tyranny of a king. The conspirators enter, and are introduced to Brutus. Cassius finally prevails on Brutus to join them, and the details of the plot are discussed. Brutus will not allow Antony to be killed. On the departure of the other conspirators, Portia, Brutus' wife, enters, and, questioning Brutus as to his recent strange behavior, urges upon him her right to share his secrets and his anxieties. Brutus admits Ligarius into the number of the conspirators. Act II, Scene ii. In the early morning of the ides of March, Cæsar is persuaded by his wife, Calpurnia, and by the warnings of his augurers, not to attend the senate on that day. Decius Brutus, however, enters, and by means of artful flattery, induces Cæsar to disregard the entreaties and the fears of his wife. The other conspirators and Antony come to escort Cæsar to the senate-house. Act II, Scene iii. Artemidorus reads a paper warning Cæsar of his fate. This he hopes to present to the dictator as he passes him in the street. Act II, Scene iv. Portia, to whom Brutus has imparted his secret, finds the burden of anxiety and suspense so difficult to bear that she almost faints in her effort to suppress her natural feelings. Act III, Scene i. Cæsar, disregarding all warnings, enters the senate-house, the conspirators and others following. Metellus Cimber makes humble suit to Cæsar for the recall of his brother from banishment. The other conspirators also intercede for him. Cæsar arrogantly refuses to hear them. The conspirators then assassinate Cæsar and proclaim "Peace, freedom, and liberty.' Antony, who had fled during the confusion, asks and receives permission to converse with them in safety. On seeing Cæsar's corpse he is filled with the deepest sorrow, which he nobly expresses. After feigning reconciliation with Cæsar's murderers, he obtains permission from Brutus to speak at Cæsar's funeral. On the departure of the others he prophesies civil war and vengeance on the conspirators. The approach of Octavius Cæsar is announced. Act III, Scene ii. Brutus, in a well-reasoned speech, tells the citizens why he who loved Cæsar slew him; the citizens wish to crown Brutus in the place of Cæsar. Antony follows, and in an oration by turns persuasive, eloquent, and fiery, stirs up these same citizens to mutiny and rage against the murderers. Octavius enters Rome, and, at the same time, Brutus and Cassius flee from the city. Act III, Scene iii. The citizens in their fury slay Cinna, the poet, mistaking him for his namesake, Cinna, the conspirator. Act IV, Scene i. The triumvirs, Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus, draw up a list of those who are to be put to death by their proscription. Lepidus is used as a tool by the other two. Act IV, Scene ii. The scene changes from Rome to the camp of Brutus and Cassius near Sardis. Brutus and Cassius meet; each complains of wrongs suffered at the hands of the other. Act IV, Scene iii. Their quarrel becomes intense. Cassius at last offers his life to Brutus, and a reconciliation takes place. They pledge their mutual love in wine, and Brutus tells Cassius of Portia's death. Together with Titinius and Messala, they discuss their plans for the future, and, against Cassius' better judgment, they decide to give battle at once. After the retirement of the others, Brutus begins to read. Cæsar's ghost appears and tells him that he will see him again at Philippi. Act V, Scene i. Octavius and Antony, at Philippi, prepare to take the field. A parley between the opposing generals results only in fierce denunciations. Brutus and Cassius converse on the subject of suicide, and determine what to do in the event of defeat. They take a touching leave of each other. Act V, Scene ii. Act V, Scene iii. captured and all lost, Brutus gives the word of battle too early. Cassius is defeated, and, thinking Titinius is, by his own request, stabbed by his bond man Pindarus. Titinius slays himself over Cassius' body. Brutus pronounces a eulogy over the two Romans. Act V, Scene iv. Young Cato dies bravely in the front of the battle. Lucilius, declaring himself to be Brutus, yields, and is taken to Antony, who discovers the deception. Act V, Scene v. Brutus, defeated, appeals unsuccessfully to several of his friends to put an end to his life. At length he induces Strato to hold his sword whilst he himself runs upon it, and dies with the words on his lips: "Cæsar, now be still: I kill'd not thee with half so good a will." Octavius and Antony enter with their army. Antony utters a noble tribute of praise over Brutus' body. Octavius calls the field to rest, and with Antony goes away— To part the glories of this happy day. Day 1 Act. I. Scenes i. and ii.-Cæsar's Tri- Date 44 Feb. 15th Day 3 Acts II. and III.-Before dawn-3 a. m., Interval. Day 5 Act IV. Scenes ii. and iii.-Evening and 42 Interval. Day 6 Act V. The two engagements at Philippi being described as one. Oct. Mar. 15th Cæsar's Triumph for his victory at Festival of the Lupercalia. Interval of 1 month, during which Cæsar Assassination of Cæsar. Interval of more than 7 months-Brutus Interval of about 3 months-The Pro- Interval of about 9 months-Antony and Battle of Philippi-The second engage- Enter FLAVIUS, MARULLUS, and certain Commoners. plebeians, Flav. Hence! home, you idle creatures, get you home: Is this a holiday? What! know you not, Being mechanical, you ought not3 walk Upon a labouring day without the sign Of your profession?* Speak, what trade art thou? citizens 2mechanics *I. e. your working clothes and your tools. But it was a custom rather of Shakespeare's own time and not any law of the Romans that is referred to here. 73 |