Portia tries to send Lucius to the senate to see what is going on, but she doesn’t give him very clear instructions, and he is confused. She says to tell her exactly who is talking to Caesar, and then hears a loud noise. The soothsayer enters, and Portia questions him; he says he is on his way to the Capitol to warn Caesar as he approaches, for although he does not definitively know of some plot against Caesar, he is afraid that one exists. Portia finally sends Lucius to speak to Brutus after the soothsayer leaves.
Portia
Please, boy, go to the senate. Don't stay here to give me a reply, just get going. Why are you hanging around?
Lucius
To hear what my errand is, madam.
Portia
I wish you could go there and come back again in less time than I could tell you what you need to do there. [Aside] Oh, determination, be strong on my side. Make a division between my heart and my tongue. I have a man's intelligence but a woman's weak resolution. It is so hard for a woman to keep a secret! [To Lucius] Are you still here?
Lucius
Madam, what am I supposed to do? Just run to the Capitol, that's it? And just return to you and nothing else?
Portia
Yes, boy, tell me if Caesar looks well, for he was feeling sick when he left. And carefully note what Caesar is doing and who is bringing him petitions. Wait, boy! What's that noise?
Lucius
I don't hear anything, madam.
Portia
Please listen well. I heard a bustling noise like some kind of scuffle, and the wind is carrying it from the direction of the Capitol.
Lucius
Truly, madam, I hear nothing.
Portia
Come here, fellow. Where are you coming from?
Soothsayer
I was at my own house, good lady.
Portia
What time is it?
Soothsayer
Around nine o'clock, lady.
Portia
Has Caesar gone to the Capitol yet?
Soothsayer
Not yet, madam. I'm going to find a place to stand to see him pass by on the way to the Capitol.
Portia
You have some petition for Caesar, don't you?
Soothsayer
Indeed I do, lady, if Caesar will be kind enough to himself to hear it. I will beg him to be a better friend to himself.
Portia
What do you mean, do you know of anyone intending to harm him?
Soothsayer
I do not know for certain that anything will occur, but there is much I fear that could happen. Good day to you. This part of the street is narrow, and the crowd of senators and praetors and ordinary men asking for favors could almost choke a weak man to death. I'll get to a more wide open space, and there I will speak to great Caesar as he passes by.
Portia
I must go inside. Alas, the heart of a woman is such a weak thing! Oh Brutus, may heaven help you in your enterprise! [Aside] Oh, god, surely the boy heard me. [To Lucius] Brutus must have a petition Caesar won't grant. Oh, I feel faint. Run, Lucius, and give my respects to your lord Brutus. Tell him I'm feeling happy. Then come back to me, and bring me word of what he said to you.
