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All Site ContentJulius CaesarAct 3Scene 1
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"leaden points"
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Act 3,
Scene 1
Lines 165-177

An explanation of the historical context for the phrase “leaden points” in Act 3, Scene 1 of myShakespeare’s Julius Caesar.

Brutus

O Antony, beg not your death of us!
Though now we must appear bloody and cruel,
As by our hands and this our present act
You see we do, yet see you but our hands
And this the bleeding business they have done.
Our hearts you see not; they are pitiful;
And pity to the general wrong of Rome — 
As fire drives out fire, so pity pity — 
Hath done this deed on Caesar. For your part,
To you our swords have leaden points, Mark Antony.
Our arms no strength of malice, and our hearts
Of brothers' temper, do receive you in
With all kind love, good thoughts, and reverence.

Because lead is a soft metal, balls of lead were stuck on the ends of fencing swords to make them safe for practicing and sport competitions. Brutus is telling Antony that they mean him no harm.