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No Fear Translations
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Modern Text |
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Enter BRUTUS and CASSIUS with the PLEBEIANS
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BRUTUS and CASSIUS enter with a throng of
PLEBEIANSPlebeians = the common people of Rome |
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PLEBEIANS We will be satisfied! Let us be satisfied!
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PLEBEIANS We will be satisfied! Let us be satisfied!
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BRUTUS Then follow me and give me audience, friends.
—Cassius, go you into the other street
And part the numbers.
Those that will follow Cassius, go with him,
And public reasons shall be renderèd
Of Caesar’s death.
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BRUTUS Then follow me and give me audience, friends.
—Cassius, go you into the other street
And part the numbers.
Those that will follow Cassius, go with him,
And public reasons shall be renderèd
Of Caesar’s death.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN I will hear Brutus speak.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN I will hear Brutus speak.
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ANOTHER PLEBEIAN I will hear Cassius and compare their reasons
10 When severally we hear them renderèd.
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ANOTHER PLEBEIAN I will hear Cassius and compare their reasons
When severally we hear them renderèd.
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Exit CASSIUS with some of the PLEBEIANS BRUTUS goes into the pulpit
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Exit CASSIUS with some of the PLEBEIANS BRUTUS goes into the pulpit
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THIRD PLEBEIAN The noble Brutus is ascended. Silence!
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THIRD PLEBEIAN The noble Brutus is ascended. Silence!
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BRUTUS Be patient till the last. Romans, countrymen, and lovers! Hear me for my cause, and be silent that you may hear. Believe me for mine honor, and have respect to mine honor that you may believe. Censure me in your wisdom, and awake your senses that you may the better judge. If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar’s, to him I say that Brutus' love to Caesar was no less than his. If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.
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BRUTUS Be patient till the last. Romans, countrymen, and lovers! Hear me for my cause, and be silent that you may hear. Believe me for mine honor, and have respect to mine honor that you may believe. Censure me in your wisdom, and awake your senses that you may the better judge. If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar’s, to him I say that Brutus' love to Caesar was no less than his. If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.
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Had you rather Caesar were living and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men? As Caesar loved me, I weep for him. As he was fortunate, I rejoice at it. As he was valiant, I honor him. But, as he was ambitious, I slew him. There is tears for his love, joy for his fortune, honor for his valor, and death for his ambition. Who is here so base that would be a bondman? If any, speak—for him have I offended. Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any, speak—for him have I offended. Who is here so vile that will not love his country? If any, speak—for him have I offended. I pause for a reply.
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Had you rather Caesar were living and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men? As Caesar loved me, I weep for him. As he was fortunate, I rejoice at it. As he was valiant, I honor him. But, as he was ambitious, I slew him. There is tears for his love, joy for his fortune, honor for his valor, and death for his ambition. Who is here so base that would be a bondman? If any, speak—for him have I offended. Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any, speak—for him have I offended. Who is here so vile that will not love his country? If any, speak—for him have I offended. I pause for a reply.
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ALL None, Brutus, none.
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ALL None, Brutus, none.
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BRUTUS Then none have I offended. I have done no more to Caesar than you shall do to Brutus. The question of his death is enrolled in the Capitol. His glory not extenuated wherein he was worthy, nor his offenses enforced for which he suffered death.
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BRUTUS Then none have I offended. I have done no more to Caesar than you shall do to Brutus. The question of his death is enrolled in the Capitol. His glory not extenuated wherein he was worthy, nor his offenses enforced for which he suffered death.
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Enter Mark ANTONY with CAESAR ’s body
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Enter Mark ANTONY with CAESAR ’s body
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Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony, who, though he had no hand in his death, shall receive the benefit of his dying—a place in the commonwealth—as which of you shall not? With this I depart: that, as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself when it shall please my country to need my death.
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Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony, who, though he had no hand in his death, shall receive the benefit of his dying—a place in the commonwealth—as which of you shall not? With this I depart: that, as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself when it shall please my country to need my death.
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ALL 45 Live, Brutus! Live, live!
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ALL Live, Brutus! Live, live!
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Bring him with triumph home unto his house!
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Bring him with triumph home unto his house!
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Give him a statue with his ancestors!
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Give him a statue with his ancestors!
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Let him be Caesar!
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Let him be Caesar!
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN Caesar’s better parts
Shall be crowned in Brutus!
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN Caesar’s better parts
Shall be crowned in Brutus!
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FIRST PLEBEIAN |
FIRST PLEBEIAN |
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BRUTUS My countrymen—
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BRUTUS My countrymen—
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Peace, silence! Brutus speaks.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Peace, silence! Brutus speaks.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Peace, ho!
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Peace, ho!
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BRUTUS Good countrymen, let me depart alone.
And, for my sake, stay here with Antony.
55 Do grace to Caesar’s corpse, and grace his speech
Tending to Caesar’s glories, which Mark Antony
By our permission is allowed to make.
I do entreat you, not a man depart,
Save I alone, till Antony have spoke.
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BRUTUS Good countrymen, let me depart alone.
And, for my sake, stay here with Antony.
Do grace to Caesar’s corpse, and grace his speech
Tending to Caesar’s glories, which Mark Antony
By our permission is allowed to make.
I do entreat you, not a man depart,
Save I alone, till Antony have spoke.
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Exit BRUTUS
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Exit BRUTUS
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FIRST PLEBEIAN 60 Stay, ho! And let us hear Mark Antony.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Stay, ho! And let us hear Mark Antony.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Let him go up into the public chair.
We’ll hear him.—Noble Antony, go up.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Let him go up into the public chair.
We’ll hear him.—Noble Antony, go up.
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ANTONY For Brutus' sake, I am beholding to you.
(ascends the pulpit)
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ANTONY For Brutus' sake, I am beholding to you.
(ascends the pulpit)
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN 65 What does he say of Brutus?
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN What does he say of Brutus?
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THIRD PLEBEIAN He says for Brutus' sake
He finds himself beholding to us all.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN He says for Brutus' sake
He finds himself beholding to us all.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN 'Twere best he speak no harm of Brutus here.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN 'Twere best he speak no harm of Brutus here.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN This Caesar was a tyrant.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN This Caesar was a tyrant.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Nay, that’s certain.
We are blest that Rome is rid of him.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Nay, that’s certain.
We are blest that Rome is rid of him.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN 70 Peace! Let us hear what Antony can say.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN Peace! Let us hear what Antony can say.
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ANTONY You gentle Romans—
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ANTONY You gentle Romans—
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ALL Peace, ho! Let us hear him.
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ALL Peace, ho! Let us hear him.
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ANTONY Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.
I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.
The evil that men do lives after them;
75 The good is oft interrèd with their bones.
So let it be with Caesar. The noble Brutus
Hath told you Caesar was ambitious.
If it were so, it was a grievous fault,
And grievously hath Caesar answered it.
80 Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest—
For Brutus is an honorable man;
So are they all, all honorable men—
Come I to speak in Caesar’s funeral.
He was my friend, faithful and just to me.
85 But Brutus says he was ambitious,
And Brutus is an honorable man.
He hath brought many captives home to Rome
Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill.
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ANTONY Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.
I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.
The evil that men do lives after them;
The good is oft interrèd with their bones.
So let it be with Caesar. The noble Brutus
Hath told you Caesar was ambitious.
If it were so, it was a grievous fault,
And grievously hath Caesar answered it.
Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest—
For Brutus is an honorable man;
So are they all, all honorable men—
Come I to speak in Caesar’s funeral.
He was my friend, faithful and just to me.
But Brutus says he was ambitious,
And Brutus is an honorable man.
He hath brought many captives home to Rome
Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill.
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Did this in Caesar seem ambitious?
90 When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept.
Ambition should be made of sterner stuff.
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious,
And Brutus is an honorable man.
You all did see that on the Lupercal
95 I thrice presented him a kingly crown,
Which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition?
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious,
And, sure, he is an honorable man.
I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke,
100 But here I am to speak what I do know.
You all did love him once, not without cause.
What cause withholds you then to mourn for him?
O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason. Bear with me.
105 My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar,
And I must pause till it come back to me. (weeps)
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Did this in Caesar seem ambitious?
When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept.
Ambition should be made of sterner stuff.
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious,
And Brutus is an honorable man.
You all did see that on the Lupercal
I thrice presented him a kingly crown,
Which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition?
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious,
And, sure, he is an honorable man.
I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke,
But here I am to speak what I do know.
You all did love him once, not without cause.
What cause withholds you then to mourn for him?
O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason. Bear with me.
My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar,
And I must pause till it come back to me. (weeps)
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Methinks there is much reason in his sayings.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Methinks there is much reason in his sayings.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN If thou consider rightly of the matter,
Caesar has had great wrong.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN If thou consider rightly of the matter,
Caesar has had great wrong.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Has he, masters?
110 I fear there will a worse come in his place.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Has he, masters?
I fear there will a worse come in his place.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN Marked ye his words? He would not take the crown.
Therefore ’tis certain he was not ambitious.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN Marked ye his words? He would not take the crown.
Therefore ’tis certain he was not ambitious.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN If it be found so, some will dear abide it.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN If it be found so, some will dear abide it.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Poor soul! His eyes are red as fire with weeping.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Poor soul! His eyes are red as fire with weeping.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN 115 There’s not a nobler man in Rome than Antony.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN There’s not a nobler man in Rome than Antony.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN Now mark him. He begins again to speak.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN Now mark him. He begins again to speak.
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ANTONY But yesterday the word of Caesar might
Have stood against the world. Now lies he there,
And none so poor to do him reverence.
120 O masters, if I were disposed to stir
Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage,
I should do Brutus wrong, and Cassius wrong—
Who, you all know, are honorable men.
I will not do them wrong. I rather choose
125 To wrong the dead, to wrong myself and you,
Than I will wrong such honorable men.
But here’s a parchment with the seal of Caesar.
I found it in his closet. 'Tis his will.
Let but the commons hear this testament—
130 Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read—
And they would go and kiss dead Caesar’s wounds
And dip their napkins in his sacred blood,
Yea, beg a hair of him for memory,
And, dying, mention it within their wills,
135 Bequeathing it as a rich legacy
Unto their issue.
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ANTONY But yesterday the word of Caesar might
Have stood against the world. Now lies he there,
And none so poor to do him reverence.
O masters, if I were disposed to stir
Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage,
I should do Brutus wrong, and Cassius wrong—
Who, you all know, are honorable men.
I will not do them wrong. I rather choose
To wrong the dead, to wrong myself and you,
Than I will wrong such honorable men.
But here’s a parchment with the seal of Caesar.
I found it in his closet. 'Tis his will.
Let but the commons hear this testament—
Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read—
And they would go and kiss dead Caesar’s wounds
And dip their napkins in his sacred blood,
Yea, beg a hair of him for memory,
And, dying, mention it within their wills,
Bequeathing it as a rich legacy
Unto their issue.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN We’ll hear the will. Read it, Mark Antony!
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN We’ll hear the will. Read it, Mark Antony!
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ALL The will, the will! We will hear Caesar’s will.
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ALL The will, the will! We will hear Caesar’s will.
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ANTONY Have patience, gentle friends. I must not read it.
140 It is not meet you know how Caesar loved you.
You are not wood, you are not stones, but men.
And, being men, bearing the will of Caesar,
It will inflame you, it will make you mad.
'Tis good you know not that you are his heirs.
145 For, if you should—Oh, what would come of it!
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ANTONY Have patience, gentle friends. I must not read it.
It is not meet you know how Caesar loved you.
You are not wood, you are not stones, but men.
And, being men, bearing the will of Caesar,
It will inflame you, it will make you mad.
'Tis good you know not that you are his heirs.
For, if you should—Oh, what would come of it!
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN Read the will. We’ll hear it, Antony.
You shall read us the will, Caesar’s will.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN Read the will. We’ll hear it, Antony.
You shall read us the will, Caesar’s will.
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ANTONY Will you be patient? Will you stay awhile?
I have o'ershot myself to tell you of it.
150 I fear I wrong the honorable men
Whose daggers have stabbed Caesar. I do fear it.
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ANTONY Will you be patient? Will you stay awhile?
I have o'ershot myself to tell you of it.
I fear I wrong the honorable men
Whose daggers have stabbed Caesar. I do fear it.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN They were traitors! “Honorable men”!
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN They were traitors! “Honorable men”!
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ALL The will! The testament!
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ALL The will! The testament!
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SECOND PLEBEIAN They were villains, murderers. The will! Read the will!
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SECOND PLEBEIAN They were villains, murderers. The will! Read the will!
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ANTONY 155 You will compel me, then, to read the will?
Then make a ring about the corpse of Caesar,
And let me show you him that made the will.
Shall I descend? And will you give me leave?
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ANTONY You will compel me, then, to read the will?
Then make a ring about the corpse of Caesar,
And let me show you him that made the will.
Shall I descend? And will you give me leave?
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ALL Come down.
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ALL Come down.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Descend.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Descend.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN You shall have leave.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN You shall have leave.
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ANTONY descends from the pulpit
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ANTONY descends from the pulpit
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN A ring!
160 Stand round.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN A ring!
Stand round.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Stand from the hearse. Stand from the body.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Stand from the hearse. Stand from the body.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Room for Antony, most noble Antony!
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Room for Antony, most noble Antony!
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ANTONY Nay, press not so upon me. Stand far off.
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ANTONY Nay, press not so upon me. Stand far off.
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ALL Stand back. Room! Bear back.
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ALL Stand back. Room! Bear back.
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ANTONY If you have tears, prepare to shed them now.
165 You all do know this mantle. I remember
The first time ever Caesar put it on.
'Twas on a summer’s evening in his tent,
That day he overcame the Nervii.
Look, in this place ran Cassius' dagger through.
170 See what a rent the envious Casca made.
Through this the well-belovèd Brutus stabbed.
And as he plucked his cursèd steel away,
Mark how the blood of Caesar followed it,
As rushing out of doors, to be resolved
175 If Brutus so unkindly knocked, or no.
For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar’s angel.
Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him!
This was the most unkindest cut of all.
For when the noble Caesar saw him stab,
180 Ingratitude, more strong than traitors' arms,
Quite vanquished him. Then burst his mighty heart,
And, in his mantle muffling up his face,
Even at the base of Pompey’s statue,
Which all the while ran blood, great Caesar fell.
185 O, what a fall was there, my countrymen!
Then I, and you, and all of us fell down,
Whilst bloody treason flourished over us.
Oh, now you weep, and, I perceive, you feel
The dint of pity. These are gracious drops.
190 Kind souls, what, weep you when you but behold
Our Caesar’s vesture wounded? Look you here,
Here is himself, marred, as you see, with traitors.
(lifts up CAESAR's mantle)
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ANTONY If you have tears, prepare to shed them now.
You all do know this mantle. I remember
The first time ever Caesar put it on.
'Twas on a summer’s evening in his tent,
That day he overcame the Nervii.
Look, in this place ran Cassius' dagger through.
See what a rent the envious Casca made.
Through this the well-belovèd Brutus stabbed.
And as he plucked his cursèd steel away,
Mark how the blood of Caesar followed it,
As rushing out of doors, to be resolved
If Brutus so unkindly knocked, or no.
For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar’s angel.
Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him!
This was the most unkindest cut of all.
For when the noble Caesar saw him stab,
Ingratitude, more strong than traitors' arms,
Quite vanquished him. Then burst his mighty heart,
And, in his mantle muffling up his face,
Even at the base of Pompey’s statue,
Which all the while ran blood, great Caesar fell.
O, what a fall was there, my countrymen!
Then I, and you, and all of us fell down,
Whilst bloody treason flourished over us.
Oh, now you weep, and, I perceive, you feel
The dint of pity. These are gracious drops.
Kind souls, what, weep you when you but behold
Our Caesar’s vesture wounded? Look you here,
Here is himself, marred, as you see, with traitors.
(lifts up CAESAR's mantle)
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FIRST PLEBEIAN O piteous spectacle!
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FIRST PLEBEIAN O piteous spectacle!
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SECOND PLEBEIAN O noble Caesar!
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SECOND PLEBEIAN O noble Caesar!
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THIRD PLEBEIAN 195 O woeful day!
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THIRD PLEBEIAN O woeful day!
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN O traitors, villains!
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN O traitors, villains!
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FIRST PLEBEIAN O most bloody sight!
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FIRST PLEBEIAN O most bloody sight!
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SECOND PLEBEIAN We will be revenged.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN We will be revenged.
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ALL Revenge! About! Seek! Burn! Fire! Kill! Slay!
Let not a traitor live!
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ALL Revenge! About! Seek! Burn! Fire! Kill! Slay!
Let not a traitor live!
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ANTONY Stay, countrymen.
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ANTONY Stay, countrymen.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN 200 Peace there! Hear the noble Antony.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Peace there! Hear the noble Antony.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN We’ll hear him. We’ll follow him. We’ll die with him.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN We’ll hear him. We’ll follow him. We’ll die with him.
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ANTONY Good friends, sweet friends! Let me not stir you up
To such a sudden flood of mutiny.
They that have done this deed are honorable.
205 What private griefs they have, alas, I know not,
That made them do it. They are wise and honorable,
And will, no doubt, with reasons answer you.
I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts.
I am no orator, as Brutus is,
210 But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man
That love my friend. And that they know full well
That gave me public leave to speak of him.
For I have neither wit nor words nor worth,
Action nor utterance nor the power of speech,
215 To stir men’s blood. I only speak right on.
I tell you that which you yourselves do know,
Show you sweet Caesar’s wounds, poor poor dumb mouths,
And bid them speak for me. But were I Brutus,
And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony
220 Would ruffle up your spirits and put a tongue
In every wound of Caesar that should move
The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny.
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ANTONY Good friends, sweet friends! Let me not stir you up
To such a sudden flood of mutiny.
They that have done this deed are honorable.
What private griefs they have, alas, I know not,
That made them do it. They are wise and honorable,
And will, no doubt, with reasons answer you.
I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts.
I am no orator, as Brutus is,
But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man
That love my friend. And that they know full well
That gave me public leave to speak of him.
For I have neither wit nor words nor worth,
Action nor utterance nor the power of speech,
To stir men’s blood. I only speak right on.
I tell you that which you yourselves do know,
Show you sweet Caesar’s wounds, poor poor dumb mouths,
And bid them speak for me. But were I Brutus,
And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony
Would ruffle up your spirits and put a tongue
In every wound of Caesar that should move
The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny.
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ALL We’ll mutiny.
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ALL We’ll mutiny.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN We’ll burn the house of Brutus.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN We’ll burn the house of Brutus.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Away, then! Come, seek the conspirators.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Away, then! Come, seek the conspirators.
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ANTONY 225 Yet hear me, countrymen. Yet hear me speak.
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ANTONY Yet hear me, countrymen. Yet hear me speak.
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ALL Peace, ho! Hear Antony. Most noble Antony!
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ALL Peace, ho! Hear Antony. Most noble Antony!
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ANTONY Why, friends, you go to do you know not what.
Wherein hath Caesar thus deserved your loves?
Alas, you know not. I must tell you then.
230 You have forgot the will I told you of.
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ANTONY Why, friends, you go to do you know not what.
Wherein hath Caesar thus deserved your loves?
Alas, you know not. I must tell you then.
You have forgot the will I told you of.
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ALL Most true. The will! Let’s stay and hear the will.
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ALL Most true. The will! Let’s stay and hear the will.
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ANTONY Here is the will, and under Caesar’s seal
To every Roman citizen he gives—
To every several man—seventy-five drachmas.
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ANTONY Here is the will, and under Caesar’s seal
To every Roman citizen he gives—
To every several man—seventy-five drachmas.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN 235 Most noble Caesar! We’ll revenge his death.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Most noble Caesar! We’ll revenge his death.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN O royal Caesar!
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THIRD PLEBEIAN O royal Caesar!
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ANTONY Hear me with patience.
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ANTONY Hear me with patience.
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ALL Peace, ho!
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ALL Peace, ho!
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ANTONY Moreover, he hath left you all his walks,
His private arbors and new-planted orchards,
On this side Tiber. He hath left them you
240 And to your heirs forever—common pleasures,
To walk abroad and recreate yourselves.
Here was a Caesar! When comes such another?
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ANTONY Moreover, he hath left you all his walks,
His private arbors and new-planted orchards,
On this side Tiber. He hath left them you
And to your heirs forever—common pleasures,
To walk abroad and recreate yourselves.
Here was a Caesar! When comes such another?
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Never, never.—Come, away, away!
We’ll burn his body in the holy place,
245 And with the brands fire the traitors' houses.
Take up the body.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Never, never.—Come, away, away!
We’ll burn his body in the holy place,
And with the brands fire the traitors' houses.
Take up the body.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Go fetch fire.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Go fetch fire.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Pluck down benches.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Pluck down benches.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN Pluck down forms, windows, anything.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN Pluck down forms, windows, anything.
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Exeunt PLEBEIANS with CAESAR ’s body
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Exeunt PLEBEIANS with CAESAR ’s body
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ANTONY Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot.
250 Take thou what course thou wilt!
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ANTONY Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot.
Take thou what course thou wilt!
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Enter OCTAVIUS' SERVANT
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Enter OCTAVIUS' SERVANT
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How now, fellow?
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How now, fellow?
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OCTAVIUS' SERVANT Sir, Octavius is already come to Rome.
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OCTAVIUS' SERVANT Sir, Octavius is already come to Rome.
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ANTONY Where is he?
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ANTONY Where is he?
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OCTAVIUS' SERVANT He and Lepidus are at Caesar’s house.
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OCTAVIUS' SERVANT He and Lepidus are at Caesar’s house.
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ANTONY And thither will I straight to visit him.
255 He comes upon a wish. Fortune is merry,
And in this mood will give us anything.
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ANTONY And thither will I straight to visit him.
He comes upon a wish. Fortune is merry,
And in this mood will give us anything.
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OCTAVIUS' SERVANT I heard him say, Brutus and Cassius
Are rid like madmen through the gates of Rome.
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OCTAVIUS' SERVANT I heard him say, Brutus and Cassius
Are rid like madmen through the gates of Rome.
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ANTONY Belike they had some notice of the people
260 How I had moved them. Bring me to Octavius.
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ANTONY Belike they had some notice of the people
How I had moved them. Bring me to Octavius.
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Exeunt
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Exeunt
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Original Text |
Modern Text |
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Enter BRUTUS and CASSIUS with the PLEBEIANS
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BRUTUS and CASSIUS enter with a throng of
PLEBEIANSPlebeians = the common people of Rome |
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PLEBEIANS We will be satisfied! Let us be satisfied!
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PLEBEIANS We will be satisfied! Let us be satisfied!
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BRUTUS Then follow me and give me audience, friends.
—Cassius, go you into the other street
And part the numbers.
Those that will follow Cassius, go with him,
And public reasons shall be renderèd
Of Caesar’s death.
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BRUTUS Then follow me and give me audience, friends.
—Cassius, go you into the other street
And part the numbers.
Those that will follow Cassius, go with him,
And public reasons shall be renderèd
Of Caesar’s death.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN I will hear Brutus speak.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN I will hear Brutus speak.
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ANOTHER PLEBEIAN I will hear Cassius and compare their reasons
10 When severally we hear them renderèd.
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ANOTHER PLEBEIAN I will hear Cassius and compare their reasons
When severally we hear them renderèd.
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Exit CASSIUS with some of the PLEBEIANS BRUTUS goes into the pulpit
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Exit CASSIUS with some of the PLEBEIANS BRUTUS goes into the pulpit
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THIRD PLEBEIAN The noble Brutus is ascended. Silence!
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THIRD PLEBEIAN The noble Brutus is ascended. Silence!
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BRUTUS Be patient till the last. Romans, countrymen, and lovers! Hear me for my cause, and be silent that you may hear. Believe me for mine honor, and have respect to mine honor that you may believe. Censure me in your wisdom, and awake your senses that you may the better judge. If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar’s, to him I say that Brutus' love to Caesar was no less than his. If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.
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BRUTUS Be patient till the last. Romans, countrymen, and lovers! Hear me for my cause, and be silent that you may hear. Believe me for mine honor, and have respect to mine honor that you may believe. Censure me in your wisdom, and awake your senses that you may the better judge. If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar’s, to him I say that Brutus' love to Caesar was no less than his. If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome more.
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Had you rather Caesar were living and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men? As Caesar loved me, I weep for him. As he was fortunate, I rejoice at it. As he was valiant, I honor him. But, as he was ambitious, I slew him. There is tears for his love, joy for his fortune, honor for his valor, and death for his ambition. Who is here so base that would be a bondman? If any, speak—for him have I offended. Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any, speak—for him have I offended. Who is here so vile that will not love his country? If any, speak—for him have I offended. I pause for a reply.
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Had you rather Caesar were living and die all slaves, than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men? As Caesar loved me, I weep for him. As he was fortunate, I rejoice at it. As he was valiant, I honor him. But, as he was ambitious, I slew him. There is tears for his love, joy for his fortune, honor for his valor, and death for his ambition. Who is here so base that would be a bondman? If any, speak—for him have I offended. Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any, speak—for him have I offended. Who is here so vile that will not love his country? If any, speak—for him have I offended. I pause for a reply.
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ALL None, Brutus, none.
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ALL None, Brutus, none.
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BRUTUS Then none have I offended. I have done no more to Caesar than you shall do to Brutus. The question of his death is enrolled in the Capitol. His glory not extenuated wherein he was worthy, nor his offenses enforced for which he suffered death.
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BRUTUS Then none have I offended. I have done no more to Caesar than you shall do to Brutus. The question of his death is enrolled in the Capitol. His glory not extenuated wherein he was worthy, nor his offenses enforced for which he suffered death.
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Enter Mark ANTONY with CAESAR ’s body
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Enter Mark ANTONY with CAESAR ’s body
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Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony, who, though he had no hand in his death, shall receive the benefit of his dying—a place in the commonwealth—as which of you shall not? With this I depart: that, as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself when it shall please my country to need my death.
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Here comes his body, mourned by Mark Antony, who, though he had no hand in his death, shall receive the benefit of his dying—a place in the commonwealth—as which of you shall not? With this I depart: that, as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself when it shall please my country to need my death.
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ALL 45 Live, Brutus! Live, live!
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ALL Live, Brutus! Live, live!
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Bring him with triumph home unto his house!
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Bring him with triumph home unto his house!
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Give him a statue with his ancestors!
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Give him a statue with his ancestors!
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Let him be Caesar!
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Let him be Caesar!
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN Caesar’s better parts
Shall be crowned in Brutus!
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN Caesar’s better parts
Shall be crowned in Brutus!
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FIRST PLEBEIAN |
FIRST PLEBEIAN |
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BRUTUS My countrymen—
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BRUTUS My countrymen—
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Peace, silence! Brutus speaks.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Peace, silence! Brutus speaks.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Peace, ho!
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Peace, ho!
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BRUTUS Good countrymen, let me depart alone.
And, for my sake, stay here with Antony.
55 Do grace to Caesar’s corpse, and grace his speech
Tending to Caesar’s glories, which Mark Antony
By our permission is allowed to make.
I do entreat you, not a man depart,
Save I alone, till Antony have spoke.
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BRUTUS Good countrymen, let me depart alone.
And, for my sake, stay here with Antony.
Do grace to Caesar’s corpse, and grace his speech
Tending to Caesar’s glories, which Mark Antony
By our permission is allowed to make.
I do entreat you, not a man depart,
Save I alone, till Antony have spoke.
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Exit BRUTUS
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Exit BRUTUS
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FIRST PLEBEIAN 60 Stay, ho! And let us hear Mark Antony.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Stay, ho! And let us hear Mark Antony.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Let him go up into the public chair.
We’ll hear him.—Noble Antony, go up.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Let him go up into the public chair.
We’ll hear him.—Noble Antony, go up.
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ANTONY For Brutus' sake, I am beholding to you.
(ascends the pulpit)
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ANTONY For Brutus' sake, I am beholding to you.
(ascends the pulpit)
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN 65 What does he say of Brutus?
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN What does he say of Brutus?
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THIRD PLEBEIAN He says for Brutus' sake
He finds himself beholding to us all.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN He says for Brutus' sake
He finds himself beholding to us all.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN 'Twere best he speak no harm of Brutus here.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN 'Twere best he speak no harm of Brutus here.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN This Caesar was a tyrant.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN This Caesar was a tyrant.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Nay, that’s certain.
We are blest that Rome is rid of him.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Nay, that’s certain.
We are blest that Rome is rid of him.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN 70 Peace! Let us hear what Antony can say.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN Peace! Let us hear what Antony can say.
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ANTONY You gentle Romans—
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ANTONY You gentle Romans—
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ALL Peace, ho! Let us hear him.
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ALL Peace, ho! Let us hear him.
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ANTONY Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.
I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.
The evil that men do lives after them;
75 The good is oft interrèd with their bones.
So let it be with Caesar. The noble Brutus
Hath told you Caesar was ambitious.
If it were so, it was a grievous fault,
And grievously hath Caesar answered it.
80 Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest—
For Brutus is an honorable man;
So are they all, all honorable men—
Come I to speak in Caesar’s funeral.
He was my friend, faithful and just to me.
85 But Brutus says he was ambitious,
And Brutus is an honorable man.
He hath brought many captives home to Rome
Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill.
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ANTONY Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.
I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.
The evil that men do lives after them;
The good is oft interrèd with their bones.
So let it be with Caesar. The noble Brutus
Hath told you Caesar was ambitious.
If it were so, it was a grievous fault,
And grievously hath Caesar answered it.
Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest—
For Brutus is an honorable man;
So are they all, all honorable men—
Come I to speak in Caesar’s funeral.
He was my friend, faithful and just to me.
But Brutus says he was ambitious,
And Brutus is an honorable man.
He hath brought many captives home to Rome
Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill.
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Did this in Caesar seem ambitious?
90 When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept.
Ambition should be made of sterner stuff.
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious,
And Brutus is an honorable man.
You all did see that on the Lupercal
95 I thrice presented him a kingly crown,
Which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition?
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious,
And, sure, he is an honorable man.
I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke,
100 But here I am to speak what I do know.
You all did love him once, not without cause.
What cause withholds you then to mourn for him?
O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason. Bear with me.
105 My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar,
And I must pause till it come back to me. (weeps)
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Did this in Caesar seem ambitious?
When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept.
Ambition should be made of sterner stuff.
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious,
And Brutus is an honorable man.
You all did see that on the Lupercal
I thrice presented him a kingly crown,
Which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition?
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious,
And, sure, he is an honorable man.
I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke,
But here I am to speak what I do know.
You all did love him once, not without cause.
What cause withholds you then to mourn for him?
O judgment! Thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason. Bear with me.
My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar,
And I must pause till it come back to me. (weeps)
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Methinks there is much reason in his sayings.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Methinks there is much reason in his sayings.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN If thou consider rightly of the matter,
Caesar has had great wrong.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN If thou consider rightly of the matter,
Caesar has had great wrong.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Has he, masters?
110 I fear there will a worse come in his place.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Has he, masters?
I fear there will a worse come in his place.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN Marked ye his words? He would not take the crown.
Therefore ’tis certain he was not ambitious.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN Marked ye his words? He would not take the crown.
Therefore ’tis certain he was not ambitious.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN If it be found so, some will dear abide it.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN If it be found so, some will dear abide it.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Poor soul! His eyes are red as fire with weeping.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Poor soul! His eyes are red as fire with weeping.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN 115 There’s not a nobler man in Rome than Antony.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN There’s not a nobler man in Rome than Antony.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN Now mark him. He begins again to speak.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN Now mark him. He begins again to speak.
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ANTONY But yesterday the word of Caesar might
Have stood against the world. Now lies he there,
And none so poor to do him reverence.
120 O masters, if I were disposed to stir
Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage,
I should do Brutus wrong, and Cassius wrong—
Who, you all know, are honorable men.
I will not do them wrong. I rather choose
125 To wrong the dead, to wrong myself and you,
Than I will wrong such honorable men.
But here’s a parchment with the seal of Caesar.
I found it in his closet. 'Tis his will.
Let but the commons hear this testament—
130 Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read—
And they would go and kiss dead Caesar’s wounds
And dip their napkins in his sacred blood,
Yea, beg a hair of him for memory,
And, dying, mention it within their wills,
135 Bequeathing it as a rich legacy
Unto their issue.
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ANTONY But yesterday the word of Caesar might
Have stood against the world. Now lies he there,
And none so poor to do him reverence.
O masters, if I were disposed to stir
Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage,
I should do Brutus wrong, and Cassius wrong—
Who, you all know, are honorable men.
I will not do them wrong. I rather choose
To wrong the dead, to wrong myself and you,
Than I will wrong such honorable men.
But here’s a parchment with the seal of Caesar.
I found it in his closet. 'Tis his will.
Let but the commons hear this testament—
Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read—
And they would go and kiss dead Caesar’s wounds
And dip their napkins in his sacred blood,
Yea, beg a hair of him for memory,
And, dying, mention it within their wills,
Bequeathing it as a rich legacy
Unto their issue.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN We’ll hear the will. Read it, Mark Antony!
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN We’ll hear the will. Read it, Mark Antony!
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ALL The will, the will! We will hear Caesar’s will.
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ALL The will, the will! We will hear Caesar’s will.
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ANTONY Have patience, gentle friends. I must not read it.
140 It is not meet you know how Caesar loved you.
You are not wood, you are not stones, but men.
And, being men, bearing the will of Caesar,
It will inflame you, it will make you mad.
'Tis good you know not that you are his heirs.
145 For, if you should—Oh, what would come of it!
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ANTONY Have patience, gentle friends. I must not read it.
It is not meet you know how Caesar loved you.
You are not wood, you are not stones, but men.
And, being men, bearing the will of Caesar,
It will inflame you, it will make you mad.
'Tis good you know not that you are his heirs.
For, if you should—Oh, what would come of it!
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN Read the will. We’ll hear it, Antony.
You shall read us the will, Caesar’s will.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN Read the will. We’ll hear it, Antony.
You shall read us the will, Caesar’s will.
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ANTONY Will you be patient? Will you stay awhile?
I have o'ershot myself to tell you of it.
150 I fear I wrong the honorable men
Whose daggers have stabbed Caesar. I do fear it.
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ANTONY Will you be patient? Will you stay awhile?
I have o'ershot myself to tell you of it.
I fear I wrong the honorable men
Whose daggers have stabbed Caesar. I do fear it.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN They were traitors! “Honorable men”!
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN They were traitors! “Honorable men”!
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ALL The will! The testament!
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ALL The will! The testament!
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SECOND PLEBEIAN They were villains, murderers. The will! Read the will!
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SECOND PLEBEIAN They were villains, murderers. The will! Read the will!
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ANTONY 155 You will compel me, then, to read the will?
Then make a ring about the corpse of Caesar,
And let me show you him that made the will.
Shall I descend? And will you give me leave?
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ANTONY You will compel me, then, to read the will?
Then make a ring about the corpse of Caesar,
And let me show you him that made the will.
Shall I descend? And will you give me leave?
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ALL Come down.
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ALL Come down.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Descend.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Descend.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN You shall have leave.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN You shall have leave.
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ANTONY descends from the pulpit
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ANTONY descends from the pulpit
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN A ring!
160 Stand round.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN A ring!
Stand round.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Stand from the hearse. Stand from the body.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Stand from the hearse. Stand from the body.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Room for Antony, most noble Antony!
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Room for Antony, most noble Antony!
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ANTONY Nay, press not so upon me. Stand far off.
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ANTONY Nay, press not so upon me. Stand far off.
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ALL Stand back. Room! Bear back.
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ALL Stand back. Room! Bear back.
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ANTONY If you have tears, prepare to shed them now.
165 You all do know this mantle. I remember
The first time ever Caesar put it on.
'Twas on a summer’s evening in his tent,
That day he overcame the Nervii.
Look, in this place ran Cassius' dagger through.
170 See what a rent the envious Casca made.
Through this the well-belovèd Brutus stabbed.
And as he plucked his cursèd steel away,
Mark how the blood of Caesar followed it,
As rushing out of doors, to be resolved
175 If Brutus so unkindly knocked, or no.
For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar’s angel.
Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him!
This was the most unkindest cut of all.
For when the noble Caesar saw him stab,
180 Ingratitude, more strong than traitors' arms,
Quite vanquished him. Then burst his mighty heart,
And, in his mantle muffling up his face,
Even at the base of Pompey’s statue,
Which all the while ran blood, great Caesar fell.
185 O, what a fall was there, my countrymen!
Then I, and you, and all of us fell down,
Whilst bloody treason flourished over us.
Oh, now you weep, and, I perceive, you feel
The dint of pity. These are gracious drops.
190 Kind souls, what, weep you when you but behold
Our Caesar’s vesture wounded? Look you here,
Here is himself, marred, as you see, with traitors.
(lifts up CAESAR's mantle)
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ANTONY If you have tears, prepare to shed them now.
You all do know this mantle. I remember
The first time ever Caesar put it on.
'Twas on a summer’s evening in his tent,
That day he overcame the Nervii.
Look, in this place ran Cassius' dagger through.
See what a rent the envious Casca made.
Through this the well-belovèd Brutus stabbed.
And as he plucked his cursèd steel away,
Mark how the blood of Caesar followed it,
As rushing out of doors, to be resolved
If Brutus so unkindly knocked, or no.
For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar’s angel.
Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him!
This was the most unkindest cut of all.
For when the noble Caesar saw him stab,
Ingratitude, more strong than traitors' arms,
Quite vanquished him. Then burst his mighty heart,
And, in his mantle muffling up his face,
Even at the base of Pompey’s statue,
Which all the while ran blood, great Caesar fell.
O, what a fall was there, my countrymen!
Then I, and you, and all of us fell down,
Whilst bloody treason flourished over us.
Oh, now you weep, and, I perceive, you feel
The dint of pity. These are gracious drops.
Kind souls, what, weep you when you but behold
Our Caesar’s vesture wounded? Look you here,
Here is himself, marred, as you see, with traitors.
(lifts up CAESAR's mantle)
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FIRST PLEBEIAN O piteous spectacle!
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FIRST PLEBEIAN O piteous spectacle!
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SECOND PLEBEIAN O noble Caesar!
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SECOND PLEBEIAN O noble Caesar!
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THIRD PLEBEIAN 195 O woeful day!
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THIRD PLEBEIAN O woeful day!
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN O traitors, villains!
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN O traitors, villains!
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FIRST PLEBEIAN O most bloody sight!
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FIRST PLEBEIAN O most bloody sight!
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SECOND PLEBEIAN We will be revenged.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN We will be revenged.
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ALL Revenge! About! Seek! Burn! Fire! Kill! Slay!
Let not a traitor live!
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ALL Revenge! About! Seek! Burn! Fire! Kill! Slay!
Let not a traitor live!
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ANTONY Stay, countrymen.
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ANTONY Stay, countrymen.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN 200 Peace there! Hear the noble Antony.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Peace there! Hear the noble Antony.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN We’ll hear him. We’ll follow him. We’ll die with him.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN We’ll hear him. We’ll follow him. We’ll die with him.
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ANTONY Good friends, sweet friends! Let me not stir you up
To such a sudden flood of mutiny.
They that have done this deed are honorable.
205 What private griefs they have, alas, I know not,
That made them do it. They are wise and honorable,
And will, no doubt, with reasons answer you.
I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts.
I am no orator, as Brutus is,
210 But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man
That love my friend. And that they know full well
That gave me public leave to speak of him.
For I have neither wit nor words nor worth,
Action nor utterance nor the power of speech,
215 To stir men’s blood. I only speak right on.
I tell you that which you yourselves do know,
Show you sweet Caesar’s wounds, poor poor dumb mouths,
And bid them speak for me. But were I Brutus,
And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony
220 Would ruffle up your spirits and put a tongue
In every wound of Caesar that should move
The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny.
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ANTONY Good friends, sweet friends! Let me not stir you up
To such a sudden flood of mutiny.
They that have done this deed are honorable.
What private griefs they have, alas, I know not,
That made them do it. They are wise and honorable,
And will, no doubt, with reasons answer you.
I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts.
I am no orator, as Brutus is,
But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man
That love my friend. And that they know full well
That gave me public leave to speak of him.
For I have neither wit nor words nor worth,
Action nor utterance nor the power of speech,
To stir men’s blood. I only speak right on.
I tell you that which you yourselves do know,
Show you sweet Caesar’s wounds, poor poor dumb mouths,
And bid them speak for me. But were I Brutus,
And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony
Would ruffle up your spirits and put a tongue
In every wound of Caesar that should move
The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny.
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ALL We’ll mutiny.
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ALL We’ll mutiny.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN We’ll burn the house of Brutus.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN We’ll burn the house of Brutus.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Away, then! Come, seek the conspirators.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Away, then! Come, seek the conspirators.
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ANTONY 225 Yet hear me, countrymen. Yet hear me speak.
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ANTONY Yet hear me, countrymen. Yet hear me speak.
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ALL Peace, ho! Hear Antony. Most noble Antony!
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ALL Peace, ho! Hear Antony. Most noble Antony!
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ANTONY Why, friends, you go to do you know not what.
Wherein hath Caesar thus deserved your loves?
Alas, you know not. I must tell you then.
230 You have forgot the will I told you of.
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ANTONY Why, friends, you go to do you know not what.
Wherein hath Caesar thus deserved your loves?
Alas, you know not. I must tell you then.
You have forgot the will I told you of.
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ALL Most true. The will! Let’s stay and hear the will.
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ALL Most true. The will! Let’s stay and hear the will.
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ANTONY Here is the will, and under Caesar’s seal
To every Roman citizen he gives—
To every several man—seventy-five drachmas.
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ANTONY Here is the will, and under Caesar’s seal
To every Roman citizen he gives—
To every several man—seventy-five drachmas.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN 235 Most noble Caesar! We’ll revenge his death.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Most noble Caesar! We’ll revenge his death.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN O royal Caesar!
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THIRD PLEBEIAN O royal Caesar!
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ANTONY Hear me with patience.
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ANTONY Hear me with patience.
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ALL Peace, ho!
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ALL Peace, ho!
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ANTONY Moreover, he hath left you all his walks,
His private arbors and new-planted orchards,
On this side Tiber. He hath left them you
240 And to your heirs forever—common pleasures,
To walk abroad and recreate yourselves.
Here was a Caesar! When comes such another?
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ANTONY Moreover, he hath left you all his walks,
His private arbors and new-planted orchards,
On this side Tiber. He hath left them you
And to your heirs forever—common pleasures,
To walk abroad and recreate yourselves.
Here was a Caesar! When comes such another?
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Never, never.—Come, away, away!
We’ll burn his body in the holy place,
245 And with the brands fire the traitors' houses.
Take up the body.
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FIRST PLEBEIAN Never, never.—Come, away, away!
We’ll burn his body in the holy place,
And with the brands fire the traitors' houses.
Take up the body.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Go fetch fire.
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SECOND PLEBEIAN Go fetch fire.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Pluck down benches.
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THIRD PLEBEIAN Pluck down benches.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN Pluck down forms, windows, anything.
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FOURTH PLEBEIAN Pluck down forms, windows, anything.
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Exeunt PLEBEIANS with CAESAR ’s body
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Exeunt PLEBEIANS with CAESAR ’s body
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ANTONY Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot.
250 Take thou what course thou wilt!
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ANTONY Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot.
Take thou what course thou wilt!
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Enter OCTAVIUS' SERVANT
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Enter OCTAVIUS' SERVANT
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How now, fellow?
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How now, fellow?
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OCTAVIUS' SERVANT Sir, Octavius is already come to Rome.
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OCTAVIUS' SERVANT Sir, Octavius is already come to Rome.
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ANTONY Where is he?
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ANTONY Where is he?
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OCTAVIUS' SERVANT He and Lepidus are at Caesar’s house.
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OCTAVIUS' SERVANT He and Lepidus are at Caesar’s house.
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ANTONY And thither will I straight to visit him.
255 He comes upon a wish. Fortune is merry,
And in this mood will give us anything.
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ANTONY And thither will I straight to visit him.
He comes upon a wish. Fortune is merry,
And in this mood will give us anything.
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OCTAVIUS' SERVANT I heard him say, Brutus and Cassius
Are rid like madmen through the gates of Rome.
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OCTAVIUS' SERVANT I heard him say, Brutus and Cassius
Are rid like madmen through the gates of Rome.
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ANTONY Belike they had some notice of the people
260 How I had moved them. Bring me to Octavius.
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ANTONY Belike they had some notice of the people
How I had moved them. Bring me to Octavius.
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Exeunt
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Exeunt
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