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Begin Content







The Tragedie of Julius Caesar

Actus Primus. Scoena Prima.

Enter Flauius, Murellus, and certaine Commoners ouer the Stage.

Flauius. Hence: home you idle Creatures, get you home: Is this a
Holiday? What, know you not

(Being Mechanicall) you ought not walke

Vpon a labouring day, without the signe

Of your Profession? Speake, what Trade art thou?   Car. Why Sir, a
Carpenter

Mur. Where is thy Leather Apron, and thy Rule? What dost thou with thy
best Apparrell on? You sir, what Trade are you?

Cobl. Truely Sir, in respect of a fine Workman, I am but as you would
say, a Cobler

Mur. But what Trade art thou? Answer me directly

Cob. A Trade Sir, that I hope I may vse, with a safe Conscience, which
is indeed Sir, a Mender of bad soules

Fla. What Trade thou knaue? Thou naughty knaue, what Trade?

Cobl. Nay I beseech you Sir, be not out with me: yet if you be out Sir,
I can mend you

Mur. What mean'st thou by that? Mend mee, thou sawcy Fellow?

Cob. Why sir, Cobble you

Fla. Thou art a Cobler, art thou?

Cob. Truly sir, all that I liue by, is with the Aule: I meddle with no
Tradesmans matters, nor womens matters; but withal I am indeed Sir, a
Surgeon to old shooes: when they are in great danger, I recouer them.
As proper men as euer trod vpon Neats Leather, haue gone vpon my
handy-worke

Fla. But wherefore art not in thy Shop to day? Why do'st thou leade
these men about the streets?   Cob. Truly sir, to weare out their
shooes, to get my selfe into more worke. But indeede sir, we make
Holyday to see Caesar, and to reioyce in his Triumph

Mur. Wherefore reioyce?

What Conquest brings he home?

What Tributaries follow him to Rome,

To grace in Captiue bonds his Chariot Wheeles? You Blockes, you stones,
you worse then senslesse things: O you hard hearts, you cruell men of
Rome, Knew you not Pompey many a time and oft?

Haue you climb'd vp to Walles and Battlements, To Towres and Windowes?
Yea, to Chimney tops, Your Infants in your Armes, and there haue sate
The liue-long day, with patient expectation, To see great Pompey passe
the streets of Rome: And when you saw his Chariot but appeare, Haue you
not made an Vniuersall shout,

That Tyber trembled vnderneath her bankes To heare the replication of
your sounds,

Made in her Concaue Shores?

And do you now put on your best attyre?

And do you now cull out a Holyday?

And do you now strew Flowers in his way,

That comes in Triumph ouer Pompeyes blood? Be gone,

Runne to your houses, fall vpon your knees, Pray to the Gods to
intermit the plague

That needs must light on this Ingratitude

Fla. Go, go, good Countrymen, and for this fault Assemble all the poore
men of your sort;

Draw them to Tyber bankes, and weepe your teares Into the Channell,
till the lowest streame Do kisse the most exalted Shores of all.

Exeunt. all the Commoners.

See where their basest mettle be not mou'd, They vanish tongue-tyed in
their guiltinesse: Go you downe that way towards the Capitoll, This way
will I: Disrobe the Images,

If you do finde them deckt with Ceremonies

Mur. May we do so?

You know it is the Feast of Lupercall

Fla. It is no matter, let no Images

Be hung with Caesars Trophees: Ile about, And driue away the Vulgar
from the streets; So do you too, where you perceiue them thicke. These
growing Feathers, pluckt from Caesars wing, Will make him flye an
ordinary pitch,

Who else would soare aboue the view of men, And keepe vs all in seruile
fearefulnesse.

Exeunt.

Enter Caesar, Antony for the Course, Calphurnia, Portia, Decius,
Cicero,

Brutus, Cassius, Caska, a Soothsayer: after them Murellus and Flauius.

Caes. Calphurnia

Cask. Peace ho, Caesar speakes

Caes. Calphurnia

Calp. Heere my Lord

Caes. Stand you directly in Antonio's way, When he doth run his course.
Antonio

Ant. Csar, my Lord

Caes. Forget not in your speed Antonio, To touch Calphurnia: for our
Elders say,

The Barren touched in this holy chace,

Shake off their sterrile curse

Ant. I shall remember,

When Caesar sayes, Do this; it is perform'd

Caes. Set on, and leaue no Ceremony out

Sooth. Caesar

Caes. Ha? Who calles?

Cask. Bid euery noyse be still: peace yet againe

Caes. Who is it in the presse, that calles on me? I heare a Tongue
shriller then all the Musicke Cry, Caesar: Speake, Caesar is turn'd to
heare

Sooth. Beware the Ides of March

Caes. What man is that?

Br. A Sooth-sayer bids you beware the Ides of March   Caes. Set him
before me, let me see his face

Cassi. Fellow, come from the throng, look vpon Caesar

Caes. What sayst thou to me now? Speak once againe,   Sooth. Beware the
Ides of March

Caes. He is a Dreamer, let vs leaue him: Passe.

Sennet

Exeunt. Manet Brut. & Cass.

Cassi. Will you go see the order of the course?   Brut. Not I

Cassi. I pray you do

Brut. I am not Gamesom: I do lacke some part Of that quicke Spirit that
is in Antony:

Let me not hinder Cassius your desires;

Ile leaue you

Cassi. Brutus, I do obserue you now of late: I haue not from your eyes,
that gentlenesse And shew of Loue, as I was wont to haue:

You beare too stubborne, and too strange a hand Ouer your Friend, that
loues you

Bru. Cassius,

Be not deceiu'd: If I haue veyl'd my looke, I turne the trouble of my
Countenance

Meerely vpon my selfe. Vexed I am

Of late, with passions of some difference, Conceptions onely proper to
my selfe,

Which giue some soyle (perhaps) to my Behauiours: But let not therefore
my good Friends be greeu'd (Among which number Cassius be you one)

Nor construe any further my neglect,

Then that poore Brutus with himselfe at warre, Forgets the shewes of
Loue to other men

Cassi. Then Brutus, I haue much mistook your passion, By meanes
whereof, this Brest of mine hath buried Thoughts of great value, worthy
Cogitations. Tell me good Brutus, Can you see your face?   Brutus. No
Cassius:

For the eye sees not it selfe but by reflection, By some other things

Cassius. 'Tis iust,

And it is very much lamented Brutus,

That you haue no such Mirrors, as will turne Your hidden worthinesse
into your eye,

That you might see your shadow:

I haue heard,

Where many of the best respect in Rome,

(Except immortall Caesar) speaking of Brutus, And groaning vnderneath
this Ages yoake,

Haue wish'd, that Noble Brutus had his eyes

Bru. Into what dangers, would you

Leade me Cassius?

That you would haue me seeke into my selfe, For that which is not in
me?

Cas. Therefore good Brutus, be prepar'd to heare: And since you know,
you cannot see your selfe So well as by Reflection; I your Glasse,

Will modestly discouer to your selfe

That of your selfe, which you yet know not of. And be not iealous on
me, gentle Brutus:

Were I a common Laughter, or did vse

To stale with ordinary Oathes my loue

To euery new Protester: if you know,

That I do fawne on men, and hugge them hard, And after scandall them:
Or if you know,

That I professe my selfe in Banquetting

To all the Rout, then hold me dangerous.

Flourish, and Shout.

Bru. What meanes this Showting?

I do feare, the People choose Caesar

For their King

Cassi. I, do you feare it?

Then must I thinke you would not haue it so

Bru. I would not Cassius, yet I loue him well: But wherefore do you
hold me heere so long? What is it, that you would impart to me?

If it be ought toward the generall good,

Set Honor in one eye, and Death i'th other, And I will looke on both
indifferently:

For let the Gods so speed mee, as I loue

The name of Honor, more then I feare death

Cassi. I know that vertue to be in you Brutus, As well as I do know
your outward fauour. Well, Honor is the subiect of my Story:

I cannot tell, what you and other men

Thinke of this life: But for my single selfe, I had as liefe not be, as
liue to be

In awe of such a Thing, as I my selfe.

I was borne free as Caesar, so were you,

We both haue fed as well, and we can both Endure the Winters cold, as
well as hee.

For once, vpon a Rawe and Gustie day,

The troubled Tyber, chafing with her Shores, Caesar saide to me, Dar'st
thou Cassius now Leape in with me into this angry Flood,

And swim to yonder Point? Vpon the word,

Accoutred as I was, I plunged in,

And bad him follow: so indeed he did.

The Torrent roar'd, and we did buffet it

With lusty Sinewes, throwing it aside,

And stemming it with hearts of Controuersie. But ere we could arriue
the Point propos'd, Caesar cride, Helpe me Cassius, or I sinke. I (as
Aeneas, our great Ancestor,

Did from the Flames of Troy, vpon his shoulder The old Anchyses beare)
so, from the waues of Tyber Did I the tyred Caesar: And this Man,

Is now become a God, and Cassius is

A wretched Creature, and must bend his body, If Caesar carelesly but
nod on him.

He had a Feauer when he was in Spaine,

And when the Fit was on him, I did marke

How he did shake: Tis true, this God did shake, His Coward lippes did
from their colour flye, And that same Eye, whose bend doth awe the
World, Did loose his Lustre: I did heare him grone: I, and that Tongue
of his, that bad the Romans Marke him, and write his Speeches in their
Bookes, Alas, it cried, Giue me some drinke Titinius, As a sicke Girle:
Ye Gods, it doth amaze me, A man of such a feeble temper should

So get the start of the Maiesticke world, And beare the Palme alone.

Shout. Flourish.

Bru. Another generall shout?

I do beleeue, that these applauses are

For some new Honors, that are heap'd on Caesar

Cassi. Why man, he doth bestride the narrow world Like a Colossus, and
we petty men

Walke vnder his huge legges, and peepe about To finde our selues
dishonourable Graues. Men at sometime, are Masters of their Fates. The
fault (deere Brutus) is not in our Starres, But in our Selues, that we
are vnderlings. Brutus and Caesar: What should be in that Caesar? Why
should that name be sounded more then yours Write them together: Yours,
is as faire a Name: Sound them, it doth become the mouth aswell: Weigh
them, it is as heauy: Coniure with 'em, Brutus will start a Spirit as
soone as Caesar. Now in the names of all the Gods at once, Vpon what
meate doth this our Caesar feede, That he is growne so great? Age, thou
art sham'd. Rome, thou hast lost the breed of Noble Bloods. When went
there by an Age, since the great Flood, But it was fam'd with more then
with one man? When could they say (till now) that talk'd of Rome, That
her wide Walkes incompast but one man? Now is it Rome indeed, and Roome
enough

When there is in it but one onely man.

O! you and I, haue heard our Fathers say, There was a Brutus once, that
would haue brook'd Th' eternall Diuell to keepe his State in Rome, As
easily as a King

Bru. That you do loue me, I am nothing iealous: What you would worke me
too, I haue some ayme: How I haue thought of this, and of these times I
shall recount heereafter. For this present, I would not so (with loue I
might intreat you) Be any further moou'd: What you haue said, I will
consider: what you haue to say

I will with patience heare, and finde a time Both meete to heare, and
answer such high things. Till then, my Noble Friend, chew vpon this:
Brutus had rather be a Villager,

Then to repute himselfe a Sonne of Rome

Vnder these hard Conditions, as this time Is like to lay vpon vs

Cassi. I am glad that my weake words

Haue strucke but thus much shew of fire from Brutus, Enter Caesar and
his Traine.

Bru. The Games are done,

And Caesar is returning

Cassi. As they passe by,

Plucke Caska by the Sleeue,

And he will (after his sowre fashion) tell you What hath proceeded
worthy note to day

Bru. I will do so: but looke you Cassius, The angry spot doth glow on
Caesars brow, And all the rest, looke like a chidden Traine;
Calphurnia's Cheeke is pale, and Cicero

Lookes with such Ferret, and such fiery eyes As we haue seene him in
the Capitoll

Being crost in Conference, by some Senators

Cassi. Caska will tell vs what the matter is

Caes Antonio

Ant. Caesar

Caes Let me haue men about me, that are fat, Sleeke-headed men, and
such as sleepe a-nights: Yond Cassius has a leane and hungry looke, He
thinkes too much: such men are dangerous

Ant. Feare him not Caesar, he's not dangerous, He is a Noble Roman, and
well giuen

Caes Would he were fatter; But I feare him not: Yet if my name were
lyable to feare,

I do not know the man I should auoyd

So soone as that spare Cassius. He reades much, He is a great Obseruer,
and he lookes

Quite through the Deeds of men. He loues no Playes, As thou dost
Antony: he heares no Musicke; Seldome he smiles, and smiles in such a
sort As if he mock'd himselfe, and scorn'd his spirit That could be
mou'd to smile at any thing. Such men as he, be neuer at hearts ease,

Whiles they behold a greater then themselues, And therefore are they
very dangerous.

I rather tell thee what is to be fear'd,

Then what I feare: for alwayes I am Caesar. Come on my right hand, for
this eare is deafe, And tell me truely, what thou think'st of him.

Sennit.

Exeunt. Caesar and his Traine.

Cask. You pul'd me by the cloake, would you speake with me?

Bru. I Caska, tell vs what hath chanc'd to day That Caesar lookes so
sad

Cask. Why you were with him, were you not?   Bru. I should not then
aske Caska what had chanc'd

Cask. Why there was a Crowne offer'd him; & being offer'd him, he put
it by with the backe of his hand thus, and then the people fell a
shouting

Bru. What was the second noyse for?

Cask. Why for that too

Cassi. They shouted thrice: what was the last cry for?   Cask. Why for
that too

Bru. Was the Crowne offer'd him thrice?   Cask. I marry was't, and hee
put it by thrice, euerie time gentler then other; and at euery putting
by, mine honest Neighbors showted

Cassi. Who offer'd him the Crowne?

Cask. Why Antony

Bru. Tell vs the manner of it, gentle Caska

Caska. I can as well bee hang'd as tell the manner of it: It was meere
Foolerie, I did not marke it. I sawe Marke Antony offer him a Crowne,
yet 'twas not a Crowne neyther, 'twas one of these Coronets: and as I
told you, hee put it by once: but for all that, to my thinking, he
would faine haue had it. Then hee offered it to him againe: then hee
put it by againe: but to my thinking, he was very loath to lay his
fingers off it. And then he offered it the third time; hee put it the
third time by, and still as hee refus'd it, the rabblement howted, and
clapp'd their chopt hands, and threw vppe their sweatie Night-cappes,
and vttered such a deale of stinking breath, because Caesar refus'd the
Crowne, that it had (almost) choaked Caesar: for hee swoonded, and fell
downe at it: And for mine owne part, I durst not laugh, for feare of
opening my Lippes, and receyuing the bad Ayre

Cassi. But soft I pray you: what, did Caesar swound?   Cask. He fell
downe in the Market-place, and foam'd at mouth, and was speechlesse

Brut. 'Tis very like he hath the Falling sicknesse

Cassi. No, Caesar hath it not: but you, and I, And honest Caska, we
haue the Falling sicknesse

Cask. I know not what you meane by that, but I am sure Caesar fell
downe. If the tag-ragge people did not clap him, and hisse him,
according as he pleas'd, and displeas'd them, as they vse to doe the
Players in the Theatre, I am no true man

Brut. What said he, when he came vnto himselfe?   Cask. Marry, before
he fell downe, when he perceiu'd the common Heard was glad he refus'd
the Crowne, he pluckt me ope his Doublet, and offer'd them his Throat
to cut: and I had beene a man of any Occupation, if I would not haue
taken him at a word, I would I might goe to Hell among the Rogues, and
so hee fell. When he came to himselfe againe, hee said, If hee had
done, or said any thing amisse, he desir'd their Worships to thinke it
was his infirmitie. Three or foure Wenches where I stood, cryed, Alasse
good Soule, and forgaue him with all their hearts: But there's no heed
to be taken of them; if Caesar had stab'd their Mothers, they would
haue done no lesse

Brut. And after that, he came thus sad away

Cask. I

Cassi. Did Cicero say any thing?

Cask. I, he spoke Greeke

Cassi. To what effect?

Cask. Nay, and I tell you that, Ile ne're looke you i'th' face againe.
But those that vnderstood him, smil'd at one another, and shooke their
heads: but for mine owne part, it was Greeke to me. I could tell you
more newes too: Murrellus and Flauius, for pulling Scarffes off Caesars
Images, are put to silence. Fare you well. There was more Foolerie yet,
if I could remember it

Cassi. Will you suppe with me to Night, Caska?   Cask. No, I am
promis'd forth

Cassi. Will you Dine with me to morrow?   Cask. I, if I be aliue, and
your minde hold, and your Dinner worth the eating

Cassi. Good, I will expect you

Cask. Doe so: farewell both.

Enter.

Brut. What a blunt fellow is this growne to be? He was quick Mettle,
when he went to Schoole

Cassi. So is he now, in execution

Of any bold, or Noble Enterprize,

How-euer he puts on this tardie forme:

This Rudenesse is a Sawce to his good Wit, Which giues men stomacke to
disgest his words With better Appetite

Brut. And so it is:

For this time I will leaue you:

To morrow, if you please to speake with me, I will come home to you: or
if you will,

Come home to me, and I will wait for you

Cassi. I will doe so: till then, thinke of the World. Exit Brutus.

Well Brutus, thou art Noble: yet I see,

Thy Honorable Mettle may be wrought

From that it is dispos'd: therefore it is meet, That Noble mindes keepe
euer with their likes: For who so firme, that cannot be seduc'd? Caesar
doth beare me hard, but he loues Brutus. If I were Brutus now, and he
were Cassius, He should not humor me. I will this Night, In seuerall
Hands, in at his Windowes throw, As if they came from seuerall
Citizens,

Writings, all tending to the great opinion That Rome holds of his Name:
wherein obscurely Caesars Ambition shall be glanced at.

And after this, let Caesar seat him sure, For wee will shake him, or
worse dayes endure. Enter.

Thunder, and Lightning. Enter Caska, and Cicero.

Cic. Good euen, Caska: brought you Caesar home? Why are you
breathlesse, and why stare you so?   Cask. Are not you mou'd, when all
the sway of Earth Shakes, like a thing vnfirme? O Cicero,

I haue seene Tempests, when the scolding Winds Haue riu'd the knottie
Oakes, and I haue seene Th' ambitious Ocean swell, and rage, and foame,
To be exalted with the threatning Clouds: But neuer till to Night,
neuer till now,

Did I goe through a Tempest-dropping-fire. Eyther there is a Ciuill
strife in Heauen, Or else the World, too sawcie with the Gods, Incenses
them to send destruction

Cic. Why, saw you any thing more wonderfull?   Cask. A common slaue,
you know him well by sight, Held vp his left Hand, which did flame and
burne Like twentie Torches ioyn'd; and yet his Hand, Not sensible of
fire, remain'd vnscorch'd. Besides, I ha' not since put vp my Sword,
Against the Capitoll I met a Lyon,

Who glaz'd vpon me, and went surly by,

Without annoying me. And there were drawne Vpon a heape, a hundred
gastly Women,

Transformed with their feare, who swore, they saw Men, all in fire,
walke vp and downe the streetes. And yesterday, the Bird of Night did
sit, Euen at Noone-day, vpon the Market place, Howting, and shreeking.
When these Prodigies Doe so conioyntly meet, let not men say,

These are their Reasons, they are Naturall: For I beleeue, they are
portentous things Vnto the Clymate, that they point vpon

Cic. Indeed, it is a strange disposed time: But men may construe things
after their fashion, Cleane from the purpose of the things themselues.
Comes Caesar to the Capitoll to morrow?

Cask. He doth: for he did bid Antonio

Send word to you, he would be there to morrow

Cic. Good-night then, Caska:

This disturbed Skie is not to walke in

Cask. Farewell Cicero.

Exit Cicero.

Enter Cassius.

Cassi. Who's there?

Cask. A Romane

Cassi. Caska, by your Voyce

Cask. Your Eare is good.

Cassius, what Night is this?

Cassi. A very pleasing Night to honest men

Cask. Who euer knew the Heauens menace so?   Cassi. Those that haue
knowne the Earth so full of faults.

For my part, I haue walk'd about the streets, Submitting me vnto the
perillous Night;

And thus vnbraced, Caska, as you see,

Haue bar'd my Bosome to the Thunder-stone: And when the crosse blew
Lightning seem'd to open The Brest of Heauen, I did present my selfe
Euen in the ayme, and very flash of it

Cask. But wherefore did you so much tempt the Heauens? It is the part
of men, to feare and tremble, When the most mightie Gods, by tokens
send Such dreadfull Heraulds, to astonish vs

Cassi. You are dull, Caska:

And those sparkes of Life, that should be in a Roman, You doe want, or
else you vse not.

You looke pale, and gaze, and put on feare, And cast your selfe in
wonder,

To see the strange impatience of the Heauens: But if you would consider
the true cause, Why all these Fires, why all these gliding Ghosts, Why
Birds and Beasts, from qualitie and kinde, Why Old men, Fooles, and
Children calculate, Why all these things change from their Ordinance,
Their Natures, and pre-formed Faculties,

To monstrous qualitie; why you shall finde, That Heauen hath infus'd
them with these Spirits, To make them Instruments of feare, and
warning, Vnto some monstrous State.

Now could I (Caska) name to thee a man,

Most like this dreadfull Night,

That Thunders, Lightens, opens Graues, and roares, As doth the Lyon in
the Capitoll:

A man no mightier then thy selfe, or me,

In personall action; yet prodigious growne, And fearefull, as these
strange eruptions are

Cask. 'Tis Caesar that you meane:

Is it not, Cassius?

Cassi. Let it be who it is: for Romans now Haue Thewes, and Limbes,
like to their Ancestors; But woe the while, our Fathers mindes are
dead, And we are gouern'd with our Mothers spirits, Our yoake, and
sufferance, shew vs Womanish

Cask. Indeed, they say, the Senators to morrow Meane to establish
Caesar as a King:

And he shall weare his Crowne by Sea, and Land, In euery place, saue
here in Italy

Cassi. I know where I will weare this Dagger then; Cassius from Bondage
will deliuer Cassius: Therein, yee Gods, you make the weake most
strong; Therein, yee Gods, you Tyrants doe defeat. Nor Stonie Tower,
nor Walls of beaten Brasse, Nor ayre-lesse Dungeon, nor strong Linkes
of Iron, Can be retentiue to the strength of spirit: But Life being
wearie of these worldly Barres, Neuer lacks power to dismisse it
selfe.

If I know this, know all the World besides, That part of Tyrannie that
I doe beare,

I can shake off at pleasure.

Thunder still.

Cask. So can I:

So euery Bond-man in his owne hand beares The power to cancell his
Captiuitie

Cassi. And why should Csar be a Tyrant then? Poore man, I know he
would not be a Wolfe, But that he sees the Romans are but Sheepe: He
were no Lyon, were not Romans Hindes.

Those that with haste will make a mightie fire, Begin it with weake
Strawes. What trash is Rome? What Rubbish, and what Offall? when it
serues For the base matter, to illuminate

So vile a thing as Caesar. But oh Griefe, Where hast thou led me? I
(perhaps) speake this Before a willing Bond-man: then I know

My answere must be made. But I am arm'd,

And dangers are to me indifferent

Cask. You speake to Caska, and to such a man, That is no flearing
Tell-tale. Hold, my Hand: Be factious for redresse of all these
Griefes, And I will set this foot of mine as farre, As who goes
farthest

Cassi. There's a Bargaine made.

Now know you, Caska, I haue mou'd already Some certaine of the Noblest
minded Romans To vnder-goe, with me, an Enterprize,

Of Honorable dangerous consequence;

And I doe know by this, they stay for me

In Pompeyes Porch: for now this fearefull Night, There is no stirre, or
walking in the streetes; And the Complexion of the Element

Is Fauors, like the Worke we haue in hand, Most bloodie, fierie, and
most terrible.

Enter Cinna.

Caska. Stand close a while, for heere comes one in haste

Cassi. 'Tis Cinna, I doe know him by his Gate, He is a friend. Cinna,
where haste you so?   Cinna. To finde out you: Who's that, Metellus
Cymber?

Cassi. No, it is Caska, one incorporate To our Attempts. Am I not
stay'd for, Cinna?   Cinna. I am glad on't.

What a fearefull Night is this?

There's two or three of vs haue seene strange sights

Cassi. Am I not stay'd for? tell me

Cinna. Yes, you are. O Cassius,

If you could but winne the Noble Brutus

To our party-

Cassi. Be you content. Good Cinna, take this Paper, And looke you lay
it in the Pretors Chayre, Where Brutus may but finde it: and throw this
In at his Window; set this vp with Waxe

Vpon old Brutus Statue: all this done,

Repaire to Pompeyes Porch, where you shall finde vs. Is Decius Brutus
and Trebonius there?

Cinna. All, but Metellus Cymber, and hee's gone To seeke you at your
house. Well, I will hie, And so bestow these Papers as you bad me

Cassi. That done, repayre to Pompeyes Theater.

Exit Cinna.

Come Caska, you and I will yet, ere day,

See Brutus at his house: three parts of him Is ours alreadie, and the
man entire

Vpon the next encounter, yeelds him ours

Cask. O, he sits high in all the Peoples hearts: And that which would
appeare Offence in vs, His Countenance, like richest Alchymie,

Will change to Vertue, and to Worthinesse

Cassi. Him, and his worth, and our great need of him, You haue right
well conceited: let vs goe, For it is after Mid-night, and ere day,

We will awake him, and be sure of him.

Exeunt.



Actus Secundus.

Enter Brutus in his Orchard.

Brut. What Lucius, hoe?

I cannot, by the progresse of the Starres, Giue guesse how neere to
day- Lucius, I say? I would it were my fault to sleepe so soundly. When
Lucius, when? awake, I say: what Lucius? Enter Lucius.

Luc. Call'd you, my Lord?

Brut. Get me a Tapor in my Study, Lucius: When it is lighted, come and
call me here

Luc. I will, my Lord.

Enter.

Brut. It must be by his death: and for my part, I know no personall
cause, to spurne at him, But for the generall. He would be crown'd: How
that might change his nature, there's the question? It is the bright
day, that brings forth the Adder, And that craues warie walking: Crowne
him that, And then I graunt we put a Sting in him,

That at his will he may doe danger with.

Th' abuse of Greatnesse, is, when it dis-ioynes Remorse from Power: And
to speake truth of Caesar, I haue not knowne, when his Affections
sway'd More then his Reason. But 'tis a common proofe, That Lowlynesse
is young Ambitions Ladder, Whereto the Climber vpward turnes his Face:
But when he once attaines the vpmost Round, He then vnto the Ladder
turnes his Backe, Lookes in the Clouds, scorning the base degrees By
which he did ascend: so Caesar may;

Then least he may, preuent. And since the Quarrell Will beare no
colour, for the thing he is, Fashion it thus; that what he is,
augmented, Would runne to these, and these extremities: And therefore
thinke him as a Serpents egge, Which hatch'd, would as his kinde grow
mischieuous; And kill him in the shell.

Enter Lucius.

Luc. The Taper burneth in your Closet, Sir: Searching the Window for a
Flint, I found This Paper, thus seal'd vp, and I am sure It did not lye
there when I went to Bed.

Giues him the Letter.

Brut. Get you to Bed againe, it is not day: Is not to morrow (Boy) the
first of March?   Luc. I know not, Sir

Brut. Looke in the Calender, and bring me word

Luc. I will, Sir.

Enter.

Brut. The exhalations, whizzing in the ayre, Giue so much light, that I
may reade by them.

Opens the Letter, and reades.

Brutus thou sleep'st; awake, and see thy selfe: Shall Rome, &c. speake,
strike, redresse. Brutus, thou sleep'st: awake.

Such instigations haue beene often dropt, Where I haue tooke them vp:

Shall Rome, &c. Thus must I piece it out: Shall Rome stand vnder one
mans awe? What Rome? My Ancestors did from the streetes of Rome The
Tarquin driue, when he was call'd a King. Speake, strike, redresse. Am
I entreated

To speake, and strike? O Rome, I make thee promise, If the redresse
will follow, thou receiuest Thy full Petition at the hand of Brutus.

Enter Lucius.

Luc. Sir, March is wasted fifteene dayes.

Knocke within.

Brut. 'Tis good. Go to the Gate, some body knocks: Since Cassius first
did whet me against Caesar, I haue not slept.

Betweene the acting of a dreadfull thing, And the first motion, all the
Interim is

Like a Phantasma, or a hideous Dreame:

The Genius, and the mortall Instruments

Are then in councell; and the state of a man, Like to a little
Kingdome, suffers then

The nature of an Insurrection.

Enter Lucius.

Luc. Sir, 'tis your Brother Cassius at the Doore, Who doth desire to
see you

Brut. Is he alone?

Luc. No, Sir, there are moe with him

Brut. Doe you know them?

Luc. No, Sir, their Hats are pluckt about their Eares, And halfe their
Faces buried in their Cloakes, That by no meanes I may discouer them,

By any marke of fauour

Brut. Let 'em enter:

They are the Faction. O Conspiracie,

Sham'st thou to shew thy dang'rous Brow by Night, When euills are most
free? O then, by day Where wilt thou finde a Cauerne darke enough, To
maske thy monstrous Visage? Seek none Conspiracie, Hide it in Smiles,
and Affabilitie:

For if thou path thy natiue semblance on, Not Erebus it selfe were
dimme enough,

To hide thee from preuention.

Enter the Conspirators, Cassius, Caska, Decius, Cinna, Metellus, and

Trebonius.

Cass. I thinke we are too bold vpon your Rest: Good morrow Brutus, doe
we trouble you?

Brut. I haue beene vp this howre, awake all Night: Know I these men,
that come along with you?   Cass. Yes, euery man of them; and no man
here But honors you: and euery one doth wish,

You had but that opinion of your selfe,

Which euery Noble Roman beares of you.

This is Trebonius

Brut. He is welcome hither

Cass. This, Decius Brutus

Brut. He is welcome too

Cass. This, Caska; this, Cinna; and this, Metellus Cymber

Brut. They are all welcome.

What watchfull Cares doe interpose themselues Betwixt your Eyes, and
Night?

Cass. Shall I entreat a word?

They whisper.

Decius. Here lyes the East: doth not the Day breake heere?

Cask. No

Cin. O pardon, Sir, it doth; and yon grey Lines, That fret the Clouds,
are Messengers of Day

Cask. You shall confesse, that you are both deceiu'd: Heere, as I point
my Sword, the Sunne arises, Which is a great way growing on the South,
Weighing the youthfull Season of the yeare. Some two moneths hence, vp
higher toward the North He first presents his fire, and the high East
Stands as the Capitoll, directly heere

Bru. Giue me your hands all ouer, one by one

Cas. And let vs sweare our Resolution

Brut. No, not an Oath: if not the Face of men, The sufferance of our
Soules, the times Abuse; If these be Motiues weake, breake off betimes,
And euery man hence, to his idle bed:

So let high-sighted-Tyranny range on,

Till each man drop by Lottery. But if these (As I am sure they do)
beare fire enough

To kindle Cowards, and to steele with valour The melting Spirits of
women. Then Countrymen, What neede we any spurre, but our owne cause To
pricke vs to redresse? What other Bond, Then secret Romans, that haue
spoke the word, And will not palter? And what other Oath, Then Honesty
to Honesty ingag'd,

That this shall be, or we will fall for it. Sweare Priests and Cowards,
and men Cautelous Old feeble Carrions, and such suffering Soules That
welcome wrongs: Vnto bad causes, sweare Such Creatures as men doubt;
but do not staine The euen vertue of our Enterprize,

Nor th' insuppressiue Mettle of our Spirits, To thinke, that or our
Cause, or our Performance Did neede an Oath. When euery drop of blood
That euery Roman beares, and Nobly beares Is guilty of a seuerall
Bastardie,

If he do breake the smallest Particle

Of any promise that hath past from him

Cas. But what of Cicero? Shall we sound him? I thinke he will stand
very strong with vs

Cask. Let vs not leaue him out

Cyn. No, by no meanes

Metel. O let vs haue him, for his Siluer haires Will purchase vs a good
opinion:

And buy mens voyces, to commend our deeds: It shall be sayd, his
iudgement rul'd our hands, Our youths, and wildenesse, shall no whit
appeare, But all be buried in his Grauity

Bru. O name him not; let vs not breake with him, For he will neuer
follow any thing

That other men begin

Cas. Then leaue him out

Cask. Indeed, he is not fit

Decius. Shall no man else be toucht, but onely Caesar?   Cas. Decius
well vrg'd: I thinke it is not meet, Marke Antony, so well belou'd of
Caesar,

Should out-liue Caesar, we shall finde of him A shrew'd Contriuer. And
you know, his meanes If he improue them, may well stretch so farre As
to annoy vs all: which to preuent,

Let Antony and Caesar fall together

Bru. Our course will seeme too bloody, Caius Cassius, To cut the Head
off, and then hacke the Limbes: Like Wrath in death, and Enuy
afterwards: For Antony, is but a Limbe of Caesar.

Let's be Sacrificers, but not Butchers Caius: We all stand vp against
the spirit of Caesar, And in the Spirit of men, there is no blood: O
that we then could come by Caesars Spirit, And not dismember Caesar!
But (alas)

Caesar must bleed for it. And gentle Friends, Let's kill him Boldly,
but not Wrathfully: Let's carue him, as a Dish fit for the Gods, Not
hew him as a Carkasse fit for Hounds: And let our Hearts, as subtle
Masters do, Stirre vp their Seruants to an acte of Rage, And after
seeme to chide 'em. This shall make Our purpose Necessary, and not
Enuious.

Which so appearing to the common eyes,

We shall be call'd Purgers, not Murderers. And for Marke Antony, thinke
not of him:

For he can do no more then Caesars Arme,

When Caesars head is off

Cas. Yet I feare him,

For in the ingrafted loue he beares to Caesar

Bru. Alas, good Cassius, do not thinke of him: If he loue Caesar, all
that he can do

Is to himselfe; take thought, and dye for Caesar, And that were much he
should: for he is giuen To sports, to wildenesse, and much company

Treb. There is no feare in him; let him not dye, For he will liue, and
laugh at this heereafter.

Clocke strikes.

Bru. Peace, count the Clocke

Cas. The Clocke hath stricken three

Treb. 'Tis time to part

Cass. But it is doubtfull yet,

Whether Caesar will come forth to day, or no: For he is Superstitious
growne of late,

Quite from the maine Opinion he held once, Of Fantasie, of Dreames, and
Ceremonies:

It may be, these apparant Prodigies,

The vnaccustom'd Terror of this night,

And the perswasion of his Augurers,

May hold him from the Capitoll to day

Decius. Neuer feare that: If he be so resolu'd, I can ore-sway him: For
he loues to heare, That Vnicornes may be betray'd with Trees, And
Beares with Glasses, Elephants with Holes, Lyons with Toyles, and men
with Flatterers. But, when I tell him, he hates Flatterers, He sayes,
he does; being then most flattered. Let me worke:

For I can giue his humour the true bent;

And I will bring him to the Capitoll

Cas. Nay, we will all of vs, be there to fetch him

Bru. By the eight houre, is that the vttermost?   Cin. Be that the
vttermost, and faile not then

Met. Caius Ligarius doth beare Caesar hard, Who rated him for speaking
well of Pompey; I wonder none of you haue thought of him

Bru. Now good Metellus go along by him: He loues me well, and I haue
giuen him Reasons, Send him but hither, and Ile fashion him

Cas. The morning comes vpon's:

Wee'l leaue you Brutus,

And Friends disperse your selues; but all remember What you haue said,
and shew your selues true Romans

Bru. Good Gentlemen, looke fresh and merrily, Let not our lookes put on
our purposes,

But beare it as our Roman Actors do,

With vntyr'd Spirits, and formall Constancie, And so good morrow to you
euery one.

Exeunt.

Manet Brutus.

Boy: Lucius: Fast asleepe? It is no matter, Enioy the hony-heauy-Dew of
Slumber:

Thou hast no Figures, nor no Fantasies,

Which busie care drawes, in the braines of men; Therefore thou sleep'st
so sound.

Enter Portia.

Por. Brutus, my Lord

Bru. Portia: What meane you? wherfore rise you now? It is not for your
health, thus to commit Your weake condition, to the raw cold morning

Por. Nor for yours neither. Y'haue vngently Brutus Stole from my bed:
and yesternight at Supper You sodainly arose, and walk'd about,

Musing, and sighing, with your armes acrosse And when I ask'd you what
the matter was, You star'd vpon me, with vngentle lookes. I vrg'd you
further, then you scratch'd your head, And too impatiently stampt with
your foote: Yet I insisted, yet you answer'd not,

But with an angry wafter of your hand

Gaue signe for me to leaue you: So I did, Fearing to strengthen that
impatience

Which seem'd too much inkindled; and withall, Hoping it was but an
effect of Humor,

Which sometime hath his houre with euery man. It will not let you eate,
nor talke, nor sleepe; And could it worke so much vpon your shape, As
it hath much preuayl'd on your Condition, I should not know you Brutus.
Deare my Lord, Make me acquainted with your cause of greefe

Bru. I am not well in health, and that is all

Por. Brutus is wise, and were he not in health, He would embrace the
meanes to come by it

Bru. Why so I do: good Portia go to bed

Por. Is Brutus sicke? And is it Physicall To walke vnbraced, and sucke
vp the humours Of the danke Morning? What, is Brutus sicke? And will he
steale out of his wholsome bed To dare the vile contagion of the
Night?

And tempt the Rhewmy, and vnpurged Ayre,

To adde vnto his sicknesse? No my Brutus, You haue some sicke Offence
within your minde, Which by the Right and Vertue of my place I ought to
know of: And vpon my knees,

I charme you, by my once commended Beauty, By all your vowes of Loue,
and that great Vow Which did incorporate and make vs one,

That you vnfold to me, your selfe; your halfe Why you are heauy: and
what men to night

Haue had resort to you: for heere haue beene Some sixe or seuen, who
did hide their faces Euen from darknesse

Bru. Kneele not gentle Portia

Por. I should not neede, if you were gentle Brutus. Within the Bond of
Marriage, tell me Brutus, Is it excepted, I should know no Secrets

That appertaine to you? Am I your Selfe,

But as it were in sort, or limitation?

To keepe with you at Meales, comfort your Bed, And talke to you
sometimes? Dwell I but in the Suburbs Of your good pleasure? If it be
no more,

Portia is Brutus Harlot, not his Wife

Bru. You are my true and honourable Wife, As deere to me, as are the
ruddy droppes

That visit my sad heart

Por. If this were true, then should I know this secret. I graunt I am a
Woman; but withall,

A Woman that Lord Brutus tooke to Wife:

I graunt I am a Woman; but withall,

A Woman well reputed: Cato's Daughter.

Thinke you, I am no stronger then my Sex

Being so Father'd, and so Husbanded?

Tell me your Counsels, I will not disclose 'em: I haue made strong
proofe of my Constancie, Giuing my selfe a voluntary wound

Heere, in the Thigh: Can I beare that with patience, And not my
Husbands Secrets?

Bru. O ye Gods!

Render me worthy of this Noble Wife.

Knocke.

Harke, harke, one knockes: Portia go in a while, And by and by thy
bosome shall partake

The secrets of my Heart.

All my engagements, I will construe to thee, All the Charractery of my
sad browes:

Leaue me with hast.

Exit Portia.

Enter Lucius and Ligarius.

Lucius, who's that knockes

Luc. Heere is a sicke man that would speak with you

Bru. Caius Ligarius, that Metellus spake of. Boy, stand aside. Caius
Ligarius, how?

Cai. Vouchsafe good morrow from a feeble tongue

Bru. O what a time haue you chose out braue Caius To weare a Kerchiefe?
Would you were not sicke

Cai. I am not sicke, if Brutus haue in hand Any exploit worthy the name
of Honor

Bru. Such an exploit haue I in hand Ligarius, Had you a healthfull eare
to heare of it

Cai. By all the Gods that Romans bow before, I heere discard my
sicknesse. Soule of Rome, Braue Sonne, deriu'd from Honourable Loines,
Thou like an Exorcist, hast coniur'd vp

My mortified Spirit. Now bid me runne,

And I will striue with things impossible, Yea get the better of them.
What's to do?   Bru. A peece of worke,

That will make sicke men whole

Cai. But are not some whole, that we must make sicke?   Bru. That must
we also. What it is my Caius, I shall vnfold to thee, as we are going,

To whom it must be done

Cai. Set on your foote,

And with a heart new-fir'd, I follow you, To do I know not what: but it
sufficeth

That Brutus leads me on.

Thunder

Bru. Follow me then.

Exeunt.

Thunder & Lightning

Enter Iulius Caesar in his Night-gowne.

Caesar. Nor Heauen, nor Earth,

Haue beene at peace to night:

Thrice hath Calphurnia, in her sleepe cryed out, Helpe, ho: They
murther Caesar. Who's within? Enter a Seruant.

Ser. My Lord

Caes Go bid the Priests do present Sacrifice, And bring me their
opinions of Successe

Ser. I will my Lord.

Exit

Enter Calphurnia.

Cal. What mean you Caesar? Think you to walk forth? You shall not
stirre out of your house to day

Caes Caesar shall forth; the things that threaten'd me, Ne're look'd
but on my backe: When they shall see The face of Caesar, they are
vanished

Calp. Caesar, I neuer stood on Ceremonies, Yet now they fright me:
There is one within, Besides the things that we haue heard and seene,
Recounts most horrid sights seene by the Watch. A Lionnesse hath
whelped in the streets,

And Graues haue yawn'd, and yeelded vp their dead; Fierce fiery
Warriours fight vpon the Clouds In Rankes and Squadrons, and right
forme of Warre Which drizel'd blood vpon the Capitoll:

The noise of Battell hurtled in the Ayre: Horsses do neigh, and dying
men did grone, And Ghosts did shrieke and squeale about the streets. O
Caesar, these things are beyond all vse, And I do feare them

Caes What can be auoyded

Whose end is purpos'd by the mighty Gods? Yet Caesar shall go forth:
for these Predictions Are to the world in generall, as to Caesar

Calp. When Beggers dye, there are no Comets seen, The Heauens
themselues blaze forth the death of Princes   Caes Cowards dye many
times before their deaths, The valiant neuer taste of death but once:
Of all the Wonders that I yet haue heard, It seemes to me most strange
that men should feare, Seeing that death, a necessary end

Will come, when it will come.

Enter a Seruant.

What say the Augurers?

Ser. They would not haue you to stirre forth to day. Plucking the
intrailes of an Offering forth, They could not finde a heart within the
beast

Caes The Gods do this in shame of Cowardice: Caesar should be a Beast
without a heart

If he should stay at home to day for feare: No Caesar shall not; Danger
knowes full well That Caesar is more dangerous then he.

We heare two Lyons litter'd in one day,

And I the elder and more terrible,

And Caesar shall go foorth

Calp. Alas my Lord,

Your wisedome is consum'd in confidence:

Do not go forth to day: Call it my feare, That keepes you in the house,
and not your owne. Wee'l send Mark Antony to the Senate house, And he
shall say, you are not well to day: Let me vpon my knee, preuaile in
this

Caes Mark Antony shall say I am not well, And for thy humor, I will
stay at home.

Enter Decius.

Heere's Decius Brutus, he shall tell them so

Deci. Caesar, all haile: Good morrow worthy Caesar, I come to fetch you
to the Senate house

Caes And you are come in very happy time, To beare my greeting to the
Senators,

And tell them that I will not come to day: Cannot, is false: and that I
dare not, falser: I will not come to day, tell them so Decius

Calp. Say he is sicke

Caes Shall Caesar send a Lye?

Haue I in Conquest stretcht mine Arme so farre, To be afear'd to tell
Gray-beards the truth: Decius, go tell them, Caesar will not come

Deci. Most mighty Caesar, let me know some cause, Lest I be laught at
when I tell them so

Caes The cause is in my Will, I will not come, That is enough to
satisfie the Senate.

But for your priuate satisfaction,

Because I loue you, I will let you know.

Calphurnia heere my wife, stayes me at home: She dreampt to night, she
saw my Statue,

Which like a Fountaine, with an hundred spouts Did run pure blood: and
many lusty Romans Came smiling, & did bathe their hands in it: And
these does she apply, for warnings and portents, And euils imminent;
and on her knee

Hath begg'd, that I will stay at home to day

Deci. This Dreame is all amisse interpreted, It was a vision, faire and
fortunate:

Your Statue spouting blood in many pipes, In which so many smiling
Romans bath'd,

Signifies, that from you great Rome shall sucke Reuiuing blood, and
that great men shall presse For Tinctures, Staines, Reliques, and
Cognisance. This by Calphurnia's Dreame is signified

Caes And this way haue you well expounded it

Deci. I haue, when you haue heard what I can say: And know it now, the
Senate haue concluded To giue this day, a Crowne to mighty Caesar. If
you shall send them word you will not come, Their mindes may change.
Besides, it were a mocke Apt to be render'd, for some one to say,

Breake vp the Senate, till another time:

When Caesars wife shall meete with better Dreames. If Caesar hide
himselfe, shall they not whisper Loe Caesar is affraid?

Pardon me Caesar, for my deere deere loue To your proceeding, bids me
tell you this: And reason to my loue is liable

Caes How foolish do your fears seeme now Calphurnia? I am ashamed I did
yeeld to them.

Giue me my Robe, for I will go.

Enter Brutus, Ligarius, Metellus, Caska, Trebonius, Cynna, and
Publius.

And looke where Publius is come to fetch me

Pub. Good morrow Caesar

Caes Welcome Publius.

What Brutus, are you stirr'd so earely too? Good morrow Caska: Caius
Ligarius,

Caesar was ne're so much your enemy,

As that same Ague which hath made you leane. What is't a Clocke?

Bru. Caesar, 'tis strucken eight

Caes I thanke you for your paines and curtesie. Enter Antony.

See, Antony that Reuels long a-nights

Is notwithstanding vp. Good morrow Antony

Ant. So to most Noble Caesar

Caes Bid them prepare within:

I am too blame to be thus waited for.

Now Cynna, now Metellus: what Trebonius,

I haue an houres talke in store for you:

Remember that you call on me to day:

Be neere me, that I may remember you

Treb. Caesar I will: and so neere will I be, That your best Friends
shall wish I had beene further

Caes Good Friends go in, and taste some wine with me. And we (like
Friends) will straight way go together

Bru. That euery like is not the same, O Caesar, The heart of Brutus
earnes to thinke vpon.

Exeunt.

Enter Artemidorus.

Caesar, beware of Brutus, take heede of Cassius; come not neere Caska,
haue an eye to Cynna, trust not Trebonius, marke well Metellus Cymber,
Decius Brutus loues thee not: Thou hast wrong'd Caius Ligarius. There
is but one minde in all these men, and it is bent against Caesar: If
thou beest not Immortall,

looke about you: Security giues way to Conspiracie. The mighty Gods
defend thee.

Thy Louer, Artemidorus.

Heere will I stand, till Caesar passe along, And as a Sutor will I giue
him this:

My heart laments, that Vertue cannot liue Out of the teeth of
Emulation.

If thou reade this, O Caesar, thou mayest liue; If not, the Fates with
Traitors do contriue. Enter.

Enter Portia and Lucius.

Por. I prythee Boy, run to the Senate-house, Stay not to answer me, but
get thee gone. Why doest thou stay?

Luc. To know my errand Madam

Por. I would haue had thee there and heere agen Ere I can tell thee
what thou should'st do there: O Constancie, be strong vpon my side,

Set a huge Mountaine 'tweene my Heart and Tongue: I haue a mans minde,
but a womans might:

How hard it is for women to keepe counsell. Art thou heere yet?

Luc. Madam, what should I do?

Run to the Capitoll, and nothing else?

And so returne to you, and nothing else?

Por. Yes, bring me word Boy, if thy Lord look well, For he went sickly
forth: and take good note What Caesar doth, what Sutors presse to him.
Hearke Boy, what noyse is that?

Luc. I heare none Madam

Por. Prythee listen well:

I heard a bussling Rumor like a Fray,

And the winde brings it from the Capitoll

Luc. Sooth Madam, I heare nothing.

Enter the Soothsayer.

Por. Come hither Fellow, which way hast thou bin?   Sooth. At mine owne
house, good Lady

Por. What is't a clocke?

Sooth. About the ninth houre Lady

Por. Is Caesar yet gone to the Capitoll?   Sooth. Madam not yet, I go
to take my stand, To see him passe on to the Capitoll

Por. Thou hast some suite to Caesar, hast thou not?   Sooth. That I
haue Lady, if it will please Caesar To be so good to Caesar, as to
heare me:

I shall beseech him to befriend himselfe

Por. Why know'st thou any harme's intended towards him?

Sooth. None that I know will be,

Much that I feare may chance:

Good morrow to you: heere the street is narrow: The throng that
followes Caesar at the heeles, Of Senators, of Praetors, common
Sutors,

Will crowd a feeble man (almost) to death: Ile get me to a place more
voyd, and there Speake to great Caesar as he comes along.

Exit

Por. I must go in:

Aye me! How weake a thing

The heart of woman is? O Brutus,

The Heauens speede thee in thine enterprize. Sure the Boy heard me:
Brutus hath a suite That Caesar will not grant. O, I grow faint: Run
Lucius, and commend me to my Lord,

Say I am merry; Come to me againe,

And bring me word what he doth say to thee.

Exeunt.

Actus Tertius.

Flourish

Enter Caesar, Brutus, Cassius, Caska, Decius, Metellus, Trebonius,
Cynna,

Antony, Lepidus, Artimedorus, Publius, and the Soothsayer.

Caes The Ides of March are come

Sooth. I Caesar, but not gone

Art. Haile Caesar: Read this Scedule

Deci. Trebonius doth desire you to ore-read (At your best leysure) this
his humble suite

Art. O Caesar, reade mine first: for mine's a suite That touches Caesar
neerer. Read it great Caesar

Caes What touches vs our selfe, shall be last seru'd

Art. Delay not Caesar, read it instantly

Caes What, is the fellow mad?

Pub. Sirra, giue place

Cassi. What, vrge you your Petitions in the street? Come to the
Capitoll

Popil. I wish your enterprize to day may thriue

Cassi. What enterprize Popillius?

Popil. Fare you well

Bru. What said Popillius Lena?

Cassi. He wisht to day our enterprize might thriue: I feare our purpose
is discouered

Bru. Looke how he makes to Caesar: marke him

Cassi. Caska be sodaine, for we feare preuention. Brutus what shall be
done? If this be knowne, Cassius or Caesar neuer shall turne backe, For
I will slay my selfe

Bru. Cassius be constant:

Popillius Lena speakes not of our purposes, For looke he smiles, and
Caesar doth not change

Cassi. Trebonius knowes his time: for look you Brutus He drawes Mark
Antony out of the way

Deci. Where is Metellus Cimber, let him go, And presently preferre his
suite to Caesar

Bru. He is addrest: presse neere, and second him

Cin. Caska, you are the first that reares your hand

Caes Are we all ready? What is now amisse, That Caesar and his Senate
must redresse?   Metel. Most high, most mighty, and most puisant Caesar
Metellus Cymber throwes before thy Seate

An humble heart

Caes I must preuent thee Cymber:

These couchings, and these lowly courtesies Might fire the blood of
ordinary men,

And turne pre-Ordinance, and first Decree Into the lane of Children. Be
not fond,

To thinke that Caesar beares such Rebell blood That will be thaw'd from
the true quality With that which melteth Fooles, I meane sweet words,
Low-crooked-curtsies, and base Spaniell fawning: Thy Brother by decree
is banished:

If thou doest bend, and pray, and fawne for him, I spurne thee like a
Curre out of my way: Know, Caesar doth not wrong, nor without cause
Will he be satisfied

Metel. Is there no voyce more worthy then my owne, To sound more
sweetly in great Caesars eare, For the repealing of my banish'd
Brother?   Bru. I kisse thy hand, but not in flattery Caesar: Desiring
thee, that Publius Cymber may

Haue an immediate freedome of repeale

Caes What Brutus?

Cassi. Pardon Caesar: Caesar pardon:

As lowe as to thy foote doth Cassius fall, To begge infranchisement for
Publius Cymber

Caes I could be well mou'd, if I were as you, If I could pray to mooue,
Prayers would mooue me: But I am constant as the Northerne Starre, Of
whose true fixt, and resting quality,

There is no fellow in the Firmament.

The Skies are painted with vnnumbred sparkes, They are all Fire, and
euery one doth shine: But, there's but one in all doth hold his place.
So, in the World; 'Tis furnish'd well with Men, And Men are Flesh and
Blood, and apprehensiue; Yet in the number, I do know but One

That vnassayleable holds on his Ranke,

Vnshak'd of Motion: and that I am he,

Let me a little shew it, euen in this:

That I was constant Cymber should be banish'd, And constant do remaine
to keepe him so

Cinna. O Caesar

Caes Hence: Wilt thou lift vp Olympus?   Decius. Great Caesar

Caes Doth not Brutus bootlesse kneele?   Cask. Speake hands for me.

They stab Caesar.

Caes Et Tu Brute? - Then fall Caesar.

Dyes

Cin. Liberty, Freedome; Tyranny is dead, Run hence, proclaime, cry it
about the Streets

Cassi. Some to the common Pulpits, and cry out Liberty, Freedome, and
Enfranchisement

Bru. People and Senators, be not affrighted: Fly not, stand still:
Ambitions debt is paid

Cask. Go to the Pulpit Brutus

Dec. And Cassius too

Bru. Where's Publius?

Cin. Heere, quite confounded with this mutiny

Met. Stand fast together, least some Friend of Caesars Should chance-

Bru. Talke not of standing. Publius good cheere, There is no harme
intended to your person, Nor to no Roman else: so tell them Publius

Cassi. And leaue vs Publius, least that the people Rushing on vs,
should do your Age some mischiefe

Bru. Do so, and let no man abide this deede, But we the Doers.

Enter Trebonius

Cassi. Where is Antony?

Treb. Fled to his House amaz'd:

Men, Wiues, and Children, stare, cry out, and run, As it were
Doomesday

Bru. Fates, we will know your pleasures: That we shall dye we know,
'tis but the time And drawing dayes out, that men stand vpon

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

Bru. Grant that, and then is Death a Benefit: So are we Caesars
Friends, that haue abridg'd His time of fearing death. Stoope Romans,
stoope, And let vs bathe our hands in Caesars blood Vp to the Elbowes,
and besmeare our Swords: Then walke we forth, euen to the Market place,
And wauing our red Weapons o're our heads, Let's all cry Peace,
Freedome, and Liberty

Cassi. Stoop then, and wash. How many Ages hence Shall this our lofty
Scene be acted ouer, In State vnborne, and Accents yet vnknowne? Bru.
How many times shall Caesar bleed in sport, That now on Pompeyes Basis
lye along,

No worthier then the dust?

Cassi. So oft as that shall be,

So often shall the knot of vs be call'd,

The Men that gaue their Country liberty

Dec. What, shall we forth?

Cassi. I, euery man away.

Brutus shall leade, and we will grace his heeles With the most boldest,
and best hearts of Rome. Enter a Seruant.

Bru. Soft, who comes heere? A friend of Antonies

Ser. Thus Brutus did my Master bid me kneele; Thus did Mark Antony bid
me fall downe,

And being prostrate, thus he bad me say:

Brutus is Noble, Wise, Valiant, and Honest; Caesar was Mighty, Bold,
Royall, and Louing: Say, I loue Brutus, and I honour him;

Say, I fear'd Caesar, honour'd him, and lou'd him. If Brutus will
vouchsafe, that Antony

May safely come to him, and be resolu'd

How Caesar hath deseru'd to lye in death, Mark Antony, shall not loue
Caesar dead

So well as Brutus liuing; but will follow The Fortunes and Affayres of
Noble Brutus, Thorough the hazards of this vntrod State, With all true
Faith. So sayes my Master Antony

Bru. Thy Master is a Wise and Valiant Romane, I neuer thought him
worse:

Tell him, so please him come vnto this place He shall be satisfied: and
by my Honor

Depart vntouch'd

Ser. Ile fetch him presently.

Exit Seruant.

Bru. I know that we shall haue him well to Friend

Cassi. I wish we may: But yet haue I a minde That feares him much: and
my misgiuing still Falles shrewdly to the purpose.

Enter Antony.

Bru. But heere comes Antony:

Welcome Mark Antony

Ant. O mighty Caesar! Dost thou lye so lowe? Are all thy Conquests,
Glories, Triumphes, Spoiles, Shrunke to this little Measure? Fare thee
well. I know not Gentlemen what you intend,

Who else must be let blood, who else is ranke: If I my selfe, there is
no houre so fit

As Caesars deaths houre; nor no Instrument Of halfe that worth, as
those your Swords; made rich With the most Noble blood of all this
World. I do beseech yee, if you beare me hard,

Now, whil'st your purpled hands do reeke and smoake, Fulfill your
pleasure. Liue a thousand yeeres, I shall not finde my selfe so apt to
dye. No place will please me so, no meane of death, As heere by Caesar,
and by you cut off,

The Choice and Master Spirits of this Age

Bru. O Antony! Begge not your death of vs: Though now we must appeare
bloody and cruell, As by our hands, and this our present Acte You see
we do: Yet see you but our hands, And this, the bleeding businesse they
haue done: Our hearts you see not, they are pittifull: And pitty to the
generall wrong of Rome,

As fire driues out fire, so pitty, pitty

Hath done this deed on Caesar. For your part, To you, our Swords haue
leaden points Marke Antony: Our Armes in strength of malice, and our
Hearts Of Brothers temper, do receiue you in,

With all kinde loue, good thoughts, and reuerence

Cassi. Your voyce shall be as strong as any mans, In the disposing of
new Dignities

Bru. Onely be patient, till we haue appeas'd The Multitude, beside
themselues with feare, And then, we will deliuer you the cause,

Why I, that did loue Caesar when I strooke him, Haue thus proceeded

Ant. I doubt not of your Wisedome:

Let each man render me his bloody hand.

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 Caska, yours; Though last, not least in loue, yours good
Trebonius. Gentlemen all: Alas, what shall I say,

My credit now stands on such slippery ground, That one of two bad wayes
you must conceit me, Either a Coward, or a Flatterer.

That I did loue thee Caesar, O 'tis true: If then thy Spirit looke vpon
vs now,

Shall it not greeue thee deerer then thy death, To see thy Antony
making his peace,

Shaking the bloody fingers of thy Foes?

Most Noble, in the presence of thy Coarse, Had I as many eyes, as thou
hast wounds,

Weeping as fast as they streame forth thy blood, It would become me
better, then to close

In tearmes of Friendship with thine enemies. Pardon me Iulius, heere
was't thou bay'd braue Hart, Heere did'st thou fall, and heere thy
Hunters stand Sign'd in thy Spoyle, and Crimson'd in thy Lethee. O
World! thou wast the Forrest to this Hart, And this indeed, O World,
the Hart of thee. How like a Deere, stroken by many Princes, Dost thou
heere lye?

Cassi. Mark Antony

Ant. Pardon me Caius Cassius:

The Enemies of Caesar, shall say this:

Then, in a Friend, it is cold Modestie

Cassi. I blame you not for praising Caesar so. But what compact meane
you to haue with vs? Will you be prick'd in number of our Friends, Or
shall we on, and not depend on you?

Ant. Therefore I tooke your hands, but was indeed Sway'd from the
point, by looking downe on Caesar. Friends am I with you all, and loue
you all, Vpon this hope, that you shall giue me Reasons, Why, and
wherein, Caesar was dangerous

Bru. Or else were this a sauage Spectacle: Our Reasons are so full of
good regard,

That were you Antony, the Sonne of Caesar, You should be satisfied

Ant. That's all I seeke,

And am moreouer sutor, that I may

Produce his body to the Market-place,

And in the Pulpit as becomes a Friend,

Speake in the Order of his Funerall

Bru. You shall Marke Antony

Cassi. Brutus, a word with you:

You know not what you do; Do not consent

That Antony speake in his Funerall:

Know you how much the people may be mou'd By that which he will vtter

Bru. By your pardon:

I will my selfe into the Pulpit first,

And shew the reason of our Caesars death. What Antony shall speake, I
will protest

He speakes by leaue, and by permission:

And that we are contented Caesar shall

Haue all true Rites, and lawfull Ceremonies, It shall aduantage more,
then do vs wrong

Cassi. I know not what may fall, I like it not

Bru. Mark Antony, heere take you Caesars body: You shall not in your
Funerall speech blame vs, But speake all good you can deuise of Caesar,
And say you doo't by our permission:

Else shall you not haue any hand at all

About his Funerall. And you shall speake

In the same Pulpit whereto I am going,

After my speech is ended

Ant. Be it so:

I do desire no more

Bru. Prepare the body then, and follow vs.

Exeunt.

Manet Antony.

O pardon me, thou bleeding peece of Earth: That I am meeke and gentle
with these Butchers. Thou art the Ruines of the Noblest man

That euer liued in the Tide of Times.

Woe to the hand that shed this costly Blood. Ouer thy wounds, now do I
Prophesie,

(Which like dumbe mouthes do ope their Ruby lips, To begge the voyce
and vtterance of my Tongue) A Curse shall light vpon the limbes of men;
Domesticke Fury, and fierce Ciuill strife, Shall cumber all the parts
of Italy:

Blood and destruction shall be so in vse, And dreadfull Obiects so
familiar,

That Mothers shall but smile, when they behold Their Infants quartered
with the hands of Warre: All pitty choak'd with custome of fell deeds,
And Caesars Spirit ranging for Reuenge,

With Ate by his side, come hot from Hell, Shall in these Confines, with
a Monarkes voyce, Cry hauocke, and let slip the Dogges of Warre, That
this foule deede, shall smell aboue the earth With Carrion men,
groaning for Buriall.

Enter Octauio's Seruant.

You serue Octauius Caesar, do you not?

Ser. I do Marke Antony

Ant. Caesar did write for him to come to Rome

Ser. He did receiue his Letters, and is comming, And bid me say to you
by word of mouth-

O Caesar!

Ant. Thy heart is bigge: get thee a-part and weepe: Passion I see is
catching from mine eyes, Seeing those Beads of sorrow stand in thine,
Began to water. Is thy Master comming?

Ser. He lies to night within seuen Leagues of Rome

Ant. Post backe with speede,

And tell him what hath chanc'd:

Heere is a mourning Rome, a dangerous Rome, No Rome of safety for
Octauius yet,

Hie hence, and tell him so. Yet stay a-while, Thou shalt not backe,
till I haue borne this course Into the Market place: There shall I try

In my Oration, how the People take

The cruell issue of these bloody men,

According to the which, thou shalt discourse To yong Octauius, of the
state of things. Lend me your hand.

Exeunt.

Enter Brutus and goes into the Pulpit, and Cassius, with the
Plebeians.

Ple. We will be satisfied: let vs be satisfied

Bru. Then follow me, and giue me Audience friends. Cassius go you into
the other streete,

And part the Numbers:

Those that will heare me speake, let 'em stay heere; Those that will
follow Cassius, go with him, And publike Reasons shall be rendred

Of Caesars death

1.Ple. I will heare Brutus speake

2. I will heare Cassius, and compare their Reasons, When seuerally we
heare them rendred

3. The Noble Brutus is ascended: Silence

Bru. Be patient till the last.

Romans, Countrey-men, and Louers, heare mee for my cause, and be
silent, that you may heare. Beleeue me for mine Honor, and haue respect
to mine Honor, that you may beleeue. Censure me in your Wisedom, and
awake your Senses, that you may the better Iudge. If there bee any in
this Assembly, any deere Friend of Caesars, to him I say, that Brutus
loue to Caesar, was no lesse then his. If then, that Friend demand, why
Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer: Not that I lou'd Caesar
lesse, but that I lou'd Rome more. Had you rather Caesar were liuing,
and dye all Slaues; then that Caesar were dead, to liue all Free-men?
As Caesar lou'd mee, I weepe for him; as he was Fortunate, I reioyce at
it; as he was Valiant, I honour him: But, as he was Ambitious, I slew
him. There is Teares, for his Loue: Ioy, for his Fortune: Honor, for
his Valour: and Death, for his Ambition. Who is heere so base, that
would be a Bondman? If any, speak, for him haue I offended. Who is
heere so rude, that would not be a Roman? If any, speak, for him haue I
offended. Who is heere so vile, that will not loue his Countrey? If
any, speake, for him haue I offended. I pause for a Reply

All. None Brutus, none

Brutus. Then none haue I offended. I haue done no more to Caesar, then
you shall do to Brutus. The Question of his death, is inroll'd in the
Capitoll: his Glory not extenuated, wherein he was worthy; nor his
offences enforc'd, for which he suffered death.

Enter Mark Antony, with Caesars body.

Heere comes his Body, mourn'd by Marke Antony, who though he had no
hand in his death, shall receiue the benefit of his dying, a place in
the Co[m]monwealth, as which of you shall not. With this I depart, that
as I slewe my best Louer for the good of Rome, I haue the same Dagger
for my selfe, when it shall please my Country to need my death

All. Liue Brutus, liue, liue

1. Bring him with Triumph home vnto his house

2. Giue him a Statue with his Ancestors

3. Let him be Caesar

4. Caesars better parts,

Shall be Crown'd in Brutus

1. Wee'l bring him to his House,

With Showts and Clamors

Bru. My Country-men

2. Peace, silence, Brutus speakes

1. Peace ho

Bru. Good Countrymen, let me depart alone, And (for my sake) stay heere
with Antony: Do grace to Caesars Corpes, and grace his Speech Tending
to Caesars Glories, which Marke Antony (By our permission) is allow'd
to make.

I do intreat you, not a man depart,

Saue I alone, till Antony haue spoke.

Exit

1 Stay ho, and let vs heare Mark Antony

3 Let him go vp into the publike Chaire, Wee'l heare him: Noble Antony
go vp

Ant. For Brutus sake, I am beholding to you

4 What does he say of Brutus?

3 He sayes, for Brutus sake

He findes himselfe beholding to vs all

4 'Twere best he speake no harme of Brutus heere?   1 This Caesar was a
Tyrant

3 Nay that's certaine:

We are blest that Rome is rid of him

2 Peace, let vs heare what Antony can say

Ant. You gentle Romans

All. Peace hoe, let vs heare him

An. Friends, Romans, Countrymen, lend me your ears: I come to bury
Caesar, not to praise him: The euill that men do, liues after them,

The good is oft enterred 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 greeuous Fault,

And greeuously hath Caesar answer'd it.

Heere, vnder leaue of Brutus, and the rest (For Brutus is an Honourable
man,

So are they all; all Honourable men)

Come I to speake in Caesars Funerall.

He was my Friend, faithfull, and iust to me; But Brutus sayes, he was
Ambitious,

And Brutus is an Honourable man.

He hath brought many Captiues home to Rome, Whose Ransomes, did the
generall Coffers fill: Did this in Caesar seeme Ambitious?

When that the poore haue cry'de, Caesar hath wept: Ambition should be
made of sterner stuffe, Yet Brutus sayes, he was Ambitious:

And Brutus is an Honourable man.

You all did see, that on the Lupercall,

I thrice presented him a Kingly Crowne,

Which he did thrice refuse. Was this Ambition? Yet Brutus sayes, he was
Ambitious:

And sure he is an Honourable man.

I speake not to disprooue what Brutus spoke, But heere I am, to speake
what I do know; You all did loue him once, not without cause, What
cause with-holds you then, to mourne for him? O Iudgement! thou are
fled to brutish Beasts, And Men haue lost their Reason. Beare with me,
My heart is in the Coffin there with Caesar, And I must pawse, till it
come backe to me

1 Me thinkes there is much reason in his sayings

2 If thou consider rightly of the matter, Caesar ha's had great wrong

3 Ha's hee Masters? I feare there will a worse come in his place

4. Mark'd ye his words? he would not take y Crown, Therefore 'tis
certaine, he was not Ambitious

1. If it be found so, some will deere abide it

2. Poore soule, his eyes are red as fire with weeping

3. There's not a Nobler man in Rome then Antony

4. Now marke him, he begins againe to speake

Ant. But yesterday, the word of Caesar might Haue stood against the
World: Now lies he there, And none so poore to do him reuerence.

O Maisters! If I were dispos'd to stirre

Your hearts and mindes to Mutiny and Rage, I should do Brutus wrong,
and Cassius wrong: Who (you all know) are Honourable men.

I will not do them wrong: I rather choose To wrong the dead, to wrong
my selfe and you, Then I will wrong such Honourable men.

But heere's a Parchment, with the Seale of Caesar, I found it in his
Closset, 'tis his Will: Let but the Commons heare this Testament:
(Which pardon me) I do not meane to reade, And they would go and kisse
dead Caesars wounds, And dip their Napkins in his Sacred Blood; Yea,
begge a haire of him for Memory,

And dying, mention it within their Willes, Bequeathing it as a rich
Legacie

Vnto their issue

4 Wee'l heare the Will, reade it Marke Antony

All. The Will, the Will; we will heare Caesars Will

Ant. Haue patience gentle Friends, I must not read it. It is not meete
you know how Caesar lou'd you: You are not Wood, you are not Stones,
but men: And being men, hearing the Will of Caesar, It will inflame
you, it will make you mad: 'Tis good you know not that you are his
Heires, For if you should, O what would come of it?   4 Read the Will,
wee'l heare it Antony: You shall reade vs the Will, Caesars Will

Ant. Will you be Patient? Will you stay a-while? I haue o're-shot my
selfe to tell you of it, I feare I wrong the Honourable men,

Whose Daggers haue stabb'd Caesar: I do feare it

4 They were Traitors: Honourable men?

All. The Will, the Testament

2 They were Villaines, Murderers: the Will, read the Will

Ant. You will compell me then to read the Will: Then make a Ring about
the Corpes of Caesar, And let me shew you him that made the Will: Shall
I descend? And will you giue me leaue?   All. Come downe

2 Descend

3 You shall haue leaue

4 A Ring, stand round

1 Stand from the Hearse, stand from the Body

2 Roome for Antony, most Noble Antony

Ant. Nay presse not so vpon me, stand farre off

All. Stand backe: roome, beare backe

Ant. If you haue teares, prepare to shed them now. You all do know this
Mantle, I remember

The first time euer Caesar put it on,

'Twas on a Summers Euening in his Tent,

That day he ouercame the Neruij.

Looke, in this place ran Cassius Dagger through: See what a rent the
enuious Caska made:

Through this, the wel-beloued Brutus stabb'd, And as he pluck'd his
cursed Steele away: Marke how the blood of Caesar followed it, As
rushing out of doores, to be resolu'd

If Brutus so vnkindely knock'd, or no:

For Brutus, as you know, was Caesars Angel. Iudge, O you Gods, how
deerely Caesar lou'd him: This was the most vnkindest cut of all.

For when the Noble Caesar saw him stab,

Ingratitude, more strong then Traitors armes, Quite vanquish'd him:
then burst his Mighty heart, And in his Mantle, muffling vp his face,

Euen at the Base of Pompeyes 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 vs fell downe, Whil'st bloody Treason
flourish'd ouer vs. O now you weepe, and I perceiue you feele The dint
of pitty: These are gracious droppes. Kinde Soules, what weepe you,
when you but behold Our Caesars Vesture wounded? Looke you heere, Heere
is Himselfe, marr'd as you see with Traitors

1. O pitteous spectacle!

2. O Noble Caesar!

3. O wofull day!

4. O Traitors, Villaines!

1. O most bloody sight!

2. We will be reueng'd: Reuenge

About, seeke, burne, fire, kill, slay,

Let not a Traitor liue

Ant. Stay Country-men

1. Peace there, heare the Noble Antony

2. Wee'l heare him, wee'l follow him, wee'l dy with him

Ant. Good Friends, sweet Friends, let me not stirre you vp To such a
sodaine Flood of Mutiny:

They that haue done this Deede, are honourable. What priuate greefes
they haue, alas I know not, That made them do it: They are Wise, and
Honourable, And will no doubt with Reasons answer you. I come not
(Friends) to steale away your hearts, I am no Orator, as Brutus is:

But (as you know me all) a plaine blunt man That loue my Friend, and
that they know full well, That gaue me publike leaue to speake of him:
For I haue neyther writ nor words, nor worth, Action, nor Vtterance,
nor the power of Speech, To stirre mens Blood. I onely speake right on:
I tell you that, which you your selues do know, Shew you sweet Caesars
wounds, poor poor dum mouths And bid them speake for me: But were I
Brutus, And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony

Would ruffle vp your Spirits, and put a Tongue In euery Wound of
Caesar, that should moue The stones of Rome, to rise and Mutiny

All. Wee'l Mutiny

1 Wee'l burne the house of Brutus

3 Away then, come, seeke the Conspirators

Ant. Yet heare me Countrymen, yet heare me speake   All. Peace hoe,
heare Antony, most Noble Antony

Ant. Why Friends, you go to do you know not what: Wherein hath Caesar
thus deseru'd your loues? Alas you know not, I must tell you then:

You haue forgot the Will I told you of

All. Most true, the Will, let's stay and heare the Wil

Ant. Heere is the Will, and vnder Caesars Seale: To euery Roman Citizen
he giues,

To euery seuerall man, seuenty fiue Drachmaes

2 Ple. Most Noble Caesar, wee'l reuenge his death

3 Ple. O Royall Caesar

Ant. Heare me with patience

All. Peace hoe

Ant. Moreouer, he hath left you all his Walkes, His priuate Arbors, and
new-planted Orchards, On this side Tyber, he hath left them you, And to
your heyres for euer: common pleasures To walke abroad, and recreate
your selues. Heere was a Caesar: when comes such another? 1.Ple. Neuer,
neuer: come, away, away:

Wee'l burne his body in the holy place,

And with the Brands fire the Traitors houses. Take vp the body

2.Ple. Go fetch fire

3.Ple. Plucke downe Benches

4.Ple. Plucke downe Formes, Windowes, any thing.

Exit Plebeians.

Ant. Now let it worke: Mischeefe thou art a-foot, Take thou what course
thou wilt.

How now Fellow?

Enter Seruant.

Ser. Sir, Octauius is already come to Rome

Ant. Where is hee?

Ser. He and Lepidus are at Caesars house

Ant. And thither will I straight, to visit him: He comes vpon a wish.
Fortune is merry,

And in this mood will giue vs any thing

Ser. I heard him say, Brutus and Cassius Are rid like Madmen through
the Gates of Rome

Ant. Belike they had some notice of the people How I had moued them.
Bring me to Octauius.

Exeunt.

Enter Cinna the Poet, and after him the Plebeians.

Cinna. I dreamt to night, that I did feast with Caesar, And things
vnluckily charge my Fantasie:

I haue no will to wander foorth of doores, Yet something leads me
foorth

1. What is your name?

2. Whether are you going?

3. Where do you dwell?

4. Are you a married man, or a Batchellor?   2. Answer euery man
directly

1. I, and breefely

4. I, and wisely

3. I, and truly, you were best

Cin. What is my name? Whether am I going? Where do I dwell? Am I a
married man, or a Batchellour? Then to answer euery man, directly and
breefely, wisely and truly: wisely I say, I am a Batchellor

2 That's as much as to say, they are fooles that marrie: you'l beare me
a bang for that I feare: proceede directly

Cinna. Directly I am going to Caesars Funerall

1. As a Friend, or an Enemy?

Cinna. As a friend

2. That matter is answered directly

4. For your dwelling: breefely

Cinna. Breefely, I dwell by the Capitoll

3. Your name sir, truly

Cinna. Truly, my name is Cinna

1. Teare him to peeces, hee's a Conspirator

Cinna. I am Cinna the Poet, I am Cinna the Poet

4. Teare him for his bad verses, teare him for his bad Verses

Cin. I am not Cinna the Conspirator

4. It is no matter, his name's Cinna, plucke but his name out of his
heart, and turne him going

3. Teare him, tear him; Come Brands hoe, Firebrands: to Brutus, to
Cassius, burne all. Some to Decius House, and some to Caska's; some to
Ligarius: Away, go.

Exeunt. all the Plebeians.



Actus Quartus.

Enter Antony, Octauius, and Lepidus.

Ant. These many then shall die, their names are prickt   Octa. Your
Brother too must dye: consent you Lepidus?   Lep. I do consent

Octa. Pricke him downe Antony

Lep. Vpon condition Publius shall not liue, Who is your Sisters sonne,
Marke Antony

Ant. He shall not liue; looke, with a spot I dam him. But Lepidus, go
you to Caesars house:

Fetch the Will hither, and we shall determine How to cut off some
charge in Legacies

Lep. What? shall I finde you heere?

Octa. Or heere, or at the Capitoll.

Exit Lepidus

Ant. This is a slight vnmeritable man,

Meet to be sent on Errands: is it fit

The three-fold World diuided, he should stand One of the three to share
it?

Octa. So you thought him,

And tooke his voyce who should be prickt to dye In our blacke Sentence
and Proscription

Ant. Octauius, I haue seene more dayes then you, And though we lay
these Honours on this man, To ease our selues of diuers sland'rous
loads, He shall but beare them, as the Asse beares Gold, To groane and
swet vnder the Businesse,

Either led or driuen, as we point the way: And hauing brought our
Treasure, where we will, Then take we downe his Load, and turne him off
(Like to the empty Asse) to shake his eares, And graze in Commons

Octa. You may do your will:

But hee's a tried, and valiant Souldier

Ant. So is my Horse Octauius, and for that I do appoint him store of
Prouender.

It is a Creature that I teach to fight,

To winde, to stop, to run directly on:

His corporall Motion, gouern'd by my Spirit, And in some taste, is
Lepidus but so:

He must be taught, and train'd, and bid go forth: A barren spirited
Fellow; one that feeds

On Obiects, Arts, and Imitations.

Which out of vse, and stal'de by other men Begin his fashion. Do not
talke of him,

But as a property: and now Octauius,

Listen great things. Brutus and Cassius

Are leuying Powers; We must straight make head: Therefore let our
Alliance be combin'd,

Our best Friends made, our meanes stretcht, And let vs presently go sit
in Councell,

How couert matters may be best disclos'd, And open Perils surest
answered

Octa. Let vs do so: for we are at the stake, And bayed about with many
Enemies,

And some that smile haue in their hearts I feare Millions of
Mischeefes.

Exeunt.

Drum. Enter Brutus, Lucillius, and the Army. Titinius and Pindarus
meete

them.

Bru. Stand ho

Lucil. Giue the word ho, and Stand

Bru. What now Lucillius, is Cassius neere?   Lucil. He is at hand, and
Pindarus is come To do you salutation from his Master

Bru. He greets me well. Your Master Pindarus In his owne change, or by
ill Officers,

Hath giuen me some worthy cause to wish

Things done, vndone: But if he be at hand I shall be satisfied

Pin. I do not doubt

But that my Noble Master will appeare

Such as he is, full of regard, and Honour

Bru. He is not doubted. A word Lucillius How he receiu'd you: let me be
resolu'd

Lucil. With courtesie, and with respect enough, But not with such
familiar instances,

Nor with such free and friendly Conference As he hath vs'd of old

Bru. Thou hast describ'd

A hot Friend, cooling: Euer note Lucillius, When Loue begins to sicken
and decay

It vseth an enforced Ceremony.

There are no trickes, in plaine and simple Faith: But hollow men, like
Horses hot at hand,

Make gallant shew, and promise of their Mettle:

Low March within.

But when they should endure the bloody Spurre, They fall their Crests,
and like deceitfull Iades Sinke in the Triall. Comes his Army on?

Lucil. They meane this night in Sardis to be quarter'd: The greater
part, the Horse in generall

Are come with Cassius.

Enter Cassius and his Powers.

Bru. Hearke, he is arriu'd:

March gently on to meete him

Cassi. Stand ho

Bru. Stand ho, speake the word along.

Stand.

Stand.

Stand

Cassi. Most Noble Brother, you haue done me wrong

Bru. Iudge me you Gods; wrong I mine Enemies? And if not so, how should
I wrong a Brother

Cassi. Brutus, this sober forme of yours, hides wrongs, And when you do
them-

Brut. Cassius, be content,

Speake your greefes softly, I do know you well. Before the eyes of both
our Armies heere

(Which should perceiue nothing but Loue from vs) Let vs not wrangle.
Bid them moue away:

Then in my Tent Cassius enlarge your Greefes, And I will giue you
Audience

Cassi. Pindarus,

Bid our Commanders leade their Charges off A little from this ground

Bru. Lucillius, do you the like, and let no man Come to our Tent, till
we haue done our Conference. Let Lucius and Titinius guard our doore.

Exeunt.

Manet Brutus and Cassius.

Cassi. That you haue wrong'd me, doth appear in this: You haue
condemn'd, and noted Lucius Pella For taking Bribes heere of the
Sardians;

Wherein my Letters, praying on his side,

Because I knew the man was slighted off

Bru. You wrong'd your selfe to write in such a case

Cassi. In such a time as this, it is not meet That euery nice offence
should beare his Comment

Bru. Let me tell you Cassius, you your selfe Are much condemn'd to haue
an itching Palme, To sell, and Mart your Offices for Gold

To Vndeseruers

Cassi. I, an itching Palme?

You know that you are Brutus that speakes this, Or by the Gods, this
speech were else your last

Bru. The name of Cassius Honors this corruption, And Chasticement doth
therefore hide his head

Cassi. Chasticement?

Bru. Remember March, the Ides of March reme[m]ber: Did not great Iulius
bleede for Iustice sake? What Villaine touch'd his body, that did stab,
And not for Iustice? What? Shall one of Vs, That strucke the Formost
man of all this World, But for supporting Robbers: shall we now,
Contaminate our fingers, with base Bribes? And sell the mighty space of
our large Honors For so much trash, as may be grasped thus? I had
rather be a Dogge, and bay the Moone, Then such a Roman

Cassi. Brutus, baite not me,

Ile not indure it: you forget your selfe

To hedge me in. I am a Souldier, I,

Older in practice, Abler then your selfe

To make Conditions

Bru. Go too: you are not Cassius

Cassi. I am

Bru. I say, you are not

Cassi. Vrge me no more, I shall forget my selfe: Haue minde vpon your
health: Tempt me no farther

Bru. Away slight man

Cassi. Is't possible?

Bru. Heare me, for I will speake.

Must I giue way, and roome to your rash Choller? Shall I be frighted,
when a Madman stares?   Cassi. O ye Gods, ye Gods, Must I endure all
this?   Bru. All this? I more: Fret till your proud hart break. Go shew
your Slaues how Chollericke you are, And make your Bondmen tremble.
Must I bouge? Must I obserue you? Must I stand and crouch Vnder your
Testie Humour? By the Gods,

You shall digest the Venom of your Spleene Though it do Split you. For,
from this day forth, Ile vse you for my Mirth, yea for my Laughter When
you are Waspish

Cassi. Is it come to this?

Bru. You say, you are a better Souldier: Let it appeare so; make your
vaunting true, And it shall please me well. For mine owne part, I shall
be glad to learne of Noble men

Cass. You wrong me euery way:

You wrong me Brutus:

I saide, an Elder Souldier, not a Better. Did I say Better?

Bru. If you did, I care not

Cass. When Caesar liu'd, he durst not thus haue mou'd me

Brut. Peace, peace, you durst not so haue tempted him

Cassi. I durst not

Bru. No

Cassi. What? durst not tempt him?

Bru. For your life you durst not

Cassi. Do not presume too much vpon my Loue, I may do that I shall be
sorry for

Bru. You haue done that you should be sorry for. There is no terror
Cassius in your threats: For I am Arm'd so strong in Honesty,

That they passe by me, as the idle winde, Which I respect not. I did
send to you

For certaine summes of Gold, which you deny'd me, For I can raise no
money by vile meanes:

By Heauen, I had rather Coine my Heart,

And drop my blood for Drachmaes, then to wring From the hard hands of
Peazants, their vile trash By any indirection. I did send

To you for Gold to pay my Legions,

Which you deny'd me: was that done like Cassius? Should I haue answer'd
Caius Cassius so?

When Marcus Brutus growes so Couetous,

To locke such Rascall Counters from his Friends, Be ready Gods with all
your Thunder-bolts, Dash him to peeces

Cassi. I deny'd you not

Bru. You did

Cassi. I did not. He was but a Foole

That brought my answer back. Brutus hath riu'd my hart: A Friend should
beare his Friends infirmities; But Brutus makes mine greater then they
are

Bru. I do not, till you practice them on me

Cassi. You loue me not

Bru. I do not like your faults

Cassi. A friendly eye could neuer see such faults

Bru. A Flatterers would not, though they do appeare As huge as high
Olympus

Cassi. Come Antony, and yong Octauius come, Reuenge your selues alone
on Cassius,

For Cassius is a-weary of the World:

Hated by one he loues, brau'd by his Brother, Check'd like a bondman,
all his faults obseru'd, Set in a Note-booke, learn'd, and con'd by
roate To cast into my Teeth. O I could weepe

My Spirit from mine eyes. There is my Dagger, And heere my naked
Breast: Within, a Heart Deerer then Pluto's Mine, Richer then Gold: If
that thou bee'st a Roman, take it foorth. I that deny'd thee Gold, will
giue my Heart: Strike as thou did'st at Caesar: For I know, When thou
did'st hate him worst, y loued'st him better Then euer thou loued'st
Cassius

Bru. Sheath your Dagger:

Be angry when you will, it shall haue scope: Do what you will,
Dishonor, shall be Humour. O Cassius, you are yoaked with a Lambe

That carries Anger, as the Flint beares fire, Who much inforced, shewes
a hastie Sparke, And straite is cold agen

Cassi. Hath Cassius liu'd

To be but Mirth and Laughter to his Brutus, When greefe and blood ill
temper'd, vexeth him?   Bru. When I spoke that, I was ill temper'd too

Cassi. Do you confesse so much? Giue me your hand

Bru. And my heart too

Cassi. O Brutus!

Bru. What's the matter?

Cassi. Haue not you loue enough to beare with me, When that rash humour
which my Mother gaue me Makes me forgetfull

Bru. Yes Cassius, and from henceforth

When you are ouer-earnest with your Brutus, Hee'l thinke your Mother
chides, and leaue you so. Enter a Poet.

Poet. Let me go in to see the Generals, There is some grudge betweene
'em, 'tis not meete They be alone

Lucil. You shall not come to them

Poet. Nothing but death shall stay me

Cas. How now? What's the matter?

Poet. For shame you Generals; what do you meane? Loue, and be Friends,
as two such men should bee, For I haue seene more yeeres I'me sure then
yee

Cas. Ha, ha, how vildely doth this Cynicke rime?   Bru. Get you hence
sirra: Sawcy Fellow, hence

Cas. Beare with him Brutus, 'tis his fashion

Brut. Ile know his humor, when he knowes his time: What should the
Warres do with these Iigging Fooles? Companion, hence

Cas. Away, away be gone.

Exit Poet

Bru. Lucillius and Titinius bid the Commanders Prepare to lodge their
Companies to night

Cas. And come your selues, & bring Messala with you Immediately to vs

Bru. Lucius, a bowle of Wine

Cas. I did not thinke you could haue bin so angry

Bru. O Cassius, I am sicke of many greefes

Cas. Of your Philosophy you make no vse, If you giue place to
accidentall euils

Bru. No man beares sorrow better. Portia is dead

Cas. Ha? Portia?

Bru. She is dead

Cas. How scap'd I killing, when I crost you so? O insupportable, and
touching losse!

Vpon what sicknesse?

Bru. Impatient of my absence,

And greefe, that yong Octauius with Mark Antony Haue made themselues so
strong: For with her death That tydings came. With this she fell
distract, And (her Attendants absent) swallow'd fire

Cas. And dy'd so?

Bru. Euen so

Cas. O ye immortall Gods!

Enter Boy with Wine, and Tapers.

Bru. Speak no more of her: Giue me a bowl of wine, In this I bury all
vnkindnesse Cassius.

Drinkes

Cas. My heart is thirsty for that Noble pledge. Fill Lucius, till the
Wine ore-swell the Cup: I cannot drinke too much of Brutus loue.

Enter Titinius and Messala.

Brutus. Come in Titinius:

Welcome good Messala:

Now sit we close about this Taper heere,

And call in question our necessities

Cass. Portia, art thou gone?

Bru. No more I pray you.

Messala, I haue heere receiued Letters,

That yong Octauius, and Marke Antony

Come downe vpon vs with a mighty power,

Bending their Expedition toward Philippi

Mess. My selfe haue Letters of the selfe-same Tenure

Bru. With what Addition

Mess. That by proscription, and billes of Outlarie, Octauius, Antony,
and Lepidus,

Haue put to death, an hundred Senators

Bru. Therein our Letters do not well agree: Mine speake of seuenty
Senators, that dy'de By their proscriptions, Cicero being one

Cassi. Cicero one?

Messa. Cicero is dead, and by that order of proscription Had you your
Letters from your wife, my Lord?   Bru. No Messala

Messa. Nor nothing in your Letters writ of her?   Bru. Nothing Messala

Messa. That me thinkes is strange

Bru. Why aske you?

Heare you ought of her, in yours?

Messa. No my Lord

Bru. Now as you are a Roman tell me true

Messa. Then like a Roman, beare the truth I tell, For certaine she is
dead, and by strange manner

Bru. Why farewell Portia: We must die Messala: With meditating that she
must dye once,

I haue the patience to endure it now

Messa. Euen so great men, great losses shold indure

Cassi. I haue as much of this in Art as you, But yet my Nature could
not beare it so

Bru. Well, to our worke aliue. What do you thinke Of marching to
Philippi presently

Cassi. I do not thinke it good

Bru. Your reason?

Cassi. This it is:

'Tis better that the Enemie seeke vs,

So shall he waste his meanes, weary his Souldiers, Doing himselfe
offence, whil'st we lying still, Are full of rest, defence, and
nimblenesse

Bru. Good reasons must of force giue place to better: The people 'twixt
Philippi, and this ground Do stand but in a forc'd affection:

For they haue grug'd vs Contribution.

The Enemy, marching along by them,

By them shall make a fuller number vp,

Come on refresht, new added, and encourag'd: From which aduantage shall
we cut him off. If at Philippi we do face him there,

These people at our backe

Cassi. Heare me good Brother

Bru. Vnder your pardon. You must note beside, That we haue tride the
vtmost of our Friends: Our Legions are brim full, our cause is ripe,
The Enemy encreaseth euery day,

We at the height, are readie to decline.

There is a Tide in the affayres of men,

Which taken at the Flood, leades on to Fortune: Omitted, all the voyage
of their life,

Is bound in Shallowes, and in Miseries.

On such a full Sea are we now a-float,

And we must take the current when it serues, Or loose our Ventures

Cassi. Then with your will go on: wee'l along Our selues, and meet them
at Philippi

Bru. The deepe of night is crept vpon our talke, And Nature must obey
Necessitie,

Which we will niggard with a little rest: There is no more to say

Cassi. No more, good night,

Early to morrow will we rise, and hence.

Enter Lucius.

Bru. Lucius my Gowne: farewell good Messala, Good night Titinius:
Noble, Noble Cassius, Good night, and good repose

Cassi. O my deere Brother:

This was an ill beginning of the night:

Neuer come such diuision 'tweene our soules: Let it not Brutus.

Enter Lucius with the Gowne.

Bru. Euery thing is well

Cassi. Good night my Lord

Bru. Good night good Brother

Tit. Messa. Good night Lord Brutus

Bru. Farwell euery one.

Exeunt.

Giue me the Gowne. Where is thy Instrument?   Luc. Heere in the Tent

Bru. What, thou speak'st drowsily?

Poore knaue I blame thee not, thou art ore-watch'd. Call Claudio, and
some other of my men,

Ile haue them sleepe on Cushions in my Tent

Luc. Varrus, and Claudio.

Enter Varrus and Claudio.

Var. Cals my Lord?

Bru. I pray you sirs, lye in my Tent and sleepe, It may be I shall
raise you by and by

On businesse to my Brother Cassius

Var. So please you, we will stand,

And watch your pleasure

Bru. I will it not haue it so: Lye downe good sirs, It may be I shall
otherwise bethinke me.

Looke Lucius, heere's the booke I sought for so: I put it in the pocket
of my Gowne

Luc. I was sure your Lordship did not giue it me

Bru. Beare with me good Boy, I am much forgetfull. Canst thou hold vp
thy heauie eyes a-while, And touch thy Instrument a straine or two

Luc. I my Lord, an't please you

Bru. It does my Boy:

I trouble thee too much, but thou art willing

Luc. It is my duty Sir

Brut. I should not vrge thy duty past thy might, I know yong bloods
looke for a time of rest

Luc. I haue slept my Lord already

Bru. It was well done, and thou shalt sleepe againe: I will not hold
thee long. If I do liue,

I will be good to thee.

Musicke, and a Song.

This is a sleepy Tune: O Murd'rous slumber! Layest thou thy Leaden Mace
vpon my Boy,

That playes thee Musicke? Gentle knaue good night: I will not do thee
so much wrong to wake thee: If thou do'st nod, thou break'st thy
Instrument, Ile take it from thee, and (good Boy) good night. Let me
see, let me see; is not the Leafe turn'd downe Where I left reading?
Heere it is I thinke. Enter the Ghost of Caesar.

How ill this Taper burnes. Ha! Who comes heere? I thinke it is the
weakenesse of mine eyes That shapes this monstrous Apparition.

It comes vpon me: Art thou any thing?

Art thou some God, some Angell, or some Diuell, That mak'st my blood
cold, and my haire to stare? Speake to me, what thou art

Ghost. Thy euill Spirit Brutus?

Bru. Why com'st thou?

Ghost. To tell thee thou shalt see me at Philippi

Brut. Well: then I shall see thee againe?   Ghost. I, at Philippi

Brut. Why I will see thee at Philippi then: Now I haue taken heart,
thou vanishest.

Ill Spirit, I would hold more talke with thee. Boy, Lucius, Varrus,
Claudio, Sirs: Awake: Claudio

Luc. The strings my Lord, are false

Bru. He thinkes he still is at his Instrument. Lucius, awake

Luc. My Lord

Bru. Did'st thou dreame Lucius, that thou so cryedst out?

Luc. My Lord, I do not know that I did cry

Bru. Yes that thou did'st: Did'st thou see any thing?   Luc. Nothing my
Lord

Bru. Sleepe againe Lucius: Sirra Claudio, Fellow, Thou: Awake

Var. My Lord

Clau. My Lord

Bru. Why did you so cry out sirs, in your sleepe?   Both. Did we my
Lord?

Bru. I: saw you any thing?

Var. No my Lord, I saw nothing

Clau. Nor I my Lord

Bru. Go, and commend me to my Brother Cassius: Bid him set on his
Powres betimes before, And we will follow

Both. It shall be done my Lord.

Exeunt.

Actus Quintus.

Enter Octauius, Antony, and their Army.

Octa. Now Antony, our hopes are answered, You said the Enemy would not
come downe,

But keepe the Hilles and vpper Regions:

It proues not so: their battailes are at hand, They meane to warne vs
at Philippi heere: Answering before we do demand of them

Ant. Tut I am in their bosomes, and I know Wherefore they do it: They
could be content To visit other places, and come downe

With fearefull brauery: thinking by this face To fasten in our thoughts
that they haue Courage; But 'tis not so.

Enter a Messenger.

Mes. Prepare you Generals,

The Enemy comes on in gallant shew:

Their bloody signe of Battell is hung out, And something to be done
immediately

Ant. Octauius, leade your Battaile softly on Vpon the left hand of the
euen Field

Octa. Vpon the right hand I, keepe thou the left

Ant. Why do you crosse me in this exigent

Octa. I do not crosse you: but I will do so.

March.

Drum. Enter Brutus, Cassius, & their Army.

Bru. They stand, and would haue parley

Cassi. Stand fast Titinius, we must out and talke

Octa. Mark Antony, shall we giue signe of Battaile?   Ant. No Caesar,
we will answer on their Charge. Make forth, the Generals would haue
some words

Oct. Stirre not vntill the Signall

Bru. Words before blowes: is it so Countrymen?   Octa. Not that we loue
words better, as you do

Bru. Good words are better then bad strokes Octauius

An. In your bad strokes Brutus, you giue good words Witnesse the hole
you made in Caesars heart, Crying long liue, Haile Caesar

Cassi. Antony,

The posture of your blowes are yet vnknowne; But for your words, they
rob the Hibla Bees, And leaue them Hony-lesse

Ant. Not stinglesse too

Bru. O yes, and soundlesse too:

For you haue stolne their buzzing Antony, And very wisely threat before
you sting

Ant. Villains: you did not so, when your vile daggers Hackt one another
in the sides of Caesar: You shew'd your teethes like Apes,

And fawn'd like Hounds,

And bow'd like Bondmen, kissing Caesars feete; Whil'st damned Caska,
like a Curre, behinde Strooke Caesar on the necke. O you Flatterers

Cassi. Flatterers? Now Brutus thanke your selfe, This tongue had not
offended so to day.

If Cassius might haue rul'd

Octa. Come, come, the cause. If arguing make vs swet, The proofe of it
will turne to redder drops: Looke, I draw a Sword against Conspirators,
When thinke you that the Sword goes vp againe? Neuer till Caesars three
and thirtie wounds Be well aueng'd; or till another Caesar

Haue added slaughter to the Sword of Traitors

Brut. Caesar, thou canst not dye by Traitors hands. Vnlesse thou
bring'st them with thee

Octa. So I hope:

I was not borne to dye on Brutus Sword

Bru. O if thou wer't the Noblest of thy Straine, Yong-man, thou
could'st not dye more honourable

Cassi. A peeuish School-boy, worthles of such Honor Ioyn'd with a
Masker, and a Reueller

Ant. Old Cassius still

Octa. Come Antony: away:

Defiance Traitors, hurle we in your teeth. If you dare fight to day,
come to the Field; If not, when you haue stomackes.

Exit Octauius, Antony, and Army

Cassi. Why now blow winde, swell Billow, And swimme Barke:

The Storme is vp, and all is on the hazard

Bru. Ho Lucillius, hearke, a word with you.

Lucillius and Messala stand forth.

Luc. My Lord

Cassi. Messala

Messa. What sayes my Generall?

Cassi. Messala, this is my Birth-day: at this very day Was Cassius
borne. Giue me thy hand Messala: Be thou my witnesse, that against my
will (As Pompey was) am I compell'd to set

Vpon one Battell all our Liberties.

You know, that I held Epicurus strong,

And his Opinion: Now I change my minde,

And partly credit things that do presage. Comming from Sardis, on our
former Ensigne Two mighty Eagles fell, and there they pearch'd, Gorging
and feeding from our Soldiers hands, Who to Philippi heere consorted
vs:

This Morning are they fled away, and gone, And in their steeds, do
Rauens, Crowes, and Kites Fly ore our heads, and downward looke on vs
As we were sickely prey; their shadowes seeme A Canopy most fatall,
vnder which

Our Army lies, ready to giue vp the Ghost

Messa. Beleeue not so

Cassi. I but beleeue it partly,

For I am fresh of spirit, and resolu'd

To meete all perils, very constantly

Bru. Euen so Lucillius

Cassi. Now most Noble Brutus,

The Gods to day stand friendly, that we may Louers in peace, leade on
our dayes to age. But since the affayres of men rests still incertaine,
Let's reason with the worst that may befall. If we do lose this
Battaile, then is this The very last time we shall speake together:
What are you then determined to do?

Bru. Euen by the rule of that Philosophy, By which I did blame Cato,
for the death

Which he did giue himselfe, I know not how: But I do finde it Cowardly,
and vile,

For feare of what might fall, so to preuent The time of life, arming my
selfe with patience, To stay the prouidence of some high Powers, That
gouerne vs below

Cassi. Then, if we loose this Battaile, You are contented to be led in
Triumph

Thorow the streets of Rome

Bru. No Cassius, no:

Thinke not thou Noble Romane,

That euer Brutus will go bound to Rome,

He beares too great a minde. But this same day Must end that worke, the
Ides of March begun. And whether we shall meete againe, I know not:
Therefore our euerlasting farewell take:

For euer, and for euer, farewell Cassius, If we do meete againe, why we
shall smile; If not, why then this parting was well made

Cassi. For euer, and for euer, farewell Brutus: If we do meete againe,
wee'l smile indeede; If not, 'tis true, this parting was well made

Bru. Why then leade on. O that a man might know The end of this dayes
businesse, ere it come: But it sufficeth, that the day will end,

And then the end is knowne. Come ho, away.

Exeunt.

Alarum. Enter Brutus and Messala.

Bru. Ride, ride Messala, ride and giue these Billes Vnto the Legions,
on the other side.

Lowd Alarum.

Let them set on at once: for I perceiue

But cold demeanor in Octauio's wing:

And sodaine push giues them the ouerthrow: Ride, ride Messala, let them
all come downe.

Exeunt.

Alarums. Enter Cassius and Titinius.

Cassi. O looke Titinius, looke, the Villaines flye: My selfe haue to
mine owne turn'd Enemy:

This Ensigne heere of mine was turning backe, I slew the Coward, and
did take it from him

Titin. O Cassius, Brutus gaue the word too early, Who hauing some
aduantage on Octauius,

Tooke it too eagerly: his Soldiers fell to spoyle, Whilst we by Antony
are all inclos'd.

Enter Pindarus.

Pind. Fly further off my Lord: flye further off, Mark Antony is in your
Tents my Lord:

Flye therefore Noble Cassius, flye farre off

Cassi. This Hill is farre enough. Looke, look Titinius Are those my
Tents where I perceiue the fire?   Tit. They are, my Lord

Cassi. Titinius, if thou louest me,

Mount thou my horse, and hide thy spurres in him, Till he haue brought
thee vp to yonder Troopes And heere againe, that I may rest assur'd
Whether yond Troopes, are Friend or Enemy

Tit. I will be heere againe, euen with a thought. Enter.

Cassi. Go Pindarus, get higher on that hill, My sight was euer thicke:
regard Titinius, And tell me what thou not'st about the Field. This day
I breathed first, Time is come round, And where I did begin, there
shall I end, My life is run his compasse. Sirra, what newes? Pind.
Aboue. O my Lord

Cassi. What newes?

Pind. Titinius is enclosed round about

With Horsemen, that make to him on the Spurre, Yet he spurres on. Now
they are almost on him: Now Titinius. Now some light: O he lights too.
Hee's tane.

Showt.

And hearke, they shout for ioy

Cassi. Come downe, behold no more:

O Coward that I am, to liue so long,

To see my best Friend tane before my face Enter Pindarus.

Come hither sirrah: In Parthia did I take thee Prisoner, And then I
swore thee, sauing of thy life, That whatsoeuer I did bid thee do,

Thou should'st attempt it. Come now, keepe thine oath, Now be a
Free-man, and with this good Sword That ran through Caesars bowels,
search this bosome. Stand not to answer: Heere, take thou the Hilts,
And when my face is couer'd, as 'tis now, Guide thou the Sword- Caesar,
thou art reueng'd, Euen with the Sword that kill'd thee

Pin. So, I am free,

Yet would not so haue beene

Durst I haue done my will. O Cassius,

Farre from this Country Pindarus shall run, Where neuer Roman shall
take note of him. Enter Titinius and Messala.

Messa. It is but change, Titinius: for Octauius Is ouerthrowne by Noble
Brutus power,

As Cassius Legions are by Antony

Titin. These tydings will well comfort Cassius

Messa. Where did you leaue him

Titin. All disconsolate,

With Pindarus his Bondman, on this Hill

Messa. Is not that he that lyes vpon the ground?   Titin. He lies not
like the Liuing. O my heart!   Messa. Is not that hee?

Titin. No, this was he Messala,

But Cassius is no more. O setting Sunne:

As in thy red Rayes thou doest sinke to night; So in his red blood
Cassius day is set.

The Sunne of Rome is set. Our day is gone, Clowds, Dewes, and Dangers
come; our deeds are done: Mistrust of my successe hath done this deed

Messa. Mistrust of good successe hath done this deed. O hatefull Error,
Melancholies Childe:

Why do'st thou shew to the apt thoughts of men The things that are not?
O Error soone conceyu'd, Thou neuer com'st vnto a happy byrth,

But kil'st the Mother that engendred thee

Tit. What Pindarus? Where art thou Pindarus?   Messa. Seeke him
Titinius, whilst I go to meet The Noble Brutus, thrusting this report

Into his eares; I may say thrusting it:

For piercing Steele, and Darts inuenomed, Shall be as welcome to the
eares of Brutus, As tydings of this sight

Tit. Hye you Messala,

And I will seeke for Pindarus the while:

Why did'st thou send me forth braue Cassius? Did I not meet thy
Friends, and did not they Put on my Browes this wreath of Victorie, And
bid me giue it thee? Did'st thou not heare their showts? Alas, thou
hast misconstrued euery thing. But hold thee, take this Garland on thy
Brow, Thy Brutus bid me giue it thee, and I

Will do his bidding. Brutus, come apace,

And see how I regarded Caius Cassius:

By your leaue Gods: This is a Romans part, Come Cassius Sword, and
finde Titinius hart.

Dies

Alarum. Enter Brutus, Messala, yong Cato, Strato, Volumnius, and
Lucillius.

Bru. Where, where Messala, doth his body lye?   Messa. Loe yonder, and
Titinius mourning it

Bru. Titinius face is vpward

Cato. He is slaine

Bru. O Iulius Caesar, thou art mighty yet, Thy Spirit walkes abroad,
and turnes our Swords In our owne proper Entrailes. Low Alarums

Cato. Braue Titinius,

Looke where he haue not crown'd dead Cassius

Bru. Are yet two Romans liuing such as these? The last of all the
Romans, far thee well: It is impossible, that euer Rome

Should breed thy fellow. Friends I owe mo teares To this dead man, then
you shall see me pay. I shall finde time, Cassius: I shall finde time.
Come therefore, and to Tharsus send his body, His Funerals shall not be
in our Campe,

Least it discomfort vs. Lucillius come,

And come yong Cato, let vs to the Field,

Labio and Flauio set our Battailes on:

'Tis three a clocke, and Romans yet ere night, We shall try Fortune in
a second fight.

Exeunt.

Alarum. Enter Brutus, Messala, Cato, Lucillius, and Flauius.

Bru. Yet Country-men: O yet, hold vp your heads

Cato. What Bastard doth not? Who will go with me? I will proclaime my
name about the Field. I am the Sonne of Marcus Cato, hoe.

A Foe to Tyrants, and my Countries Friend. I am the Sonne of Marcus
Cato, hoe.

Enter Souldiers, and fight.

And I am Brutus, Marcus Brutus, I,

Brutus my Countries Friend: Know me for Brutus

Luc. O yong and Noble Cato, art thou downe? Why now thou dyest, as
brauely as Titinius, And may'st be honour'd, being Cato's Sonne

Sold. Yeeld, or thou dyest

Luc. Onely I yeeld to dye:

There is so much, that thou wilt kill me straight: Kill Brutus, and be
honour'd in his death

Sold. We must not: a Noble Prisoner.

Enter Antony.

2.Sold. Roome hoe: tell Antony, Brutus is tane

1.Sold. Ile tell thee newes. Heere comes the Generall, Brutus is tane,
Brutus is tane my Lord

Ant. Where is hee?

Luc. Safe Antony, Brutus is safe enough: I dare assure thee, that no
Enemy

Shall euer take aliue the Noble Brutus:

The Gods defend him from so great a shame, When you do finde him, or
aliue, or dead, He will be found like Brutus, like himselfe

Ant. This is not Brutus friend, but I assure you, A prize no lesse in
worth; keepe this man safe, Giue him all kindnesse. I had rather haue
Such men my Friends, then Enemies. Go on, And see where Brutus be aliue
or dead,

And bring vs word, vnto Octauius Tent:

How euery thing is chanc'd.

Exeunt.

Enter Brutus, Dardanius, Clitus, Strato, and Volumnius.

Brut. Come poore remaines of friends, rest on this Rocke

Clit. Statillius shew'd the Torch-light, but my Lord He came not backe:
he is or tane, or slaine

Brut. Sit thee downe, Clitus: slaying is the word, It is a deed in
fashion. Hearke thee, Clitus

Clit. What I, my Lord? No, not for all the World

Brut. Peace then, no words

Clit. Ile rather kill my selfe

Brut. Hearke thee, Dardanius

Dard. Shall I doe such a deed?

Clit. O Dardanius

Dard. O Clitus

Clit. What ill request did Brutus make to thee?   Dard. To kill him,
Clitus: looke he meditates

Clit. Now is that Noble Vessell full of griefe, That it runnes ouer
euen at his eyes

Brut. Come hither, good Volumnius, list a word

Volum. What sayes my Lord?

Brut. Why this, Volumnius:

The Ghost of Caesar hath appear'd to me

Two seuerall times by Night: at Sardis, once; And this last Night, here
in Philippi fields: I know my houre is come

Volum. Not so, my Lord

Brut. Nay, I am sure it is, Volumnius. Thou seest the World, Volumnius,
how it goes, Our Enemies haue beat vs to the Pit:

Low Alarums.

It is more worthy, to leape in our selues, Then tarry till they push
vs. Good Volumnius, Thou know'st, that we two went to Schoole together:
Euen for that our loue of old, I prethee

Hold thou my Sword Hilts, whilest I runne on it

Vol. That's not an Office for a friend, my Lord.

Alarum still.

Cly. Fly, flye my Lord, there is no tarrying heere

Bru. Farewell to you, and you, and Volumnius. Strato, thou hast bin all
this while asleepe: Farewell to thee, to Strato, Countrymen:

My heart doth ioy, that yet in all my life, I found no man, but he was
true to me.

I shall haue glory by this loosing day

More then Octauius, and Marke Antony,

By this vile Conquest shall attaine vnto. So fare you well at once, for
Brutus tongue Hath almost ended his liues History:

Night hangs vpon mine eyes, my Bones would rest, That haue but
labour'd, to attaine this houre.

Alarum. Cry within, Flye, flye, flye.

Cly. Fly my Lord, flye

Bru. Hence: I will follow:

I prythee Strato, stay thou by thy Lord,

Thou art a Fellow of a good respect:

Thy life hath had some smatch of Honor in it, Hold then my Sword, and
turne away thy face, While I do run vpon it. Wilt thou Strato?   Stra.
Giue me your hand first. Fare you wel my Lord

Bru. Farewell good Strato. - Caesar, now be still, I kill'd not thee
with halfe so good a will. Dyes.

Alarum. Retreat. Enter Antony, Octauius, Messala, Lucillius, and the

Army.

Octa. What man is that?

Messa. My Masters man. Strato, where is thy Master?   Stra. Free from
the Bondage you are in Messala, The Conquerors can but make a fire of
him: For Brutus onely ouercame himselfe,

And no man else hath Honor by his death

Lucil. So Brutus should be found. I thank thee Brutus That thou hast
prou'd Lucillius saying true,   Octa. All that seru'd Brutus, I will
entertaine them. Fellow, wilt thou bestow thy time with me?   Stra. I,
if Messala will preferre me to you

Octa. Do so, good Messala

Messa. How dyed my Master Strato?

Stra. I held the Sword, and he did run on it

Messa. Octauius, then take him to follow thee, That did the latest
seruice to my Master

Ant. This was the Noblest Roman of them all: All the Conspirators saue
onely hee,

Did that they did, in enuy of great Caesar: He, onely in a generall
honest thought,

And common good to all, made one of them. His life was gentle, and the
Elements

So mixt in him, that Nature might stand vp, And say to all the world;
This was a man

Octa. According to his Vertue, let vs vse him Withall Respect, and
Rites of Buriall.

Within my Tent his bones to night shall ly, Most like a Souldier
ordered Honourably:

So call the Field to rest, and let's away, To part the glories of this
happy day.

Exeunt. omnes.



FINIS. THE TRAGEDIE OF IVLIVS CaeSAR.




