Act 2
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Modern Text |
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Enter BRUTUS in his orchard
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BRUTUS enters in his
orchard.
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BRUTUS What, Lucius, ho!—
I cannot by the progress of the stars
Give guess how near to day.—Lucius, I
say!—
I would it were my fault to sleep so soundly.—
5When, Lucius, when? Awake, I say! What, Lucius!
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BRUTUS Lucius, are you there? I can’t tell by the position of
the stars how near it is to daybreak—Lucius, are you
there? I wish I had that weakness, to sleep too soundly. Come on,
Lucius! Wake up, I say! Lucius!
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Enter LUCIUS
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LUCIUS enters.
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LUCIUS Called you, my lord?
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LUCIUS Did you call me, my lord?
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BRUTUS Get me a taper in my study, Lucius.
When it is lighted, come and call me here.
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BRUTUS Put a candle in my study, Lucius. Call me when it’s
lit.
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LUCIUS I will, my lord.
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LUCIUS I will, my lord.
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Exit LUCIUS
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LUCIUS exits.
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BRUTUS
10It must be by his death, and for my part
I know no personal cause to spurn at him
But for the general. He would be crowned.
How that might change his nature, there’s the question.
It is the bright day that brings forth the adder
15And that craves wary walking. Crown him that,
And then I grant we put a sting in him
That at his will he may do danger with.
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BRUTUS The only way is to kill Caesar. I have no personal reason to
strike at him—only the best interest of the people. He
wants to be crowned. The question is, how would being king change
him? Evil can come from good, just as poisonous snakes tend to come
out into the open on bright sunny days—which means we
have to walk carefully. If we crown him, I have to admit
we’d be giving him the power to do damage.
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More Help
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Character List
CHARACTERS -
Brutus: Character Analysis
CHARACTERS -
Plot Analysis
MAIN IDEAS -
Is a Republic Better than a Monarchy?
MAIN IDEAS -
Quotes by Theme
QUOTES -
Themes
MAIN IDEAS -
Review Quiz
FURTHER STUDY
