IMPORTANT DIALOGUES WITH SUMMARY FROM JULIUS CAESAR, ACT 3 AND 4

 

ACT 3, SCENE 1

1. Caesar: I must prevent thee, Cimber.

These couchings and these lowly courtesies

Might fire the blood of ordinary men,

And turn pre-ordinance and first decree

Into the law of children. Be not fond

To think that Caesar bears such rebel blood

That will be thawed from the true quality

With that which melteth fools — I mean sweet words,

Low-crookèd curtsies, and base spaniel-fawning.

Thy brother by decree is banishèd.

If thou dost bend, and pray, and fawn for him,

I spurn thee like a cur out of my way.

Know, Caesar doth not wrong, nor without cause

Will he be satisfied.

Synopsis: Caesar says he will stop Cimber from begging him. He says that such kneeling and humble requests may influence ordinary people, but not him. He warns Cimber not to think that he can be persuaded by sweet words, flattery, or bowing. Caesar firmly states that Cimber’s brother has been legally banished. Even if Cimber begs and pleads, Caesar will push him aside like a stray dog. He declares that he never does anything wrong and always has a valid reason for his decisions.

2. Caesar: I could be well moved, if I were as you;

If I could pray to move, prayers would move me.

But I am constant as the northern star,

Of whose true-fixed and resting quality

There is no fellow in the firmament.

The skies are painted with unnumbered sparks,

They are all fire and every one doth shine;

But there's but one in all doth hold his place.

So in the world: 'tis furnished well with men,

And men are flesh and blood, and apprehensive;

Yet in the number I do know but one

That, unassailable, holds on his rank,

Unshaked of motion; and that I am he.

Let me a little show it, even in this —

That I was constant Cimber should be banished,

And constant do remain to keep him so.

Synopsis: Caesar says he might have been influenced if he were like the others, and if he could be moved by prayers, then their begging might affect him. But he says he is steady and unchanging like the North Star, which always stays in the same place while other stars move. He says the world is full of people who can change their minds, but he believes he is the only person who remains firm and cannot be influenced. He proves this by saying he had firmly decided that Cimber’s brother should be banished, and he will continue to stand by that decision.

3. Cassius: Why, he that cuts off twenty years of life

Cuts off so many years of fearing death.

Brutus: Grant that, and then is death a benefit;

So are we Caesar's friends, that have abridged

His time of fearing death. Stoop, Romans, stoop;

And let us bathe our hands in Caesar's blood

Up to the elbows, and besmear our swords.

Then walk we forth, even to the market-place,

And, waving our red weapons o'er our heads,

Let's all cry 'Peace, freedom and liberty!'

Cassius: Stoop, then, and wash. How many ages hence

Shall this our lofty scene be acted over

In states unborn and accents yet unknown!

Brutus: How many times shall Caesar bleed in sport,

That now on Pompey's basis lies along,

No worthier than the dust!

Synopsis: Cassius says that a person who dies twenty years earlier also escapes twenty years of fearing death. In other words, dying sooner means being free from the long fear of dying in the future.

Brutus agrees with this idea and says that, if this is true, then death can actually be a kind of benefit. He then justifies their murder of Caesar by saying that, as Caesar’s friends, they have shortened the time Caesar would have spent worrying about death.

Brutus then asks the Roman conspirators to bend down and dip their hands in Caesar’s blood up to their elbows and smear their swords with it. He suggests that they should then go to the marketplace, raise their blood-covered swords in the air, and loudly shout that they have brought “peace, freedom, and liberty” to Rome.

Cassius supports Brutus and asks the conspirators to bend down and wash their hands in Caesar’s blood. He then proudly imagines that their great and dramatic act will be remembered and performed again and again in future generations, even in countries and languages that do not yet exist.

Brutus continues this thought and says that Caesar’s death will be shown many times in the future like a dramatic performance. He points out that Caesar, who once held great power, now lies dead at the base of Pompey’s statue, and at this moment, he is no more valuable than ordinary dust.

4. Brutus: Soft! Who comes here? A friend of Antony's.

Servant: [Kneeling] Thus, Brutus, did my master bid me kneel;

Thus did Mark Antony bid me fall down,

And being prostrate, thus he bade me say,

'Brutus is noble, wise, valiant, and honest;

Caesar was mighty, bold, royal, and loving.

Say I love Brutus and I honour him;

Say I feared Caesar, honoured him, and loved him.

If Brutus will vouchsafe that Antony

May safely come to him and be resolved

How Caesar hath deserved to lie in death,

Mark Antony shall not love Caesar dead

So well as Brutus living, but will follow

The fortunes and affairs of noble Brutus

Thorough the hazards of this untrod state

With all true faith.' So says my master Antony.

Synopsis: Brutus suddenly notices someone approaching and asks who is coming. The person is a servant of Mark Antony.

The servant kneels down and says that Antony ordered him to kneel before Brutus and deliver a message respectfully. He says Antony considers Brutus noble, wise, brave, and honest. He also says Antony respected, feared, and loved Caesar for his strength, courage, and kindness. Antony wants Brutus to know that he both loves and honours him.

The servant then says that Antony wishes to come and meet Brutus safely so that he can understand why Caesar was killed and whether he truly deserved death. Antony promises that if Brutus allows him to come safely, he will remain more loyal to Brutus, who is alive, than to Caesar, who is dead. He also promises to support Brutus faithfully through the uncertain and dangerous political situation that Rome is now facing.

5. Antony: [To Caesar's body] O mighty Caesar! Dost thou lie so low?

Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,

Shrunk to this little measure? Fare thee well.

[To Cassius and Brutus] I know not, gentlemen, what you intend,

Who else must be let blood, who else is rank.

If I myself, there is no hour so fit

As Caesar's death’s hour, nor no instrument

Of half that worth as those your swords, made rich

With the most noble blood of all this world.

I do beseech ye, if you bear me hard,

Now, whilst your purpled hands do reek and smoke,

Fulfil your pleasure. Live a thousand years,

I shall not find myself so apt to die.

No place will please me so, no mean of death,

As here by Caesar, and by you cut off,

The choice and master spirits of this age.

Synopsis: Antony sadly looks at Caesar’s body and says that the great and powerful Caesar has fallen so low in death. He wonders how all of Caesar’s victories, achievements, and successes have ended in such a small and helpless state. He then says goodbye to Caesar.

Antony turns to Brutus and Cassius and says he does not know what their future plans are or who else they plan to kill. He says that if they also intend to kill him, this is the most suitable moment because dying beside Caesar would be the most honourable death for him. He says there could be no better weapons to kill him than their swords, which are now covered with Caesar’s noble blood.

Antony begs them that if they have any anger against him, they should kill him immediately while their hands are still stained with blood. He says that even if he lived for a thousand years, he would never find a better or more honourable way to die than being killed there beside Caesar by such powerful and important men of their time.

6. Brutus: O Antony, beg not your death of us!

Though now we must appear bloody and cruel,

As by our hands and this our present act

You see we do, yet see you but our hands

And this the bleeding business they have done.

Our hearts you see not; they are pitiful;

And pity to the general wrong of Rome — 

As fire drives out fire, so pity pity — 

Hath done this deed on Caesar. For your part,

To you our swords have leaden points, Mark Antony.

Our arms no strength of malice, and our hearts

Of brothers' temper, do receive you in

With all kind love, good thoughts, and reverence.

Synopsis: Brutus tells Antony not to beg them to kill him. He says that although they appear violent and cruel because they have just murdered Caesar, Antony should only judge their actions by what he sees on the outside. Brutus claims that their hearts are actually full of sympathy and compassion.

He explains that they killed Caesar because they felt deep pity for the suffering and problems of the Roman people. He compares this to using one fire to put out another fire, meaning they believed killing Caesar was necessary to save Rome.

Brutus then assures Antony that their swords are not meant to harm him. He says they have no hatred toward Antony. Instead, he says they welcome him like a brother, with kindness, respect, and good intentions.

7. Antony:  I doubt not of your wisdom.

Let each man render me his bloody hand.

First, Marcus Brutus, will I shake with you;

Next, Caius Cassius, do I take your hand;

Now, Decius Brutus, yours; now yours, Metellus;

Yours, Cinna; and, my valiant Casca, yours;

Though last, not least in love, yours, good Trebonius — 

Gentlemen all. Alas, what shall I say?

My credit now stands on such slippery ground

That one of two bad ways you must conceit me —

Either a coward or a flatterer.

[To Caesar's body] That I did love thee, Caesar, O, 'tis true!

If then thy spirit look upon us now,

Shall it not grieve thee dearer than thy death

To see thy Anthony making his peace,

Shaking the bloody fingers of thy foes — 

Most noble! — in the presence of thy corse?

Had I as many eyes as thou hast wounds,

Weeping as fast as they stream forth thy blood,

It would become me better than to close

In terms of friendship with thine enemies.

Pardon me, Julius! Here wast thou bayed, brave hart;

Here didst thou fall; and here thy hunters stand,

Signed in thy spoil, and crimsoned in thy Lethe.

O world, thou wast the forest to this hart,

And this indeed, O world, the heart of thee!

How like a deer, strucken by many princes,

Dost thou here lie!

Synopsis: Antony says he does not doubt the wisdom of the conspirators and asks each of them to shake hands with him. He shakes hands with Brutus first, then Cassius, and then the other conspirators one by one, showing respect to all of them.

He then sadly says he does not know what to say because his reputation is now in danger. He feels that the conspirators might think of him either as a coward or as someone who is simply flattering them to stay safe.

Antony then turns to Caesar’s dead body and says that he truly loved Caesar. He says if Caesar’s spirit is watching them, it would feel even more painful to see Antony making peace and shaking hands with the men who killed him than Caesar’s actual death.

He says that if he had as many eyes as Caesar has wounds, and if tears flowed from them as fast as Caesar’s blood is flowing, that would be more appropriate than pretending to be friendly with Caesar’s enemies.

Antony asks Caesar to forgive him. He compares Caesar to a brave deer that has been hunted and killed. He says Caesar was surrounded and attacked here, and the conspirators now stand around him like hunters covered in the blood of their prey. Antony says the world was like a forest in which Caesar, the noble deer, lived, and now that noble creature lies dead after being attacked by many powerful men.

8. Antony: O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth,

That I am meek and gentle with these butchers!

Thou art the ruins of the noblest man

That ever livèd in the tide of times.

Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood!

Over thy wounds now do I prophesy — 

Which, like dumb mouths, do ope their ruby lips

To beg the voice and utterance of my tongue — 

A curse shall light upon the limbs of men.

Domestic fury and fierce civil strife

Shall cumber all the parts of Italy.

Blood and destruction shall be so in use,

And dreadful objects so familiar,

That mothers shall but smile when they behold

Their infants quartered with the hands of war,

All pity choked with custom of fell deeds.

And Caesar's spirit, ranging for revenge,

With Ate by his side, come hot from hell,

Shall in these confines, with a monarch's voice

Cry 'Havoc!' and let slip the dogs of war,

That this foul deed shall smell above the earth

With carrion men, groaning for burial.

Synopsis: Antony asks Caesar to forgive him for behaving politely and calmly with the conspirators, whom he secretly considers cruel murderers. He says Caesar was the greatest and most noble man who ever lived.

Antony curses the people who killed Caesar and predicts terrible consequences for Rome. He says that Caesar’s wounds seem to be silently asking him to speak and demand justice. He warns that violent civil war will spread throughout Italy. There will be so much bloodshed and destruction that people will become used to horrible violence.

He predicts that mothers will one day watch their children being killed in war and will not even react because such cruelty will have become common. He says Caesar’s spirit will return seeking revenge, accompanied by the spirit of destruction. Caesar’s spirit will shout commands for war, causing terrible fighting and chaos. Antony says this evil crime will result in so many deaths that the land will be filled with unburied dead bodies, and the air will be filled with the smell of decay and suffering.

(SCENE 2 STARTS)

9. Brutus: Be patient till the last.

Romans, countrymen, and lovers, hear me for my cause,

and be silent, that you may hear. Believe me for mine

honor, and have respect to mine honor, that you may

believe. Censure me in your wisdom, and awake your

senses, that you may the better judge. If there be any in

this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar's, to him I say

that Brutus' love to Caesar was no less than his. If then

that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this

is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved

Rome more. Had you rather Caesar were living, and die

all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men?

As Caesar loved me, I weep for him; as he was fortunate,

I rejoice at it; as he was valiant, I honor him; but as he

was ambitious, I slew him. There is tears for his love; joy

for his fortune; honor for his valor; and death for his

ambition. Who is here so base that would be a bondman?

If any, speak, for him have I offended. Who is here so rude

that would not be a Roman? If any, speak, for him have

I offended. Who is here so vile that will not love his

country? If any, speak, for him have I offended. I pause for

a reply.

Synopsis: Brutus asks the crowd to remain patient and listen carefully to him until he finishes speaking. He requests them to trust his honour and judge him wisely and fairly. He says that if anyone present was a close friend of Caesar, they should know that Brutus loved Caesar just as much as they did.

Brutus explains that he did not kill Caesar because he hated him, but because he loved Rome more. He asks the people whether they would prefer Caesar to live and make them all slaves, or Caesar to die so that they could live as free citizens.

He says that because Caesar loved him, he feels sad and cries for him. Because Caesar was successful, he feels happy for him. Because Caesar was brave, he respects him. But because Caesar was ambitious and dangerous to Rome, he killed him.

Brutus says he has shown tears for Caesar’s love, happiness for his success, respect for his bravery, and punishment for his ambition. He then challenges the crowd by asking if anyone there is so weak that they would want to live as a slave. If such a person exists, Brutus says he has wronged them. He asks if anyone does not wish to be a proud Roman or does not love their country. He says if such a person exists, he has offended them. Finally, he pauses and waits for someone to answer.

10. Antony: Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.

I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.

The evil that men do lives after them;

The good is oft interrèd with their bones — 

So let it be with Caesar. The noble Brutus

Hath told you Caesar was ambitious.

If it were so, it was a grievous fault,

And grievously hath Caesar answered it.

Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest — 

For Brutus is an honorable man;

So are they all, all honorable men — 

Come I to speak in Caesar's funeral.

He was my friend, faithful and just to me.

But Brutus says he was ambitious,

And Brutus is an honorable man.

He hath brought many captives home to Rome,

Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill.

Did this in Caesar seem ambitious?

When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept;

Ambition should be made of sterner stuff.

Yet Brutus says he was ambitious,

And Brutus is an honorable man.

You all did see that on the Lupercal

I thrice presented him a kingly crown,

Which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition?

Yet Brutus says he was ambitious,

And sure he is an honorable man.

I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke,

But here I am to speak what I do know.

You all did love him once, not without cause;

What cause withholds you then to mourn for him?

O judgment, thou art fled to brutish beasts,

And men have lost their reason! Bear with me;

My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar,

And I must pause till it come back to me.

Synopsis: Antony addresses the crowd and asks them to listen carefully. He says he has come to bury Caesar, not to praise him. He says that people usually remember the bad things a person has done after their death, while their good deeds are often forgotten, and he says this may happen with Caesar too.

He says that Brutus has told them Caesar was ambitious. Antony says that if this was true, it was a serious fault, and Caesar has paid for it with his life. Antony reminds the crowd that he is speaking with permission from Brutus and the other conspirators, whom he repeatedly calls honourable men.

Antony then begins to question whether Caesar was truly ambitious. He says Caesar was his loyal and honest friend. He reminds the crowd that Caesar brought many prisoners to Rome, and the money from those prisoners helped fill Rome’s treasury. Antony asks whether this seems like the action of an ambitious man.

He says that whenever poor people cried or suffered, Caesar felt sympathy and cried for them, which does not show ambition. Antony reminds them that during the Lupercal festival, he offered Caesar a crown three times, and Caesar refused it each time. He again asks whether this seems like ambition, but he still says Brutus is an honourable man.

Antony says he is not trying to prove Brutus wrong but is simply telling what he personally knows. He reminds the people that they once loved Caesar for good reasons and asks why they are not mourning him now. Antony sadly says that people’s good judgment seems to have disappeared, and they have become unreasonable. He then becomes emotional, saying his heart is with Caesar’s dead body, and he pauses his speech until he can control his feelings.

11. Antony: But yesterday the word of Caesar might

Have stood against the world. Now lies he there,

And none so poor to do him reverence.

O masters, if I were disposed to stir

Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage,

I should do Brutus wrong, and Cassius wrong,

Who — you all know — are honorable men.

I will not do them wrong. I rather choose

To wrong the dead, to wrong myself and you,

Than I will wrong such honorable men.

But here's a parchment, with the seal of Caesar;

I found it in his closet — 'tis his will.

Let but the commons hear this testament — 

Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read — 

And they would go and kiss dead Caesar's wounds

And dip their napkins in his sacred blood,

Yea, beg a hair of him for memory,

And dying, mention it within their wills,

Bequeathing it as a rich legacy

Unto their issue.

Synopsis: Antony says that just yesterday Caesar was so powerful that his words could influence the whole world, but now he lies dead, and even the poorest person does not show him respect. He tells the crowd that if he wanted to, he could easily make them angry and cause them to rebel. However, he says he does not want to speak against Brutus and Cassius, whom he again calls honourable men.

He says he would rather speak badly about himself, the crowd, and even the dead Caesar than say anything against such “honourable men” (though he is speaking sarcastically). Antony then shows them Caesar’s will, which he says he found among Caesar’s personal papers.

He tells the crowd that if they were to hear what is written in the will, they would feel so emotional that they would kiss Caesar’s wounds, soak their handkerchiefs in his blood, and even ask for a strand of his hair as a memory. He says they would value such things so much that they would pass them down to their children as precious family treasures.

12. Antony: Have patience, gentle friends; I must not read it.

It is not meet you know how Caesar loved you.

You are not wood, you are not stones, but men;

And, being men, hearing the will of Caesar,

It will inflame you, it will make you mad.

'Tis good you know not that you are his heirs;

Synopsis: Antony asks the crowd to remain calm and patient and says he should not read Caesar’s will to them. He says it is not suitable for them to know how much Caesar loved them. He reminds them that they are human beings with emotions, not lifeless objects like wood or stone. He warns that if they hear the will, it will make them extremely emotional and angry. He adds that it is probably better for them not to know that Caesar has left them his wealth and property in his will.

13. Antony: If you have tears, prepare to shed them now.

You all do know this mantle. I remember

The first time ever Caesar put it on.

'Twas on a summer's evening in his tent,

That day he overcame the Nervii.

Look, in this place ran Cassius' dagger through.

See what a rent the envious Casca made.

Through this, the well-belovèd Brutus stabbed;

And as he plucked his cursèd steel away,

Mark how the blood of Caesar followed it,

As rushing out of doors to be resolved

If Brutus so unkindly knocked or no — 

For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar's angel.

Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him!

This was the most unkindest cut of all,

For when the noble Caesar saw him stab,

Ingratitude, more strong than traitors' arms,

Quite vanquished him. Then burst his mighty heart,

And in his mantle muffling up his face,

Even at the base of Pompey's statue,

Which all the while ran blood, great Caesar fell.

O, what a fall was there, my countrymen!

Then I, and you, and all of us fell down,

Whilst bloody treason flourished over us.

O, now you weep, and I perceive you feel

The dint of pity — these are gracious drops.

Kind souls, what weep you when you but behold

Our Caesar's vesture wounded? Look you here!

[He removes the mantle.]

Here is himself, marred as you see with traitors.

Synopsis: Antony tells the crowd to get ready to cry if they have any tears. He shows them Caesar’s cloak and says he remembers the first time Caesar wore it, on the day he defeated the Nervii in battle.

He then points out the places on the cloak where the conspirators stabbed Caesar. He says Cassius made one cut, and Casca made another. He says the most painful wound was made by Brutus, whom Caesar loved deeply and trusted like a close friend. Antony says that when Brutus stabbed Caesar, it was so shocking and hurtful that it broke Caesar’s heart more than the physical attack.

He describes how Caesar covered his face with his cloak and fell down at the base of Pompey’s statue while bleeding heavily. Antony sadly says that when Caesar fell, it was not only Caesar who fell, but the whole Roman people suffered, while treachery and betrayal became powerful.

Antony notices that the crowd has started crying and says their tears show their sympathy and kindness. He then tells them that they are only seeing Caesar’s wounded cloak so far. He removes the cloak and shows Caesar’s dead body, saying that this is Caesar himself, badly damaged by the traitors.

14. Antony: Good friends, sweet friends, let me not stir you up

To such a sudden flood of mutiny.

They that have done this deed are honourable.

What private griefs they have, alas, I know not,

That made them do it. They are wise and honourable,

And will no doubt with reasons answer you.

I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts.

I am no orator, as Brutus is,

But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man

That love my friend; and that they know full well

That gave me public leave to speak of him.

For I have neither wit, nor words, nor worth,

Action, nor utterance, nor the power of speech

To stir men's blood; I only speak right on.

I tell you that which you yourselves do know,

Show you sweet Caesar's wounds, poor poor dumb mouths,

And bid them speak for me. But were I Brutus,

And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony

Would ruffle up your spirits, and put a tongue

In every wound of Caesar that should move

The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny.

Synopsis: Antony calls the crowd his good and dear friends and tells them not to suddenly become violent or rebellious. He again says that the men who killed Caesar are honourable and claims he does not know what personal reasons forced them to commit the murder. He says they are wise and will surely explain their reasons to the people.

Antony says he has not come to win the crowd’s support or influence their emotions. He says he is not a great speaker like Brutus but only a simple and straightforward man who loved Caesar. He adds that the conspirators themselves gave him permission to speak.

He humbly says he does not have great intelligence, powerful language, impressive actions, or speaking skills to excite people’s emotions. He says he is only telling them what they already know. He shows Caesar’s wounds and says these wounds, which cannot speak, are speaking through him.

Antony then says that if he were Brutus and Brutus were Antony, he would use powerful words to excite the crowd and make every wound of Caesar speak loudly enough to make even the stones of Rome rise up and rebel.

ACT 4, SCENE 1

15. Antony: Octavius, I have seen more days than you;

And though we lay these honors on this man

To ease ourselves of divers sland’rous loads,

He shall but bear them as the ass bears gold,

To groan and sweat under the business,

Either led or driven, as we point the way.

And having brought our treasure where we will,

Then take we down his load, and turn him off,

Like to the empty ass, to shake his ears

And graze in commons.

Synopsis: Antony tells Octavius that he is older and more experienced. He says they are giving honour and responsibilities to Lepidus only to remove blame and criticism from themselves. He compares Lepidus to a donkey carrying gold — the donkey carries something valuable but does not understand it. Antony says Lepidus will simply follow their orders and do the work they assign to him.

Antony adds that once Lepidus has helped them achieve their goals, they will remove him from power and discard him, just like an empty donkey that has finished carrying its load and is sent away to graze in the fields.

16. Antony: So is my horse, Octavius, and for that

I do appoint him store of provender.

It is a creature that I teach to fight,

To wind, to stop, to run directly on,

His corporal motion governed by my spirit,

And, in some taste, is Lepidus but so.

He must be taught, and trained, and bid go forth:

A barren-spirited fellow; one that feeds

On objects, arts, and imitations,

Which, out of use and staled by other men,

Begin his fashion. Do not talk of him

But as a property. And now, Octavius,

Listen great things. Brutus and Cassius

Are levying powers. We must straight make head.

Therefore let our alliance be combined,

Our best friends made, our means stretched;

And let us presently go sit in council

How covert matters may be best disclosed

And open perils surest answerèd.

Synopsis: Antony tells Octavius that he is older and more experienced. He says that they are giving honour and power to Lepidus only to remove blame and criticism from themselves. He compares Lepidus to a donkey carrying gold — the donkey carries something valuable but does not understand its worth. Antony says Lepidus will simply follow their orders and do the work they assign to him. Once he has helped them achieve their goals, they will remove him from power and discard him like an empty donkey that is no longer useful.

Antony continues by comparing Lepidus to his own horse. He says he feeds and trains his horse carefully so that it obeys his commands, runs, stops, and fights as he directs. He says Lepidus is similar — a man who must be trained and guided. Antony describes Lepidus as a weak-minded person who copies others instead of thinking for himself and values old and borrowed ideas. He tells Octavius not to consider Lepidus as an equal partner but only as a useful tool.

Antony then becomes serious and tells Octavius that Brutus and Cassius are gathering armies. He says they must immediately prepare to face them. He advises strengthening their alliance, gathering loyal supporters, and using all available resources. He suggests they should quickly meet in council to secretly plan their strategies and find the safest way to deal with the coming dangers and enemies.

SCENE 2

17. Brutus: Thou hast described

A hot friend cooling. Ever note, Lucilius,

When love begins to sicken and decay,

It useth an enforcèd ceremony.

There are no tricks in plain and simple faith;

But hollow men, like horses hot at hand,

Make gallant show and promise of their mettle;

[Low marching music offstage.]

But when they should endure the bloody spur,

They fall their crests, and like deceitful jades

Sink in the trial. Comes his army on?

Synopsis: Brutus tells Lucilius that he has correctly described a friend whose affection is cooling down. He says that when love or friendship begins to weaken, people start behaving with forced politeness and artificial manners. True and honest friendship does not need such formal behaviour.

He compares false friends to spirited horses that appear strong and energetic when they are first handled. They look impressive and promise to be brave and powerful. But when the time comes to face real danger and hardship, they lose courage and fail, just like unreliable horses that collapse during a real test.

Brutus then hears marching music and asks whether Cassius’s army is approaching.

SCENE 3

18. Brutus: Remember March, the Ides of March remember.

Did not great Julius bleed for justice' sake?

What villain touched his body, that did stab,

And not for justice? What, shall one of us,

That struck the foremost man of all this world

But for supporting robbers, shall we now

Contaminate our fingers with base bribes,

And sell the mighty space of our large honors

For so much trash as may be graspèd thus?

I had rather be a dog and bay the moon

Than such a Roman.

Synopsis: Brutus reminds Cassius to remember the Ides of March, the day they killed Julius Caesar. He says Caesar was killed because they believed it was the right and just thing to do. He asks how anyone who helped kill Caesar for justice could now behave dishonestly.

Brutus questions whether they, who killed the greatest man in the world to stop corruption and wrongdoing, should now take bribes and dishonour themselves for money. He says he would rather be like a dog howling at the moon than live as a corrupt and dishonourable Roman.

19. BRUTUS 
You have done that you should be sorry for.
There is no terror, Cassius, in your threats,
For I am armed so strong in honesty
That they pass by me as the idle wind,
Which I respect not. I did send to you
For certain sums of gold, which you denied me,
For I can raise no money by vile means.
By heaven, I had rather coin my heart
And drop my blood for drachmas than to wring
From the hard hands of peasants their vile trash
By any indirection. I did send
To you for gold to pay my legions,
Which you denied me. Was that done like Cassius?
Should I have answered Caius Cassius so?
When Marcus Brutus grows so covetous
To lock such rascal counters from his friends,
Be ready, gods, with all your thunderbolts;
Dash him to pieces!

Synopsis: Brutus tells Cassius that he has done something he should feel ashamed of. He says he is not afraid of Cassius’s threats because he is protected by his honesty and moral values, and such threats do not affect him.

Brutus reminds Cassius that he had asked him for money to pay his soldiers, but Cassius refused. He says he cannot collect money through dishonest or corrupt methods. He declares that he would rather sacrifice his own heart and blood to earn money than force poor peasants to give their small savings unfairly.

He again asks whether Cassius behaved properly by refusing him money. Brutus says that if he ever becomes so greedy that he refuses to help his friends with money, then the gods should strike him down with lightning and destroy him.

20. Brutus: Good reasons must, of force, give place to better.

The people 'twixt Philippi and this ground

Do stand but in a forced affection,

For they have grudged us contribution.

The enemy, marching along by them,

By them shall make a fuller number up,

Come on refreshed, new-added, and encouraged,

From which advantage shall we cut him off

If at Philippi we do face him there,

These people at our back.

Synopsis: Brutus says that good plans must be changed if there are better plans available. He explains that the people living between their current camp and Philippi do not truly support them and have only helped them unwillingly, complaining about giving them money and resources.

He warns that if they stay where they are, the enemy army will pass through those areas and gain support, supplies, and new soldiers from those people. This will make the enemy stronger and more confident. Brutus says they can stop the enemy from gaining this advantage if they march to Philippi and fight them there instead of waiting, because otherwise those unfriendly people will remain behind them and become a danger.

21. Brutus: [Music, and a song.  Lucius falls asleep.]

This is a sleepy tune. O murd'rous slumber!

Layest thou thy leaden mace upon my boy,

That plays thee music? Gentle knave, good night.

I will not do thee so much wrong to wake thee.

If thou dost nod, thou break'st thy instrument;

I'll take it from thee; and, good boy, good night.

Let me see, let me see — is not the leaf turned down

Where I left reading? Here it is, I think.

Synopsis: Brutus listens to the soft music and notices that it is making Lucius fall asleep. He calls sleep dangerous and heavy, as if it has struck the boy with a heavy weapon while he was playing music.

Brutus kindly tells Lucius good night and decides not to wake him because he does not want to trouble him. He notices that if Lucius continues to fall asleep, he might drop and damage his musical instrument, so Brutus gently takes it from him. He again wishes the boy good night.

Brutus then turns back to his book and looks for the place where he had stopped reading. He checks whether he had marked the page and believes he has found the correct spot.

 

N.B.: Courtesy ChatGPT

Compiled by Dr. Shankar D Mishra, Sr. Lecturer in English

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