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All Site ContentJulius CaesarAct 1Scene 2
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"too strange a hand"
Metaphor
Act 1,
Scene 2
Lines 28-36a

An explanation of the horseback riding metaphor in Act 1, Scene 2 of myShakespeare’s Julius Caesar.

Brutus

I am not gamesome.  I do lack some part
Of that quick spirit that is in Antony.
Let me not hinder, Cassius, your desires.
I'll leave you.

Cassius

Brutus, I do observe you now of late;
I have not from your eyes that gentleness
And show of love as I was wont to have.
You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand
Over your friend that loves you.

Brutus

Cassius

Brutus

Cassius

Brutus

Cassius

[Trumpets, shouting]

Brutus

Cassius

Brutus

Cassius

[Shouts. Trumpets sound.]

Brutus

Cassius

Brutus

Cassius

[Re-enter Caesar and his train of followers.]

Brutus

Cassius

Brutus

Cassius

Caesar

Antony

Caesar

Antony

Caesar

[Trumpets sound Caesar's exit. Caesar exits with all his followers except Casca.]

Casca

Brutus

Casca

Brutus

Casca

Brutus

Casca

Cassius

Casca

Brutus

Casca

Cassius

Casca

Brutus

Casca

Cassius

Casca

Brutus

Cassius

Casca

Brutus

Casca

Brutus

Casca

Cassius

Casca

Cassius

Casca

Cassius

Casca

Cassius

Casca

Cassius

Casca

[Exit.]

Brutus

Cassius

Brutus

Cassius

[Exit Brutus.]
[Exit.]

Cassius points out to Brutus that he has been acting distant and formal by using a metaphor from horse riding. With a horse you know well, you keep a loose hand over the reins; but with strange horse, the rider keeps a stubborn, or firm, hand over the reins.