Julius Caesar

[Trumpet call. Enter Brutus and Messala]

Brutus

Ride Messala, and give these instructions to the legions on the other side of our formation.

[Loud trumpet call]

Let them begin the battle at once, for I can see that Octavius' troops are in low spirits, and with a sudden push we can defeat them. Ride on, Messala! Let them advance.

[Exit]

 

[Enter Octavius, Antony, and their armies]

Octavius

Now, Antony, everything is turning out as we had hoped. You said the enemy wouldn't come down into the valleys, but would stick to the hills and higher ground. That proves to be false. Their forces are nearby, and they intend to confront us at Philippi, entering into battle before we force it on them.

[Drum. Enter Brutus, Lucilius, Lucius, and Soldiers; Titinius and Pindarus meeting them]

Brutus

Stop!

Lucilius

Pass on the order, and stop!

Brutus

What's this, Lucilius, is Cassius nearby?

Lucilius

He's close by. Pindarus has come to salute you on behalf of this master.

[Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus, seated at a table]

Antony

These people will be killed, then; their names have been marked.

Octavius

Your brother has to die too. Do you agree, Lepidus?

Lepidus

I do agree.

Octavius

Mark him down, Antony.

Lepidus

On the condition that Publius, your nephew, Mark Antony, also dies.

[Enter Cinna the poet]

Cinna the Poet

I dreamed last night that I was feasting with Caesar, and my dream was full of unlucky omens. I don't want to leave home, but something's drawing me out.

[Enter Plebeian]

First Plebeian

What is your name?

Second Plebeian

Where are you going?

Third Plebeian

Where do you live?

[Enter Brutus and Cassius, and a throng of Citizens]

Plebeians

Give us some answers! We want answers!

Brutus

Then follow me and let me speak to you, friends. Cassius, you go into the other street and divide the crowd. Let anyone who wants to hear me speak stay here, and those who wish to hear you can go with you. We'll both give reasons before the public for Caesar's death.

First Plebeian

I want to hear Brutus speak.

Caesar

[To the Soothsayer] The 15th of March has come.

Soothsayer

Yes, Caesar, but it is not over.

Artemidorus

Greetings, Caesar! Read this schedule.

Decius Brutus

Trebonius would like you to read over his humble request, at your leisure.

Artemidorus

Oh, Caesar, read mine first, for mine is a request that's more relevant to you. Read it, great Caesar!

Artemidorus

'Caesar, beware of Brutus. Be careful of Cassius. Don't go near Casca. Look out for Cinna. Don't trust Trebonius. Watch out for Metellus Cimber. Decius Brutus is not a friend to you. You have wronged Caius Ligarius. All these men are of one mind, and it is turned against you. If you're not immortal, watch out. Overconfidence leads the way to conspiracy. May the mighty gods defend you!

With love,

Artemidorus'

Caesar

Neither heaven nor earth have been quiet tonight. Calpurnia cried out three times in her sleep "Oh no, they're murdering Caesar!"—Who's there?

[Enter a Servant]

Servant

My lord?

Caesar

Go tell the priests to perform an animal sacrifice immediately, read the signs in its internal organs, and report to me whether or not this bodes success for my endeavors.

Servant

I will, my lord.

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