Read and listen with a SparkNotes PLUS trial!

studyGuide_translation

No Fear Translations

noFear_audio

No Fear Audio

Original Text

Modern Text
Flourish Enter CAESAR , BRUTUS , CASSIUS , CASCA , DECIUS , METELLUS , TREBONIUS , CINNA , ANTONY , LEPIDUS , PUBLIUS , and POPILLIUS LENA with a crowd of people, including ARTEMIDORUS and the SOOTHSAYER
Flourish Enter CAESAR , BRUTUS , CASSIUS , CASCA , DECIUS , METELLUS , TREBONIUS , CINNA , ANTONY , LEPIDUS , PUBLIUS , and POPILLIUS LENA with a crowd of people, including ARTEMIDORUS and the SOOTHSAYER

CAESAR

(to the SOOTHSAYER) The ides of March are come.

CAESAR

(to the SOOTHSAYER) The ides of March are come.

SOOTHSAYER

Ay, Caesar, but not gone.

SOOTHSAYER

Ay, Caesar, but not gone.

ARTEMIDORUS

(offering his letter) Hail, Caesar! Read this schedule.

ARTEMIDORUS

(offering his letter) Hail, Caesar! Read this schedule.

DECIUS

(offering CAESAR another paper)
5 Trebonius doth desire you to o'er-read,
At your best leisure, this his humble suit.

DECIUS

(offering CAESAR another paper)
Trebonius doth desire you to o'er-read,
At your best leisure, this his humble suit.

ARTEMIDORUS

O Caesar, read mine first, for mine’s a suit
That touches Caesar nearer. Read it, great Caesar.

ARTEMIDORUS

O Caesar, read mine first, for mine’s a suit
That touches Caesar nearer. Read it, great Caesar.

CAESAR

What touches us ourself shall be last served.

CAESAR

What touches us ourself shall be last served.

ARTEMIDORUS

10 Delay not, Caesar. Read it instantly.

ARTEMIDORUS

Delay not, Caesar. Read it instantly.

CAESAR

What, is the fellow mad?

CAESAR

What, is the fellow mad?

PUBLIUS

(to ARTEMIDORUS) Sirrah, give place.

PUBLIUS

(to ARTEMIDORUS) Sirrah, give place.

CASSIUS

(to ARTEMIDORUS)
What, urge you your petitions in the street?
15 Come to the Capitol.

CASSIUS

(to ARTEMIDORUS)
What, urge you your petitions in the street?
Come to the Capitol.
CAESAR ’s party moves aside to the senate house
CAESAR ’s party moves aside to the senate house

POPILLIUS

(to CASSIUS) I wish your enterprise today may thrive.

POPILLIUS

(to CASSIUS) I wish your enterprise today may thrive.

CASSIUS

What enterprise, Popillius?

CASSIUS

What enterprise, Popillius?

POPILLIUS

Fare you well.

POPILLIUS

Fare you well.
(approaches CAESAR )
(approaches CAESAR )

BRUTUS

(to CASSIUS) What said Popillius Lena?

BRUTUS

(to CASSIUS) What said Popillius Lena?

CASSIUS

(aside to BRUTUS)
20 He wished today our enterprise might thrive.
I fear our purpose is discoverèd.

CASSIUS

(aside to BRUTUS)
He wished today our enterprise might thrive.
I fear our purpose is discoverèd.

BRUTUS

Look how he makes to Caesar. Mark him.

BRUTUS

Look how he makes to Caesar. Mark him.

CASSIUS

Casca, be sudden, for we fear prevention
—Brutus, what shall be done? If this be known,
25 Cassius or Caesar never shall turn back,
For I will slay myself.

CASSIUS

Casca, be sudden, for we fear prevention
—Brutus, what shall be done? If this be known,
Cassius or Caesar never shall turn back,
For I will slay myself.

BRUTUS

Cassius, be constant.
Popillius Lena speaks not of our purposes.
For, look, he smiles, and Caesar doth not change.

BRUTUS

Cassius, be constant.
Popillius Lena speaks not of our purposes.
For, look, he smiles, and Caesar doth not change.

CASSIUS

Trebonius knows his time. For, look you, Brutus.
30 He draws Mark Antony out of the way.

CASSIUS

Trebonius knows his time. For, look you, Brutus.
He draws Mark Antony out of the way.
Exeunt TREBONIUS and ANTONY
Exeunt TREBONIUS and ANTONY

DECIUS

Where is Metellus Cimber? Let him go
And presently prefer his suit to Caesar.

DECIUS

Where is Metellus Cimber? Let him go
And presently prefer his suit to Caesar.

BRUTUS

He is addressed. Press near and second him.

BRUTUS

He is addressed. Press near and second him.

CINNA

Casca, you are the first that rears your hand.

CINNA

Casca, you are the first that rears your hand.

CAESAR

35 Are we all ready? What is now amiss
That Caesar and his senate must redress?

CAESAR

Are we all ready? What is now amiss
That Caesar and his senate must redress?

METELLUS

(kneeling)
Most high, most mighty, and most puissant Caesar,
Metellus Cimber throws before thy seat
40 An humble heart—

METELLUS

(kneeling)
Most high, most mighty, and most puissant Caesar,
Metellus Cimber throws before thy seat
An humble heart—

CAESAR

I must prevent thee, Cimber.
These couchings and these lowly courtesies
Might fire the blood of ordinary men
And turn preordinance and first decree
Into the law of children. Be not fond,
45 To think that Caesar bears such rebel blood
That will be thawed from the true quality
With that which melteth fools—I mean, sweet words,
Low-crookèd curtsies, and base spaniel fawning.
Thy brother by decree is banishèd.
50 If thou dost bend and pray and fawn for him,
I spurn thee like a cur out of my way.
Know, Caesar doth not wrong, nor without cause
Will he be satisfied.

CAESAR

I must prevent thee, Cimber.
These couchings and these lowly courtesies
Might fire the blood of ordinary men
And turn preordinance and first decree
Into the law of children. Be not fond,
To think that Caesar bears such rebel blood
That will be thawed from the true quality
With that which melteth fools—I mean, sweet words,
Low-crookèd curtsies, and base spaniel fawning.
Thy brother by decree is banishèd.
If thou dost bend and pray and fawn for him,
I spurn thee like a cur out of my way.
Know, Caesar doth not wrong, nor without cause
Will he be satisfied.

METELLUS

Is there no voice more worthy than my own
55 To sound more sweetly in great Caesar’s ear
For the repealing of my banished brother?

METELLUS

Is there no voice more worthy than my own
To sound more sweetly in great Caesar’s ear
For the repealing of my banished brother?

BRUTUS

(kneeling) I kiss thy hand, but not in flattery, Caesar,
Desiring thee that Publius Cimber may
Have an immediate freedom of repeal.

BRUTUS

(kneeling) I kiss thy hand, but not in flattery, Caesar,
Desiring thee that Publius Cimber may
Have an immediate freedom of repeal.

CAESAR

60 What, Brutus?

CAESAR

What, Brutus?

CASSIUS

(kneeling) Pardon, Caesar. Caesar, pardon.
As low as to thy foot doth Cassius fall
To beg enfranchisement for Publius Cimber.

CASSIUS

(kneeling) Pardon, Caesar. Caesar, pardon.
As low as to thy foot doth Cassius fall
To beg enfranchisement for Publius Cimber.

CAESAR

I could be well moved if I were as you.
If I could pray to move, prayers would move me.
65 But I am constant as the northern star,
Of whose true-fixed and resting quality
There is no fellow in the firmament.
The skies are painted with unnumbered sparks.
They are all fire and every one doth shine,
70 But there’s but one in all doth hold his place.
So in the world. 'Tis furnished well with men,
And men are flesh and blood, and apprehensive,
Yet in the number I do know but one
That unassailable holds on his rank,
75 Unshaked of motion. And that I am he
Let me a little show it even in this:
That I was constant Cimber should be banished,
And constant do remain to keep him so.

CAESAR

I could be well moved if I were as you.
If I could pray to move, prayers would move me.
But I am constant as the northern star,
Of whose true-fixed and resting quality
There is no fellow in the firmament.
The skies are painted with unnumbered sparks.
They are all fire and every one doth shine,
But there’s but one in all doth hold his place.
So in the world. 'Tis furnished well with men,
And men are flesh and blood, and apprehensive,
Yet in the number I do know but one
That unassailable holds on his rank,
Unshaked of motion. And that I am he
Let me a little show it even in this:
That I was constant Cimber should be banished,
And constant do remain to keep him so.

CINNA

(kneeling) O Caesar—

CINNA

(kneeling) O Caesar—

CAESAR

80 Hence! Wilt thou lift up Olympus?

CAESAR

Hence! Wilt thou lift up Olympus?

DECIUS

(kneeling) Great Caesar—

DECIUS

(kneeling) Great Caesar—

CAESAR

Doth not Brutus bootless kneel?

CAESAR

Doth not Brutus bootless kneel?

CASCA

Speak, hands, for me!

CASCA

Speak, hands, for me!
CASCA and the other conspirators stab CAESAR , BRUTUS last
CASCA and the other conspirators stab CAESAR , BRUTUS last

CAESAR

Et tu, Bruté?—Then fall, Caesar.
(dies)

CAESAR

Et tu, Bruté?—Then fall, Caesar.
(dies)

CINNA

Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!
Run hence, proclaim, cry it about the streets.

CINNA

Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!
Run hence, proclaim, cry it about the streets.

CASSIUS

Some to the common pulpits, and cry out,
“Liberty, freedom, and enfranchisement!”

CASSIUS

Some to the common pulpits, and cry out,
“Liberty, freedom, and enfranchisement!”
Confusion. Exeunt some plebians and senators
Confusion. Exeunt some plebians and senators

BRUTUS

90 People and senators, be not affrighted.
Fly not. Stand still. Ambition’s debt is paid.

BRUTUS

People and senators, be not affrighted.
Fly not. Stand still. Ambition’s debt is paid.

CASCA

Go to the pulpit, Brutus.

CASCA

Go to the pulpit, Brutus.

DECIUS

And Cassius too.

DECIUS

And Cassius too.

BRUTUS

Where’s Publius?

BRUTUS

Where’s Publius?

CINNA

95 Here, quite confounded with this mutiny.

CINNA

Here, quite confounded with this mutiny.

METELLUS

Stand fast together, lest some friend of Caesar’s
Should chance—

METELLUS

Stand fast together, lest some friend of Caesar’s
Should chance—

BRUTUS

Talk not of standing.—Publius, good cheer.
There is no harm intended to your person,
100 Nor to no Roman else. So tell them, Publius.

BRUTUS

Talk not of standing.—Publius, good cheer.
There is no harm intended to your person,
Nor to no Roman else. So tell them, Publius.

CASSIUS

And leave us, Publius, lest that the people,
Rushing on us, should do your age some mischief.

CASSIUS

And leave us, Publius, lest that the people,
Rushing on us, should do your age some mischief.

BRUTUS

Do so. And let no man abide this deed
But we the doers.

BRUTUS

Do so. And let no man abide this deed
But we the doers.
Exit PUBLIUS
Exit PUBLIUS
Enter TREBONIUS
Enter TREBONIUS

CASSIUS

105 Where is Antony?

CASSIUS

Where is Antony?

TREBONIUS

Fled to his house amazed.
Men, wives, and children stare, cry out, and run
As it were doomsday.

TREBONIUS

Fled to his house amazed.
Men, wives, and children stare, cry out, and run
As it were doomsday.

BRUTUS

Fates, we will know your pleasures.
That we shall die, we know. 'Tis but the time,
110 And drawing days out, that men stand upon.

BRUTUS

Fates, we will know your pleasures.
That we shall die, we know. 'Tis but the time,
And drawing days out, that men stand upon.

CASSIUS

Why, he that cuts off twenty years of life
Cuts off so many years of fearing death.

CASSIUS

Why, he that cuts off twenty years of life
Cuts off so many years of fearing death.

BRUTUS

Grant that, and then is death a benefit.
So are we Caesar’s friends, that have abridged
115 His time of fearing death. Stoop, Romans, stoop,
And let us bathe our hands in Caesar’s blood
Up to the elbows, and besmear our swords.
Then walk we forth, even to the marketplace,
And waving our red weapons o'er our heads
Let’s all cry, “Peace, freedom, and liberty!”

BRUTUS

Grant that, and then is death a benefit.
So are we Caesar’s friends, that have abridged
His time of fearing death. Stoop, Romans, stoop,
And let us bathe our hands in Caesar’s blood
Up to the elbows, and besmear our swords.
Then walk we forth, even to the marketplace,
And waving our red weapons o'er our heads
Let’s all cry, “Peace, freedom, and liberty!”

CASSIUS

Stoop, then, and wash.

CASSIUS

Stoop, then, and wash.
The conspirators smear their hands and swords with CAESAR ’s blood
The conspirators smear their hands and swords with CAESAR ’s blood
How many ages hence
Shall this our lofty scene be acted over
In states unborn and accents yet unknown!
How many ages hence
Shall this our lofty scene be acted over
In states unborn and accents yet unknown!

BRUTUS

How many times shall Caesar bleed in sport,
125 That now on Pompey’s basis lies along
No worthier than the dust!

BRUTUS

How many times shall Caesar bleed in sport,
That now on Pompey’s basis lies along
No worthier than the dust!

CASSIUS

So oft as that shall be,
So often shall the knot of us be called
“The men that gave their country liberty.”

CASSIUS

So oft as that shall be,
So often shall the knot of us be called
“The men that gave their country liberty.”

DECIUS

What, shall we forth?

DECIUS

What, shall we forth?

CASSIUS

Ay, every man away.
130 Brutus shall lead, and we will grace his heels
With the most boldest and best hearts of Rome.

CASSIUS

Ay, every man away.
Brutus shall lead, and we will grace his heels
With the most boldest and best hearts of Rome.
Enter ANTONY'S SERVANT
Enter ANTONY'S SERVANT

BRUTUS

Soft! Who comes here? A friend of Antony’s.

BRUTUS

Soft! Who comes here? A friend of Antony’s.

ANTONY'S SERVANT

(kneeling) Thus, Brutus, did my master bid me kneel.
(falls prostrate) Thus did Mark Antony bid me fall down,
135 And, being prostrate, thus he bade me say:
Brutus is noble, wise, valiant, and honest.
Caesar was mighty, bold, royal, and loving.
Say I love Brutus, and I honor him.
Say I feared Caesar, honored him, and loved him.

ANTONY'S SERVANT

(kneeling) Thus, Brutus, did my master bid me kneel.
(falls prostrate) Thus did Mark Antony bid me fall down,
And, being prostrate, thus he bade me say:
Brutus is noble, wise, valiant, and honest.
Caesar was mighty, bold, royal, and loving.
Say I love Brutus, and I honor him.
Say I feared Caesar, honored him, and loved him.
140 If Brutus will vouchsafe that Antony
May safely come to him and be resolved
How Caesar hath deserved to lie in death,
Mark Antony shall not love Caesar dead
So well as Brutus living, but will follow
145 The fortunes and affairs of noble Brutus
Thorough the hazards of this untrod state
With all true faith. So says my master Antony.
If Brutus will vouchsafe that Antony
May safely come to him and be resolved
How Caesar hath deserved to lie in death,
Mark Antony shall not love Caesar dead
So well as Brutus living, but will follow
The fortunes and affairs of noble Brutus
Thorough the hazards of this untrod state
With all true faith. So says my master Antony.

BRUTUS

Thy master is a wise and valiant Roman.
I never thought him worse.
150 Tell him, so please him come unto this place,
He shall be satisfied and, by my honor,
Depart untouched.

BRUTUS

Thy master is a wise and valiant Roman.
I never thought him worse.
Tell him, so please him come unto this place,
He shall be satisfied and, by my honor,
Depart untouched.

ANTONY'S SERVANT

(rising) I’ll fetch him presently.

ANTONY'S SERVANT

(rising) I’ll fetch him presently.
Exit ANTONY'S SERVANT
Exit ANTONY'S SERVANT

BRUTUS

I know that we shall have him well to friend.

BRUTUS

I know that we shall have him well to friend.

CASSIUS

I wish we may. But yet have I a mind
155 That fears him much, and my misgiving still
Falls shrewdly to the purpose.

CASSIUS

I wish we may. But yet have I a mind
That fears him much, and my misgiving still
Falls shrewdly to the purpose.
Enter ANTONY
Enter ANTONY

BRUTUS

But here comes Antony.—Welcome, Mark Antony.

BRUTUS

But here comes Antony.—Welcome, Mark Antony.

ANTONY

O mighty Caesar! Dost thou lie so low?
Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,
160 Shrunk to this little measure? Fare thee well.
—I know not, gentlemen, what you intend,
Who else must be let blood, who else is rank.

ANTONY

O mighty Caesar! Dost thou lie so low?
Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,
Shrunk to this little measure? Fare thee well.
—I know not, gentlemen, what you intend,
Who else must be let blood, who else is rank.
If I myself, there is no hour so fit
As Caesar’s death’s hour, nor no instrument
165 Of half that worth as those your swords, made rich
With the most noble blood of all this world.
I do beseech ye, if you bear me hard,
Now, whilst your purpled hands do reek and smoke,
Fulfill your pleasure. Live a thousand years,
170 I shall not find myself so apt to die.
No place will please me so, no mean of death,
As here by Caesar, and by you cut off,
The choice and master spirits of this age.
If I myself, there is no hour so fit
As Caesar’s death’s hour, nor no instrument
Of half that worth as those your swords, made rich
With the most noble blood of all this world.
I do beseech ye, if you bear me hard,
Now, whilst your purpled hands do reek and smoke,
Fulfill your pleasure. Live a thousand years,
I shall not find myself so apt to die.
No place will please me so, no mean of death,
As here by Caesar, and by you cut off,
The choice and master spirits of this age.

BRUTUS

O Antony, beg not your death of us.
175 Though now we must appear bloody and cruel—
As by our hands and this our present act
You see we do—yet see you but our hands
And this the bleeding business they have done.
Our hearts you see not. They are pitiful.
180 And pity to the general wrong of Rome—
As fire drives out fire, so pity pity—
Hath done this deed on Caesar. For your part,
To you our swords have leaden points, Mark Antony.
Our arms in strength of malice and our hearts
185 Of brothers' temper do receive you in
With all kind love, good thoughts, and reverence.

BRUTUS

O Antony, beg not your death of us.
Though now we must appear bloody and cruel—
As by our hands and this our present act
You see we do—yet see you but our hands
And this the bleeding business they have done.
Our hearts you see not. They are pitiful.
And pity to the general wrong of Rome—
As fire drives out fire, so pity pity—
Hath done this deed on Caesar. For your part,
To you our swords have leaden points, Mark Antony.
Our arms in strength of malice and our hearts
Of brothers' temper do receive you in
With all kind love, good thoughts, and reverence.

CASSIUS

Your voice shall be as strong as any man’s
In the disposing of new dignities.

CASSIUS

Your voice shall be as strong as any man’s
In the disposing of new dignities.

BRUTUS

Only be patient till we have appeased
190 The multitude, beside themselves with fear,
And then we will deliver you the cause,
Why I, that did love Caesar when I struck him,
Have thus proceeded.

BRUTUS

Only be patient till we have appeased
The multitude, beside themselves with fear,
And then we will deliver you the cause,
Why I, that did love Caesar when I struck him,
Have thus proceeded.

ANTONY

I doubt not of your wisdom.
Let each man render me his bloody hand.
(shakes hands with the conspirators)
First, Marcus Brutus, will I shake with you.
—Next, Caius Cassius, do I take your hand.
—Now, Decius Brutus, yours.—Now yours, Metellus.
—Yours, Cinna.—And, my valiant Casca, yours.
200 —Though last, not last in love, yours, good Trebonius.
—Gentlemen all, alas, what shall I say?
My credit now stands on such slippery ground
That one of two bad ways you must conceit me,
Either a coward or a flatterer
205 —That I did love thee, Caesar, O, ’tis true.
If then thy spirit look upon us now,
Shall it not grieve thee dearer than thy death
To see thy Antony making his peace,
Shaking the bloody fingers of thy foes—
210 Most noble!—in the presence of thy corse?
Had I as many eyes as thou hast wounds,
Weeping as fast as they stream forth thy blood,
It would become me better than to close
In terms of friendship with thine enemies.
215 Pardon me, Julius! Here wast thou bayed, brave hart;
Here didst thou fall; and here thy hunters stand,
Signed in thy spoil, and crimsoned in thy lethe.
O world, thou wast the forest to this hart,
And this indeed, O world, the heart of thee.
220 How like a deer, strucken by many princes,
Dost thou here lie!

ANTONY

I doubt not of your wisdom.
Let each man render me his bloody hand.
(shakes hands with the conspirators)
First, Marcus Brutus, will I shake with you.
—Next, Caius Cassius, do I take your hand.
—Now, Decius Brutus, yours.—Now yours, Metellus.
—Yours, Cinna.—And, my valiant Casca, yours.
—Though last, not last in love, yours, good Trebonius.
—Gentlemen all, alas, what shall I say?
My credit now stands on such slippery ground
That one of two bad ways you must conceit me,
Either a coward or a flatterer
—That I did love thee, Caesar, O, ’tis true.
If then thy spirit look upon us now,
Shall it not grieve thee dearer than thy death
To see thy Antony making his peace,
Shaking the bloody fingers of thy foes—
Most noble!—in the presence of thy corse?
Had I as many eyes as thou hast wounds,
Weeping as fast as they stream forth thy blood,
It would become me better than to close
In terms of friendship with thine enemies.
Pardon me, Julius! Here wast thou bayed, brave hart;
Here didst thou fall; and here thy hunters stand,
Signed in thy spoil, and crimsoned in thy lethe.
O world, thou wast the forest to this hart,
And this indeed, O world, the heart of thee.
How like a deer, strucken by many princes,
Dost thou here lie!

CASSIUS

Mark Antony—

CASSIUS

Mark Antony—

ANTONY

Pardon me, Caius Cassius.
The enemies of Caesar shall say this;
225 Then, in a friend, it is cold modesty.

ANTONY

Pardon me, Caius Cassius.
The enemies of Caesar shall say this;
Then, in a friend, it is cold modesty.

CASSIUS

I blame you not for praising Caesar so.
But what compact mean you to have with us?
Will you be pricked in number of our friends?
Or shall we on, and not depend on you?

CASSIUS

I blame you not for praising Caesar so.
But what compact mean you to have with us?
Will you be pricked in number of our friends?
Or shall we on, and not depend on you?

ANTONY

230 Therefore I took your hands, but was indeed
Swayed from the point by looking down on Caesar.
Friends am I with you all and love you all
Upon this hope: that you shall give me reasons
Why and wherein Caesar was dangerous.

ANTONY

Therefore I took your hands, but was indeed
Swayed from the point by looking down on Caesar.
Friends am I with you all and love you all
Upon this hope: that you shall give me reasons
Why and wherein Caesar was dangerous.

BRUTUS

235 Or else were this a savage spectacle!
Our reasons are so full of good regard
That were you, Antony, the son of Caesar,
You should be satisfied.

BRUTUS

Or else were this a savage spectacle!
Our reasons are so full of good regard
That were you, Antony, the son of Caesar,
You should be satisfied.

ANTONY

That’s all I seek.
And am moreover suitor that I may
240 Produce his body to the marketplace,
And in the pulpit, as becomes a friend,
Speak in the order of his funeral.

ANTONY

That’s all I seek.
And am moreover suitor that I may
Produce his body to the marketplace,
And in the pulpit, as becomes a friend,
Speak in the order of his funeral.

BRUTUS

You shall, Mark Antony.

BRUTUS

You shall, Mark Antony.

CASSIUS

Brutus, a word with you.
(aside to BRUTUS) You know not what you do.
245 Do not consent
That Antony speak in his funeral.
Know you how much the people may be moved
By that which he will utter?

CASSIUS

Brutus, a word with you.
(aside to BRUTUS) You know not what you do.
Do not consent
That Antony speak in his funeral.
Know you how much the people may be moved
By that which he will utter?

BRUTUS

(aside to CASSIUS) By your pardon.
250 I will myself into the pulpit first,
And show the reason of our Caesar’s death.

BRUTUS

(aside to CASSIUS) By your pardon.
I will myself into the pulpit first,
And show the reason of our Caesar’s death.
What Antony shall speak, I will protest,
He speaks by leave and by permission,
And that we are contented Caesar shall
255 Have all true rites and lawful ceremonies.
It shall advantage more than do us wrong.
What Antony shall speak, I will protest,
He speaks by leave and by permission,
And that we are contented Caesar shall
Have all true rites and lawful ceremonies.
It shall advantage more than do us wrong.

CASSIUS

(aside to BRUTUS) I know not what may fall. I like it not.

CASSIUS

(aside to BRUTUS) I know not what may fall. I like it not.

BRUTUS

Mark Antony, here, take you Caesar’s body.
You shall not in your funeral speech blame us,
260 But speak all good you can devise of Caesar,
And say you do ’t by our permission.
Else shall you not have any hand at all
About his funeral. And you shall speak
In the same pulpit whereto I am going,
265 After my speech is ended.

BRUTUS

Mark Antony, here, take you Caesar’s body.
You shall not in your funeral speech blame us,
But speak all good you can devise of Caesar,
And say you do ’t by our permission.
Else shall you not have any hand at all
About his funeral. And you shall speak
In the same pulpit whereto I am going,
After my speech is ended.

ANTONY

Be it so.
I do desire no more.

ANTONY

Be it so.
I do desire no more.

BRUTUS

Prepare the body then, and follow us.

BRUTUS

Prepare the body then, and follow us.
Exeunt. Manet ANTONY
Exeunt. Manet ANTONY

ANTONY

O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth,
270 That I am meek and gentle with these butchers!
Thou art the ruins of the noblest man
That ever livèd in the tide of times.
Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood!
Over thy wounds now do I prophesy—
275 Which, like dumb mouths, do ope their ruby lips
To beg the voice and utterance of my tongue—
A curse shall light upon the limbs of men.

ANTONY

O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth,
That I am meek and gentle with these butchers!
Thou art the ruins of the noblest man
That ever livèd in the tide of times.
Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood!
Over thy wounds now do I prophesy—
Which, like dumb mouths, do ope their ruby lips
To beg the voice and utterance of my tongue—
A curse shall light upon the limbs of men.
Domestic fury and fierce civil strife
Shall cumber all the parts of Italy.
280 Blood and destruction shall be so in use,
And dreadful objects so familiar,
That mothers shall but smile when they behold
Their infants quartered with the hands of war,
All pity choked with custom of fell deeds,
285 And Caesar’s spirit, ranging for revenge,
With Ate by his side come hot from hell,
Shall in these confines with a monarch’s voice
Cry “Havoc!” and let slip the dogs of war,
That this foul deed shall smell above the earth
290 With carrion men, groaning for burial.
Domestic fury and fierce civil strife
Shall cumber all the parts of Italy.
Blood and destruction shall be so in use,
And dreadful objects so familiar,
That mothers shall but smile when they behold
Their infants quartered with the hands of war,
All pity choked with custom of fell deeds,
And Caesar’s spirit, ranging for revenge,
With Ate by his side come hot from hell,
Shall in these confines with a monarch’s voice
Cry “Havoc!” and let slip the dogs of war,
That this foul deed shall smell above the earth
With carrion men, groaning for burial.
Enter OCTAVIUS' SERVANT
Enter OCTAVIUS' SERVANT
You serve Octavius Caesar, do you not?
You serve Octavius Caesar, do you not?

OCTAVIUS' SERVANT

I do, Mark Antony.

OCTAVIUS' SERVANT

I do, Mark Antony.

ANTONY

Caesar did write for him to come to Rome.

ANTONY

Caesar did write for him to come to Rome.

OCTAVIUS' SERVANT

He did receive his letters and is coming.
295 And bid me say to you by word of mouth—
(sees CAESAR’s body) O Caesar!—

OCTAVIUS' SERVANT

He did receive his letters and is coming.
And bid me say to you by word of mouth—
(sees CAESAR’s body) O Caesar!—

ANTONY

Thy heart is big. Get thee apart and weep.
Passion, I see, is catching, for mine eyes,
Seeing those beads of sorrow stand in thine,
300 Began to water. Is thy master coming?

ANTONY

Thy heart is big. Get thee apart and weep.
Passion, I see, is catching, for mine eyes,
Seeing those beads of sorrow stand in thine,
Began to water. Is thy master coming?

OCTAVIUS' SERVANT

He lies tonight within seven leagues of Rome.

OCTAVIUS' SERVANT

He lies tonight within seven leagues of Rome.

ANTONY

Post back with speed, and tell him what hath chanced.
Here is a mourning Rome, a dangerous Rome,
No Rome of safety for Octavius yet.
305 Hie hence, and tell him so.—Yet, stay awhile.
Thou shalt not back till I have borne this corse
Into the marketplace. There shall I try,
In my oration, how the people take
The cruèl issue of these bloody men.
310 According to the which, thou shalt discourse
To young Octavius of the state of things.
Lend me your hand.

ANTONY

Post back with speed, and tell him what hath chanced.
Here is a mourning Rome, a dangerous Rome,
No Rome of safety for Octavius yet.
Hie hence, and tell him so.—Yet, stay awhile.
Thou shalt not back till I have borne this corse
Into the marketplace. There shall I try,
In my oration, how the people take
The cruèl issue of these bloody men.
According to the which, thou shalt discourse
To young Octavius of the state of things.
Lend me your hand.
Exeunt with CAESAR ’s body
Exeunt with CAESAR ’s body

Original Text

Modern Text
Flourish Enter CAESAR , BRUTUS , CASSIUS , CASCA , DECIUS , METELLUS , TREBONIUS , CINNA , ANTONY , LEPIDUS , PUBLIUS , and POPILLIUS LENA with a crowd of people, including ARTEMIDORUS and the SOOTHSAYER
Flourish Enter CAESAR , BRUTUS , CASSIUS , CASCA , DECIUS , METELLUS , TREBONIUS , CINNA , ANTONY , LEPIDUS , PUBLIUS , and POPILLIUS LENA with a crowd of people, including ARTEMIDORUS and the SOOTHSAYER

CAESAR

(to the SOOTHSAYER) The ides of March are come.

CAESAR

(to the SOOTHSAYER) The ides of March are come.

SOOTHSAYER

Ay, Caesar, but not gone.

SOOTHSAYER

Ay, Caesar, but not gone.

ARTEMIDORUS

(offering his letter) Hail, Caesar! Read this schedule.

ARTEMIDORUS

(offering his letter) Hail, Caesar! Read this schedule.

DECIUS

(offering CAESAR another paper)
5 Trebonius doth desire you to o'er-read,
At your best leisure, this his humble suit.

DECIUS

(offering CAESAR another paper)
Trebonius doth desire you to o'er-read,
At your best leisure, this his humble suit.

ARTEMIDORUS

O Caesar, read mine first, for mine’s a suit
That touches Caesar nearer. Read it, great Caesar.

ARTEMIDORUS

O Caesar, read mine first, for mine’s a suit
That touches Caesar nearer. Read it, great Caesar.

CAESAR

What touches us ourself shall be last served.

CAESAR

What touches us ourself shall be last served.

ARTEMIDORUS

10 Delay not, Caesar. Read it instantly.

ARTEMIDORUS

Delay not, Caesar. Read it instantly.

CAESAR

What, is the fellow mad?

CAESAR

What, is the fellow mad?

PUBLIUS

(to ARTEMIDORUS) Sirrah, give place.

PUBLIUS

(to ARTEMIDORUS) Sirrah, give place.

CASSIUS

(to ARTEMIDORUS)
What, urge you your petitions in the street?
15 Come to the Capitol.

CASSIUS

(to ARTEMIDORUS)
What, urge you your petitions in the street?
Come to the Capitol.
CAESAR ’s party moves aside to the senate house
CAESAR ’s party moves aside to the senate house

POPILLIUS

(to CASSIUS) I wish your enterprise today may thrive.

POPILLIUS

(to CASSIUS) I wish your enterprise today may thrive.

CASSIUS

What enterprise, Popillius?

CASSIUS

What enterprise, Popillius?

POPILLIUS

Fare you well.

POPILLIUS

Fare you well.
(approaches CAESAR )
(approaches CAESAR )

BRUTUS

(to CASSIUS) What said Popillius Lena?

BRUTUS

(to CASSIUS) What said Popillius Lena?

CASSIUS

(aside to BRUTUS)
20 He wished today our enterprise might thrive.
I fear our purpose is discoverèd.

CASSIUS

(aside to BRUTUS)
He wished today our enterprise might thrive.
I fear our purpose is discoverèd.

BRUTUS

Look how he makes to Caesar. Mark him.

BRUTUS

Look how he makes to Caesar. Mark him.

CASSIUS

Casca, be sudden, for we fear prevention
—Brutus, what shall be done? If this be known,
25 Cassius or Caesar never shall turn back,
For I will slay myself.

CASSIUS

Casca, be sudden, for we fear prevention
—Brutus, what shall be done? If this be known,
Cassius or Caesar never shall turn back,
For I will slay myself.

BRUTUS

Cassius, be constant.
Popillius Lena speaks not of our purposes.
For, look, he smiles, and Caesar doth not change.

BRUTUS

Cassius, be constant.
Popillius Lena speaks not of our purposes.
For, look, he smiles, and Caesar doth not change.

CASSIUS

Trebonius knows his time. For, look you, Brutus.
30 He draws Mark Antony out of the way.

CASSIUS

Trebonius knows his time. For, look you, Brutus.
He draws Mark Antony out of the way.
Exeunt TREBONIUS and ANTONY
Exeunt TREBONIUS and ANTONY

DECIUS

Where is Metellus Cimber? Let him go
And presently prefer his suit to Caesar.

DECIUS

Where is Metellus Cimber? Let him go
And presently prefer his suit to Caesar.

BRUTUS

He is addressed. Press near and second him.

BRUTUS

He is addressed. Press near and second him.

CINNA

Casca, you are the first that rears your hand.

CINNA

Casca, you are the first that rears your hand.

CAESAR

35 Are we all ready? What is now amiss
That Caesar and his senate must redress?

CAESAR

Are we all ready? What is now amiss
That Caesar and his senate must redress?

METELLUS

(kneeling)
Most high, most mighty, and most puissant Caesar,
Metellus Cimber throws before thy seat
40 An humble heart—

METELLUS

(kneeling)
Most high, most mighty, and most puissant Caesar,
Metellus Cimber throws before thy seat
An humble heart—

CAESAR

I must prevent thee, Cimber.
These couchings and these lowly courtesies
Might fire the blood of ordinary men
And turn preordinance and first decree
Into the law of children. Be not fond,
45 To think that Caesar bears such rebel blood
That will be thawed from the true quality
With that which melteth fools—I mean, sweet words,
Low-crookèd curtsies, and base spaniel fawning.
Thy brother by decree is banishèd.
50 If thou dost bend and pray and fawn for him,
I spurn thee like a cur out of my way.
Know, Caesar doth not wrong, nor without cause
Will he be satisfied.

CAESAR

I must prevent thee, Cimber.
These couchings and these lowly courtesies
Might fire the blood of ordinary men
And turn preordinance and first decree
Into the law of children. Be not fond,
To think that Caesar bears such rebel blood
That will be thawed from the true quality
With that which melteth fools—I mean, sweet words,
Low-crookèd curtsies, and base spaniel fawning.
Thy brother by decree is banishèd.
If thou dost bend and pray and fawn for him,
I spurn thee like a cur out of my way.
Know, Caesar doth not wrong, nor without cause
Will he be satisfied.

METELLUS

Is there no voice more worthy than my own
55 To sound more sweetly in great Caesar’s ear
For the repealing of my banished brother?

METELLUS

Is there no voice more worthy than my own
To sound more sweetly in great Caesar’s ear
For the repealing of my banished brother?

BRUTUS

(kneeling) I kiss thy hand, but not in flattery, Caesar,
Desiring thee that Publius Cimber may
Have an immediate freedom of repeal.

BRUTUS

(kneeling) I kiss thy hand, but not in flattery, Caesar,
Desiring thee that Publius Cimber may
Have an immediate freedom of repeal.

CAESAR

60 What, Brutus?

CAESAR

What, Brutus?

CASSIUS

(kneeling) Pardon, Caesar. Caesar, pardon.
As low as to thy foot doth Cassius fall
To beg enfranchisement for Publius Cimber.

CASSIUS

(kneeling) Pardon, Caesar. Caesar, pardon.
As low as to thy foot doth Cassius fall
To beg enfranchisement for Publius Cimber.

CAESAR

I could be well moved if I were as you.
If I could pray to move, prayers would move me.
65 But I am constant as the northern star,
Of whose true-fixed and resting quality
There is no fellow in the firmament.
The skies are painted with unnumbered sparks.
They are all fire and every one doth shine,
70 But there’s but one in all doth hold his place.
So in the world. 'Tis furnished well with men,
And men are flesh and blood, and apprehensive,
Yet in the number I do know but one
That unassailable holds on his rank,
75 Unshaked of motion. And that I am he
Let me a little show it even in this:
That I was constant Cimber should be banished,
And constant do remain to keep him so.

CAESAR

I could be well moved if I were as you.
If I could pray to move, prayers would move me.
But I am constant as the northern star,
Of whose true-fixed and resting quality
There is no fellow in the firmament.
The skies are painted with unnumbered sparks.
They are all fire and every one doth shine,
But there’s but one in all doth hold his place.
So in the world. 'Tis furnished well with men,
And men are flesh and blood, and apprehensive,
Yet in the number I do know but one
That unassailable holds on his rank,
Unshaked of motion. And that I am he
Let me a little show it even in this:
That I was constant Cimber should be banished,
And constant do remain to keep him so.

CINNA

(kneeling) O Caesar—

CINNA

(kneeling) O Caesar—

CAESAR

80 Hence! Wilt thou lift up Olympus?

CAESAR

Hence! Wilt thou lift up Olympus?

DECIUS

(kneeling) Great Caesar—

DECIUS

(kneeling) Great Caesar—

CAESAR

Doth not Brutus bootless kneel?

CAESAR

Doth not Brutus bootless kneel?

CASCA

Speak, hands, for me!

CASCA

Speak, hands, for me!
CASCA and the other conspirators stab CAESAR , BRUTUS last
CASCA and the other conspirators stab CAESAR , BRUTUS last

CAESAR

Et tu, Bruté?—Then fall, Caesar.
(dies)

CAESAR

Et tu, Bruté?—Then fall, Caesar.
(dies)

CINNA

Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!
Run hence, proclaim, cry it about the streets.

CINNA

Liberty! Freedom! Tyranny is dead!
Run hence, proclaim, cry it about the streets.

CASSIUS

Some to the common pulpits, and cry out,
“Liberty, freedom, and enfranchisement!”

CASSIUS

Some to the common pulpits, and cry out,
“Liberty, freedom, and enfranchisement!”
Confusion. Exeunt some plebians and senators
Confusion. Exeunt some plebians and senators

BRUTUS

90 People and senators, be not affrighted.
Fly not. Stand still. Ambition’s debt is paid.

BRUTUS

People and senators, be not affrighted.
Fly not. Stand still. Ambition’s debt is paid.

CASCA

Go to the pulpit, Brutus.

CASCA

Go to the pulpit, Brutus.

DECIUS

And Cassius too.

DECIUS

And Cassius too.

BRUTUS

Where’s Publius?

BRUTUS

Where’s Publius?

CINNA

95 Here, quite confounded with this mutiny.

CINNA

Here, quite confounded with this mutiny.

METELLUS

Stand fast together, lest some friend of Caesar’s
Should chance—

METELLUS

Stand fast together, lest some friend of Caesar’s
Should chance—

BRUTUS

Talk not of standing.—Publius, good cheer.
There is no harm intended to your person,
100 Nor to no Roman else. So tell them, Publius.

BRUTUS

Talk not of standing.—Publius, good cheer.
There is no harm intended to your person,
Nor to no Roman else. So tell them, Publius.

CASSIUS

And leave us, Publius, lest that the people,
Rushing on us, should do your age some mischief.

CASSIUS

And leave us, Publius, lest that the people,
Rushing on us, should do your age some mischief.

BRUTUS

Do so. And let no man abide this deed
But we the doers.

BRUTUS

Do so. And let no man abide this deed
But we the doers.
Exit PUBLIUS
Exit PUBLIUS
Enter TREBONIUS
Enter TREBONIUS

CASSIUS

105 Where is Antony?

CASSIUS

Where is Antony?

TREBONIUS

Fled to his house amazed.
Men, wives, and children stare, cry out, and run
As it were doomsday.

TREBONIUS

Fled to his house amazed.
Men, wives, and children stare, cry out, and run
As it were doomsday.

BRUTUS

Fates, we will know your pleasures.
That we shall die, we know. 'Tis but the time,
110 And drawing days out, that men stand upon.

BRUTUS

Fates, we will know your pleasures.
That we shall die, we know. 'Tis but the time,
And drawing days out, that men stand upon.

CASSIUS

Why, he that cuts off twenty years of life
Cuts off so many years of fearing death.

CASSIUS

Why, he that cuts off twenty years of life
Cuts off so many years of fearing death.

BRUTUS

Grant that, and then is death a benefit.
So are we Caesar’s friends, that have abridged
115 His time of fearing death. Stoop, Romans, stoop,
And let us bathe our hands in Caesar’s blood
Up to the elbows, and besmear our swords.
Then walk we forth, even to the marketplace,
And waving our red weapons o'er our heads
Let’s all cry, “Peace, freedom, and liberty!”

BRUTUS

Grant that, and then is death a benefit.
So are we Caesar’s friends, that have abridged
His time of fearing death. Stoop, Romans, stoop,
And let us bathe our hands in Caesar’s blood
Up to the elbows, and besmear our swords.
Then walk we forth, even to the marketplace,
And waving our red weapons o'er our heads
Let’s all cry, “Peace, freedom, and liberty!”

CASSIUS

Stoop, then, and wash.

CASSIUS

Stoop, then, and wash.
The conspirators smear their hands and swords with CAESAR ’s blood
The conspirators smear their hands and swords with CAESAR ’s blood
How many ages hence
Shall this our lofty scene be acted over
In states unborn and accents yet unknown!
How many ages hence
Shall this our lofty scene be acted over
In states unborn and accents yet unknown!

BRUTUS

How many times shall Caesar bleed in sport,
125 That now on Pompey’s basis lies along
No worthier than the dust!

BRUTUS

How many times shall Caesar bleed in sport,
That now on Pompey’s basis lies along
No worthier than the dust!

CASSIUS

So oft as that shall be,
So often shall the knot of us be called
“The men that gave their country liberty.”

CASSIUS

So oft as that shall be,
So often shall the knot of us be called
“The men that gave their country liberty.”

DECIUS

What, shall we forth?

DECIUS

What, shall we forth?

CASSIUS

Ay, every man away.
130 Brutus shall lead, and we will grace his heels
With the most boldest and best hearts of Rome.

CASSIUS

Ay, every man away.
Brutus shall lead, and we will grace his heels
With the most boldest and best hearts of Rome.
Enter ANTONY'S SERVANT
Enter ANTONY'S SERVANT

BRUTUS

Soft! Who comes here? A friend of Antony’s.

BRUTUS

Soft! Who comes here? A friend of Antony’s.

ANTONY'S SERVANT

(kneeling) Thus, Brutus, did my master bid me kneel.
(falls prostrate) Thus did Mark Antony bid me fall down,
135 And, being prostrate, thus he bade me say:
Brutus is noble, wise, valiant, and honest.
Caesar was mighty, bold, royal, and loving.
Say I love Brutus, and I honor him.
Say I feared Caesar, honored him, and loved him.

ANTONY'S SERVANT

(kneeling) Thus, Brutus, did my master bid me kneel.
(falls prostrate) Thus did Mark Antony bid me fall down,
And, being prostrate, thus he bade me say:
Brutus is noble, wise, valiant, and honest.
Caesar was mighty, bold, royal, and loving.
Say I love Brutus, and I honor him.
Say I feared Caesar, honored him, and loved him.
140 If Brutus will vouchsafe that Antony
May safely come to him and be resolved
How Caesar hath deserved to lie in death,
Mark Antony shall not love Caesar dead
So well as Brutus living, but will follow
145 The fortunes and affairs of noble Brutus
Thorough the hazards of this untrod state
With all true faith. So says my master Antony.
If Brutus will vouchsafe that Antony
May safely come to him and be resolved
How Caesar hath deserved to lie in death,
Mark Antony shall not love Caesar dead
So well as Brutus living, but will follow
The fortunes and affairs of noble Brutus
Thorough the hazards of this untrod state
With all true faith. So says my master Antony.

BRUTUS

Thy master is a wise and valiant Roman.
I never thought him worse.
150 Tell him, so please him come unto this place,
He shall be satisfied and, by my honor,
Depart untouched.

BRUTUS

Thy master is a wise and valiant Roman.
I never thought him worse.
Tell him, so please him come unto this place,
He shall be satisfied and, by my honor,
Depart untouched.

ANTONY'S SERVANT

(rising) I’ll fetch him presently.

ANTONY'S SERVANT

(rising) I’ll fetch him presently.
Exit ANTONY'S SERVANT
Exit ANTONY'S SERVANT

BRUTUS

I know that we shall have him well to friend.

BRUTUS

I know that we shall have him well to friend.

CASSIUS

I wish we may. But yet have I a mind
155 That fears him much, and my misgiving still
Falls shrewdly to the purpose.

CASSIUS

I wish we may. But yet have I a mind
That fears him much, and my misgiving still
Falls shrewdly to the purpose.
Enter ANTONY
Enter ANTONY

BRUTUS

But here comes Antony.—Welcome, Mark Antony.

BRUTUS

But here comes Antony.—Welcome, Mark Antony.

ANTONY

O mighty Caesar! Dost thou lie so low?
Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,
160 Shrunk to this little measure? Fare thee well.
—I know not, gentlemen, what you intend,
Who else must be let blood, who else is rank.

ANTONY

O mighty Caesar! Dost thou lie so low?
Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils,
Shrunk to this little measure? Fare thee well.
—I know not, gentlemen, what you intend,
Who else must be let blood, who else is rank.
If I myself, there is no hour so fit
As Caesar’s death’s hour, nor no instrument
165 Of half that worth as those your swords, made rich
With the most noble blood of all this world.
I do beseech ye, if you bear me hard,
Now, whilst your purpled hands do reek and smoke,
Fulfill your pleasure. Live a thousand years,
170 I shall not find myself so apt to die.
No place will please me so, no mean of death,
As here by Caesar, and by you cut off,
The choice and master spirits of this age.
If I myself, there is no hour so fit
As Caesar’s death’s hour, nor no instrument
Of half that worth as those your swords, made rich
With the most noble blood of all this world.
I do beseech ye, if you bear me hard,
Now, whilst your purpled hands do reek and smoke,
Fulfill your pleasure. Live a thousand years,
I shall not find myself so apt to die.
No place will please me so, no mean of death,
As here by Caesar, and by you cut off,
The choice and master spirits of this age.

BRUTUS

O Antony, beg not your death of us.
175 Though now we must appear bloody and cruel—
As by our hands and this our present act
You see we do—yet see you but our hands
And this the bleeding business they have done.
Our hearts you see not. They are pitiful.
180 And pity to the general wrong of Rome—
As fire drives out fire, so pity pity—
Hath done this deed on Caesar. For your part,
To you our swords have leaden points, Mark Antony.
Our arms in strength of malice and our hearts
185 Of brothers' temper do receive you in
With all kind love, good thoughts, and reverence.

BRUTUS

O Antony, beg not your death of us.
Though now we must appear bloody and cruel—
As by our hands and this our present act
You see we do—yet see you but our hands
And this the bleeding business they have done.
Our hearts you see not. They are pitiful.
And pity to the general wrong of Rome—
As fire drives out fire, so pity pity—
Hath done this deed on Caesar. For your part,
To you our swords have leaden points, Mark Antony.
Our arms in strength of malice and our hearts
Of brothers' temper do receive you in
With all kind love, good thoughts, and reverence.

CASSIUS

Your voice shall be as strong as any man’s
In the disposing of new dignities.

CASSIUS

Your voice shall be as strong as any man’s
In the disposing of new dignities.

BRUTUS

Only be patient till we have appeased
190 The multitude, beside themselves with fear,
And then we will deliver you the cause,
Why I, that did love Caesar when I struck him,
Have thus proceeded.

BRUTUS

Only be patient till we have appeased
The multitude, beside themselves with fear,
And then we will deliver you the cause,
Why I, that did love Caesar when I struck him,
Have thus proceeded.

ANTONY

I doubt not of your wisdom.
Let each man render me his bloody hand.
(shakes hands with the conspirators)
First, Marcus Brutus, will I shake with you.
—Next, Caius Cassius, do I take your hand.
—Now, Decius Brutus, yours.—Now yours, Metellus.
—Yours, Cinna.—And, my valiant Casca, yours.
200 —Though last, not last in love, yours, good Trebonius.
—Gentlemen all, alas, what shall I say?
My credit now stands on such slippery ground
That one of two bad ways you must conceit me,
Either a coward or a flatterer
205 —That I did love thee, Caesar, O, ’tis true.
If then thy spirit look upon us now,
Shall it not grieve thee dearer than thy death
To see thy Antony making his peace,
Shaking the bloody fingers of thy foes—
210 Most noble!—in the presence of thy corse?
Had I as many eyes as thou hast wounds,
Weeping as fast as they stream forth thy blood,
It would become me better than to close
In terms of friendship with thine enemies.
215 Pardon me, Julius! Here wast thou bayed, brave hart;
Here didst thou fall; and here thy hunters stand,
Signed in thy spoil, and crimsoned in thy lethe.
O world, thou wast the forest to this hart,
And this indeed, O world, the heart of thee.
220 How like a deer, strucken by many princes,
Dost thou here lie!

ANTONY

I doubt not of your wisdom.
Let each man render me his bloody hand.
(shakes hands with the conspirators)
First, Marcus Brutus, will I shake with you.
—Next, Caius Cassius, do I take your hand.
—Now, Decius Brutus, yours.—Now yours, Metellus.
—Yours, Cinna.—And, my valiant Casca, yours.
—Though last, not last in love, yours, good Trebonius.
—Gentlemen all, alas, what shall I say?
My credit now stands on such slippery ground
That one of two bad ways you must conceit me,
Either a coward or a flatterer
—That I did love thee, Caesar, O, ’tis true.
If then thy spirit look upon us now,
Shall it not grieve thee dearer than thy death
To see thy Antony making his peace,
Shaking the bloody fingers of thy foes—
Most noble!—in the presence of thy corse?
Had I as many eyes as thou hast wounds,
Weeping as fast as they stream forth thy blood,
It would become me better than to close
In terms of friendship with thine enemies.
Pardon me, Julius! Here wast thou bayed, brave hart;
Here didst thou fall; and here thy hunters stand,
Signed in thy spoil, and crimsoned in thy lethe.
O world, thou wast the forest to this hart,
And this indeed, O world, the heart of thee.
How like a deer, strucken by many princes,
Dost thou here lie!

CASSIUS

Mark Antony—

CASSIUS

Mark Antony—

ANTONY

Pardon me, Caius Cassius.
The enemies of Caesar shall say this;
225 Then, in a friend, it is cold modesty.

ANTONY

Pardon me, Caius Cassius.
The enemies of Caesar shall say this;
Then, in a friend, it is cold modesty.

CASSIUS

I blame you not for praising Caesar so.
But what compact mean you to have with us?
Will you be pricked in number of our friends?
Or shall we on, and not depend on you?

CASSIUS

I blame you not for praising Caesar so.
But what compact mean you to have with us?
Will you be pricked in number of our friends?
Or shall we on, and not depend on you?

ANTONY

230 Therefore I took your hands, but was indeed
Swayed from the point by looking down on Caesar.
Friends am I with you all and love you all
Upon this hope: that you shall give me reasons
Why and wherein Caesar was dangerous.

ANTONY

Therefore I took your hands, but was indeed
Swayed from the point by looking down on Caesar.
Friends am I with you all and love you all
Upon this hope: that you shall give me reasons
Why and wherein Caesar was dangerous.

BRUTUS

235 Or else were this a savage spectacle!
Our reasons are so full of good regard
That were you, Antony, the son of Caesar,
You should be satisfied.

BRUTUS

Or else were this a savage spectacle!
Our reasons are so full of good regard
That were you, Antony, the son of Caesar,
You should be satisfied.

ANTONY

That’s all I seek.
And am moreover suitor that I may
240 Produce his body to the marketplace,
And in the pulpit, as becomes a friend,
Speak in the order of his funeral.

ANTONY

That’s all I seek.
And am moreover suitor that I may
Produce his body to the marketplace,
And in the pulpit, as becomes a friend,
Speak in the order of his funeral.

BRUTUS

You shall, Mark Antony.

BRUTUS

You shall, Mark Antony.

CASSIUS

Brutus, a word with you.
(aside to BRUTUS) You know not what you do.
245 Do not consent
That Antony speak in his funeral.
Know you how much the people may be moved
By that which he will utter?

CASSIUS

Brutus, a word with you.
(aside to BRUTUS) You know not what you do.
Do not consent
That Antony speak in his funeral.
Know you how much the people may be moved
By that which he will utter?

BRUTUS

(aside to CASSIUS) By your pardon.
250 I will myself into the pulpit first,
And show the reason of our Caesar’s death.

BRUTUS

(aside to CASSIUS) By your pardon.
I will myself into the pulpit first,
And show the reason of our Caesar’s death.
What Antony shall speak, I will protest,
He speaks by leave and by permission,
And that we are contented Caesar shall
255 Have all true rites and lawful ceremonies.
It shall advantage more than do us wrong.
What Antony shall speak, I will protest,
He speaks by leave and by permission,
And that we are contented Caesar shall
Have all true rites and lawful ceremonies.
It shall advantage more than do us wrong.

CASSIUS

(aside to BRUTUS) I know not what may fall. I like it not.

CASSIUS

(aside to BRUTUS) I know not what may fall. I like it not.

BRUTUS

Mark Antony, here, take you Caesar’s body.
You shall not in your funeral speech blame us,
260 But speak all good you can devise of Caesar,
And say you do ’t by our permission.
Else shall you not have any hand at all
About his funeral. And you shall speak
In the same pulpit whereto I am going,
265 After my speech is ended.

BRUTUS

Mark Antony, here, take you Caesar’s body.
You shall not in your funeral speech blame us,
But speak all good you can devise of Caesar,
And say you do ’t by our permission.
Else shall you not have any hand at all
About his funeral. And you shall speak
In the same pulpit whereto I am going,
After my speech is ended.

ANTONY

Be it so.
I do desire no more.

ANTONY

Be it so.
I do desire no more.

BRUTUS

Prepare the body then, and follow us.

BRUTUS

Prepare the body then, and follow us.
Exeunt. Manet ANTONY
Exeunt. Manet ANTONY

ANTONY

O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth,
270 That I am meek and gentle with these butchers!
Thou art the ruins of the noblest man
That ever livèd in the tide of times.
Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood!
Over thy wounds now do I prophesy—
275 Which, like dumb mouths, do ope their ruby lips
To beg the voice and utterance of my tongue—
A curse shall light upon the limbs of men.

ANTONY

O, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth,
That I am meek and gentle with these butchers!
Thou art the ruins of the noblest man
That ever livèd in the tide of times.
Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood!
Over thy wounds now do I prophesy—
Which, like dumb mouths, do ope their ruby lips
To beg the voice and utterance of my tongue—
A curse shall light upon the limbs of men.
Domestic fury and fierce civil strife
Shall cumber all the parts of Italy.
280 Blood and destruction shall be so in use,
And dreadful objects so familiar,
That mothers shall but smile when they behold
Their infants quartered with the hands of war,
All pity choked with custom of fell deeds,
285 And Caesar’s spirit, ranging for revenge,
With Ate by his side come hot from hell,
Shall in these confines with a monarch’s voice
Cry “Havoc!” and let slip the dogs of war,
That this foul deed shall smell above the earth
290 With carrion men, groaning for burial.
Domestic fury and fierce civil strife
Shall cumber all the parts of Italy.
Blood and destruction shall be so in use,
And dreadful objects so familiar,
That mothers shall but smile when they behold
Their infants quartered with the hands of war,
All pity choked with custom of fell deeds,
And Caesar’s spirit, ranging for revenge,
With Ate by his side come hot from hell,
Shall in these confines with a monarch’s voice
Cry “Havoc!” and let slip the dogs of war,
That this foul deed shall smell above the earth
With carrion men, groaning for burial.
Enter OCTAVIUS' SERVANT
Enter OCTAVIUS' SERVANT
You serve Octavius Caesar, do you not?
You serve Octavius Caesar, do you not?

OCTAVIUS' SERVANT

I do, Mark Antony.

OCTAVIUS' SERVANT

I do, Mark Antony.

ANTONY

Caesar did write for him to come to Rome.

ANTONY

Caesar did write for him to come to Rome.

OCTAVIUS' SERVANT

He did receive his letters and is coming.
295 And bid me say to you by word of mouth—
(sees CAESAR’s body) O Caesar!—

OCTAVIUS' SERVANT

He did receive his letters and is coming.
And bid me say to you by word of mouth—
(sees CAESAR’s body) O Caesar!—

ANTONY

Thy heart is big. Get thee apart and weep.
Passion, I see, is catching, for mine eyes,
Seeing those beads of sorrow stand in thine,
300 Began to water. Is thy master coming?

ANTONY

Thy heart is big. Get thee apart and weep.
Passion, I see, is catching, for mine eyes,
Seeing those beads of sorrow stand in thine,
Began to water. Is thy master coming?

OCTAVIUS' SERVANT

He lies tonight within seven leagues of Rome.

OCTAVIUS' SERVANT

He lies tonight within seven leagues of Rome.

ANTONY

Post back with speed, and tell him what hath chanced.
Here is a mourning Rome, a dangerous Rome,
No Rome of safety for Octavius yet.
305 Hie hence, and tell him so.—Yet, stay awhile.
Thou shalt not back till I have borne this corse
Into the marketplace. There shall I try,
In my oration, how the people take
The cruèl issue of these bloody men.
310 According to the which, thou shalt discourse
To young Octavius of the state of things.
Lend me your hand.

ANTONY

Post back with speed, and tell him what hath chanced.
Here is a mourning Rome, a dangerous Rome,
No Rome of safety for Octavius yet.
Hie hence, and tell him so.—Yet, stay awhile.
Thou shalt not back till I have borne this corse
Into the marketplace. There shall I try,
In my oration, how the people take
The cruèl issue of these bloody men.
According to the which, thou shalt discourse
To young Octavius of the state of things.
Lend me your hand.
Exeunt with CAESAR ’s body
Exeunt with CAESAR ’s body
Previous page Act 2, Scene 4 Next page Act 3, Scene 2
Test your knowledge

Take the Act 3, scene i Quick Quiz
Read the Summary

Read the Summary of Act 3, scene i.
Shakespeare’s Life & Times

Dive into our comprehensive guide to ace your Shakespeare assignments

Popular pages: Julius Caesar

Take a Study Break