Act 3, Scene 3

Scene Summary
[Enter Cinna the poet.]

Cinna the Poet

I dreamt tonight that I did feast with Caesar,
And things unlucky charge my fantasy.
I have no will to wander forth of doors,
Yet something leads me forth.
[Enter Plebeians.]

First Plebeian

What is your name?

Second Plebeian

Whither are you going?

Third Plebeian

Where do you dwell?

Fourth Plebeian

Are you a married man or a bachelor?

Second Plebeian

Answer every man directly.

First Plebeian

Ay, and briefly.

Fourth Plebeian

Ay, and wisely.

Third Plebeian

Ay, and truly, you were best.

Cinna the Poet

What is my name? Whither am I going? Where do
I dwell? Am I a married man or a bachelor? Then to
answer every man directly and briefly, wisely and truly:
wisely I say, I am a bachelor.

Second Plebeian

That's as much as to say they are fools
that marry. You'll bear me a bang for that, I fear. Proceed,
directly.

Cinna the Poet

Directly, I am going to Caesar's funeral.

First Plebeian

As a friend, or an enemy?

Cinna the Poet

As a friend.

Second Plebeian

That matter is answered directly.

Fourth Plebeian

For your dwelling, briefly.

Cinna the Poet

Briefly, I dwell by the Capitol.

Third Plebeian

Your name, sir, truly.

Cinna the Poet

Truly, my name is Cinna.

First Plebeian

Tear him to pieces, he's a conspirator!

Cinna the Poet

I am Cinna the poet! I am Cinna the poet!

Fourth Plebeian

Tear him for his bad verses, tear him for
his bad verses!

Cinna the Poet

I am not Cinna the conspirator.

Fourth Plebeian

It is no matter, his name's Cinna! Pluck
but his name out of his heart, and turn him going.

Third Plebeian

Tear him, tear him!
Come, brands ho! Firebrands! To Brutus', to Cassius’!
Burn all! Some to Decius’ house, and some to Casca’s;
Some to Ligarius’! Away, go!
[Exit.]
Character Interview: Cinna the Poet
Character Interview: Plebeians