I 
 
 i 
 
 |. '"* 
 
THE BEN GREET SHAKESPEARE 
 
 EOR YOUNG READERS AND AMATEUR PLAYERS 
 

 c 
 
 MARCUS BRUTUS 
 
 Brutus, thou sleep'' st; 
 Awake, and see thvself " 
 
^^J^qJ^^^oJ^O^-G^/^-^ QVrL/J^^-.aA 
 
 
 
 
 v^ 
 

 "J^ 
 
 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, INCLUDING THAT OF TRANSLATION 
 INTO FOREIGN LANGUAGES, INCLUDING THE SCANDINAVIAN 
 
 COPYRIGHT, Igi2, BY DOUBLEDAY. PAGE & COMPANY 
 
 ?CU32067 
 
A FEW GENERAL RULES OR CUSTOMS 
 OF ACTING 
 
 The letters R and L indicate the position of 
 players on the stage facing the audience. 
 R 1, Ll are the entrances nearest the front. 
 Go up means from the audience; go down 
 is toward the audience. R C is the right 
 side of the centre, — and so forth. 
 
 When the characters enter, the person speaking 
 generally comes second. 
 
 Do not huddle together; do not stand in lines; 
 and do not get in such angles that you cannot 
 be seen by the sides of an audience. 
 
 Stand still — keep the leg nearest the audience 
 back, gesticulate seldom and with the hand 
 farthest from the audience. Do not point to 
 your chest or heart when you say I, my and 
 mine, nor to your neighbor when saying ihoUf 
 thy, and thine, unless absolutely necessary. 
 
 Try to reverse the usual acting of the present 
 day and eliminate the personal pronoun 
 
vi RULES OR CUSTOMS OF ACTING 
 
 as far as possible (Shakespeare does it all the 
 time). Occasionally the pointing gesture is 
 necessary — but seldom. 
 
 Do not try to say more than six words, or at 
 most eight, in one breath. Careful punct- 
 uation and accent are harmonious and neces- 
 sary. Whatever you do, sound the last 
 two or three words of the Hne or sentence: 
 dropping the voice is the worst fault of our 
 best actors. Do not speak to your audience 
 or at your audience, but with your fellow 
 actors, remembering, of course, that you have 
 invisible hsteners, and that the last man in 
 the house wants to hear and see. 
 
 Do not imitate our star actors. Try to be 
 natural, spontaneous, and original. At the 
 same time, keep control of yourself and your 
 emotions. To appear to be, and not really 
 to be the character you are acting, is, perhaps, 
 the perfection of the art. 
 
 Don't fidget your hands and feet — forget 
 them, and let them be where the good 
 Lord has placed them. 
 
 These few hints will be useful for all plays. 
 I shall give more intimate notes as we go along. 
 
RULES OR CUSTOMS OF ACTING vii 
 
 The diagrams show the positions, entrances, 
 etc. 
 
 The plays are cut to the length of an ordinary- 
 performance. Lines can be restored or further 
 cut, if desirable, always remembering that a 
 play given on what we will always call the 
 Shakespeare stage should be given more rapidly, 
 with no pauses between scenes or between en- 
 trances and exits, and with possibly only one 
 intermission (of perhaps five minutes), as near 
 as possible halfway through; and most of the 
 plays can be acted in their entirety in about 
 three hours, some of them in much less time — 
 one or two of them take much more. If we can- 
 not quite reduce ours to the happy medium of 
 two hours, we must get as near it as possible. It 
 is better to send your friends away wanting more, 
 than to have them go home yawning! This is a 
 word to the wise. 
 
 As to stage setting, it can be done in lots 
 of ways: with scenery, or with screens, or 
 curtains, or in the open air. Strange as it 
 may appear, the plays of Shakespeare are 
 equally effective whichever way we may choose 
 to give them. I imagine most good plays will 
 bear that test. 
 
viii RULES OR CUSTOMS OF ACTING 
 
 Remember that Shakespeare is the most 
 perfect English. Do not imitate some of 
 those professors, especially teachers of what 
 is called Elocution and Expression, if by any 
 chance they happen to pronounce it in up-to- 
 date American or cockney British, or tell you 
 it was conceived in any other brogue, accent, or 
 pronunciation than the purest of pure English. 
 There are a few mistakes in his plays, and some 
 printer's errors, about which volumes have 
 been written. Study the humanity, the heart, 
 the English of Shakespeare, as of the Bible — 
 those two wonderful Books of the same gener- 
 ation — the one splendidly revised and per- 
 fected by many scholars, the other produced 
 in a state of nature and yet almost perfect — 
 study them, my young friends, inwardly digest 
 your Bible and outwardly demonstrate your 
 Shakespeare: you will then start in life pretty 
 well equipped. 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
DRAMATIS PERSONS 
 
 CiNNA, a poet. 
 
 Another 
 Poet. 
 
 I Friends to 
 
 JuuiTS CiESAR. Triumvirs 
 
 OcTAVius CiESAE, J after LuciLius, 
 Marcus Antonius, > the death Titinixjs, i 
 M.^EmiliusLepidus, ) '^J/jfj^^ Messala, ^ ^''"^"^ 
 
 Young Cato, 
 volumnius, 
 Varro, 
 Clitus 
 Claudius, 
 Strato, 
 Luaus, 
 Daedanius 
 
 PiNDARUS, servant to Cas^ 
 sius. 
 
 Cicero 
 
 PUBLIUS, 
 
 PopiLius Lena, 
 Marcus Brutus, 
 Cassius, 
 Casca, 
 Trebonius, 
 
 LiGARIUS, 
 
 Decius Brutus, 
 Metellus Cimbee, 
 
 ClNfNA, 
 
 Ccesar. 
 Senators. 
 
 Conspira- 
 tors 
 against 
 Julius 
 Ccssar. 
 
 i and 
 J Cassius. 
 
 Servants 
 to 
 Brutus. 
 
 Calpurnia, wife to Casar. 
 
 Flavius and Marullus, tribunes. Portia, wife to Brutus. 
 Artemidorus of Cnidos, a teacher Senators, Citizens, Guards 
 
 of Rhetoric. Attendants, etc. 
 
 A Soothsayer. 
 
 Scene: Rome; the neighbourhood of Sardis; the neigh- 
 bourhood of Philippi. 
 
 Note: Where there are not enough actors to fill all these 
 characters, some must be duplicated. The characters 
 of Trebonius, Cimber and Decius can speak many lines 
 in the first and last scenes. 
 
The setting of Julius Ccesar is simple; a cloth 
 at extreme back of stage to represent a Roman 
 Street, Square or Public Place. It can stand for 
 many of the scenes, with an occasional cut cloth of 
 pillars or arches, to make a change of location if 
 required. 
 
 The tragedy can also be given in the '^ Eliza- 
 bethan^^ manner, in which form it is most effective. 
 But in order to keep the atmosphere of Shake- 
 speare'' s time, the costumes of the period should be 
 worn, with togas, Roman swords, helmets, shields, 
 spears, etc. 
 
 In the theatre form with Roman setting the cos- 
 tumes should be correctly Roman. Be careful 
 not to wear pink fleshings, but flesh tints; under 
 proper circumstances, bare arms and legs are per- 
 missible. If Elizabethan, there should be some 
 green wreaths hung on the pillars, to denote a holi- 
 day in Rome. 
 
ACT I 
 
 Scene I. Rome. A street 
 
 Enter Flavius, Marullus, and certain 
 Commoners 
 
 Flav. (R C). Hence! home, you idle crea- 
 tures, get you home: 
 Is this a holiday? what ! know you not, 
 Being mechanical, you ought not walk 
 Upon a labouring day without the sign 
 Of your profession? Speak, what trade art 
 thou? 
 First Com. {L C). Why, sir, a carpenter. 
 Mar. (R). Where is thy leather apron and 
 thy rule? (Crosses to R C.) 
 What dost thou with thy best apparel on? 
 You, sir, what trade are you? 
 Sec. Com. (R C). Truly, sir, in respect of a 
 fine workman, 
 I am but, as you would say, a cobbler. 
 3 
 
The scene is crowded with citizens on pleasure 
 bent. They fill the stage, young men and women, 
 older people, beggars, hawkers, children. Flavius 
 and Marullus keep R and R C; the rest of the 
 crowd mostly L and L C at opening. 
 - ^The woman presses forivard here as if to speak. 
 
 FIav1u3 A\arullu3 
 
 Woman <tch*i Id 
 
JULIUS CESAR 
 
 Mar. But what trade art thou? answer me 
 directly. 
 
 Sec. Com. {Crosses to LC). A trade, sir, that, 
 I hope, I may use with a safe conscience; which 
 is, indeed, sir, a mender of bad soles. 
 
 Mar. \Miat trade, thou knave? thou naughty 
 knave, what trade? 
 
 Sec. Com. Nay, I beseech you, sir, be not 
 out with me: yet, if you be out, sir, I can mend 
 3-ou. 
 
 Mar. \Miat mean'st thou by that? mend me, 
 thou saucy fellow! 
 
 Sec. Com. Why, sir, cobble you. 
 
 Fluv. Thou art a cobbler, art thou? 
 
 Sec. Com. Truly, sir, all that I live by is 
 with the awl: I meddle with no tradesman's 
 matters/ nor women's matters, but with awl. 
 I am, indeed, sir, a surgeon to old shoes; when 
 the}- are in great danger, I recover them. As 
 proper men as ever trod upon neat's leather 
 have gone upon m}- handiwork. 
 
 Flav. {R C). But wherefore are thou not 
 in thy shop to-day ? Why dost thoii lead these 
 men about the streets ? 
 
 Sec. Com. (L C ). Truly, sir, to wear out 
 
special Note. — In all cases where omissions 
 are marked as best for the shortening of these plays, 
 the lines can, at all times, he restored if desirable. 
 Indeed, the presentation of this wonderful work, as 
 Shakespeare wrote it, is most desirable. It takes 
 three hours played rapidly as in Shakespeare's 
 time, with no changes of scene or, at the most, the 
 drawing to and fro of a "traverse,^' or curtain, dis- 
 closing an inner stage. I have seen several per- 
 formances with, at least, a third of the text cut, but 
 with such elaboration of scenery, that the repre- 
 sentation has lasted four hours. 
 
 ^The mob begins to be troublesome at this reproof. 
 
 ^The women throw flowers down and toss them 
 in the air. 
 
 Mt these words the crowd begins to waver as to 
 rebellion or peace. 
 
 Flavius crosses in amongst the people. They 
 gradually soften to his persuasiveness, then scat- 
 ter and cross the stage, some going R1-2 and 3 
 entrances, some going left. The manipulation 
 of these crowds, especially at colleges, must be 
 left to individual attention. The great point is to 
 have them quite natural, not formal or theatrical, 
 but well disciplined so that there is no shouting 
 6 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 their shoes, to get myself into more work. But, 
 indeed, sir, we make holiday, to see Caesar and 
 to rejoice in his triumph. (Shouts.) 
 Mar. Wherefore rejoice ? What conquest 
 brings he home ? (Murmurs.) 
 What tributaries follow him to Rome, 
 To grace in captive bonds his chariot wheels ? 
 You blocks, you stones, you worse than sense- 
 less things (Murmurs.) 
 O you hard hearts, you cruel men of Rome, 
 Knew you not Pompey many a time and 
 
 oft ? (A general buzz.) 
 And do you now put on your best attire?^ 
 And do you now cull out a holiday?^ 
 And do you now strew flowers in his way 
 That comes in triumph over Pompey's blood? 
 Be gone! (They move R and L.) 
 Run to your houses, fall upon your knees, 
 Pray to the gods to intermit the plague 
 That needs must light on this ingratitude.^ 
 Flav. (crosses to R C.) Go, go, good country- 
 men, and, for this fault, 
 ^Assemble all the poor men of your sort; 
 Draw them to Tiber banks, and weep your 
 tears 
 
or speaking above the characters; all murmurs 
 should he shaded, growing from a faint buzz to a 
 big volume gradually, and vice versa; never begin 
 or end abruptly. 
 
 ^Pulls the wreaths down from the pillars and 
 throws them on stage. Marullus pulls down 
 any .other decoration, later on. 
 CIoltiofRome 
 
 ■Platform O Pompeyb srajuerifrecitih-ed 
 
 CIolhwTth Pillars ' 
 
 O Pillar I 3 PO I I O^ I I O Pillar 
 
 Wing 3 R S'epa @^ Step3 Q^ 3tep3 W£nd3L 
 
 iSrooI stool ^ 
 
 AW'ngaR Wmga.L 
 
 Wmgl R ^Vftigl.U 
 
 Stools can be placed in semi-circular form for Senators, 
 with important seat above steps for Caesar 
 
 This is a useful stage setting for the first part 
 of play up to the end of the " oration.^' 
 
 The scene of Brutus^ orchard can be a front 
 cloth in 2; of Ccesar^s room a cloth in i^. A plat- 
 
 8 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Into the channel, till the lowest stream 
 Do kiss the most exalted shores of all. 
 
 [Exeunt all the Commoners R and L, their con- 
 versations gradually dying away. 
 See where their basest metal be not mov'd; 
 They vanish tongue-tied in their guiltiness. 
 Go you down that way toward the Capitol; 
 This way will I:^ disrobe the images, 
 If you do find them deck'd with ceremonies. 
 
 Mar. May we do so? 
 You know it is the feast of Lupercal. 
 
 Flav. It is no matter; let no images 
 Be hung with Csesar's trophies.^ I'll about, 
 And drive away the vulgar from the streets: 
 So do you too, where you perceive them thick. 
 These growing feathers pluck'd from Caesar's 
 
 wing 
 Will make him fly an ordinary pitch, 
 Who else would soar above the view of men 
 And keep us all in servile fearfulness. [Exeunt 
 
 Flourish. Enter CjiSAr; Antony, /or the course; 
 Calpurnia, Portia, Decius, Cicero, Brutus, 
 Cassius, and Casca; a great crowd following, 
 among them a Soothsayer. 
 
form with steps down can he used up stage to go 
 right across. This is elective in plays and can 
 often remain all through. It helps the entrance 
 and exits oj dignitaries, generals, fairies, etc. 
 On the floor should he used a cloth of indefinite 
 hroivn or gray shade, sometimes green, in which 
 case it should he a good dark colour. The painting 
 of scenes is an art: in my opinion, indefinite hack- 
 grounds of neutral colour, are best for these plays. 
 
 ^A long flourish of trumpets should follow the 
 exit; distant murmur of crowds, all coming in one 
 direction from the L. The crowd comes first, some 
 of them replacing the wreaths; then soldiers, then 
 the senators; as many as possible, hut eight to ten 
 at least, half precede and half follow Ccesar. A 
 great shouting. The Soothsayer is hidden among 
 the crowd R. The Soothsayer^ s hands go up in the 
 crowd, he is hardly seen, and a feeble voice trying 
 to be heard. 
 
 ^Be sure and emphasize "ides'' (not March, 
 only, as is usually done). 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Cces. Calpurnia! 
 
 Casca. Peace, ho! Caesar speaks. 
 
 Cces. Calpurnia! 
 
 Cal. Here, my lord. 
 
 Cces. Stand you directly in Antonius' way, 
 When he doth run his course. Antonius! 
 
 Ant. Caesar, my lord? 
 
 CcBS. Forget not, in your speed, Antonius, 
 To touch Calpurnia; for our elders say. 
 The barren, touched in his holy chase, 
 Shake off their sterile curse. 
 
 Ant. I shall remember: 
 
 When Caesar says "do this," it is perform'd 
 , Cces. Set on; and leave no ceremony out. 
 
 [Flourish; they are going K} 
 
 Sooth. (R). Caesar! 
 
 Cces. Ha! who calls? 
 
 Casca. {L). Bid every noise be still: peace 
 yet again! 
 
 Cces. Who is it in the press that calls on 
 me? 
 I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music. 
 Cry "Cffisar!" Speak; Caesar is turn'd to hear. 
 
 Sooth. Beware the ides^ of March. 
 
 Cces. (C). What man is that? 
 
Brvtus C&c«iiu9 
 
 ^The Soothsayer is almost pulled out of the crowd. 
 
 ^They all cross and exeunt Ri; a great crowd 
 shouting, trumpets braying, all sweep after Caesar 
 and Antony; who go of through the single file 
 made hy the crowd; soldiers going first, then follow 
 Calpurnia, Portia, and other women, and other 
 senators following, those from L crossing over. 
 Brutus and Cassius cross, and when Casca, who 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Bru. (R). A soothsayer bids you beware the 
 
 ides of March. 
 CcBS. (C). Set him before me; let me see his 
 
 face. 
 Cas. (R). Fellow, come from the throng; 
 
 look upon Cassar.^ 
 CcBS. (C). What say'st thou to me now? 
 
 speak once again. 
 Sooth. (R). Beware the ides of March. 
 Cas. He is a dreamer; let us leave him: 
 
 pass. (Shouts of " Long live Ccesarl") 
 [Sennet. Exeunt except Brutus and Cassius.^ 
 Cas. (R). Will you go see the order of the 
 
 course? 
 Bru. (L). Not I. 
 Cas. (R). I pray you, do. 
 Bru. {L C). 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 {going L). 
 Cas. (R C). Brutus, I do observe you now 
 of late : {Brutus stops L) 
 I have not from your eyes that gentleness 
 And show of love as I was wont to have: 
 13 
 
goes last, crosses, he is stopped hy Cassius, who 
 speaks to him. Brutus, going over to L, does not 
 notice this; Casca goes of R; Brutus sits on a stool 
 which is up LbytheLC pillar. 
 
 ^Cassius begins his playing on Brutus very 
 warily; at this point he goes across stage to him. 
 
 ^Brutus looks up very candidly. 
 
 14 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand 
 Over your friend that loves you. 
 
 Bru. Cassius, 
 
 Be not deceiv'd: if I have veil'd my look, 
 I turn the trouble of my countenance 
 Merely upon myself {sits L C). Vexed I am 
 Of late with passions of some difference, 
 Conceptions only proper to myself, 
 Which give some soil perhaps, to my behaviour; 
 But let not therefore my good friends be 
 
 griev'd — 
 (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. 
 
 Cas. (R C). Then, Brutus, I have much mis- 
 took 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? 
 
 Bru.^ No, Cassius; for the eye sees not itself 
 But by reflection — by some other things. 
 
 Cas. 'Tis just: 
 And it is very much lamented, Brutus, 
 
 IS 
 
^Brutus, although a politician, had a generous, 
 unsuspecting nature. He is here the type of man 
 with unsettled convictions, who lets himself drift 
 under a strong influence, presumably for the good 
 of his country. A dangerous patriot. 
 
 ^Cassius here presses his cause very hard. He 
 may stand almost against the pillar, dominating 
 the situation. 
 
 ^Be very careful some reliable person has charge 
 of all these shouts, which should sound as if half 
 a mile away. The best way is, to get as many 
 people as possible, to shout very loud in an adjoin- 
 ing room with the door closed, and open and shut it 
 at intervals. 
 
 i6 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 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 wish'd that noble Brutus had his eyes. 
 Bru} Into what dangers would you lead me, 
 Cassius, 
 That you would have me seek into myself 
 For that which is not in me? 
 Cas} Therefore, good Brutus, be prepar'd 
 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. 
 
 [Flourish, and shout 
 Bru. (rises). What means this shouting?^ 
 I do fear, the people {crosses to Ri) 
 Choose Caesar for their king. 
 
 Cas. {remaining) . Ay, do you fear it? 
 Then must I think you would not have it so. 
 {Going down C.) 
 
 17 
 
'^Brutus is looking of R; he turns and finds 
 Cassius R C to C almost blocking his way; he 
 pauses; they look at each other. 
 
 ^Cassius here practically "buttonholes'^ Brutus; 
 he quietly leads him to the seat up LC once more; 
 Brutus eventually sits. 
 
 ^Note. — This speech is very fine, but it is long 
 unless magnificently given, with changes of voice 
 and manner. The cut, as suggested, does not 
 alter the significance and is better than a cut later 
 on in the speech. 
 
 i8 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Bru.^ (R C). I would not, Cassius; yet I 
 love him well. ^T^ 
 But wherefore do you hold me here so long? 
 What is it that you would impart to me? 
 If it be aught toward the general good, 
 Set honour in one eye, and death i' th' other, 
 And I will look on both indifferently, 
 For let the gods so speed me, — as I love 
 The name of honour, more than I fear death. 
 
 Cas.^ (C). I know that virtue to be in you, 
 Brutus, 
 As well as I do know your outward favour. 
 Well, honour is the subject of my story. 
 I cannot tell what you and other men 
 Think of this hfe; but, for my single self, 
 I had as lief not be as live to be 
 In awe of such a thing as I myself. 
 
 {Brutus sits L C.) 
 1 was born free as C^sar; 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 "Dar'st thou, Cassius, now 
 Leap in with me into this angry flood, 
 19 
 
' ^Cassius looks at Brutus here half expecting 
 a reply from him, and not receiving one he proceeds 
 with change of tone and renewed energy. 
 
 ^Brutus looks up almost astonished, half he- 
 lieving. 
 
 ^Cassitis here lets loose his indignation and 
 crosses up and down toward R. 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 And swim to yonder point?" Upon the word, 
 
 Accoutred as I was, I plunged in 
 
 And bade him follow; so indeed he did. 
 
 The torrent roar'd, and we did buffet it 
 
 With lusty sinews, throwing it aside 
 
 And stermning it with hearts of controversy; 
 
 But ere we could arrive the point propos'd, 
 
 Caesar cried, "Help me, Cassius, or I sinkj" 
 
 I, as iEneas, our great ancestor, 
 
 Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder 
 
 The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of 
 
 Tiber 
 Did I the tired Caesar. And this man 
 Is now become a god, and Cassius is 
 A wretched creature and must bend his body, 
 If Caesar carelessly but nod on him.^ 
 He had a fever when he was in Spain, 
 And when the fit was on him, I did mark 
 How he did shake :^ 'tis true, this god did shake: 
 His coward lips did from their colour fly. 
 And that same eye whose bend doth awe the 
 
 world 
 Did lose his lustre: 
 Ye gods,^ it doth amaze me 
 A man of such a feeble temper should 
 
^Cassius looks off R. 
 
 ^Cassius goes over to Brutus here. 
 
 Be sure and emphasize masters more than fates. 
 I do not propose in these places to discourse on 
 emphasis and accent, hut almost the whole meanings 
 of Shakespeare can he altered hy wrongly accented 
 phrases. It is so easy to know the poefs meaning 
 by his rhythm. Therefore, in places where my soul 
 has heen horribly disturbed in the theatre, I am 
 taking the liberty of interfering with the work of the 
 teacher of diction, and accenting for the guidance 
 of the actor. ' 'Men at some time are masters of their 
 FATES." The meaning of the line is so strong. 
 
 ^Brutus is still unmoved. It is almost incredible 
 to Cassius that he is not understood. 
 
 ^Cassius invokes all the gods theatrically. 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 So get the start of the majestic world 
 
 And bear the palm alone. [Shout. Flourish 
 
 Bru. Another general shout! (Rises) 
 I do believe that these applauses are 
 For some new honours that are heap'd on Cccsar. 
 Cas.^ Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow 
 world 
 Like a Colossus, and we petty men 
 Walk under his huge legs and peep about 
 To find ourselves dishonourable graves. (Brutus 
 
 sits again; a slight pause.) 
 Men at some time are masters^ of their fates: 
 The fault, dear Briitus, is not in our stars, 
 But in ourselves, that we are underHngs. '"T^ 
 Brutus and C^sar:^ what should be in that 
 
 "C^sar"? 
 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. 
 "Brutus" will start a spirit as soon as "Csesar." 
 Now, in the names of all the gods^ at once, 
 Upon what meat doth this our Cassar feed, 
 That he is grown so great? Age, thou art sham'd ! 
 23 
 
^Cassius waits for an answer and he gets it, very 
 slowly and deliberately from Brutus, who rises and 
 looks him straight in the eyes. 
 
 '^Through this speech the idea must he accom- 
 panied by the very distant murmurs of a big crowd 
 ojf R; trumpets sound; you can almost hear the 
 tramp of horses^ and men's feet, chariot wheels, etc. 
 
 24 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Rome, thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods! 
 When went there by an age, since the gresit flood, 
 But it was fam'd with more than with one man? 
 When could they say till now, that talk'd of 
 
 Rome, 
 That her wide walls encompass'd but one man? 
 Now is it Rome indeed and room enough, 
 When there is in it but one only man. 
 O, you and I have heard our fathers say, 
 There was a Brutus once that would have 
 
 brook'd 
 The eternal devil to keep his state in Rome 
 As easily as a king. (Don't move; there are very 
 distant murmurs here as if a crowd were breaking 
 up; a distant flourish.) 
 Bru} 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 mov'd.^ 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. 
 25 
 
^Cassius is sarcastic; he expected his eloquence 
 to call forth something equally eloquent from 
 Brutus. 
 
 "^Brutus and Cassius go down L conversing; the 
 crowd gradually reassembles, not in the same order 
 as before; boys and girls and then elders come on; 
 the Soothsayer hobbles across from R to L U; then 
 soldiers, then Antony leading Ccesar, with the 
 women, very bright; then the senators and more 
 crowd. Ccesar stops in the centre just as he is 
 turning to go up L C steps; Cassius and Brutus 
 salute him from L, which causes Ccesar to halt. 
 
 ^Antony did never love Cassius, but he is guarded 
 in his remarks. 
 
 26 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 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. 
 
 Cas} I am glad that my weak words 
 Have struck but thus much show of fire from 
 Brutus. {Distant murmurs of R.) 
 Bru. The games are done and Casar is re- 
 turning. 
 Cas. As they pass by, pluck Casca by the 
 sleeve ; 
 And he will, after his sour fashion, tell you 
 Wha^ hath proceeded worthy note to-day. 
 
 Re-enter C^sar and his Train^ from R 
 
 Cces. (C). Antonius! 
 
 Ant. Cgesar? 
 
 C(ss. Let me have men about me that are fat : 
 Sleek-headed men and such as sleep o' nights: 
 Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look; 
 He thinks too much: such men are dangerous. 
 
 Ant. Fear him not, Caesar; he's not danger- 
 ous; 
 He is a noble Roman and well given.* 
 27 
 
^Ccesar looks over Antonys left shoulder at 
 Cassius occasionally. Antony faces Ccesar. 
 
 "^People are apt to sneer at Shakespeare's brief 
 outline of Julius Ccesar, hut I think this speech 
 alone defines the kind of man he was; it speaks 
 volumes, and makes the character very prominent. 
 It is astonishing how the interest of the play is 
 maintained to the end, merely on the wonderful 
 impression left on the mind of an audience, by the 
 ever-present memory of Ccesar. 
 
 ^Ccesar turns in to Antony, who goes of on his 
 right side up steps and off L; all cheer and follow; 
 Casca crosses from R and is just going ojf when 
 Cassius stops him. (On the Elizabethan stage the 
 characters go through the L upper door, then pass 
 behind the wall and are seen in single file passing 
 the R upper door, which makes the crowd appear 
 enormous; some of the crowd go ojf Li door, and 
 join in at hack, all following off across to R behind 
 wall?) 
 
 "^As Casca goes up to follow Ccesar, Cassius 
 plucks his toga; he stops looks at them and grunts. 
 
 28 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 CcBS.^ 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 mock'd himself and scorn'd his spirit 
 That could be mov'd to smile at any thing. 
 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 fear'd 
 Than what I fear; for always I am Caesar.^ 
 
 {Antony salutes.) 
 Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf,^ 
 And tell me truly what thou think'st of him. 
 [Sennet. Exeunt Ccesar and all his Train, but 
 
 Casca^ 
 Casca (C). You puU'd me by the cloak ;^ 
 
 would you speak with me? 
 29 
 
CevscOk 
 
 Ca.33iU3 
 
 BrtJtuQ 
 
 ^Casca prepares to sit on stool up L C. 
 
 "^During this speech Casca sits very casually; 
 he is an older and fatter man than either of the 
 others, so they just stand and listen. 
 
 30 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Bru. (L). Ay, Casca; tell us what hath 
 chanc'd to-day, 
 That Csesar looks so sad. 
 
 Casca. (L C) . Why, you were with him, were 
 you not? 
 
 Bru. (L). I should not then ask Casca what 
 had chanc'd. 
 
 Casca. Why, there was a crown offer'd him:^ 
 and being offer'd him, he put it by with the 
 back of his hand, thus; and then the people fell 
 a-shouting. {Sits L C.) 
 
 Bru. (L). "What was the second noise for? 
 
 Casca. (LC). Why, for that too. 
 
 Cas. (R C) . They shouted thrice : what was the 
 last cry for? 
 
 Casca. Why, for that too. 
 
 Bru. Was the crown offer'd him thrice? 
 
 Casca. Ay, marry, was 't, and he put it by 
 thrice, every time gentler than other; and at 
 every putting-by mine honest neighbours 
 shouted. 
 
 Cas. Who offer'd him the crown? 
 
 Casca. Why, Antony. 
 
 Bru. Tell us the manner of it, gentle Casca. 
 
 Casca. ^ I can as well be hang'd as tell the 
 31 
 
^Cassius moves up to him here. 
 ^Casca is a bullet-headed, obstinate fellow and 
 crafty withal; but you couldn't insult him. 
 
 32 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 manner of it: it was mere foolery; I did not 
 mark it. I saw Mark Antony offer him a crown 
 — yet 't was not a crown neither, 't was 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 offer'd 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 offer'd it the third time; he 
 put it the third time by: and still as he refus'd it; 
 the rabblement shouted, and clapp'd their 
 chopt hands, because Caesar refus'd the crown, 
 that it had almost choked Csesar: for he 
 swounded 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. 
 
 Cas. But, soft, I pray you: what, did Caesar 
 swound? 
 
 Casca. He fell down in the market-place, and 
 foam'd at mouth, and was speechless. 
 
 Bru. 'Tis very like: he hath the falling 
 sickness. 
 
 Cas.^ No, Caesar hath it not; but you and I 
 and honest Casca; we have the falling sickness. 
 
 Casca.^ I know not what you mean by that; 
 
 33 
 
^Cassius knows Casca had no command of any 
 language hut his own rough style. 
 
 34 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 but, I am sure, Caesar fell down. If the tag-rag 
 people did not clap him and hiss him, according 
 as he pleas'd and displeas'd them, as they use 
 to do the players in the theatre, I am no true 
 man. 
 
 Bru. What said he when he came unto him- 
 self. 
 
 Casca. Marry, before he fell down, when he 
 perceiv'd the common herd was glad he refus'd 
 the crown, he pluck'd me ope his doublet and 
 offer'd them his throat to cut. An I had been 
 a man of any occupation, if I would not have 
 taken him at a word, I would I might go to hell 
 among the rogues. And so he fell. Three or 
 four wenches, where I stood, cried "Alas, good 
 soul!" and forgave him with all their hearts: but 
 there's no heed to be taken of them; if Ceesar 
 had stabb'd their mothers, they would have 
 done no less. 
 
 Bru. (L). And after that, he came, thus sad, 
 away. 
 
 Casca. (C). Ay. ('^^ A pause.) 
 
 Cas. (R). Did Cicero say any thing? 
 
 Casca. Ay; he spoke Greek. 
 
 Cas.^ To what effect? 
 
 35 
 
^Casca is so self-satisfied he doesn't even see a 
 joke on himself; he is a very common type of man. 
 - ^He rises. 
 
 ^Casca begins to go of up L; at each pause he 
 moves of a little; then stops and grunts. 
 
 ^Ee goes of very slowly with a sort of familiar 
 nod. 
 
 ^Brutus goes up, and looks after him. 
 
 ^At Brutus' exit a distant storm is rising. 
 Thunder is best done, very carefully, on the big 
 drum. If a good thunder sheet of tin or iron can 
 be used, it helps a little, but the drum rumbled 
 and then beaten, is best. Lightning is done best by 
 an electric wire. Use as little of both kinds as 
 possible. 
 
 36 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Casca} Nay, an I tell you that, I'll ne'er look 
 you i' th' face again: but those that understood 
 him smil'd at one another and shook their heads; 
 but, for mine own part, it was Greek to me.^ 
 Fare you well. There was more foolery yet, if 
 I could remember it. 
 
 Cas. (R C). Will you sup with me to-night, 
 Casca? 
 
 Casca. No, I am promis'd forth. 
 
 Cas. Will you dine with me to-morrow? 
 
 Casca} Ay, if I be alive — and your mind 
 hold — and your dinner worth the eating. 
 
 Cas. Good : I will expect you. 
 
 Casca.^ Do so. — Farewell, — ^both. [Exit up Li 
 
 Bru.^ What a blunt fellow is this grown to be ! 
 He was quick metal when he went to school. 
 
 Cas. So is he now in execution 
 Of any bold or noble enterprise, 
 However he puts on this tardy form. 
 
 Bru. And so it is. For this time I will 
 leave you. {Crosses to L) 
 To-morrow, 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.^ 
 
 [Exit Brutus, saluting down L 
 
 37 
 
^He pauses; looks around. 
 
 "^As Cassius exits thunder should he heard and 
 continue during change of scene. If a scenery pro- 
 duction, I should advise omitting the next scene; 
 anyway it would he played as a front scene. If 
 Elizabethan, the speech and action should he so 
 rapid that it need not take more than a few minutes. 
 The division of scenes is not Shakespeare's; that 
 arrangement was made hy Nicholas Rowe a hundred 
 years after. The scene is fine for an exhibition 
 of oratory; otherwise the plot is not advanced from 
 the previous interview with Brutus. 
 
 ^They stand under the canopy of the Elizabethan 
 stage as if it were a pent-house to shelter from the 
 rain. It is pouring. 
 
 38 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Cas. {saluting — pauses; looks after Brutus). 
 Well, Brutus, thou art noble; yet, I see, 
 Thy honourable metal 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 seduc'd? 
 Caesar doth bear me hard; but he loves Brutus: 
 If I were Brutus now, and he were Cassius, 
 He should not humour me.^ I will this night. 
 In several hands, in at his windows throw, 
 As if they came from several citizens. 
 Writings all tending to the great opinion 
 That Rome holds of his name; wherein obscurely 
 Caesar's ambition shall be glanced at: 
 And after this let Caesar seat him sure; 
 For we will shake him, or worse days endure.^ 
 
 [Exit up R2 
 
 Scene III. The same. A street 
 
 Thunder and lightning. Enter, from opposite 
 sides, Casca, (R) with his sword drawn, and 
 Cicero,^ (L). 
 
 Cic. (L). Good even, Casca: brought you 
 Caesar home? 
 
 39 
 
JULIUS CESAR 
 
 Why are you breathless? and why stare you so? 
 
 Casca (R). Are not you mov'd, when all 
 the sway of earth 
 Shakes like a thing unfirm? O Cicero, 
 I have seen tempests, when the scolding winds 
 Have riv'd the knotty oaks, and I have seen 
 The ambitious ocean swell and rage and foam, 
 To be exalted with the threat'ning clouds: 
 But never till to-night, never till now, 
 Did I go through a tempest dropping fire. 
 Either there is a civil strife in heaven, 
 Or else the world, too saucy with the gods. 
 Incenses them to send destruction. 
 
 Cic. Why, saw you any thing more wonder- 
 ful? 
 
 Casca. A common slave — you know him 
 well by sight — 
 Held up his left hand, which did flame and burn 
 Like twenty torches join'd, and yet his hand, 
 Not sensible of fire, remain'd unscorched. 
 And yesterday the bird of night did sit 
 Even at noon-day upon the market-place. 
 Hooting and shrieking. When these prodigies 
 Do so conjointly meet, let not men say 
 "These are their reasons; they are natural"; 
 41 
 
^Cicero wraps himself in his toga and goes off 
 R quickly. 
 
 ^Loud thunder. 
 
 42 
 
JULIUS CJESAR 
 
 For, I believe, they are portentous things 
 Unto the climate that they point upon. 
 
 Cic. Indeed, it is a strange-disposed time : 
 But men may construe things after their fashion, 
 Clean from the purpose of the things themselves. 
 Comes Cassar to the Capitol to-morrow? 
 
 Casca. He doth; for he did bid Antonius 
 Send word to you he would be there to-morrow. 
 
 Cic. Good night then, Casca: this disturbed 
 sky {crosses over to R). 
 Is not to walk in.^ 
 
 Casca. Farewell, Cicero. [Exit Cicero R 
 
 Enter Cassius Li 
 
 Cas. (L). Who's there? 
 
 Casca (R). A Roman. 
 
 Cas. Casca, by your voice. 
 
 Casca. Your ear is good. Cassius, what night 
 
 is thisP 
 Cas. A very pleasing night to honest men. 
 Casca. Who ever knew the heavens menace 
 
 so? 
 Cas. Those that have known the earth so 
 
 full of faults. 
 
 43 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 For my part, I have walk'd about the streets, 
 Submitting me unto the perilous night, 
 And, thus unbraced, Casca, as you see, 
 Have bar'd my bosom to the thunder-stone. 
 
 Casca. But wherefore did you so much tempt 
 the heavens? 
 
 Cas. You are dull, Casca, and those sparks 
 of hf e 
 That should be in a Roman you do want, 
 Or else you use not. You look pale and gaze 
 And put on fear and case yourself in wonder. 
 To see the strange impatience of the heavens : 
 Why, you shall find 
 
 That heaven hath infus'd them with these spirits. 
 To make them instruments of fear and warning 
 Unto some monstrous state. 
 Now could I, Casca, name to thee a man 
 Most like this dreadful night. 
 That thunders, Hghtens, opens graves, and roars 
 As doth the lion in the Capitol, 
 A man no mightier than thyself or me 
 In personal action, yet prodigious grown 
 And fearful, as these strange eruptions are. 
 
 Casca. 'Tis Csesar that you mean; is it not, 
 Cassius? 
 
 45 
 
^Casca gets the first indication of the murder 
 here; his dagger is a Roman sword. 
 
 46 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Cas. Let it be who it is: for Romans now 
 Have thews and limbs Uke to their ancestors; 
 But, woe the while, our fathers' minds are dead, 
 And we are govern'd with our mothers' spirits; 
 Our yoke and sufferance show us womanish. 
 
 Casca. Indeed, they say, the senators tOr 
 morrow 
 Mean to establish Cassar as a king; 
 And he shall wear his crown by sea and land, 
 In every place, save here in Italy. 
 
 Cas} I know where I will wear this dagger 
 then; 
 Cassius from bondage will dehver Cassius: 
 
 [Thunder still 
 
 Casca. So every bondman in his own hand 
 bears 
 The power to cancel his captivity. 
 
 Cas. And why should Csesar be a tyrant then 
 Poor man! I know he would not be a wolf. 
 But that he sees the Romans are but sheep- 
 He were no lion, were not Romans hinds. 
 Those that with haste will make a mighty fire 
 Begin it with weak straws: what trash is Rome! 
 What rubbish and what offal, when it serves 
 For the base matter to illuminate 
 
 47 
 
" ^Casca here touches him, or looks at Cassius with 
 such wonder, as to make him pause in the ferocity 
 oj his speech. 
 
 ^Casca is a match for Cassius even, and he is 
 vulgar withal. 
 
 ^As they shake hands there should be a tremen- 
 dous crash of thunder. It was one of the worst 
 bargains ever made, and the heavens were angry I 
 
 ^Thunder more distant. 
 
 ^They get closer under the canopy. 
 
 48 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 So vile a thing as Caesar!^ But, grief, 
 Where hast thou led me? I, perhaps, speak this 
 Before a willing bondman; then I know 
 My answer must be made. But I am arm'd, 
 And dangers are to me indifferent. 
 
 Casca.^ You speak to Casca, and to such a 
 man 
 That is no fleering tell-tale. Hold, my hand: 
 Be factious for redress of all these griefs, 
 And I will set this foot of mine as far 
 As who goes farthest. 
 
 Cas. There's a bargain made.^ 
 
 Now know you, Casca, I have mov'd already, 
 Some certain of the noblest-minded Romans 
 To undergo with me an enterprise 
 Of honourable-dangerous consequence; 
 And I do know, by this, they stay for me 
 In Pompey's porch: for now this fearful 
 
 night,4 
 There is no stir or walking in the streets^ 
 And the complexion of the element 
 Is favours, like the work we have in hand, 
 Most bloody, fiery, and most terrible. 
 
 Casca. Stand close awhile,^ for here comes 
 one in haste. 
 
 49 
 
^Ginna enters from R and hobbles across stage 
 wrapped in his toga; they watch him from under 
 the canopy {or if a scenery stage from just up 
 stage) until he gets nearly across to L; then call to 
 him. Cinna and the others wear hats or caps 
 {Elizabethan) and have also their togas over their 
 heads. 
 
 ^Cinna turns, goes up to them as if to make sure; 
 they are all three, more or less, muffled. 
 
 ^Be sure Cassius has all the scrolls in an in- 
 visible pocket under the toga. 
 
 50 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Cas. 'Tis Cinna; I do know him by his gait; 
 He is a friend. {Crosses to L C.) 
 
 Enter Cinna from Ri^ 
 
 Cinna, where haste you so? 
 Cin. {L C). To find out you.^ Who's 
 
 that? Metellus Cimber? 
 Cas. (C). No, it is Casca; one incorporate 
 To our attempts. Am I not stay'd for, Cinna? 
 Cin. I am glad on 't. What a fearful night 
 is this! {Distant thunder.) 
 There's two or three of us have seen strange 
 sights. 
 Cas. Am I not stay'd for? tell me. 
 Cin. {under canopy). Yes, you are. 
 O Cassius, if you could 
 But win the noble Brutus to our party — 
 Cas. Be you content: good Cinna, take this 
 paper, 
 And look you lay it in the praetor's chair. 
 Where Brutus may but find it; and throw this 
 In at his window; set this up with wax^ 
 Upon old Brutus' statue: all this done, 
 Repair to Pompey's porch, where you shall find 
 us. 
 
 51 
 
^The dialogue is all quick and hushed, hut in- 
 tense and full of meaning. 
 
 ^Slight thunder and lightning as scene closes 
 until next scene begins. In changing scenes it is 
 advisable to use a gong, deep toned if possible, 
 and then to lower lights, gradually letting the light 
 dissolve. The same plan for opening a scene; 
 let the light gradually grow to whatever degree of 
 light is needed. Don't have a white stage. 
 
 52 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Is Decius Brutus and Trebonius there? 
 Cin} All but Metellus Cimber; and he's 
 gone 
 To seek you at your house. Well, I will hie, 
 And so bestow these papers as you bade me. 
 Cas. That done, repair to Pompey's theatre. 
 
 [Exit Cinna L 
 Come, Casca, you and I will yet ere day 
 See Brutus at his house: three parts of him 
 Is ours already, and the man entire 
 Upon the next encounter yields him ours. 
 Casca. O, he sits high in all the people's 
 hearts: 
 And that which would appear offence in us. 
 His countenance, like richest alchemy. 
 Will change to virtue and to worthiness. 
 Cas. Him and his worth and our great need 
 of him 
 You have right well conceited. Let us go. 
 For it is after midnight; and ere day 
 We will awake him and be sure of him. 
 
 [Exeunt both of V" 
 
 S3 
 
^Brutus' orchard should he a cloth with wall 
 painted as if it surrounded the villa. The villa is 
 R, either set or wings, or better still a back cloth with 
 trees, with a '^cut^' cloth with archway to give the 
 idea of an inner garden; villa R, seat C. ^ At 
 opening of scene thunder rumbles and a little faint 
 lightning. Brutus calls Lucius with soft voice, as if 
 afraid of waking any one else. Lucius is sleepy 
 and rubs his eyes. He is quite a small lad, about 
 twelve or fourteen. 
 
 54 
 
• ACT II 
 
 Scene I. Rome. Brutus' orchard^ 
 
 Enter Brutus as if from house R 
 
 Bru. What, Lucius, ho! 
 I cannot by the progress of the stars, 
 Give guess how near to day. Lucius, I say! 
 I would it were my fault to sleep so soundly. 
 When, Lucius, when? awake, I say! what, 
 Lucius! {Goes over to RC.) 
 
 Enter Lucius R 
 
 Luc. Call'd you, my lord? 
 
 Bru. Get me a taper in my study, Lucius: 
 When it is Hghted, come and caU me here. 
 
 Luc. I will, my lord. [Exit R 
 
 Bru. It must be by his death: and for my 
 part, 
 I know no personal cause to spurn at him, 
 
 5§ 
 
^Brutus is restless during this speech. ^ 
 
 ^Sits. 
 
 -^"Then lest he may'^rise and pause)" prevent "— 
 this is said significantly as if Brutus had decided 
 in his mind what should be done in case of Ccesar^s 
 resistance. 
 
 Lucius 
 
 S6 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 But for the general. He would be crown'd: 
 How that might change his nature, there's the 
 
 question. 
 It is the bright day that brings forth the adder; 
 And that craves wary walking. Crown him — 
 
 that, — {hesitating) . . 
 
 And then, I grant, we put a sting in him, 
 That at his will he may do danger with.^ 
 The abuse of greatness is, when it disjoins 
 Remorse from power: and, to speak truth of 
 
 Caesar, 
 I have not known when his affections sway'd 
 More than his reason.^ But 'tis a common 
 
 proof, 
 That lowHness is young ambition's ladder, 
 Whereto the climber upward turns his face; 
 But when he once attains the upmost round, 
 He then unto the ladder turns his back. 
 Looks in the clouds, scorning the base degrees 
 By which he did ascend. So Caesar may. 
 Then, lest he may — prevent.^ And, since the 
 
 quarrel 
 Will bear no colour for the thing he is, 
 Fashion it thus; that what he is, augmented, 
 Would run to these and these extremities: 
 57 
 
^Lucius' entrance makes Brutus almost start. 
 Brutus is almost unheedful till the boy takes him 
 the paper. Lucius knows his master, watches 
 him, and decides to give the paper. The little 
 lad's character is beautifully drawn, like all the 
 Shakespeare children. 
 
 ^Brutus pats the boy on the head. Lucius would 
 stay with him, but reluctantly goes. As. he gets to 
 door, Brutus speaks again. 
 
 ^Lucius yawns. 
 
 ^Brutus smiles. 
 
 ^The reading of the scroll is very important. 
 
 s8 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 And therefore think him as a serpent's egg 
 Which, hatch'd, would, as his kind, grow mis- 
 chievous, 
 And kill him in the shell. {Goes a little L.) 
 
 Re-enter Lucius B} 
 
 Luc. The taper burneth in your closet, sir. 
 Searching the window for a flint, I found 
 This paper, thus seal'd up; and, I am sure, 
 It did not lie there when I went to bed. 
 
 [Gives him the letter 
 Bru} Get you to bed again; it is not day. 
 Is not to-morrow, boy, the first of March? 
 LucJ^ I know not, sir. 
 Bru.^ Look in the calendar, and bring me 
 
 word. 
 Luc. I will, sir. [Exit R. Lightning 
 
 Bru. The exhalations whizzing in the air 
 Give so much Hght that I may read by them. 
 
 [Opens the letter and reads^ 
 
 " Brutus, thou sleep'st: awake, and see thyself. 
 Shall Rome, etc. Speak, strike, redress! 
 Brutus, thou sleep'st: awake " 
 
 Such instigations have been often dropp'd 
 Wliere I have took them up. 
 59 
 
^He puts up his hands as if in invocation of the 
 Roman gods. 
 
 ^When Lucius re-enters he pauses a moment, 
 watching his master, then says ''Sir" and waits 
 for Brutus to attend. 
 
 ^The knocking is important, a deep thud once, 
 as if on an iron gate. It is not so important as in 
 " Macbeth," but the knock is significant. 
 
 '^Pause — almost with a look of anticipated 
 doom. Lucius goes up somewhat unwillingly. 
 His boyish love is annoyed that his master should 
 be disturbed, especially so early. 
 
 ^Make this important; nearly all Shakespeare's 
 men who should be great, have troubled minds. 
 
 60 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 ''Shall Rome, etc." Thus must I piece it out: 
 Shall Rome stand under one man's awe? What, 
 
 Rome? 
 My ancestors did from the streets of Rome 
 The Tarquin drive, when he was call'd a king, 
 "Speak, strike, redress!" Am I entreated 
 To speak and strike? Rome,^ I make thee 
 
 promise : 
 If the redress will follow, thou receivest 
 Thy full petition at the hand of Brutus! 
 
 Re-enter Lucius^ 
 
 Luc. Sir, March is wasted fifteen days. 
 
 [Knocking within,^ up stage R 
 
 Bru. 'Tis good.^ — Go to the gate — some- 
 body knocks. [Exit Lucius 
 Since Cassius first did whet me against Caesar, 
 I have not slept.^ (Goes over to L.) 
 Between the acting of a dreadful thing 
 And the first motion, all the interim is 
 Like a phantasma, or a hideous dream: 
 The Genius and the mortal instruments 
 Are then in council; and the state of man, 
 Like to a little kingdom, suffers then 
 The nature of an insurrection. 
 
 6i 
 
'^Lucius calls again, "Sir" and waits till Brutus 
 attends. 
 
 ^Lucius does not like this intrusion. 
 
 ^He gets suspicious too, and evidently he has tried 
 hard to identify them. 
 
 63 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Re-enter Lucius from up R 
 
 Luc} Sir, — 'tis your brother Cassius at the 
 door, 
 Who doth desire to see you. 
 
 Bru. Is he alone? 
 
 Luc.^ No, sir, there are more with him. 
 Bru. Do you know them? 
 
 Luc. No, sir; — their hats are pluck'd about 
 their ears,^ 
 And half their faces buried in their cloaks, 
 That by no means I may discover them 
 By any mark of favour. 
 
 Bru Let them enter. [Exit Lucius up R 
 They are the faction. O conspiracy, 
 Sham'st thou to show thy dang'rous brow by 
 
 night, 
 When evils are most free? O, then by day 
 Where wilt thou find a cavern dark enough 
 To mask thy monstrous visage? Seek none, 
 
 conspiracy; 
 Hide it in smiles and affability: 
 For if thou path thy native semblance on, 
 Not Erebus itself were dim enough 
 To hide thee from prevention. (Crosses to L C.) 
 63 
 
"^The conspirators stay up R except Cassius, 
 who comes C. 
 
 ^Each man salutes, with the right hand, then goes 
 down to R and R C as he speaks. 
 
 ^Cassius draws Brutus well over to L. 
 
 Brutus Cnnbep Ti-tboniua 
 ■u.c 
 
 64 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Enter the conspirators,^ Cassius, Casca, Decius, 
 CiNNA, Metellus Cimber, and Trebonius 
 
 Cas. (R C). I think we are too bold upon 
 your rest: 
 Good morrow, Brutus; do we trouble you? 
 Bru. {L C). I have been up this hour, awake 
 all night. 
 Know I these men that come along with you? 
 Cas. Yes, every man of them, and no man 
 here 
 But honours you; and every one doth wish 
 You had but that opinion of yourself 
 Which every noble Roman bears of you. 
 This is Trebonius.^ 
 Bru. (L C). He is welcome hither. 
 
 Cas. (C). This, Decius Brutus. 
 Bru. {L C). He is welcome too. 
 
 Cas. (C). This, Casca; this, Cinna; and this, 
 
 Metellus Cimber. 
 Bru. (L C). They are all welcome. 
 What watchful cares do interpose themselves 
 Betwixt your eyes and night? 
 Cas. Shall I entreat a word?' 
 [Brutus and Cassius whisper going up stage. 
 6s 
 
^Cinna, Casca, and Decius are arguing down R, 
 pointing in front of them to the sky. 
 
 ^Brutus crosses to C, Cassius to L C. Brutus 
 takes each man's hand quickly; first Casca, who 
 goes down R; then Metellus, who crosses over to L; 
 then Trebonius, who goes R; then Cinna, who 
 hobbles over to L; then Decius, who stays R C. 
 
 ^It is difficult to cut this speech, but the play will 
 get very long. 
 
 66 
 
JULIUS CiESAR 
 
 Dec. (R). Here lies the east: doth not the 
 day break here? 
 
 Casca. (R). No. 
 
 Cin. (R). ^O, pardon, sir, it doth; and yon 
 gray lines 
 That fret the clouds are messengers of day. 
 
 Casca. (R). You shall confess that you are 
 both deceived. 
 Here, as I point my sword, the sun arises, 
 Which is a great way growing on the south, 
 Weighing the youthful season of the year. 
 
 Bru . Give me your hands all over, one by one . ^ 
 
 Cas. And let us swear our resolution. 
 
 Bru. No, not an oath : if not the face of men,^ 
 The sufferance of our souls, the time's abuse — 
 If these be motives weak, break off betimes, 
 And every man hence to his idle bed; 
 So let high-sighted tyranny range on, 
 Till each man drop by lottery. But if these, 
 As I am sure they do, bear fire enough 
 To kindle cowards and to steel with valour 
 The melting spirits of women; then, countrymen, 
 What need we any spur but our own cause, 
 To prick us to redress? What other bond 
 Than honesty to honesty engag'd. 
 67 
 
^The conspirators gather round here and speak, 
 as if in the dead of night. Casca is the only one 
 who seems uninterested. 
 
 ^There seems a strong undercurrent of conspiracy 
 in Decius. 
 
 68 
 
JULIUS CiESAR 
 
 When every drop of blood^ 
 
 That every Roman bears, and nobly bears, 
 
 Is guilty of a several bastardy, 
 
 If he do break the smallest particle 
 
 Of any promise that hath pass'd from him. 
 
 Cas. But what of Cicero? shall we sound him? 
 I think he will stand very strong with us. 
 
 Casca. Let us not leave him out. 
 
 ^^^' No, by no means. 
 
 Met. O, let us have him, for his silver hairs 
 Will purchase us a good opinion 
 And buy men's voices to commend our deeds: 
 It shall be said, his judgment rul'd our hands; 
 Our youths and wildness shall no whit appear, 
 But all be buried in his gravity. 
 
 Bru. O, name him not: let us not break with 
 him; 
 For he will never follow any thing 
 That other men begin. 
 
 Cas. Then leave him out. 
 
 Casca. (R). Indeed he is not fit. 
 
 Dec. (i?).* Shall no man else be touch'd but 
 only Ctesar? 
 
 Cas. (R C). Decius, well urg'd: I think it is 
 not meet 
 
 69 
 
^At mention of Antony all go around. 
 
 ^Conspirators are differently disposed toward 
 Antony, hut more of them disliked him as vacillat- 
 ing. He was undoubtedly a politician to the back- 
 bone. Shakespeare in this play only makes An- 
 tony serious on one point; he did love Casar — 
 genuinely; on almost all other points he was a 
 humbug. 
 
 This is a pretty good summing up of Antonyms 
 character all through his career. 
 
 78 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Mark Antony/ so well belov'd of Csesar, 
 Should outliv^ Cassar: we shall find of him 
 A shrewd contriver; and, you know, his means, 
 If he improve them, may well stretch so far 
 As to annoy us all: which to prevent. 
 Let Antony and Csesar fall together. 
 Bru. {L C). Our course will seem too bloody, 
 Caius Cassius,^ 
 To cut the head off and then hack the Hmbs, 
 Like wrath in death and envy afterward; 
 For Antony is but a limb of Csesar: 
 Let's be sacrificers, but not butchers, Caius. 
 We all stand up against the spirit of Ccesar; 
 And in the spirit of men there is no blood: 
 O, that we then could come by Caesar's spirit. 
 And not dismember Caesar! But, alas, 
 Csesar must bleed for it! And, gentle friends, 
 Let's kill him boldly, but not wrathfully; 
 Let's carve him as a dish fit for the gods, 
 Not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds: 
 And let our hearts, as subtle masters do. 
 Stir up their servants to an act of rage. 
 And after seem to chide 'em. This shall make 
 Our purpose necessary and not envious: 
 Which so appearing to the common eyes, 
 71 
 
^This clock strike is important; they should be 
 low, slow beats on a well-toned tube; no one must 
 speak or move till the third beat is well over. 
 
 ^Cassius and the others all go up to R, some 
 crossing stage, putting their togas over heads. 
 
 72 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 We shall be call'd purgers, not murderers. 
 And for Mark Antony, think not of him; 
 For he can do no more than Caesar's arm 
 When Caesar's head is off. 
 
 Cas. (R C). Yet I fear him; 
 
 For in the ingrafted love he bears to Csesar — 
 
 Bru. (L C). Alas, good Cassius, do not 
 think of him: 
 If he love Caesar, all that he can do 
 Is to himself, take thought and die for Caesar: 
 And that were much he should; for he is given 
 To sports, to wildness and much company. 
 
 Treb. There is no fear in him ; let him not die ; 
 For he will Uve, and laugh at this hereafter. 
 
 [Clock strikes^ 
 
 Bru. Peace! count the clock. 
 
 Cas. The clock hath stricken three. 
 
 Treb. 'Tis time to part. 
 
 Cas.^ But it is doubtful yet, 
 
 Whether Caesar will come forth to-day, or no; 
 For he is superstitious grown of late, 
 Quite from the main opinion he held once 
 Of fantasy, of dreams and ceremonies: 
 
 Dec. Never fear that: if he. be so resolved, 
 I can o'ersway him; 
 
 73 
 
^Brutus is moving up, to see them of his 
 premises. 
 
 ^Metellus Cimber — young and sinister looking — 
 stops and calls attention to the omission of Caius 
 Ligarius; all stop and listen as he passes his re- 
 mark around. 
 
 74 
 
JULIUS CJESAR 
 
 Let me work; 
 
 For I can give his humoui the true bent, 
 
 And I will bring him to the Capitol. 
 
 Cas. Nay, we will all of us be there to fetch 
 
 him. 
 Bru. By the eighth hour: is that the utter- 
 most?^ 
 Cin. Be that the uttermost, and fail not then. 
 Met. (R).^ Caius Lio-arius — doth bear Caesar 
 hard. 
 Who rated him for speaking well of Pompey: 
 I wonder none of you have thought of him. 
 Bru. {L). Now, good Metellus, go along by 
 him: 
 He loves me well, and I have given him reasons; 
 Send him but thither, and I'll fashion him. 
 Cas. The morning comes upon 's: we'll leave 
 you, Brutus. 
 And, friends, disperse yourselves; but all re- 
 member 
 What you have said, and show yourselves true 
 Romans. 
 Bru. Good gentlemen, look fresh and mer- 
 rily; 
 Let not our looks put on our purposes, 
 
 75 
 
^They all salute as they go out, quietly murmur- 
 ing conversation. Brutus closes the gate, pauses, 
 then comes down, goes to house, looks in and 
 quietly calls. He speaks all this meditation very 
 softly. His nature is really fine, only his public 
 life is uncertain. His calling has roused Portia, 
 who enters with head covered, and a big mantle 
 or wrap. It is a cold damp morning. 
 
 ^Brutus is startled, confused, and partly afraid, 
 and during the next speech it is pretty clear that 
 the discerning woman's nature has half-detected 
 the plot. 
 
 ^He leads her to seat C. 
 
 ^She sits; he stands or sits by her if the seat is 
 large enough. It should be a stone seat. 
 
 ^It is unnecessary to remind you that this is 
 Gate's daughter. It is remarkable how the small 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 But bear it as our Roman actors do, 
 With untir'd spirits and formal constancy: 
 And so good morrow to you every one. 
 
 [Exeunt all but Brutus^ 
 Boy! Lucius! Fast asleep? It is no matter; 
 Enjoy the honey-heavy dew of slumber: 
 Thou hast no figures nor no fantasies, 
 Which busy care draws in the brains of men: 
 Therefore thou sleep'st so sound. 
 
 Enter Portia from R 
 
 For. (R). Brutus, my lord! 
 
 Bru.^ Portia, what mean you? wherefore rise 
 you now? 
 It is not for your health thus to commit 
 Your weak condition in the raw cold morning.^ 
 Por.^ Nor for yours neither.^ You've un- 
 gently, Brutus, 
 Stole from my bed: and yesternight, at supper, 
 You suddenly arose, and walk'd about, 
 Musing and sighing, with your arms across, 
 And when I ask'd you what the matter was. 
 You stared upon me with ungentle looks; 
 I urg'd you further; then you scratch'd your 
 head, 
 
 77 
 
feminine interest oj this drama dominates the 
 underplot of the tragedy, because the two women 
 are so noble. 
 
 ^This is a fib. 
 
 ^What a kindly rebuke. 
 
 ^Brutus rises; he cannot stand cross-questioning; 
 conspirators rarely can. 
 
 78 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 And too impatiently stamp'd with your foot; 
 Yet I insisted; yet you answer'd not, 
 But, with an angry wafture of your hand, 
 Gave sign for me to leave you : so I did; 
 Fearing to strengthen that impatience 
 Which seem'd too much enkindled, and withal 
 Hoping it was but an effect of humour. 
 Which sometime hath his hour with every man. 
 It will not let you eat, nor talk, nor sleep. 
 And could it work so much upon your shape 
 As it hath much prevail'd on your condition, 
 I should not know you, Brutus. Dear my lord. 
 Make me acquainted with your cause of grief. 
 
 Bru.^ I am not well in health, and that is 
 all. 
 
 Por.^ Brutus is wise, and, were he not in 
 health, 
 He would embrace the means to come by it. 
 
 Bru.^ Why, so I do. Good Portia, go to bed. 
 
 Por. Is Brutus sick? and is it physical 
 To walk unbraced and suck up the humours 
 Of the dank morning? What, is Brutus sick. 
 And will he steal out of his wholesome bed, 
 To dare the vile contagion of the night 
 And tempt the rheumy and unpurged air 
 
 79 
 
^Brutus naturally turns away confused to R C; 
 Portia rises and follows him. 
 
 ^She kneels: Brums would prevent her hut she 
 persists. 
 
 ^This strikes home. Brutus starts as if it were 
 impossible that the conference were overheard. 
 
 ^He tries hard to lift her from her knees. 
 
 ^It is possible this word was '^ kneel," but she rises 
 and almost exhausted sits again on bench; Brutus 
 tries to soothe her. 
 
 ^These two great people adored each other. 
 Brutus, no longer able to resist the appeal of such a 
 noble woman, takes her lovingly and with a 
 great outburst to his heart. 
 
 Note. — The neglect of Shakespeare by the women 
 of to-day has often occurred to me as pitiful: 
 No man since the Evangelist has so exalted woman 
 and placed her right in the world's affairs, public 
 and domestic, as this great Dramatist. 
 
 80 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 To add unto his sickness?^ No, my Brutus; 
 You have some sick offence within your mind, 
 Which, by the right and virtue of my place, 
 I ought to know of; and, upon my knees,^ 
 I charm you, by my once-commended beauty, 
 By all your vows of love and that great vow 
 Which did incorporate and make us one. 
 That you unfold to me, yourself, your half. 
 Why you are heavy, and what men to-night 
 Have had resort to you:^ for here have been 
 Some six or seven, who did hide their faces 
 Even from darkness. 
 Bru. Kneel not, gentle Portia.* 
 
 For. I should not need,^ if you were gentle 
 Brutus. 
 Within the bond of marriage, tell me, Brutus, 
 Is it excepted I should know no secrets 
 That appertain to you? Am I yourself 
 But, as it were, in sort or limitation. 
 To keep with you at meals, comfort your bed, 
 And talk to you sometimes? Dwell I but in the 
 
 suburbs 
 Of your good pleasure? If it be no more, 
 Portia is Brutus' harlot, not his wife. 
 
 Bru.^ You are my true and honourable wife. 
 
 8i 
 
'^She remains in his embrace all through this 
 speech. 
 
 Note. — In men's colleges these two women, 
 Calpurnia and Portia, should never he omitted, as 
 I understand is the case in some institutions. 
 
 ^Be very careful; the knocks — like those in 
 "Macbeth'^ — come exactly at the right moment. 
 Brutus should kiss Portia, say, counting six; then 
 the knock. They must not separate quickly or 
 the audience, wrought up to emotion by the scene, 
 will laugh. The kiss is on the forehead. _ 
 
 Note. — One must always remember, in such sit-, 
 nations, that about three quarters of an audience are 
 inclined to be too critical; — often hysterical; and 
 unfortunately, often very stupid. It is the part of 
 the actors to endeavour to make them live down this 
 feeling. 
 
 '^Lucius has now dressed and comes to the door; 
 just before Portia goes R he stands aside to let her 
 pass in R. Brutus waits for Lucius to open the 
 gate, going up L to recover himself ; Lucius , boy- 
 like, is unwilling to admit the sick man, but he 
 does so when Brutus observes who his visitor is. 
 
 82 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 As dear to me as are the ruddy drops 
 That visit my sad heart. 
 
 Por.^ If this were true, then should I know 
 this secret. 
 I grant I am a woman; but withal 
 A woman that Lord Brutus took to wife: 
 I grant I am a woman; but withal 
 A woman well-reputed, Cato's daughter. 
 Think you I am no stronger than my sex, 
 Being so father'd and so husbanded? 
 Tell me your counsels, I will not disclose ^em: 
 I have made strong proof of my constancy, 
 Giving myself a voluntary wound 
 Here, in the thigh: can I bear that with patience, 
 And not my husband's secrets? 
 
 Bru. O ye gods. 
 
 Render me worthy of this noble wife! 
 
 [Knocking within^ 
 Hark, hark! one knocks: Portia, go in awhile; 
 And by and by thy bosom shall partake 
 The secrets of my heart. 
 All my engagements I will construe to thee. 
 All the charactery of my sad brows: 
 Leave me with haste. {Exit Portia R.) Lucius,' 
 who's that knocks? 
 83 
 
^Ligarius is a very feeble man, with a white 
 bandage close around his head; he leans on a staff 
 
 ^Brutus tries to seat Ligarius, but by an effort 
 of will he remains standing, leaning on Brutus. 
 
 ^Here he throws down his staff toward footlights , 
 and then clings to Brutus. Always be careful not to 
 let a staff or sword rebound; throw it from you flat 
 on to the ground. 
 
 ^Brutus very intense, having deceived his wife; 
 the spirit of conspiracy is strong in him. 
 
 84 
 
JULIUS CiESAR 
 
 Re-enter Lucius with Ligarius 
 Luc. {Up K). Here is a sick man that would 
 
 speak with you. 
 Bru. Caius Ligarius, that Metellus spake of. 
 Boy, stand aside. Caius Ligarius! how? 
 Lig .(R)} Vouchsafe good morrow from a 
 
 feeble tongue. 
 Bru. (L C).^ O, what a time have you chose 
 out, brave Caius, 
 To wear a kerchief! Would you were not sick! 
 Lig. (C). I am not sick, if Brutus have in 
 hand 
 Any exploit worthy the name of honour. 
 Bru. {L C). Such an exploit have I in hand, 
 Ligarius, 
 Had you a healthful ear to hear of it. 
 
 Lig. By all the gods that Romans bow before, 
 I here discard my sickness!^ Soul of Rome! 
 Brave son, deriv'd from honourable loins! 
 Thou, like an exorcist, hast conjur'd up 
 My mortified spirit. Now bid me run, 
 And I will strive with things impossible; 
 Yea, get the better of them. What's to do? 
 Bru.'^ A piece of work that will make sick 
 men whole. 
 
 8s 
 
^Ligarius has got this from Cimber. 
 
 ^A tremendous energy here. 
 
 ^Brutus picks up the staff and gives it to him; 
 he then crosses to house R as if to look for Portia; 
 hesitates a moment, then meets Ligarius R C, and 
 they go up together; Lucius regretfully goes into 
 house. 
 
 Thunder at change of scene. 
 
 The scene should be a pillared corridor, very 
 simple; two ornamental but easily carried stools 
 should be placed L C by two attendants in Roman 
 dress. The same in Elizabethan manner, except 
 that Brutus^ seat must be removed before the stools 
 are placed, the change of furniture indicating 
 a change of locality. 
 
 85 
 
JULIUS C/ESAR 
 
 Lig.^ But are not some whole that we must 
 make sick? 
 
 Bru. That must we also. What it is, my 
 Caius, 
 I shall unfold to thee, as we are going 
 To whom it must be done. [Thunder, distantly 
 
 Lig} Set on your foot, 
 
 And with a heart new-fir'd I follow you, 
 To do I know not what: but it sufficeth 
 That Brutus leads me on. 
 
 Bru.^ Follow me, then. [Exeunt up R 
 
 Scene II. Cesar's house 
 
 Thunder and lightning. Enter C^sar (R) in his 
 nightgown (the nightgown is an over-robe) 
 
 Cas. Nor heaven nor earth have been at 
 peace to-night: 
 Thrice hath Calpurnia in her sleep cried out, 
 "Help! ho! they murther Csesar!" Who's with- 
 in? {Crosses to L C.) 
 
 Enter a Servant R 
 
 Serv. (R). My lord? 
 87 
 
'^The servant turns and sees Calpurnia and 
 stands aside to let her pass. 
 
 ^Ccesar puts Calpurnia round to the stool C to 
 Z, then sits himself on the stool C to R. 
 
 Note. — Always avoid two persons sitting down 
 together at the same moment. 
 
JULIUS C^.SAR 
 
 C(ES. Go bid the priests do present sacrifice; 
 And bring me their opinions of success. 
 Serv. I will, my lord.^ ]ExU R 
 
 Enter Calpurnia R 
 
 Cat. (R). What mean you, Csesar? think 
 you to walk forth? 
 You shall not stir out of your house to-day. 
 
 (Crosses to RC). 
 Cces. (Crosses to C). Caesar shall forth: the 
 things that threaten'd me 
 Ne'er look'd but on my back; when they shall 
 
 see 
 The face of Caesar,^ they are vanished. 
 
 Cal. (Sits). Cassar, I never stood on cere- 
 monies, 
 Yet now they fright me. Theie is one within, 
 Besides the things that we have heard and seen, 
 Recounts most horrid sights seen by the watch. 
 A lioness hath whelped in the streets; 
 And graves have yawn'd, and yielded up their 
 
 dead; 
 The noise of battle hurtled in the air. 
 Horses did neigh, and d3dng men did groan, 
 
^Puts her hands on him. 
 
 ^Ccssar appeals to the gods with right hand. 
 
 90 
 
JXJLIUS C^SAR 
 
 And ghosts did shriek and squeal about the 
 
 streets. {Casar sits) 
 O Csesar!^ these things are beyond all use, 
 And I do fear them 
 
 Goes. What can he avoided 
 
 Whose end is purposed by the mighty gods?^ 
 Yet Caesar shall go forth; for these predictions 
 Are to the world in general as to Caesar. 
 
 Cal. When beggars die, there are no comets 
 seen; 
 The heaA^ens themselves blaze forth the death of 
 princes, 
 CcBS. Cowards die many times hejdre their 
 deaths; 
 The vahant never taste of death but once. 
 Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, 
 It seems to me most strange that men should fear; 
 Seeing that death, a necessary end, 
 Will come when it will come. 
 
 Re-enter Servant R 
 
 What say the augurers? 
 Serv. They would not have you to stir forth 
 to-day: 
 Plucking the entrails of an offering forth. 
 They could not find a heart within the beast. 
 91 
 
^CcBsar has no fear of superstition. It is better 
 for CcBsar and his wife to remain seated during this 
 scene; it is their own house and gives the idea of 
 kingship to themselves. 
 
 ^Calpurnia kneels as Portia has knelt {and as 
 prodahly Pilate's wife knelt) . Had they ultimately 
 prevailed, the tide of the world had been changed, and 
 the second worst crime in history probably averted. 
 
 ^Ccesar raises her; then caresses her. Decius 
 probably notices the caress and tries to work upon 
 it presently. What a master of stage art and 
 human artifice our Dramatist is. 
 
 ^Decius' salute is meant for both. 
 
 92 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Ccss.^ The gods do this in shame of cow- 
 ardice : 
 Caesar should be a beast without a heart, 
 If he should stay at home to-day for fear. 
 No, Ceesar shall not: danger knows full well 
 That Caesar is more dangerous than he: 
 We are two Hons htter'd in one day, 
 And I the elder and more terrible: 
 And Caesar shall go forth. [Servant goes off R 
 
 Cat. (rises). Alas, my lord, 
 
 Your wisdom is consum'd in confidence. 
 Do not go forth to-day: call it my fear 
 That keeps you in the house, and not your own. 
 We'll send Mark Antony to the senate-house; 
 And he shall say you are not well to-day: 
 Let me, upon my knee,^ prevail in this. 
 
 CcBs.^ Mark Antony shall say I am not well; 
 And, for thy humour, I will stay at home. 
 
 Enter Decius R 
 
 Here's Decius Brutus, he shall tell them so. 
 Dec. (R). Caesar, all hail! good morrow, 
 worthy Caesar.^ 
 I come to fetch you to the senate-house. 
 
 93 
 
Wecius approaches nearer to R C. 
 ^Ccesar is very sure of himself here; Calpurnia 
 is pleased. 
 
 Wecius a little closer. 
 ^Ccesar is humorous. 
 
 94 
 
JULIUS CyESAR 
 
 CcBS. And you are come in very happy time, 
 
 [Ccesar sits 
 To bear my greetings to the senators 
 And tell them that I will not come to-day: 
 
 [Calpurnia remains L C 
 Cannot is false, and that I dare not, falser: 
 I will not come to-day: tell them so, Decius. 
 
 Cal. Say he is sick. She sits again 
 
 Cess. Shall Csesar send a lie? 
 
 Have I in conquest stretch'd mine arm so far, 
 To be afeard to tell graybeards the truth? 
 Decius, go tell them, Caesar will not come. 
 
 Dec} (R). Most mighty Caesar, let me know 
 some cause, 
 Lest I be laugh'd at when I tell them so. 
 
 CcBs.^ The cause is in my will: I will not 
 come; 
 That is enough to satisfy the senate. 
 But for your private satisfaction, 
 Because I love you,' I will let you know: 
 Calpurnia here, my wife, stays me at home: 
 She dreamt to-night she saw my statue,^ 
 Which, like a fountain with an hundred spouts. 
 Did run pure blood; and many lusty Romans 
 Came smiUng, and did bathe their hands in it: 
 
 95 
 
^Decius is almost amused and takes this speech 
 lightly. 
 
 ^He almost waits to see the e^ect! 
 
 96 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 And these does she apply for warnings, and 
 
 portents, 
 And evils imminent; and on her knee 
 Hath begg'd that I will stay at home to-day. 
 
 Dec} This dream is all amiss interpreted; 
 It was a vision fair and fortunate: 
 Your statue spouting blood in many pipes, 
 In which so many smiling Romans bath'd, 
 Signifies that from you great Rome shall suck 
 Reviving blood, and that great men shall press 
 For tinctures, stains, relics and cognizance. 
 This by Calpurnia's dream is signified.^ 
 
 C(BS. And this way have you well ex- 
 pounded it. 
 
 Dec. I have. When you have heard what 
 I can say: 
 And know it now, the senate have concluded 
 To give this day a crown to mighty Ceesar.^ 
 If you shall send them word you will not come, 
 Their minds may change. Besides it were a 
 
 mock; 
 Apt to be rendered, for some one to say, 
 Break up the senate, till another time. 
 When Caesar's wife shall meet with better 
 dreams. 
 
 97 
 
JULIUS CiESAR 
 
 Pardon me Caesar; for my dear, dear love 
 To your proceeding bids me tell you this, 
 And reason to your love is liable. 
 
 C(BS. How foolish do your fears seem now, 
 Calpurnia. 
 I am ashamed I did yield to them. 
 Give me my robe — for I will go. 
 
 {The servant puts on his purple robe.) 
 
 Then enter Publius, then Brutus, Casca, 
 LiGARius, CiNNA, Metellus, Trebonius, all 
 from R. 
 
 And look where Publius is come to fetch me. 
 Pub. Good morrow Caesar. {Salutes him.) 
 Cces. Welcome Publius — {Salutes him) 
 What, Brutus, are you stirred so early too! 
 Good morrow Casca: Caius Ligarius, Cassar 
 
 was ne'er so much your enemy 
 As that same ague which hath made you 
 
 lean. 
 What is 't o'clock? 
 Bru. Caesar 'tis strucken eight. 
 Cces. I thank you for your pains and 
 courtesies 
 {All salute again. The senators remain R.) 
 
 99 
 
^Antony hastens to Ccesar at R C; he salutes 
 CcBsar very openly, which makes the other senators 
 notice it. 
 
 ^Calptirnia makes quite a queenly exit, going 
 between the senators, who stand in single file; she 
 bows right and left to them as she exits; another 
 cause of annoyance. Great men, especially poli- 
 ticians, often have very small minds. Ccesar almost 
 waves these salutations to the various senators; 
 then is deeply engrossed in conversation with An- 
 tony, who is rather amused at the situation. He 
 goes across on Antonyms arm and bows much in 
 the same manner that Calpurnia did. The dis- 
 inclination of senators to treat a ruler with respect 
 — fearing he might assume dictatorship — exists 
 even to-day in some countries. 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Enter Antony from R quickly: 
 
 See! Antony, that revels long o'nights, 
 Is notwithstanding up. Good morrow, Antony. 
 Ant} So to most noble Csesar. 
 CcBS. Bid them prepare within: 
 
 [Exit Calpurnia^ across and of R 
 I am to blame to be thus waited for. 
 Now, Cinna: now, Metellus: what, Trebonius! 
 I have an hour's talk in store for you; 
 Remember that you call on me to-day: 
 Be near me, that I may remember you, 
 
 Treb. {Extreme R) . Caesar, I will: [^^i^^e] and 
 so near will I be, 
 That your best friends shall wish I had been 
 further. 
 C(£s. Good friends, go in, and taste some 
 wine with me; 
 And we, like friends, will straightway go to- 
 gether. 
 
 [Exeunt R, senators following. 
 Bru. [Aside ^ That every like is not the 
 same, O Cassar, 
 The heart of Brutus yearns to think upon! 
 [They exeunt, talking R, Brutus slowly following. 
 
The scene would he the same street as used before. 
 
 Special Note. — // a scenic performance the 
 next scenes had better be omitted; they are valuable, 
 hut only as showing the watchful love of Portia 
 and Lucius. Artemidorus has one of the scrolls 
 similar to Cassius'. He has possibly watched 
 his conspiracy. The incident is useful as showing 
 the counter conspiracy of the factions. 
 
 ^Poor little Lucius wants to run off L, hut seeing 
 a great crowd assembled off in that direction he is 
 uncertain if he should leave Portia. 
 
 The distant crowds are assembling off L; you 
 can just hear them. Be careful to make these 
 distant crowds effective. 
 
JULIUS CESAR 
 
 Scene III. A street near the Capital 
 
 Enter Artemidorus, reading a paper, from R, 
 crosses to L 
 
 Art. Caesar, beware of Brutus; take heed of Cassius; 
 come not near Casca; have an eye to Cinna; trust not 
 Trebonius; mark well Metellus Cimber: Decius Brutus 
 loves thee not: thou hast wronged Caius Ligarius. There 
 is but one mind in all these men, and it is bent against 
 Caesar. If thou beest not immortal, look about you; 
 security gives way to conspiracy. The mighty gods defend 
 thee! Thy lover, Artemidorus. 
 
 Here will I stand till Caesar pass along, 
 And as a suitor will I give him this. 
 My heart laments that virtue cannot live 
 Out of the teeth of emulation. 
 If you read this, O Cassar, thou mayst live; 
 If not, the Fates with traitors do contrive. 
 
 [Exit L 
 
 Scene IV. Another part of the same street, before 
 the house of Brutus. No change necessary. 
 
 Enter Portia 2 and Lucius i , from R, cross toRC 
 
 For. (R). I prithee, boy, run to the senate- 
 house;* 
 
 103 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Stay not to answer me, but get thee gone: 
 Why dost thou stay? 
 Luc. {R C). To know my errand, madam. 
 For. I would have had thee there, and here 
 again, 
 Ere I can tell thee what thou shouldst do there. 
 
 [Lucius goes over to L 
 
 constancy, be strong upon my side. 
 
 Set a huge mountain 'tween my heart and 
 tongue ! 
 
 1 have a man's mind, but a woman's might. 
 How hard it is for women to keep counsel! 
 Art thou here yet? 
 
 Luc. (Crosses toLC). Madam, what should 
 I do? 
 Run to the Capitol, and nothing else? 
 And so return to you, and nothing else? 
 
 For. Yes, bring me word, boy, if thy lord 
 look well. 
 For he went sickly forth: and take good note 
 WTiat Csesar doth, what suitors press to 
 
 him. 
 Hark, boy! what noise is that? 
 Luc. I hear none, madam. (Crosses to L.) 
 For. (R C). Prithee, Usten well; 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 I heard a bustling rumour, like a fray, 
 And the wind brings it from the Capitol. 
 
 [Lucius crosses to Portia 
 Luc. Sooth, madam, I hear nothing. 
 
 Enter the Soothsayer R 
 
 For. (C). Come hither, fellow: which way 
 
 hast thou been? 
 Sooth. (R). At mine own house, good lady. 
 For. What is 't o'clock? 
 Sooth. (R). About the ninth hour, lady. 
 
 For. (C). Is Caesar yet gone to the Capitol? 
 Sooth. (R). Madam, not yet: I go to take 
 
 my stand. 
 To see him pass on to the Capitol. 
 For. Thou hast some suit to Caesar, hast 
 
 thou not? 
 Sooth. That I have, lady: if it will please 
 
 Caesar 
 To be so good to Caesar as to hear me, 
 I shall beseech him to befriend himself. 
 For. Why, know'st thou any harm's intended 
 
 toward him? 
 Sooth. None that I know will be, much that 
 
 I fear may chance. 
 107 
 
^The soothsayer is an old bent man, hobbling 
 along on a staff. He crosses to L as he speaks. 
 
 ^Lucius kisses her hand and goes off quickly L, 
 glad to do such a service. 
 
 ^There should be an interval here. 
 
 io8 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Good morrow to you . Here the street is narrow : 
 The throng that follows Caesar at the heels, 
 Of senators, of praetors, common suitors. 
 Will crowd a feeble man^ almost to death: 
 I'll get me to a place more void, and there 
 Speak to great Caesar as he comes along. 
 
 [Exit L 
 
 For. I must go in. (Crosses to R C). Ay 
 
 me, how weak a thing 
 
 The heart of woman is! Brutus, 
 
 The heavens speed thee in thine enterprise! 
 
 [Lucius goes near her and takes her hand 
 
 [To herself?^ Sure, the boy heard me:^ [To 
 
 Lucius] Brutus hath a suit 
 That Ccesar will not grant. O, I grow faint! 
 
 [Crosses to R 
 Run, Lucius, and commend me to my lord; 
 Say I am merry: come to me again, 
 And bring me word what he doth say to thee.^ 
 [Exeuitt severally, Portia R, Lucius L 
 
 log 
 
The opening of this scene should he one of the 
 most picturesque in Shakespeare; of any play in 
 fact. It is the prologue to a great historical deed, 
 one of the world's epochs. A s Ccesar goes up he sees 
 the Soothsayer, who is L, and rather jokingly calls 
 out to him. 
 
 Crowds of people have assembled and are seated 
 and standing all over the stage, men, women, 
 children, of all ranks. Artemidorus is R, the 
 Soothsayer is L. A good strong sunlight. Almost 
 at opening a flourish of trumpets. Ccesar and the 
 senators enter, as if direct from the previous scene; 
 from R, the crowd cheers, gets in the way, is mar- 
 shalled hy soldiers; a way is made for Ccesar, 
 Lepidus, and Antony {one on each side of him); 
 they go up to the centre, where CcBsar sits in the C, 
 raised; a statue of Pompey is near, possibly behind 
 his chair. 
 
ACT III 
 
 Scene I 
 
 A crowd oj people; among them Artemidorus and 
 the Soothsayer. Flourish. Enter C^sar, 
 Brutus, Cassius, Casca, Decius, Metellus, 
 Trebonius, Cinna, Antony, Lepidus, Po- 
 piLius, PuBLnjSj..aw^ others. 
 
 Cces. [To the Soothsayer.] The ides of March 
 
 are come. 
 Sooth. {L). Ay, Caesar; but not gone. 
 Art. {R). Hail, Cassar! read this schedule. 
 Dec. (R) . Trebonius doth desire you to o'er- 
 
 read. 
 At your best leisure, this his humble suit. 
 Art. (R) . O Cassar, read mine first ; for mine's 
 
 a suit 
 That touches Caesar nearer : read it, great Caesar. 
 CcBS. (C). What touches us ourself shall be 
 
 last serv'd. 
 
^Popilius comes from L and walks up near 
 Brutus and Cassius. 
 
 ^All these speeches are spoken -with haste and 
 intensity in an undertone. Ccesar is fully occupied 
 talking with Decius, Lepidus, Popilius, and 
 Puhlius. Antony keeps R, so that Trebonius can 
 easily persuade him to go of R in consultation, 
 about some official matter. 
 
 112 
 
JULIUS CiESAR 
 
 Art. (R). Delaynot, Caesar; read it instantly. 
 Cces. (C). What, is the fellow mad? 
 Pub. {Up R). Sirrah, give place. 
 
 Pop. (L). I wish your enterprise to-day may 
 
 thrive. 
 Cas. (L). What enterprise, Popilius? 
 Pop. (L). Fare you well. [Advances to Cmsar 
 Bru. What said Popilius Lena? 
 Cas. (L). He wish'd to-day our enterprise 
 might thrive. 
 I fear our purpose is discovered. 
 Bru. (L). Look, how he makes to Cassar: 
 
 mark him.^ 
 Cas.^ (L). Casca, be sudden, for we fear 
 prevention. 
 Brutus, what shall be done? If this be known, 
 Cassius or Caesar never shall turn back, 
 For I will slay myself. 
 
 Bru. (L). Cassius, be constant: 
 
 PopiHus Lena speaks not of our purposes; 
 For, look, he smiles, and Caesar doth not change. 
 Cas. Trebonius knows his time; for, look 
 you, Brutus, 
 He draws Mark Antony out of the way. 
 
 [Exetmt Antony and Trebonius Ri 
 113 
 
^When Ccesar speaks there is an instant hush; 
 all are silent. 
 
 ^Metellus rises from his seat R and goes forward, 
 kneeling. 
 
 ^Ccesar protests. 
 
 114 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Dec. Where is Metellus Cimber? Let him 
 
 go, 
 And presently prefer his suit to Caesar. 
 Bru. He is address'd: press near and second 
 
 him. 
 Cin. Casca, you are the first that rears your 
 
 hand. 
 Casca. Are we all ready? 
 C(Bs.^ What is now amiss 
 
 That Caesar and his senate must redress? 
 Met.^ {R.) Most high, most mighty, and 
 most puissant C^sar, 
 Metellus Cimber throws before thy seat 
 An humble heart — . [Kneeling 
 
 C(ES.^ 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 thaw'd from the true quality 
 With that which melteth fools; I mean, sweet 
 
 words. 
 Low-crooked court'sies and base spaniel-fawn- 
 ing. 
 
^Ccesar suspects this is a put-up job. 
 
 ^There is an uncomfortable feeling amongst the 
 senators generally.- 
 
 ^Metellus does not rise, but makes a wide sweep- 
 ing appeal all round, — to the senators. 
 
 ^Brutus kneels. 
 
 ^And they all gradually kneel. 
 
 ^There should be a full stage and all seats occu- 
 pied by senators. The scene represented is only a 
 part of the senate nearest to Ccesar; where we are 
 sitting in the audience there are senators and 
 crowds of people. That must always be carefully 
 noted in all representations, especially where there 
 is supposed to be a full stage. A few remain 
 seated. 
 
 "^Ccesar carefully looks around at them all; his 
 quick eye would take in the whole situation. ' 
 
 ii6 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Thy brother by decree is banished:^ 
 
 If thou dost bend and pray and fawn for him, 
 
 I spurn thee like a cur out of my way. 
 
 Know, Cassar doth not wrong, nor without cause 
 
 Will he be satisfied.^ 
 
 MeL^ Is there no voice more worthy than 
 my own, 
 To sound more sweetly in great Caesar's ear 
 For the repealing of my banish'd brother? 
 
 Bru.^ I kiss thy hand, but not in flattery, 
 Caesar; 
 Desiring thee that Publius Cimber may 
 Have an immediate freedom of repeal. 
 
 CcBS. What, Brutus!^ 
 
 Cas. Pardon, Caesar; Caesar, pardon:® 
 
 As low as to thy foot doth Cassius fall. 
 To beg enfranchisement for Publius Cimber. 
 
 CcesJ 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-fix'd and resting quaHty 
 There is no fellow in the firmament. 
 The skies are painted with unnumber'd sparks, 
 They are all fire and every one doth shine; 
 But there's but one in all doth hold his place. 
 117 
 
WonH stop on the "/." This speech inflames 
 the senators almost to madness. 
 
 ^The senators almost rise up to Ccesar. Caesar 
 remains enthroned. ' Agitation. 
 
 ^All raising hands. This scene must throb. 
 
 ^He means if Brutus^ appeal is unheard there 
 is no chance for the others. 
 
 ^Casca thinks this a good moment to strike; he 
 has been creeping up behind Ccesar unseen by 
 Lepidus, who should have defended Ccesar. 
 
 ^This great last moment of Ccesar' s must be slow, 
 deliberate; he is literally dragged off the seat, 
 staggers down C — a pause — he looks around and 
 sees Brutus just about to stab him; he opens his 
 robe; Brutus practically embraces him with his 
 sword; Ccesar covers his face with robe and falls. 
 There is a dead pause while you count ten. The 
 senators and the crowd all stop, hold their breaths 
 after pause. The lame Cinna shouts the words, 
 which are repeated by mob, then they begin to 
 scatter. Tremendous movement! 
 
 ii8 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 So in the world: 'tis furnish'd 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, 
 Unshak'd of motion: and that I^ am he. 
 Let me a little show it, even in this; 
 That I was constant Cimber should be banish'd, 
 And constant do remain to keep him so. 
 
 Cin. Caesar,^ — 
 
 C(ss. Hence! wilt thou lift up 
 
 Olympus? 
 
 Dec. Great Caesar,' — 
 
 Cces."^ Does not Briitus bootless kneel? 
 
 Casca} Speak, hands, for me! 
 
 {Casca and the other Conspirators stab Casar 
 
 Cces.^ Et tu, Brute! Then fall, Caesar! 
 
 [Dies. '^ 
 
 Cin. Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead 1 
 Run hence, proclaim, cry it about the streets. 
 
 Cas. Sorne to the common pulpits, and cry out 
 "Liberty, freedom, and enfranchisement!" 
 
 Bru. People and senators, be not affrighted; 
 Fly not; stand still: ambition's debt is paid. 
 
 [Some fly, some stop; there is a general changing 
 of sides. Senators keep their places 
 119 
 
^The senators more or less huddle together in 
 factions. Brutus, Cassius, Casca, Cinna are 
 mostly together L and L C. Lepidus flees at back 
 directly after the death-pause. Puhlius stands 
 near the empty seat as if stunned. 
 
 ^Trebonius stays R; he has re-entered before the 
 Senate begins; he goes off R after the death-pause, 
 probably to look for Antony. 
 
 ^All these speeches follow very quickly. 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Casca. Go to the pulpit, Brutus. 
 
 Dec. And Cassius too. 
 
 Bru. Where's Publius? 
 
 Cin. Here, quite confounded with this 
 
 mutiny. 
 Met. Stand fast together, lest some friend of 
 Csesar's 
 Should chance — 
 Bru. Talk not of standing.^ Publius, good 
 cheer; 
 There is no harm intended to your person. 
 Nor to no Roman else: so tell them, Publius. 
 Cas. And leave us, Publius- lest that the 
 people, 
 Rushing on us, should do your age some mischief . 
 Bru. Do so: and let no man abide this deed, 
 But we the doers. 
 
 Re-enter Trebonius^ 
 
 Cas. (L C). Where is Antony? 
 
 Treb. (R). Fled to his house amaz'd: 
 Men, wives and children stare, cry out and run 
 As it were doomsday. 
 
 Bru. {L C).^ Fates, we will know your 
 pleasures: 
 
 121 
 
"^The two lines of Cassius, and those of Brutus, 
 are spoken rapidly; all the scene at this point is 
 at fever heat. 
 
 Ht is important here that one of the younger 
 senators, Metellus for instance, has the redded 
 sponge in a concealed pocket; he kneels in the 
 centre and all the senators rub their hands with it. 
 It has to he done in an instant, and he careful the 
 paint does not get on to the togas. It should he 
 some process that dries instantly. If there are 
 many senators a second sponge can he concealed 
 behind or near the steps of Ccesar's dais. Be sure 
 the sponge is put away; very little red is necessary. 
 They are not killing a bullock. A pause of about 
 fifteen to twenty seconds — whilst all use the paint, 
 with hacks to audience. Then they resume their 
 places as before; all the speeches very rapid. 
 
 ^Don't be machines; each man in this crowd 
 has an individuality. 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 That we shall die, we know; 'tis but the time 
 And drawing days out, that men stand upon. 
 
 Cas.^ Why, he that cuts off twenty years of 
 Ufe 
 Cuts off so many years of fearing death. 
 
 Bru.^ Grant that, and then is death a benefit : 
 So are we Caesar's friends, that have abridg'd 
 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? 
 
 Cas. (L C). Stoop, then, and wash. ^"^ 
 How many ages hence 
 Shall this our lofty scene be acted over 
 In states unborn and accents yet unknown!' 
 
 Bru. (L C). How many times shall Caesar 
 bleed in sport. 
 That now on Pompey's basis lies along 
 No worthier than the dust! 
 
 Cas. (L). So oft as that shall be, 
 
 So often shall the knot of us be call'd 
 The men that gave their country liberty. 
 123 
 
The speech of the servant can he omitted. 
 
 ^Antony takes in the situation at a glance. 
 
 ^Antony runs in, stops short, he wears a thin 
 white drapery on head, which he takes ojff to cover 
 CcBsar's face. 
 
 ^He kneels above the body of Ccssar and covers 
 Ccesar^s face with drapery, also drawing the robe 
 as far over Ccesar as possible. 
 
 ^He offers his heart to their swords. {He was 
 a great politician.) 
 
 124 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Dec. (R). What, shall we forth? 
 
 Cas. Ay, every man away: 
 
 Brutus shall lead; and we will grace his heels 
 With the most boldest and best hearts of Rome. 
 
 Bru. But here comes Antony. 
 
 Re-enter Antony from R 
 
 Welcome, Mark Antony. 
 
 Ant.^ mighty Caesar! dost thou Ue so low? 
 
 Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils, 
 
 Shrunk to this little measure?^ Fare thee well.' 
 
 [Rises 
 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 Cassar's death 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, 
 
 125 
 
^Brutus, like many great men, had a simple 
 child-like nature, or he might have known that 
 Antony was playing upon them all, and they are 
 very anxious to get him on their side. 
 
 ^Even Cassius, whose hate for Antony is only 
 equalled by Antony's contempt for him, pleads. 
 
 126 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 As here by Caesar, and by you cut off, 
 The choice and master spirits of this age. 
 
 Bru.^ 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, in strength of malice, and our Ihearts 
 Of brothers' temper, do receive you in 
 With all kind love, good thoughts, and reverence. 
 
 Cas.^ Your voice shall be as strong as any 
 
 man's 
 the disposing of new dignities. 
 
 Bru. {L C). Only be patient till we have 
 appeas'd 
 The multitude, beside themselves with fear, 
 And then we- will deliver you the cause. 
 Why I, that did love Caesar when I struck him, 
 Have thus proceeded. 
 
 127 
 
^Antony sees how he has gained their present 
 good will. 
 
 /^Antony would dislike two people; especially 
 Cassius and Casca, -one rather a match with 
 him in diplomacy, the other a common fellow. The 
 "valiant^' Casca, here, evidently, has reference 
 to the initial blow struck at Ccesar; of which he 
 would have heard from the mob as he came hither. 
 He would almost wipe his hands after shaking the 
 gory paws of Casca. 
 
 ^ Antonyms one redeeming feature was his great 
 and real love of Ccesar, which was only natural, 
 for Ccesar was a lovable person. 
 
 The stage should get a little darker. 
 
 ^Here he stands again in the centre. 
 
 128 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Ant. (C).^ 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. 
 That I did love thee, Caesar, O, 'tis true:' 
 If then thy spirit look upon us now. 
 Shall it not grieve thee dearer than thy death, 
 To see thy Antony making his peace. 
 Shaking the bloody fingers of thy foes. 
 Most noble ! in the presence of thy corse? 
 Had I as many eyes as thou hast wounds, 
 
 [kneels again 
 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 bay'd, 
 
 brave hart; 
 
 129 
 
^Cassius is indignant at being termed a prince: 
 and a mean one evidently, to kill a poor baffled deer. 
 
 ^Cassius here plays the diplomat: he knows well 
 that Antony does not want to be left out in the cold. 
 
 ^Brutus is the only person who could so sum up 
 the matter. The senators remain in the same 
 positions. I note changes of position when 
 necessary. It is tiresome to move about the stage 
 unless for a definite reason. 
 
 130 
 
JULIUS CiESAR 
 
 Here didst thou fall; and here thy hunters stand, 
 Sign'd in thy spoil, and crimson'd 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! 
 
 Cas. (L). Mark Antony — 
 
 Ant. (C). Pardon me, Caius ]Cassius : 
 
 The enemies of Cassar shall say this; 
 Then, in a friend, it is cold modesty. 
 
 Cas. (L).^ I blame you not for praising Caesar 
 so; 
 But what compact mean you to have with us? 
 Will you be prick'd in number of our friends; 
 Or shall we on, and not depend on you? 
 
 Ant. Therefore I took your hands, but was, 
 indeed, 
 Sway'd from the point, by looking down on 
 
 Caesar. 
 Friends am I with you all and love you all, 
 Upon this hope, that you shall give me reasons 
 Why and wherein C^sar was dangerous.^ 
 
 Bru. {Crosses to L C). Or else were this a 
 savage spectacle: 
 Our reasons are so full of good regard 
 131 
 
'^Antony knows there may be objections to his 
 funeral oration. 
 
 ^A strong movement among the senators, who, all 
 through the scene, consult in their own groups. 
 
 ^Antony sinks to ground again by the body. 
 
 ^Cassius is much concerned by this concession. 
 
 ^Brutus is calmer, but they both fear the common 
 people. Now Antony is a darling of the people; 
 he has all the tricks of popularity at his fingers^ end, 
 a good athlete, a good talker, a good fellow: So he 
 knows he will gain the day. 
 
 132 
 
JULIUS CESAR 
 
 That were you, Antony, the son of Caesar, 
 You should be satisfied. 
 
 Ant. (C).i That's all I seek: 
 
 And am moreover suitor, that I may 
 Produce his body to the market-place; 
 And in the pulpit, as becomes a friend,^ 
 Speak in the order of his funeral. 
 
 Bru. You shall, Mark Antony.' 
 
 Cas. Brutus, a word with you. 
 
 [Aside to Bru.Y You know not what you do: 
 
 do not consent 
 That Antony speak in his funeral: 
 Know you how much the people may be mov'd 
 By that which he will utter? 
 
 Bru.^ By your pardon; 
 
 I will myself into the pulpit first. 
 And show the reason of our Caesar's death: 
 What Antony shall speak, I will protest 
 He speaks by leave and by permission, 
 And that we are contented Caesar shall 
 Have all true rites and lawful ceremonies. 
 It shall advantage more than do us wrong. 
 
 Cas. I know not what may fall; I like it not. 
 
 Bru. Mark Antony, here, take you Caesar's 
 body. 
 
 133 
 
^This has a touch of self -piety about it. 
 
 ^Antonys reply is full of meaning. Antony 
 kneels once more over Ccesar. 
 
 ^The senators all cross to R, pause and look 
 at the dead body; also give a half look at Antony; 
 Casca being very offensive. 
 
 ^Rises and invokes the gods. This speech is 
 mere rhetoric. 
 
 ^This is political prophecy. 
 
 134 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 You shall not in your funeral speech blame us, 
 But speak all good you can devise of Caesar, 
 And say you do 't by our permission;^ 
 Else shall you not have any hand at all 
 About his funeral: and you shall speak 
 In the same pulpit whereto I am going, 
 After my speech is ended. 
 
 Ant.^ Be it so; 
 
 I do desire no more. 
 
 Bru. Prepare the body then, and follow us.' 
 [Exeunt all but Antony R 
 
 Ant. O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of 
 earth. 
 That I am meek and gentle with these butchers! 
 Thou art the ruins of the noblest man 
 That ever lived in the tide of times. 
 Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood!* 
 Over thy wounds now do I prophesy — 
 Which, like dumb mouths, do ope their ruby 
 
 lips, 
 To beg the voice and utterance of my tongue — 
 A curse shall light upon the limbs of men;^ 
 Domestic fury, and fierce civil strife, 
 Shall cumber all the parts of Italy: 
 Blood and destruction shall be so in use 
 
 135 
 
^Be sure this is called Ah-tay. 
 
 ^Husband the voice and gestures for this speech, 
 as you must for all long and big speeches. Begin 
 quietly, and increase as the words and intention 
 increase. Then take a good breath and get the 
 climax; six, seven, but rarely more than eight words 
 can be spoken, without a breath or punctuation. 
 Never gasp nor catch the breath, as some of our 
 affected actors and actresses do. In fact, if 
 possible, do not imitate any actor or actress, es- 
 pecially if they are mannered. This is a favourite 
 point to bring down the curtain. If there is no 
 curtain, all the better; continue the scene, as 
 otherwise a big point of this is lost. 
 
 ^ This proves once more the devotion of 
 servants. There are people who love to say that 
 Shakespeare was unjust to the labourer, which, of 
 course; is as unjust and futile as to say that 
 Shakespeare wrote Bacon. 
 
 ^Antony shows his humanity always where 
 Ccesar is concerned. He pats the boy on the head, 
 turns away. He was certainly his good angel. 
 
 136 
 
JULIUS CiESAR 
 
 And dreadful objects so familiar, 
 That mothers shall but smile, when they behold 
 Their infants quarter 'd with the hands of war; 
 All pity chok'd with custom of fell deeds: 
 And Csesar'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.^ 
 
 {Pause: ^^) Then enter a Servant Ri 
 
 You serve Octavius Caesar, do you not? 
 Serv. I do, Mark Antony. 
 Ant. C^sar did write for him to come to 
 
 Rome. 
 Serv. {R). He did receive his letters, and is 
 coming; 
 And bid me say to you by word of mouth — 
 O Caesar! — 
 
 [Seeing the body, falls on knees R C^ 
 Ant.^ Thy heart is big, get thee apart and 
 weep. 
 Passion, I see, is catching; for mine eyes, 
 137 
 
^Servant rises — .ready to go. 
 
 ^Antony says this with great intention. 
 
 ^This scene will hold the audience if carefully 
 done. Antony takes the head, the servant {who 
 should he big, strong, and manly) takes the feet; 
 they gently put the cloak around the body before 
 lifting it. Shakespeare evidently drew his inspira- 
 tion from the death of Christ, and the loving care 
 of his friends. The tragedy of Ccesar is somewhat 
 similar. The body is alone with Antony and one 
 humble servant. The curtains of the canopy 
 should be closed directly they get the body within, 
 to cut off the view of carrying the body. Such 
 stage business is a little apt to rouse one titter, and 
 then the whole crowd laughs, especially after scenes 
 of great stress and emotion. 
 
 138 
 
JULIUS CiESAR 
 
 Seeing those beads of sorrow stand in thine, 
 Began to water. Is thy master coming? 
 
 Serv} He lies to-night within seven leagues 
 of Rome. 
 
 Ant. Post back with speed, and tell him what 
 hath chanc'd: 
 Here is a mourning Rome, a dangerous Rome,^ 
 No Rome of safety for Octavius yet; 
 Hie hence, and tell him so. Yet, stay awhile; 
 Thou shalt not back till I have borne this corse 
 Into the market-place : there shall I try, 
 In my oration, how the people take 
 The cruel issue of these bloody men; 
 According to the which, thou shalt discourse 
 To young Octavius of the state of things. 
 Lend me your hand. 
 
 [Exeunt with CcBsar's body off up L^ 
 
 Scene II. The Forum: or it can he the same 
 
 Enter Brutus and Cassius, and a throng of 
 Citizens from R 
 
 Citizens. (R and L). We will be satisfied; 
 
 let us be satisfied. 
 Bru. (R). Then follow me, and give me 
 
 audience, friends. 
 139 
 
There can he another interval previous to this 
 scene or it can go right on. Antony with Ccesar's 
 body has gone of up L, through one of the upper 
 doors; the senators and citizens come on shouting 
 at the lower entrances R and L. Brutus and 
 Cassius come from Ri; citizens precede and fol- 
 low with terrific shouts. This scene can employ 
 from, ten to one hundred people. In the case of a 
 small cast all the senators and every one in the cast 
 of loth sexes should come on this scene; all can be 
 disguised with caps, cloaks, hoods, etc. This 
 was done by the famous Saxe Meiningen Players, 
 one of the greatest Stock Companies of our times. 
 
 ^Not more than two would follow Cassius; he was 
 very unpopular. The pulpit can be the balcony 
 above the Elizabethan stage or a small property, 
 which can be put on when curtains are mo- 
 mentarily closed, for the interval. In case of a 
 stage production; the steps where Ccesar sat, or an 
 elaborate presentation of the Forum: there is no 
 limit to scenery — if you have money and the art 
 to make it. But you must not try to give all the 
 Shakespeare and the scenery too, or you would 
 necessitate an all night session. 
 
 '^Shouts. 
 
 ^Murmurs of admiration. 
 140 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Cassius, go you into the other street, 
 
 And part the numbers. 
 
 Those that will hear me speak, let 'em stay 
 
 here; 
 Those that will follow Cassius, go with him; 
 And public reason shall be rendered 
 Of Caesar's death. 
 First Cit. {R to L C). I will hear Brutus 
 
 speak. 
 Sec. Cit. (R). I will hear Cassius; and com- 
 pare their reasons, 
 When severally we hear them rendered. 
 [Exit Cassius, with some of the Citizens.^ 
 
 Brutus goes into the pulpit. 
 Third Cit. The noble Brutus is ascended;^ 
 
 silence ! 
 Bru. Be patient till the last. 
 Romans, countr3mien, and lovers!^ hear me for 
 my cause, and be silent, that you may hear: be- 
 lieve me for mine honour, and [have respect to 
 mine honour, that you may believe: censure me 
 in your wisdom, and awake your senses, that 
 you may the better judge. If there be any in 
 this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar's, to him 
 I say, that Brutus' love to Caesar was no less than 
 141 
 
^Murmur. 
 
 The shouts in this scene will he outlined; they 
 can be used in the discretion of the director. The 
 citizens must all stand with their faces to Brutus and 
 Antony, all in front. DonH let people get behind 
 the pulpit, if possible. Let all shouts increase and 
 decrease by degrees, not sharp and sudden. 
 
 ^Murmur. 
 
 ^Mingled "yeas" and "nays" here, the "yeas" 
 predominating. 
 
 ^A decided acquiescence. 
 
 ^Murmur of approval. 
 
 ^Pause. No answer. 
 
 "^Dead silence. 
 
 M great shout here. 
 
 ^Murmur. 
 
 142 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 his. If then that friend demand why Brutus 
 rose against Csesar, this is my answer: — Not 
 that I lov'd Ccesar less, but that I lov'd Rome 
 more.^ Had you rather Caesar were living 
 and die all slaves, than that Caesar were 
 dead, to live all free men?^ As Caesar lov'd 
 me, I weep for him; as he was fortunate, I 
 rejoice at it; as he was vaHant, I honour him: 
 but, as he was ambitious, I slew him.' 
 There is tears for his love; joy for his fortune; 
 honour for his valour; and death for his ambition.^ 
 Who is here so base that would be a bondman? 
 If any, speak; for him have I offended.^ Who 
 is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If 
 any, speak; for him have I offended.^ Who is 
 here so vile that will not love his country? If 
 any, speak; for him have I ojff ended.' I pause 
 for a reply. 
 
 All. None, Brutus, none.* 
 
 Bru. Then none have I offended. I have 
 done no more to Caesar than you shall do to 
 Brutus.^ The question of his death is enroU'd 
 in the Capitol; his glory not extenuated, wherein 
 he was worthy, nor his offences enforc'd, for 
 which he suffered death. 
 143 
 
^He looks of R and sees Ccssar^s body in the 
 distance. All the citizens look ojff too and are 
 distracted from Brutus at the sight of a new sen- 
 sation, the dead body of a martyr, Brutus does 
 not get their attention again; they only half attend 
 to him; the shouts for Brutus are strong but seem 
 a little forced. He goes of, followed to the entrance 
 L by a few, who then immediately rush back to 
 see the funeral procession. 
 
 ^ Enter Antony with six or eight [or four) soldiers 
 bearing Ccesar^s body. Antony can have a black 
 toga if desired. 
 
 The body of Ccesar is brought on a bier, bearing 
 a box about the size of a large coffin; the coffin is 
 covered with Ccesar's cloak, the red one; the outer 
 pall or covering is the purple Roman robe. These 
 should both be large and with ample folds and very 
 carefully arranged so that neither drops of, nor 
 hangs down on the floor. Please have some reliable 
 person see to all such things behind the scenes. 
 An intelligent property man or woman is a most 
 important post, like the prompter. The stage 
 manager and assistant, the property man and the 
 prompter, should possess three indispensable attri- 
 butes — brains, patience, system. DonH let any 
 one assume these offices without them. 
 
 Murmurs all the time the procession moves. 
 144 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Here comes his body^ mourned by Mark 
 Antony, who, though he had no hand in his 
 death, shall receive the benefit of his dying — 
 a place in the commonwealth as which if you 
 shall not. With this I depart, that as I slew 
 my best lover for the good of Rome, I have 
 the same dagger for myself, when it shall please 
 my country to need my death. 
 
 All. Live, Brutus, live, live. 
 
 First Cit. Bring him with triumph home 
 unto his house. 
 
 Sec. Cit. Give him a statue with his ancestors. 
 
 Third Cit. Let him be Caesar. (Shouts.) 
 
 Fourth Cit. Caesar's better parts 
 
 Shall be crown'd in Brutus. (Shouts.) 
 
 First Cit. We'll bring him to his house 
 
 With shouts and clamours. (Shouts.) 
 
 Bru. My countrymen, 
 
 Sec. Cit. Peace, silence! Brutus speaks. 
 
 First Cit. (Hushing them.) Peace, ho! 
 
 Bru. Good countrymen, let me depart alone, 
 And, for my sake, stay here with Antony: 
 Do grace to Caesar's corpse, and grace his speech 
 Tending to Caesar's glories; which Mark Antony, 
 By our permission, is allow'd to make.^ 
 145 
 
^The citizens are moving about and the funeral 
 procession has to push its way almost. 
 
 ^-Antony has his eyes cast down and takes in the 
 whole situation. His first words are a master 
 stroke. 
 
 ^The murmurs keep up all the time. The citi- 
 zens are both men and women, and these very 
 important parts should he carefully distributed. 
 
 '^Tremendously loud here. 
 
 ^This speech is hardly heard; emphasize the 
 ''gentle.'' 
 
 ^Each word has a pause for quiet in between, and 
 the appeal for silence is almost pitiful. 
 
 146 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 I do entreat you, not a man depart, 
 Save I alone, till Antony have spoke. [Exit of L 
 {CcBsar's body is brought on here. Not before 
 Brutus leaves; the people are all looking of R.) 
 
 First Cit. Stay, ho! and let us hear Mark 
 
 Antony.^ 
 Third Cit. Let him go up into the public chair ; 
 We'll hear him. Noble Antony, go up.^ 
 Ant.^ For Brutus' sake, I am beholding to 
 
 you. [Goes into the pulpit. 
 
 Fourth Cit.^ What does he say of Brutus? 
 Third Cit.^ He says, for Brutus' sake, ,- 
 He finds himself beholding to us all. 
 Fourth Cit.^ 'Twere best he speak no harm 
 
 of Brutus here. 
 First Cit.^ This Caesar was a tyrant. 
 Third Cit.^ Nay, that's certain: 
 
 We are blest that Rome is rid of him. 
 Sec. Cit.^ Peace! let us hear what Antony 
 
 can say. {Antony is ready to begin.) 
 Ant.^ You gentle Romans — 
 Citizens. Peace, ho! let us hear him. 
 Ant.^ Friends, Romans, countr3maen, lend 
 
 me your ears; 
 
 147 
 
'^Emphasize "bury," as there's no indication yet 
 of the praise. The reverse was really Antonyms 
 intention, as at the end of the scene he practically 
 leaves the body to bury itself. 
 
 ^Strong assent from the crowd. 
 
 ^Antony knows he can get at the crowd through 
 praise of their idol. 
 
 ^"J^aithful and just" {murmurs) "to me!" 
 
 ^He appeals to their pockets now. 
 
 ^The murmurs get cooler, less demonstrative. 
 Antony at once notices this and presses home his 
 cause. 
 
 ''This is a great point to make. 
 
 148 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 I come to bury^ Caesar, not to praise him. 
 
 The evil that men do lives after them; 
 
 The good is oft interred with their bones; 
 
 So let it be with Caesar.^ The noble Brutus 
 
 Hath told you Cassar was ambitious : 
 
 If it were so, it was a grievous fault, 
 
 And grievously hath C£esar answer'd it. 
 
 Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest — 
 
 For Brutus is an honourable man;^ 
 
 So are they all, all honourable men — 
 
 Come I to speak in Caesar's funeral. 
 
 He was my friend, faithful and just to me:* 
 
 But Brutus says he was ambitious; 
 
 And Brutus is an honourable man. 
 
 He hath brought many captives home to Rome, 
 
 Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill:^ 
 
 Did this in Caesar seem ambitious? 
 
 When that the poor have cri'd, Caesar hath 
 
 wept: 
 Ambition should be made of sterner stuff: 
 Yet Brutus says he was ambitious;^ 
 And Brutus is an honourable man. 
 You all did see that on the Lupercal 
 I thrice presented him a kingly crown, 
 Which he did thrice refuse: was this ambition?^ 
 149 
 
^Very small murmur. 
 
 ^The crowd are now not quite sure if he is! 
 
 ^Very emphatic! 
 
 '^Here the crowd almost begin to turn round to 
 Coesar; the bier stands in the middle; they are all 
 around it looking up at Antony. 
 
 ^Here Antony becomes excited; the crowd mis- 
 take it for impudence or hysteria. 
 
 ^He here turns away and buries his face in his 
 drapery. 
 
 ''The citizens assemble together in front to com- 
 pare notes. Antony watches them out of the cor- 
 ner of his eye^. 
 
 ISO 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Yet Brutus says he was ambitious;^ 
 And, sure, he is an honourable man,^ 
 I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke, 
 But here I am to speak what I do know.^ 
 You all did love him once,^ not without cause: 
 What cause withholds you then, to mourn for 
 him? 
 
 judgment! thou art fled to brutish beasts, 
 And men have lost their reason.^ Bear with me ; 
 My heart is in the coflQn there with Caesar, 
 And I must pause till it come back to me.® 
 
 First Cit. (C). Methinks there is much rea- 
 son in his sayings.'^ 
 
 Sec. at. (R C). If thou consider rightly of 
 the matter, 
 Cassar has had great wrong. 
 
 Third Cit. (L C). Has he, masters? 
 
 1 fear there will a worse come in his place. 
 Fourth Cit. (R). Mark'd ye his words? He 
 
 would not take the crown; 
 Therefore 'tis certain he was not ambitious. 
 First Cit. If it be found so, some will dear 
 
 abide it. 
 Sec. Cit. Poor soul! his eyes are red as fire 
 
 with weeping. 
 
^The crowd separates again and Antony re- 
 covers himself, to speak again. 
 
 ^The women begin to sob. Antony knows he has 
 gained an advantage. 
 
 ^Murmurs. 
 
 ^He throws these words at them. They groan. 
 
 ^A II repeat ' ' Ccesar's seal. ' ' They all stretch for- 
 ward, murmur of disappointment. 
 
 ^In places where crowds shout and speak, be sure 
 and use di^erent tones; don't let all the ''extras'' 
 shout on one note, as they do on the professional 
 stages; let every person use his own natural voice for 
 shouts, laughs, murmurs, etc. (This is not an 
 opera. Only Richard Wagner realized the absurdity 
 of the one-note-pistol-shot shout. Listen to his 
 choruses in "Tristan,'' "Dutchman," and " Cot- 
 ter dammerung." Then compare the anvil chorus in 
 " II Trovatore.") 
 
 "^ These are all spoken as phrases to catch the 
 crowd. Tremendous intensity and energy required 
 here. Antony's voice the loudest. 
 
 152 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Third Cit. There's not a nobler man in 
 
 Rome than Antony. 
 Fourth Cit. Now mark him, he begins again 
 
 to speak. ^ 
 Ant. But yesterday the word of Caesar might 
 Have stood against the world; now lies he there, 
 And none so poor to do him reverence.^ 
 
 masters, if I were disposed to stir 
 Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage, 
 
 1 should do Brutus wrong; and Cassius wrong,^ 
 Who, you all know, are honourable men:^ 
 
 I will not do them wrong; I rather choose 
 To wrong the dead, to wrong myself and you, 
 Than I will wrong such honourable men. 
 But here's a parchment with the seal of Caesar,^ 
 I found it in his closet, 'tis his will: 
 Let but the commons hear this testament — 
 Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read — 
 And they would go and kiss dead Caesar's 
 
 wounds^ 
 And dip their napkins in his sacred blood,''' 
 Yea, beg a hair of him for memory, 
 And, dying, mention it within their wills, 
 Bequeathing it as a rich legacy 
 Unto their issue. 
 
 153 
 
^Every hand in the crowd must go up here, 
 ^The excitement of the crowd knows no hounds. 
 ^Shout "No" here quite as one voice. It re- 
 quires the gunshot efect. 
 
 ^Repeat "Mad" — The crowd sways. 
 
 ^Strong movement. 
 
 ^All hands up each time they call for the will. 
 
 "^Shouts. 
 
 154 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Fourth at. We'll hear the will: read it, Mark 
 
 Antony.^ 
 All. The will, the will! we will hear Ctesar's 
 
 will. 
 Ant. Have patience gentle friends, I must 
 not read it;^ 
 It is not meet you know how Caesar loved you. 
 You are not wood,^ you are not stones,^ but men; 
 And, being men, hearing the will of Caesar, 
 It will inflame you, it will make you mad:^ 
 'Tis good you know not that you are his heirs; 
 For, if you should, O, what would come of it!^ 
 Fourth at. Read the will; we'll hear it, 
 Antony; 
 You shall read us the will, Caesar's will. 
 Ant. Will you be patient?® will you stay 
 awhile?® 
 I have o'ershot myself to tell you of it: 
 I fear I wrong the honourable men {Murmurs.) 
 Whose daggers have stabb'd Caesar; I do fear it. 
 Fourth at. They were traitors: honourable 
 
 men! 
 All. The will!^ the testament!^ 
 Sec. at. They were villains, murderers: the 
 will! read^ the will.^ 
 
^They shout a big '^yes" and "the will." 
 
 This inflames the crowd almost to the killing 
 point — Antony sees his advantage and plays 
 upon it. Shouts: hands up almost regret- 
 fully as if he was afraid there might be some 
 feeling against senators. 
 
 ^Here the crowd has to he policed by the citizens; 
 — they do make a ring, standing away so that 
 Antony holds the stage with the body of Caesar in 
 front of him. 
 
 ^The citizens here almost drag him out of the 
 pulpit; he doesnH like the general smell of the crowd 
 and shakes them of. The crowd gradually gets 
 quiet and Antony, waiting for it, slowly proceeds 
 to withdraw the head end (C to R) of the outer 
 purple drapery. A big shudder goes all through 
 the crowd. Antony leans on the coffin and speaks 
 over it to the people. Be sure the legs of the bier 
 are strong. It should have bars fore and aft, by 
 which it is carried. 
 
 ^A point in Ccesar's favour — a victory. 
 
 ^He points to imaginary holes in the robe be- 
 cause, of course, he doesn't know; this shows, I 
 think, how Shakespeare means Antony to be a 
 humbug to gain his point, his love for Ccesar com- 
 pelling him to get justice for his memory. 
 
 ^The crowd shudders. 
 
 is6 
 
JULIUS CiESAR 
 
 Ant. You will compel me, then, to read the 
 willPi 
 Then make a ring about the corpse of Caesar, ^ 
 And let me show you him that made the will. 
 Shall I descend? and will you give me leave? 
 
 Several Cit. Come down. (Shouts) 
 
 Sec. Cit. Descend.^ 
 
 Third Cit. You shall have leave. 
 
 [Antony comes down 
 
 Fourth Cit. A ring; stand round. 
 
 First Cit. Stand from the hearse, stand from 
 the body. 
 
 Sec. Cit. Room for Antony, most noble 
 Antony. 
 
 Ant. Nay, press not so upon me; stand far off. 
 
 Several Cit. Stand back; room; bear back. 
 
 Ant. If you have tears, prepare to shed them 
 now. (Lifts outer drapery.) 
 You all do know this mantle: I remember 
 The first time ever Caesar put it on; 
 'Twas on a summer's evening, in his tent, 
 That day he overcame the Nervii:^ 
 Look, in this place ran Cassius' dagger through:^ 
 See what a rent the envious Casca made: 
 Through this the well-beloved Brutus stabb'd;^ 
 
 IS7 
 
^The crowd weeps. 
 
 ^Shudder. 
 
 ^This is a great point, as crowds are generally 
 hysterical and superstitious. 
 
 ^They all sink on their knees sobbing. 
 
 ^Antony looks on at the sobbing crowd with con- 
 tempt. 
 
 ^He almost puts Ms hands on their heads in 
 sympathy. 
 
 "^The over mantle is held up with the red one as 
 if to show the crowd the face of Ccesar. They all 
 go round in two or three big circles, as if to get a 
 peep into the very coffin. 
 
 158 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 And as he pluck'd his cursed steel away, 
 
 Mark how the blood of Caesar foUow'd it, 
 
 As rushing out of doors, to be resolv'd 
 
 If Brutus so unkindly knock'd, or no; 
 
 For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar's angel :^ 
 
 Judge, O you gods, how dearly Csesai lov'd him: 
 
 This was the most unkindest cut of all; 
 
 For when the noble Csesar saw him stab,^ 
 
 Ingratitude, more strong than traitor's arms, 
 
 Quite vanquish'd 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 
 
 ielU 
 O, what a fall was there, my countrymen!^ 
 Then I, and you, and all of us fell down. 
 Whilst bloody treason flourish'd 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 be- 
 hold 
 Our Caesar's vesture wounded? Look you here, 
 
 [Lifting CcBsar's mantle 
 Here is himself, marr'd, as you see, with traitors.^ 
 
 159 
 
^These murmurs are all mixed voices and in 
 undertones of indignation, vengeance, and sorrow. 
 
 ^When the crowd has gone all round once slowly, 
 the second citizen should stop where he began to 
 move, and make these shouts from R C. 
 
 ^The crowd disperses and rushes wildly back- 
 ward and forward to R and L. Every one of 
 them practically changing places across stage. 
 
 '^Antony gets out of the crowd and rushes into the 
 pulpit to get the advantage. 
 
 ^The more orderly citizens try to appease the 
 more ignorant. 
 
 ^The second citizen is a fanatic. 
 
 "^Here Antony apologizes to them. 
 
 ^ Yells of derision! 
 
 ^More derision. 
 
 ^°0h, no — of course not! 
 
 1 60 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 First at. O piteous spectacle!^ 
 
 Sec. at. noble Caesar!^ 
 
 Third at. O woful dayl^ 
 
 Fourth at. traitors, villains!^ 
 
 First at. O most bloody sight !^ 
 
 Sec.^ at. We will be reveng'd. 
 
 All.^ Revenge! About! Seek! Burn! Fire! 
 Kill! Slay! 
 Let not a traitor live. 
 
 Ant.^ Stay, coantrymen. 
 
 First at.^ Peace there! hear the noble An- 
 tony. 
 
 Sec. at.^ We'll hear him, we'll follow him, 
 we'll die with him. 
 
 Ant."^ 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 honour- 
 able, 
 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, 
 
 i6i 
 
^The "but^' here is a big one. 
 
 ^Emphasize the "stones" and ''rise.** 
 
 ^Very strong feeling among the crowd. 
 
 ^Antony shouts to stop them from rushing of 
 right there. 
 
 ^This is his final stroke. 
 
 N. B. — Where the numbers of the notes are re- 
 peated, it is to indicate that the stage " business " 
 is repeated. 
 
 162 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 That love my friend; and that they know full 
 
 well 
 That gave me public leave to speak of him : 
 I tell you that which you yourselves do know; 
 Show you sweet Caesar's wounds, poor, poor 
 dumb mouths, [Murmur 
 
 And bid them speak for me: but,^ were I 
 
 Brutus, 
 And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony 
 Would ruffle up your spirits, and put a tongue 
 In every wound of Caesar that should move 
 The stones'^ of Rome to rise and mutiny. 
 All^ We'll mutiny. 
 
 First Cit.^ We'll bum the house of Brutus. 
 Third Cit.^ Away, then! come, seek the con- 
 spirators. 
 Ant.'^ Yet hear me, countrymen; yet hear me 
 
 speak. 
 All. Peace, ho! Hear Antony. Most noble 
 
 Antony! 
 Ant. Why, friends, you go to do you know 
 not what: 
 Wherein hath Caesar thus deserv'd your loves? 
 Alas, you know not: I must tell you, then: 
 You have forgot the will I^ told you of. 
 163 
 
^The biggest shout of all here; all hands up. 
 You almost need to make the audience rush on to 
 the stage here. 
 
 ^Murmur "CcBsar^s seal;" shout ''yes" at each 
 pause. 
 
 ^Antony has a difficulty to hold the crowd till 
 he finishes. 
 
 '^Hands, hats, caps, thrown in the air; the 
 crowd is beside itself with joy. 
 
 ^They have almost forgotten Antony. 
 
 ^The crowd is moving R and L. 
 
 ''Their joy is unbounded, the children are held 
 up above the crowd. 
 
 ^The shouts at each sentence and at the end the 
 crowd mixes, rushes offi R and L, shouting for 
 some time. The six soldiers take up the bier and 
 go of with the crowd Ri. As the body goes of 
 Antony rushes out of the pulpit and shouts with 
 victorious laughter. The fool multitude is once 
 more gained over by popular appeal, chiefly to the 
 pockets. 
 
 164 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 All. Most true. The will!^ Let's stay and 
 hear the will. 
 
 Ant. Here is the will, and under Caesar's seaP 
 To every Roman citizen he gives — ^ 
 To every several man — seventy-five drachmas. 
 
 Sec. Cit.^ Most noble Caesar! We'll revenge 
 his death. 
 
 Third Cit. O royal Caesar! 
 
 Ant.^ Hear me with patience. 
 
 All.^ Peace, ho! 
 
 Ant. Moreover, he hath left you all his 
 walks,^ 
 His private arbours and new-planted orchards, 
 On this side Tiber; he hath left them you,^ 
 And to your heirs forever, common pleasures, 
 To walk abroad, and recreate yourselves.^ 
 Here was a Caesar ! when comes such another? 
 
 First Cit. Never, never. Come, away, away! 
 We'll burn his body in the holy place. 
 And with the brands fire the traitors' houses. 
 Take up the body. {They lift it.) 
 
 Sec. Cit. Go fetch fire. 
 
 Third Cit. Pluck down benches. 
 
 Fourth Cit. Pluck down forms, windows, any 
 thing, [Exeunt Citizens with the body 
 
 i6s 
 
^The curtain can fall at the end of Antonyms 
 " oration," making an effective " situation," so 
 much beloved of the actor, and also of the audience. 
 If Antony stands on the steps of the Forum waving 
 his black drapery — donned for the funeral — and 
 shouts a laugh of victory, he can hardly fail — un- 
 less he is an awfully bad actor — to bring down 
 the house! Don't let Antony weep; he should be 
 defiant. If an Elizabethan stage the same servant 
 enters. He now belongs to Antony, with whom 
 Fortune is merry. They go of together L; Antony 
 goes to visit Octavius, not to bury Julius. 
 
 M pause for Antony to get of. 
 
 i66 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Ant. Now let it work. Mischief, thou art 
 afoot, 
 Take thou what course thou wilt!^ 
 
 Enter a Servant R 
 
 How now, fellow! 
 Serv. (R) Sir, Octavius is already come to 
 
 Rome. 
 Ant. (L C) Where is he? 
 Serv. (C) He and Lepidus are at Caesar's 
 
 house. 
 Ant. And thither will I straight to visit him: 
 He comes upon a wish. Fortune is merry, 
 And in this mood will give us any thing. 
 
 Serv. I heard him say, Brutus and Cassius 
 Are rid like madmen through the gates of Rome. 
 Ant. Be like they had some notice of the 
 people, 
 How I had mov'd them. Bring me to Octavius. 
 
 [Exeunt Li^ 
 
 Enter Cinna the poet from Li 
 
 Cin. I dreamt to-night that I did feast with 
 Caesar, 
 And things unluckily charge my fantasy: 
 167 
 
'^The scene with Cinna is only played on the 
 Elizabethan stage; it is richly humorous and 
 shows what a master craftsman Shakespeare was 
 to relieve the tension of the previous scenes. 
 
 ^The citizens, men and women, rush on seeking 
 for prey, they catch Cinna, surrounding him R and 
 L. 
 
 ^Each time they reecho his words with significant 
 expressions. 
 
 i68 
 
JULIUS CiESAR 
 
 I have no will to wander forth of doors, 
 Yet something leads me forth. ^ 
 
 Enter Citizens L and R 
 
 First at. (R). What is your name?^ 
 
 Sec. at. (L). Whither are you going? 
 
 Third at. (R). Where do you dwell? 
 
 Fourth at. (L). Are you a married man or 
 a bachelor? 
 
 Sec. at. Answer every man directly. 
 
 First at. Ay, and briefly. 
 
 Fourth at. Ay, and wisely. 
 
 Third at. Ay, and truly, you were best. 
 
 an. (C). What is my name?^ Whither am 
 I going? Where do I dwell?^ Am I a married 
 man or bachelor?^ Then, to answer every man 
 directly and briefly, wisely and truly: wisely I 
 say, I am a bachelor. 
 
 Sec. at. That's as much as to say, they are 
 fools that marry: you'll bear me a bang for that, 
 I fear. Proceed; directly. 
 
 an. (C). Directly, I am going to Caesar's 
 funeral. 
 
 First at. As a friend or an enemy? 
 
 an. As a friend. 
 
 169 
 
"^The scene must he made very funny. 
 
 "^They are just going to do it. 
 
 ^Cinna is a very thin, long-nosed, pompous, 
 quiet gentleman, and is highly indignant at the 
 treatment he receives. 
 
 ^the women of the crowd practically lift him 
 bodily and carry him of R. 
 
 ^The tent can he made on the Elizabethan stage by 
 looping up the curtains of the canopy; background 
 the same. On the scenic stage, this scene cannot be 
 in Rome. A plain pair of large curtains can be 
 draped, or a regular tent used with an indefinite 
 background of landscape; the back of the tent should 
 be a cloth. 
 
 ^For flourishes of each contending faction, roll 
 of drums or cornets; rather long-sustained notes 
 are most elective and unlike the modern bugle 
 call. Sounds of arms are effective and the words 
 of command given behind scenes and echoed by 
 three or four people. 
 
 170 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Sec. Cit. That matter is answered directly. 
 
 Fourth Cit. For your dwelling — briefly. 
 
 Cin. Briefly, I dwell by the Capitol. 
 
 Third Cit. Your name, sir, truly. 
 
 Cin. Truly, my name is Cinna.'^ 
 
 First Cit. Tear him to pieces; he's a con- 
 spirator.^ 
 
 Cin. I am Cinna the Doet,' I am Cinna the 
 poet. 
 
 Fourth Cit. Tear him for his bad verses, 
 tear him for his bad verses. 
 
 Cin. I am not Cinna the conspirator. 
 
 Fourth Cit. It is no matter, his name's Cinna ; 
 pluck but his name out of his heart, and turn 
 him going. 
 
 Third Cit. Tear him, tear him! Come, 
 brands, ho!^ fire-brands: to Brutus', to Cassius'; 
 burn all; some to Decius' house, and some to 
 Casca's; some to Ligarius': away, go! [Exeunt 
 
 Scene II. Camp near Sardis. Before Brutus' 
 tent^ 
 
 Drum.^ Enter Brutus, Lucilius, Lucius, and 
 Soldiers R; Titinius and Pindarus meeting 
 them L. 
 
 171 
 
^"Stand'' p, "stand'' pp, "stand" ppp, from 
 behind scenes. 
 
 ^Pindarus goes apart L with Titinius. 
 
 ^All this scene very swift and military right up 
 to exit of Cassius. 
 
 l^i 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Bru. (C). Stand, ho! 
 
 Lucil. (R). Give the word, ho! and stand. -^ 
 
 Bru. (C). What now, Lucilius! is Cassius 
 
 near? 
 Lucil. (R). He is at hand; and Pindarus is 
 come 
 To do you salutation from his master. 
 Bru. (C). He greets me well. Your master, 
 Pindarus, 
 In his own change, or by ill officers. 
 Hath given me some worthy cause to wish 
 Things done, undone: but, if he be at hand, 
 I shall be satisfied. 
 
 Pin. {L C). I do not doubt 
 
 But that my noble master will appear 
 Such as he is, full of regard and honour. 
 Bru. He is not doubted.^ A word, Lu- 
 cilius; 
 How he received you, let me be resolved. 
 Lucil. ^ With courtesy and with respect 
 enough; 
 But not with such familiar instances, 
 Nor with such free and friendly conference. 
 As he hath used of old. 
 Bru. Thou hast described 
 
 173 
 
"^Trumpets of L. 
 
 ^" Stand," "stand," ''stand," off L; same as 
 before. 
 
 ^The armies of both should consist of about six 
 men a side. It is not necessary to show more; 
 when they go off they appear to direct other soldiers 
 who are off R and L waiting orders. 
 
 174 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 A hot friend cooling: ever note, Lucilius, 
 When love begins to sicken and decay, 
 It useth an enforced ceremony. 
 Comes his army on?^ 
 Bru. Hark! he is arriv'd. 
 
 [Low march within L 
 
 Enter Cassius and his powers from U 
 
 Cas. Stand, ho! 
 
 Bru. Stand, ho! Speak the word along. 
 
 First Sol. Stand! 
 
 Sec. Sol. Stand! 
 
 Third Sol. Stand! 
 
 Cas. (L C). Most noble brother, you have 
 done me wrong. 
 
 Bru. (R C). Judge me, you gods! wrong I 
 mine enemies? 
 And, if not so, how should I wrong a brother? 
 
 Cas. Brutus, this sober form of yours hides 
 wrongs; 
 And when you do them — 
 
 Bru. (R C). Cassius, be content;^ 
 
 Speak your griefs softly: I do know you well. 
 Before the eyes of both our armies here. 
 Which should perceive nothing but love from us, 
 
 175 
 
^Pindarus salutes and takes his men of L. 
 
 ^Lucilius salutes and takes his men of R; hath 
 factions make slight marching sounds of stage. 
 On the Elizabethan stage Lucius and a soldier {or 
 the pages) pull hack curtains here, looping them 
 to pillars. Brutus goes up, sitting R; Cassius L; 
 both dof their helmets. A table, large candles, 
 and two stools inside tent. Lights soft. 
 
 ^Cassius starts violently here; he rises; Brutus 
 takes it calmly, remaining seated; neither Brutus 
 nor Cassius need change positions during scene. 
 Except at this point Cassius becomes restless. 
 
 176 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Let us not wrangle: bid them move away; 
 Then in my tent, Cassius, enlarge your griefs, 
 And I will give you audience, 
 
 Cas. (L C). Pindarus,^ 
 
 Bid our commanders lead their charges off 
 A Httle from this ground. 
 
 Bru. Lucilius,^ do you the like; and let no 
 man 
 Come to ourtent till we have done our conference. 
 Let Lucius and Titinius guard our door. 
 Exeunt] (Titinius and Lucius exeunt up tent.) 
 
 Cas. (Sitting). That you have wrong'd me 
 doth appear in this: 
 You have condemn'd and noted Lucius Pella 
 For taking bribes here of the Sardians; 
 Wherein my letter, praying on his side, 
 Because I knew the man, was sHghted off. 
 
 Bru. (Sits R). You wrong'd yourself to write 
 in such a case. 
 
 Cas. In such a time as this it is not meet 
 That every nice offence should bear his comment. 
 
 Bru. Let me tell you, Cassius, you yourself 
 Are much condemn'd to have an itching palm;^ 
 To sell and mart your offices for gold 
 To undeservers. 
 
 177 
 
^Cassius sits rather unwillingly. 
 
 Ht is remarkable that what is called "graft," 
 was rife in Ccesar's time. 
 
 ^Cassius would rise again, hut Brutus holds him 
 down with his words. 
 
 ^They almost wrangle over the table here. 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Cas. (Rising). I, an itching palm! 
 You know that you are Brutus that speak this, 
 Or, by the gods, this speech were else your last. 
 
 Bru. The name of Cassius honours this 
 corruption, 
 And chastisement doth therefore hide his head. 
 
 Cas. Chastisement! 
 
 Bru. Remember March, the ides of March 
 remember:^ 
 Did not great Julius bleed for justice's sake? 
 What villain touch'd 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 i^ shall we now 
 Contaminate our fingers with base bribes, 
 And sell the mighty space of our large honours 
 For so much trash as may be grasped thus? 
 I had rather be a dog, and bay the moon, 
 Than such a Roman. 
 
 Cas.^ Brutus, bay not me; 
 
 I'll not endure it: you forget yourself, 
 To hedge me in; I am a soldier, I, 
 Older in practice, abler than yourself 
 To make conditions. 
 
 Bru.^ Go to; you are not, Cassius. 
 179 
 
^Cassius slowly and threateningly rising. 
 
 ^Brutus slowly compels him to reseat himself 
 and speaks slowly and deliberately. 
 
 ^Cassius seems rooted to his seat; he is practi- 
 cally boiling with anger; he eventually rises and goes 
 down L. 
 
 ^Brutus rises here and stands erect as if he 
 were a giant. 
 
 ^They come together again C. 
 
 i8o 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Cas. I am. 
 
 Bru. I say you are not. 
 
 Cas. Urge me no more, I shall forget myself; 
 Have mind upon your health, tempt me no 
 farther. 
 
 Bru. Away, slight man! 
 
 Cas.^ Is 't possible? 
 
 Bru.^ Hear me, for I will speak. 
 
 Must I give way and room to your rash choler? 
 Shall I be frighted when a madman stares? 
 
 Cas.^ ye gods, ye gods! must I endure all 
 this? 
 
 Bru.^ All this! ay, more: fret till your proud 
 heart break; 
 Go show your slaves how choleric you are, 
 And make your bondmen tremble. Must I 
 
 budge? 
 Must I observe you? must I stand and crouch 
 Under your testy humour? By the gods. 
 You shall digest the venom of your spleen. 
 Though it do spUt you; for, from this day forth, 
 I'll use you for my mirth, yea, for my laughter, 
 When you are waspish. (Crosses to R.) 
 
 Cas. (Going L C). Is it come to this? 
 
 Bru. You say you are a better soldier:^ 
 
^Brutus is really conscience stricken. It is 
 the fashion with many actors to stride up and down 
 the stage in this scene; there is a somewhat un- 
 dignified quarrel between too practised generals, 
 but the words are so big it seems to me unnecessary 
 to march about; certainly for Brutus. 
 
 ^They are beginning again. 
 
 ^Cassius is greatly moved at this. 
 
 ^Brutus remains very firm, for he knows Cassius 
 was inclined to be a moral coward. 
 
 ^This is the climax and finishes up the dispute; 
 Cassius is almost painfully mastered. 
 
 ^His honesty of purpose is his redeeming feature; 
 but unfortunately it could not mend matters. 
 Ccesar's great popularity has been manifested and 
 Brutus and Cassius stand revealed; one as a 
 defeated fanatic, the other as a great soul easily 
 led. Their climax is reached; their work seems 
 finished; there is left them to die for their cause. 
 
 182 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Let it appear so; make your vaunting true, 
 And it shall please me well: for mine own part, 
 I shall be glad to learn of noble men.^ 
 
 Cas. You wrong me every way; you wrong 
 me, Brutus; 
 I said, an elder soldier, not a better: 
 Did I say "better"? 
 Bru. R C. {Defiantly). If you did, I care 
 
 not. 
 Cas. (L C). When Caesar liv'd," he durst not 
 
 thus have mov'd me. 
 Bru.^ Peace, peace! you durst not so have 
 
 tempted him. 
 Cas.^ I durst not! 
 Bru."^ No. 
 
 Cas. What, durst not tempt him! 
 Bru. For your life you durst not. 
 
 Cas. Do not presume too much upon my 
 love; 
 I may do that I shall be sorry for. 
 
 Bru.^ You have done that you should be 
 sorry for. 
 There is no terror, Cassius, in your threats, 
 For I am arm'd so strong in honesty^ 
 That they pass by me as the idle wind, 
 183 
 
^We now get to business; they exchange looks: 
 Cassius sits, then Brutus R. 
 
 "^Tliey are almost quarrelling again; Cassius is 
 so emotional he almost weeps. 
 
 ^Cassius lets go all his pent-up anger with some 
 of his emotion, but a good deal of his speech is 
 what is sometimes called "blu^." 
 
 184 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 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: 
 
 Cas.^ I denied you not. 
 
 Bru. You did. 
 
 Cas. I did not: he was but a fool that 
 brought 
 My answer back. Brutus hath riv'd my heart: 
 A friend should bear his friend's infirmities, 
 But Brutus makes mine greater than they are. 
 
 Bru. I do not, till you practise them on me. 
 
 Cas. You love me not. 
 
 Bru. I do not like your faults. 
 
 Cas. A friendly eye could never see such faults. 
 
 Bru. A flatterer's would not, though they do 
 appear 
 As huge as high Olympus. 
 
 Cas.^ Come, Antony, and young Octavius, 
 come, 
 
 i8s 
 
'^He knew Brutus would not strike; he throws 
 his sword on the table for Brutus to take up. 
 
 "^Brutus' reply would make most men feel very 
 small. 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Revenge yourselves alone on Cassius, 
 For Cassius is aweary of the world; 
 Hated by one he loves; brav'd by his brother; 
 Check'd like a bondman; all his faults observ'd, 
 Set in a note-book, learn'd, and conn'd by rote, 
 To cast into my teeth. 0, I could weep 
 My spirit from mine eyes ! There is my dagger, ^ 
 And here my naked breast; within, a heart 
 Dearer than Plutus' mine, richer than gold: 
 If that thou be'st a Roman, take it forth; 
 I, that denied thee gold, will give my heart: 
 Strike, as thou didst at Caesar; for, I know. 
 When thou didst hate him worst, thou lovest 
 
 him better 
 Than ever thou lovedst Cassius. 
 
 Bru.^ Sheathe your dagger: 
 
 Be angry when you will, it shall have scope; 
 Do what you will, dishonour shall be humour. 
 O Cassius, you are yoked with a lamb 
 That carries anger as the flint bears fire; 
 Who, much enforced, shows a hasty spark, 
 And straight is cold again. 
 
 Cas. Hath Cassius liv'd 
 
 To be but mirth and laughter to his Brutus, 
 When grief, and blood ill-tempered, vexeth him? 
 187 
 
^The two men embrace here; a pause. They have 
 practically to see their business through to the end, 
 and there is still Antony to deal with. 
 
 ^The boy Lucius has been just outside the tent 
 off stage; Brutus calls to him. 
 
 ^A slight pause; thenewsis a staggerer to Cassius; 
 he cannot realize it. The impending doom seems 
 to soften his nature. 
 
 i88 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Bru. When I spoke that, I was ill-temper'd 
 
 too. 
 Cas. Do you confess so much? Give me 
 
 your hand. {They both rise) 
 Bru} And my heart too. 
 Cas} O Brutus! ^T^ 
 
 Bru. What's the matter? 
 
 Cas. Have not you love enough to bear with 
 me, 
 When that rash humour which my mother gave 
 
 me 
 Makes me forgetful? 
 
 Bru. Yes, Cassius; and, from henceforth, 
 
 When you are over-earnest with your Brutus, 
 He'll think your mother chides, and leave you 
 so. 
 Bru. {Sits R). Lucius, a bowl of wineP 
 
 [Exit Lucius up L 
 Cas. {Sits L) . I did not think you could have 
 
 been so angry. 
 Bru. O Cassius, I am sick of many griefs, 
 Cas. Of your philosophy you make no use, 
 If you give place to accidental evils. 
 Bru. No man bears sorrow better. Portia 
 is dead.^ 
 
 189 
 
^He takes Brutus^ hand. Once more we see 
 what a much finer character is Portia than either 
 of these two men. 
 
 ^Cassius turns away, burying his face in his 
 hands. 
 
 ^They pledge each other. 
 
 ^Brutus drinks. 
 
 igo 
 
JULIUS CESAR 
 
 Cas. Ha! Portia! 
 
 Bru. She is dead. 
 
 Cas. How 'scaped I killing when I cross'd 
 you so? 
 O insupportable and touching loss!^ 
 Upon what sickness? 
 
 Bru. Impatient of my absence, 
 
 And grief that young Octavius with Mark 
 
 Antony 
 Have made themselves so strong: — for with her 
 
 death 
 That tidings came; — with this she fell distracc, 
 And, her attendants absent, swallow'd fire. 
 
 Cas. And died so? 
 
 Bru. Evn so. 
 
 Cas.'^ O ye immortal gods! 
 
 Re-enter Lucius, with wine and taper; he lights the 
 big candle at back of table 
 
 Bru. Speak no more of her. Give me a bowl 
 of wine. 
 In this I bury all unkindness, Cassius.' 
 Cas. My heart is thirsty for that noble 
 pledge. {He drinks.) 
 Fill, Lucius, till the wine o'erswell the cup;^ 
 191 
 
^There have been sounds outside of arms and 
 the tramp of war. Titinius and Messala can sit 
 if there are stools; if not they stand, Messala R of 
 Brutus, Titinius above table C. 
 
 ^The table gets covered with parchments, maps, etc. 
 
 ^Be careful of the accents in this line; toward is 
 one syllable. Phil-ip-pi. 
 
 192 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 I cannot drink too much of Brutus' love. '"^ 
 Bru. Come in, Titinius ! [Exit Lucius up L 
 
 Re-enter Titinius with Messala from R 
 
 Welcome, good Messala.^ 
 Now sit we close about this taper here, 
 And call in question our necessities. 
 
 Cas. Portia, art thou gone? 
 
 Bru. (With papers)^ No more, I pray you. 
 Messala, I have here received letters. 
 That young Octavius and Mark Antony 
 Come down upon us with a mighty power. 
 Bending their expedition toward Philippi^. 
 
 Mes. (R). Myself have letters of the self- 
 same tenour. 
 
 Bru. (R C). With what addition? 
 
 Mes. (R). That by proscription and bills of 
 outlawry, 
 Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus, 
 Have put to death an hundred senators. 
 
 Bru. Therein our letters do not well agree; 
 Mine speak of seventy senators that died 
 By their proscriptions, Cicero being one. 
 
 Cas. Cicero one! 
 
 Mes. (R). Cicero is dead, 
 
 193 
 
^Messala does not know from Brutus^ hearing 
 in this scene that he has heard of Portia^ s death. 
 
 ^'Brutus here breaks in, that they drop sentiment; 
 he is desperate and turns to live things: the tragedies 
 are to he completed. 
 
 ^Cassius has a curious faculty of heing wrong 
 every time. In this case he would lay by and let 
 the enemy attack, a clear sign of weakness, me- 
 thinks. 
 
 194 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 And by that order of proscription.^ 
 Had you your letters from your wife, my lord? 
 Bru. No, Messala. 
 
 Mes. Nor nothing in your letters writ of her? 
 Bru. Nothing, Messala. 
 Mes. That, methinks, is strange. 
 
 Bru. Why ask you? hear you aught of her 
 
 in yours? 
 Mes. No, my lord. 
 
 Bru. Now, as you are a Roman, tell me true. 
 Mes. Then hke a Roman bear the truth I 
 tell: 
 For certain she is dead, and by strange manner. 
 Bru. Why, farewell, Portia. We must die, 
 Messala : 
 With meditating that she must die once, 
 I have the patience to endure it now. 
 Mes. Even so great men great losses should 
 
 endure. 
 Cas. I have as much of this in art as you, 
 But yet my nature could not bear it so. 
 Bru.^ Well, to our work aUve. What do 
 you think 
 Of marching to Philippi presently? 
 Cas.^ I do not think it good. 
 195 
 
^There is too much good generalship to cut these 
 speeches. Both the generals are seated at the table 
 looking over maps and plans of campaign; the 
 young captains are eagerly listening. 
 
 196 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Bru. Your reason? 
 
 Cas. This it is: 
 
 'Tis better that the enemy seek us: 
 So shall he waste his means, weary his soldiers, 
 Doing himself offence; whilst we, lying still, 
 Are full of rest, defence, and nimbleness. 
 
 Bru.^ Good reasons must, of force, give place 
 to better. 
 The people 'twixt Philippi and this ground 
 Do stand but in a forc'd affection; 
 For they have grudg'd us contribution: 
 The enemy, marching along by them. 
 By them shall make a fuller number up. 
 Come on refresh'd, new-added, and encourag'd; 
 From which advantage shall we cut him off, 
 If at Philippi we do face him there, 
 These people at our back. 
 
 Cas. Hear me, good brother. 
 
 Bru. Under your pardon. You must note 
 beside 
 That we have tried the utmost of our friends, 
 Our legions are brim-full, our cause is ripe: 
 The enemy increaseth every day; 
 We, at the height, are ready to decline. 
 . There is a tide in the affairs of men, 
 197 
 
^Cassius rises here as if to break up the con- 
 ference; begins buckling on sword, putting on hel- 
 met, etc., assisted by Titinius L to L C. 
 
 ^Brutus rises. 
 
 ^Lucius is up stage when the generals rise. 
 
 ^Brutus and Cassius embrace; then Brutus goes 
 with him to Ri. 
 
 198 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune: 
 
 Omitted, all the voyage of their life 
 
 Is bound in shallows and in miseries. 
 
 On such a full sea are we now afloat; 
 
 And we must take the current when it serves, 
 
 Or lose our ventures. 
 
 Cas.'^ Then, with your mil, go on; 
 
 We'll along ourselves, and meet them at Philippi. 
 
 Bru.^ The deep of night is crept upon our 
 
 talk. 
 And nature must obey necessity; 
 Which we will niggard with a little rest. 
 There is no more to say? 
 
 Cas. No more. Good night; 
 
 Early to-morrow will we rise, and hence.^ 
 Bru. Lucius! [Enter Lucius.] My gown. 
 
 [Exit Lucius.] Farewell, good Messala: 
 
 [Messala and Titinius meet up C] 
 Good night, Titinius. (Z). Noble, noble Cas- 
 
 sius, 
 Good night, and good repose.^ 
 
 CO'S. O my dear brother! 
 
 This was an ill beginning of the night: 
 Never come such division 'tween our souls! 
 Let it not, Brutus. 
 
 igg 
 
^The gown is somewhat like our dressing gown, 
 and has an inside pocket with hook. 
 
 ^Lucius, always ready, goes up L and gets his lute. 
 
 ^Lucius goes to hack of tent up stage; Varro and 
 Claudius enter from up R, and remain R; they 
 eventually lie just at side of tent R U out of sight 
 up stage. 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Bru. Every thing is well. 
 
 Cas. Good night, my lord. 
 
 Bru. Good night, good brother. 
 
 Tit. Mes. Good night. Lord Brutus. 
 
 Bru. {going back to tent) . Farewell, every one. 
 
 [Exeunt all hut Brutus off R 
 
 Re-enter Lucius, with the gown from L U 
 
 Give me the gown.^ Where is thy instrument? 
 Luc.^ Here in the tent. (Yawning) 
 Bru. What, thou speak'st drowsily? 
 
 Poor knave, I blame thee not; thou art o'er- 
 watch'd. 
 
 Call Claudius and some other of my men; 
 
 I'll have them sleep on cushions in my tent. 
 Luc.^ Varro and Claudius! 
 
 Enter Vakro and Claudius 
 
 Var. Calls my lord? 
 
 Bru. I pray you, sirs, lie in my tent and 
 
 sleep; 
 [Lucius is tuning his instrument; he sits on 
 
 ground L C. 
 It may be I shall raise you by and by 
 On business to my brother Cassius. 
 
^Lucius kneels by him and kisses his hand; 
 Brutus has very little else left to love but this little 
 lad. He does not tell him of Portia's death. 
 Shakespeare so wonderfully avoids another sad 
 scene, for Portia dearly loved this little lad, and 
 he loved her. All unconsciously he sings a little 
 song she had probably taught him. 
 
 ^The song is * ' My Pretty Little One." Don't let 
 Lucius sing any inappropriate or modern ditty. 
 It should be something simple that a boy would 
 sing {not an operatic star); toward the end of the 
 song his head drops, the lute slips from his hand, 
 and he drops away in sleep. 
 
 202 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Var. So please you, we will stand and watch 
 
 your pleasure. 
 Bru. I will not have it so : lie down, good sirs; 
 It may be I shall otherwise bethink me. 
 Look, Lucius, here's the book I sought for so; 
 I put it in the pocket of my gown. 
 
 [Var. and Clau. lie down 
 Luc} I was sure your lordship did not give 
 it me. [Yawns again 
 
 Bru. Bear with me, good boy, I am much 
 forgetful. 
 Canst thou hold up thy heavy eyes awhile, 
 And touch thy instrument a strain or two? 
 Luc. Ay, my lord, an 't please you. 
 Bru. It does, my boy: 
 
 I trouble thee too much, but thou art willing. 
 Luc. It is my duty, sir. 
 Bru. I will not hold thee long.^ If I do live, 
 I will be good to thee. [Music, and a song^ 
 This is a sleepy tune. O murd'rous slumber, 
 Lay'st thou thy leaden mace upon my boy, 
 That plays thee music? Gentle knave, good 
 
 night; 
 I will not do thee so much wrong to wake thee: 
 If thou dost nod, thou break'st thy instrument; 
 203 
 
^Brutus takes the lute, puts the boy down to sleepy- 
 takes the lute away up stage. He sits down to 
 read R of table; is sleepily turning over the pages 
 when Ccesar's Ghost appears at back C, and marches 
 slowly down to top of table. Brutus reaches to 
 snuf candle when he sees Ghost up C to L. 
 
 ^Be sure and time Ghosfs slow movement down 
 stage, with the words. 
 
 ^Here the Ghost stands at top of table. 
 
 ^Ghost turns and goes straight up. 
 
 ^Ghost is up stage near L U exit; the Ghost should 
 enter and disappear from behind tent; avoid lime- 
 lights and gauzes if possible. 
 
 ^Calls the people to wake; they all get up except 
 Lucius, who is still half asleep. 
 
 Note: Through this scene Brutus remains rooted 
 to his seat. He is amazed, but not afraid. He 
 knows it is a visitation. 
 
 204 
 
JULIUS CAESAR 
 
 I'll take it from thee; and, good boy, good night.^ 
 Let me see, let me see; is not the leaf turn'd down 
 Where I left reading? Here it is, I think. 
 
 Enter the Ghost of C^sar up L C of tent 
 
 How ill this taper burns! Ha! who comes here? 
 I think it is the weakness of mine eyes 
 That shapes this monstrous apparition. 
 It comes upon me. Art thou any thing? ^ 
 Art thou some god, some angel, or some devil, 
 That mak'st my blood cold and my hair to stare? 
 Speak to me what thou art.^ 
 
 Ghost. Thy evil spirit, Brutus. 
 
 Bru. Why com'st thou? 
 
 Ghosts To tell thee thou shalt see me at 
 Philippi. 
 
 Bru. Well; then I shall see thee again? 
 
 Ghost.^ Ay, at Philippi. 
 
 Bru. Why, I will see thee at Philippi, then. 
 
 [Exit Ghost 
 Now I have taken heart thou vanishest: 
 111 spirit, I would hold more talk with thee. 
 Boy, Lucius!® Varro! Claudius, Sirs, awake! 
 Claudius ! 
 
 Luc. The strings, my lord, are false. 
 205 
 
^Brutus kneels down to him. 
 -^Lucius gets up on knees. 
 
 ^Brutus is here wrought up and half afraid of the 
 omen; needs confirmation of his vision. 
 
 ^All this scene must be kept up with great ex- 
 citement. Brutus is unwilling to own that he saw 
 CcBsar^s spirit. 
 
 ^He becomes the general and wants to end things. 
 
 ^Claudius and Varro salute and go of R. 
 Brutus stoops and lifts the sleeping boy and carries 
 him like a baby through the back of the tent. 
 
 The last scene should open with loud salvos and 
 flourishes. The warlike note is sustained till end 
 of play. 
 
 All in arm^our, swords drawn, shields, etc. 
 
 206 
 
JULIUS CiESAR 
 
 Bru. He thinks he still is at his instrument.^ 
 Lucius, awake! 
 Luc.^ My lord? 
 Bru. Didst thou dream, Lucius, that thou so 
 
 criedst out? 
 Ltic. My lord, I do not know that I did cry. 
 Bru.^ Yes, that thou didst: didst thou see 
 
 any thing? 
 Luc. Nothing, my lord. 
 Bru. Sleep again, Lucius. Sirrah Claudius! 
 To Var.] Fellow thou, awake!* 
 Var. My lord?* 
 Clau. My lord?* 
 Bru. Why did you so cry out, sirs, in your 
 
 sleep? 
 Var. Clau. Did we, my lord? 
 Bru. Ay: saw you any thing? 
 
 Var. No, my lord, I saw nothing. 
 Clau. Nor I, my lord. 
 
 Bru.^ Go^and commend me to my brother 
 Cassius; 
 Bid him set on his powers betimes before, 
 And we will follow. 
 
 Var. Clau. It shall be done, my lord. 
 
 [Exeuntf 
 207 
 
^Both orders are given outside RI. The army 
 of Brutus and the army of Octavius both have an 
 S P Q R carried by a soldier. 
 
 2SS 
 
ACT V 
 
 Scene I. The plains of Philippi 
 
 Enter Octavius,(i) Antony, (2) and their Army 
 Jrom L 
 
 Oct. (C) . Now, Antony, our hopes are answered : 
 You said the enemy would not come down, 
 But keep the hills and upper regions. 
 
 Ant. (L C). Tut, I am in their bosoms, and 
 I know 
 Wherefore they do it: they could be content 
 To visit other places; and come down 
 With fearful bravery, thinking by this face 
 To fasten in our thoughts that they have courage. 
 
 Drum. Enter Brutus , Cassius , and their Army ; 
 LuciLius, TiTiNius, Messala, and others 
 
 Bru. {R). They stand, and would have 
 
 parley.^ 
 Cas. (R). Stand fast, Titinius: we must out 
 
 and talk.^ 
 
 209 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Oct. (C). Mark Antony, shall we give sign 
 
 of battle? 
 Ant. (L C.) No, Caesar, we will answer on 
 
 their charge. 
 Make forth; the generals would have some words. 
 
 Enter Brutus, Cassius, and their Army R 
 
 Oct. (C). Stir not until the signal. 
 
 Bru. {R C). Words before blows: is it so, 
 
 countrymen? 
 Oct. {L C). Not that we love words better, 
 
 as you do. 
 Bru. {R C). Good words are better than 
 
 bad strokes, Octavius. 
 Ant. (L C). In your bad strokes, Brutus, you 
 give good words: 
 Witness the hole you made in Ceesar's heart, 
 Crying "Long live! hail, Caesar!" 
 
 Cas. (R). Antony, 
 
 The posture of your blows are yet unknown; 
 But for your words, they rob the Hybla bees, 
 And leave them honeyless. 
 
 Ant. Not stingless too. 
 
 Bru. O, yes, and soundless too; 
 For you have stol'n their buzzing, Antony. 
 
^Antony has struck right home; his politics is 
 pretty had, hut he admired Ccesar. 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 And very wisely threat before you sting. 
 
 Ant. Villains, you did not so, when your vile 
 daggers 
 Hack'd one another in the sides of Caesar: 
 You show'd your teeth like apes, and fawn'd like 
 
 hounds. 
 And bow'd Hke bondmen, kissing Csesar's feet; 
 Whilst damned Casca, like a cur, behind 
 Struck Caesar on the neck. O you flatterers! 
 Cas. Flatterers! Now. Brutus, thank your- 
 self:i 
 This tongue had not offended so to-day, 
 If Cassius might have rul'd. 
 Oct. (C). Come, come, the cause. If arguing 
 make us sweat. 
 The proof of it will turn to redder drops. 
 Look (he actually draws his sword). 
 I draw a sword against conspirators; 
 When think you that the sword goes up again? 
 Never, till Caesar's three and thirty wounds 
 Be well aveng'd; or till another Caesar 
 Have added slaughter to the sword of traitors. 
 Bru. Caesar, thou canst not die by traitors' 
 hands. 
 Unless thou bring'st them with thee. 
 213 
 
^Antony laughs; he always despised Cassius; 
 there was little moral balance to either of them. 
 
 ^Octavius and Antony both look up; this was as 
 a kind of joke. Brutus and Cassius take a terribly 
 serious view of it. 
 
 214 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Oct. So I hope; 
 
 I was not born to die on Brutus' sword. 
 
 Bru. O, if thou wert the noblest of thy strain, 
 Young man, thou couldst not die more honour- 
 able. 
 Cas. A peevish schoolboy, worthless of such 
 honour, 
 Join'd with a masker and a reveller! 
 Ant} Old Cassius still! 
 Oct, Come, Antony, away! 
 
 Defiance, traitors, hurl we in your teeth: 
 If you dare fight to-day, come to the field; 
 
 {Crosses to L, laughing) 
 If not, when you have stomachs. 
 
 [Exeunt Octavius,^ Antony, andtheirArmy 
 Cas. Why, now, blow wind, swell billow and 
 swim bark! 
 The storm is up, and all is on the hazard. 
 Bru. Ho, Lucilius! hark, a word with you. 
 Lucil. [Standing forth.] My lord! 
 
 [Brutus and Lucilius converse apart upLC 
 Cas. (R C). Messala! 
 Mes. {R). [Standing forth] What says my 
 
 general? 
 Cas. Messala {R C), 
 215 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 This is my birthday; as this very day 
 Was Cassius born. Give me thy hand, Messala : 
 Be thou my witness that against my will, 
 As Pompey was, am I compell'd to set 
 Upon one battle all our liberties. 
 
 Bru. Even so, Lucilius. {{Goes down to L 
 They have been conversing up LU.) 
 
 Cas. {R C). Now, most noble Brutus. 
 
 The gods to-day stand friendly, that we may, 
 Lovers in peace, lead on our days to age ! 
 But since the affairs of ] men rest still in- 
 certain, 
 Let's reason with the worst that may befall. 
 If we do lose this battle, then is this 
 The very last time we shall speak together: 
 What are you then determined to do? 
 
 Bru. Even by the rule of that philosophy 
 By which I did blame Cato for the death 
 Which he did give himself, I know not how, 
 But I do find it cowardly and vile. 
 For fear of what might fall, so to prevent 
 The time of life : arming myself with patience 
 To stay the providence of some high powers 
 That govern us below. 
 
 Cas. {R C). Then, if we lose this battle, 
 217 
 
^Brutus and Cassius embrace, putting hands on 
 each other^s shoulders. 
 
 ^In order to blend these scenes Cassius and his 
 men go of quickly Rl, Brutus remains as if giving 
 orders to Messala. 
 
 218 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 You are contented to be led in triumph 
 Through the streets of Rome? 
 
 Bru. No, Cassius, no: think not, thou no'ole 
 Roman {coming C), 
 That ever Brutus will go bound to Rome; 
 He bears too great a mind. But this same day 
 Must end that work the ides of March begun; 
 And whether we shall meet again I know not. 
 Therefore our everlasting farewell take: 
 For ever, and for ever, farewell, Cassius! 
 If we do meet again, why, we shall smile; 
 If not, why then, this parting was well made. 
 
 Cas. For ever, and for ever, farewell, Brutus!^ 
 If we do meet again, we'll smile indeed; 
 If not, 'tis true this parting was well made. 
 
 Bru. {R C). Why, then, lead on. 0, that 
 a man might know 
 The end of this day's business ere it come! 
 But it sulBSceth that the day will end, 
 And then the end is known. Come, ho! away!^ 
 
 [Exeunt RI 
 (Exeunt Rl: or go up, and remain on) 
 
 Alarums keep up as in distance R and L. Cas- 
 sius must go round quickly and come on at Ll. 
 219 
 
JULIUS CiESAR 
 
 No change of scene is needed. The field of battle. 
 
 Alarum. Brutus and Messala up R 3 
 
 Bru. Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give these 
 bills 
 Unto the legions on the other side. 
 
 [Loud alarum outside R 
 Let them set on at once; for I perceive 
 But cold demeanour in Octavius' wing. 
 And sudden push gives them the overthrow. 
 Ride, ride, Messala: let them all come down. 
 
 [Exeunt RI 
 
 A change of scene is allowable, but unnecessary. 
 
 Alarums. Enter Cassius(2) and Titinius(i) 
 
 Cas. (C). O, look, Titinius, look, the villains 
 fly! {He carries an S P QR ensign.) 
 Myself have to mine own tum'd enemy; 
 This ensign here of mine was turning back; 
 I slew the coward, and did take it from him. 
 Tit. {L C). O Cassius, Brutus gave the word 
 too early; 
 Who, having some advantage on Octavius, 
 Took it too eagerly: his soldiers fell to spoil, 
 Whilst we by Antony are all enclos'd. 
 
// Elizabethan, Pindarus gets up on balcony at 
 back. If a scenic stage on the raised terrace or 
 embattlement. 
 
 "^Pindarus gets on balcony up C. 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Enter Pindarus from R 
 
 Pin. (R). Fly further off , my lord, fly further 
 off; 
 Mark Antony is in your tents, my lord: 
 Fly, therefore, noble Cassius, fly far off, 
 Cas. This hill is far enough. Look, look, 
 Titinius : 
 Are those my tents where I perceive the fire? 
 Tit. They are, my lord. 
 Cas. (R C). Titinius, if thou lovest me. 
 Mount thou my horse, and hide thy spurs in 
 
 him. 
 Till he have brought thee up to yonder troops, 
 And here again; that I may rest assured 
 Whether yond troops are friend or enemy. 
 Tit. I will be there again, even with a 
 thought. [Exit R U 
 
 Cas. {R C). Go, Pindarus, (R) get higher on 
 that hill: 
 My sight was ever thick; regard Titinius, 
 And tell me what thou not'st about the field. 
 
 [Pindarus ascends the hilV- 
 This day I breathed first: time is come round. 
 And- where I did begin, there shall I end; 
 My life is run his compass. Sirrah, what news? 
 223 
 
^Cassius stands L C, faces Pindarus, who is 
 R C; Cassius puts his pallium up and Pindarus 
 practically goes right into his arms; Cassius falls 
 C. 
 
 224 
 
JULIUS CESAR 
 
 Pin. [Above.] O my lord! {Looking off R.) 
 
 Cas. What news? 
 
 Pin. [Alove^ Titinius is enclosed round 
 about 
 With horsemen, that make to him on the spur; 
 Yet he spurs on. Now they are almost on him. 
 Now, Titinius ! Now some light. O, he lights too. 
 He's ta'en. [Shouti\ And, hark! they shout for 
 joy. 
 
 Cas.^ Come down, behold no more 
 O, coward that I am, to live so long, 
 To see my best friend ta'en before my face! 
 
 PiNDARUS descends R 
 
 Come hither, sirrah: {Gets sword ready) 
 
 In Parthia did I take thee prisoner; 
 
 And then I swore thee, saving of thy life, 
 
 That whatsoever I did bid thee do 
 
 Thou shouldst attempt it. Come now, keep 
 
 thine oath; 
 Now be a freeman: and with this good sword 
 That ran through Csesar's bowels, search this 
 
 bosom. 
 Stand not to answer: here, take thou the hilts; 
 And, when my face is cover'd, as 'tis now,^ 
 225 
 
^Pindarus pauses a moment for Cassius to die. 
 ^Titinius kneels above the dead body of Cassius. 
 
 226 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Guide thou the sword. [Pindarus stabs him.] 
 
 Cffisar, thou art reveng'd {He falls.) 
 Even with the sword that kill'd thee, [Dies C 
 Pin. So, I am free ; yet would not so have been, 
 Durst I have done my will. Cassius, 
 Far from this country Pindarus shall run. 
 Where never Roman shall take note of him.^ 
 
 [Exit Li running. 
 
 Re-enter Titinius with Messala Ki 
 
 Mes. It is but change, Titinius: for Octavius 
 Is overthrown by noble Brutus' power, 
 As Cassius' legions are by Antony. 
 
 Mes. Is not that he that Hes upon the ground? 
 
 Fit. He Ues not like the living. my heart! 
 
 Mes. Is not that he? 
 
 Tit. {Kneels C).^ No, this was he, Messala, 
 But Cassius is no more. O setting sun, 
 The sun of Rome is set! Our day is gone; 
 Clouds, dews, and dangers come; our deeds are 
 
 done! 
 Mistrust of my success hath done this deed. 
 
 Mes. Mistrust of good succes hath done this 
 deed. 
 But kill'st the mother that engender'd thee! 
 227 
 
'^Takes wreath from his wrist, and as he holds 
 the body in his arms places wreath on Cassius* 
 head. 
 
 ^There should be at least eight soldiers on either 
 side. Four of them lift the body of Titinius, four 
 lift that of Cassius, and they march off R to slow 
 measured drum-beats. A flourish and alarum 
 as body goes of Ri. 
 
 Brutus remains on stage. 
 
 228 
 
JULIUS CESAR 
 
 Tit. Where art thou, Pindarus? {Calls for him) 
 
 Mes. Seek him, Titinius, whilst I go to meet 
 The noble Brutus, thrusting this report into his 
 ears. 
 
 Tit. {Kneeling). Hie you, Messala, 
 And I will seek for Pindarus the while. 
 
 [Exit Messala L, running 
 Why didst thou send me forth, brave Cassius? 
 Did I not meet thy friends? and did not they 
 Put on my brows this wreath of victory, 
 And bid me give it thee? Didst thou not hear 
 
 their shouts? 
 Alas, thou hast misconstrued every thing! 
 But, hold thee, take this garland on thy brow;^ 
 Thy Brutus bid me give it thee, and I 
 Will do his bidding. Brutus, come apace, 
 And see how I regarded Caius Cassius. 
 By your leave, gods: {kiss) this is a Roman's part: 
 {finds sword) — Come, Cassius' sword, and find 
 Titinius' heart. 
 
 [Kills himself and falls over Cassius'' feet. T- 
 
 Alarum. Re-enter Messala, with Brutus, young 
 Cato, Strato, Volumnius, and Lucilius^ 
 
 Bru. Where, where, Messala, doth his body lie? 
 229^ 
 
Dardanius 
 
 -Strato 
 
 Brutus approaches each of his soldiers as they 
 stand at ease. Strato goes L C when called. 
 
 230 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Mes. Lo, yonder, and Titinius mourning it. 
 
 Bru. Titinius' face is upward. 
 
 Cato. He is slain. 
 
 Bru. O Julius Caesar, thou art mighty yet! 
 Thy spirit walks abroad, and turns our swords 
 In our own proper entrails. [Low alarums 
 
 Cato. Brave Titinius! 
 
 Look, whether he have not crown'd dead Cassius! 
 
 Bru. The last of all the Romans, fare thee well I 
 It is impossible that ever Rome 
 Should breed thy fellow. Friends, I owe more 
 
 tears 
 To this dead man than you shall see me pay. 
 I shall find time, Cassius, I shall find time. 
 Come, therefore, and to Thasos send his body: 
 'Tis three o'clock; and, Romans, yet ere night 
 We shall try fortune in a second fight. 
 [Exeunt Ri soldiers with bodies] — a pause "^ 
 
 Brutus, DAKDANros, Clitus, Strato, and 
 VoLUMNius lower swords at exeunt. 
 
 Bru. Come, poor remains of friends. 
 Hark thee, Clitus. [Whispers 
 
 Cli. (RC.) What, I, my lord? No, not for 
 all the world. 
 
 231 
 
JULIUS CJESAR 
 
 Bru. Peace then! no words. 
 
 Cli. I'll rather kill myself. 
 
 Bru. Hark thee, Dardanius. \Whispers 
 
 Dar. Shall I do such a deed? 
 
 Cli. Dardanius! 
 
 Dar. CHtus! 
 
 Cli. What ill request did Brutus make to thee? 
 
 Dar. To kill him, Clitus. Look, he meditates. 
 
 Cli. Now is that noble vessel full of grief, 
 That it runs over even at his eyes. 
 
 Bru. Come hither, good Volumnius; list a 
 word. 
 
 Vol. What says my lord? {Goes to him) 
 
 Bru. Why, this, Volumnius: 
 
 The ghost of Csesar hath appear'd to me 
 I know my hour is come. 
 
 Vol. Not so, my lord. 
 
 Bru. Nay, I am sure it is, Volumnius. 
 
 [Low alarums 
 Thou know'st that we two went to school to- 
 gether: 
 Even for that our love of old, I prithee. 
 Hold thou my sword-hilts, whilst I run on it. 
 
 Vol. That's not an office for a friend, my lord. 
 
 [Alarum still 
 233 
 
JULIUS CiESAR 
 
 CH. Fly, fly, my lord; there is no tarrying 
 here. 
 
 Bru. Farewell to you; and you; and you, 
 Volumnius. {Strato is L.) 
 Strato, thou has been all this while asleep, 
 Farewell to thee too, Strato. Countrjrmen, 
 My heart doth joy that yet in all my Hfe 
 I found no man but he was true to me. 
 I shall have glory by this losing day. 
 So fare you well at once; for Brutus' tongue 
 Hath almost ended his life's history: 
 Night hangs upon mine eyes ; my bones would rest, 
 That have but labour'd to attain this hour. 
 
 [Alarum. Cry within, "Fly, fly, fly!" 
 
 from R 
 
 Cli. Fly, my lord, fly. 
 
 Bru. {C) Hence! I will follow. 
 
 {Exeunt Clitus, Dardanius, and Volumnius ofR 
 I prithee, Strato, stay thou by thy lord : 
 Thou art a fellow of a good respect; 
 Thy life hath had some smatch of honour in it: 
 Hold then my sword, and turn away thy face, 
 While I do run upon it. Wilt thou, Strato? 
 
 Stra. Give me your hand first. Fare you 
 well, my lord. 
 
 235 
 
^Brutus dies in the same manner, holding up 
 cloak so that audience do not see the stab. Strato 
 remains standing over him L C. 
 
 ^Antony with drawn sword and shield crosses 
 to body of Brutus, which is C, stands over him C 
 to L till end. 
 
 236 
 
JULIUS CESAR 
 
 Bru. Farewell, good Strato. [Runs on his 
 sword.] Caesar, now be still: 
 I kill'd not thee with half so good a will. Dies^ 
 
 Alarum. Retreat. Enter Octavius (i), An- 
 TONY^ (2), Messala, Lucilius, and the Army 
 from R 
 
 Oct. (C). What man is that? 
 
 Mes. (R). My master's man. Strato (Z, C), 
 
 where is thy master? 
 Stra. {L C). Free from the bondage you are 
 in, Messala: 
 The conquerors can but make a fire of him; 
 For Brutus only overcame himself, 
 And no man else hath honour by his death. 
 Oct. (C). All that serv'd Brutus, I will enter- 
 tain them. 
 Fellow, wilt thou bestow thy time with 
 me? 
 Stra. (L). Ay, if Messala will prefer me to 
 you. 
 Oct. {Crosses to R). Do so, good Messala. 
 Mes. (R). How died my master, Strato? 
 Stra. (L). I held the sword, and he did run 
 on it. 
 
 237 
 
A Roman Soldier 
 
 ^Pointing with his sword over body of Brutus — 
 C. If a scenic stage the soldiers raise body of 
 Brutus for picture. If Elizabethan, four soldiers 
 lift body and carry of R to low drum beats; Ccesar, 
 Antony, and others following. 
 
 238 
 
JULIUS C^SAR 
 
 Mes. (R). Octavius, then take him to follow 
 thee, 
 That did the latest service to my master. 
 
 Ant. (Crosses to C). This was the noblest 
 Roman of them all. 
 All the conspirators save only he 
 Did that they did in envy of great Caesar; 
 He only, in a general honest thought 
 And common good to all, made one of them. 
 His Ufe was gentle, and the elements 
 So mix'd in him, that Nature might stand up 
 And say to all the world, "This was a man!^" 
 
 Oct. According to his virtue let us use him, 
 With all respect and rites of burial. 
 Within my tent his bones to-night shall lie, 
 Most like a soldier, order'd honourably. 
 So call the field to rest; and let's away 
 To part the glories of this happy day. 
 
 [Exeunt slow march R 
 
 239 
 
THE COUNTRY LIFE PRESS 
 GARDEN CITY, N. Y. 
 

 
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 
 
 013 998 158 3 •