JULIUS CAESAR, ACT IV, SCENE 3, PART 2, EVERGREEN PAGE 158 TO 164

 

JULIUS CAESAR, ACT IV, SCENE 3, PART 2, EVERGREEN PAGE 158 TO 164

Brutus. Sheathe your dagger: Be angry when you will, it shall have scope;………………………………….. Brutus. Your reason?

Glossary

Sheathe — To put a sword or dagger back into its covering; put away a weapon / तलवार या खंजर को म्यान में रखना / ଖଣ୍ଡା ବା ଛୁରିକୁ ଖୋଳରେ ରଖିବା

Dagger — A short, pointed weapon / कटार, खंजर / କଟାରୀ, ଛୁରି

Scope — Opportunity or freedom to act / अवसर, गुंजाइश / ସୁଯୋଗ, ଅବକାଶ

Dishonour — Loss of respect or dignity; disgrace / अपमान, बेइज्जती / ଅପମାନ, ଅସମ୍ମାନ

Humour — A person's mood, temperament, or disposition / मनोदशा, स्वभाव / ମନୋଭାବ, ସ୍ୱଭାବ

Yoked — Joined or coupled together, especially under a burden / जोता हुआ, साथ बाँधा हुआ / ଯୋଚା ହୋଇଥିବା, ଏକାଠି ବନ୍ଧା ହୋଇଥିବା

Lamb — A young sheep; figuratively, a gentle and harmless person / मेमना; रूपक में भोला और शांत व्यक्ति / ମେଣ୍ଢା ଛୁଆ; ରୂପକ ଅର୍ଥରେ ନିରୀହ ଓ ଶାନ୍ତ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି

Carries anger — Contains or holds anger / क्रोध को अपने भीतर रखना / ମନରେ କ୍ରୋଧ ରଖିବା

Flint — A hard stone that produces sparks when struck / चकमक पत्थर / ନିଆଁ ଝୁଲ ବାହାର କରୁଥିବା କଠିନ ପଥର

Bears fire — Produces or holds fire; here, the flint is compared to a person who releases anger when provoked / आग उत्पन्न करता है; यहाँ क्रोध के अचानक प्रकट होने का संकेत / ନିଆଁ ସୃଷ୍ଟି କରେ; ଏଠାରେ ହଠାତ୍ କ୍ରୋଧ ପ୍ରକାଶ କରିବାର ଅର୍ଥ

Enforced — Compelled, forced, or subjected to pressure / विवश, बाध्य / ବାଧ୍ୟ, ବଳପୂର୍ବକ ପ୍ରଭାବିତ

Hasty — Quick, sudden, or hurried / जल्दबाजी में किया गया, अचानक / ତରବରିଆ, ହଠାତ୍

Spark — A tiny flash of fire; figuratively, a sudden outburst of anger / चिंगारी; रूपक में क्रोध का अचानक विस्फोट / ନିଆଁର ଝୁଲ; ରୂପକ ଅର୍ଥରେ ହଠାତ୍ କ୍ରୋଧର ପ୍ରକାଶ

Straight — Immediately, at once / तुरंत, फौरन / ସଙ୍ଗେ ସଙ୍ଗେ, ତୁରନ୍ତ

Cold again — Calm again after becoming angry / फिर से शांत हो जाना / ପୁଣି ଶାନ୍ତ ହୋଇଯିବା

Hath — An old form of has / है, किया है / ଅଛି, କରିଛି

Mirth — Amusement, happiness, or laughter / आनंद, हँसी-खुशी / ଆନନ୍ଦ, ହସଖୁସି

Grief — Deep sorrow, especially caused by death or loss / गहरा दुःख, शोक / ଗଭୀର ଦୁଃଖ, ଶୋକ

Ill-temper'd — Bad-tempered, irritable, or angry / चिड़चिड़ा, क्रोधी / ରାଗୀ, ବିରକ୍ତ ସ୍ୱଭାବର

Vexeth — An archaic form of vexes; troubles, annoys, or distresses / परेशान करता है, व्यथित करता है / ବିରକ୍ତ କରେ, କଷ୍ଟ ଦିଏ

Confess — To admit that something is true / स्वीकार करना, मान लेना / ସ୍ୱୀକାର କରିବା, ମାନିନେବା

Bear with — To tolerate someone's faults or behaviour patiently / धैर्यपूर्वक सहन करना / ଧୈର୍ଯ୍ୟର ସହ ସହ୍ୟ କରିବା

Rash — Acting without careful thought; impulsive / उतावला, बिना सोचे-समझे काम करने वाला / ଅବିବେକୀ, ନଭାବିଚିନ୍ତି କାମ କରୁଥିବା

Forgetful — Likely to forget things; here, temporarily losing self-control or forgetting to behave calmly / भूलने वाला; यहाँ अपना संयम भूल जाने वाला / ଭୁଲିଯିବା ସ୍ୱଭାବର; ଏଠାରେ ନିଜର ସଂଯମ ଭୁଲିଯିବା

Henceforth — From this time onward / अब से, भविष्य में / ଏଣିକି, ଆଜିଠାରୁ

Over-earnest — Excessively serious or intense / अत्यधिक गंभीर या आवेशपूर्ण / ଅତ୍ୟଧିକ ଗମ୍ଭୀର ବା ଆବେଗପ୍ରବଣ

Chides — Scolds or rebukes / डाँटती है, फटकारती है / ଗାଳି ଦିଏ, ଭର୍ତ୍ସନା କରେ

Important expression: “You are yoked with a lamb.” Brutus compares himself to a gentle lamb to suggest that Cassius is associated with someone who may show anger briefly but soon becomes calm.

The Poet interrupts Brutus and Cassius

Within — Inside; used in a stage direction to indicate that a voice comes from offstage / भीतर से; मंच के बाहर से आवाज़ आने का संकेत / ଭିତରୁ; ମଞ୍ଚ ବାହାରୁ ଶବ୍ଦ ଆସୁଥିବାର ସୂଚନା

Grudge — A feeling of resentment or ill will caused by a past disagreement / मनमुटाव, वैर / ମନୋମାଳିନ୍ୟ, ଶତ୍ରୁତା

'Em — A shortened form of them / उनका, उन्हें / ସେମାନଙ୍କୁ, ସେମାନଙ୍କର

'Tis — A shortened form of it is / यह है / ଏହା ଅଟେ

Meet — Proper, suitable, or appropriate / उचित, उपयुक्त / ଉଚିତ, ଉପଯୁକ୍ତ

Alone — Without anyone else present / अकेले / ଏକୁଟିଆ

Stay me — Stop or prevent me / मुझे रोकना / ମୋତେ ଅଟକାଇବା

Generals — Senior military commanders / सेनापति, उच्च सैन्य अधिकारी / ସେନାପତି, ଉଚ୍ଚପଦସ୍ଥ ସାମରିକ ଅଧିକାରୀ

For shame! — An expression used to condemn someone's behaviour / शर्म करो!, यह लज्जाजनक है! / ଛିଃ!, ଲଜ୍ଜା କର!

What do you mean? — What are you doing, or what is the intention behind your behaviour? / तुम्हारा क्या मतलब है? यहाँ: तुम ऐसा क्यों कर रहे हो? / ତୁମର ଉଦ୍ଦେଶ୍ୟ କ'ଣ? ଏଠାରେ: ତୁମେ ଏପରି କାହିଁକି କରୁଛ?

Be friends — Maintain friendly relations and end hostility / मित्रतापूर्वक रहना, मेल-मिलाप करना / ବନ୍ଧୁତା ରଖିବା, ମନୋମାଳିନ୍ୟ ଦୂର କରିବା

Ye — An archaic form of you, used for the plural / तुम, आप लोग / ତୁମେମାନେ, ଆପଣମାନେ

Vilely — In a contemptible, unpleasant, or disgraceful manner / घृणित या निकृष्ट ढंग से / ଘୃଣ୍ୟ ବା ନିକୃଷ୍ଟ ଭାବରେ

Cynic — A person who doubts the sincerity of others; here, a mocking description of the Poet's attitude and manner / दूसरों की नीयत पर संदेह करने वाला व्यक्ति; यहाँ उपहासपूर्ण संबोधन / ଅନ୍ୟମାନଙ୍କ ଆନ୍ତରିକତା ଉପରେ ସନ୍ଦେହ କରୁଥିବା ବ୍ୟକ୍ତି; ଏଠାରେ ବ୍ୟଙ୍ଗାତ୍ମକ ସମ୍ବୋଧନ

Rhyme — Correspondence of sounds, especially at the ends of poetic lines / तुक, तुकबंदी / ଅନ୍ତ୍ୟମିଳ, ଛନ୍ଦର ମିଳ

Get you hence — Go away from here / यहाँ से चले जाओ / ଏଠାରୁ ଚାଲିଯାଅ

Sirrah — An old form of address used for a man or boy, often contemptuously / अरे आदमी!, ओ लड़के!; कभी-कभी अपमानजनक संबोधन / ଆରେ ଲୋକଟା!, ହେ ବାଳକ!; ବେଳେବେଳେ ଅପମାନଜନକ ସମ୍ବୋଧନ

Saucy — Impudent, rude, or disrespectful / ढीठ, बदतमीज़ / ଧୃଷ୍ଟ, ଅସଭ୍ୟ

Fashion — Habit, usual manner, or characteristic behaviour / आदत, स्वभाव / ଅଭ୍ୟାସ, ସ୍ୱଭାବ

I'll know his humour — I will understand his temperament or manner of behaving / मैं उसका स्वभाव समझ लूँगा / ମୁଁ ତାହାର ସ୍ୱଭାବ ବୁଝିଯିବି

When he knows his time — When he learns the proper time and occasion for his behaviour / जब वह उचित समय और अवसर समझ लेगा / ଯେତେବେଳେ ସେ ଉପଯୁକ୍ତ ସମୟ ଓ ସୁଯୋଗ ବୁଝିବ

Wars — Armed conflicts between opposing groups or nations / युद्ध / ଯୁଦ୍ଧ

Jigging — Dancing or moving in a lively, irregular manner; here, associated with foolish, comic behaviour / उछलते-कूदते नाचना; यहाँ मूर्खतापूर्ण हास्यास्पद व्यवहार / ଡେଇଁଡେଇଁ ନାଚିବା; ଏଠାରେ ହାସ୍ୟାସ୍ପଦ ଓ ମୂର୍ଖାମିପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଆଚରଣ

Fools — People who behave foolishly / मूर्ख लोग / ମୂର୍ଖ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିମାନେ

Companion — A person who accompanies another; here, a dismissive form of address / साथी, मित्र; यहाँ उपेक्षापूर्ण संबोधन / ସାଥୀ, ବନ୍ଧୁ; ଏଠାରେ ଅବଜ୍ଞାସୂଚକ ସମ୍ବୋଧନ

Away, away, be gone — Leave immediately; go away / तुरंत चले जाओ / ତୁରନ୍ତ ଚାଲିଯାଅ

Exit — A stage direction indicating that a character leaves the stage / मंच से बाहर जाना / ମଞ୍ଚରୁ ବାହାରିଯିବା

Bid — To tell, order, or instruct someone to do something / आदेश देना, कहना / ଆଦେଶ ଦେବା, କହିବା

Commanders — Officers who lead military units / सैन्य अधिकारी, कमांडर / ସାମରିକ ଅଧିକାରୀ, ସେନାନାୟକ

Prepare — To make ready / तैयार करना / ପ୍ରସ୍ତୁତ କରିବା

Lodge — To provide accommodation or a place to stay / ठहराना, रहने की व्यवस्था करना / ରହିବାର ବ୍ୟବସ୍ଥା କରିବା

Companies — Here, groups of soldiers under military command, not business organisations / सैनिक टुकड़ियाँ / ସୈନିକ ଦଳ

To-night — Tonight; during the coming night / आज रात / ଆଜି ରାତିରେ

Immediately — At once, without delay / तुरंत, बिना देर किए / ତୁରନ୍ତ, ବିଳମ୍ବ ନକରି

Exeunt — A stage direction meaning that two or more characters leave the stage / दो या अधिक पात्रों का मंच से चले जाना / ଦୁଇ ବା ଅଧିକ ଚରିତ୍ରଙ୍କ ମଞ୍ଚ ଛାଡ଼ିବା

Brutus reveals his sorrow

Bowl — A round, open container used for holding or drinking something / कटोरा, प्याला / ପାତ୍ର, ପିଆଲା

Sick of many griefs — Deeply distressed and emotionally exhausted because of many sorrows / अनेक दुःखों से व्यथित और मानसिक रूप से थका हुआ / ଅନେକ ଦୁଃଖରେ ମର୍ମାହତ ଓ ମାନସିକ ଭାବେ କ୍ଳାନ୍ତ

Philosophy — The study or practical application of wisdom, reason, and principles of life / दर्शनशास्त्र; जीवन में विवेक और बुद्धिमत्ता का प्रयोग / ଦର୍ଶନଶାସ୍ତ୍ର; ଜୀବନରେ ବିବେକ ଓ ଜ୍ଞାନର ପ୍ରୟୋଗ

Make no use of — Fail to apply or benefit from something / किसी चीज़ का उपयोग न करना / କୌଣସି ଜିନିଷର ଉପଯୋଗ ନକରିବା

Give place to — To yield to, surrender to, or allow something to control one's feelings or actions / किसी भावना के आगे झुक जाना / କୌଣସି ଭାବନା ଆଗରେ ହାର ମାନିବା

Accidental evils — Unforeseen misfortunes or unfortunate events that arise unexpectedly; not necessarily evils caused by an accident / आकस्मिक विपत्तियाँ या अप्रत्याशित दुर्भाग्यपूर्ण घटनाएँ / ଆକସ୍ମିକ ବିପତ୍ତି ବା ଅପ୍ରତ୍ୟାଶିତ ଦୁର୍ଭାଗ୍ୟଜନକ ଘଟଣା

Bears sorrow — Endures or withstands grief / दुःख सहन करता है / ଦୁଃଖ ସହ୍ୟ କରେ

Portia — Brutus's wife in the play / नाटक में ब्रूटस की पत्नी / ନାଟକରେ ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍‌ଙ୍କ ପତ୍ନୀ

'Scaped — An archaic shortened form of escaped / बच गया, बच निकला / ବଞ୍ଚିଗଲା, ଖସିଗଲା

Killing — In this context, being killed or causing someone's death / मारा जाना या किसी की हत्या करना / ମରିଯିବା ବା କାହାକୁ ହତ୍ୟା କରିବା

Cross'd — An old spelling of crossed; here, opposed, angered, or provoked someone / विरोध किया, नाराज़ किया / ବିରୋଧ କଲା, ରାଗାଇଲା

Insupportable — Impossible or extremely difficult to bear / असहनीय / ଅସହ୍ୟ

Touching loss — A deeply moving and sorrowful loss / हृदय को छू लेने वाली दुःखद क्षति / ହୃଦୟକୁ ଗଭୀର ଭାବେ ସ୍ପର୍ଶ କରୁଥିବା ଦୁଃଖଦ କ୍ଷତି

Upon what sickness? — From what illness? / किस बीमारी से? / କେଉଁ ରୋଗରେ?

Impatient of my absence — Unable to bear my absence patiently / मेरी अनुपस्थिति सहन न कर सकने वाली / ମୋର ଅନୁପସ୍ଥିତି ସହ୍ୟ କରିପାରୁ ନଥିବା

Absence — The state of being away from someone or somewhere / अनुपस्थिति / ଅନୁପସ୍ଥିତି

Octavius — Octavius Caesar, the young Roman leader who opposes Brutus and Cassius / ऑक्टेवियस सीज़र, ब्रूटस और कैसियस का विरोधी युवा रोमन नेता / ଅକ୍ଟାଭିଅସ୍ ସିଜର୍, ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ଓ କାସିଅସ୍‌ଙ୍କ ବିରୋଧୀ ଯୁବ ରୋମୀୟ ନେତା

Mark Antony — A Roman political and military leader who opposes the conspirators / मार्क एंटनी, षड्यंत्रकारियों का विरोध करने वाला रोमन नेता / ମାର୍କ ଆଣ୍ଟୋନି, ଷଡ଼ଯନ୍ତ୍ରକାରୀମାନଙ୍କ ବିରୋଧୀ ରୋମୀୟ ନେତା

Made themselves so strong — Increased their strength and military power considerably / अपनी शक्ति बहुत बढ़ा ली है / ନିଜର ଶକ୍ତିକୁ ବହୁତ ବଢ଼ାଇଛନ୍ତି

Tidings — News or information, especially important news / समाचार, खबर / ସମ୍ବାଦ, ଖବର

Fell distract — Became mentally disturbed or lost control of her mind; distract here is an archaic usage associated with mental derangement / मानसिक संतुलन खो बैठी / ମାନସିକ ସନ୍ତୁଳନ ହରାଇଲେ

Attendants — People who look after or serve someone / परिचारक, सेवक / ପରିଚାରକ, ସେବକ

Absent — Not present / अनुपस्थित / ଅନୁପସ୍ଥିତ

Swallow'd fire — An archaic expression meaning swallowed fire; in the play, it refers to Portia's death by swallowing burning coals / जलते अंगारे निगल लिए / ଜଳୁଥିବା ଅଙ୍ଗାର ଗିଳିଦେଲେ

Even so — Exactly so; that is indeed what happened / हाँ, बिल्कुल ऐसा ही / ହଁ, ଠିକ୍ ସେହିପରି

Immortal — Living forever; not subject to death / अमर / ଅମର

Immortal gods — Gods believed to live forever / अमर देवता / ଅମର ଦେବତାମାନେ

Re-enter — A stage direction indicating that a character returns to the stage / पात्र का फिर से मंच पर प्रवेश करना / ଚରିତ୍ରର ପୁନର୍ବାର ମଞ୍ଚରେ ପ୍ରବେଶ

Taper — A small, thin candle / पतली मोमबत्ती / ପତଳା ମହମବତୀ

Bury all unkindness — Put an end to resentment, hurt feelings, and past disagreements / सारी कटुता और मनमुटाव समाप्त कर देना / ସମସ୍ତ ତିକ୍ତତା ଓ ମନୋମାଳିନ୍ୟ ଦୂର କରିଦେବା

Unkindness — Lack of kindness; hurtful or unfriendly behaviour / निर्दयता, कटुता, अप्रिय व्यवहार / ନିଷ୍ଠୁରତା, ତିକ୍ତତା, ଅପ୍ରୀତିକର ବ୍ୟବହାର

Thirsty — Needing or wanting a drink; figuratively, eagerly desiring something / प्यासा; लाक्षणिक अर्थ में किसी चीज़ की तीव्र इच्छा रखने वाला / ଶୋଷିଲା; ରୂପକ ଅର୍ଥରେ କୌଣସି ଜିନିଷ ପାଇଁ ତୀବ୍ର ଆଗ୍ରହୀ

Noble — Honourable, dignified, or morally admirable / महान, सम्माननीय, उदात्त / ମହାନ, ସମ୍ମାନନୀୟ, ଉଦାତ୍ତ

Pledge — A solemn promise or commitment; here, the wine-drinking gesture symbolises reconciliation and friendship / गंभीर प्रतिज्ञा; यहाँ शराब का प्याला मिलाप और मित्रता का प्रतीक है / ଦୃଢ଼ ପ୍ରତିଜ୍ଞା; ଏଠାରେ ମଦ୍ୟପାତ୍ର ମିଳାମିଶା ଓ ବନ୍ଧୁତ୍ୱର ପ୍ରତୀକ

O'erswell — An archaic form of overswell; overflow or rise beyond the rim / छलक जाना, किनारे से ऊपर भर जाना / ଉଛୁଳି ପଡ଼ିବା, ଧାର ଉପରକୁ ଭରିଯିବା

Cannot drink too much of Brutus' love — Cassius expresses that no amount of Brutus's affection and reconciliation can be excessive for him / ब्रूटस के प्रेम और स्नेह का कितना भी अधिक आनंद उसके लिए कम नहीं है / ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍‌ଙ୍କ ସ୍ନେହ ଓ ଭଲପାଇବା ତାଙ୍କ ପାଇଁ କେବେ ବି ଅତ୍ୟଧିକ ନୁହେଁ

Sit we close — Let us sit closely together / आओ, हम पास-पास बैठें / ଆସ, ଆମେ ପାଖାପାଖି ବସିବା

Call in question — To examine, discuss, or consider something carefully / किसी विषय पर विचार-विमर्श या जाँच करना / କୌଣସି ବିଷୟରେ ବିଚାରବିମର୍ଶ ବା ତଦନ୍ତ କରିବା

Necessities — Things that are essential or urgent; here, pressing matters requiring attention / आवश्यकताएँ; यहाँ तत्काल ध्यान देने योग्य जरूरी विषय / ଆବଶ୍ୟକତା; ଏଠାରେ ତୁରନ୍ତ ଧ୍ୟାନ ଦେବାକୁ ଥିବା ଜରୁରୀ ବିଷୟ

News of the advancing enemy

Art thou gone? — Have you gone? An emotional question addressed to Portia after her death / क्या तुम चली गई हो? / ତୁମେ କ'ଣ ଚାଲିଗଲ?

I pray you — Please; I beg you / कृपया, मैं आपसे विनती करता हूँ / ଦୟାକରି, ମୁଁ ଆପଣଙ୍କୁ ଅନୁରୋଧ କରୁଛି

Received letters — Obtained written messages or reports / पत्र प्राप्त किए हैं / ଚିଠି ପାଇଛି

Come down upon us — Advance against us with the intention of attacking or defeating us / हम पर आक्रमण करने के लिए आगे बढ़ना / ଆମ ଉପରେ ଆକ୍ରମଣ କରିବା ପାଇଁ ଆଗେଇ ଆସିବା

Mighty power — A very large and powerful army or military force / विशाल और शक्तिशाली सेना / ବିଶାଳ ଓ ଶକ୍ତିଶାଳୀ ସେନା

Bending their expedition — Directing their military campaign or march towards a particular destination / अपने सैन्य अभियान को किसी दिशा में मोड़ना / ନିଜର ସାମରିକ ଅଭିଯାନକୁ ଏକ ନିର୍ଦ୍ଦିଷ୍ଟ ଦିଗକୁ ନେବା

Expedition — A planned journey or military campaign / अभियान, सैन्य चढ़ाई / ଅଭିଯାନ, ସାମରିକ ଯାତ୍ରା

Philippi — An ancient city in Macedonia, where the decisive battle between the forces of Brutus and Cassius and those of Octavius and Antony would take place / मैसेडोनिया का प्राचीन नगर, जहाँ दोनों पक्षों के बीच निर्णायक युद्ध होना था / ମାସିଡୋନିଆର ପ୍ରାଚୀନ ସହର, ଯେଉଁଠାରେ ଉଭୟ ପକ୍ଷ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ନିର୍ଣ୍ଣାୟକ ଯୁଦ୍ଧ ହେବାର ଥିଲା

Selfsame tenor — Exactly the same general meaning or substance / बिल्कुल उसी आशय का / ଠିକ୍ ସେହି ଅର୍ଥ ବା ବିଷୟବସ୍ତୁର

Tenor — The general meaning, substance, or purport of a message / आशय, भाव, मुख्य अर्थ / ମର୍ମ, ମୁଖ୍ୟ ଅର୍ଥ

Addition — Extra information added to what has already been said or reported / अतिरिक्त जानकारी / ଅତିରିକ୍ତ ସୂଚନା

Proscription — An official declaration that a person is an enemy of the state, often accompanied by a death sentence or confiscation of property / राज्य द्वारा किसी व्यक्ति को शत्रु घोषित करने की आधिकारिक कार्रवाई, जिसमें मृत्युदंड या संपत्ति जब्ती भी हो सकती है / ରାଷ୍ଟ୍ରଦ୍ୱାରା କାହାକୁ ଶତ୍ରୁ ଘୋଷଣା କରିବାର ଔପଚାରିକ ପଦକ୍ଷେପ, ଯେଉଁଥିରେ ମୃତ୍ୟୁଦଣ୍ଡ ବା ସମ୍ପତ୍ତି ଜବତ ହୋଇପାରେ

Bills of outlawry — Official lists or notices declaring people outlaws, deprived of legal protection / ଅपराधी या कानून के बाहर घोषित व्यक्तियों की आधिकारिक सूचियाँ / ଆଇନର ସୁରକ୍ଷାରୁ ବଞ୍ଚିତ ଘୋଷିତ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିମାନଙ୍କ ଆଧିକାରିକ ତାଲିକା

Outlawry — The condition of being declared an outlaw and excluded from the protection of the law / कानून के संरक्षण से वंचित घोषित किए जाने की स्थिति / ଆଇନର ସୁରକ୍ଷାରୁ ବଞ୍ଚିତ ଘୋଷିତ ହେବାର ଅବସ୍ଥା

Lepidus — Marcus Aemilius Lepidus, a Roman political and military leader associated with Octavius and Antony / लेपिडस, ऑक्टेवियस और एंटनी का रोमन राजनीतिक सहयोगी / ଲେପିଡସ୍, ଅକ୍ଟାଭିଅସ୍ ଓ ଆଣ୍ଟୋନିଙ୍କ ରୋମୀୟ ରାଜନୈତିକ ସହଯୋଗୀ

Put to death — Executed or caused to die / मृत्युदंड देना, मार डालना / ମୃତ୍ୟୁଦଣ୍ଡ ଦେବା, ହତ୍ୟା କରିବା

An hundred — An old-fashioned form of a hundred / एक सौ / ଏକ ଶହ

Therein — In that matter, in that respect, or in that document / उसमें, उस मामले में / ସେଥିରେ, ସେହି ବିଷୟରେ

Do not well agree — Do not correspond or match exactly / पूरी तरह मेल नहीं खाते / ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଭାବେ ମେଳ ଖାଉନାହିଁ

Mine — My letters; an old-fashioned possessive use / मेरे पत्र / ମୋର ଚିଠିଗୁଡ଼ିକ

Proscriptions — Official declarations or lists naming people for punishment or execution / दंड या मृत्युदंड के लिए घोषित आधिकारिक सूचियाँ / ଦଣ୍ଡ ବା ମୃତ୍ୟୁଦଣ୍ଡ ପାଇଁ ଘୋଷିତ ଆଧିକାରିକ ତାଲିକା

Cicero — Marcus Tullius Cicero, a celebrated Roman orator, statesman, and writer / सिसरो, प्रसिद्ध रोमन वक्ता, राजनेता और लेखक / ସିସେରୋ, ପ୍ରସିଦ୍ଧ ରୋମୀୟ ବକ୍ତା, ରାଜନେତା ଓ ଲେଖକ

By that order — In accordance with that official command / उस आदेश के अनुसार / ସେହି ଆଦେଶ ଅନୁସାରେ

My lord — A respectful form of address to a man of high rank / मेरे स्वामी, श्रीमान / ମୋର ପ୍ରଭୁ, ମହାଶୟ

Writ — An archaic form of written / लिखा हुआ / ଲେଖାଯାଇଥିବା

Methinks — An archaic expression meaning it seems to me / मुझे ऐसा लगता है / ମୋତେ ଏପରି ଲାଗୁଛି

Strange — Unusual, unexpected, or difficult to explain / अजीब, असामान्य / ଅଜବ, ଅସ୍ୱାଭାବିକ

Aught — Anything; an archaic word / कुछ भी / କିଛି ବି

In yours — In your letters / आपके पत्रों में / ତୁମ ଚିଠିଗୁଡ଼ିକରେ

As you are a Roman — Since you are a Roman, act with the honesty, courage, and dignity traditionally associated with a Roman citizen / चूँकि तुम रोमन हो, इसलिए रोमन नागरिक के योग्य ईमानदारी, साहस और गरिमा दिखाओ / ତୁମେ ଜଣେ ରୋମୀୟ ହୋଇଥିବାରୁ, ରୋମୀୟ ନାଗରିକଙ୍କ ଉଚିତ ସତ୍ୟନିଷ୍ଠା, ସାହସ ଓ ମର୍ଯ୍ୟାଦା ଦେଖାଅ

Bear the truth — Endure or accept the truth courageously / सत्य को साहसपूर्वक सहन या स्वीकार करना / ସତ୍ୟକୁ ସାହସର ସହ ସହ୍ୟ ବା ସ୍ୱୀକାର କରିବା

For certain — Certainly; without doubt / निश्चित रूप से / ନିଶ୍ଚିତ ଭାବରେ

By strange manner — In an unusual or unexpected way / असामान्य या विचित्र तरीके से / ଅସ୍ୱାଭାବିକ ବା ଅଜବ ଉପାୟରେ

Farewell — A word expressing leave-taking; here, Brutus bids a sorrowful farewell to his dead wife / विदाई; यहाँ अपनी मृत पत्नी को दुःखपूर्वक अंतिम विदाई / ବିଦାୟ; ଏଠାରେ ନିଜ ମୃତ ପତ୍ନୀଙ୍କୁ ଦୁଃଖଭରା ଶେଷ ବିଦାୟ

Meditating — Thinking deeply or reflecting carefully / गहराई से विचार करना / ଗଭୀର ଭାବେ ଚିନ୍ତା କରିବା

Patience — The ability to endure pain, hardship, or delay calmly / धैर्य, सहनशीलता / ଧୈର୍ଯ୍ୟ, ସହନଶୀଳତା

Endure — To suffer or withstand something difficult without giving up / सहन करना, झेलना / ସହ୍ୟ କରିବା, ସହିବା

Great men — Men of high character, status, or achievement / महान व्यक्ति / ମହାନ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିମାନେ

Losses — Experiences of losing someone or something valuable / हानि, क्षति / କ୍ଷତି, ହାନି

In art — In skill, knowledge, or learned practice / कौशल या सीखे हुए ज्ञान में / କୌଶଳ ବା ଅର୍ଜିତ ଜ୍ଞାନରେ

Nature — A person's natural temperament or emotional disposition / स्वभाव, प्रकृति / ସ୍ୱଭାବ, ପ୍ରକୃତି

Could not bear it so — Could not endure the grief in the same calm manner / उस दुःख को उसी तरह सहन नहीं कर सका / ସେହି ଦୁଃଖକୁ ସେହିପରି ଶାନ୍ତ ଭାବରେ ସହ୍ୟ କରିପାରିଲା ନାହିଁ

To our work alive — Let us return to our important work while we are still alive; the wording stresses action despite sorrow / जब तक हम जीवित हैं, अपने काम पर लौटें / ଯେପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଆମେ ଜୀବିତ ଅଛୁ, ଆମ କାମକୁ ଫେରିବା

Marching — Moving forward, especially as an army / कूच करना, आगे बढ़ना / ପଦଯାତ୍ରା କରିବା, ସେନା ସହ ଆଗେଇବା

Presently — Soon, shortly, or without much delay; in this context, soon / शीघ्र, जल्द ही / ଶୀଘ୍ର, ଖୁବ୍ ଶୀଘ୍ର

Your reason? — What is your reason or argument for that opinion? / आपका तर्क क्या है? / ତୁମର ଯୁକ୍ତି କ'ଣ?

Important expressions and their contextual meanings

“Be angry when you will, it shall have scope.” — Brutus tells Cassius that he may become angry whenever he wishes; Brutus will allow room for his temper and will not retaliate harshly / ब्रूटस कहता है कि कैसियस जब चाहे क्रोधित हो सकता है; वह उसके स्वभाव को सहन करेगा / ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ କହୁଛନ୍ତି ଯେ କାସିଅସ୍ ଯେତେବେଳେ ଇଚ୍ଛା କ୍ରୋଧିତ ହୋଇପାରିବେ; ସେ ତାଙ୍କ ସ୍ୱଭାବକୁ ସହ୍ୟ କରିବେ

“When grief, and blood ill-temper'd, vexeth him.” — When sorrow and an irritable temperament trouble Cassius / जब दुःख और चिड़चिड़ा स्वभाव कैसियस को परेशान करते हैं / ଯେତେବେଳେ ଦୁଃଖ ଓ ରାଗୀ ସ୍ୱଭାବ କାସିଅସ୍‌ଙ୍କୁ ବିବ୍ରତ କରେ

“You are yoked with a lamb.” — Cassius is paired with Brutus, who presents himself as gentle and forgiving despite occasional anger / कैसियस का साथ एक ऐसे व्यक्ति से है जो मेमने की तरह शांत और क्षमाशील है / କାସିଅସ୍ ଏପରି ଜଣେ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିଙ୍କ ସହ ଯୋଡ଼ି ହୋଇଛନ୍ତି, ଯିଏ ମେଣ୍ଢା ଛୁଆ ପରି ଶାନ୍ତ ଓ କ୍ଷମାଶୀଳ

“What should the wars do with these jigging fools?” — Brutus contemptuously asks what place foolish, joking people like the Poet have in a serious military camp / ब्रूटस उपहासपूर्वक पूछता है कि गंभीर युद्ध के बीच ऐसे मसखरे लोगों का क्या काम है / ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ବ୍ୟଙ୍ଗ କରି ପଚାରୁଛନ୍ତି ଯେ ଗମ୍ଭୀର ଯୁଦ୍ଧ ପରିସ୍ଥିତିରେ ଏପରି ହାସ୍ୟାସ୍ପଦ ଲୋକଙ୍କ କ'ଣ କାମ

“If you give place to accidental evils.” — Cassius says Brutus fails to practise his philosophy if he allows unexpected misfortunes to overwhelm him / कैसियस कहता है कि यदि ब्रूटस आकस्मिक विपत्तियों के आगे झुक जाता है, तो वह अपने दर्शन का पालन नहीं करता / କାସିଅସ୍ କହୁଛନ୍ତି ଯେ ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ଯଦି ଆକସ୍ମିକ ବିପତ୍ତି ଆଗରେ ହାର ମାନନ୍ତି, ତେବେ ସେ ନିଜ ଦର୍ଶନକୁ ପ୍ରୟୋଗ କରୁନାହାନ୍ତି

“In this I bury all unkindness, Cassius.” — By sharing the wine, Brutus symbolically ends their quarrel and restores their friendship / इस प्याले के माध्यम से ब्रूटस अपने और कैसियस के बीच की सारी कटुता समाप्त करने का प्रतीकात्मक संकेत देता है / ଏହି ପାତ୍ରର ମଦ୍ୟପାନ ମାଧ୍ୟମରେ ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ନିଜ ଓ କାସିଅସ୍‌ଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଥିବା ସମସ୍ତ ତିକ୍ତତାର ଅବସାନ ଘଟାଇ ବନ୍ଧୁତ୍ୱ ପୁନଃସ୍ଥାପନ କରନ୍ତି

“Call in question our necessities.” — Brutus proposes that they examine and discuss the urgent matters facing their army / ब्रूटस प्रस्ताव देता है कि वे अपनी सेना से जुड़ी जरूरी समस्याओं पर विचार करें / ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ପ୍ରସ୍ତାବ ଦେଉଛନ୍ତି ଯେ ସେମାନେ ନିଜ ସେନା ସମ୍ମୁଖୀନ ହେଉଥିବା ଜରୁରୀ ସମସ୍ୟାଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଆଲୋଚନା କରନ୍ତୁ

“With meditating that she must die once, I have the patience to endure it now.” — Brutus explains that accepting the inevitability of death beforehand helps him bear Portia's death calmly / ब्रूटस समझाता है कि मृत्यु की अनिवार्यता पर पहले से विचार करने के कारण वह पोर्शिया की मृत्यु को धैर्यपूर्वक सहन कर पा रहा है / ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ବୁଝାଉଛନ୍ତି ଯେ ମୃତ୍ୟୁ ଅନିବାର୍ଯ୍ୟ ବୋଲି ପୂର୍ବରୁ ଚିନ୍ତା କରିଥିବାରୁ ସେ ପୋର୍ସିଆଙ୍କ ମୃତ୍ୟୁକୁ ଧୈର୍ଯ୍ୟର ସହ ସହ୍ୟ କରିପାରୁଛନ୍ତି

“To our work alive.” — Brutus urges his companions to return to their military responsibilities instead of allowing personal grief to prevent action / ब्रूटस अपने साथियों से व्यक्तिगत दुःख के बावजूद सैन्य कर्तव्यों पर लौटने का आग्रह करता है / ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ନିଜ ସହଯୋଗୀମାନଙ୍କୁ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିଗତ ଦୁଃଖ ସତ୍ତ୍ୱେ ସାମରିକ କର୍ତ୍ତବ୍ୟକୁ ଫେରିବା ପାଇଁ ଉତ୍ସାହିତ କରନ୍ତି

Summary:

Brutus asks Cassius to put away his dagger and tells him that he may become angry whenever he wishes. Brutus explains that he is like a lamb, who carries anger like flint carries fire. When strongly provoked, he may produce a sudden spark of anger, but he soon becomes calm again. Cassius asks whether he has lived only to become an object of amusement and laughter to Brutus when he is troubled by grief and an irritable temper. Brutus admits that he was also ill-tempered when he spoke those words. Cassius is pleased with this admission and asks Brutus to give him his hand. Brutus offers him his heart as well. Cassius affectionately calls out to Brutus, who asks what the matter is. Cassius asks whether Brutus loves him enough to tolerate his rash temper, which he attributes to his mother, and to forgive him when he forgets himself. Brutus assures him that he does. He promises that, from then onwards, whenever Cassius becomes excessively serious or angry with him, he will imagine that Cassius's mother is scolding him and will leave him alone.

Meanwhile, the Poet is heard demanding permission to enter and see the generals. He says that there is some disagreement between them and that they should not be left alone. Lucilius tries to prevent him from entering, but the Poet declares that nothing except death will stop him. He enters, followed by Lucilius, Titinius and Lucius. Cassius asks what the matter is. The Poet rebukes the two generals, asking them to feel ashamed of their behaviour. He advises them to love each other and remain friends, as two great men should, adding that he is older than both of them. Cassius laughs at the Poet's poor rhyming and calls his rhyme contemptible. Brutus orders the Poet to leave, calling him an impertinent and insolent fellow. Cassius asks Brutus to tolerate him because such behaviour is his usual habit. Brutus says that he will understand the Poet's temperament when the Poet learns to behave at the proper time. He questions what place foolish, joking people have in a war and orders the Poet to leave. Cassius also tells him to go away, and the Poet exits.

Brutus then instructs Lucilius and Titinius to tell the commanders to prepare their companies for accommodation that night. Cassius asks them to bring Messala to the generals immediately. Lucilius and Titinius leave. Brutus asks Lucius to bring a bowl of wine, and Lucius exits. Cassius admits that he had not expected Brutus to become so angry. Brutus replies that he is suffering from many sorrows. Cassius tells him that he is not making proper use of his philosophy if he allows unexpected misfortunes to overwhelm him. Brutus responds that no man can bear sorrow better than he can, but then reveals the painful news that Portia is dead.

Cassius is shocked to hear this and repeats Portia's name in disbelief. Brutus confirms her death. Cassius wonders how he escaped being killed when he had angered Brutus earlier. He expresses his deep sorrow over this unbearable and touching loss and asks what illness caused Portia's death. Brutus explains that Portia could not bear his absence and was distressed because the young Octavius and Mark Antony had become so powerful. The news of their growing strength had arrived at the same time as the news of her death. Overwhelmed by grief and with her attendants absent, Portia lost her mental balance and swallowed fire. Cassius asks whether she died in this manner, and Brutus confirms it. Cassius then calls upon the immortal gods in sorrow.

Lucius returns with wine and a taper. Brutus asks Cassius not to speak any more about Portia and requests a bowl of wine. He declares that, through this act, he will bury all the unkindness between them. Cassius eagerly accepts this gesture of reconciliation, saying that his heart thirsts for such a noble pledge. He instructs Lucius to fill the cup until the wine overflows, adding that he cannot drink too much of Brutus's love. Brutus calls Titinius to join them. Lucius exits, and Titinius returns with Messala. Brutus welcomes Messala and asks everyone to sit close together around the taper so that they can discuss their urgent concerns.

Cassius again expresses his grief over Portia's death by asking whether she is truly gone. Brutus requests him not to speak about her any further. He then tells Messala that he has received letters reporting that Octavius and Mark Antony are advancing against them with a powerful army and directing their military expedition towards Philippi. Messala confirms that he has received letters containing the same general information. When Brutus asks what additional information his letters contain, Messala reports that Octavius, Antony and Lepidus have issued proscriptions and bills of outlawry, resulting in the deaths of one hundred senators.

Brutus observes that their letters do not agree on the number of senators killed. His letters report that seventy senators were put to death under the proscriptions, and Cicero was among them. Cassius is astonished to learn that Cicero is dead. Messala confirms that Cicero was killed under the order of proscription. He then asks Brutus whether he received his letters from his wife. Brutus replies that he did not. Messala asks whether the letters contain any news about Portia, and Brutus says that they contain nothing about her. Messala finds this strange. Brutus asks whether Messala has heard anything about Portia in his own letters, but Messala replies that he has not.

Brutus then asks Messala, in the name of his Roman honour, to tell him the truth. Messala responds that Brutus must bear the truth like a Roman. He confirms that Portia is dead and says that her death occurred in an unusual manner. Brutus bids farewell to Portia and tells Messala that everyone must die eventually. He explains that, because he has already reflected on the inevitability of her death, he now has the patience to endure the loss. Messala observes that great men should be able to endure great losses. Cassius admits that he possesses as much philosophical knowledge as Brutus, but his natural temperament does not allow him to bear sorrow in the same calm manner.

Brutus then urges them to return to their work while they are alive. He asks Cassius what he thinks about marching to Philippi immediately. Cassius replies that he does not consider it a good decision. Brutus asks him to explain his reasons, and the passage ends with this question.

 सारांश:

ब्रूटस, कैसियस से अपना खंजर म्यान में रखने के लिए कहता है और उसे बताता है कि वह जब चाहे क्रोधित हो सकता है। ब्रूटस समझाता है कि वह एक मेमने के समान है, जो चकमक पत्थर की तरह अपने भीतर क्रोध रखता है। जैसे चकमक पत्थर को जोर से रगड़ने पर अचानक चिंगारी निकलती है, वैसे ही वह अधिक उकसाए जाने पर अचानक क्रोधित हो उठता है, लेकिन शीघ्र ही फिर शांत हो जाता है। कैसियस पूछता है कि क्या वह केवल इसलिए जीवित रहा है कि जब वह दुःख और चिड़चिड़े स्वभाव से परेशान हो, तब ब्रूटस के लिए हँसी और मनोरंजन का पात्र बन जाए। ब्रूटस स्वीकार करता है कि जब उसने वे बातें कही थीं, तब वह स्वयं भी क्रोध में था। यह स्वीकारोक्ति सुनकर कैसियस प्रसन्न होता है और ब्रूटस से अपना हाथ देने के लिए कहता है। ब्रूटस उसे अपना हृदय भी देने की बात कहता है। कैसियस स्नेहपूर्वक ब्रूटस को पुकारता है। ब्रूटस पूछता है कि क्या बात है। कैसियस पूछता है कि क्या ब्रूटस उससे इतना प्रेम करता है कि उसकी माँ से मिले उतावले स्वभाव को सहन कर सके और जब वह अपने व्यवहार पर नियंत्रण खो बैठे, तब उसे क्षमा कर सके। ब्रूटस उसे आश्वस्त करता है कि वह ऐसा कर सकता है। वह वादा करता है कि अब से जब भी कैसियस उसके प्रति अत्यधिक गंभीर या क्रोधित होगा, तो वह सोचेगा कि कैसियस की माँ उसे डाँट रही है और उसे उसी स्थिति में छोड़ देगा।

इसी बीच, मंच के बाहर से कवि की आवाज़ सुनाई देती है। वह सेनापतियों से मिलने के लिए भीतर जाने की अनुमति माँगता है। वह कहता है कि दोनों सेनापतियों के बीच कुछ मनमुटाव है और उन्हें अकेला छोड़ना उचित नहीं है। लूसिलियस उसे भीतर आने से रोकने का प्रयास करता है, लेकिन कवि कहता है कि मृत्यु के अतिरिक्त कोई भी चीज़ उसे रोक नहीं सकती। कवि भीतर प्रवेश करता है। उसके पीछे लूसिलियस, टिटिनियस और लूसियस आते हैं। कैसियस पूछता है कि क्या मामला है। कवि दोनों सेनापतियों को फटकार लगाता है और उनसे अपने व्यवहार पर शर्म करने को कहता है। वह उन्हें सलाह देता है कि वे एक-दूसरे से प्रेम करें और दो महान व्यक्तियों के समान मित्र बने रहें। वह यह भी कहता है कि वह निश्चित रूप से उन दोनों से अधिक उम्र का है। कैसियस कवि की तुकबंदी का मज़ाक उड़ाता है और कहता है कि उसकी तुकबंदी अत्यंत घटिया है। ब्रूटस कवि को वहाँ से चले जाने का आदेश देता है और उसे ढीठ तथा उद्दंड व्यक्ति कहता है। कैसियस ब्रूटस से कवि को सहन करने के लिए कहता है, क्योंकि ऐसा व्यवहार करना उसकी आदत है। ब्रूटस कहता है कि जब कवि उचित समय पर उचित व्यवहार करना सीख जाएगा, तब वह उसके स्वभाव को समझ सकेगा। वह प्रश्न करता है कि युद्ध के बीच ऐसे मज़ाक करने वाले मूर्खों का क्या काम है और कवि को वहाँ से चले जाने के लिए कहता है। कैसियस भी उसे जाने का आदेश देता है। इसके बाद कवि चला जाता है।

फिर ब्रूटस, लूसिलियस और टिटिनियस को आदेश देता है कि वे सेनापतियों से कहें कि वे अपनी-अपनी सैनिक टुकड़ियों के लिए उस रात ठहरने की व्यवस्था करें। कैसियस उनसे यह भी कहता है कि वे मेसाला को तुरंत अपने पास लेकर आएँ। लूसिलियस और टिटिनियस वहाँ से चले जाते हैं। ब्रूटस, लूसियस से एक प्याला शराब लाने के लिए कहता है और लूसियस भी बाहर चला जाता है। कैसियस स्वीकार करता है कि उसने कभी नहीं सोचा था कि ब्रूटस इतना क्रोधित हो सकता है। ब्रूटस उत्तर देता है कि वह अनेक दुःखों से परेशान है। कैसियस कहता है कि यदि ब्रूटस अप्रत्याशित विपत्तियों के सामने झुक जाता है, तो वह अपने दर्शन और ज्ञान का सही उपयोग नहीं करता। ब्रूटस उत्तर देता है कि कोई भी व्यक्ति दुःख को उससे बेहतर सहन नहीं कर सकता, लेकिन फिर वह दुःखद समाचार देता है कि पोर्शिया की मृत्यु हो गई है।

यह सुनकर कैसियस स्तब्ध रह जाता है और अविश्वास के साथ पोर्शिया का नाम दोहराता है। ब्रूटस उसकी मृत्यु की पुष्टि करता है। कैसियस आश्चर्य व्यक्त करता है कि जब उसने पहले ब्रूटस को इतना क्रोधित किया था, तब वह स्वयं मारे जाने से कैसे बच गया। वह इस असहनीय और हृदयविदारक क्षति पर गहरा दुःख प्रकट करता है और पूछता है कि पोर्शिया की मृत्यु किस बीमारी से हुई। ब्रूटस समझाता है कि पोर्शिया उसकी अनुपस्थिति सहन नहीं कर सकी। वह इस बात से भी अत्यंत दुःखी थी कि युवा ऑक्टेवियस और मार्क एंटनी ने अपनी शक्ति बहुत बढ़ा ली थी। उनकी बढ़ती शक्ति का समाचार उसी समय आया था जब पोर्शिया की मृत्यु का समाचार मिला। दुःख से अपना मानसिक संतुलन खो बैठने पर, और अपने परिचारकों की अनुपस्थिति में, पोर्शिया ने आग निगल ली। कैसियस पूछता है कि क्या उसकी मृत्यु इसी प्रकार हुई थी। ब्रूटस इसकी पुष्टि करता है। यह सुनकर कैसियस अमर देवताओं को पुकारता है और अपना गहरा दुःख व्यक्त करता है।

लूसियस शराब और एक पतली मोमबत्ती लेकर वापस आता है। ब्रूटस कैसियस से पोर्शिया के बारे में और बात न करने का अनुरोध करता है तथा उससे शराब का एक प्याला माँगता है। वह कहता है कि इस प्याले के माध्यम से वह उनके बीच की सारी कटुता और मनमुटाव को समाप्त कर देगा। कैसियस इस मेल-मिलाप के प्रस्ताव को प्रसन्नतापूर्वक स्वीकार करता है। वह कहता है कि उसका हृदय इस महान मैत्री-प्रतीक के लिए प्यासा है। वह लूसियस से प्याले को इतना भरने के लिए कहता है कि शराब छलकने लगे। वह आगे कहता है कि वह ब्रूटस के प्रेम की कितनी भी मात्रा ग्रहण करे, वह उसके लिए कभी अधिक नहीं होगी। ब्रूटस टिटिनियस को भीतर आने के लिए बुलाता है। लूसियस बाहर चला जाता है और टिटिनियस मेसाला के साथ वापस आता है। ब्रूटस मेसाला का स्वागत करता है। इसके बाद वह सभी को मोमबत्ती के पास एक साथ बैठने और अपनी आवश्यकताओं तथा तत्काल ध्यान देने योग्य विषयों पर विचार-विमर्श करने के लिए कहता है।

कैसियस फिर से पोर्शिया की मृत्यु का दुःख व्यक्त करते हुए पूछता है कि क्या वह सचमुच इस संसार से चली गई है। ब्रूटस उससे अनुरोध करता है कि वह अब इस विषय पर और बात न करे। इसके बाद वह मेसाला को बताता है कि उसे पत्र प्राप्त हुए हैं, जिनसे पता चलता है कि युवा ऑक्टेवियस और मार्क एंटनी एक विशाल सेना के साथ उनकी ओर बढ़ रहे हैं और उनका सैन्य अभियान फिलिप्पी की दिशा में है। मेसाला पुष्टि करता है कि उसे भी इसी आशय के पत्र प्राप्त हुए हैं। जब ब्रूटस उससे पूछता है कि उसके पत्रों में और क्या जानकारी दी गई है, तो मेसाला बताता है कि ऑक्टेवियस, एंटनी और लेपिडस ने प्रतिबंध-सूचियाँ तथा कानून के संरक्षण से वंचित घोषित किए गए लोगों की सूचियाँ जारी करके एक सौ सीनेटरों को मृत्युदंड दिलवाया है।

ब्रूटस कहता है कि इस विषय में उनके पत्रों में पूरी तरह समान जानकारी नहीं है। उसके पत्रों में सत्तर सीनेटरों की मृत्यु का उल्लेख है, जिन्हें प्रतिबंध-सूचियों के आधार पर मार डाला गया था। उनमें सिसरो भी शामिल था। यह सुनकर कैसियस आश्चर्यचकित होकर पूछता है कि क्या सिसरो भी मर गया है। मेसाला पुष्टि करता है कि सिसरो को प्रतिबंध के उसी आदेश के अनुसार मार डाला गया था। इसके बाद मेसाला ब्रूटस से पूछता है कि क्या उसे अपनी पत्नी से पत्र मिले थे। ब्रूटस उत्तर देता है कि उसे अपनी पत्नी से कोई पत्र नहीं मिला। मेसाला पूछता है कि क्या उसके पत्रों में पोर्शिया के बारे में कोई समाचार नहीं था। ब्रूटस कहता है कि उनमें पोर्शिया के बारे में कुछ भी नहीं लिखा था। मेसाला को यह बात अजीब लगती है। ब्रूटस उससे पूछता है कि क्या उसे अपने पत्रों में पोर्शिया के बारे में कुछ सुनने को मिला है। मेसाला उत्तर देता है कि उसे भी ऐसा कोई समाचार नहीं मिला है।

इसके बाद ब्रूटस मेसाला से रोमन होने के नाते सच्चाई बताने का अनुरोध करता है। मेसाला उत्तर देता है कि ब्रूटस को भी एक रोमन की तरह उसके द्वारा बताई गई सच्चाई को सहन करना चाहिए। वह पुष्टि करता है कि पोर्शिया की मृत्यु हो चुकी है और उसकी मृत्यु असामान्य तरीके से हुई थी। ब्रूटस पोर्शिया को अंतिम विदाई देता है और मेसाला से कहता है कि सभी को एक दिन मरना ही है। वह समझाता है कि उसने पहले ही इस बात पर विचार कर लिया था कि पोर्शिया को एक दिन मरना ही है; इसी कारण अब वह उसकी मृत्यु को धैर्यपूर्वक सहन कर पा रहा है। मेसाला कहता है कि महान व्यक्तियों को बड़ी क्षतियों को सहन करना चाहिए। कैसियस स्वीकार करता है कि उसे भी ब्रूटस जितना दार्शनिक ज्ञान प्राप्त है, लेकिन उसका स्वाभाविक स्वभाव उसे दुःख को उसी प्रकार शांतिपूर्वक सहन करने की अनुमति नहीं देता।

अंत में, ब्रूटस उनसे कहता है कि जब तक वे जीवित हैं, उन्हें अपने काम पर ध्यान देना चाहिए। वह कैसियस से पूछता है कि फिलिप्पी की ओर तुरंत कूच करने के बारे में उसका क्या विचार है। कैसियस उत्तर देता है कि वह इसे अच्छा निर्णय नहीं मानता। ब्रूटस उससे इस मत के पीछे का कारण पूछता है। इसी प्रश्न के साथ दिए गए पाठ का अंत हो जाता है।

ସାରାଂଶ:

ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍, କାସିଅସ୍‌ଙ୍କୁ ନିଜ ଖଣ୍ଡାକୁ ଖୋଳ ଭିତରେ ରଖିବାକୁ କହେ ଏବଂ ତାଙ୍କୁ ନିଜର କ୍ରୋଧୀ ସ୍ୱଭାବ ବିଷୟରେ ବୁଝାଏ। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ କହେ ଯେ ସେ ଏକ ମେଣ୍ଢା ପରି, ଯିଏ ଚକମକ ପଥର ପରି ନିଜ ଭିତରେ କ୍ରୋଧ ରଖିଥାଏ। ଚକମକ ପଥରକୁ ଜୋରରେ ଘଷିଲେ ଯେପରି ହଠାତ୍ ନିଆଁର ଝୁଲ ବାହାରେ, ସେହିପରି ତାକୁ ଅଧିକ ଉତ୍ତେଜିତ କଲେ ସେ ହଠାତ୍ କ୍ରୋଧିତ ହୋଇଯାଏ, କିନ୍ତୁ ଶୀଘ୍ର ଶାନ୍ତ ମଧ୍ୟ ହୋଇଯାଏ। କାସିଅସ୍ ପଚାରେ ଯେ ସେ କ’ଣ କେବଳ ଏଥିପାଇଁ ବଞ୍ଚିଛି, ଯାହାଦ୍ୱାରା ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ତାଙ୍କର ଦୁଃଖ ଓ ବିରକ୍ତିପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ସ୍ୱଭାବକୁ ଦେଖି ହସିପାରିବ। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ସ୍ୱୀକାର କରେ ଯେ ସେହି କଥାଗୁଡ଼ିକ କହିବା ସମୟରେ ସେ ନିଜେ ମଧ୍ୟ କ୍ରୋଧିତ ଥିଲା। ଏହା ଶୁଣି କାସିଅସ୍ ଖୁସି ହୁଏ ଏବଂ ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍‌ଙ୍କୁ ତାଙ୍କ ହାତ ଦେବାକୁ କହେ। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ତାଙ୍କୁ ନିଜ ହୃଦୟ ମଧ୍ୟ ଦେବାକୁ ପ୍ରସ୍ତୁତ ବୋଲି କହେ। କାସିଅସ୍ ସ୍ନେହର ସହିତ ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍‌ଙ୍କୁ ଡାକେ। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ପଚାରେ ଯେ କ’ଣ କଥା। କାସିଅସ୍ ପଚାରେ, ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ କ’ଣ ତାଙ୍କୁ ଏତେ ଭଲ ପାଏ ଯେ ତାଙ୍କ ମାଆଙ୍କଠାରୁ ମିଳିଥିବା ଉତାବଳା ସ୍ୱଭାବକୁ ସହ୍ୟ କରିପାରିବ ଏବଂ ସେ ଯେତେବେଳେ ନିଜ ଉପରେ ନିୟନ୍ତ୍ରଣ ହରାଇବେ, ସେତେବେଳେ ତାଙ୍କୁ କ୍ଷମା କରିପାରିବ। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ତାଙ୍କୁ ଆଶ୍ୱାସନା ଦିଏ ଯେ ସେ ଏପରି କରିପାରିବ। ସେ ପ୍ରତିଶ୍ରୁତି ଦିଏ ଯେ ଭବିଷ୍ୟତରେ କାସିଅସ୍ ତାଙ୍କ ପ୍ରତି ଅତ୍ୟଧିକ କଠୋର କିମ୍ବା କ୍ରୋଧିତ ହେଲେ, ସେ ଭାବିବ ଯେ କାସିଅସ୍‌ଙ୍କ ମାଆ ତାଙ୍କୁ ଗାଳି ଦେଉଛନ୍ତି ଏବଂ ତାଙ୍କୁ ସେହିପରି ଛାଡ଼ିଦେବ।

ଏହି ସମୟରେ ମଞ୍ଚ ବାହାରୁ ଜଣେ କବିଙ୍କ ସ୍ୱର ଶୁଣାଯାଏ। ସେ ଦୁଇଜଣ ସେନାପତିଙ୍କୁ ଭେଟିବା ପାଇଁ ଭିତରକୁ ଆସିବାକୁ ଅନୁମତି ମାଗେ। ସେ କହେ ଯେ ଦୁଇଜଣଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରେ କିଛି ମନୋମାଳିନ୍ୟ ରହିଛି ଏବଂ ସେମାନଙ୍କୁ ଏକୁଟିଆ ଛାଡ଼ିଦେବା ଠିକ୍ ନୁହେଁ। ଲୁସିଲିଅସ୍ ତାକୁ ଭିତରକୁ ଆସିବାକୁ ରୋକିବାକୁ ଚେଷ୍ଟା କରେ। କିନ୍ତୁ କବି କହେ ଯେ ମୃତ୍ୟୁ ବ୍ୟତୀତ ଅନ୍ୟ କୌଣସି ଶକ୍ତି ତାକୁ ରୋକିପାରିବ ନାହିଁ। କବି ଭିତରକୁ ପ୍ରବେଶ କରେ। ତା’ ପଛରେ ଲୁସିଲିଅସ୍, ଟିଟିନିଅସ୍ ଓ ଲୁସିଅସ୍ ଆସନ୍ତି। କାସିଅସ୍ ପଚାରେ ଯେ କ’ଣ ଘଟିଛି। କବି ଦୁଇଜଣ ସେନାପତିଙ୍କୁ ଭର୍ତ୍ସନା କରି କହେ ଯେ ସେମାନେ ନିଜ ଆଚରଣ ପାଇଁ ଲଜ୍ଜିତ ହେବା ଉଚିତ। ସେ ସେମାନଙ୍କୁ ପରସ୍ପରକୁ ଭଲ ପାଇବାକୁ ଏବଂ ଦୁଇଜଣ ମହାନ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିଙ୍କ ପରି ବନ୍ଧୁ ହୋଇ ରହିବାକୁ ପରାମର୍ଶ ଦିଏ। ସେ ଏହା ମଧ୍ୟ କହେ ଯେ ସେ ନିଶ୍ଚିତ ଭାବରେ ସେମାନଙ୍କଠାରୁ ବୟସରେ ବଡ଼। କାସିଅସ୍ କବିଙ୍କ ଛନ୍ଦୋବଦ୍ଧ କଥାର ଉପହାସ କରି କହେ ଯେ ତାଙ୍କର ଛନ୍ଦ ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ନିକୃଷ୍ଟ। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ କବିଙ୍କୁ ଅହଂକାରୀ ଓ ଧୃଷ୍ଟ ବୋଲି କହି ସେଠାରୁ ଚାଲିଯିବାକୁ ଆଦେଶ ଦିଏ। କାସିଅସ୍ ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍‌ଙ୍କୁ କବିଙ୍କୁ ସହ୍ୟ କରିବାକୁ କହେ, କାରଣ ଏପରି ବ୍ୟବହାର କରିବା ତାଙ୍କର ଅଭ୍ୟାସ। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ କହେ ଯେ କବି ଯେତେବେଳେ ଉପଯୁକ୍ତ ସମୟରେ ଉପଯୁକ୍ତ ଆଚରଣ କରିବା ଶିଖିବ, ସେତେବେଳେ ତାଙ୍କ ସ୍ୱଭାବକୁ ବୁଝିହେବ। ଯୁଦ୍ଧ ସମୟରେ ଏପରି ଥଟ୍ଟା କରୁଥିବା ମୂର୍ଖମାନଙ୍କର କ’ଣ କାମ ବୋଲି ସେ ପ୍ରଶ୍ନ କରେ ଏବଂ କବିଙ୍କୁ ଚାଲିଯିବାକୁ କହେ। କାସିଅସ୍ ମଧ୍ୟ ତାଙ୍କୁ ଚାଲିଯିବାକୁ ଆଦେଶ ଦିଏ। ତା’ପରେ କବି ସେଠାରୁ ଚାଲିଯାଏ।

ଏହାପରେ ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍, ଲୁସିଲିଅସ୍ ଓ ଟିଟିନିଅସ୍‌ଙ୍କୁ ସେମାନଙ୍କ ସୈନ୍ୟଦଳ ପାଇଁ ସେହି ରାତିରେ ରହିବାର ବ୍ୟବସ୍ଥା କରିବାକୁ କହେ। କାସିଅସ୍ ମଧ୍ୟ ସେମାନଙ୍କୁ ମେସାଲାଙ୍କୁ ତୁରନ୍ତ ଡାକି ଆଣିବାକୁ କହେ। ଲୁସିଲିଅସ୍ ଓ ଟିଟିନିଅସ୍ ସେଠାରୁ ଚାଲିଯାଆନ୍ତି। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍, ଲୁସିଅସ୍‌ଙ୍କୁ ଏକ ପାତ୍ର ମଦ ଆଣିବାକୁ କହେ ଏବଂ ଲୁସିଅସ୍ ମଧ୍ୟ ବାହାରକୁ ଚାଲିଯାଏ। କାସିଅସ୍ ସ୍ୱୀକାର କରେ ଯେ ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ଏତେ କ୍ରୋଧିତ ହୋଇପାରେ ବୋଲି ସେ କେବେ ଭାବି ନଥିଲା। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ଉତ୍ତର ଦିଏ ଯେ ସେ ଅନେକ ଦୁଃଖରେ ପୀଡ଼ିତ। କାସିଅସ୍ କହେ ଯେ ଯଦି ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ଅପ୍ରତ୍ୟାଶିତ ବିପଦ ଆଗରେ ମୁଣ୍ଡ ନୁଆଁଏ, ତେବେ ସେ ନିଜର ଦର୍ଶନ ଓ ଜ୍ଞାନର ସଠିକ୍ ବ୍ୟବହାର କରୁନାହିଁ। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ଉତ୍ତର ଦିଏ ଯେ ଦୁଃଖ ସହିବାରେ ତାଠାରୁ ଅଧିକ ସକ୍ଷମ କେହି ନାହାନ୍ତି। ତା’ପରେ ସେ ଦୁଃଖଦ ସମ୍ବାଦ ଦିଏ ଯେ ପୋର୍ଶିଆଙ୍କର ମୃତ୍ୟୁ ହୋଇଛି।

ଏହା ଶୁଣି କାସିଅସ୍ ସ୍ତବ୍ଧ ହୋଇଯାଏ ଏବଂ ଅବିଶ୍ୱାସରେ ପୋର୍ଶିଆଙ୍କ ନାମ ପୁନର୍ବାର ଉଚ୍ଚାରଣ କରେ। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ତାଙ୍କ ମୃତ୍ୟୁକୁ ନିଶ୍ଚିତ କରେ। କାସିଅସ୍ ଆଶ୍ଚର୍ଯ୍ୟ ହୋଇ ପଚାରେ ଯେ ସେ ପୂର୍ବରୁ ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍‌ଙ୍କୁ ଏତେ କ୍ରୋଧିତ କରିଥିବା ସତ୍ତ୍ୱେ ନିଜେ କିପରି ମୃତ୍ୟୁରୁ ବଞ୍ଚିଗଲା। ସେ ଏହି ଅସହ୍ୟ ଓ ହୃଦୟବିଦାରକ କ୍ଷତି ପାଇଁ ଗଭୀର ଦୁଃଖ ପ୍ରକାଶ କରେ ଏବଂ ପୋର୍ଶିଆ କେଉଁ ରୋଗରେ ମୃତ୍ୟୁବରଣ କଲେ ବୋଲି ପଚାରେ। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ବୁଝାଏ ଯେ ପୋର୍ଶିଆ ତାଙ୍କ ଅନୁପସ୍ଥିତି ସହିପାରିଲେ ନାହିଁ। ଯୁବକ ଅକ୍ଟାଭିଅସ୍ ଓ ମାର୍କ ଆଣ୍ଟୋନି ନିଜର ଶକ୍ତି ବହୁତ ବଢ଼ାଇ ଦେଇଥିବାରୁ ସେ ମଧ୍ୟ ଅତ୍ୟନ୍ତ ଦୁଃଖିତ ଥିଲେ। ସେମାନଙ୍କ ବଢ଼ୁଥିବା ଶକ୍ତି ବିଷୟରେ ସମ୍ବାଦ ଆସିଥିବା ସମୟରେ ହିଁ ପୋର୍ଶିଆଙ୍କ ମୃତ୍ୟୁର ଖବର ମିଳିଥିଲା। ଦୁଃଖରେ ମାନସିକ ସନ୍ତୁଳନ ହରାଇ, ତାଙ୍କ ପରିଚାରକମାନେ ଅନୁପସ୍ଥିତ ଥିବା ସମୟରେ, ପୋର୍ଶିଆ ନିଆଁ ଗିଳି ଦେଇଥିଲେ। କାସିଅସ୍ ପଚାରେ ଯେ ସେ ପ୍ରକୃତରେ ଏହିପରି ମୃତ୍ୟୁବରଣ କରିଥିଲେ କି। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ଏହାକୁ ନିଶ୍ଚିତ କରେ। ଏହା ଶୁଣି କାସିଅସ୍ ଦେବତାମାନଙ୍କୁ ଆହ୍ୱାନ କରି ନିଜର ଗଭୀର ଦୁଃଖ ପ୍ରକାଶ କରେ।

ଲୁସିଅସ୍ ମଦ ଓ ଏକ ପତଳା ମହମବତୀ ନେଇ ଫେରିଆସେ। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍, କାସିଅସ୍‌ଙ୍କୁ ପୋର୍ଶିଆଙ୍କ ମୃତ୍ୟୁ ବିଷୟରେ ଆଉ ଆଲୋଚନା ନ କରିବାକୁ ଅନୁରୋଧ କରେ ଏବଂ ତାଙ୍କୁ ଏକ ପାତ୍ର ମଦ ଦେବାକୁ କହେ। ସେ କହେ ଯେ ଏହି ମଦପାତ୍ର ମାଧ୍ୟମରେ ସେ ଦୁହିଁଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ଥିବା ସମସ୍ତ ତିକ୍ତତା ଓ ମନୋମାଳିନ୍ୟକୁ ସମାପ୍ତ କରିବ। କାସିଅସ୍ ଏହି ମିଳାମିଶାର ପ୍ରସ୍ତାବକୁ ଆନନ୍ଦର ସହିତ ଗ୍ରହଣ କରେ। ସେ କହେ ଯେ ଏହି ମହାନ ବନ୍ଧୁତ୍ୱର ପ୍ରତୀକ ପାଇଁ ତାଙ୍କ ହୃଦୟ ତୃଷାର୍ତ୍ତ। ସେ ଲୁସିଅସ୍‌ଙ୍କୁ ପାତ୍ରଟିକୁ ଏତେ ପରିମାଣରେ ଭରିବାକୁ କହେ ଯେ ମଦ ଉଛୁଳି ପଡ଼ିବ। ସେ ଆହୁରି କହେ ଯେ ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍‌ଙ୍କ ପ୍ରେମରୁ ସେ ଯେତେ ପରିମାଣ ଗ୍ରହଣ କଲେ ମଧ୍ୟ ତାହା ତାଙ୍କ ପାଇଁ କେବେ ଅଧିକ ହେବ ନାହିଁ। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ଟିଟିନିଅସ୍‌ଙ୍କୁ ଭିତରକୁ ଆସିବାକୁ ଡାକେ। ଲୁସିଅସ୍ ବାହାରକୁ ଚାଲିଯାଏ ଏବଂ ଟିଟିନିଅସ୍, ମେସାଲାଙ୍କ ସହିତ ଫେରିଆସେ। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ମେସାଲାଙ୍କୁ ସ୍ୱାଗତ କରେ। ତା’ପରେ ସେ ସମସ୍ତଙ୍କୁ ମହମବତୀ ପାଖରେ ଏକାଠି ବସି ସେମାନଙ୍କ ଆବଶ୍ୟକତା ଓ ତତ୍କାଳ ଧ୍ୟାନ ଦେବାକୁ ଥିବା ବିଷୟଗୁଡ଼ିକ ଉପରେ ଆଲୋଚନା କରିବାକୁ କହେ।

କାସିଅସ୍ ପୁଣିଥରେ ପୋର୍ଶିଆଙ୍କ ମୃତ୍ୟୁ ବିଷୟରେ ଦୁଃଖ ପ୍ରକାଶ କରି ପଚାରେ ଯେ ସେ ପ୍ରକୃତରେ ଏହି ସଂସାର ଛାଡ଼ି ଚାଲିଗଲେ କି। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ତାଙ୍କୁ ଏହି ବିଷୟରେ ଆଉ କଥା ନ କହିବାକୁ ଅନୁରୋଧ କରେ। ତା’ପରେ ସେ ମେସାଲାଙ୍କୁ କହେ ଯେ ତାଙ୍କ ପାଖକୁ ଚିଠି ଆସିଛି। ସେଥିରୁ ଜଣାପଡ଼ିଛି ଯେ ଯୁବକ ଅକ୍ଟାଭିଅସ୍ ଓ ମାର୍କ ଆଣ୍ଟୋନି ଏକ ବିଶାଳ ସେନା ସହିତ ସେମାନଙ୍କ ଆଡ଼କୁ ଆଗେଇ ଆସୁଛନ୍ତି ଏବଂ ସେମାନଙ୍କର ସାମରିକ ଅଭିଯାନ ଫିଲିପ୍ପି ଦିଗରେ ଚାଲିଛି। ମେସାଲା ନିଶ୍ଚିତ କରେ ଯେ ତାଙ୍କୁ ମଧ୍ୟ ସମାନ ଖବର ଥିବା ଚିଠି ମିଳିଛି। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ତାଙ୍କ ଚିଠିରେ ଆଉ କ’ଣ ଲେଖାଯାଇଛି ବୋଲି ପଚାରିବାରୁ ମେସାଲା କହେ ଯେ ଅକ୍ଟାଭିଅସ୍, ଆଣ୍ଟୋନି ଓ ଲେପିଡସ୍ ନିଷିଦ୍ଧ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିଙ୍କ ତାଲିକା ପ୍ରକାଶ କରି ଏକ ଶହ ଜଣ ସିନେଟରଙ୍କୁ ମୃତ୍ୟୁଦଣ୍ଡ ଦେଇଛନ୍ତି।

ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ କହେ ଯେ ଏହି ବିଷୟରେ ତାଙ୍କ ଚିଠିରେ ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ସମାନ ତଥ୍ୟ ନାହିଁ। ତାଙ୍କ ଚିଠିରେ ସତୁରି ଜଣ ସିନେଟରଙ୍କ ମୃତ୍ୟୁ ବିଷୟରେ ଲେଖାଯାଇଛି, ଯେଉଁମାନଙ୍କୁ ନିଷିଦ୍ଧ ତାଲିକା ଅନୁସାରେ ହତ୍ୟା କରାଯାଇଥିଲା। ସେମାନଙ୍କ ମଧ୍ୟରେ ସିସେରୋ ମଧ୍ୟ ଥିଲେ। ଏହା ଶୁଣି କାସିଅସ୍ ଆଶ୍ଚର୍ଯ୍ୟ ହୋଇ ପଚାରେ ଯେ ସିସେରୋ ମଧ୍ୟ ମରିଗଲେ କି। ମେସାଲା ନିଶ୍ଚିତ କରେ ଯେ ସିସେରୋଙ୍କୁ ମଧ୍ୟ ସେହି ନିଷିଦ୍ଧ ଆଦେଶ ଅନୁସାରେ ହତ୍ୟା କରାଯାଇଥିଲା। ଏହାପରେ ମେସାଲା ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍‌ଙ୍କୁ ପଚାରେ ଯେ ସେ ନିଜ ପତ୍ନୀଙ୍କଠାରୁ କୌଣସି ଚିଠି ପାଇଛନ୍ତି କି। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ଉତ୍ତର ଦିଏ ଯେ ସେ ତାଙ୍କ ପତ୍ନୀଙ୍କଠାରୁ କୌଣସି ଚିଠି ପାଇନାହିଁ। ମେସାଲା ପଚାରେ ଯେ ତାଙ୍କ ଚିଠିରେ ପୋର୍ଶିଆଙ୍କ ବିଷୟରେ କୌଣସି ଖବର ନଥିଲା କି। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ କହେ ଯେ ଚିଠିରେ ପୋର୍ଶିଆଙ୍କ ବିଷୟରେ କିଛି ଲେଖାଯାଇ ନଥିଲା। ମେସାଲାଙ୍କୁ ଏହା ଅସ୍ୱାଭାବିକ ଲାଗେ। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ତାଙ୍କୁ ପଚାରେ ଯେ ସେ ନିଜ ଚିଠିରେ ପୋର୍ଶିଆଙ୍କ ବିଷୟରେ କିଛି ଶୁଣିଛନ୍ତି କି। ମେସାଲା ଉତ୍ତର ଦିଏ ଯେ ସେ ମଧ୍ୟ ଏପରି କୌଣସି ଖବର ପାଇନାହାନ୍ତି।

ଏହାପରେ ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ମେସାଲାଙ୍କୁ ଜଣେ ରୋମାନ୍ ଭାବରେ ସତ କହିବାକୁ ଅନୁରୋଧ କରେ। ମେସାଲା ଉତ୍ତର ଦିଏ ଯେ ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ମଧ୍ୟ ଜଣେ ରୋମାନ୍‌ଙ୍କ ପରି ସେ କହିବାକୁ ଯାଉଥିବା ସତ୍ୟକୁ ସହ୍ୟ କରିବା ଉଚିତ। ସେ ନିଶ୍ଚିତ କରେ ଯେ ପୋର୍ଶିଆଙ୍କର ମୃତ୍ୟୁ ହୋଇଛି ଏବଂ ତାଙ୍କର ମୃତ୍ୟୁ ଅସାଧାରଣ ପ୍ରକାରରେ ହୋଇଛି। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ପୋର୍ଶିଆଙ୍କୁ ଶେଷ ବିଦାୟ ଜଣାଏ ଏବଂ ମେସାଲାଙ୍କୁ କହେ ଯେ ପ୍ରତ୍ୟେକ ମଣିଷକୁ ଦିନେ ନା ଦିନେ ମରିବାକୁ ହେବ। ସେ ବୁଝାଏ ଯେ ପୋର୍ଶିଆଙ୍କୁ ଦିନେ ମରିବାକୁ ପଡ଼ିବ ବୋଲି ସେ ପୂର୍ବରୁ ଭାବି ରଖିଥିଲା; ତେଣୁ ବର୍ତ୍ତମାନ ତାଙ୍କ ମୃତ୍ୟୁକୁ ଧୈର୍ଯ୍ୟର ସହିତ ସହ୍ୟ କରିପାରୁଛି। ମେସାଲା କହେ ଯେ ମହାନ ବ୍ୟକ୍ତିମାନେ ବଡ଼ କ୍ଷତିକୁ ସହ୍ୟ କରିବା ଉଚିତ। କାସିଅସ୍ ସ୍ୱୀକାର କରେ ଯେ ତାଙ୍କ ପାଖରେ ମଧ୍ୟ ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍‌ଙ୍କ ପରି ଦାର୍ଶନିକ ଜ୍ଞାନ ଅଛି, କିନ୍ତୁ ତାଙ୍କର ସ୍ୱାଭାବିକ ସ୍ୱଭାବ ତାଙ୍କୁ ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍‌ଙ୍କ ପରି ଶାନ୍ତ ଭାବରେ ଦୁଃଖ ସହିବାକୁ ଦିଏ ନାହିଁ।

ଶେଷରେ, ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ସମସ୍ତଙ୍କୁ କହେ ଯେ ସେମାନେ ଯେପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ ବଞ୍ଚିଛନ୍ତି, ସେପର୍ଯ୍ୟନ୍ତ ନିଜ କାମରେ ଧ୍ୟାନ ଦେବା ଉଚିତ। ସେ କାସିଅସ୍‌ଙ୍କୁ ପଚାରେ ଯେ ତୁରନ୍ତ ଫିଲିପ୍ପି ଆଡ଼କୁ ଯାତ୍ରା କରିବା ବିଷୟରେ ତାଙ୍କର କ’ଣ ମତ। କାସିଅସ୍ ଉତ୍ତର ଦିଏ ଯେ ସେ ଏହାକୁ ଭଲ ନିଷ୍ପତ୍ତି ବୋଲି ମନେ କରୁନାହିଁ। ବ୍ରୁଟସ୍ ତାଙ୍କୁ ଏହି ମତର କାରଣ ପଚାରେ। ଏହି ପ୍ରଶ୍ନ ସହିତ ଦିଆଯାଇଥିବା ପାଠର ସମାପ୍ତି ହୁଏ।

Text with Paraphrase

Brutus: “Sheathe your dagger: Be angry when you will, it shall have scope; Do what you will, dishonour shall be humour.”

Paraphrase: Brutus tells Cassius to put his dagger back into its sheath. He says that Cassius may become angry whenever he wishes and may behave as he likes. Brutus will not take his anger seriously or consider it an insult.

Brutus: “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.”

Paraphrase: Brutus tells Cassius that he has been paired with a person as gentle as a lamb. Brutus compares himself to a piece of flint, which produces a spark when struck hard. Similarly, Brutus becomes angry only when greatly provoked, but his anger disappears quickly, just as the spark from flint soon dies out.

Cassius: “Hath Cassius lived to be but mirth and laughter to his Brutus, when grief, and blood ill-temper'd, vexeth him?”

Paraphrase: Cassius asks whether he has lived only to become an object of amusement and laughter for Brutus whenever Brutus is troubled by sorrow and an irritable temper. Cassius feels hurt because he thinks Brutus is making fun of him.

Brutus: “When I spoke that, I was ill-temper'd too.”

Paraphrase: Brutus admits that he was also angry and in a bad temper when he made those remarks. He acknowledges that his words were spoken under the influence of anger.

Cassius: “Do you confess so much? Give me your hand.”

Paraphrase: Cassius is pleased that Brutus has admitted his mistake. He asks Brutus to shake hands with him as a sign of reconciliation.

Brutus: “And my heart too.”

Paraphrase: Brutus says that he offers Cassius not only his hand but also his heart. He wants Cassius to understand that his affection and friendship are sincere.

Cassius: “O Brutus!”

Paraphrase: Cassius affectionately calls out Brutus's name, expressing his feelings of friendship and emotional closeness.

Brutus: “What's the matter?”

Paraphrase: Brutus asks Cassius what he wants to say or what is troubling him.

Cassius: “Have not you love enough to bear with me, when that rash humour which my mother gave me makes me forgetful?”

Paraphrase: Cassius asks Brutus whether he loves him enough to tolerate his impulsive and quick-tempered nature. He explains that this rash temper, which he believes he inherited from his mother, sometimes makes him lose control of himself and forget how he should behave.

Brutus: “Yes, Cassius; and, from henceforth, when you are over-earnest with your Brutus, he'll think your mother chides, and leave you so.”

Paraphrase: Brutus assures Cassius that he loves him enough to tolerate his temper. From that moment onward, whenever Cassius becomes excessively angry or speaks harshly to Brutus, Brutus will imagine that Cassius's mother is scolding him. He will then leave Cassius alone instead of taking his anger seriously.

Poet (from within): “Let me go in to see the generals; there is some grudge between 'em, 'tis not meet they be alone.”

Paraphrase: The Poet, speaking from outside, demands to be allowed to enter and meet the two generals. He believes that Brutus and Cassius have some disagreement between them and says that it is not proper to leave them alone while such ill feelings exist.

Lucilius (from within): “You shall not come to them.”

Easy English Paraphrase: Lucilius refuses to allow the Poet to enter and tells him that he cannot meet the generals.

Poet (from within): “Nothing but death shall stay me.”

Paraphrase: The Poet declares that nothing except death can stop him from entering. He is determined to meet the generals despite Lucilius's objection.

Stage direction: The Poet enters, followed by Lucilius, Titinius and Lucius.

Cassius: “How now! What's the matter?”

Paraphrase: Cassius asks what is happening and why the Poet has entered so insistently.

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.”

Paraphrase: The Poet rebukes Brutus and Cassius, telling them that they should be ashamed of themselves. He asks why they are behaving in this way and urges them to love one another and remain friends, as two distinguished men ought to do. He adds that he is certain he is older than both of them and therefore speaks with the authority of greater age and experience.

Cassius: “Ha, ha! How vilely doth this cynic rhyme!”

Paraphrase: Cassius laughs at the Poet and criticises the poor quality of his rhyming. He considers the Poet's verse unpleasant and ridiculous.

Brutus: “Get you hence, sirrah; saucy fellow, hence!”

Paraphrase: Brutus orders the Poet to leave immediately. He calls him an insolent and disrespectful fellow.

Cassius: “Bear with him, Brutus; 'tis his fashion.”

Paraphrase: Cassius asks Brutus to tolerate the Poet because behaving in this annoying and presumptuous manner is simply his usual habit.

Brutus: “I'll know his humour, when he knows his time: What should the wars do with these jigging fools? Companion, hence!”

Paraphrase: Brutus says that he will tolerate the Poet's behaviour when the Poet learns to behave appropriately and understand when it is the right time to speak. Brutus questions what place such foolish people, who indulge in silly rhymes and jokes, have in a time of war. He again orders the Poet to leave.

Cassius: “Away, away, be gone.”

Paraphrase: Cassius also orders the Poet to go away immediately.

Stage direction: The Poet exits.

Brutus: “Lucilius and Titinius, bid the commanders prepare to lodge their companies to-night.”

Paraphrase: Brutus instructs Lucilius and Titinius to tell the military commanders to arrange accommodation for their respective groups of soldiers for that night.

Cassius: “And come yourselves, and bring Messala with you immediately to us.”

Paraphrase: Cassius tells Lucilius and Titinius to return immediately and bring Messala with them so that they can all meet together.

Stage direction: Lucilius and Titinius exit.

Brutus: “Lucius, a bowl of wine!”

Paraphrase: Brutus asks Lucius to bring him a bowl of wine.

Stage direction: Lucius exits.

Cassius: “I did not think you could have been so angry.”

Paraphrase: Cassius tells Brutus that he had never imagined Brutus could become so angry.

Brutus: “O Cassius, I am sick of many griefs.”

Paraphrase: Brutus explains that he is suffering from many sorrows and emotional troubles. These numerous difficulties have made him distressed and irritable.

Cassius: “Of your philosophy you make no use, if you give place to accidental evils.”

Paraphrase: Cassius tells Brutus that he is not making proper use of his philosophical wisdom if he allows unexpected misfortunes to overcome him. He believes that Brutus should use his philosophical principles to face difficulties calmly.

Brutus: “No man bears sorrow better. Portia is dead.”

Paraphrase: Brutus claims that no one can endure sorrow better than he can. He then reveals the tragic news that his wife, Portia, is dead.

Cassius: “Ha! Portia!”

Paraphrase: Cassius is shocked by the news. He repeats Portia's name in disbelief and sorrow.

Brutus: “She is dead.”

Paraphrase: Brutus confirms that Portia has indeed died.

Cassius: “How 'scaped I killing when I cross'd you so? O insupportable and touching loss! Upon what sickness?”

Paraphrase: Cassius wonders how Brutus managed to restrain himself from killing him when Cassius had angered him earlier. He feels that Portia's death is an unbearable and deeply moving loss. He then asks what illness caused her death.

Brutus: “Impatient of my absence, and grief that young Octavius with Mark Antony have made themselves so strong:—for with her death that tidings came;—with this she fell distract, and, her attendants absent, swallow'd fire.”

Paraphrase: Brutus explains that Portia could not bear his absence. She was also deeply distressed by the news that the young Octavius and Mark Antony had become so powerful. The news of their growing strength arrived at the time of her death. Overcome by grief, Portia lost her mental balance and, when her attendants were absent, swallowed fire.

Cassius: “And died so?”

Paraphrase: Cassius asks in astonishment whether Portia really died in this manner.

Brutus: “Even so.”

Paraphrase: Brutus confirms that Portia died exactly as Cassius has understood.

Cassius: “O ye immortal gods!”

Paraphrase: Cassius calls upon the immortal gods, expressing his profound shock and sorrow at Portia's tragic death.

Stage direction: Lucius re-enters, carrying wine and a taper (a small candle).

Brutus: “Speak no more of her. Give me a bowl of wine. In this I bury all unkindness, Cassius.”

Paraphrase: Brutus asks Cassius not to speak any further about Portia's death. He asks for a bowl of wine and declares that, through drinking together, he will put an end to all the bitterness and unkind feelings between himself and Cassius.

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.”

Paraphrase: Cassius says that he eagerly desires this noble gesture of friendship and reconciliation. He instructs Lucius to fill the cup until the wine overflows. He declares that no amount of wine can be too much when it symbolises Brutus's love and affection for him.

Brutus: “Come in, Titinius!”

Paraphrase: Brutus calls Titinius to come inside.

Stage directions: Lucius exits. Titinius re-enters with Messala.

Brutus: “Welcome, good Messala. Now sit we close about this taper here, and call in question our necessities.”

Paraphrase: Brutus warmly welcomes Messala. He asks everyone to sit close together around the candle and discuss the matters that require their immediate attention, including their needs and plans.

Cassius: “Portia, art thou gone?”

Paraphrase: Cassius again expresses his grief by addressing Portia as though she were present. He asks whether she has truly departed from the world.

Brutus: “No more, I pray you. 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.”

Paraphrase:  Brutus politely asks Cassius not to speak any further about Portia. He then tells Messala that he has received letters reporting that Octavius and Mark Antony are advancing against them with a powerful army. Their military campaign is directed towards Philippi.

Messala: “Myself have letters of the selfsame tenor.”

Paraphrase: Messala says that he too has received letters containing exactly the same information about the enemy's advance.

Brutus: “With what addition?”

Paraphrase: Brutus asks Messala what additional information is contained in his letters.

Messala: “That by proscription and bills of outlawry, Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus, have put to death an hundred senators.”

Paraphrase: Messala explains that Octavius, Antony and Lepidus have drawn up lists of people to be outlawed and executed. According to his letters, they have put one hundred senators to death under these orders.

Brutus: “Therein our letters do not well agree; mine speak of seventy senators that died by their proscriptions, Cicero being one.”

Paraphrase: Brutus points out that the figures given in their letters do not agree. His letters report that seventy senators were killed under the proscription orders, and Cicero was one of those who died.

Cassius: “Cicero one!”

Paraphrase: Cassius is shocked to learn that Cicero was among those killed. He repeats Cicero's name in surprise.

Messala: “Cicero is dead, and by that order of proscription. Had you your letters from your wife, my lord?”

Paraphrase: Messala confirms that Cicero is dead and that his death was carried out under the proscription order. He then asks Brutus whether he has received any letters from his wife.

Brutus: “No, Messala.”

Paraphrase: Brutus replies that he has not received any letters from his wife.

Messala: “Nor nothing in your letters writ of her?”

Paraphrase: Messala asks whether the letters Brutus has received contain no information at all about Portia.

Brutus: “Nothing, Messala.”

Paraphrase: Brutus confirms that his letters contain no mention of Portia.

Messala: “That, methinks, is strange.”

Paraphrase: Messala says that he finds it unusual that the letters contain no information about Portia.

Brutus: “Why ask you? Hear you aught of her in yours?”

Paraphrase: Brutus asks Messala why he is asking these questions. He then asks whether Messala has heard anything about Portia in his own letters.

Messala: “No, my lord.”

Paraphrase: Messala replies that he has received no news about Portia either.

Brutus: “Now, as you are a Roman, tell me true.”

Paraphrase: Brutus asks Messala, in the name of his honour as a Roman, to tell him the truth without hiding anything.

Messala: “Then like a Roman bear the truth I tell: for certain she is dead, and by strange manner.”

Paraphrase: Messala tells Brutus that, as a Roman, he must have the courage to face the truth. He confirms that Portia is certainly dead and that her death occurred in an unusual manner.

Brutus: “Why, farewell, Portia. We must die, Messala: with meditating that she must die once, I have the patience to endure it now.”

Paraphrase: Brutus bids farewell to Portia and reflects that everyone must die one day. He explains that he had already thought about the fact that Portia would eventually die. This prior reflection helps him endure her death with patience now.

Messala: “Even so great men great losses should endure.”

Paraphrase: Messala agrees that great men should be able to bear great losses. He suggests that Brutus is showing the strength and self-control expected of a great man.

Cassius: “I have as much of this in art as you, but yet my nature could not bear it so.”

Paraphrase: Cassius says that he has studied philosophy and possesses as much philosophical knowledge as Brutus. However, his natural temperament would not allow him to endure such a painful loss as calmly as Brutus does.

Brutus: “Well, to our work alive. What do you think of marching to Philippi presently?”

Paraphrase: Brutus says that, since they are still alive, they should return their attention to their duties. He then asks Cassius what he thinks about marching to Philippi immediately.

Cassius: “I do not think it good.”

Paraphrase: Cassius replies that he does not consider an immediate march to Philippi to be a good decision.

Brutus: “Your reason?”

Paraphrase: Brutus asks Cassius to explain the reason for his opinion.

Multiple-Choice Questions Set 1:

1. What does Brutus ask Cassius to do at the beginning of the passage?

A. Draw his sword B. Sheathe his dagger C. Leave the tent D. Call the soldiers

Answer: B. Sheathe his dagger

2. According to Brutus, when may Cassius become angry?

A. Only during a battle B. Only when Brutus permits him C. Whenever he wishes D. Only in front of soldiers

Answer: C. Whenever he wishes

3. What does Brutus compare himself to?

A. A lion B. A lamb C. A horse D. A dove

Answer: B. A lamb

4. Which natural object does Brutus mention while describing his anger?

A. A piece of flint B. A burning branch C. A river stone D. A piece of iron

Answer: A. A piece of flint

5. What does flint produce when strongly struck or forced?

A. Smoke B. Water C. A sudden spark D. A loud sound

Answer: C. A sudden spark

6. What happens to Brutus's anger after it appears?

A. It grows stronger B. It lasts throughout the day C. It makes him violent D. It quickly disappears

Answer: D. It quickly disappears

7. What does Cassius fear he has become to Brutus?

A. A faithful servant B. An object of amusement and laughter C. A military rival D. A respected teacher

Answer: B. An object of amusement and laughter

8. Which two things does Cassius mention as troubling him?

A. Hunger and thirst B. Fear and jealousy C. Grief and an ill-tempered disposition D. Poverty and illness

Answer: C. Grief and an ill-tempered disposition

9. What does Brutus admit about his own state of mind when he spoke?

A. He was frightened B. He was confused C. He was tired D. He was ill-tempered

Answer: D. He was ill-tempered

10. What does Cassius ask Brutus to give him?

A. His sword B. His hand C. His purse D. His cloak

Answer: B. His hand

11. What does Brutus offer Cassius besides his hand?

A. His heart B. His sword C. His property D. His command

Answer: A. His heart

12. What does Brutus ask Cassius when Cassius affectionately calls his name?

A. “Where are you going?” B. “Who is coming?” C. “What's the matter?” D. “What have you done?”

Answer: C. “What's the matter?”

13. What does Cassius ask Brutus to have enough of?

A. Patience with soldiers B. Love to tolerate him C. Courage to fight D. Wisdom to command

Answer: B. Love to tolerate him

14. From whom does Cassius say he received his rash temper?

A. His father B. His brother C. His teacher D. His mother

Answer: D. His mother

15. What does Cassius say his rash temper sometimes makes him do?

A. Forget himself and behave impulsively B. Abandon the army C. Disobey the Senate D. Refuse to speak

Answer: A. Forget himself and behave impulsively

16. What does Brutus promise to imagine when Cassius becomes over-earnest with him?

A. That Cassius is addressing a soldier B. That Cassius is speaking to an enemy C. That Cassius's mother is scolding him D. That Cassius is joking with the Poet

Answer: C. That Cassius's mother is scolding him

17. Who speaks from within and asks to see the generals?

A. Messala B. The Poet C. Lucius D. Titinius

Answer: B. The Poet

18. Why does the Poet believe the generals should not be left alone?

A. They have forgotten their duties B. They are preparing to leave C. They are waiting for an army D. There is some disagreement between them

Answer: D. There is some disagreement between them

19. Who initially refuses to let the Poet enter?

A. Cassius B. Brutus C. Lucilius D. Lucius

Answer: C. Lucilius

20. What does the Poet say is the only thing that can stop him?

A. Death B. The army C. Brutus's anger D. Cassius's command

Answer: A. Death

21. Who follows the Poet into the tent?

A. Messala, Brutus and Cassius B. Lucilius, Titinius and Lucius C. Octavius, Antony and Lepidus D. Lucius, Messala and Cicero

Answer: B. Lucilius, Titinius and Lucius

22. What does Cassius ask when the Poet enters?

A. “Where is Messala?” B. “Who sent you here?” C. “How now! What's the matter?” D. “Have the soldiers arrived?”

Answer: C. “How now! What's the matter?”

23. What does the Poet urge Brutus and Cassius to do?

A. Leave the army B. Stop speaking to their soldiers C. Prepare for immediate battle D. Love one another and remain friends

Answer: D. Love one another and remain friends

24. Why does the Poet claim that he can advise the generals?

A. He claims to be older than both of them B. He claims to be a military commander C. He claims to have defeated Antony D. He claims to be a Roman senator

Answer: A. He claims to be older than both of them

25. What does Cassius criticise in the Poet's speech?

A. His military knowledge B. His poor rhyming C. His lack of courage D. His political opinions

Answer: B. His poor rhyming

26. How does Brutus describe the Poet when ordering him to leave?

A. A loyal friend B. A wise adviser C. A saucy fellow D. A brave soldier

Answer: C. A saucy fellow

27. What does Cassius say about the Poet's behaviour?

A. It is entirely new B. It is unusually respectful C. It is caused by fear D. It is his usual manner

Answer: D. It is his usual manner

28. According to Brutus, when will he understand the Poet's humour?

A. When the Poet learns the proper time to behave that way B. When the Poet becomes a soldier C. When the war is over D. When Cassius explains the joke

Answer: A. When the Poet learns the proper time to behave that way

29. What does Brutus call people who indulge in silly rhymes during wartime?

A. Wise philosophers B. Jigging fools C. Brave commanders D. Faithful servants

Answer: B. Jigging fools

30. Who finally orders the Poet to go away?

A. Lucilius alone B. Messala C. Cassius D. Lucius

Answer: C. Cassius

31. What happens to the Poet after Cassius orders him away?

A. He remains in the tent B. He speaks to Messala C. He calls the soldiers D. He exits

Answer: D. He exits

32. Whom does Brutus instruct to tell the commanders to prepare accommodation?

A. Lucilius and Titinius B. Messala and Lucius C. Cassius and Messala D. Octavius and Antony

Answer: A. Lucilius and Titinius

33. For when must the soldiers' accommodation be arranged?

A. The following week B. That night C. The next morning D. After the battle

Answer: B. That night

34. Whom does Cassius ask Lucilius and Titinius to bring immediately?

A. Cicero B. Octavius C. Messala D. The Poet

Answer: C. Messala

35. What does Brutus ask Lucius to bring?

A. A sword B. A letter C. A lamp and oil D. A bowl of wine

Answer: D. A bowl of wine

36. What does Cassius confess about Brutus's anger?

A. He had not thought Brutus could become so angry B. He had expected Brutus to attack him C. He had always feared Brutus D. He had never seen Brutus speak

Answer: A. He had not thought Brutus could become so angry

37. How does Brutus describe his emotional condition?

A. He is full of confidence B. He is sick of many griefs C. He is pleased with the army D. He is eager for celebration

Answer: B. He is sick of many griefs

38. According to Cassius, what does Brutus fail to use properly?

A. His military strength B. His wealth C. His philosophy D. His authority

Answer: C. His philosophy

39. What does Cassius call the unexpected misfortunes that Brutus should face philosophically?

A. Military victories B. Political rewards C. Personal ambitions D. Accidental evils

Answer: D. Accidental evils

40. What does Brutus claim about his ability to bear sorrow?

A. No man bears sorrow better than he does B. He cannot bear sorrow C. Cassius bears sorrow better than he does D. He has never experienced sorrow

Answer: A. No man bears sorrow better than he does

41. What tragic news does Brutus reveal?

A. Cicero has been exiled B. Portia is dead C. Lucius has disappeared D. Messala has been captured

Answer: B. Portia is dead

42. How does Cassius react when Brutus mentions Portia's death?

A. He laughs B. He remains silent without reacting C. He expresses shock and repeats her name D. He immediately leaves the tent

Answer: C. He expresses shock and repeats her name

43. What does Cassius ask about Portia's death?

A. Where she was buried B. Who informed Brutus C. Whether she was alone D. What sickness caused her death

Answer: D. What sickness caused her death

44. What was Portia unable to bear, according to Brutus?

A. His absence B. Her wealth C. Her duties at home D. The Poet's behaviour

Answer: A. His absence

45. Which two men had made themselves very powerful, according to Brutus?

A. Brutus and Cassius B. Octavius and Mark Antony C. Lucilius and Titinius D. Messala and Cicero

Answer: B. Octavius and Mark Antony

46. What effect did the news of the enemy's growing strength have on Portia?

A. It made her happy B. It gave her courage C. It increased her grief D. It made her leave Rome

Answer: C. It increased her grief

47. What happened to Portia when she became overwhelmed by grief?

A. She went to Philippi B. She joined the army C. She wrote to Cassius D. She became mentally disturbed

Answer: D. She became mentally disturbed

48. What did Portia do when her attendants were absent?

A. She swallowed fire B. She left her house C. She sent a message to Brutus D. She called for Messala

Answer: A. She swallowed fire

49. What does Cassius ask after hearing how Portia died?

A. Whether Brutus knew about it B. Whether she really died in that manner C. Whether Messala was present D. Whether the army had arrived

Answer: B. Whether she really died in that manner

50. To whom does Cassius appeal after hearing the news of Portia's death?

A. The Roman senators B. The commanders C. The immortal gods D. The soldiers

Answer: C. The immortal gods

51. Who re-enters carrying wine and a taper?

A. Messala B. Titinius C. Lucilius D. Lucius

Answer: D. Lucius

52. What does Brutus ask Cassius not to discuss any further?

A. Portia's death B. The Poet's rhymes C. The accommodation arrangements D. The commanders' duties

Answer: A. Portia's death

53. What does Brutus say he will bury in the bowl of wine?

A. His sorrow for Rome B. All unkindness between himself and Cassius C. His military plans D. His memories of the Poet

Answer: B. All unkindness between himself and Cassius

54. What does Cassius say his heart is thirsty for?

A. Military success B. News from Rome C. The noble pledge of friendship D. A victory celebration

Answer: C. The noble pledge of friendship

55. What does Cassius ask Lucius to do with the wine?

A. Keep it for later B. Divide it among the soldiers C. Pour it onto the ground D. Fill the cup until the wine overflows

Answer: D. Fill the cup until the wine overflows

56. What does Cassius say about drinking Brutus's love?

A. He cannot drink too much of it B. He does not wish to receive it C. He will accept it only once D. He prefers to drink alone

Answer: A. He cannot drink too much of it

57. Whom does Brutus call after the exchange about the wine?

A. The Poet B. Titinius C. Cicero D. Octavius

Answer: B. Titinius

58. Who accompanies Titinius when he re-enters?

A. Lucilius B. Lucius C. Messala D. Cassius

Answer: C. Messala

59. What does Brutus call Messala when welcoming him?

A. Brave commander B. Noble senator C. Wise philosopher D. Good Messala

Answer: D. Good Messala

60. Around what does Brutus ask everyone to sit?

A. A taper B. A shield C. A table of weapons D. A campfire outside

Answer: A. A taper

61. What does Brutus want everyone to discuss?

A. The Poet's age B. Their necessities and pressing concerns C. Their childhood memories D. Their family histories

Answer: B. Their necessities and pressing concerns

62. What does Cassius ask about Portia again?

A. Whether she has written a letter B. Whether she is ill C. Whether she is truly gone D. Whether she is at home

Answer: C. Whether she is truly gone

63. What does Brutus ask Cassius to do after he mentions Portia again?

A. Send for a messenger B. Speak to Lucius C. Leave the tent D. Stop speaking about her

Answer: D. Stop speaking about her

64. What news have Brutus's letters brought?

A. Octavius and Mark Antony are advancing with a mighty force B. Cassius has been appointed consul C. Cicero has returned to Rome D. The Poet has joined the army

Answer: A. Octavius and Mark Antony are advancing with a mighty force

65. Towards which place are Octavius and Antony directing their campaign?

A. Athens B. Philippi C. Alexandria D. Carthage

Answer: B. Philippi

66. What does Messala say about the information in his letters?

A. It contradicts every part of Brutus's report B. It contains no military information C. It contains the same information as Brutus's letters D. It reports that Antony has surrendered

Answer: C. It contains the same information as Brutus's letters

67. What does Brutus ask Messala after hearing that their letters have the same general information?

A. Who delivered the letters B. When the letters were written C. Whether Cicero sent them D. What additional information they contain

Answer: D. What additional information they contain

68. Who are said to have ordered the proscription and outlawry measures?

A. Octavius, Antony and Lepidus B. Brutus, Cassius and Messala C. Cicero, Lucilius and Titinius D. Brutus, Octavius and Cicero

Answer: A. Octavius, Antony and Lepidus

69. According to Messala's letters, how many senators had been put to death?

A. Fifty B. One hundred C. Seventy D. Thirty

Answer: B. One hundred

70. According to Brutus's letters, how many senators had died under the proscription orders?

A. One hundred and twenty B. Ninety C. Seventy D. Fifty

Answer: C. Seventy

71. Which person does Brutus name among the senators who died?

A. Lucilius B. Messala C. Titinius D. Cicero

Answer: D. Cicero

72. What does Cassius exclaim when he hears that Cicero was killed?

A. “Cicero one!” B. “Cicero is safe!” C. “Cicero has returned!” D. “Cicero is victorious!”

Answer: A. “Cicero one!”

73. How does Messala explain Cicero's death?

A. He died in battle against Brutus B. He was killed under the proscription order C. He died of illness D. He was exiled from Rome

Answer: B. He was killed under the proscription order

74. What does Messala ask Brutus about his wife?

A. Whether she has travelled to Philippi B. Whether she has met Cassius C. Whether Brutus has received letters from her D. Whether she has sent soldiers

Answer: C. Whether Brutus has received letters from her

75. What is Brutus's reply about receiving letters from his wife?

A. He has received several letters B. He has received one letter C. He expects one the next morning D. He has received none

Answer: D. He has received none

76. What does Messala ask about the contents of Brutus's letters?

A. Whether they contain anything about Portia B. Whether they mention the Poet C. Whether they give the names of the commanders D. Whether they contain a military map

Answer: A. Whether they contain anything about Portia

77. What does Brutus say about any mention of Portia in his letters?

A. Her name appears in every letter B. Nothing about her is mentioned C. Only her illness is mentioned D. Her death is described in detail

Answer: B. Nothing about her is mentioned

78. How does Messala describe the absence of news about Portia?

A. Expected B. Unimportant C. Strange D. Comforting

Answer: C. Strange

79. What does Brutus ask Messala about his letters?

A. Whether they mention Antony's victory B. Whether they contain news of Cicero's return C. Whether they discuss the Poet D. Whether Messala has heard anything about Portia

Answer: D. Whether Messala has heard anything about Portia

80. What does Messala say about receiving news of Portia?

A. He has received no such news B. He has received a detailed report C. He has received a letter from Portia D. He heard that she is travelling

Answer: A. He has received no such news

81. How does Brutus ask Messala to tell him the truth?

A. As a commander B. As a Roman C. As a poet D. As a servant

Answer: B. As a Roman

82. What does Messala tell Brutus to do when hearing the truth?

A. Reject it immediately B. Ask Cassius to confirm it C. Bear it like a Roman D. Leave the tent

Answer: C. Bear it like a Roman

83. What does Messala confirm about Portia?

A. She is alive but ill B. She has travelled away C. She is waiting for Brutus D. She is dead, and her death occurred in a strange manner

Answer: D. She is dead, and her death occurred in a strange manner

84. What does Brutus say after learning the truth about Portia?

A. “Why, farewell, Portia.” B. “Portia will return.” C. “I shall leave Rome.” D. “Send for Octavius.”

Answer: A. “Why, farewell, Portia.”

85. What does Brutus say about human life?

A. Only soldiers must die B. Everyone must die C. Great men never die D. Death can always be avoided

Answer: B. Everyone must die

86. What helps Brutus endure Portia's death patiently?

A. His hope of military victory B. Cassius's advice alone C. His prior reflection that she would die one day D. The Poet's intervention

Answer: C. His prior reflection that she would die one day

87. According to Messala, what should great men endure?

A. Only small difficulties B. No personal losses C. Only military defeats D. Great losses

Answer: D. Great losses

88. What does Cassius admit about his knowledge of philosophy?

A. He has as much philosophical knowledge as Brutus B. He knows nothing about philosophy C. He has never studied philosophy D. He knows more than every Roman

Answer: A. He has as much philosophical knowledge as Brutus

89. Why does Cassius say he cannot endure the loss as Brutus does?

A. He has not heard the news B. His natural temperament makes it difficult C. He does not know Portia D. He refuses to think about death

Answer: B. His natural temperament makes it difficult

90. What does Brutus say they should do while they are alive?

A. Stop all military preparations B. Leave their duties to others C. Attend to their work D. Search for the Poet

Answer: C. Attend to their work

91. What military proposal does Brutus raise?

A. Returning to Rome immediately B. Sending Messala to Antony C. Attacking the Senate D. Marching to Philippi immediately

Answer: D. Marching to Philippi immediately

92. What is Cassius's opinion of an immediate march to Philippi?

A. He does not think it is good B. He strongly supports it C. He has already begun it D. He refuses to discuss it

Answer: A. He does not think it is good

93. What does Brutus ask Cassius after hearing his disagreement?

A. “Where is Messala?” B. “Your reason?” C. “Who sent the letter?” D. “When will you leave?”

Answer: B. “Your reason?”

94. Which character asks Lucius for wine?

A. Cassius B. Messala C. Brutus D. The Poet

Answer: C. Brutus

95. Which character tells Brutus that great men should endure great losses?

A. Lucilius B. Titinius C. Cassius D. Messala

Answer: D. Messala

96. Which character repeatedly expresses concern about Portia's death?

A. Cassius B. Lucius C. The Poet D. Lucilius

Answer: A. Cassius

97. What is the purpose of the wine pledge between Brutus and Cassius?

A. To celebrate their military victory B. To put an end to their ill feelings C. To welcome Octavius D. To honour the Poet

Answer: B. To put an end to their ill feelings

98. Which of the following is reported in Messala's letters but differs in number from Brutus's report?

A. The number of soldiers at Philippi B. The number of letters received C. The number of senators killed D. The number of generals in the tent

Answer: C. The number of senators killed

99. Which pair of characters discusses whether to march to Philippi immediately?

A. Lucius and Lucilius B. Messala and Titinius C. Octavius and Antony D. Brutus and Cassius

Answer: D. Brutus and Cassius

100. What is the final line of dialogue in the supplied passage?

A. “Your reason?” B. “She is dead.” C. “Away, away, be gone.” D. “No more, I pray you.”

Answer: A. “Your reason?”

101. Which expression does Brutus use to describe Cassius's quick temper?

A. “A heart of stone” B. “Rash humour” C. “A fiery sword” D. “A troubled mind”

Answer: B. “Rash humour”

102. What does Brutus's offer of his heart to Cassius chiefly express?

A. Fear of Cassius B. A wish to end the war C. Sincere affection and friendship D. A demand for leadership

Answer: C. Sincere affection and friendship

103. What is the Poet's main purpose in entering the generals' tent?

A. To bring news of Cicero B. To request wine C. To arrange accommodation D. To urge the generals to reconcile

Answer: D. To urge the generals to reconcile

104. Which of the following best describes Brutus's attitude towards the Poet?

A. He considers the Poet's behaviour inappropriate B. He asks the Poet to command the army C. He praises the Poet's rhyming D. He requests further advice from him

Answer: A. He considers the Poet's behaviour inappropriate

105. What does Cassius's remark about the Poet's fashion mean?

A. The Poet is wearing unsuitable clothes B. The Poet habitually behaves in that manner C. The Poet is preparing for battle D. The Poet is too old to speak

Answer: B. The Poet habitually behaves in that manner

106. What is Brutus's immediate concern after the Poet leaves?

A. Finding Cicero B. Writing to Portia C. Arranging the soldiers' accommodation D. Punishing Lucilius

Answer: C. Arranging the soldiers' accommodation

107. Which event causes Cassius to express deep sorrow?

A. The Poet's poor rhyming B. The departure of Lucilius C. The disagreement about accommodation D. Portia's death

Answer: D. Portia's death

108. What does Brutus's statement about unexpected misfortunes suggest Cassius expects him to use?

A. His philosophical wisdom B. His military weapons C. His political influence D. His wealth

Answer: A. His philosophical wisdom

109. What is the relationship between Portia and Brutus?

A. Sister and brother B. Wife and husband C. Mother and son D. Cousins

Answer: B. Wife and husband

110. Which circumstance is explicitly mentioned as coinciding with the news of Portia's death?

A. The Poet's arrival B. Cicero's return C. News of Octavius and Antony's growing strength D. The soldiers' departure for Rome

Answer: C. News of Octavius and Antony's growing strength

111. Who brings wine and a taper into the tent?

A. Messala B. Titinius C. Lucilius D. Lucius

Answer: D. Lucius

112. What does Cassius's willingness to drink Brutus's love show?

A. His desire to restore their friendship B. His intention to leave the army C. His dislike of Brutus D. His wish to avoid Messala

Answer: A. His desire to restore their friendship

113. What does the taper provide for the meeting?

A. A signal for the soldiers B. A source of light around which they gather C. A weapon for Brutus D. A means of sending messages

Answer: B. A source of light around which they gather

114. What does Brutus mean when he says their letters “do not well agree”?

A. The letters are written in different languages B. The letters were sent on different days C. The letters report different numbers of dead senators D. The letters contain no military information

Answer: C. The letters report different numbers of dead senators

115. Which number of senators is given in Messala's report?

A. Seventy B. Fifty C. Eighty D. One hundred

Answer: D. One hundred

116. Which number of senators is given in Brutus's report?

A. Seventy B. One hundred C. One hundred and fifty D. Forty

Answer: A. Seventy

117. What does Brutus ask Messala to do before revealing the news about Portia?

A. Leave the tent B. Tell the truth as a Roman C. Speak to Cassius first D. Read every letter aloud

Answer: B. Tell the truth as a Roman

118. What does Brutus's response to Portia's death emphasise?

A. His intention to abandon the army B. His anger at Messala C. His philosophical acceptance of mortality D. His desire to return home immediately

Answer: C. His philosophical acceptance of mortality

119. What does Cassius acknowledge about the difference between himself and Brutus?

A. He is older than Brutus B. He is a better commander C. He has never studied philosophy D. His temperament prevents him from bearing grief as calmly

Answer: D. His temperament prevents him from bearing grief as calmly

120. What does Brutus seek from Cassius at the end of the passage?

A. The reason for opposing an immediate march to Philippi B. Permission to dismiss Messala C. Information about the Poet D. A report about Portia's letters

Answer: A. The reason for opposing an immediate march to Philippi

121. Which character refuses to let the Poet enter at first?

A. Lucius B. Lucilius C. Messala D. Titinius

Answer: B. Lucilius

122. What does Cassius ask Brutus to do when he becomes over-earnest?

A. Punish him B. Send him away C. Tolerate him out of love D. Call the Poet

Answer: C. Tolerate him out of love

123. What is the Poet's reaction to Lucilius's attempt to stop him?

A. He leaves without speaking B. He asks Cassius for permission C. He waits outside quietly D. He declares that only death can stop him

Answer: D. He declares that only death can stop him

124. What does Brutus say they must do after discussing Portia's death?

A. Return to their work while they are alive B. Stop all military preparations C. Send for the Poet D. Return to Rome immediately

Answer: A. Return to their work while they are alive

125. At what point does the supplied passage end?

A. When the Poet enters the tent B. When Brutus asks Cassius for his reason C. When Messala reports Cicero's death D. When Lucius brings the wine

Answer: B. When Brutus asks Cassius for his reason

Multiple Choice Questions — Set 2

1. What does Brutus’s comparison of himself to a lamb suggest about his response to anger?

(A) He remains angry for a long time. (B) He is naturally cruel to others. (C) His anger is brief and quickly subsides. (D) He deliberately provokes Cassius.

Answer: (C) His anger is brief and quickly subsides.

2. What does Cassius’s concern about becoming a source of laughter reveal?

(A) He fears that others may ridicule him. (B) He wants to entertain the soldiers. (C) He thinks the Poet is amusing. (D) He wants Brutus to leave the camp.

Answer: (A) He fears that others may ridicule him.

3. What does Brutus’s willingness to give Cassius both his hand and his heart signify?

(A) He wishes to end their military partnership. (B) He offers both outward reconciliation and sincere affection. (C) He wants Cassius to surrender his authority. (D) He expects Cassius to leave the camp.

Answer: (B) He offers both outward reconciliation and sincere affection.

4. Why does Cassius refer to his mother while discussing his rash temper?

(A) To blame her for his military failures. (B) To explain that his impulsiveness is part of his temperament. (C) To ask Brutus to visit her. (D) To change the subject from their disagreement to politics.

Answer: (B) To explain that his impulsiveness is part of his temperament.

5. What does Brutus imply when he says he will imagine Cassius’s mother scolding him?

(A) He intends to punish Cassius’s family. (B) He accepts Cassius’s explanation in a light-hearted manner. (C) He doubts that Cassius has a mother. (D) He wants Cassius to return home.

Answer: (B) He accepts Cassius’s explanation in a light-hearted manner.

6. What does the Poet believe is necessary for Brutus and Cassius?

(A) A change of military commanders. (B) A permanent separation. (C) Love and friendship between them. (D) A public debate before the soldiers.

Answer: (C) Love and friendship between them.

7. Why does the Poet insist on entering despite being stopped initially?

(A) He believes the generals’ disagreement requires his intervention. (B) He wants to take command of the army. (C) He wishes to deliver a message from Antony. (D) He has been ordered to arrest Cassius.

Answer: (A) He believes the generals’ disagreement requires his intervention.

8. Which quality does the Poet use to support his attempt to advise the generals?

(A) His wealth. (B) His military experience. (C) His age. (D) His political office.

Answer: (C) His age.

9. What does Brutus’s reaction to the Poet’s speech reveal about his attitude towards the interruption?

(A) He welcomes the Poet’s advice without reservation. (B) He regards the Poet’s intervention as impertinent. (C) He asks the Poet to remain as a mediator. (D) He appoints the Poet as Cassius’s adviser.

Answer: (B) He regards the Poet’s intervention as impertinent.

10. What practical responsibility does Brutus assign to Lucilius and Titinius?

(A) To investigate the proscription of senators. (B) To arrange quarters for their companies for the night. (C) To carry a letter to Octavius. (D) To escort the Poet to Rome.

Answer: (B) To arrange quarters for their companies for the night.

11. What does Cassius ask Lucilius and Titinius to do in addition to their assigned responsibility?

(A) Bring Messala to him. (B) Summon Octavius. (C) Find Portia’s attendants. (D) Prepare a speech for the soldiers.

Answer: (A) Bring Messala to him.

12. What does Brutus ask Lucius to bring?

(A) A sword. (B) A letter. (C) Wine. (D) A candle.

Answer: (C) Wine.

13. Which sequence correctly reflects the events following the generals’ reconciliation?

(A) The Poet enters → Brutus asks for wine → the generals reconcile → Messala arrives. (B) The generals reconcile → the Poet enters → Brutus asks for wine → Messala arrives. (C) Messala arrives → the Poet enters → Brutus asks for wine → the generals reconcile. (D) Brutus asks for wine → Messala arrives → the Poet enters → the generals reconcile.

Answer: (B) The generals reconcile → the Poet enters → Brutus asks for wine → Messala arrives.

14. Which event occurs immediately after Brutus and Cassius settle their disagreement?

(A) They discuss the advance towards Philippi. (B) The Poet enters and attempts to advise them. (C) Messala reports Cicero’s death. (D) Brutus receives a letter from Portia.

Answer: (B) The Poet enters and attempts to advise them.

15. Which sequence best represents the discussion of Portia’s death?

(A) Brutus discloses her death → he explains her distress and the circumstances → Messala is later questioned about the news. (B) Messala announces her death → Brutus denies it → Cassius sends for her attendants. (C) Cassius announces her death → the Poet explains her distress → Brutus leaves the camp. (D) Brutus receives a letter from Portia → Messala contradicts it → Cassius asks for wine.

Answer: (A) Brutus discloses her death → he explains her distress and the circumstances → Messala is later questioned about the news.

16. Which sequence correctly represents the reports about the political situation?

(A) Messala reports the advance towards Philippi → he adds information about the proscriptions → Cicero’s death is confirmed. (B) Cicero’s death is confirmed → the Poet reports the advance → the generals discuss Portia’s letters. (C) The proscriptions are discussed → the generals summon Antony → Messala denies Cicero’s death. (D) Brutus writes to Portia → Messala reports the Poet’s departure → the army leaves for Rome.

Answer: (A) Messala reports the advance towards Philippi → he adds information about the proscriptions → Cicero’s death is confirmed.

17. What is the order of the following actions in the passage?

1. Brutus asks Lucius for wine.
2. Brutus tells Cassius about Portia’s death.
3. The generals discuss the news concerning their enemies.
4. Messala is brought to the generals.

(A) 4, 1, 2, 3 (B) 1, 2, 4, 3 (C) 2, 1, 3, 4 (D) 3, 4, 1, 2

Answer: (B) 1, 2, 4, 3.

18. In Brutus’s comparison of anger to a flint’s spark, which literary device is used?

(A) Simile. (B) Metonymy. (C) Pun. (D) Transferred epithet.

Answer: (A) Simile.

19. The expression “bury all unkindness” presents ill feeling as something that can be buried. Which device is most clearly used?

(A) Hyperbole. (B) Metaphor. (C) Onomatopoeia. (D) Oxymoron.

Answer: (B) Metaphor.

20. In the context of reconciliation, what does the expression “my heart” chiefly represent when Brutus offers it to Cassius?

(A) His physical strength. (B) His military authority. (C) His affection and sincere goodwill. (D) His fear of political defeat.

Answer: (C) His affection and sincere goodwill.

21. The Poet’s use of verse to advise the generals, followed by Cassius’s criticism of his rhyme, creates a contrast between the Poet’s manner and the generals’ response. Which dramatic effect is most evident?

(A) Comic relief. (B) A supernatural revelation. (C) A tragic recognition scene. (D) A formal trial.

Answer: (A) Comic relief.

22. The bowl of wine shared by Brutus and Cassius after their disagreement may be interpreted as a symbol of what?

(A) Their decision to surrender. (B) Their renewed friendship and reconciliation. (C) Their distrust of Messala. (D) Their intention to abandon Rome.

Answer: (B) Their renewed friendship and reconciliation.

23. The Poet’s claim that only death will stop him from intervening is an example of which device?

(A) Hyperbole. (B) Euphemism. (C) Metonymy. (D) Litotes.

Answer: (A) Hyperbole.

24. When Brutus speaks of “burying” unkindness, the image helps convey which idea?

(A) The need to hide military supplies. (B) The desire to put their quarrel behind them. (C) The danger of fighting at night. (D) The need to mourn a soldier.

Answer: (B) The desire to put their quarrel behind them.

For Questions 25–30, choose the correct relationship:

(A) Both statements are true, and Statement II correctly explains Statement I. (B) Both statements are true, but Statement II does not explain Statement I. (C) Statement I is true, but Statement II is false. (D) Statement I is false, but Statement II is true.

25. Statement I: Brutus admits that he has also been ill-tempered. Statement II: The reconciliation involves an acknowledgement of fault, rather than blame being placed entirely on Cassius.

Answer: (A) Both statements are true, and Statement II correctly explains Statement I.

26. Statement I: The Poet’s intervention is welcomed by both generals. Statement II: Cassius criticises the Poet’s rhyme, and Brutus orders him to leave.

Answer: (D) Statement I is false, but Statement II is true.

27. Statement I: Brutus connects Portia’s distress with his absence and the political news. Statement II: Portia was distressed by Brutus’s absence and by reports concerning Octavius and Mark Antony.

Answer: (A) Both statements are true, and Statement II correctly explains Statement I.

28. Statement I: Messala’s information agrees in every numerical detail with Brutus’s letters. Statement II: Messala reports that 100 senators were killed, while Brutus’s letters mention 70.

Answer: (D) Statement I is false, but Statement II is true.

29. Statement I: Cassius accepts that philosophical understanding does not necessarily make grief easy to bear. Statement II: He admits that he knows philosophical arguments but cannot endure sorrow as calmly as Brutus suggests.

Answer: (A) Both statements are true, and Statement II correctly explains Statement I.

30. Statement I: Cassius immediately agrees with Brutus’s proposal to march to Philippi. Statement II: Cassius expresses the view that marching immediately is not advisable.

Answer: (D) Statement I is false, but Statement II is true.

For Questions 31–36, choose the correct combination:

(A) I and II only. (B) I and III only. (C) II and III only. (D) I, II and III.

31. Which statements accurately describe Brutus’s attitude towards Cassius during their reconciliation?

I. Brutus admits that he too has been ill-tempered. II. Brutus offers Cassius his heart as well as his hand. III. Brutus insists that Cassius alone is responsible for their quarrel.

Answer: (A) I and II only.

32. Which statements about the Poet are supported by the extract?

I. He suspects that a grudge exists between the generals. II. He urges the generals to love one another and remain friends. III. He is appointed to arrange the companies’ quarters.

Answer: (A) I and II only.

33. Which statements about the military arrangements are correct?

I. Brutus asks Lucilius and Titinius to arrange quarters for their companies. II. Cassius asks them to bring Messala. III. Brutus asks Lucius to bring wine.

Answer: (D) I, II and III.

34. Which statements about the news from the letters are supported by the extract?

I. Octavius and Mark Antony are advancing towards Philippi with great power. II. Messala brings news concerning the proscriptions. III. Cicero is named among those reported killed in Brutus’s letters.

Answer: (D) I, II and III.

35. Which statements accurately reflect the discussion of Portia?

I. Brutus says that she was distressed by his absence. II. The news of Octavius and Mark Antony’s growing power contributed to her distress. III. Messala’s letters provide a clear, detailed account of her death.

Answer: (A) I and II only.

36. Which statements accurately describe the differing responses to grief?

I. Brutus urges a reasoned acceptance of death. II. Messala suggests that great men should endure great losses. III. Cassius says that his philosophical knowledge enables him to bear sorrow calmly.

Answer: (A) I and II only.

37. What is the prevailing mood when Brutus and Cassius acknowledge their faults and reconcile?

(A) Hostility and suspicion. (B) Relief and restored goodwill. (C) Panic and confusion. (D) Triumph over an enemy.

Answer: (B) Relief and restored goodwill.

38. What tone does Cassius adopt towards the Poet’s attempt to advise the generals?

(A) Respectful and grateful. (B) Amused but dismissive. (C) Fearful and apologetic. (D) Solemn and reverential.

Answer: (B) Amused but dismissive.

39. Which emotion is most evident when Brutus reveals Portia’s death?

(A) Personal sorrow restrained by self-control. (B) Unqualified delight. (C) Jealousy of Cassius. (D) Indifference to family matters.

Answer: (A) Personal sorrow restrained by self-control.

40. What does Cassius’s response to the discussion of grief reveal?

(A) He has no affection for Brutus. (B) He considers all sorrow meaningless. (C) He struggles to apply philosophical reasoning to his own emotions. (D) He believes that only soldiers experience grief.

Answer: (C) He struggles to apply philosophical reasoning to his own emotions.

41. What mood emerges when the generals learn about the approaching forces and the deaths caused by the proscriptions?

(A) Carefree amusement. (B) Seriousness and concern about the political and military situation. (C) Festive excitement. (D) Complete confidence that their enemies have surrendered.

Answer: (B) Seriousness and concern about the political and military situation.

42. Which of the following statements about Brutus and Cassius is NOT TRUE?

(A) Brutus admits that he has also been ill-tempered. (B) Cassius explains his rash temper by referring to his mother. (C) Brutus refuses to offer Cassius any sign of affection. (D) Both generals move towards reconciliation.

Answer: (C) Brutus refuses to offer Cassius any sign of affection.

43. Which statement about the Poet is NOT TRUE?

(A) He suspects a disagreement between the generals. (B) He uses his age to support his advice. (C) He urges the generals to remain friends. (D) He successfully persuades the generals to praise his poetry.

Answer: (D) He successfully persuades the generals to praise his poetry.

44. Which statement about the practical arrangements is NOT TRUE?

(A) Brutus asks Lucilius and Titinius to arrange quarters. (B) Cassius asks for Messala to be brought. (C) Brutus asks Lucius for wine. (D) Brutus asks the Poet to lead the army to Philippi.

Answer: (D) Brutus asks the Poet to lead the army to Philippi.

45. Which statement about the political reports is NOT TRUE?

(A) Octavius and Mark Antony are advancing towards Philippi. (B) Messala brings information about the proscriptions. (C) Cicero is mentioned in the reports of those killed. (D) The extract states that the proscriptions were carried out by Brutus and Cassius.

Answer: (D) The extract states that the proscriptions were carried out by Brutus and Cassius.

46. Which statement about Portia’s death is NOT TRUE?

(A) Brutus says that she had been distressed. (B) Her distress was associated with Brutus’s absence and troubling political news. (C) Brutus reports that she had swallowed fire. (D) Brutus says that she had joined Octavius and Mark Antony’s forces.

Answer: (D) Brutus says that she had joined Octavius and Mark Antony’s forces.

47. Which statement about the discussion of grief is NOT TRUE?

(A) Messala encourages endurance in the face of great losses. (B) Cassius acknowledges his difficulty in bearing grief calmly. (C) Brutus treats death as something that must eventually come. (D) Cassius claims that philosophical knowledge has removed all his sorrow.

Answer: (D) Cassius claims that philosophical knowledge has removed all his sorrow.

48. In the extract, “sheathe” most nearly means:

(A) Draw out. (B) Put into its covering. (C) Sharpen. (D) Throw away.

Answer: (B) Put into its covering.

49. The word “rash,” when used to describe Cassius’s temper, means:

(A) Cautious. (B) Impulsive and insufficiently considered. (C) Cheerful. (D) Deliberately patient.

Answer: (B) Impulsive and insufficiently considered.

50. The word “grudge” most nearly means:

(A) A feeling of resentment. (B) A formal agreement. (C) A military command. (D) A public celebration.

Answer: (A) A feeling of resentment.

51. In the context of the Poet’s speech, “saucy” most nearly means:

(A) Overly familiar or impertinent. (B) Extremely timid. (C) Deeply sorrowful. (D) Politically powerful.

Answer: (A) Overly familiar or impertinent.

52. The word “proscription” refers to:

(A) A public celebration of victory. (B) An official act of outlawing or condemning people, often for punishment or death. (C) A military agreement between allies. (D) A private exchange of letters.

Answer: (B) An official act of outlawing or condemning people, often for punishment or death.

53. In the context of the extract, “mighty power” suggests:

(A) A small and poorly equipped force. (B) Considerable military strength. (C) A group of unarmed poets. (D) A lack of political authority.

Answer: (B) Considerable military strength.

54. The word “endure,” in the discussion of great losses, means:

(A) Avoid completely. (B) Bear or withstand. (C) Celebrate publicly. (D) Forget immediately.

Answer: (B) Bear or withstand.

55. In the context of the Poet’s behaviour, “cynic” suggests someone who:

(A) Expresses distrust or scorn. (B) Always agrees politely. (C) Leads a military campaign. (D) Refuses to speak at all.

Answer: (A) Expresses distrust or scorn.

56. The word “quarrel” most nearly means:

(A) A disagreement or argument. (B) A formal invitation. (C) A military victory. (D) A written report.

Answer: (A) A disagreement or argument.

57. Why does Brutus ask Messala, as a Roman, to tell him the truth about Portia?

(A) He wants a reliable answer rather than comforting uncertainty. (B) He suspects Messala of joining Antony. (C) He wishes to test Messala’s knowledge of poetry. (D) He wants Messala to write a letter to Lucius.

Answer: (A) He wants a reliable answer rather than comforting uncertainty.

58. What is the significance of Brutus receiving no letters mentioning Portia?

(A) It proves that Portia had written to Antony. (B) It adds to the uncertainty surrounding the news and prompts Brutus to question Messala. (C) It shows that Messala has left the army. (D) It establishes that Brutus has forgotten Portia.

Answer: (B) It adds to the uncertainty surrounding the news and prompts Brutus to question Messala.

59. What does the contrast between Brutus and Cassius during the discussion of grief chiefly reveal?

(A) Brutus is able to reason through loss, while Cassius admits that emotion can overwhelm his philosophy. (B) Cassius is completely unmoved, while Brutus refuses to think rationally. (C) Both men believe that grief should be hidden from everyone. (D) Brutus believes that great men should never suffer losses.

Answer: (A) Brutus is able to reason through loss, while Cassius admits that emotion can overwhelm his philosophy.

60. Why is Cassius’s objection to marching immediately towards Philippi important at the end of the extract?

(A) It introduces a strategic disagreement that remains unresolved in the supplied passage. (B) It proves that the army has already reached Philippi. (C) It confirms that Antony has surrendered. (D) It ends the military conflict permanently.

Answer: (A) It introduces a strategic disagreement that remains unresolved in the supplied passage.

WHO SAID THIS? / WHO SAID THIS TO WHOM?

1. Who said, “Sheathe your dagger”? To whom was it said?

Answer: Brutus said this to Cassius.

2. Who compared himself to a lamb? To whom was the comparison made?

Answer: Brutus said this to Cassius while explaining the nature of his anger.

3. Who referred to the spark produced by flint? To whom was it said?

Answer: Brutus said this to Cassius while explaining that his anger quickly subsided.

4. Who expressed the fear of becoming a source of laughter? To whom was it said?

Answer: Cassius expressed this fear to Brutus.

5. Who admitted having been ill-tempered? To whom was this admission made?

Answer: Brutus admitted this to Cassius.

6. Who asked for the other person’s hand? To whom was the request made?

Answer: Cassius asked Brutus for his hand.

7. Who offered both his hand and his heart? To whom was the offer made?

Answer: Brutus offered his hand and heart to Cassius.

8. Who attributed his rash temper to his mother? To whom was it said?

Answer: Cassius said this to Brutus.

9. Who said that he would imagine the other person’s mother scolding him? To whom was it said?

Answer: Brutus said this to Cassius.

10. Who suspected that a grudge existed between the generals?

Answer: The Poet suspected that a grudge existed between Brutus and Cassius.

11. Who initially tried to stop the Poet from entering?

Answer: Lucilius initially tried to stop the Poet.

12. Who insisted that only death would stop him from intervening?

Answer: The Poet said this when his entry was being resisted.

13. Who urged the generals to love one another and remain friends?

Answer: The Poet urged Brutus and Cassius to love one another and remain friends.

14. Who referred to his age while advising the generals?

Answer: The Poet referred to his age while advising Brutus and Cassius.

15. Who criticised the Poet’s rhyme?

Answer: Cassius criticised the Poet’s rhyme.

16. Who called the Poet a cynic?

Answer: Cassius called the Poet a cynic.

17. Who called the Poet saucy and referred to “jigging fools”?

Answer: Brutus said this while rebuking the Poet.

18. Who ordered the Poet to leave?

Answer: Brutus ordered the Poet to leave.

19. Who also dismissed the Poet?

Answer: Cassius also dismissed the Poet.

20. Who instructed Lucilius and Titinius to arrange quarters for their companies?

Answer: Brutus instructed Lucilius and Titinius to arrange quarters for their companies for the night.

21. Who asked Lucilius and Titinius to bring Messala?

Answer: Cassius asked them to bring Messala.

22. Who asked Lucius to bring wine?

Answer: Brutus asked Lucius to bring wine.

23. Who said that he was sick of many griefs?

Answer: Brutus said this to Cassius.

24. Who informed Cassius of Portia’s death?

Answer: Brutus informed Cassius of Portia’s death.

25. Who was distressed by Brutus’s absence?

Answer: Portia was distressed by Brutus’s absence.

26. Who was distressed by the news concerning Octavius and Mark Antony’s growing power?

Answer: Portia was distressed by this news.

27. Who explained the circumstances surrounding Portia’s death?

Answer: Brutus explained the circumstances to Cassius.

28. Who was reported to have swallowed fire?

Answer: Portia was reported to have swallowed fire.

29. Who asked for wine before the discussion continued?

Answer: Brutus asked Lucius for wine.

30. Who reconciled over a bowl of wine?

Answer: Brutus and Cassius reconciled over a bowl of wine.

31. Who spoke of burying all unkindness?

Answer: Brutus spoke of burying all unkindness in the course of reconciliation with Cassius.

32. Who reported that Octavius and Mark Antony were advancing towards Philippi with mighty power?

Answer: Brutus referred to the information contained in his letters.

33. Who brought additional information about the proscriptions?

Answer: Messala brought additional information about the proscriptions.

34. Who reported that 100 senators had been killed through the proscriptions?

Answer: Messala reported that 100 senators had been killed.

35. Whose letters mentioned 70 senators?

Answer: Brutus’s letters mentioned 70 senators.

36. Who was named among those reported in Brutus’s letters as having been killed?

Answer: Cicero was named among them.

37. Who confirmed Cicero’s death by proscription?

Answer: Messala confirmed Cicero’s death by proscription.

38. Who asked whether Brutus had received letters from his wife?

Answer: Messala asked Brutus whether he had received letters from his wife, Portia.

39. Who replied that no letters mentioned Portia?

Answer: Brutus replied that no letters mentioned Portia.

40. Who said that his own letters contained no news of Portia?

Answer: Messala said that his letters contained no news of Portia.

41. Who described the absence of news as strange?

Answer: Messala described it as strange.

42. Who asked Messala, as a Roman, to tell the truth?

Answer: Brutus asked Messala to tell the truth.

43. Who told Brutus that Portia was certainly dead?

Answer: Messala told Brutus that Portia was certainly dead.

44. Who said, in effect, that Portia had to die someday?

Answer: Brutus expressed this thought while accepting the inevitability of death.

45. Who said that great men should endure great losses?

Answer: Messala said this to Brutus.

46. Who admitted possessing philosophical knowledge but being unable to bear grief calmly?

Answer: Cassius admitted this during the discussion of grief.

47. Who tried to face Portia’s death through reason and philosophical acceptance?

Answer: Brutus tried to face Portia’s death through reason and philosophical acceptance.

48. Who raised the question of marching immediately to Philippi?

Answer: Brutus raised the question of marching immediately to Philippi.

49. Who opposed the idea of marching immediately?

Answer: Cassius opposed the idea, saying that it was not advisable.

50. Who asked, “Your reason?”

Answer: Brutus asked Cassius, “Your reason?”

One-Mark Questions

1. What does Brutus ask Cassius to do with his dagger?

Answer: Brutus asks Cassius to sheathe his dagger.

2. According to Brutus, when may Cassius be angry?

Answer: Cassius may be angry whenever he wishes.

3. What does Brutus say Cassius may do as he pleases?

Answer: Cassius may behave as he wishes without Brutus treating it as a serious insult.

4. To what animal does Brutus compare himself?

Answer: Brutus compares himself to a lamb.

5. What quality of the lamb does Brutus emphasise?

Answer: He emphasises its gentleness.

6. What does Brutus say he carries anger like?

Answer: He carries anger like flint carries fire.

7. What does flint produce when strongly struck or forced?

Answer: Flint produces a sudden spark.

8. Under what circumstances does Brutus show anger?

Answer: He shows anger when he is greatly provoked.

10. What does Brutus say happens to him after his anger subsides?

Answer: He becomes calm again immediately.

11. What does Cassius fear he has become to Brutus?

Answer: He fears that he has become an object of amusement and laughter to Brutus.

12. What two things are troubling Cassius, according to his question?

Answer: Grief and an ill-tempered disposition are troubling him.

13. What does Brutus admit about his own temper?

Answer: He admits that he was also ill-tempered when he spoke.

14. What does Cassius ask Brutus to give him after the admission?

Answer: He asks Brutus to give him his hand.

15. What does Brutus offer Cassius besides his hand?

Answer: Brutus offers him his heart too.

16. How does Cassius address Brutus affectionately?

Answer: He exclaims, “O Brutus!”

17. What does Brutus ask Cassius when he calls his name?

Answer: Brutus asks, “What's the matter?”

18. What does Cassius ask Brutus to have enough of?

Answer: He asks Brutus to have enough love to tolerate him.

19. What kind of humour does Cassius say sometimes makes him forgetful?

Answer: His rash or impulsive temper makes him forgetful.

20. From whom does Cassius say he inherited his rash temper?

Answer: He says he inherited it from his mother.

21. What does Cassius want Brutus to do when his temper affects his behaviour?

Answer: He wants Brutus to tolerate and forgive him.

22. What does Brutus promise Cassius from that moment onwards?

Answer: He promises to tolerate Cassius's excessive anger.

23. Whom will Brutus imagine is scolding Cassius when he becomes over-earnest?

Answer: Brutus will imagine that Cassius's mother is scolding him.

24. What will Brutus do when Cassius becomes excessively angry?

Answer: He will leave Cassius alone rather than take his anger seriously.

25. Who speaks from within at the beginning of the interruption?

Answer: The Poet speaks from within.

26. Whom does the Poet want to see?

Answer: He wants to see the generals, Brutus and Cassius.

27. What does the Poet believe exists between the two generals?

Answer: He believes that some ill feeling or disagreement exists between them.

28. Why does the Poet think the generals should not be left alone?

Answer: He believes they should not be left alone while they have a disagreement.

29. Who refuses to allow the Poet to enter?

Answer: Lucilius refuses to allow him to enter.

30. What does the Poet say is the only thing that can stop him?

Answer: He says that nothing but death can stop him.

31. Who enters with the Poet?

Answer: Lucilius, Titinius and Lucius follow the Poet into the tent.

32. What does Cassius ask when the Poet enters?

Answer: He asks what is happening and what the matter is.

33. How does the Poet address Brutus and Cassius when rebuking them?

Answer: He addresses them as generals and tells them to be ashamed.

34. What does the Poet urge the two generals to do?

Answer: He urges them to love each other and remain friends.

35. Why does the Poet think Brutus and Cassius should remain friends?

Answer: He believes that two such distinguished men ought to love and respect each other.

36. What does the Poet claim about his age?

Answer: He claims that he is older than both generals.

37. How does Cassius react to the Poet's rhyming?

Answer: Cassius laughs at it and calls it vile.

38. What does Cassius call the Poet in his remark about the rhyme?

Answer: He calls him a cynic.

39. What does Brutus order the Poet to do?

Answer: Brutus orders him to leave immediately.

40. What two insulting expressions does Brutus use for the Poet?

Answer: He calls him a “saucy fellow” and addresses him as “sirrah.”

41. What does Cassius ask Brutus to do regarding the Poet?

Answer: He asks Brutus to bear with the Poet.

42. Why does Cassius ask Brutus to tolerate the Poet?

Answer: He says that such behaviour is the Poet's usual manner.

43. When does Brutus say he will understand the Poet's humour?

Answer: He says he will understand it when the Poet learns to behave at the proper time.

44. What does Brutus ask about the place of foolish entertainers during war?

Answer: He asks what use there is for such foolish people in wartime.

45. What does Brutus mean by “jigging fools” in this context?

Answer: He means foolish people who indulge in silly rhymes and jokes.

46. What does Cassius finally order the Poet to do?

Answer: Cassius orders him to go away.

47. What happens to the Poet after the generals order him away?

Answer: The Poet exits.

48. Whom does Brutus instruct to arrange accommodation for the soldiers?

Answer: He instructs Lucilius and Titinius.

49. What are Lucilius and Titinius asked to tell the commanders?

Answer: They are asked to tell the commanders to prepare accommodation for their companies.

50. For which night must the soldiers' accommodation be arranged?

Answer: It must be arranged for that night.

51. Whom does Cassius ask Lucilius and Titinius to bring back?

Answer: He asks them to bring Messala.

52. How quickly does Cassius want Messala to be brought?

Answer: He wants Messala to be brought immediately.

53. Who leaves after receiving these instructions?

Answer: Lucilius and Titinius leave.

54. What does Brutus ask Lucius to bring?

Answer: He asks Lucius to bring a bowl of wine.

55. What does Cassius confess about Brutus's anger?

Answer: He confesses that he never thought Brutus could become so angry.

56. How does Brutus describe his emotional condition?

Answer: He says that he is sick of many griefs.

57. What does Cassius say Brutus fails to use properly?

Answer: He says Brutus fails to make proper use of his philosophy.

58. When, according to Cassius, does Brutus fail to use his philosophy?

Answer: He fails to use it when he gives way to unexpected misfortunes.

59. What does Brutus claim about his ability to bear sorrow?

Answer: He claims that no man bears sorrow better than he does.

60. What tragic news does Brutus reveal to Cassius?

Answer: He reveals that Portia is dead.

61. How does Cassius initially react to the news of Portia's death?

Answer: He reacts with shock and repeats her name in disbelief.

62. What does Brutus say when Cassius repeats Portia's name?

Answer: Brutus confirms that she is dead.

63. What does Cassius wonder about his own survival?

Answer: He wonders how he escaped being killed when he had angered Brutus earlier.

64. How does Cassius describe Portia's death?

Answer: He describes it as an unbearable and deeply moving loss.

65. What does Cassius ask about Portia's death?

Answer: He asks what sickness caused her death.

66. What was Portia unable to bear, according to Brutus?

Answer: She was unable to bear Brutus's absence.

67. Which two men had become very powerful, according to Brutus?

Answer: Young Octavius and Mark Antony had become very powerful.

68. What additional circumstance caused Portia grief?

Answer: She was distressed by the news that Octavius and Mark Antony had strengthened their position.

69. When did the news of Portia's death arrive?

Answer: It arrived at the time when news of the enemy's growing strength also came.

70. What happened to Portia when she became overwhelmed by grief?

Answer: She became mentally disturbed.

71. What did Portia do when her attendants were absent?

Answer: She swallowed fire.

72. What does Cassius ask after hearing how Portia died?

Answer: He asks whether she really died in that manner.

73. How does Brutus respond to Cassius's question about Portia's death?

Answer: He confirms that she died in that way.

74. To whom does Cassius appeal after hearing the news?

Answer: He appeals to the immortal gods.

75. Who re-enters carrying wine and a taper?

Answer: Lucius re-enters carrying wine and a taper.

76. What is a taper in the stage direction?

Answer: A taper is a small candle.

77. What does Brutus ask Cassius not to discuss any further?

Answer: He asks Cassius not to speak any further about Portia.

78. What does Brutus ask for after telling Cassius to stop speaking about Portia?

Answer: He asks for a bowl of wine.

79. What does Brutus promise to bury in the wine?

Answer: He promises to bury all unkindness between himself and Cassius.

80. What does Cassius say his heart is thirsty for?

Answer: He says his heart is thirsty for the noble pledge of reconciliation.

81. Whom does Cassius instruct to fill the cup?

Answer: He instructs Lucius to fill the cup.

82. How full does Cassius want the cup to be?

Answer: He wants it filled until the wine overflows.

83. What does Cassius say about drinking Brutus's love?

Answer: He says that he cannot drink too much of Brutus's love.

84. Whom does Brutus call to enter after speaking about the wine?

Answer: He calls Titinius.

85. Who accompanies Messala when he enters?

Answer: Titinius accompanies Messala.

86. How does Brutus welcome Messala?

Answer: He warmly welcomes him, calling him “good Messala.”

87. Where does Brutus ask everyone to sit?

Answer: He asks them to sit close together around the taper.

88. What does Brutus want them to discuss together?

Answer: He wants them to discuss their needs and pressing concerns.

89. What does Cassius ask about Portia again?

Answer: He asks whether Portia is truly gone.

90. What does Brutus request when Cassius again mentions Portia?

Answer: He requests that Cassius say no more about her.

91. From whom has Brutus received letters about the enemy's advance?

Answer: Brutus has received letters reporting the advance of Octavius and Mark Antony.

92. What does Brutus say about the strength of Octavius and Antony's forces?

Answer: He says they are advancing with a mighty army.

93. Towards which place are Octavius and Antony directing their campaign?

Answer: They are directing their campaign towards Philippi.

94. What does Messala say about his own letters?

Answer: He says that his letters contain the same information.

95. What additional information does Brutus ask Messala about?

Answer: He asks what additional information is contained in Messala's letters.

96. Who are named as the leaders responsible for the proscription orders?

Answer: Octavius, Antony and Lepidus are named.

97. What does Messala report about the senators?

Answer: He reports that one hundred senators have been put to death under the proscription and outlawry orders.

98. What are proscription and bills of outlawry associated with in Messala's report?

Answer: They are associated with the listing and execution of people, including senators.

99. How many senators does Brutus's letter report as dead?

Answer: It reports that seventy senators have died.

100. How do the figures in Brutus's and Messala's letters differ?

Answer: Messala's letters report one hundred senators, whereas Brutus's letters report seventy.

101. Who is mentioned as one of the senators killed under the proscription orders?

Answer: Cicero is mentioned.

102. How does Cassius react to the mention of Cicero?

Answer: He reacts with surprise and repeats Cicero's name.

103. How does Messala confirm Cicero's death?

Answer: He says that Cicero is dead and that his death occurred under the proscription order.

104. What does Messala ask Brutus about his wife?

Answer: He asks whether Brutus has received letters from his wife.

105. What is Brutus's answer when asked whether he received letters from his wife?

Answer: He replies that he has not received any.

106. What does Messala ask about the contents of Brutus's letters?

Answer: He asks whether the letters contain anything written about Portia.

107. What does Brutus say about Portia's mention in his letters?

Answer: He says that nothing about Portia is mentioned.

108. How does Messala react to the absence of news about Portia?

Answer: He says that he finds it strange.

109. What does Brutus ask Messala about his own letters?

Answer: He asks whether Messala has heard anything about Portia in his letters.

110. What does Messala answer when asked whether his letters contain news of Portia? Answer: He replies that they do not.

111. In what capacity does Brutus ask Messala to tell him the truth?

Answer: He asks Messala to speak truthfully as a Roman.

112. What does Messala tell Brutus to do before hearing the truth?

Answer: He tells Brutus to bear the truth like a Roman.

113. What does Messala confirm about Portia?

Answer: He confirms that she is dead and that her death occurred in an unusual manner.

114. What farewell does Brutus say after hearing the confirmation?

Answer: He says, “Why, farewell, Portia.”

115. What does Brutus say everyone must eventually do?

Answer: He says that everyone must die.

116. Why does Brutus say he can endure Portia's death patiently?

Answer: He says that he had already reflected on the fact that she would have to die one day.

117. What does Messala say great men should endure?

Answer: He says that great men should endure great losses.

118. What does Cassius admit about his philosophical knowledge?

Answer: He admits that he possesses as much philosophical knowledge as Brutus.

119. Why does Cassius say he cannot bear the loss as Brutus does?

Answer: He says that his natural temperament prevents him from bearing it so calmly.

120. What does Brutus ask Cassius about their next military move?

Answer: He asks what Cassius thinks about marching to Philippi immediately.

121. What does Cassius think about marching to Philippi immediately?

Answer: He does not think it is a good idea.

122. What does Brutus ask after Cassius rejects the immediate march?

Answer: Brutus asks Cassius to give his reason.

123. Which two characters reconcile at the beginning of the passage?

Answer: Brutus and Cassius reconcile.

124. What gesture symbolises reconciliation between Brutus and Cassius?

Answer: Brutus offers his hand and heart, and they later share wine as a pledge of friendship.

125. What natural object does Brutus use to explain his sudden anger?

Answer: He uses flint as an example.

126. What does Brutus suggest about the duration of his anger through the comparison with flint?

Answer: His anger appears suddenly when provoked but disappears quickly.

127. What does Cassius reveal about his own temperament?

Answer: He admits that he has a rash and impulsive temper.

128. What does the Poet believe he must do when he suspects disagreement between the generals?

Answer: He believes he must enter and encourage them to remain friends.

129. How does the Poet justify his advice to the generals?

Answer: He claims to be older than both of them.

130. What aspect of the Poet's speech does Cassius criticise?

Answer: Cassius criticises the quality of his rhyme.

131. What does Brutus think about the Poet's behaviour during wartime?

Answer: He considers it inappropriate and foolish.

132. What two practical arrangements are made after the Poet leaves?

Answer: Accommodation for the soldiers is to be arranged, and Messala is to be brought to the generals.

133. What does Brutus's statement about being “sick of many griefs” reveal?

Answer: It reveals that he is burdened by several sorrows.

134. What does Cassius believe Brutus should do when faced with unexpected misfortunes? Answer: He believes Brutus should use his philosophy to face them calmly.

135. What is the first tragic personal news revealed in the passage?

Answer: Brutus reveals that Portia is dead.

136. What two causes of distress concerning Portia are mentioned by Brutus?

Answer: Brutus's absence and the growing strength of Octavius and Antony distressed her.

137. What does Cassius's response to Portia's death reveal about his feelings?

Answer: It reveals his shock, sorrow and sympathy for Brutus.

138. What does the shared bowl of wine symbolise in the conversation between Brutus and Cassius?

Answer: It symbolises the ending of their hostility and the renewal of their friendship.

139. Why does Brutus call everyone together around the taper?

Answer: He wants them to discuss their immediate needs and important matters.

140. What military information is confirmed by both Brutus and Messala?

Answer: Both have received news that Octavius and Mark Antony are advancing with a powerful force towards Philippi.

141. What does the difference between the two letters concern?

Answer: The letters give different numbers of senators killed under the proscription orders.

142. What is the common fact about Cicero in the reports?

Answer: Both reports establish that Cicero was killed under the proscription order.

143. Why does Messala find the absence of news about Portia strange?

Answer: He finds it strange that Brutus's letters contain no mention of her.

144. How does Brutus explain his ability to endure Portia's death?

Answer: He explains that he had already reflected on the certainty of her eventual death.

145. How do Brutus and Cassius differ in their response to great loss?

Answer: Brutus says he can endure sorrow patiently, while Cassius admits that his temperament makes this difficult.

146. What subject does Brutus introduce after the discussion of Portia's death?

Answer: He introduces the question of marching to Philippi.

147. What does Cassius's disagreement with Brutus concern at the end of the passage? Answer: It concerns whether they should march to Philippi immediately.

148. What is the final question in the supplied passage?

Answer: Brutus asks Cassius, “Your reason?”

149. Which character repeatedly tries to return the discussion to practical military matters? Answer: Brutus tries to return the discussion to practical military matters.

150. What are the two major concerns discussed in the final part of the passage?

Answer: The generals discuss the tragic news about Portia and the military situation involving Octavius and Antony.

Three-Mark Questions

1. Why does Brutus compare his anger to flint and describe himself as paired with a lamb?

Brutus explains that, unlike Cassius, he is not constantly angry. His temper is like flint, which produces a sudden spark when struck but quickly becomes cold again. By describing himself as paired with a lamb, he suggests that he is generally mild and gentle, whereas Cassius is more prone to anger and rash behaviour.

2. Why does Cassius fear that he has become a source of mirth and laughter to Brutus?

Cassius fears that Brutus no longer respects him and has begun to laugh at his suffering. He believes that whenever grief and bad temper trouble him, Brutus treats him as an object of amusement rather than as a friend. This fear reveals Cassius’s emotional vulnerability and his deep concern about their friendship.

3. How do Brutus and Cassius reconcile after their quarrel?

Brutus admits that he too has been ill-tempered, while Cassius asks Brutus to give him his hand. Brutus offers not only his hand but also his heart. Cassius then asks whether Brutus loves him enough to tolerate his rash temper. Brutus promises to bear with him, imagining Cassius’s mother scolding him.

4. Why does the Poet enter Brutus’s tent, and how do the generals respond to him?

The Poet suspects that Brutus and Cassius have a grudge against each other and believes they should not be left alone. He enters the tent and urges them to be ashamed of their quarrel and behave as friends. Cassius mocks his rhyme, while Brutus calls him a saucy fellow and orders him to leave.

5. What arrangements do Brutus and Cassius make after the Poet leaves?

Brutus asks Lucilius and Tintinius to tell the commanders to prepare quarters for their companies that night. Cassius requests that they bring Messala immediately. Brutus then asks Lucius to bring wine. These instructions show that, despite their personal disagreement and reconciliation, the generals must continue attending to military arrangements.

6. Why does Cassius criticise Brutus for not making use of philosophy?

Cassius is surprised by Brutus’s anger and hears him admit that he is troubled by many griefs. He argues that Brutus makes no use of philosophy if he allows accidental misfortunes to affect him so deeply. Cassius believes that a person who understands philosophy should be better able to endure suffering and remain composed.

7. How does Brutus reveal Portia’s death, and what explanation does he give?

Brutus tells Cassius that Portia is dead. He explains that she was distressed by his absence and by the news that Octavius and Mark Antony had grown powerful. When her attendants were absent, she became distracted and swallowed fire. Brutus’s account reveals the severe emotional suffering that preceded her death.

8. How does Cassius react when Brutus tells him about Portia’s death?

Cassius is shocked and deeply saddened when Brutus reveals Portia’s death. He asks how she died and whether sickness caused her death. Brutus explains the circumstances surrounding her death, including her distress over his absence and the growing strength of Octavius and Mark Antony. Cassius’s reaction demonstrates his sympathy for Brutus’s personal loss.

9. What is the significance of Brutus’s statement, “In this I bury all unkindness, Cassius”?

Brutus makes this statement while asking for wine after his quarrel with Cassius. By using the wine as a pledge of reconciliation, he symbolically puts their disagreement behind them. The statement shows that Brutus wishes to restore their friendship and remove all bitterness between them before they resume their military responsibilities.

10. How does Cassius express his affection for Brutus during their reconciliation?

Cassius says that his heart is thirsty for the noble pledge of friendship. He asks Lucius to fill the cup until the wine overflows and declares that he cannot drink too much of Brutus’s love. His words express his deep affection for Brutus and his eagerness to restore their friendship completely.

11. What does Brutus ask Messala and the others to do when they assemble around the taper?

When Tintinius returns with Messala, Brutus welcomes Messala and asks everyone to sit close around the taper. He wants them to discuss their necessities and the military situation. This arrangement indicates that the generals are preparing to exchange important information and make decisions concerning their campaign against Octavius and Mark Antony.

12. What news do Brutus and Messala receive about the advancing forces?

Brutus reports that his letters state that Octavius and Mark Antony are advancing towards Philippi with mighty power. Messala confirms that he has received letters carrying the same information. Their reports indicate that the opposing forces are approaching and that Brutus and Cassius must consider their military position and decide their next course of action.

13. What information does Messala provide about the deaths of Roman senators?

Messala reports that Octavius, Mark Antony, and Lepidus have used proscription and bills of outlawry to put one hundred senators to death. Brutus says that his letters mention seventy senators who died through proscriptions, including Cicero. The differing figures show that the reports received by Brutus and Messala contain inconsistent information.

14. Why is Cassius shocked when he hears that Cicero has been killed?

When Brutus mentions that Cicero is among the senators who have died through proscription, Cassius exclaims, “Cicero one!” His brief reaction expresses shock at the news. Messala confirms that Cicero was killed under the order of proscription. The exchange highlights the severity of the political killings reported by Messala.

15. How does Brutus discover that Messala knows about Portia’s death?

Messala asks Brutus whether he has received letters from his wife and whether those letters contained any news about her. Brutus answers negatively. Messala finds this strange and, when questioned by Brutus, reveals that he has heard nothing about her in his letters either. Brutus then asks Messala to tell him the truth as a Roman.

16. How does Brutus respond when Messala confirms Portia’s death?

When Messala confirms that Portia is certainly dead and that her death occurred in a strange manner, Brutus bids farewell to her. He says that everyone must die and that remembering Portia would have died someday helps him endure her death now. His response shows his attempt to control his grief through philosophical reasoning.

17. How do Messala and Cassius differ in their attitudes towards enduring personal loss?

Messala believes that great men should endure great losses, suggesting that strength and dignity require them to bear suffering bravely. Cassius, however, admits that although he knows as much philosophy as Brutus, his nature cannot endure such grief in the same way. Their responses reveal different approaches to emotional suffering and self-control.

18. Why does Brutus want the discussion about Portia to end?

Brutus asks the others not to speak any more about Portia after her death has been discussed. Although he acknowledges his loss, he believes that dwelling on it will not change what has happened. He therefore turns the conversation towards their military responsibilities, showing his determination to resume practical matters despite his personal grief.

19. What information does the extract provide about the political situation in Rome?

The extract reports that Octavius, Mark Antony, and Lepidus have ordered the deaths of numerous senators through proscription and bills of outlawry. Cicero is among those reported killed. Brutus and Messala receive different figures for the number of senators who have died. This information reveals the harsh political measures taken by the ruling triumvirs.

20. Why does Brutus propose marching to Philippi, and how does Cassius respond?

After discussing Portia’s death and the advancing forces of Octavius and Mark Antony, Brutus suggests that they return to their work and asks whether they should march to Philippi immediately. Cassius disagrees, saying that he does not think it advisable. Brutus then asks Cassius to explain his reason, bringing the extract to its conclusion.

Four-Mark Questions

1. How do Brutus and Cassius overcome their quarrel and restore their friendship?

Brutus explains that his anger is like flint, which produces a sudden spark but quickly becomes cold. Cassius fears that Brutus considers him a source of amusement whenever grief and bad temper trouble him. Brutus admits that he too has been ill-tempered. Cassius asks for Brutus’s hand, and Brutus offers his heart as well. Cassius asks whether Brutus loves him enough to tolerate his rash temper. Brutus promises to bear with him, and their reconciliation is complete.

2. Explain the significance of Brutus’s comparison of his anger to flint and his description of himself as paired with a lamb.

Brutus uses these comparisons to explain the difference between his temperament and Cassius’s. He says that his anger resembles flint because it produces a sudden spark when struck but soon becomes cold again. By describing himself as paired with a lamb, he presents himself as generally mild and gentle. The comparison suggests that his anger is temporary rather than lasting. It also helps explain why he believes Cassius should understand his occasional irritation instead of treating it as a permanent change in their friendship.

3. Why does the Poet enter the tent, and how do Brutus and Cassius treat his intervention?

The Poet suspects that Brutus and Cassius have a grudge against each other and believes they should not be left alone together. He enters the tent and urges the generals to feel ashamed of their quarrel and behave like friends. He also claims to have lived more years than they have. Cassius mocks his rhyme and calls him a cynic, while Brutus calls him a saucy fellow and orders him away. Both generals reject his interference in their private disagreement.

4. What arrangements do Brutus and Cassius make after the Poet is sent away? What do these arrangements reveal?

After the Poet leaves, Brutus asks Lucilius and Tintinius to instruct the commanders to prepare quarters for their companies that night. Cassius asks them to bring Messala immediately, while Brutus requests wine from Lucius. Later, Brutus welcomes Messala and asks everyone to sit close around the taper to discuss their necessities. These arrangements show that the generals must continue attending to military matters despite their personal difficulties and the emotional burden of Portia’s death.

5. How does Cassius respond to Brutus’s grief, and what criticism does he make of Brutus’s use of philosophy?

Cassius is surprised to discover that Brutus can become so angry and hears him say that he is troubled by many griefs. Cassius then criticises him for making no use of philosophy if he allows accidental evils to affect him so deeply. He expects Brutus to remain composed because of his philosophical understanding. However, Brutus replies that no man bears sorrow better than he does before revealing Portia’s death, which explains the depth of his distress.

6. Describe the circumstances of Portia’s death as explained by Brutus.

Brutus tells Cassius that Portia is dead. He explains that she had become impatient because of his absence and was distressed by the news that young Octavius and Mark Antony had grown powerful. This news reached her when she was already suffering emotionally. With her attendants absent, she became distracted and swallowed fire. Brutus’s account reveals the severe emotional distress that preceded her death and explains why he is deeply troubled despite his effort to remain composed.

7. How does Cassius react to the news of Portia’s death, and what does his reaction reveal about him?

When Brutus announces Portia’s death, Cassius is shocked and asks how she died and whether sickness caused her death. Brutus explains that she was distressed by his absence and by the growing strength of Octavius and Mark Antony. Cassius responds with sorrow, showing that he understands the seriousness of Brutus’s personal loss. His reaction also reveals that, despite their earlier quarrel, he remains emotionally connected to Brutus and is capable of sympathy for his friend’s suffering.

8. Explain the significance of Brutus’s words, “In this I bury all unkindness, Cassius.”

Brutus speaks these words while asking for wine after reconciling with Cassius. The wine becomes a symbol of their renewed friendship and mutual understanding. By saying that he buries all unkindness, Brutus declares that their previous disagreement should no longer separate them. Cassius responds warmly, saying that his heart is thirsty for the noble pledge and asking Lucius to fill the cup until the wine overflows. Their exchange demonstrates their desire to restore trust and affection before resuming their duties.

9. How does Cassius express his love and affection for Brutus during their reconciliation?

Cassius expresses his affection by describing his heart as thirsty for the noble pledge of friendship. He asks Lucius to fill the cup until the wine overflows, emphasising the strength of his feelings. He then declares that he cannot drink too much of Brutus’s love. These words show that Cassius values Brutus’s affection deeply and wishes to remove every trace of their quarrel. His response transforms the shared wine into a pledge of reconciliation and renewed friendship.

10. Describe the meeting between Brutus, Cassius, Messala, and the others around the taper.

After asking Lucius for wine, Brutus calls Tintinius, who returns with Messala. Brutus welcomes Messala and invites everyone to sit close around the taper so that they can discuss their necessities. Cassius briefly expresses grief by asking whether Portia is gone, but Brutus requests that they stop speaking about her. Brutus then introduces the military situation, reporting that letters announce the advance of Octavius and Mark Antony towards Philippi. The meeting therefore shifts from personal sorrow to urgent political and military concerns.

11. What news do Brutus and Messala receive about Octavius and Mark Antony, and why is it important?

Brutus reports that letters have informed him that Octavius and Mark Antony are advancing towards Philippi with mighty power. Messala confirms that his letters contain the same information. This agreement establishes that the opposing forces are approaching and that the situation requires serious military consideration. Brutus asks Messala what additional information he has received. The discussion prepares the generals to consider their next move, particularly whether they should march to Philippi immediately or adopt another course of action.

12. What does Messala report about the proscription of Roman senators, and how does Brutus’s information differ?

Messala reports that Octavius, Mark Antony, and Lepidus have used proscription and bills of outlawry to put one hundred senators to death. Brutus says that his own letters mention seventy senators who died through proscriptions, including Cicero. The two reports therefore differ in the number of senators killed. This discrepancy shows that the information reaching the generals is not entirely consistent, although both accounts indicate the severity of the political violence carried out by the triumvirs.

13. Why is Cassius shocked by the news about Cicero, and how does Messala confirm it?

When Brutus says that his letters mention seventy senators who died through proscriptions, including Cicero, Cassius exclaims, “Cicero one!” His brief response expresses surprise and distress at learning that Cicero has been killed. Messala then confirms that Cicero is indeed dead by the order of proscription. The exchange draws attention to the seriousness of the political killings reported by the generals and demonstrates the impact of the news on Cassius.

14. How does Messala discover that Brutus has received no news about Portia, and what happens next?

Messala asks Brutus whether he has received letters from his wife and whether those letters contained any information about her. Brutus answers that he has received no such news. Messala finds this strange and says that his own letters have not mentioned her either. Brutus then asks Messala, as a Roman, to tell him the truth. Messala confirms that Portia is certainly dead and that her death occurred in a strange manner, forcing Brutus to confront the loss directly.

15. How does Brutus attempt to endure Portia’s death, and what does his response reveal about his character?

After Messala confirms Portia’s death, Brutus bids farewell to her and says that everyone must die. He explains that meditating on the fact that she would have to die someday gives him patience to endure her death now. His response shows his effort to control grief through philosophical reasoning. Although he has suffered a personal loss, he tries to accept it as part of human mortality and turn his attention towards the responsibilities that remain before him.

16. Compare the attitudes of Messala and Cassius towards enduring great personal losses.

Messala believes that great men should endure great losses, suggesting that their strength requires them to bear suffering with courage. Cassius, however, admits that he knows as much philosophy as Brutus but that his nature cannot endure grief in the same way. Their responses reveal contrasting attitudes towards emotional suffering. Messala emphasises endurance as a duty of great men, whereas Cassius acknowledges the limits of his own temperament, even though he understands the principles of philosophy.

17. Why does Brutus ask the others not to speak any more about Portia?

After discussing Portia’s death and expressing his acceptance of human mortality, Brutus asks the others not to speak any more about her. He appears determined to prevent personal grief from dominating their meeting. The generals have important military matters to consider because Octavius and Mark Antony are advancing towards Philippi. Brutus therefore turns the discussion towards their work and asks whether they should march to Philippi immediately, demonstrating his resolve to resume his responsibilities despite his sorrow.

18. What does the extract reveal about the political situation following the actions of Octavius, Mark Antony, and Lepidus?

Messala reports that Octavius, Mark Antony, and Lepidus have used proscription and bills of outlawry to put one hundred senators to death. Brutus’s letters mention seventy senators, including Cicero, showing a difference between the reports received. These details reveal the severity of the political measures taken by the triumvirs. The news also forms the background to the generals’ discussion of the approaching forces and the urgent decisions they must make about their campaign.

19. How does the extract combine personal grief with military responsibility?

The extract first presents Brutus and Cassius resolving their quarrel and renewing their friendship. Brutus then reveals Portia’s death, and the generals react with grief and sympathy. However, they soon turn to reports about the advancing forces of Octavius and Mark Antony, the deaths of Roman senators, and the situation at Philippi. Brutus eventually asks whether they should march immediately. The contrast shows how the generals must balance personal suffering with their responsibilities during a political and military crisis.

20. How does the extract end, and what does the final exchange suggest about the generals’ next decision?

After discussing the reports about the approaching forces and the deaths of Roman senators, Brutus urges the others to return to their work. He asks what they think about marching to Philippi immediately. Cassius replies that he does not consider it advisable. Brutus then asks, “Your reason?” The extract ends before Cassius explains his argument. This closing exchange introduces a military disagreement and prepares the way for a discussion about the best strategy for confronting their opponents.

Reference To Context

Extract 1

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.

(i) Why does Brutus ask Cassius to sheathe his dagger? (3 marks)

Brutus asks Cassius to sheathe his dagger because he wants him to put an end to his anger and avoid further conflict. Brutus indicates that Cassius may express his anger whenever he wishes, but he should not allow it to create dishonour. His words reveal Brutus’s attempt to calm Cassius and restore peace between them.

(ii) Explain the meaning of “You are yoked with a lamb.” (3 marks)

Brutus compares himself to a lamb to suggest that he is generally mild, gentle and harmless. By saying that Cassius is yoked with a lamb, he means that Cassius is associated with someone whose anger is not lasting. The comparison also highlights the contrast between Cassius’s temper and Brutus’s generally gentle nature.

(iii) Identify and explain the literary device used in “That carries anger as the flint bears fire.” (3 marks)

The literary device used is a simile, as Brutus compares his anger to the fire produced by flint using the word “as.” Flint produces a spark when struck with sufficient force, but the spark soon disappears. Similarly, Brutus’s anger arises suddenly under pressure but quickly subsides, showing that his temper is short-lived.

(iv) What does Brutus mean by saying that he “shows a hasty spark, / And straight is cold again”? (3 marks)

Brutus means that he becomes angry suddenly when he is greatly provoked, but his anger does not last long. The expression “hasty spark” suggests a brief outburst of temper, while “cold again” indicates his immediate return to calmness. He uses this comparison to explain his temperament and reassure Cassius that his anger is temporary.

(v) How does Brutus describe his temperament, and what is the significance of his words in this extract? (4 marks)

Brutus describes himself as a lamb, suggesting that he is generally gentle and mild. He admits that he can become angry when strongly provoked, but compares his anger to a spark produced by flint, which soon disappears. His words contrast his temporary anger with Cassius’s emotional intensity. By asking Cassius to sheathe his dagger, Brutus attempts to calm the situation and prevent their quarrel from worsening. The extract therefore highlights Brutus’s self-awareness and his desire to restore peace.

Extract 2

Cassius. Hath Cassius lived
To be but mirth and laughter to his Brutus,
When grief, and blood ill-temper'd, vexeth him?

Brutus. When I spoke that, I was ill-temper'd too.

Cassius. Do you confess so much? Give me your hand.

Brutus. And my heart too.

(i) Why does Cassius ask, “Hath Cassius lived / To be but mirth and laughter to his Brutus”? (3 marks)

Cassius asks this question because he fears that Brutus considers him an object of amusement whenever grief and an ill temper trouble him. He feels hurt by the possibility that Brutus laughs at his suffering instead of understanding it. His rhetorical question expresses emotional pain and reveals how deeply he values Brutus’s respect and friendship.

(ii) What does Cassius mean by “When grief, and blood ill-temper'd, vexeth him”? (3 marks)

Cassius refers to occasions when he is troubled by grief and a naturally irritable temper. During such moments, he fears that Brutus treats his distress as something amusing rather than taking it seriously. The expression reveals Cassius’s emotional vulnerability and his desire for sympathy. He wants Brutus to understand his feelings instead of making light of them.

(iii) How does Brutus respond when Cassius expresses his hurt feelings? (3 marks)

Brutus admits that when he made the earlier remark, he too was ill-tempered. Instead of defending himself or continuing the quarrel, he acknowledges his own fault. His admission helps reduce the tension between the two men. It demonstrates Brutus’s willingness to accept responsibility for his behaviour and creates an opportunity for their friendship to be restored.

(iv) Why does Cassius ask Brutus to give him his hand, and what does Brutus offer in return? (3 marks)

Cassius asks Brutus to give him his hand after Brutus admits that he was ill-tempered. The gesture expresses Cassius’s desire to reconcile and restore their friendship. Brutus responds by offering not only his hand but also his heart. This reply signifies genuine affection and emotional commitment, showing that Brutus wishes to make peace sincerely.

(v) How does this extract portray the changing emotions of Cassius and Brutus? (4 marks)

The extract begins with Cassius feeling hurt because he fears that Brutus treats his grief and ill temper as a source of amusement. His rhetorical question expresses disappointment and emotional vulnerability. Brutus then admits that he was ill-tempered when he spoke, showing humility and a willingness to accept responsibility. Cassius responds by asking for Brutus’s hand, and Brutus offers his heart too. Their exchange marks a movement from resentment towards mutual understanding, affection and reconciliation.

Extract 3

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.

Poet. [Within] Let me go in to see the generals;
There is some grudge between 'em, 'tis not meet
They be alone.

(i) What does Cassius mean by “that rash humour which my mother gave me”? (3 marks)

Cassius refers to his naturally impulsive and irritable temperament, which he humorously attributes to his mother. He admits that this rash disposition sometimes makes him forgetful of his better judgement and behave improperly. By acknowledging his weakness, Cassius asks Brutus to understand his nature and tolerate his occasional outbursts instead of allowing them to damage their friendship.

(ii) What does Cassius ask Brutus to do when his rash temper makes him forgetful? (3 marks)

Cassius asks Brutus to love him enough to bear with him when his naturally rash temperament makes him forgetful. He wants Brutus to understand that his occasional outbursts arise from his disposition rather than from a lack of affection. His request reflects his desire to preserve their friendship despite his weaknesses and moments of uncontrolled anger.

(iii) How does Brutus promise to deal with Cassius’s excessive seriousness or anger in future? (3 marks)

Brutus promises that whenever Cassius becomes excessively earnest with him, he will imagine that Cassius’s mother is scolding him. He will then leave Cassius alone instead of responding angrily. This humorous promise shows that Brutus is willing to tolerate Cassius’s temper. It also reflects the reconciliation and renewed understanding between the two friends.

(iv) Why does the Poet insist on entering the tent to see the generals? (3 marks)

The Poet insists on entering because he suspects that there is some disagreement or grudge between Brutus and Cassius. He believes it is inappropriate for the two generals to remain alone while they are quarrelling. His concern suggests that their conflict may affect their relationship and responsibilities. Therefore, he wants to intervene and prevent the disagreement from continuing.

(v) How does this extract reveal the friendship between Cassius and Brutus and introduce the Poet’s concern? (4 marks)

Cassius acknowledges his rash temperament and asks Brutus to tolerate him when it makes him forgetful. Brutus responds humorously, promising to imagine that Cassius’s mother is scolding him whenever he becomes excessively earnest. Their exchange demonstrates mutual understanding and a willingness to preserve their friendship despite personal weaknesses. Meanwhile, the Poet, speaking from within, suspects a grudge between the generals and insists on entering. His concern introduces an outside observer who fears that their disagreement should not be left unresolved.

Extract 4

Cassius. How now! what's the matter?

Poet. For shame, you generals! what do you mean?
Love, and be friends, as two such men should be;
For I have seen more years, I'm sure, than ye.

Cassius. Ha, ha! how vilely doth this cynic rhyme!

Brutus. Get you hence, sirrah; saucy fellow, hence!

Cassius. Bear with him, Brutus; 'tis his fashion.

Brutus. I'll know his humour, when he knows his time:
What should the wars do with these jigging fools?
Companion, hence!

Cassius. Away, away, be gone.

(i) Why does the Poet rebuke Brutus and Cassius? (3 marks)

The Poet rebukes Brutus and Cassius because he finds them quarrelling despite being two distinguished generals who should behave as friends. He urges them to feel ashamed of their disagreement and restore their friendship. By reminding them that he has lived more years than they have, he assumes the authority of an older person advising younger men.

(ii) What does the Poet mean by “Love, and be friends, as two such men should be”? (3 marks)

The Poet means that men of Brutus’s and Cassius’s stature should maintain affection and friendship instead of quarrelling. He believes their position and importance make their disagreement particularly inappropriate. His words urge them to overcome their personal differences and behave with dignity. He therefore attempts to remind the generals of the friendship expected between them.

(iii) Why does Cassius call the Poet a cynic and criticise his rhyme? (3 marks)

Cassius mocks the Poet’s rhyme, calling it vile and describing him as a cynic. He dislikes the Poet’s interference in the disagreement between the generals. Rather than accepting the advice, Cassius ridicules the manner in which it is delivered. His response reveals his irritation and unwillingness to take the Poet’s intervention seriously.

(iv) How does Brutus respond to the Poet, and what does his language reveal? (3 marks)

Brutus orders the Poet to leave, calling him a “saucy fellow” and a “jigging fool.” His harsh words show that he considers the Poet’s intervention disrespectful and inappropriate. Brutus believes that such a person has no place among men occupied with war and military responsibilities. His response reveals irritation and impatience with unwanted interference.

(v) How does the Poet attempt to reconcile the generals, and why does his attempt fail? (4 marks)

The Poet rebukes Brutus and Cassius for quarrelling and urges them to love one another as men of their standing should. He reminds them that he is older than they are, suggesting that his experience gives weight to his advice. However, Cassius mocks his rhyme and calls him a cynic. Brutus orders him to leave, calling him a saucy fellow and a jigging fool. Both generals reject his intervention, preferring to dismiss him rather than accept his advice.

Extract 5

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 cross'd you so?
O insupportable and touching loss!
Upon what sickness?

Brutus. Impatient of my absence,
And grief that young Octavius with Mark Antony
Have made themselves so strong:—for with her death
That tidings came;—with this she fell distract,
And, her attendants absent, swallow'd fire.

(i) Why is Cassius surprised by Brutus’s anger, and how does Brutus explain his emotional state? (3 marks)

Cassius is surprised because he has not expected Brutus to become so angry. Brutus explains that he is suffering from many griefs, which have disturbed his usual composure. His response suggests that his anger is not simply a result of his quarrel with Cassius but is connected with deeper personal suffering that he has been bearing.

(ii) What does Cassius mean when he says, “Of your philosophy you make no use, / If you give place to accidental evils”? (3 marks)

Cassius means that Brutus fails to apply his philosophical principles if he allows unexpected misfortunes to overcome him. He believes that philosophy should help a person endure suffering and maintain self-control. By making this remark, Cassius questions Brutus’s ability to practise what he understands intellectually, particularly when personal difficulties disturb his peace of mind.

(iii) How does Brutus reveal Portia’s death, and how does Cassius react to the news? (3 marks)

Brutus first declares that no man bears sorrow better than he does, and then reveals that Portia is dead. Cassius reacts with shock, repeating her name in disbelief. He expresses deep sorrow over the loss and asks how she died. His response demonstrates his sympathy for Brutus and his awareness of the tragedy’s emotional significance.

(iv) What circumstances does Brutus give to explain Portia’s death? (3 marks)

Brutus explains that Portia was impatient because of his absence and distressed by the news that young Octavius and Mark Antony had become powerful. The news reached her around the time of her death. She became distracted, and when her attendants were absent, she swallowed fire. Brutus’s account connects her emotional distress with the circumstances surrounding her death.

(v) How does this extract present Brutus’s grief and Cassius’s sympathy after Portia’s death? (4 marks)

Cassius is surprised by Brutus’s anger, but Brutus explains that he is burdened with many griefs. Cassius criticises him for failing to use philosophy to withstand unexpected misfortunes. Brutus then reveals Portia’s death, shocking Cassius, who expresses sorrow and asks how she died. Brutus explains that Portia suffered because of his absence and the growing strength of Octavius and Mark Antony. Her distress led to her becoming distracted, and she swallowed fire while her attendants were absent.

Extract 6

Brutus. Speak no more of her. Give me a bowl of wine.
In this I bury all unkindness, Cassius.

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.

(i) Why does Brutus ask the others not to speak any more about Portia? (3 marks)

Brutus asks the others not to speak any more about Portia because he wishes to stop discussing his painful personal loss and turn his attention to other matters. Although he is deeply affected by her death, he attempts to control his grief. He asks for wine and uses the occasion to reconcile completely with Cassius.

(ii) What does Brutus mean by “In this I bury all unkindness, Cassius”? (3 marks)

Brutus means that, by sharing the wine with Cassius, he wishes to put an end to all bitterness and ill feeling between them. The word “bury” suggests that their previous disagreement should be considered finished. The wine becomes a symbolic pledge of reconciliation, expressing Brutus’s desire to restore their friendship and remove every trace of resentment.

(iii) Explain the meaning of “My heart is thirsty for that noble pledge.” (3 marks)

Cassius means that he eagerly desires the reconciliation and renewed friendship represented by the shared wine. The expression “my heart is thirsty” is metaphorical, suggesting a deep emotional longing rather than physical thirst alone. By calling the pledge “noble,” Cassius shows that he values Brutus’s affection and welcomes the opportunity to restore their friendship sincerely.

(iv) Why does Cassius ask Lucius to fill the cup until the wine overflows? (3 marks)

Cassius asks Lucius to fill the cup until the wine overflows to express the strength of his affection and enthusiasm for reconciliation with Brutus. The overflowing wine emphasises the abundance of his feelings. He then declares that he cannot drink too much of Brutus’s love, showing that he greatly values their renewed friendship and wants their quarrel completely forgotten.

(v) How does this extract use the wine and the language of thirst to express reconciliation and affection? (4 marks)

Brutus asks for wine and declares that he wishes to bury all unkindness between himself and Cassius. The wine symbolises their reconciliation and the end of their quarrel. Cassius responds by saying that his heart is thirsty for this noble pledge, using a metaphor to express his emotional longing. He asks Lucius to fill the cup until the wine overflows and declares that he cannot drink too much of Brutus’s love. Their exchange conveys renewed affection and mutual trust.

Extract 7

Messala. That by proscription and bills of outlawry,
Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus,
Have put to death an hundred senators.

Brutus. Therein our letters do not well agree;
Mine speak of seventy senators that died
By their proscriptions, Cicero being one.

Cassius. Cicero one!

Messala. Cicero is dead,
And by that order of proscription.
Had you your letters from your wife, my lord?

(i) What information does Messala give about the actions of Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus? (3 marks)

Messala reports that Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus have used proscription and bills of outlawry to put one hundred senators to death. His statement reveals the severity of the political measures taken by the three rulers. The news is important to Brutus and Cassius because it informs them of the harsh actions of their opponents in Rome.

(ii) How do Brutus’s letters differ from the information given by Messala? (3 marks)

Messala reports that one hundred senators have been put to death through proscription and bills of outlawry. Brutus, however, says that his letters mention seventy senators who died through the proscriptions, including Cicero. The difference between the figures shows that the information received by the two men is inconsistent, although both reports confirm that many senators have been killed.

(iii) Why does Cassius exclaim, “Cicero one!”? (3 marks)

Cassius exclaims “Cicero one!” because he is shocked to learn that Cicero has been killed under the order of proscription. The brief exclamation conveys his surprise and distress at the news. It highlights the seriousness of the political killings reported by Messala and shows that Cicero’s death is particularly striking to Cassius.

(iv) How does Messala confirm Cicero’s death, and what does he ask Brutus afterwards? (3 marks)

Messala confirms that Cicero is dead and that his death occurred under the order of proscription. He then asks Brutus whether he has received letters from his wife. This question shifts the conversation from political events to Brutus’s personal affairs. It also introduces the discussion about whether Brutus has received any news concerning Portia.

(v) What does this extract reveal about the political situation and the reactions of the characters? (4 marks)

Messala reports that Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus have put one hundred senators to death through proscription and bills of outlawry. Brutus says his letters mention seventy senators, including Cicero, revealing a discrepancy between their reports. Cassius reacts with shock when Cicero’s death is mentioned, and Messala confirms the news. The passage exposes the severity of the political violence and shows how the news affects the men. Messala then asks Brutus about letters from his wife, introducing a personal concern.

Extract 8

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?

(i) Why does Brutus ask Messala to tell him the truth as a Roman? (3 marks)

Brutus asks Messala to tell him the truth because he wants an honest confirmation about Portia. By appealing to Messala’s Roman identity, he emphasises the importance of truthfulness and courage in facing painful realities. His words reveal his readiness to confront the news directly, even though the truth may cause him deep personal sorrow.

(ii) How does Brutus try to endure Portia’s death? (3 marks)

Brutus accepts Portia’s death by reminding himself that everyone must die eventually. He says that meditating on the certainty of her death gives him the patience to endure her loss now. His response reflects his attempt to control grief through philosophical reasoning. Instead of allowing sorrow to overwhelm him, he tries to accept death as an unavoidable part of life.

(iii) What does Messala mean by “Even so great men great losses should endure”? (3 marks)

Messala means that men of great character and importance should possess the strength to bear serious misfortunes. He believes that Brutus, as a distinguished Roman, should endure Portia’s death with courage and self-control. His statement encourages Brutus to remain composed despite his personal suffering and suggests that greatness brings an expectation of resilience in adversity.

(iv) How does Cassius’s attitude towards grief differ from Brutus’s? (3 marks)

Cassius admits that he understands philosophy as well as Brutus, but his nature cannot endure grief in the same way. Brutus tries to accept Portia’s death by reflecting that everyone must die someday. Cassius, however, acknowledges his emotional limitations. Their contrasting responses show that intellectual understanding does not necessarily enable everyone to bear personal suffering with equal patience.

(v) How does the extract move from the confirmation of Portia’s death to the military question about Philippi? (4 marks)

Brutus asks Messala to tell him the truth, and Messala confirms that Portia is dead in a strange manner. Brutus tries to endure the loss by reflecting that everyone must die someday. Messala advises that great men should bear great losses, while Cassius admits that his nature cannot bear grief so calmly. Brutus then turns to military responsibilities and asks whether they should march to Philippi immediately. Cassius disagrees, and Brutus asks him to explain his reason.