You are here

All Site ContentJulius CaesarAct 5Scene 3
Back to the Play
"whether yond troops are friend or enemy"
Historical Context
Act 5,
Scene 3
Lines 12-19

An explanation of the phrase "whether yond troops are friend or enemy" in Act 5, Scene 3 of myShakespeare's Julius Caesar. 

Cassius

This hill is far enough. Look, look, Titinius — 
Are those my tents where I perceive the fire?

Titinius

They are, my lord.

Cassius

                                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.

Titinius

I will be here again, even with a thought.

Cassius’ legions are being overcome; the best Cassius can do is to escape with some of his men. He sees a group of cavalry approaching from the direction of Brutus’ wing.  If these are Antony’s men, then Cassius is completely surrounded and there is no escape — he’ll either die or be taken prisoner.