Julius Caesar

Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus are coming up with a list of senators to assassinate, including a Lepidus' brother and Antony’s nephew. When Lepidus leaves, Antony expresses his disdain for him, to Octavius’ surprise. Antony explains that he plans to use Lepidus when fighting against Brutus and Cassius, but to deny him any real power once the conflict is over.

The citizens demand answers regarding Caesar’s death. Brutus makes a speech explaining that although he valued Caesar as a friend, it was appropriate to kill him for his ambition, and that he did so with the good of Rome in mind. He challenges the crowd, saying that anyone who loves his freedom must stand with Brutus. Mark Antony enters with Caesar’s body. The crowd clamors for Brutus, and Brutus tells them to listen to Mark Antony. The plebeians are reluctant to listen to Mark Antony at all, claiming that Caesar was a tyrant.

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.

Caesar remarks on the stormy night and his wife’s bad dreams. He asks the priests to do an animal sacrifice to see what the future holds for him. Calpurnia enters and begs Caesar not to go to the senate that day, as she has a strong feeling he will be in danger after having a dream about Romans drinking Caesar’s blood. Caesar insists that he is unafraid--everyone dies anyway. The priests report that they found no heart in the sacrificed animal--a traditionally bad omen--which Caesar interprets as the gods rebuking any potential cowardice.