[Dramatis Personae julius caesar CALPERNIA, Caesar's wife mark antony, OCTAVIOUS CAESAR, triumvirs after Caesar's death LEPIDUS, MARCUS BRUTUS PORTIA, Brutus's wife CAIUS CASSIUS, CASCA, DECIUS BRUTUS, CINNA, conspirators with Brutus METELLUS CIMBER, TREBONIUS, CAIUS LIGARIUS, CICERO, PUBLIUS, senators POPILIUS LENA, FLAVIUS, tribunes of the people MARULIUS, SOOTHSAYER ARTEMIDORUS, a teacher of rhetoric CINNA, a poet Another POET LUCILIUS, TITINIUS, MESSALA, YOUNG CATO, VOLUMNIUS, officers and soldiers in the army VARRO, of Brutus and Cassius CLAUDIUS, CLITUS, DARDANIUS, LABEO, FLAVIUS, PINDARUS, Cassius's servant LUCIUS, Brutus's servants strato, Caesar's SERVANT Antony's SERVANT Octavius's SERVANT CARPENTER COBBLER Five PLEBEIANS Three SOLDIERS in Brutus's army Two SOLDIERS in Antony's army MESSENGER GHOST of Caesar Senators, Plebeians, Officers, Soldiers, and Attendants SCENE: Rome; the neighborhood of Sardis; the neighborhood of Philippi] 1.1 Location: Rome. A street. 3 mechanical of the artisan class 4 sign garb and implements 10 in . . . workman (1) as far as skilled work is concerned (2) compared with a skilled worker 11 cobbler (1) one who works with shoes (2) bungler. 14 soles (With pun on "souls.") 15 naughty good-for-nothing 16 out out of temper 17 out having worn-out shoes. mend you (1) cure your bad temper (2) repair your shoes. 19 cobble you mend your shoes. (The meaning "to pelt with stones" also suggests itself here, though perhaps it was not in general use until later in the seventeenth century.) 1.1 * Enter Flavius, Marullus, and certain commoners over the stage. FLAVIUS Hence! Home, you idle creatures, get you home! Is this a holiday? What, know you not, Being mechanical, you ought not walk 3 Upon a laboring day without the sign 4 Of your profession?--Speak, what trade art thou? CARPENTER Why, sir, a carpenter. MARULLUS Where is thy leather apron and thy rule? What dost thou with thy best apparel on?-- You, sir, what trade are you? COBBLER Truly, sir, in respect of a fine workman, I am 10 but, as you would say, a cobbler. 11 MARULLUS But what trade art thou? Answer me directly. COBBLER A trade, sir, that I hope I may use with a safe conscience, which is indeed, sir, a mender of bad soles. 14 FLAVIUS What trade, thou knave? Thou naughty knave, what trade? 15 COBBLER Nay, I beseech you, sir, be not out with me. 16 Yet if you be out, sir, I can mend you. 17 FLAVIUS What mean'st thou by that? Mend me, thou saucy fellow? COBBLER Why, sir, cobble you. 19 21 awl (Punning on all.) 22 meddle with (1) have to do with (2) have sexual intercourse with 23 withal yet. (With pun on with awl.) 24 recover (1) resole (2) cure 25 proper fine, handsome. as . . . leather (Proverbial. Neat's leather is cowhide.) 31 triumph triumphal procession. (Caesar had overthrown the sons of Pompey the Great in Spain at the Battle of Munda, March 17, 45 b.c. The triumph was held that October.) 33 tributaries captives who will pay ransom (tribute) 35 senseless insensible like stone (hence, unfeeling) 37 Pompey (Caesar had overthrown the great soldier and onetime triumvir at the Battle of Pharsalus in 48 b.c. Pompey fled to Egypt, where he was murdered.) 38-9 battlements . . . chimney tops (The details are appropriate to an Elizabethan cityscape.) 42 great (Alludes to Pompey's epithet, Magnus, "great.") pass pass through 45 Tiber the Tiber River 46 replication echo 47 concave hollowed out, overhanging 49 cull pick FLAVIUS Thou art a cobbler, art thou? COBBLER Truly, sir, all that I live by is with the awl. I 21 meddle with no tradesman's matters nor women's 22 matters, but withal I am indeed, sir, a surgeon to old 23 shoes. When they are in great danger, I recover them. 24 As proper men as ever trod upon neat's leather have 25 gone upon my handiwork. FLAVIUS But wherefore art not in thy shop today? Why dost thou lead these men about the streets? COBBLER Truly, sir, to wear out their shoes, to get myself into more work. But indeed, sir, we make holiday to see Caesar and to rejoice in his triumph. 31 MARULLUS Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home? What tributaries follow him to Rome 33 To grace in captive bonds his chariot wheels? You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things! 35 O you hard hearts, you cruel men of Rome, Knew you not Pompey? Many a time and oft 37 Have you climbed up to walls and battlements, 38 To towers and windows, yea, to chimney tops, 39 Your infants in your arms, and there have sat The livelong day, with patient expectation, To see great Pompey pass the streets of Rome. 42 And when you saw his chariot but appear, Have you not made an universal shout, That Tiber trembled underneath her banks 45 To hear the replication of your sounds 46 Made in her concave shores? 47 And do you now put on your best attire? And do you now cull out a holiday? 49 And do you now strew flowers in his way 51 Pompey's blood (1) Pompey's offspring (2) the blood of the Pompeys. 54 intermit suspend 55 needs must must necessarily 57 sort rank 59-60 till . . . all until even at its lowest reach the river is filled to the brim. 61 See . . . moved See how even their ignoble natures can be appealed to. (Mettle and metal are interchangeable, meaning both "temperament" and the natural substance. A base metal is one that is easily changed or moved, unlike gold; compare 1.2.308-10.) 64 images statues (of Caesar in royal regalia, set up by his followers) 65 ceremonies ceremonial trappings. 67 Feast of Lupercal a feast of purification (Februa, whence February) in honor of Pan, celebrated from ancient times in Rome on February 15 of each year. (Historically, this celebration came some months after Caesar's triumph in October of 45 b.c. The celebrants, called Luperci, raced around the Palatine Hill and the Circus carrying thongs of goatskin, with which they lightly struck those who came in their way. Women so touched were supposed to be cured of barrenness; hence Caesar's wish that Antony would strike Calpurnia, 1.2.6-9.) 69 trophies spoils of war hung up as memorials of victory. about go around the other way 70 vulgar commoners, plebeians 73 pitch highest point in flight. (A term from falconry.) 74 else otherwise That comes in triumph over Pompey's blood? 51 Begone! Run to your houses, fall upon your knees, Pray to the gods to intermit the plague 54 That needs must light on this ingratitude. 55 FLAVIUS Go, go, good countrymen, and for this fault Assemble all the poor men of your sort; 57 Draw them to Tiber banks, and weep your tears Into the channel, till the lowest stream 59 Do kiss the most exalted shores of all. 60 Exeunt all the commoners. See whe'er their basest mettle be not moved. 61 They vanish tongue-tied in their guiltiness. Go you down that way towards the Capitol; This way will I. Disrobe the images 64 If you do find them decked with ceremonies. 65 MARULLUS May we do so? You know it is the Feast of Lupercal. 67 FLAVIUS It is no matter. Let no images Be hung with Caesar's trophies. I'll about 69 And drive away the vulgar from the streets; 70 So do you too, where you perceive them thick. These growing feathers plucked from Caesar's wing Will make him fly an ordinary pitch, 73 Who else would soar above the view of men 74 And keep us all in servile fearfulness. Exeunt. 1.2 Location: A public place or street, perhaps as in the previous scene. 0.1 for the course i.e., stripped for the race, carrying a goatskin thong 3 Antonio (Here and occasionally elsewhere Shakespeare employs Italian forms of Latin proper names, perhaps for metrical reasons.) 9 sterile curse curse of barrenness. 11 Set on Proceed 15 press throng [1.2] * Enter Caesar, Antony for the course, Calpurnia, Portia, Decius, Cicero, Brutus, Cassius, Casca, a Soothsayer; after them, Marullus and Flavius; [citizens following]. CAESAR Calpurnia! casca Peace, ho! Caesar speaks. CAESAR Calpurnia! CALPURNIA Here, my lord. CAESAR Stand you directly in Antonio's way 3 When he doth run his course. Antonio! ANTONY Caesar, my lord? CAESAR Forget not, in your speed, Antonio, To touch Calpurnia; for our elders say The barren, touched in this holy chase, Shake off their sterile curse. ANTONY I shall remember. 9 When Caesar says "Do this," it is performed. CAESAR Set on, and leave no ceremony out. [Flourish.] 11 SOOTHSAYER Caesar! CAESAR Ha? Who calls? CASCA Bid every noise be still. Peace yet again! [The music ceases.] CAESAR Who is it in the press that calls on me? 15 I hear a tongue shriller than all the music Cry "Caesar!" Speak. Caesar is turned to hear. 18 ides of March March 15. 24.1 Sennet trumpet call signaling the arrival or departure of a dignitary. Manent They remain onstage 25 order of the course ritual and progress of the race. 28 gamesome fond of sports, merry. 34 wont accustomed 35 You . . . hand You behave too stubbornly and in too unfriendly a manner. (The metaphor is from horsemanship.) 37 veiled my look i.e., been introverted, seemed less friendly SOOTHSAYER Beware the ides of March. CAESAR What man is that? 18 BRUTUS A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March. CAESAR Set him before me. Let me see his face. CASSIUS Fellow, come from the throng. [The Soothsayer comes forward.] Look upon Caesar. CAESAR What say'st thou to me now? Speak once again. SOOTHSAYER Beware the ides of March. CAESAR He is a dreamer. Let us leave him. Pass. 24 Sennet. Exeunt. Manent Brutus and Cassius. CASSIUS Will you go see the order of the course? 25 BRUTUS Not I. CASSIUS I pray you, do. BRUTUS I am not gamesome. I do lack some part 28 Of that quick spirit that is in Antony. Let me not hinder, Cassius, your desires; I'll leave you. CASSIUS Brutus, I do observe you now of late. I have not from your eyes that gentleness And show of love as I was wont to have. 34 You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand 35 Over your friend that loves you. BRUTUS Cassius, Be not deceived. If I have veiled my look, 37 39 Merely entirely 40 passions of some difference conflicting emotions 41 only proper to relating only to 42 soil blemish 49-50 By . . . value because of which misunderstanding (my assuming you were displeased with me) I have kept to myself important thoughts 54 just true. 58 shadow image, reflection. 59 best respect highest repute and station 62 had his eyes (1) could see things from the perspective of Caesar's critics, or (2) could see better with his own eyes. I turn the trouble of my countenance Merely upon myself. Vexd I am 39 Of late with passions of some difference, 40 Conceptions only proper to myself, 41 Which give some soil, perhaps, to my behaviors. 42 But let not therefore my good friends be grieved-- Among which number, Cassius, be you one-- Nor construe any further my neglect Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war, Forgets the shows of love to other men. CASSIUS Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion, By means whereof this breast of mine hath buried 49 Thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations. 50 Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face? BRUTUS No, Cassius, for the eye sees not itself But by reflection, by some other things. CASSIUS 'Tis just. 54 And it is very much lamented, Brutus, That you have no such mirrors as will turn Your hidden worthiness into your eye, That you might see your shadow. I have heard 58 Where many of the best respect in Rome, 59 Except immortal Caesar, speaking of Brutus And groaning underneath this age's yoke, Have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes. 62 BRUTUS Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius, That you would have me seek into myself For that which is not in me? CASSIUS Therefore, good Brutus, be prepared to hear; And since you know you cannot see yourself 68 glass mirror 69 modestly discover reveal without exaggeration 71 jealous on suspicious of. gentle noble 72 laughter laughingstock, as at 4.3.114; or perhaps laugher, a shallow fellow who laughs at every jest. did use were accustomed 73 stale cheapen, make common. ordinary (1) commonplace (2) customary (3) tavern 74 protester one who protests or declares friendship 76 after scandal afterwards slander 77 profess myself make declarations of friendship 78 rout mob 78.1 Flourish Fanfare for a dignitary 87 indifferently impartially 88 speed me make me prosper 91 favor appearance. 95 as lief not be just as soon not exist 96 such . . . myself i.e., a fellow mortal. So well as by reflection, I, your glass, 68 Will modestly discover to yourself 69 That of yourself which you yet know not of. And be not jealous on me, gentle Brutus. 71 Were I a common laughter, or did use 72 To stale with ordinary oaths my love 73 To every new protester; if you know 74 That I do fawn on men and hug them hard And after scandal them, or if you know 76 That I profess myself in banqueting 77 To all the rout, then hold me dangerous. 78 Flourish, and shout. BRUTUS What means this shouting? I do fear the people Choose Caesar for their king. CASSIUS Ay, do you fear it? Then must I think you would not have it so. BRUTUS I would not, Cassius, yet I love him well. But wherefore do you hold me here so long? What is it that you would impart to me? If it be aught toward the general good, Set honor in one eye and death i'th'other And I will look on both indifferently; 87 For let the gods so speed me as I love 88 The name of honor more than I fear death. CASSIUS I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus, As well as I do know your outward favor. 91 Well, honor is the subject of my story. I cannot tell what you and other men Think of this life; but, for my single self, I had as lief not be as live to be 95 In awe of such a thing as I myself. 96 105 Accoutred fully dressed in armor 108 lusty sinews vigorous might. (Literally, tendons.) 109 stemming making headway against. hearts of controversy hearts fired up by rivalry. 112 Aeneas hero of Virgil's Aeneid, the legendary founder of Rome (hence our great ancestor), who bore his aged father Anchises out of burning Troy as it was falling to the Greeks 117 bend his body bow 122 color (1) i.e., normal healthy hue (2) military colors, flag. (The lips are personified as deserters.) 123 bend glance, gaze 124 his its 129 temper constitution 130 get . . . of gain ascendancy over 131 palm victor's prize I was born free as Caesar, so were you; We both have fed as well, and we can both Endure the winter's cold as well as he. Excerpted from Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. 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