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No Fear Translations
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Flourish Enter CAESAR , ANTONY , dressed for the course, CALPHURNIA , PORTIA , DECIUS , CICERO , BRUTUS , CASSIUS , CASCA , and a SOOTHSAYER in a throng of plebians. After them, MURELLUS and FLAVIUS
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A trumpet sounds. CAESAR enters, followed by ANTONY , dressed formally for a foot race, then CALPHURNIA , PORTIA , DECIUS , CICERO , BRUTUS , CASSIUS , and CASCA . A great crowd follows, among them a
SOOTHSAYERA soothsayer is a fortune-teller. |
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CAESAR Calphurnia!
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CAESAR Calphurnia!
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CASCA Peace, ho! Caesar speaks.
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CASCA Peace, ho! Caesar speaks.
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CAESAR Calphurnia!
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CAESAR Calphurnia!
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CALPHURNIA Here, my lord.
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CALPHURNIA Here, my lord.
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CAESAR 5 Stand you directly in Antonius' way
When he doth run his course.—Antonius!
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CAESAR Stand you directly in Antonius' way
When he doth run his course.—Antonius!
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ANTONY Caesar, my lord.
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ANTONY Caesar, my lord.
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CAESAR Forget not in your speed, Antonius,
To touch Calphurnia, for our elders say
10 The barren, touchèd in this holy chase,
Shake off their sterile curse.
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CAESAR Forget not in your speed, Antonius,
To touch Calphurnia, for our elders say
The barren, touchèd in this holy chase,
Shake off their sterile curse.
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ANTONY I shall remember.
When Caesar says, “do this,” it is performed.
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ANTONY I shall remember.
When Caesar says, “do this,” it is performed.
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CAESAR Set on, and leave no ceremony out.
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CAESAR Set on, and leave no ceremony out.
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Music
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Music
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SOOTHSAYER Caesar!
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SOOTHSAYER Caesar!
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CAESAR 15 Ha! Who calls?
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CAESAR Ha! Who calls?
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CASCA Bid every noise be still. Peace yet again.
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CASCA Bid every noise be still. Peace yet again.
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Music ceases
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Music ceases
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CAESAR Who is it in the press that calls on me?
I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music,
Cry “Caesar!”—Speak. Caesar is turned to hear.
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CAESAR Who is it in the press that calls on me?
I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music,
Cry “Caesar!”—Speak. Caesar is turned to hear.
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SOOTHSAYER 20 Beware the ides of March.
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SOOTHSAYER Beware the ides of March.
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CAESAR What man is that?
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CAESAR What man is that?
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BRUTUS A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March.
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BRUTUS A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March.
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CAESAR Set him before me. Let me see his face.
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CAESAR Set him before me. Let me see his face.
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CASSIUS Fellow, come from the throng. Look upon Caesar.
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CASSIUS Fellow, come from the throng. Look upon Caesar.
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SOOTHSAYER approaches
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SOOTHSAYER approaches
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CAESAR What sayst thou to me now? Speak once again.
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CAESAR What sayst thou to me now? Speak once again.
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SOOTHSAYER 25 Beware the ides of March.
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SOOTHSAYER Beware the ides of March.
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CAESAR He is a dreamer. Let us leave him. Pass!
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CAESAR He is a dreamer. Let us leave him. Pass!
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Sennet. Exeunt. Manent BRUTUS and CASSIUS
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Sennet. Exeunt. Manent BRUTUS and CASSIUS
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CASSIUS Will you go see the order of the course?
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CASSIUS Will you go see the order of the course?
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BRUTUS Not I.
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BRUTUS Not I.
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CASSIUS I pray you, do.
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CASSIUS I pray you, do.
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BRUTUS 30 I am not gamesome. I do lack some part
Of that quick spirit that is in Antony.
Let me not hinder, Cassius, your desires.
I’ll leave you.
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BRUTUS I am not gamesome. I do lack some part
Of that quick spirit that is in Antony.
Let me not hinder, Cassius, your desires.
I’ll leave you.
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CASSIUS Brutus, I do observe you now of late
35 I have not from your eyes that gentleness
And show of love as I was wont to have.
You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand
Over your friend that loves you.
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CASSIUS Brutus, I do observe you now of late
I have not from your eyes that gentleness
And show of love as I was wont to have.
You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand
Over your friend that loves you.
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BRUTUS Cassius,
Be not deceived. If I have veiled my look,
40 I turn the trouble of my countenance
Merely upon myself. Vexèd I am
Of late with passions of some difference,
Conceptions only proper to myself,
Which give some soil perhaps to my behaviors.
45 But let not therefore, my good friends, be grieved—
Among which number, Cassius, be you one—
Nor construe any further my neglect
Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war,
Forgets the shows of love to other men.
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BRUTUS Cassius,
Be not deceived. If I have veiled my look,
I turn the trouble of my countenance
Merely upon myself. Vexèd I am
Of late with passions of some difference,
Conceptions only proper to myself,
Which give some soil perhaps to my behaviors.
But let not therefore, my good friends, be grieved—
Among which number, Cassius, be you one—
Nor construe any further my neglect
Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war,
Forgets the shows of love to other men.
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CASSIUS 50 Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion,
By means whereof this breast of mine hath buried
Thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations.
Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?
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CASSIUS Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion,
By means whereof this breast of mine hath buried
Thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations.
Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?
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BRUTUS No, Cassius, for the eye sees not itself
55 But by reflection, by some other things.
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BRUTUS No, Cassius, for the eye sees not itself
But by reflection, by some other things.
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CASSIUS 'Tis just.
And it is very much lamented, Brutus,
That you have no such mirrors as will turn
Your hidden worthiness into your eye
60 That you might see your shadow. I have heard
Where many of the best respect in Rome,
Except immortal Caesar, speaking of Brutus
And groaning underneath this age’s yoke,
Have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes.
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CASSIUS 'Tis just.
And it is very much lamented, Brutus,
That you have no such mirrors as will turn
Your hidden worthiness into your eye
That you might see your shadow. I have heard
Where many of the best respect in Rome,
Except immortal Caesar, speaking of Brutus
And groaning underneath this age’s yoke,
Have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes.
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BRUTUS 65 Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius,
That you would have me seek into myself
For that which is not in me?
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BRUTUS Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius,
That you would have me seek into myself
For that which is not in me?
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CASSIUS Therefore, good Brutus, be prepared to hear.
And since you know you cannot see yourself
70 So well as by reflection, I, your glass,
Will modestly discover to yourself
That of yourself which you yet know not of.
And be not jealous on me, gentle Brutus.
Were I a common laugher, or did use
75 To stale with ordinary oaths my love
To every new protester, if you know
That I do fawn on men and hug them hard
And, after, scandal them, or if you know
That I profess myself in banqueting
80 To all the rout, then hold me dangerous.
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CASSIUS Therefore, good Brutus, be prepared to hear.
And since you know you cannot see yourself
So well as by reflection, I, your glass,
Will modestly discover to yourself
That of yourself which you yet know not of.
And be not jealous on me, gentle Brutus.
Were I a common laugher, or did use
To stale with ordinary oaths my love
To every new protester, if you know
That I do fawn on men and hug them hard
And, after, scandal them, or if you know
That I profess myself in banqueting
To all the rout, then hold me dangerous.
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Flourish, and shout within
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Flourish, and shout within
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BRUTUS What means this shouting? I do fear, the people
Choose Caesar for their king.
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BRUTUS What means this shouting? I do fear, the people
Choose Caesar for their king.
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CASSIUS Ay, do you fear it?
Then must I think you would not have it so.
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CASSIUS Ay, do you fear it?
Then must I think you would not have it so.
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BRUTUS I would not, Cassius. Yet I love him well.
85 But wherefore do you hold me here so long?
What is it that you would impart to me?
If it be aught toward the general good,
Set honor in one eye and death i' th' other,
And I will look on both indifferently,
90 For let the gods so speed me as I love
The name of honor more than I fear death.
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BRUTUS I would not, Cassius. Yet I love him well.
But wherefore do you hold me here so long?
What is it that you would impart to me?
If it be aught toward the general good,
Set honor in one eye and death i' th' other,
And I will look on both indifferently,
For let the gods so speed me as I love
The name of honor more than I fear death.
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CASSIUS I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus,
As well as I do know your outward favor.
Well, honor is the subject of my story.
95 I cannot tell what you and other men
Think of this life, but, for my single self,
I had as lief not be as live to be
In awe of such a thing as I myself.
I was born free as Caesar. So were you.
100 We both have fed as well, and we can both
Endure the winter’s cold as well as he.
For once upon a raw and gusty day,
The troubled Tiber chafing with her shores,
Caesar said to me, “Darest thou, Cassius, now
105 Leap in with me into this angry flood
And swim to yonder point?” Upon the word,
Accoutred as I was, I plungèd in
And bade him follow. So indeed he did.
The torrent roared, and we did buffet it
110 With lusty sinews, throwing it aside
And stemming it with hearts of controversy.
But ere we could arrive the point proposed,
Caesar cried, “Help me, Cassius, or I sink!”
I, as Aeneas, our great ancestor,
115 Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder
The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber
Did I the tired Caesar. And this man
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CASSIUS I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus,
As well as I do know your outward favor.
Well, honor is the subject of my story.
I cannot tell what you and other men
Think of this life, but, for my single self,
I had as lief not be as live to be
In awe of such a thing as I myself.
I was born free as Caesar. So were you.
We both have fed as well, and we can both
Endure the winter’s cold as well as he.
For once upon a raw and gusty day,
The troubled Tiber chafing with her shores,
Caesar said to me, “Darest thou, Cassius, now
Leap in with me into this angry flood
And swim to yonder point?” Upon the word,
Accoutred as I was, I plungèd in
And bade him follow. So indeed he did.
The torrent roared, and we did buffet it
With lusty sinews, throwing it aside
And stemming it with hearts of controversy.
But ere we could arrive the point proposed,
Caesar cried, “Help me, Cassius, or I sink!”
I, as Aeneas, our great ancestor,
Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder
The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber
Did I the tired Caesar. And this man
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Is now become a god, and Cassius is
A wretched creature and must bend his body
120 If Caesar carelessly but nod on him.
He had a fever when he was in Spain,
And when the fit was on him, I did mark
How he did shake. 'Tis true, this god did shake!
His coward lips did from their color fly,
125 And that same eye whose bend doth awe the world
Did lose his luster. I did hear him groan,
Ay, and that tongue of his that bade the Romans
Mark him and write his speeches in their books—
“Alas,” it cried, “give me some drink, Titinius,”
130 As a sick girl. Ye gods, it doth amaze me
A man of such a feeble temper should
So get the start of the majestic world
And bear the palm alone.
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Is now become a god, and Cassius is
A wretched creature and must bend his body
If Caesar carelessly but nod on him.
He had a fever when he was in Spain,
And when the fit was on him, I did mark
How he did shake. 'Tis true, this god did shake!
His coward lips did from their color fly,
And that same eye whose bend doth awe the world
Did lose his luster. I did hear him groan,
Ay, and that tongue of his that bade the Romans
Mark him and write his speeches in their books—
“Alas,” it cried, “give me some drink, Titinius,”
As a sick girl. Ye gods, it doth amaze me
A man of such a feeble temper should
So get the start of the majestic world
And bear the palm alone.
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Shout within. Flourish
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Shout within. Flourish
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BRUTUS Another general shout!
I do believe that these applauses are
135 For some new honors that are heaped on Caesar.
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BRUTUS Another general shout!
I do believe that these applauses are
For some new honors that are heaped on Caesar.
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CASSIUS Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world
Like a Colossus, and we petty men
Walk under his huge legs and peep about
To find ourselves dishonorable graves.
140 Men at some time are masters of their fates.
The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars
But in ourselves, that we are underlings.
Brutus and Caesar—what should be in that “Caesar”?
Why should that name be sounded more than yours?
145 Write them together, yours is as fair a name.
Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well.
Weigh them, it is as heavy. Conjure with 'em,
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CASSIUS Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world
Like a Colossus, and we petty men
Walk under his huge legs and peep about
To find ourselves dishonorable graves.
Men at some time are masters of their fates.
The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars
But in ourselves, that we are underlings.
Brutus and Caesar—what should be in that “Caesar”?
Why should that name be sounded more than yours?
Write them together, yours is as fair a name.
Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well.
Weigh them, it is as heavy. Conjure with 'em,
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“Brutus” will start a spirit as soon as “Caesar.”
Now in the names of all the gods at once,
150 Upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed
That he is grown so great? Age, thou art shamed!
Rome, thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods!
When went there by an age, since the great flood,
But it was famed with more than with one man?
155 When could they say till now, that talked of Rome,
That her wide walks encompassed but one man?
Now is it Rome indeed, and room enough,
When there is in it but one only man.
Oh, you and I have heard our fathers say,
160 There was a Brutus once that would have brooked
Th' eternal devil to keep his state in Rome
As easily as a king.
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“Brutus” will start a spirit as soon as “Caesar.”
Now in the names of all the gods at once,
Upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed
That he is grown so great? Age, thou art shamed!
Rome, thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods!
When went there by an age, since the great flood,
But it was famed with more than with one man?
When could they say till now, that talked of Rome,
That her wide walks encompassed but one man?
Now is it Rome indeed, and room enough,
When there is in it but one only man.
Oh, you and I have heard our fathers say,
There was a Brutus once that would have brooked
Th' eternal devil to keep his state in Rome
As easily as a king.
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BRUTUS That you do love me, I am nothing jealous.
What you would work me to, I have some aim.
165 How I have thought of this and of these times
I shall recount hereafter. For this present,
I would not, so with love I might entreat you,
Be any further moved. What you have said
I will consider, what you have to say
170 I will with patience hear, and find a time
Both meet to hear and answer such high things.
Till then, my noble friend, chew upon this:
Brutus had rather be a villager
Than to repute himself a son of Rome
175 Under these hard conditions as this time
Is like to lay upon us.
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BRUTUS That you do love me, I am nothing jealous.
What you would work me to, I have some aim.
How I have thought of this and of these times
I shall recount hereafter. For this present,
I would not, so with love I might entreat you,
Be any further moved. What you have said
I will consider, what you have to say
I will with patience hear, and find a time
Both meet to hear and answer such high things.
Till then, my noble friend, chew upon this:
Brutus had rather be a villager
Than to repute himself a son of Rome
Under these hard conditions as this time
Is like to lay upon us.
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CASSIUS I am glad that my weak words
Have struck but thus much show of fire from Brutus.
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CASSIUS I am glad that my weak words
Have struck but thus much show of fire from Brutus.
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Enter CAESAR and his train, which includes CASCA
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Enter CAESAR and his train, which includes CASCA
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BRUTUS The games are done and Caesar is returning.
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BRUTUS The games are done and Caesar is returning.
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CASSIUS As they pass by, pluck Casca by the sleeve,
180 And he will, after his sour fashion, tell you
What hath proceeded worthy note today.
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CASSIUS As they pass by, pluck Casca by the sleeve,
And he will, after his sour fashion, tell you
What hath proceeded worthy note today.
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BRUTUS I will do so. But, look you, Cassius,
The angry spot doth glow on Caesar’s brow,
And all the rest look like a chidden train.
185 Calphurnia’s cheek is pale, and Cicero
Looks with such ferret and such fiery eyes
As we have seen him in the Capitol
Being crossed in conference by some senators.
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BRUTUS I will do so. But, look you, Cassius,
The angry spot doth glow on Caesar’s brow,
And all the rest look like a chidden train.
Calphurnia’s cheek is pale, and Cicero
Looks with such ferret and such fiery eyes
As we have seen him in the Capitol
Being crossed in conference by some senators.
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CASSIUS Casca will tell us what the matter is.
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CASSIUS Casca will tell us what the matter is.
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During the exchange between CAESAR and ANTONY , BRUTUS pulls CASCA by the sleeve
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During the exchange between CAESAR and ANTONY , BRUTUS pulls CASCA by the sleeve
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CAESAR 190 Antonio.
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CAESAR Antonio.
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ANTONY Caesar.
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ANTONY Caesar.
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CAESAR (aside to ANTONY) Let me have men about me that are fat,
Sleek-headed men and such as sleep a-nights.
Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look.
195 He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous.
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CAESAR (aside to ANTONY) Let me have men about me that are fat,
Sleek-headed men and such as sleep a-nights.
Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look.
He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous.
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ANTONY (aside to CAESAR) Fear him not, Caesar. He’s not dangerous.
He is a noble Roman and well given.
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ANTONY (aside to CAESAR) Fear him not, Caesar. He’s not dangerous.
He is a noble Roman and well given.
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CAESAR (aside to ANTONY) Would he were fatter! But I fear him not.
Yet if my name were liable to fear,
200 I do not know the man I should avoid
So soon as that spare Cassius. He reads much.
He is a great observer, and he looks
Quite through the deeds of men. He loves no plays,
As thou dost, Antony. He hears no music.
205 Seldom he smiles, and smiles in such a sort
As if he mocked himself and scorned his spirit
That could be moved to smile at anything.
Such men as he be never at heart’s ease
Whiles they behold a greater than themselves,
210 And therefore are they very dangerous.
I rather tell thee what is to be feared
Than what I fear, for always I am Caesar.
Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf,
And tell me truly what thou think’st of him.
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CAESAR (aside to ANTONY) Would he were fatter! But I fear him not.
Yet if my name were liable to fear,
I do not know the man I should avoid
So soon as that spare Cassius. He reads much.
He is a great observer, and he looks
Quite through the deeds of men. He loves no plays,
As thou dost, Antony. He hears no music.
Seldom he smiles, and smiles in such a sort
As if he mocked himself and scorned his spirit
That could be moved to smile at anything.
Such men as he be never at heart’s ease
Whiles they behold a greater than themselves,
And therefore are they very dangerous.
I rather tell thee what is to be feared
Than what I fear, for always I am Caesar.
Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf,
And tell me truly what thou think’st of him.
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Sennet. Exeunt CAESAR and all his train except CASCA
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Sennet. Exeunt CAESAR and all his train except CASCA
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CASCA You pulled me by the cloak. Would you speak with me?
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CASCA You pulled me by the cloak. Would you speak with me?
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BRUTUS Ay, Casca. Tell us what hath chanced today
That Caesar looks so sad.
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BRUTUS Ay, Casca. Tell us what hath chanced today
That Caesar looks so sad.
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CASCA Why, you were with him, were you not?
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CASCA Why, you were with him, were you not?
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BRUTUS 220 I should not then ask Casca what had chanced.
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BRUTUS I should not then ask Casca what had chanced.
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CASCA Why, there was a crown offered him; and, being offered him, he put it by with the back of his hand, thus; and then the people fell a-shouting.
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CASCA Why, there was a crown offered him; and, being offered him, he put it by with the back of his hand, thus; and then the people fell a-shouting.
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BRUTUS What was the second noise for?
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BRUTUS What was the second noise for?
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CASCA 225 Why, for that too.
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CASCA Why, for that too.
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CASSIUS They shouted thrice. What was the last cry for?
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CASSIUS They shouted thrice. What was the last cry for?
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CASCA Why, for that too.
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CASCA Why, for that too.
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BRUTUS Was the crown offered him thrice?
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BRUTUS Was the crown offered him thrice?
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CASCA Ay, marry, was ’t, and he put it by thrice, every time gentler than other, and at every putting-by mine honest neighbors shouted.
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CASCA Ay, marry, was ’t, and he put it by thrice, every time gentler than other, and at every putting-by mine honest neighbors shouted.
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CASSIUS Who offered him the crown?
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CASSIUS Who offered him the crown?
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CASCA Why, Antony.
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CASCA Why, Antony.
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BRUTUS Tell us the manner of it, gentle Casca.
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BRUTUS Tell us the manner of it, gentle Casca.
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CASCA I can as well be hanged as tell the manner of it. It was mere foolery. I did not mark it. I saw Mark Antony offer him a crown (yet ’twas not a crown neither, ’twas one of these coronets) and, as I told you, he put it by once—but, for all that, to my thinking, he would fain have had it. Then he offered it to him again, then he put it by again—but, to my thinking, he was very loath to lay his fingers off it. And then he offered it the third time. He put it the third time by. And still, as he refused it, the rabblement hooted and clapped their chapped hands and threw up their sweaty night-caps and uttered such a deal of stinking breath because Caesar refused the crown that it had almost choked Caesar—for he swooned and fell down at it. And for mine own part, I durst not laugh for fear of opening my lips and receiving the bad air.
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CASCA I can as well be hanged as tell the manner of it. It was mere foolery. I did not mark it. I saw Mark Antony offer him a crown (yet ’twas not a crown neither, ’twas one of these coronets) and, as I told you, he put it by once—but, for all that, to my thinking, he would fain have had it. Then he offered it to him again, then he put it by again—but, to my thinking, he was very loath to lay his fingers off it. And then he offered it the third time. He put it the third time by. And still, as he refused it, the rabblement hooted and clapped their chapped hands and threw up their sweaty night-caps and uttered such a deal of stinking breath because Caesar refused the crown that it had almost choked Caesar—for he swooned and fell down at it. And for mine own part, I durst not laugh for fear of opening my lips and receiving the bad air.
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CASSIUS But soft, I pray you. What, did Caesar swoon?
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CASSIUS But soft, I pray you. What, did Caesar swoon?
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CASCA |
CASCA |
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BRUTUS 'Tis very like. He hath the falling sickness.
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BRUTUS 'Tis very like. He hath the falling sickness.
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CASSIUS No, Caesar hath it not. But you and I
And honest Casca, we have the falling sickness.
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CASSIUS No, Caesar hath it not. But you and I
And honest Casca, we have the falling sickness.
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CASCA |
CASCA |
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BRUTUS What said he when he came unto himself?
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BRUTUS What said he when he came unto himself?
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CASCA |
CASCA |
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BRUTUS And after that he came thus sad away?
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BRUTUS And after that he came thus sad away?
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CASCA Ay.
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CASCA Ay.
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CASSIUS Did Cicero say anything?
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CASSIUS Did Cicero say anything?
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CASCA 275 Ay, he spoke Greek.
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CASCA Ay, he spoke Greek.
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CASSIUS To what effect?
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CASSIUS To what effect?
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CASCA Nay, an I tell you that, I’ll ne'er look you i' th' face again. But those that understood him smiled at one another and shook their heads. But, for mine own part, it was Greek to me. I could tell you more news too. Murellus and Flavius, for pulling scarfs off Caesar’s images, are put to silence. Fare you well. There was more foolery yet, if I could remember it.
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CASCA Nay, an I tell you that, I’ll ne'er look you i' th' face again. But those that understood him smiled at one another and shook their heads. But, for mine own part, it was Greek to me. I could tell you more news too. Murellus and Flavius, for pulling scarfs off Caesar’s images, are put to silence. Fare you well. There was more foolery yet, if I could remember it.
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CASSIUS Will you sup with me tonight, Casca?
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CASSIUS Will you sup with me tonight, Casca?
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CASCA 285 No, I am promised forth.
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CASCA No, I am promised forth.
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CASSIUS Will you dine with me tomorrow?
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CASSIUS Will you dine with me tomorrow?
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CASCA Ay, if I be alive and your mind hold and your dinner worth the eating.
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CASCA Ay, if I be alive and your mind hold and your dinner worth the eating.
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CASSIUS Good. I will expect you.
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CASSIUS Good. I will expect you.
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CASCA 290 Do so. Farewell both.
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CASCA Do so. Farewell both.
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Exit CASCA
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Exit CASCA
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BRUTUS What a blunt fellow is this grown to be!
He was quick mettle when he went to school.
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BRUTUS What a blunt fellow is this grown to be!
He was quick mettle when he went to school.
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CASSIUS So is he now in execution
Of any bold or noble enterprise,
295 However he puts on this tardy form.
This rudeness is a sauce to his good wit,
Which gives men stomach to digest his words
With better appetite.
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CASSIUS So is he now in execution
Of any bold or noble enterprise,
However he puts on this tardy form.
This rudeness is a sauce to his good wit,
Which gives men stomach to digest his words
With better appetite.
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BRUTUS And so it is. For this time I will leave you.
300 Tomorrow, if you please to speak with me,
I will come home to you. Or, if you will,
Come home to me, and I will wait for you.
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BRUTUS And so it is. For this time I will leave you.
Tomorrow, if you please to speak with me,
I will come home to you. Or, if you will,
Come home to me, and I will wait for you.
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CASSIUS I will do so. Till then, think of the world.
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CASSIUS I will do so. Till then, think of the world.
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Exit BRUTUS
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Exit BRUTUS
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Well, Brutus, thou art noble. Yet I see
305 Thy honorable mettle may be wrought
From that it is disposed. Therefore it is meet
That noble minds keep ever with their likes,
For who so firm that cannot be seduced?
Caesar doth bear me hard, but he loves Brutus.
310 If I were Brutus now and he were Cassius,
He should not humor me. I will this night,
In several hands, in at his windows throw,
As if they came from several citizens,
Writings all tending to the great opinion
315 That Rome holds of his name, wherein obscurely
Caesar’s ambition shall be glancèd at.
And after this let Caesar seat him sure,
For we will shake him, or worse days endure.
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Well, Brutus, thou art noble. Yet I see
Thy honorable mettle may be wrought
From that it is disposed. Therefore it is meet
That noble minds keep ever with their likes,
For who so firm that cannot be seduced?
Caesar doth bear me hard, but he loves Brutus.
If I were Brutus now and he were Cassius,
He should not humor me. I will this night,
In several hands, in at his windows throw,
As if they came from several citizens,
Writings all tending to the great opinion
That Rome holds of his name, wherein obscurely
Caesar’s ambition shall be glancèd at.
And after this let Caesar seat him sure,
For we will shake him, or worse days endure.
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Exit
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Exit
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Original Text |
Modern Text |
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Flourish Enter CAESAR , ANTONY , dressed for the course, CALPHURNIA , PORTIA , DECIUS , CICERO , BRUTUS , CASSIUS , CASCA , and a SOOTHSAYER in a throng of plebians. After them, MURELLUS and FLAVIUS
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A trumpet sounds. CAESAR enters, followed by ANTONY , dressed formally for a foot race, then CALPHURNIA , PORTIA , DECIUS , CICERO , BRUTUS , CASSIUS , and CASCA . A great crowd follows, among them a
SOOTHSAYERA soothsayer is a fortune-teller. |
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CAESAR Calphurnia!
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CAESAR Calphurnia!
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CASCA Peace, ho! Caesar speaks.
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CASCA Peace, ho! Caesar speaks.
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CAESAR Calphurnia!
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CAESAR Calphurnia!
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CALPHURNIA Here, my lord.
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CALPHURNIA Here, my lord.
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CAESAR 5 Stand you directly in Antonius' way
When he doth run his course.—Antonius!
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CAESAR Stand you directly in Antonius' way
When he doth run his course.—Antonius!
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ANTONY Caesar, my lord.
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ANTONY Caesar, my lord.
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CAESAR Forget not in your speed, Antonius,
To touch Calphurnia, for our elders say
10 The barren, touchèd in this holy chase,
Shake off their sterile curse.
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CAESAR Forget not in your speed, Antonius,
To touch Calphurnia, for our elders say
The barren, touchèd in this holy chase,
Shake off their sterile curse.
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ANTONY I shall remember.
When Caesar says, “do this,” it is performed.
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ANTONY I shall remember.
When Caesar says, “do this,” it is performed.
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CAESAR Set on, and leave no ceremony out.
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CAESAR Set on, and leave no ceremony out.
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Music
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Music
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SOOTHSAYER Caesar!
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SOOTHSAYER Caesar!
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CAESAR 15 Ha! Who calls?
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CAESAR Ha! Who calls?
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CASCA Bid every noise be still. Peace yet again.
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CASCA Bid every noise be still. Peace yet again.
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Music ceases
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Music ceases
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CAESAR Who is it in the press that calls on me?
I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music,
Cry “Caesar!”—Speak. Caesar is turned to hear.
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CAESAR Who is it in the press that calls on me?
I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music,
Cry “Caesar!”—Speak. Caesar is turned to hear.
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SOOTHSAYER 20 Beware the ides of March.
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SOOTHSAYER Beware the ides of March.
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CAESAR What man is that?
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CAESAR What man is that?
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BRUTUS A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March.
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BRUTUS A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March.
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CAESAR Set him before me. Let me see his face.
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CAESAR Set him before me. Let me see his face.
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CASSIUS Fellow, come from the throng. Look upon Caesar.
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CASSIUS Fellow, come from the throng. Look upon Caesar.
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SOOTHSAYER approaches
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SOOTHSAYER approaches
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CAESAR What sayst thou to me now? Speak once again.
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CAESAR What sayst thou to me now? Speak once again.
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SOOTHSAYER 25 Beware the ides of March.
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SOOTHSAYER Beware the ides of March.
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CAESAR He is a dreamer. Let us leave him. Pass!
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CAESAR He is a dreamer. Let us leave him. Pass!
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Sennet. Exeunt. Manent BRUTUS and CASSIUS
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Sennet. Exeunt. Manent BRUTUS and CASSIUS
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CASSIUS Will you go see the order of the course?
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CASSIUS Will you go see the order of the course?
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BRUTUS Not I.
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BRUTUS Not I.
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CASSIUS I pray you, do.
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CASSIUS I pray you, do.
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BRUTUS 30 I am not gamesome. I do lack some part
Of that quick spirit that is in Antony.
Let me not hinder, Cassius, your desires.
I’ll leave you.
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BRUTUS I am not gamesome. I do lack some part
Of that quick spirit that is in Antony.
Let me not hinder, Cassius, your desires.
I’ll leave you.
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CASSIUS Brutus, I do observe you now of late
35 I have not from your eyes that gentleness
And show of love as I was wont to have.
You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand
Over your friend that loves you.
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CASSIUS Brutus, I do observe you now of late
I have not from your eyes that gentleness
And show of love as I was wont to have.
You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand
Over your friend that loves you.
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BRUTUS Cassius,
Be not deceived. If I have veiled my look,
40 I turn the trouble of my countenance
Merely upon myself. Vexèd I am
Of late with passions of some difference,
Conceptions only proper to myself,
Which give some soil perhaps to my behaviors.
45 But let not therefore, my good friends, be grieved—
Among which number, Cassius, be you one—
Nor construe any further my neglect
Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war,
Forgets the shows of love to other men.
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BRUTUS Cassius,
Be not deceived. If I have veiled my look,
I turn the trouble of my countenance
Merely upon myself. Vexèd I am
Of late with passions of some difference,
Conceptions only proper to myself,
Which give some soil perhaps to my behaviors.
But let not therefore, my good friends, be grieved—
Among which number, Cassius, be you one—
Nor construe any further my neglect
Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war,
Forgets the shows of love to other men.
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CASSIUS 50 Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion,
By means whereof this breast of mine hath buried
Thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations.
Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?
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CASSIUS Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion,
By means whereof this breast of mine hath buried
Thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations.
Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?
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BRUTUS No, Cassius, for the eye sees not itself
55 But by reflection, by some other things.
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BRUTUS No, Cassius, for the eye sees not itself
But by reflection, by some other things.
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CASSIUS 'Tis just.
And it is very much lamented, Brutus,
That you have no such mirrors as will turn
Your hidden worthiness into your eye
60 That you might see your shadow. I have heard
Where many of the best respect in Rome,
Except immortal Caesar, speaking of Brutus
And groaning underneath this age’s yoke,
Have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes.
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CASSIUS 'Tis just.
And it is very much lamented, Brutus,
That you have no such mirrors as will turn
Your hidden worthiness into your eye
That you might see your shadow. I have heard
Where many of the best respect in Rome,
Except immortal Caesar, speaking of Brutus
And groaning underneath this age’s yoke,
Have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes.
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BRUTUS 65 Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius,
That you would have me seek into myself
For that which is not in me?
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BRUTUS Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius,
That you would have me seek into myself
For that which is not in me?
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CASSIUS Therefore, good Brutus, be prepared to hear.
And since you know you cannot see yourself
70 So well as by reflection, I, your glass,
Will modestly discover to yourself
That of yourself which you yet know not of.
And be not jealous on me, gentle Brutus.
Were I a common laugher, or did use
75 To stale with ordinary oaths my love
To every new protester, if you know
That I do fawn on men and hug them hard
And, after, scandal them, or if you know
That I profess myself in banqueting
80 To all the rout, then hold me dangerous.
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CASSIUS Therefore, good Brutus, be prepared to hear.
And since you know you cannot see yourself
So well as by reflection, I, your glass,
Will modestly discover to yourself
That of yourself which you yet know not of.
And be not jealous on me, gentle Brutus.
Were I a common laugher, or did use
To stale with ordinary oaths my love
To every new protester, if you know
That I do fawn on men and hug them hard
And, after, scandal them, or if you know
That I profess myself in banqueting
To all the rout, then hold me dangerous.
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Flourish, and shout within
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Flourish, and shout within
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BRUTUS What means this shouting? I do fear, the people
Choose Caesar for their king.
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BRUTUS What means this shouting? I do fear, the people
Choose Caesar for their king.
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CASSIUS Ay, do you fear it?
Then must I think you would not have it so.
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CASSIUS Ay, do you fear it?
Then must I think you would not have it so.
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BRUTUS I would not, Cassius. Yet I love him well.
85 But wherefore do you hold me here so long?
What is it that you would impart to me?
If it be aught toward the general good,
Set honor in one eye and death i' th' other,
And I will look on both indifferently,
90 For let the gods so speed me as I love
The name of honor more than I fear death.
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BRUTUS I would not, Cassius. Yet I love him well.
But wherefore do you hold me here so long?
What is it that you would impart to me?
If it be aught toward the general good,
Set honor in one eye and death i' th' other,
And I will look on both indifferently,
For let the gods so speed me as I love
The name of honor more than I fear death.
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CASSIUS I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus,
As well as I do know your outward favor.
Well, honor is the subject of my story.
95 I cannot tell what you and other men
Think of this life, but, for my single self,
I had as lief not be as live to be
In awe of such a thing as I myself.
I was born free as Caesar. So were you.
100 We both have fed as well, and we can both
Endure the winter’s cold as well as he.
For once upon a raw and gusty day,
The troubled Tiber chafing with her shores,
Caesar said to me, “Darest thou, Cassius, now
105 Leap in with me into this angry flood
And swim to yonder point?” Upon the word,
Accoutred as I was, I plungèd in
And bade him follow. So indeed he did.
The torrent roared, and we did buffet it
110 With lusty sinews, throwing it aside
And stemming it with hearts of controversy.
But ere we could arrive the point proposed,
Caesar cried, “Help me, Cassius, or I sink!”
I, as Aeneas, our great ancestor,
115 Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder
The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber
Did I the tired Caesar. And this man
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CASSIUS I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus,
As well as I do know your outward favor.
Well, honor is the subject of my story.
I cannot tell what you and other men
Think of this life, but, for my single self,
I had as lief not be as live to be
In awe of such a thing as I myself.
I was born free as Caesar. So were you.
We both have fed as well, and we can both
Endure the winter’s cold as well as he.
For once upon a raw and gusty day,
The troubled Tiber chafing with her shores,
Caesar said to me, “Darest thou, Cassius, now
Leap in with me into this angry flood
And swim to yonder point?” Upon the word,
Accoutred as I was, I plungèd in
And bade him follow. So indeed he did.
The torrent roared, and we did buffet it
With lusty sinews, throwing it aside
And stemming it with hearts of controversy.
But ere we could arrive the point proposed,
Caesar cried, “Help me, Cassius, or I sink!”
I, as Aeneas, our great ancestor,
Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder
The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber
Did I the tired Caesar. And this man
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Is now become a god, and Cassius is
A wretched creature and must bend his body
120 If Caesar carelessly but nod on him.
He had a fever when he was in Spain,
And when the fit was on him, I did mark
How he did shake. 'Tis true, this god did shake!
His coward lips did from their color fly,
125 And that same eye whose bend doth awe the world
Did lose his luster. I did hear him groan,
Ay, and that tongue of his that bade the Romans
Mark him and write his speeches in their books—
“Alas,” it cried, “give me some drink, Titinius,”
130 As a sick girl. Ye gods, it doth amaze me
A man of such a feeble temper should
So get the start of the majestic world
And bear the palm alone.
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Is now become a god, and Cassius is
A wretched creature and must bend his body
If Caesar carelessly but nod on him.
He had a fever when he was in Spain,
And when the fit was on him, I did mark
How he did shake. 'Tis true, this god did shake!
His coward lips did from their color fly,
And that same eye whose bend doth awe the world
Did lose his luster. I did hear him groan,
Ay, and that tongue of his that bade the Romans
Mark him and write his speeches in their books—
“Alas,” it cried, “give me some drink, Titinius,”
As a sick girl. Ye gods, it doth amaze me
A man of such a feeble temper should
So get the start of the majestic world
And bear the palm alone.
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Shout within. Flourish
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Shout within. Flourish
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BRUTUS Another general shout!
I do believe that these applauses are
135 For some new honors that are heaped on Caesar.
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BRUTUS Another general shout!
I do believe that these applauses are
For some new honors that are heaped on Caesar.
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CASSIUS Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world
Like a Colossus, and we petty men
Walk under his huge legs and peep about
To find ourselves dishonorable graves.
140 Men at some time are masters of their fates.
The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars
But in ourselves, that we are underlings.
Brutus and Caesar—what should be in that “Caesar”?
Why should that name be sounded more than yours?
145 Write them together, yours is as fair a name.
Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well.
Weigh them, it is as heavy. Conjure with 'em,
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CASSIUS Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world
Like a Colossus, and we petty men
Walk under his huge legs and peep about
To find ourselves dishonorable graves.
Men at some time are masters of their fates.
The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars
But in ourselves, that we are underlings.
Brutus and Caesar—what should be in that “Caesar”?
Why should that name be sounded more than yours?
Write them together, yours is as fair a name.
Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well.
Weigh them, it is as heavy. Conjure with 'em,
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“Brutus” will start a spirit as soon as “Caesar.”
Now in the names of all the gods at once,
150 Upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed
That he is grown so great? Age, thou art shamed!
Rome, thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods!
When went there by an age, since the great flood,
But it was famed with more than with one man?
155 When could they say till now, that talked of Rome,
That her wide walks encompassed but one man?
Now is it Rome indeed, and room enough,
When there is in it but one only man.
Oh, you and I have heard our fathers say,
160 There was a Brutus once that would have brooked
Th' eternal devil to keep his state in Rome
As easily as a king.
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“Brutus” will start a spirit as soon as “Caesar.”
Now in the names of all the gods at once,
Upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed
That he is grown so great? Age, thou art shamed!
Rome, thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods!
When went there by an age, since the great flood,
But it was famed with more than with one man?
When could they say till now, that talked of Rome,
That her wide walks encompassed but one man?
Now is it Rome indeed, and room enough,
When there is in it but one only man.
Oh, you and I have heard our fathers say,
There was a Brutus once that would have brooked
Th' eternal devil to keep his state in Rome
As easily as a king.
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BRUTUS That you do love me, I am nothing jealous.
What you would work me to, I have some aim.
165 How I have thought of this and of these times
I shall recount hereafter. For this present,
I would not, so with love I might entreat you,
Be any further moved. What you have said
I will consider, what you have to say
170 I will with patience hear, and find a time
Both meet to hear and answer such high things.
Till then, my noble friend, chew upon this:
Brutus had rather be a villager
Than to repute himself a son of Rome
175 Under these hard conditions as this time
Is like to lay upon us.
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BRUTUS That you do love me, I am nothing jealous.
What you would work me to, I have some aim.
How I have thought of this and of these times
I shall recount hereafter. For this present,
I would not, so with love I might entreat you,
Be any further moved. What you have said
I will consider, what you have to say
I will with patience hear, and find a time
Both meet to hear and answer such high things.
Till then, my noble friend, chew upon this:
Brutus had rather be a villager
Than to repute himself a son of Rome
Under these hard conditions as this time
Is like to lay upon us.
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CASSIUS I am glad that my weak words
Have struck but thus much show of fire from Brutus.
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CASSIUS I am glad that my weak words
Have struck but thus much show of fire from Brutus.
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Enter CAESAR and his train, which includes CASCA
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Enter CAESAR and his train, which includes CASCA
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BRUTUS The games are done and Caesar is returning.
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BRUTUS The games are done and Caesar is returning.
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CASSIUS As they pass by, pluck Casca by the sleeve,
180 And he will, after his sour fashion, tell you
What hath proceeded worthy note today.
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CASSIUS As they pass by, pluck Casca by the sleeve,
And he will, after his sour fashion, tell you
What hath proceeded worthy note today.
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BRUTUS I will do so. But, look you, Cassius,
The angry spot doth glow on Caesar’s brow,
And all the rest look like a chidden train.
185 Calphurnia’s cheek is pale, and Cicero
Looks with such ferret and such fiery eyes
As we have seen him in the Capitol
Being crossed in conference by some senators.
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BRUTUS I will do so. But, look you, Cassius,
The angry spot doth glow on Caesar’s brow,
And all the rest look like a chidden train.
Calphurnia’s cheek is pale, and Cicero
Looks with such ferret and such fiery eyes
As we have seen him in the Capitol
Being crossed in conference by some senators.
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CASSIUS Casca will tell us what the matter is.
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CASSIUS Casca will tell us what the matter is.
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During the exchange between CAESAR and ANTONY , BRUTUS pulls CASCA by the sleeve
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During the exchange between CAESAR and ANTONY , BRUTUS pulls CASCA by the sleeve
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CAESAR 190 Antonio.
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CAESAR Antonio.
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ANTONY Caesar.
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ANTONY Caesar.
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CAESAR (aside to ANTONY) Let me have men about me that are fat,
Sleek-headed men and such as sleep a-nights.
Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look.
195 He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous.
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CAESAR (aside to ANTONY) Let me have men about me that are fat,
Sleek-headed men and such as sleep a-nights.
Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look.
He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous.
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ANTONY (aside to CAESAR) Fear him not, Caesar. He’s not dangerous.
He is a noble Roman and well given.
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ANTONY (aside to CAESAR) Fear him not, Caesar. He’s not dangerous.
He is a noble Roman and well given.
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CAESAR (aside to ANTONY) Would he were fatter! But I fear him not.
Yet if my name were liable to fear,
200 I do not know the man I should avoid
So soon as that spare Cassius. He reads much.
He is a great observer, and he looks
Quite through the deeds of men. He loves no plays,
As thou dost, Antony. He hears no music.
205 Seldom he smiles, and smiles in such a sort
As if he mocked himself and scorned his spirit
That could be moved to smile at anything.
Such men as he be never at heart’s ease
Whiles they behold a greater than themselves,
210 And therefore are they very dangerous.
I rather tell thee what is to be feared
Than what I fear, for always I am Caesar.
Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf,
And tell me truly what thou think’st of him.
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CAESAR (aside to ANTONY) Would he were fatter! But I fear him not.
Yet if my name were liable to fear,
I do not know the man I should avoid
So soon as that spare Cassius. He reads much.
He is a great observer, and he looks
Quite through the deeds of men. He loves no plays,
As thou dost, Antony. He hears no music.
Seldom he smiles, and smiles in such a sort
As if he mocked himself and scorned his spirit
That could be moved to smile at anything.
Such men as he be never at heart’s ease
Whiles they behold a greater than themselves,
And therefore are they very dangerous.
I rather tell thee what is to be feared
Than what I fear, for always I am Caesar.
Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf,
And tell me truly what thou think’st of him.
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Sennet. Exeunt CAESAR and all his train except CASCA
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Sennet. Exeunt CAESAR and all his train except CASCA
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CASCA You pulled me by the cloak. Would you speak with me?
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CASCA You pulled me by the cloak. Would you speak with me?
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BRUTUS Ay, Casca. Tell us what hath chanced today
That Caesar looks so sad.
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BRUTUS Ay, Casca. Tell us what hath chanced today
That Caesar looks so sad.
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CASCA Why, you were with him, were you not?
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CASCA Why, you were with him, were you not?
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BRUTUS 220 I should not then ask Casca what had chanced.
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BRUTUS I should not then ask Casca what had chanced.
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CASCA Why, there was a crown offered him; and, being offered him, he put it by with the back of his hand, thus; and then the people fell a-shouting.
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CASCA Why, there was a crown offered him; and, being offered him, he put it by with the back of his hand, thus; and then the people fell a-shouting.
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BRUTUS What was the second noise for?
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BRUTUS What was the second noise for?
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CASCA 225 Why, for that too.
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CASCA Why, for that too.
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CASSIUS They shouted thrice. What was the last cry for?
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CASSIUS They shouted thrice. What was the last cry for?
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CASCA Why, for that too.
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CASCA Why, for that too.
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BRUTUS Was the crown offered him thrice?
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BRUTUS Was the crown offered him thrice?
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CASCA Ay, marry, was ’t, and he put it by thrice, every time gentler than other, and at every putting-by mine honest neighbors shouted.
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CASCA Ay, marry, was ’t, and he put it by thrice, every time gentler than other, and at every putting-by mine honest neighbors shouted.
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CASSIUS Who offered him the crown?
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CASSIUS Who offered him the crown?
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CASCA Why, Antony.
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CASCA Why, Antony.
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BRUTUS Tell us the manner of it, gentle Casca.
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BRUTUS Tell us the manner of it, gentle Casca.
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CASCA I can as well be hanged as tell the manner of it. It was mere foolery. I did not mark it. I saw Mark Antony offer him a crown (yet ’twas not a crown neither, ’twas one of these coronets) and, as I told you, he put it by once—but, for all that, to my thinking, he would fain have had it. Then he offered it to him again, then he put it by again—but, to my thinking, he was very loath to lay his fingers off it. And then he offered it the third time. He put it the third time by. And still, as he refused it, the rabblement hooted and clapped their chapped hands and threw up their sweaty night-caps and uttered such a deal of stinking breath because Caesar refused the crown that it had almost choked Caesar—for he swooned and fell down at it. And for mine own part, I durst not laugh for fear of opening my lips and receiving the bad air.
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CASCA I can as well be hanged as tell the manner of it. It was mere foolery. I did not mark it. I saw Mark Antony offer him a crown (yet ’twas not a crown neither, ’twas one of these coronets) and, as I told you, he put it by once—but, for all that, to my thinking, he would fain have had it. Then he offered it to him again, then he put it by again—but, to my thinking, he was very loath to lay his fingers off it. And then he offered it the third time. He put it the third time by. And still, as he refused it, the rabblement hooted and clapped their chapped hands and threw up their sweaty night-caps and uttered such a deal of stinking breath because Caesar refused the crown that it had almost choked Caesar—for he swooned and fell down at it. And for mine own part, I durst not laugh for fear of opening my lips and receiving the bad air.
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CASSIUS But soft, I pray you. What, did Caesar swoon?
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CASSIUS But soft, I pray you. What, did Caesar swoon?
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CASCA |
CASCA |
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BRUTUS 'Tis very like. He hath the falling sickness.
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BRUTUS 'Tis very like. He hath the falling sickness.
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CASSIUS No, Caesar hath it not. But you and I
And honest Casca, we have the falling sickness.
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CASSIUS No, Caesar hath it not. But you and I
And honest Casca, we have the falling sickness.
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CASCA |
CASCA |
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BRUTUS What said he when he came unto himself?
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BRUTUS What said he when he came unto himself?
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CASCA |
CASCA |
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BRUTUS And after that he came thus sad away?
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BRUTUS And after that he came thus sad away?
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CASCA Ay.
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CASCA Ay.
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CASSIUS Did Cicero say anything?
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CASSIUS Did Cicero say anything?
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CASCA 275 Ay, he spoke Greek.
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CASCA Ay, he spoke Greek.
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CASSIUS To what effect?
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CASSIUS To what effect?
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CASCA Nay, an I tell you that, I’ll ne'er look you i' th' face again. But those that understood him smiled at one another and shook their heads. But, for mine own part, it was Greek to me. I could tell you more news too. Murellus and Flavius, for pulling scarfs off Caesar’s images, are put to silence. Fare you well. There was more foolery yet, if I could remember it.
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CASCA Nay, an I tell you that, I’ll ne'er look you i' th' face again. But those that understood him smiled at one another and shook their heads. But, for mine own part, it was Greek to me. I could tell you more news too. Murellus and Flavius, for pulling scarfs off Caesar’s images, are put to silence. Fare you well. There was more foolery yet, if I could remember it.
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CASSIUS Will you sup with me tonight, Casca?
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CASSIUS Will you sup with me tonight, Casca?
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CASCA 285 No, I am promised forth.
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CASCA No, I am promised forth.
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CASSIUS Will you dine with me tomorrow?
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CASSIUS Will you dine with me tomorrow?
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CASCA Ay, if I be alive and your mind hold and your dinner worth the eating.
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CASCA Ay, if I be alive and your mind hold and your dinner worth the eating.
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CASSIUS Good. I will expect you.
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CASSIUS Good. I will expect you.
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CASCA 290 Do so. Farewell both.
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CASCA Do so. Farewell both.
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Exit CASCA
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Exit CASCA
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BRUTUS What a blunt fellow is this grown to be!
He was quick mettle when he went to school.
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BRUTUS What a blunt fellow is this grown to be!
He was quick mettle when he went to school.
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CASSIUS So is he now in execution
Of any bold or noble enterprise,
295 However he puts on this tardy form.
This rudeness is a sauce to his good wit,
Which gives men stomach to digest his words
With better appetite.
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CASSIUS So is he now in execution
Of any bold or noble enterprise,
However he puts on this tardy form.
This rudeness is a sauce to his good wit,
Which gives men stomach to digest his words
With better appetite.
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BRUTUS And so it is. For this time I will leave you.
300 Tomorrow, if you please to speak with me,
I will come home to you. Or, if you will,
Come home to me, and I will wait for you.
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BRUTUS And so it is. For this time I will leave you.
Tomorrow, if you please to speak with me,
I will come home to you. Or, if you will,
Come home to me, and I will wait for you.
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CASSIUS I will do so. Till then, think of the world.
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CASSIUS I will do so. Till then, think of the world.
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Exit BRUTUS
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Exit BRUTUS
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Well, Brutus, thou art noble. Yet I see
305 Thy honorable mettle may be wrought
From that it is disposed. Therefore it is meet
That noble minds keep ever with their likes,
For who so firm that cannot be seduced?
Caesar doth bear me hard, but he loves Brutus.
310 If I were Brutus now and he were Cassius,
He should not humor me. I will this night,
In several hands, in at his windows throw,
As if they came from several citizens,
Writings all tending to the great opinion
315 That Rome holds of his name, wherein obscurely
Caesar’s ambition shall be glancèd at.
And after this let Caesar seat him sure,
For we will shake him, or worse days endure.
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Well, Brutus, thou art noble. Yet I see
Thy honorable mettle may be wrought
From that it is disposed. Therefore it is meet
That noble minds keep ever with their likes,
For who so firm that cannot be seduced?
Caesar doth bear me hard, but he loves Brutus.
If I were Brutus now and he were Cassius,
He should not humor me. I will this night,
In several hands, in at his windows throw,
As if they came from several citizens,
Writings all tending to the great opinion
That Rome holds of his name, wherein obscurely
Caesar’s ambition shall be glancèd at.
And after this let Caesar seat him sure,
For we will shake him, or worse days endure.
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Exit
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Exit
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