Julius Caesar (16 page)

Low alarums

Alarum
still

Addressing Clitus, Dardanius, Volumnius and Strato in turn

Alarum. Cry within:
‘Fly fly fly!’

[
Exeunt Clitus, Dardanius and Volumnius
]

Runs on his sword

Caesar, now be
still
⁵⁵
:

Dies

Alarum.
Retreat
. Enter Antony, Octavius, Messala, Lucilius and the army

Exeunt

F = First Folio text of 1623

F2 = a correction introduced in the Second Folio text of 1632

F3 = a correction introduced in the Third Folio text of 1663–64

Ed = a correction introduced by a later editor

SH = speech heading (i.e. speaker’s name)

List of parts
= Ed

Flavius and Murellus tell the commoners they should be working and that they should carry the “sign” of their “profession” with them at all times. The cobbler explains that they are going to see Caesar make his triumphant return after defeating Pompey. Murellus is scornful, pointing out that Caesar brings back no “conquest” or “tributaries.” He reminds the commoners of their previous allegiance to Pompey, drawing attention to the shifting loyalties/betrayal of the times. Murellus’ speech also introduces the significance of rhetoric and the power of language, particularly in public address. Flavius commands the commoners to “weep” into the Tiber for Pompey, accusing them of being “tongue-tied in their guiltiness,” again drawing our attention to the importance of language/speech, but also to guilt/complicity. Flavius suggests that he and Murellus remove the adornments from the statues of Caesar, warning that Caesar “would soar above the view of men” to keep the people of Rome “in servile fearfulness.”

Lines 1–28:
Caesar and others prepare to watch a course run as part of the feast of Lupercal. Antony is to run the course, and Caesar tells Calpurnia to stand where Antony can reach her, as it is believed the touch of a runner in the “holy chase” can cure sterility. He reminds Antony of this, and Antony replies, “When Caesar says, ‘Do this’ it is performed,” demonstrating Antony’s loyalty and Caesar’s authority. A soothsayer calls out to Caesar, “Beware the Ides of March,” and repeats his warning, but Caesar dismisses it, perhaps revealing his arrogance. In any case, it is the first of many complicated incidents in the play which seem concerned with the tensions between fate and free will and the significance of omens and prophecies.

Lines 29–183:
As the others leave to watch the course, Cassius and Brutus remain. Cassius suggests that Brutus has grown distant, reminding him of their past friendship. Brutus assures him that if he has recently “veiled” his looks, it is only because he is “with himself at war,” and “Vexed” inside, introducing the conflict of public and private. Cassius tells Brutus that the most respected citizens of Rome, “groaning underneath this age’s yoke,” admire him and look to him. Brutus is wary, saying that Cassius is asking him to recognize a quality within himself that he does not possess, but Cassius continues to flatter, offering to be Brutus’ “glass,” so that he can “discover” these qualities within himself. As they talk, a fanfare and shouting are heard and Brutus says he fears the people have made Caesar king. Cassius seizes on this and asks whether or not this is what Brutus would want, forcing him to acknowledge that, despite his love for Caesar, he does not want him as king. He questions whether what Cassius has to say relates to “the general good,” revealing genuine concern for the welfare of Rome. He assures Cassius that he loves “honour” more than he fears death. Cassius says that this shows Brutus’ “virtue” and argues that they were both “born free as Caesar” and that he cannot bring himself to be “In awe of such a thing as I myself,” complaining that Caesar has “now become a god,” despite his many weaknesses.

They hear another shout, and Brutus suggests that “new honours” are being “heaped on Caesar.” Cassius argues that Caesar is now a “Colossus,” while they are merely “petty men.” He adds that “Men at some time are masters of their fates,” drawing attention again to the conflict between free will and fate. He returns to the subject of Rome, playing on Brutus’ concerns for the civic good rather than personal triumph. He reminds him of another Brutus, who overthrew the last king of Rome and established the republic. Brutus assures Cassius that he has already thought “of this and of these times.” He will not discuss it further now, but promises that they will talk again.

Lines 184–220:
Caesar and his train return. Cassius quickly advises Brutus to “pluck Casca by the sleeve” to find out what has happened. Brutus observes that Caesar looks angry and that Calpurnia is pale.
Caesar asks Antony to ensure that he only has “fat / Sleek-headed men” about him, unlike Cassius, who has “a lean and hungry look” and is “dangerous.” Antony reassures Caesar that Cassius is “a noble Roman,” but Caesar says that he mistrusts him. Unlike Antony, he does not care for plays or music and seldom smiles. Caesar observes that men such as Cassius are “never at heart’s ease / Whiles they behold a greater than themselves.” He asks Antony for his opinion, requesting him to speak on his right side as he is deaf in his left ear, another subtle reference to Caesar’s weaknesses, and a metaphorical allusion to his lack of perception/understanding. He exits with his train, leaving Brutus, Cassius, and Casca.

Lines 221–323:
Casca describes how Caesar was offered a crown three times by Antony, and that each time he refused it to cheers from the crowd. He adds, however, that he thinks Caesar “would fain have had it” and “was very loath to lay his fingers off it.” As the crowd “hooted” and “clapped,” Caesar swooned and fell down, “foamed at mouth, and was speechless.” Brutus explains that Caesar “hath the falling sickness” (epilepsy), again drawing attention to potential infirmities. Casca goes on to describe how Caesar was so much in favor with the crowd that they were not put off by his collapse, although it appears to have affected his mood. Before leaving, Casca adds that Murellus and Flavius have been “put to silence” for “pulling scarves off Caesar’s images.” Brutus comments on how “blunt” Casca is, but Cassius says this is “put on.” Brutus promises to speak to Cassius the next day, and leaves. Alone, Cassius muses on Brutus’ “noble” nature, but feels that he can be manipulated. He reveals his plan to throw forged letters through Brutus’ window, complaining of “Caesar’s ambition.”

Lines 1–41:
Casca and Cicero meet during a violent storm. Cicero is unmoved, but Casca is disturbed by the “tempest,” which he sees as portentous. Questioned by Cicero, he lists recent omens, such as a man whose hand burned “Like twenty torches,” but who remained “unscorched.” Cicero agrees but points out that people misinterpret
things. Casca tells Cicero that Caesar will be at the Capitol the next day, and Cicero bids him goodnight.

Lines 42–170:
Cassius arrives, and Casca comments again on the “menace” of the heavens. Like Cicero, Cassius is unconcerned, describing how he presented himself to “the aim and very flash” of the lightning. Casca warns that he should not “tempt the heavens”: men should “fear and tremble” when the “most mighty gods” send such “tokens.” Cassius argues that Casca should ask himself why the heavens have sent “instruments of fear and warning.” Casca understands that Cassius refers to Caesar, and reports that the senators mean to make him king the next day. Cassius declares that he will “deliver” himself from such bondage, and calls upon the gods. Casca argues that he, too, can “cancel his captivity.” Cassius tells Casca that he has the support of several “noblest-minded Romans” to undertake “an enterprise / Of honourable dangerous consequence,” and that they are waiting for him under the cover of the “fearful night.” They are interrupted by the arrival of Cinna, and draw back until Cassius identifies him. Cassius asks whether the conspirators are waiting, then sends Cinna with the letters to throw into Brutus’ house. He asks Casca to accompany him to see Brutus. Casca observes that Brutus’ involvement will make their “offence” appear as “virtue” and “worthiness,” because the people love and respect him.