIO	Nulla, mio signore.
BRUTO	Dormi di nuovo, Lucio.—Ehi, Claudio! (A Varro) Compare, tu, svegliati!
VARRO	Mio signore.
CLAUDIO	Mio signore.
BRUTO	Perché avete gridato così, signori, nel sonno?
ENTRAMBI	L’abbiamo fatto, mio signore?
BRUTO	Sì. Avete visto qualcosa?
VARRO	No, mio signore, non ho visto nulla.
CLAUDIO	Neppure io, mio signore.
BRUTO	Andate e raccomandatemi a mio fratello Cassio. Ditegli di far muovere le sue truppe per tempo avanti, e noi seguiremo.
ENTRAMBI	Sarà fatto, mio signore.
(didascalia)	Escono Varro e Claudio da una porta, Bruto e Lucio da un’altra

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter Octavius, Antony, and their army
OCTAVIUS	Now, Antony, our hopes are answered. You said the enemy would not come down, But keep the hills and upper regions. It proves not so; their battles are at hand. They mean to warn us at Philippi here, Answering before we do demand of them.
ANTONY	Tut, I am in their bosoms, and I know Wherefore they do it. They could be content To visit other places; and come down With fearful bravery, thinking by this face To fasten in our thoughts that they have courage; But ’tis not so.
(didascalia)	Enter a Messenger
MESSENGER	Prepare you, generals. The enemy comes on in gallant show. Their bloody sign of battle is hung out, And something to be done immediately.
ANTONY	Octavius, lead your battle softly on Upon the left hand of the even field.
OCTAVIUS	Upon the right hand, I; keep thou the left.
ANTONY	Why do you cross me in this exigent?
OCTAVIUS	I do not cross you, but I will do so.
(didascalia)	Drum. Antony and Octavius march with their army. Drum within. Enter, marching, Brutus, Cassius, and their army, amongst them Titinius, Lucillius, and Messala. Octavius’ and Antony’s army makes a stand
BRUTUS	They stand, and would have parley.
CASSIUS	Stand fast, Titinius. We must out and talk. Brutus’ and Cassius’ army makes a stand
OCTAVIUS	Mark Antony, shall we give sign of battle?
ANTONY	No, Caesar, we will answer on their charge. Make forth, the generals would have some words.
OCTAVIUS	(to his army) Stir not until the signal. Antony and Octavius meet Brutus and Cassius
BRUTUS	Words before blows: is it so, countrymen?
OCTAVIUS	Not that we love words better, as you do.
BRUTUS	Good words are better than bad strokes, Octavius.
ANTONY	In your bad strokes, Brutus, you give good words. Witness the hole you made in Caesar’s heart, Crying ‘Long live, hail Caesar’.
CASSIUS	Antony, The posture of your blows are yet unknown; But for your words, they rob the Hybla bees, And leave them honeyless.
ANTONY	Not stingless too.
BRUTUS	O yes, and soundless too, For you have stolen their buzzing, Antony, And very wisely threat before you sting.
ANTONY	Villains, you did not so when your vile daggers Hacked one another in the sides of Caesar. You showed your teeth like apes, and fawned like hounds, And bowed like bondmen, kissing Caesar’s feet, Whilst damnèd Casca, like a cur, behind, Struck Caesar on the neck. O you flatterers!
CASSIUS	Flatterers? Now, Brutus, thank yourself. This tongue had not offended so today If Cassius might have ruled.
OCTAVIUS	Come, come, the cause. If arguing make us sweat, The proof of it will turn to redder drops. He draws Look, I draw a sword against conspirators. When think you that the sword goes up again? Never till Caesar’s three and thirty wounds Be well avenged, or till another Caesar Have added slaughter to the swords of traitors.
BRUTUS	Caesar, thou canst not die by traitors’ hands, Unless thou bring’st them with thee.
OCTAVIUS	So I hope. I was not born to die on Brutus’ sword.
BRUTUS	O, if thou wert the noblest of thy strain, Young man, thou couldst not die more honourable.
CASSIUS	A peevish schoolboy, worthless of such honour, Joined with a masquer and a reveller!
ANTONY	Old Cassius still.
OCTAVIUS	Come, Antony, away. Defiance, traitors, hurl we in your teeth. If you dare fight today, come to the field. If not, when you have stomachs.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Octavius, Antony, and their army
CASSIUS	Why, now blow wind, swell billow, and swim bark. The storm is up, and all is on the hazard.
BRUTUS	Ho, Lucillius! Hark, a word with you.
LUCILLIUS	My lord. He stands forth, and speaks with Brutus
CASSIUS	Messala.
MESSALA	(standing forth) What says my general?
CASSIUS	Messala, This is my birthday; as this very day Was Cassius born. Give me thy hand, Messala. Be thou my witness that, against my will, As Pompey was, am I compelled to set Upon one battle all our liberties. You know that I held Epicurus strong, And his opinion. Now I change my mind, And partly credit things that do presage. Coming from Sardis, on our former ensigns Two mighty eagles fell, and there they perched, Gorging and feeding from our soldiers’ hands, Who to Philippi here consorted us. This morning are they fled away and gone, And in their steads do ravens, crows, and kites Fly o’er our heads and downward look on us, As we were sickly prey. Their shadows seem A canopy most fatal, under which Our army lies ready to give the ghost.
MESSALA	Believe not so.
CASSIUS	I but believe it partly, For I am fresh of spirit, and resolved To meet all perils very constantly.
BRUTUS	Even so, Lucillius.
CASSIUS	(joining Brutus) Now, most noble Brutus, The gods today stand friendly, that we may, Lovers in peace, lead on our days to age. But since the affairs of men rest still incertain, Let’s reason with the worst that may befall. If we do lose this battle, then is this The very last time we shall speak together. What are you then determined to do?
BRUTUS	Even by the rule of that philosophy By which I did blame Cato for the death Which he did give himself—I know not how, But I do find it cowardly and vile For fear of what might fall so to prevent The time of life—arming myself with patience To stay the providence of some high powers That govern us below.
CASSIUS	Then if we lose this battle, You are contented to be led in triumph Thorough the streets of Rome?
BRUTUS	No, Cassius, no. Think not, thou noble Roman, That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome. He bears too great a mind. But this same day Must end that work the ides of March begun; And whether we shall meet again I know not. Therefore our everlasting farewell take. For ever and for ever farewell, Cassius. If we do meet again, why, we shall smile. If not, why then, this parting was well made.
CASSIUS	For ever and for ever farewell, Brutus. If we do meet again, we’ll smile indeed. If not, ’tis true this parting was well made.
BRUTUS	Why then, lead on. O that a man might know The end of this day’s business ere it come! But it sufliceth that the day will end, And then the end is known.—Come, ho, away!
(didascalia)	Exeunt

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Entrano Ottavio, Antonio e il loro esercito
OTTAVIO	Ora, Antonio, le nostre speranze sono esaudite. Dicevate che il nemico non sarebbe sceso, ma avrebbe tenuto i colli e le alture. Non è così; le loro schiere sono a portata. Intendono sfidarci qui a Filippi, rispondendo prima che noi li interpelliamo.
ANTONIO	Ma no, io leggo nei loro cuori, e so perché lo fanno. Sarebbero contenti di visitare altri luoghi; e scendono con paurosa baldanza, credendo con questo volto di ficcarci in testa che hanno coraggio; ma non è così.
(didascalia)	Entra un Messo
MESSO	Preparatevi, generali. Il nemico avanza in bella mostra. Il loro sanguigno segnale di battaglia è spiegato, e qualcosa va fatto immediatamente.
ANTONIO	Ottavio, conducete piano la vostra schiera sul lato sinistro del campo aperto.
OTTAVIO	Sul destro, io; tenete voi il sinistro.
ANTONIO	Perché mi contrariate in questo frangente?
OTTAVIO	Non vi contrario, ma così voglio fare.
(didascalia)	Tamburo. Antonio e Ottavio marciano col loro esercito. Tamburo dentro. Entrano, marciando, Bruto, Cassio e il loro esercito, e fra loro Titinio, Lucilio e Messala. L’esercito di Ottavio e di Antonio si arresta
BRUTO	Si arrestano, e vogliono un colloquio.
CASSIO	Tenete saldo, Titinio. Dobbiamo uscire e parlare. L’esercito di Bruto e di Cassio si arresta
OTTAVIO	Marco Antonio, daremo il segnale di battaglia?
ANTONIO	No, Cesare, risponderemo al loro assalto. Avanziamo, i generali vogliono dire qualche parola.
OTTAVIO	(al suo esercito) Non muovetevi fino al segnale. Antonio e Ottavio incontrano Bruto e Cassio
BRUTO	Parole prima dei colpi: è così, compatrioti?
OTTAVIO	Non che noi amiamo le parole più dei colpi, come voi.
BRUTO	Le buone parole valgono più dei cattivi colpi, Ottavio.
ANTONIO	Nei vostri cattivi colpi, Bruto, date buone parole. Testimone il foro che apriste nel cuore di Cesare, gridando ‘Viva, salve Cesare’.
CASSIO	Antonio, la portata dei vostri colpi è ancora ignota; ma quanto alle vostre parole, esse derubano le api d’Ibla e le lasciano senza miele.
ANTONIO	Non anche senza pungiglione.
BRUTO	Oh sì, e anche senza suono, ché avete rubato il loro ronzio, Antonio, e assai saggiamente minacciate prima di pungere.
ANTONIO	Scellerati, non faceste così quando i vostri vili pugnali si urtarono l’un l’altro nei fianchi di Cesare. Mostraste i denti come scimmie, e scodinzolaste come cani, e vi inchinaste come servi, baciando i piedi di Cesare, mentre il dannato Casca, come un botolo, di dietro, colpì Cesare sul collo. Oh, adulatori!
CASSIO	Adulatori? Ora, Bruto, ringrazia te stesso. Questa lingua non avrebbe offeso così oggi se Cassio avesse potuto decidere.
OTTAVIO	Andiamo, andiamo, alla questione. Se il disputare ci fa sudare, la prova di essa si volgerà in gocce più rosse. Sguaina Guardate, sguaino una spada contro dei congiurati. Quando credete che questa spada rientri nel fodero? Mai, finché le trentatré ferite di Cesare non siano ben vendicate, o finché un altro Cesare non abbia aggiunto strage alle spade dei traditori.
BRUTO	Cesare, tu non puoi morire per mano di traditori, a meno che tu non li conduca con te.
OTTAVIO	Così spero. Non nacqui per morire sulla spada di Bruto.
BRUTO	Oh, se tu fossi il più nobile della tua stirpe, giovane, non potresti morire più onoratamente.
CASSIO	Uno scolaretto stizzoso, indegno di tale onore, unito a un mascherato e a un gaudente!
ANTONIO	Sempre il vecchio Cassio.
OTTAVIO	Venite, Antonio, via. Sfida, traditori, vi gettiamo in faccia. Se osate combattere oggi, venite sul campo. Se no, quando ne avrete lo stomaco.
(didascalia)	Escono Ottavio, Antonio e il loro esercito
CASSIO	Ebbene, ora soffia vento, gonfiati onda, e naviga barca. La tempesta è scoppiata, e tutto è in balìa della sorte.
BRUTO	Olà, Lucilio! Ascolta, una parola con te.
LUCILIO	Mio signore. Si fa avanti, e parla con Bruto
CASSIO	Messala.
MESSALA	(facendosi avanti) Che dice il mio generale?
CASSIO	Messala, questo è il mio compleanno; in questo stesso giorno nacque Cassio. Dammi la mano, Messala. Sii tu mio testimone che, contro la mia volontà, come accadde a Pompeo, sono costretto a rischiare su una sola battaglia tutte le nostre libertà. Sai che tenevo per Epicuro fermamente, e per la sua dottrina. Ora muto pensiero, e in parte presto fede alle cose che presagiscono. Venendo da Sardi, sulle nostre prime insegne calarono due possenti aquile, e là si posarono, ingozzandosi e beccando dalle mani dei nostri soldati, che ci accompagnarono qui a Filippi. Stamane sono fuggite via, sparite, e al loro posto corvi, cornacchie e nibbi volano sulle nostre teste e ci guardano dall’alto, come fossimo preda malata. Le loro ombre paiono un baldacchino funesto, sotto il quale il nostro esercito giace pronto a rendere lo spirito.
MESSALA	Non crediate così.
CASSIO	Non lo credo che in parte, ché ho l’animo fresco, e sono risoluto ad affrontare ogni pericolo con gran fermezza.
BRUTO	Proprio così, Lucilio.
CASSIO	(raggiungendo Bruto) Ora, nobilissimo Bruto, siano oggi gli dèi propizi, sì che possiamo, Amici in pace, condurre i nostri giorni alla vecchiaia. Ma poiché le cose degli uomini restano sempre incerte, ragioniamo sul peggio che possa accadere. Se perdiamo questa battaglia, questa è dunque l’ultimissima volta che parliamo insieme. Che siete allora deciso a fare?
BRUTO	Proprio secondo la regola di quella filosofia per cui biasimai Catone per la morte che egli si diede—non so come, ma trovo vile e codardo, per paura di ciò che potrebbe accadere, prevenire così il tempo della vita—armandomi di pazienza per attendere la provvidenza di certe potenze superiori che quaggiù ci governano.
CASSIO	Allora, se perdiamo questa battaglia, vi accontentate d’essere condotto in trionfo per le strade di Roma?
BRUTO	No, Cassio, no. Non pensare, nobile Romano, che mai Bruto vada legato a Roma. Ha un animo troppo grande. Ma questo stesso giorno deve compiere l’opera che le idi di marzo cominciarono; e se ci rivedremo, non so. Perciò prendiamo il nostro addio eterno. Per sempre e per sempre addio, Cassio. Se ci rivedremo, ebbene, sorrideremo. Se no, allora questo commiato fu ben fatto.
CASSIO	Per sempre e per sempre addio, Bruto. Se ci rivedremo, sorrideremo davvero. Se no, è vero che questo commiato fu ben fatto.
BRUTO	Ebbene allora, avanti. Oh, potesse un uomo conoscere la fine dell’opera di questo giorno prima che venga! Ma basta che il giorno finirà, e allora la fine sarà nota.—Venite, olà, via!
(didascalia)	Escono

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Alarum. Enter Brutus and Messala
BRUTUS	Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give these bills Unto the legions on the other side. Loud alarum Let them set on at once, for I perceive But cold demeanour in Octavio’s wing, And sudden push gives them the overthrow. Ride, ride, Messala; let them all come down.
(didascalia)	Exeunt severally

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Allarme. Entrano Bruto e Messala
BRUTO	Cavalca, cavalca, Messala, cavalca, e reca questi ordini alle legioni dall’altro lato. Forte allarme Che assalgano tutte insieme, ché scorgo solo un freddo contegno nell’ala di Ottavio, e una spinta improvvisa ne provoca la rotta. Cavalca, cavalca, Messala; che scendano tutti.
(didascalia)	Escono da parti diverse

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Alarums. Enter Cassius with an ensign, and Titinius
CASSIUS	O look, Titinius, look: the villains fly. Myself have to mine own turned enemy: This ensign here of mine was turning back; I slew the coward, and did take it from him.
TITINIUS	O Cassius, Brutus gave the word too early, Who, having some advantage on Octavius, Took it too eagerly. His soldiers fell to spoil, Whilst we by Antony are all enclosed.
(didascalia)	Enter Pindarus
PINDARUS	Fly further off, my lord, fly further off! Mark Antony is in your tents, my lord; Fly therefore, noble Cassius, fly farre off.
CASSIUS	This hill is far enough. Look, look, Titinius, Are those my tents where I perceive the fire?
TITINIUS	They are, my lord.
CASSIUS	Titinius, if thou lovest me, Mount thou my horse, and hide thy spurs in him Till he have brought thee up to yonder troops And here again, that I may rest assured Whether yon troops are friend or enemy.
TITINIUS	I will be here again even with a thought. Exit
CASSIUS	Go, Pindarus, get higher on that hill. My sight was ever thick. Regard, Titinius, And tell me what thou not’st about the field.
(didascalia)	Exit Pindarus
CASSIUS	This day I breathed first. Time is come round, And where I did begin, there shall I end. My life is run his compass.
(didascalia)	Enter Pindarus above
CASSIUS	Sirrah, what news?
PINDARUS	O my lord!
CASSIUS	What news?
PINDARUS	Titinius is enclosed round about With horsemen, that make to him on the spur. Yet he spurs on. Now they are almost on him. Now Titinius. Now some light. O, he lights too. He’s ta’en.
(didascalia)	Shout within
PINDARUS	And hark, they shout for joy.
CASSIUS	Come down; behold no more.
(didascalia)	Exit Pindarus
CASSIUS	O coward that I am, to live so long To see my best friend ta’en before my face!
(didascalia)	Enter Pindarus below
CASSIUS	Come hither, sirrah. In Parthia did I take thee prisoner, And then I swore thee, saving of thy life, That whatsoever I did bid thee do Thou shouldst attempt it. Come now, keep thine oath. Now be a freeman, and, with this good sword That ran through Caesar’s bowels, search this bosom. Stand not to answer. Here, take thou the hilts, Pindarus takes the sword And when my face is covered, as ’tis now, Guide thou the sword. Pindarus stabs him Caesar, thou art revenged, Even with the sword that killed thee. He dies
PINDARUS	So, I am free, yet would not so have been Durst I have done my will. O Cassius! Far from this country Pindarus shall run, Where never Roman shall take note of him.
(didascalia)	Exit
(didascalia)	Enter Titinius, wearing a wreath of victory, and Messala
MESSALA	It is but change, Titinius, for Octavius Is overthrown by noble Brutus’ power, As Cassius’ legions are by Antony.
TITINIUS	These tidings will well comfort Cassius.
MESSALA	Where did you leave him?
TITINIUS	All disconsolate, With Pindarus his bondman, on this hill.
MESSALA	Is not that he that lies upon the ground?
TITINIUS	He lies not like the living.—O my heart!
MESSALA	Is not that he? TITINlUS No, this was he, Messala; But Cassius is no more. O setting sun, As in thy red rays thou dost sink tonight, So in his red blood Cassius’ day is set. The sun of Rome is set. Our day is gone. Clouds, dews, and dangers come. Our deeds are done. Mistrust of my success hath done this deed.
MESSALA	Mistrust of good success hath done this deed. O hateful Error, Melancholy’s child, Why dost thou show to the apt thoughts of men The things that are not? O Error, soon conceived, Thou never com‘st unto a happy birth, But kill’st the mother that engendered thee.
TITINIUS	What, Pindarus! Where art thou, Pindarus?
MESSALA	Seek him, Titinius, whilst I go to meet The noble Brutus, thrusting this report Into his ears. I may say ‘thrusting’ it, For piercing steel and darts envenomed Shall be as welcome to the ears of Brutus As tidings of this sight.
TITINIUS	Hie you, Messala, And I will seek for Pindarus the while.
(didascalia)	Exit Messala
TITINIUS	Why didst thou send me forth, brave Cassius? Did I not meet thy friends, and did not they Put on my brows this wreath of victory, And bid me give it thee? Didst thou not hear their shouts? Alas, thou hast misconstrued everything. But hold thee, take this garland on thy brow. Thy Brutus bid me give it thee, and I Will do his bidding. Brutus, come apace, And see how I regarded Caius Cassius. By your leave, gods, this is a Roman’s part: Come Cassius’ sword, and find Titinius’ heart. He stabs himself, and dies
(didascalia)	Alarum. Enter Brutus, Messala, young Cato,
(didascalia)	Strato, Volumnius, Lucillius, Labio, and Flavio
BRUTUS	Where, where, Messala, doth his body lie?
MESSALA	Lo yonder, and Titinius mourning it.
BRUTUS	Titinius’ face is upward.
CATO	He is slain.
BRUTUS	O Julius Caesar, thou art mighty yet. Thy spirit walks abroad, and turns our swords In our own proper entrails. Low Alarums
CATO	Brave Titinius, Look whe’er he have not crowned dead Cassius.
BRUTUS	Are yet two Romans living such as these? The last of all the Romans, fare thee well. It is impossible that ever Rome Should breed thy fellow. Friends, I owe more tears To this dead man than you shall see me pay.— I shall find time, Cassius, I shall find time.— Come, therefore, and to Thasos send his body. His funerals shall not be in our camp, Lest it discomfort us. Lucillius, come; And come, young Cato. Let us to the field. Labio and Flavio, set our battles on. ‘Tis three o’clock, and, Romans, yet ere night We shall try fortune in a second fight.
(didascalia)	Exeunt with the bodies

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Allarmi. Entrano Cassio con un’insegna, e Titinio
CASSIO	Oh guarda, Titinio, guarda: gli scellerati fuggono. Io stesso mi sono fatto nemico dei miei: questo mio alfiere volgeva le spalle; uccisi il codardo, e gli tolsi l’insegna.
TITINIO	O Cassio, Bruto diede l’ordine troppo presto: egli, avendo qualche vantaggio su Ottavio, lo colse con troppa foga. I suoi soldati si diedero al saccheggio, mentre noi da Antonio siamo tutti circondati.
(didascalia)	Entra Pindaro
PINDARO	Fuggite più lontano, mio signore, fuggite più lontano! Marco Antonio è nelle vostre tende, mio signore; fuggite dunque, nobile Cassio, fuggite lontano.
CASSIO	Questo colle è abbastanza lontano. Guarda, guarda, Titinio, sono quelle le mie tende dove scorgo il fuoco?
TITINIO	Sono quelle, mio signore.
CASSIO	Titinio, se mi ami, monta il mio cavallo, e affondagli gli sproni nei fianchi finché non ti abbia portato fino a quelle truppe laggiù e qui di nuovo, sì ch’io possa esser certo se quelle truppe siano amiche o nemiche.
TITINIO	Sarò di ritorno rapido come un pensiero. Esce
CASSIO	Va’, Pindaro, sali più in alto su quel colle. La mia vista fu sempre torbida. Osserva, Titinio, e dimmi che cosa noti sul campo.
(didascalia)	Esce Pindaro
CASSIO	In questo giorno respirai per la prima volta. Il tempo ha chiuso il cerchio, e dove cominciai, là finirò. La mia vita ha compiuto il suo giro.
(didascalia)	Entra Pindaro in alto
CASSIO	Ehi, che notizie?
PINDARO	Oh, mio signore!
CASSIO	Che notizie?
PINDARO	Titinio è circondato tutt’intorno da cavalieri, che gli muovono contro a spron battuto. Pure egli sprona. Ora gli sono quasi addosso. Ora Titinio. Ora alcuni smontano. Oh, smonta anche lui. È preso.
(didascalia)	Grida dentro
PINDARO	E ascoltate, gridano di gioia.
CASSIO	Scendi; non guardare oltre.
(didascalia)	Esce Pindaro
CASSIO	Oh codardo che sono, per aver vissuto tanto da vedere il mio migliore amico preso davanti al mio volto!
(didascalia)	Entra Pindaro in basso
CASSIO	Vieni qua, messere. In Partia ti feci prigioniero, e allora ti feci giurare, salvandoti la vita, che qualunque cosa io ti comandassi tu l’avresti tentata. Vieni ora, mantieni il tuo giuramento. Ora sii uomo libero, e con questa buona spada che passò le viscere di Cesare, fruga questo petto. Non fermarti a rispondere. Ecco, prendi tu l’elsa, Pindaro prende la spada e quando il mio volto sarà coperto, come ora è, guida tu la spada. Pindaro lo pugnala Cesare, sei vendicato, e proprio con la spada che ti uccise. Muore
PINDARO	Così sono libero, eppure non l’avrei voluto essere se avessi osato fare la mia volontà. O Cassio! Lontano da questo paese Pindaro fuggirà, dove nessun Romano lo noterà mai.
(didascalia)	Esce
(didascalia)	Entrano Titinio, che porta una corona di vittoria, e Messala
MESSALA	Non è che uno scambio, Titinio, ché Ottavio è rovesciato dalle forze del nobile Bruto, come le legioni di Cassio lo sono da Antonio.
TITINIO	Queste notizie conforteranno bene Cassio.
MESSALA	Dove lo lasciaste?
TITINIO	Tutto sconsolato, con Pindaro suo servo, su questo colle.
MESSALA	Non è lui quello che giace a terra?
TITINIO	Non giace come chi è vivo.—O cuore mio!
MESSALA	Non è lui? TITINIO No, questi fu lui, Messala; ma Cassio non è più. O sole al tramonto, come nei tuoi raggi rossi tu affondi stanotte, così nel suo rosso sangue è tramontato il giorno di Cassio. Il sole di Roma è tramontato. Il nostro giorno è finito. Vengano nubi, rugiade e pericoli. Le nostre opere son compiute. La sfiducia nel mio esito ha compiuto quest’atto.
MESSALA	La sfiducia in un buon esito ha compiuto quest’atto. O odioso Errore, figlio della Malinconia, perché mostri ai pronti pensieri degli uomini le cose che non sono? O Errore, presto concepito, tu non giungi mai a un felice parto, ma uccidi la madre che ti generò.
TITINIO	Ehi, Pindaro! Dove sei, Pindaro?
MESSALA	Cercalo, Titinio, mentre io vado incontro al nobile Bruto, per conficcargli questa notizia negli orecchi. Ben posso dire ‘conficcare’, ché acciaio che trafigge e dardi avvelenati saranno altrettanto graditi agli orecchi di Bruto quanto la nuova di questa vista.
TITINIO	Affrettatevi, Messala, e io cercherò Pindaro nel frattempo.
(didascalia)	Esce Messala
TITINIO	Perché mi mandasti via, prode Cassio? Non incontrai forse i tuoi amici, e non mi posero essi sulla fronte questa corona di vittoria, e non mi dissero di darla a te? Non udisti le loro grida? Ahimè, hai frainteso ogni cosa. Ma eccoti, prendi questa ghirlanda sulla tua fronte. Il tuo Bruto mi disse di dartela, e io farò ciò che ordinò. Bruto, vieni presto, e guarda come ho tenuto caro Caio Cassio. Col vostro permesso, o dèi, questa è la parte d’un Romano: vieni, spada di Cassio, e trova il cuore di Titinio. Si pugnala, e muore
(didascalia)	Allarme. Entrano Bruto, Messala, il giovane Catone,
(didascalia)	Stratone, Volumnio, Lucilio, Labeone e Flavio
BRUTO	Dove, dove, Messala, giace il suo corpo?
MESSALA	Ecco là, e Titinio che lo piange.
BRUTO	Il volto di Titinio è rivolto in su.
CATONE	È ucciso.
BRUTO	O Giulio Cesare, sei potente ancora. Il tuo spirito va errando, e volge le nostre spade nelle nostre stesse viscere. Allarmi sommessi
CATONE	Prode Titinio, guardate se non ha incoronato Cassio morto.
BRUTO	Vivono ancora due Romani come questi? Ultimo di tutti i Romani, che ti vada bene. È impossibile che mai Roma generi il tuo pari. Amici, devo più lacrime a quest’uomo morto di quante mi vedrete pagarne.— Troverò il tempo, Cassio, troverò il tempo.— Venite dunque, e mandate a Taso il suo corpo. I suoi funerali non si faranno nel nostro campo, ché non ci abbattano. Lucilio, vieni; e vieni, giovane Catone. Andiamo sul campo. Labeone e Flavio, fate muovere le nostre schiere. Sono le tre all’orologio, e, Romani, prima ancora della notte tenteremo la fortuna in un secondo scontro.
(didascalia)	Escono con i corpi

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Alarum. Enter Brutus, Messala, young Cato, Lucillius, and Flavius
BRUTUS	Yet, countrymen, O yet hold up your heads.
(didascalia)	Exit with Messala and Flavius
CATO	What bastard doth not? Who will go with me? I will proclaim my name about the field. I am the son of Marcus Cato, ho! A foe to tyrants, and my country’s friend. I am the son of Marcus Cato, ho!
(didascalia)	Enter Soldiers, and fight
LUCILLIUS	And I am Brutus, Marcus Brutus, I, Brutus, my country’s friend. Know me for Brutus. Soldiers kill Cato O young and noble Cato, art thou down? Why, now thou diest as bravely as Titinius, And mayst be honoured, being Cato’s son.
(didascalia)	FIRST SOLDIER
LUCILLIUS	Yield, or thou diest.
LUCILLIUS	Only I yield to die. There is so much, that thou wilt kill me straight: Kill Brutus, and be honoured in his death.
(didascalia)	FIRST SOLDIER
LUCILLIUS	We must not.—A noble prisoner.
SECOND SOLDIER	Room, ho! Tell Antony Brutus is ta’en.
(didascalia)	Enter Antony
FIRST SOLDIER	I’ll tell the news. Here comes the general.— (To Antony) Brutus is ta‘en, Brutus is ta’en, my lord.
ANTONY	Where is he?
LUCILLIUS	Safe, Antony, Brutus is safe enough. I dare assure thee that no enemy Shall ever take alive the noble Brutus. The gods defend him from so great a shame. When you do find him, or alive or dead, He will be found like Brutus, like himself.
ANTONY	(to First Soldier) This is not Brutus, friend, but, I assure you, A prize no less in worth. Keep this man safe. Give him all kindness. I had rather have Such men my friends than enemies.
(didascalia)	To another Soldier Go on,
ANTONY	And see whe’er Brutus be alive or dead, And bring us word unto Octavius’ tent How everything is chanced.
(didascalia)	Exeunt the Soldier at one door, Antony, Lucillius and other Soldiers, some bearing Cato’s body, at another door

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Allarme. Entrano Bruto, Messala, il giovane Catone, Lucilio e Flavio
BRUTO	Ancora, compatrioti, oh ancora tenete alta la testa.
(didascalia)	Esce con Messala e Flavio
CATONE	Quale bastardo non lo fa? Chi verrà con me? Proclamerò il mio nome per tutto il campo. Sono il figlio di Marco Catone, olà! Nemico dei tiranni, e amico della mia patria. Sono il figlio di Marco Catone, olà!
(didascalia)	Entrano dei Soldati, e combattono
LUCILIO	E io sono Bruto, Marco Bruto, io, Bruto, amico della mia patria. Riconoscetemi per Bruto. I Soldati uccidono Catone O giovane e nobile Catone, sei caduto? Ebbene, ora muori valorosamente quanto Titinio, e ben puoi essere onorato, essendo figlio di Catone.
(didascalia)	PRIMO SOLDATO
LUCILIO	Arrenditi, o muori.
LUCILIO	Mi arrendo solo per morire. Eccoti tanto, perché tu mi uccida sull’istante: uccidi Bruto, e sii onorato per la sua morte.
(didascalia)	PRIMO SOLDATO
LUCILIO	Non dobbiamo.—Un nobile prigioniero.
SECONDO SOLDATO	Largo, olà! Dite ad Antonio che Bruto è preso.
(didascalia)	Entra Antonio
PRIMO SOLDATO	Darò io la notizia. Ecco che viene il generale.— (Ad Antonio) Bruto è preso, Bruto è preso, mio signore.
ANTONIO	Dov’è?
LUCILIO	Al sicuro, Antonio, Bruto è abbastanza al sicuro. Oso assicurarti che nessun nemico prenderà mai vivo il nobile Bruto. Gli dèi lo difendano da così grande vergogna. Quando lo troverete, o vivo o morto, sarà trovato quale Bruto, quale se stesso.
ANTONIO	(al Primo Soldato) Costui non è Bruto, amico, ma, ve l’assicuro, una preda non meno preziosa. Custodite quest’uomo al sicuro. Trattatelo con ogni riguardo. Preferirei avere uomini simili per amici che per nemici.
(didascalia)	A un altro Soldato Va’,
ANTONIO	e vedi se Bruto sia vivo o morto, e portaci parola alla tenda di Ottavio di come ogni cosa sia andata.
(didascalia)	Escono il Soldato da una porta, Antonio, Lucilio e gli altri Soldati, alcuni portando il corpo di Catone, da un’altra porta

Speaker	Line
(didascalia)	Enter Brutus, Dardanius, Clitus, Strato, and Volumnius
BRUTUS	Come, poor remains of friends, rest on this rock.
(didascalia)	He sits. Strato rests and falls asleep
CLITUS	Statillius showed the torchlight, but, my lord, He came not back. He is or ta’en or slain.
BRUTUS	Sit thee down, Clitus. Slaying is the word: It is a deed in fashion. Hark thee, Clitus. He whispers
CLITUS	What I, my lord? No, not for all the world.
BRUTUS	Peace, then, no words.
CLITUS	I’ll rather kill myself. He stands apart
BRUTUS	Hark thee, Dardanius. He whispers
DARDANIUS	Shall I do such a deed? He joins Clitus
CLITUS	O Dardanius!
DARDANIUS	O Clitus!
CLITUS	What ill request did Brutus make to thee?
DARDANIUS	To kill him, Clitus. Look, he meditates.
CLITUS	Now is that noble vessel full of grief, That it runs over even at his eyes.
BRUTES	Come hither, good Volumnius. List a word.
VOLUMNIUS	What says my lord?
BRUTUS	Why this, Volumnius. The ghost of Caesar hath appeared to me Two several times by night—at Sardis once, And this last night, here in Philippi fields. I know my hour is come.
VOLUMNIUS	Not so, my lord.
BRUTUS	Nay, I am sure it is, Volumnius. Thou seest the world, Volumnius, how it goes. Our enemies have beat us to the pit, Low alarums It is more worthy to leap in ourselves Than tarry till they push us. Good Volumnius, Thou know’st that we two went to school together. Even for that, our love of old, I prithee, Hold thou my sword hilts whilst I run on it.
VOLUMNIUS	That’s not an office for a friend, my lord. Alarun still
CLITUS	Fly, fly, my lord! There is no tarrying here.
BRUTUS	Farewell to you, and you, and you, Volumnius.— Strato, thou hast been all this while asleep.
(didascalia)	Strato wakes
BRUTUS	Farewell to thee too, Strato. Countrymen, My heart doth joy that yet in all my life I found no man but he was true to me. I shall have glory by this losing day, More than Octavius and Mark Antony By this vile conquest shall attain unto. So fare you well at once, for Brutus’ tongue Hath almost ended his life’s history. Night hangs upon mine eyes. My bones would rest, That have but laboured to attain this hour.
(didascalia)	Alarum. Cry within: ‘Fly, fly, fly!’
CLITUS	Fly, my lord, fly!
BRUTUS	Hence; I will follow.
(didascalia)	Exeunt Clitus, Dardanius, and Volumnius
BRUTUS	I prithee, Strato, stay thou by thy lord. Thou art a fellow of a good respect. Thy life hath had some smatch of honour in it. Hold then my sword, and turn away thy face While I do run upon it. Wilt thou, Strato?
STRATO	Give me your hand first. Fare you well, my lord.
BRUTUS	Farewell, good Strato. Strato holds the sword, while Brutus runs on it Caesar, now be still. I killed not thee with half so good a will. He dies
(didascalia)	Alarum. Retreat. Enter Antony, Octavius, Messala, Lucillius, and the army
OCTAVIUS	What man is that?
MESSALA	My master’s man. Strato, where is thy master?
STRATO	Free from the bondage you are in, Messala. The conquerors can but make a fire of him, For Brutus only overcame himself, And no man else hath honour by his death.
LUCILLIUS	So Brutus should be found. I thank thee, Brutus, That thou hast proved Lucillius’ saying true.
OCTAVIUS	All that served Brutus, I will entertain them. (To Strato) Fellow, wilt thou bestow thy time with me?
STRATO	Ay, if Messala will prefer me to you.
OCTAVIUS	Do so, good Messala.
MESSALA	How died my master, Strato?
STRATO	I held the sword, and he did run on it.
MESSALA	Octavius, then take him to follow thee, That did the latest service to my master.
ANTONY	This was the noblest Roman of them all. All the conspirators save only he Did that they did in envy of great Caesar. He only in a general honest thought And common good to all made one of them. His life was gentle, and the elements So mixed in him that nature might stand up And say to all the world ‘This was a man’.
OCTAVIUS	According to his virtue let us use him, With all respect and rites of burial.
(didascalia)	Within my tent his bones tonight shall lie,
OCTAVIUS	Most like a soldier, ordered honourably. So call the field to rest, and let’s away To part the glories of this happy day.
(didascalia)	Exeunt [with Brutus’ body]
AS YOU LIKE IT	As You Like It is first heard of in the Stationers’ Register on 4 August 1600, and was probably written not long before. In spite of its early entry for publication, it was not printed until 1623. This play, with its contrasts between court and country, its bucolic as well as its aristocratic characters, its inset songs and poems, its predominantly woodland setting, its conscious artifice and its romantic ending, is the one in which Shakespeare makes most use of the conventions of pastoral literature, though he does not wholly endorse them. The story of the love between a high-born maiden—Rosalind—oppressed by the uncle—Duke Frederick—who has usurped his elder brother’s dukedom, and Orlando, the third and youngest son of Duke Frederick’s old enemy Sir Rowland de Bois, himself oppressed by his tyrannical eldest brother Oliver, derives from Thomas Lodge’s Rosalynde, a prose romance interspersed with verses, which first appeared in 1590 and was several times reprinted. There are many indications that Shakespeare thought of the action as taking place in the Ardenne area of France, as in Rosalynde, even though there was also a Forest of Arden in Warwickshire. Like Lodge, Shakespeare counterpoints the developing love between Rosalind—who for much of the action is disguised as a boy, Ganymede—with the idealized pastoral romance of Silvius and Phoebe; he adds the down-to-earth, unromantic affair between the jester Touchstone and Audrey. Once Rosalind and her cousin Celia (also disguised) reach the forest, plot is virtually suspended in favour of a series of scintillating conversations making much use of prose. The sudden flowering of love between Celia and Orlando’s brother Oliver, newly converted to virtue, is based on Rosalynde, but Shakespeare alters the climax of the story, bringing Hymen, the god of marriage, on stage to resolve all complications. As well as Touchstone, Shakespeare added the melancholy courtier Jaques, both of whom act as commentators, though from very different standpoints. The first performances of Shakespeare’s text after his own time were given in 1740. It rapidly established itself in the theatrical repertoire, and has also been appreciated for its literary qualities. It has usually been played in picturesque settings, often since the late nineteenth century in the open air. Rosalind (written originally, of course, for a boy actor) is the dominant character, but other roles, especially Jaques, Touchstone, Audrey, Corin, and—in his single scene—William, have proved particularly effective when played by performers with a strong sense of their latent individuality.
THE PERSONS OF THE	PLAY
DUKE	SENIOR, living in banishment ROSALIND, his daughter, later disguised as Ganymede
DUKE FREDERICK	CELIA, his daughter, later disguised as Aliena
LE	BEAU, a courtier attending on him CHARLES, Duke Frederick’s wrestler TOUCHSTONE, a jester OLIVER, eldest son of Sir Rowland de Bois ADAM, a former servant of Sir Rowland DENIS, Oliver’s servant
SIR OLIVER	MARTEXT, a country clergyman CORIN, an old shepherd SILVIUS, a young shepherd, in love with Phoebe PHOEBE, a shepherdess WILLIAM, a countryman, in love with Audrey AUDREY, a goatherd, betrothed to Touchstone HYMEN, god of marriage Lords, pages, and other attendants

Chi parla	Battuta
(didascalia)	Entrano Bruto, Dardanio, Clito, Stratone e Volumnio
BRUTO	Venite, poveri resti d’amici, riposate su questa roccia.
(didascalia)	Siede. Stratone si distende e s’addormenta
CLITO	Statilio mostrò la luce della torcia, ma, mio signore, non è tornato indietro. O è preso o è ucciso.
BRUTO	Siediti, Clito. Uccidere è la parola: è un’azione di moda. Ascolta, Clito. Gli sussurra
CLITO	Come, io, mio signore? No, per nulla al mondo.
BRUTO	Taci, allora, non una parola.
CLITO	Piuttosto mi ucciderei. Si tira in disparte
BRUTO	Ascolta, Dardanio. Gli sussurra
DARDANIO	Dovrei fare un’azione simile? Raggiunge Clito
CLITO	O Dardanio!
DARDANIO	O Clito!
CLITO	Quale malvagia richiesta ti fece Bruto?
DARDANIO	Di ucciderlo, Clito. Guarda, medita.
CLITO	Ora quel nobile vaso è così pieno di dolore che trabocca perfino dai suoi occhi.
BRUTO	Vieni qua, buon Volumnio. Ascolta una parola.
VOLUMNIO	Che dice il mio signore?
BRUTO	Questo, Volumnio. Lo spettro di Cesare mi è apparso due volte distinte di notte—a Sardi una volta, e questa scorsa notte, qui nei campi di Filippi. So che la mia ora è giunta.
VOLUMNIO	Non è così, mio signore.
BRUTO	No, sono certo che è così, Volumnio. Tu vedi il mondo, Volumnio, come va. I nostri nemici ci hanno sospinti sull’orlo della fossa, Allarmi sommessi è più degno saltarvi dentro noi stessi che indugiare finché ci spingano. Buon Volumnio, tu sai che noi due andammo a scuola insieme. Proprio per questo, per il nostro antico affetto, ti prego, reggi tu l’elsa della mia spada mentre vi corro sopra.
VOLUMNIO	Non è un ufficio da amico, mio signore. Allarme ancora
CLITO	Fuggite, fuggite, mio signore! Non c’è da indugiare qui.
BRUTO	Addio a voi, e a voi, e a voi, Volumnio.— Stratone, tu hai dormito per tutto questo tempo.
(didascalia)	Stratone si sveglia
BRUTO	Addio anche a te, Stratone. Compatrioti, il mio cuore gioisce perché in tutta la mia vita non trovai uomo che non mi fosse fedele. Avrò gloria da questo giorno di sconfitta, più di quanta Ottavio e Marco Antonio ne otterranno da questa vile conquista. Così state bene tutti insieme, ché la lingua di Bruto ha quasi finito la storia della sua vita. La notte pesa sui miei occhi. Le mie ossa vorrebbero riposare, esse che non hanno faticato che per giungere a quest’ora.
(didascalia)	Allarme. Grido dentro: ‘Fuggite, fuggite, fuggite!’
CLITO	Fuggite, mio signore, fuggite!
BRUTO	Via; vi seguirò.
(didascalia)	Escono Clito, Dardanio e Volumnio
BRUTO	Ti prego, Stratone, resta tu presso il tuo signore. Tu sei uomo di buona stima. La tua vita ha avuto qualche sapore d’onore. Reggi dunque la mia spada, e volgi via il volto mentre vi corro sopra. Vuoi tu, Stratone?
STRATONE	Datemi prima la mano. State bene, mio signore.
BRUTO	Addio, buon Stratone. Stratone tiene la spada, mentre Bruto vi si getta sopra Cesare, ora sta’ in pace. Non ti uccisi con metà di così buona volontà. Muore
(didascalia)	Allarme. Ritirata. Entrano Antonio, Ottavio, Messala, Lucilio e l’esercito
OTTAVIO	Chi è quell’uomo?
MESSALA	L’uomo del mio padrone. Stratone, dov’è il tuo padrone?
STRATONE	Libero dalla schiavitù in cui voi siete, Messala. I vincitori non possono che farne un fuoco, ché Bruto vinse soltanto se stesso, e nessun altro ha onore dalla sua morte.
LUCILIO	Così Bruto doveva esser trovato. Ti ringrazio, Bruto, d’aver dimostrato vera la parola di Lucilio.
OTTAVIO	Tutti coloro che servirono Bruto, io li prenderò al mio servizio. (A Stratone) Compare, vuoi tu spendere il tuo tempo con me?
STRATONE	Sì, se Messala mi raccomanderà a voi.
OTTAVIO	Fatelo, buon Messala.
MESSALA	Come morì il mio padrone, Stratone?
STRATONE	Io reggevo la spada, ed egli vi corse sopra.
MESSALA	Ottavio, prendetelo dunque al vostro seguito, lui che rese l’ultimo servizio al mio padrone.
ANTONIO	Questi fu il più nobile Romano di tutti. Tutti i congiurati tranne lui solo fecero ciò che fecero per invidia del grande Cesare. Egli soltanto, per un pensiero onesto e generale e per il bene comune a tutti, fu uno di loro. La sua vita fu gentile, e gli elementi così mescolati in lui che la natura potrebbe levarsi e dire a tutto il mondo ‘Questi era un uomo’.
OTTAVIO	Secondo la sua virtù trattiamolo, con ogni rispetto e riti di sepoltura.
(didascalia)	Nella mia tenda giaceranno stanotte le sue ossa,
OTTAVIO	proprio come di un soldato, disposte onorevolmente. Chiamate dunque a riposo il campo, e andiamo a spartirci le glorie di questo felice giorno.
(didascalia)	Escono [con il corpo di Bruto]