CAESAR:
“Calphurnia.”

• Caesar calls out to his wife, Calphurnia.

CASCA:
“Peace, ho! Caesar speaks.”

• Casca tells everyone to be quiet because Caesar is speaking.

CAESAR:
“Calphurnia.”

• Caesar repeats, calling for Calphurnia.

CALPHURNIA:
“Here, my lord.”

• Calphurnia responds to Caesar, indicating she is present.

CAESAR:
“Stand you directly in Antonius’ way when he doth run his course.—Antonius.”

• Caesar instructs Calphurnia to stand where Antony will run during the race.

ANTONY:
“Caesar, my lord.”

• Antony acknowledges Caesar.

CAESAR:
“Forget not in your speed, Antonius, to touch Calphurnia, for our elders say the barren, touchèd in this holy chase, shake off their sterile curse.”

• Caesar tells Antony to touch Calphurnia during the race because it is believed that touching a runner in this ritual will cure infertility.

ANTONY:
“I shall remember. When Caesar says ‘Do this,’ it is performed.”

• Antony agrees to follow Caesar’s instructions, showing his loyalty.

CAESAR:
“Set on and leave no ceremony out.” (Sennet)

• Caesar commands the event to begin and instructs everyone to follow all traditions. (A “sennet” indicates ceremonial music signaling movement.)

SOOTHSAYER:
“Caesar.”

• The soothsayer calls out to Caesar.

CAESAR:
“Ha! Who calls?”

• Caesar hears his name and asks who is calling him.

CASCA:
“Bid every noise be still. Peace, yet again!”

• Casca orders silence so Caesar can listen.

CAESAR:
“Who is it in the press that calls on me? I hear a tongue shriller than all the music cry ‘Caesar.’ Speak. Caesar is turned to hear.”

• Caesar hears a voice louder than the surrounding noise and music. He asks the person to speak because he is paying attention.

SOOTHSAYER:
“Beware the ides of March.”

• The soothsayer warns Caesar to be careful on the “ides of March” (March 15).

CAESAR:
“What man is that?”

• Caesar asks who this person is.

BRUTUS:
“A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March.”

• Brutus explains to Caesar that the soothsayer is warning him about March 15.

CAESAR:
“Set him before me. Let me see his face.”

• Caesar asks for the soothsayer to be brought in front of him so he can see him.

CASSIUS:
“Fellow, come from the throng.”

• Cassius tells the soothsayer to step out from the crowd.

The Soothsayer comes forward.

CASSIUS:
“Look upon Caesar.”

• Cassius tells the soothsayer to look directly at Caesar.

CAESAR:
“What sayst thou to me now? Speak once again.”

• Caesar asks the soothsayer to repeat what he said earlier.

SOOTHSAYER:
“Beware the ides of March.”

• The soothsayer repeats his warning to be careful on March 15.

CAESAR:
“He is a dreamer. Let us leave him. Pass.”

• Caesar dismisses the soothsayer, calling him a dreamer (someone with no grasp on reality). He moves on with his entourage.

(Sennet. All but Brutus and Cassius exit.)

• The ceremonial music plays as everyone leaves except for Brutus and Cassius.

CASSIUS:
“Will you go see the order of the course?”

• Cassius asks Brutus if he wants to watch the race.

BRUTUS:
“Not I.”

• Brutus declines.

CASSIUS:
“I pray you, do.”

• Cassius encourages Brutus to join him.

BRUTUS:
“I am not gamesome. I do lack some part of that quick spirit that is in Antony. Let me not hinder, Cassius, your desires. I’ll leave you.”

• Brutus says he is not interested in games or festivities. He feels he lacks Antony’s energy and enthusiasm. He tells Cassius to go ahead without him.

CASSIUS:
“Brutus, I do observe you now of late. I have not from your eyes that gentleness and show of love as I was wont to have. You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand over your friend that loves you.”

• Cassius says he has noticed a change in Brutus lately. He feels Brutus is not showing the same kindness or affection as he used to and is being distant and cold toward him.

BRUTUS:
“Cassius, be not deceived. If I have veiled my look, I turn the trouble of my countenance merely upon myself.”

• Brutus tells Cassius not to misunderstand his behavior. If his face looks troubled, it is only because of his own personal concerns.

BRUTUS:
“Vexèd I am of late with passions of some difference, conceptions only proper to myself, which give some soil, perhaps, to my behaviors.”

• Brutus admits he has been upset and conflicted about personal matters. These feelings may have affected the way he acts.

BRUTUS:
“But let not therefore my good friends be grieved (among which number, Cassius, be you one)—”

• Brutus reassures Cassius not to take it personally. He considers Cassius a close friend and doesn’t want him to feel hurt by his behavior.

BRUTUS:
“Nor construe any further my neglect than that poor Brutus, with himself at war, forgets the shows of love to other men.”

• Brutus asks Cassius not to misinterpret his behavior. He explains that he is struggling internally and, because of this, he has neglected to show love and affection to others.

CASSIUS:
“Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion, by means whereof this breast of mine hath buried thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations.”

• Cassius admits he misunderstood Brutus’ feelings. Because of this, he has kept important thoughts and ideas to himself.

CASSIUS:
“Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?”

• Cassius asks Brutus if he can see his own face, metaphorically questioning if Brutus is aware of his own worth.

BRUTUS:
“No, Cassius, for the eye sees not itself but by reflection, by some other things.”

• Brutus replies that no one can see themselves directly, only through a reflection or through others.

CASSIUS:
“’Tis just. And it is very much lamented, Brutus, that you have no such mirrors as will turn your hidden worthiness into your eye, that you might see your shadow.”

• Cassius agrees and says it is unfortunate that Brutus doesn’t have a “mirror” (someone) to show him his true value and potential.

CASSIUS:
“I have heard where many of the best respect in Rome, except immortal Caesar, speaking of Brutus and groaning underneath this age’s yoke, have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes.”

• Cassius says that many respected Romans, aside from Caesar, have expressed frustration about their struggles under Caesar’s rule and wish Brutus could see his potential to lead.

BRUTUS:
“Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius, that you would have me seek into myself for that which is not in me?”

• Brutus questions what Cassius is trying to make him do. He worries Cassius is encouraging him to believe in qualities or ambitions he does not have.

CASSIUS:
“Therefore, good Brutus, be prepared to hear. And since you know you cannot see yourself so well as by reflection, I, your glass, will modestly discover to yourself that of yourself which you yet know not of.”

• Cassius tells Brutus to listen carefully. Since Brutus cannot fully see himself, Cassius offers to act as a “mirror” and reveal Brutus’ hidden qualities and worth.

CASSIUS:
“And be not jealous on me, gentle Brutus. Were I a common laughter, or did use to stale with ordinary oaths my love to every new protester; if you know that I do fawn on men and hug them hard and after scandal them…”

• Cassius reassures Brutus not to doubt his sincerity. He says he is not someone who flatters people insincerely or pretends to care for them only to betray them later.

CASSIUS:
“That I profess myself in banqueting to all the rout, then hold me dangerous.”

• Cassius says that if he ever openly flatters or ingratiates himself with the masses, then he would be dangerous and untrustworthy.

(Flourish and shout.)

• There is music and cheering in the distance.

BRUTUS:
“What means this shouting? I do fear the people choose Caesar for their king.”

• Brutus hears the shouting and worries that the people are declaring Caesar as their king.

CASSIUS:
“Ay, do you fear it? Then must I think you would not have it so.”

• Cassius questions Brutus’ fear, suggesting that Brutus does not want Caesar to become king.

BRUTUS:
“I would not, Cassius, yet I love him well. But wherefore do you hold me here so long? What is it that you would impart to me?”

• Brutus admits he doesn’t want Caesar to become king, though he loves Caesar as a person. He asks why Cassius is keeping him there and what he wants to tell him.

BRUTUS:
“If it be aught toward the general good, set honor in one eye and death i’ th’ other, and I will look on both indifferently; for let the gods so speed me as I love the name of honor more than I fear death.”

• Brutus says if Cassius’ proposal benefits the public good, he is willing to face death without fear. He values honor more than life itself.

CASSIUS:
“I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus, as well as I do know your outward favor. Well, honor is the subject of my story.”

• Cassius acknowledges Brutus’ sense of honor, just as he recognizes his physical appearance. Cassius says his message revolves around the theme of honor.

CASSIUS:
“I cannot tell what you and other men think of this life; but, for my single self, I had as lief not be as live to be in awe of such a thing as I myself.”

• Cassius says he cannot speak for others, but personally, he would rather not live than live as someone who worships another man as a superior.

CASSIUS:
“I was born free as Caesar; so were you; we both have fed as well, and we can both endure the winter’s cold as well as he.”

• Cassius points out that he and Brutus are no less worthy than Caesar. They were born free, eat the same food, and can endure hardships just like him.

CASSIUS:
“For once, upon a raw and gusty day, the troubled Tiber chafing with her shores, Caesar said to me ‘Dar’st thou, Cassius, now leap in with me into this angry flood and swim to yonder point?’”

• Cassius recalls a stormy day when the Tiber River was rough, and Caesar challenged him to jump into the dangerous waters and swim to a distant point.

CASSIUS:
“Upon the word, accoutered as I was, I plungèd in and bade him follow; so indeed he did.”

• Cassius, wearing his armor, jumped into the river and called for Caesar to follow, which Caesar did.

CASSIUS:
“The torrent roared, and we did buffet it…”

• The river’s current was fierce, and they had to struggle against it as they swam.

CASSIUS:
“With lusty sinews, throwing it aside and stemming it with hearts of controversy. But ere we could arrive the point proposed, Caesar cried ‘Help me, Cassius, or I sink!’”

• Cassius describes how they swam against the river’s strong current with strength and determination. However, before reaching their goal, Caesar became overwhelmed and called for Cassius to save him.

CASSIUS:
“I, as Aeneas, our great ancestor, did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder the old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber did I the tired Caesar.”

• Cassius compares himself to Aeneas (a hero from Roman mythology) who saved his father from burning Troy. Similarly, Cassius saved Caesar from drowning in the Tiber.

CASSIUS:
“And this man is now become a god, and Cassius is a wretched creature and must bend his body if Caesar carelessly but nod on him.”

• Cassius expresses frustration that the same man he saved is now treated as a god, while he, Cassius, is expected to humble himself before Caesar’s slightest whim.

CASSIUS:
“He had a fever when he was in Spain, and when the fit was on him, I did mark how he did shake. ’Tis true, this god did shake.”

• Cassius recalls a time when Caesar had a fever in Spain and shook uncontrollably, emphasizing Caesar’s physical weakness.

CASSIUS:
“His coward lips did from their color fly, and that same eye whose bend doth awe the world did lose his luster. I did hear him groan.”

• Cassius describes how Caesar’s lips turned pale, his powerful gaze lost its strength, and he groaned like an ordinary, weak man.

CASSIUS:
“Ay, and that tongue of his that bade the Romans mark him and write his speeches in their books, ‘Alas,’ it cried, ‘Give me some drink, Titinius,’ as a sick girl.”

• Cassius mocks Caesar’s commanding voice, which inspires Romans, by recalling how it once cried out weakly for water like a sick child.

CASSIUS:
“You gods, it doth amaze me a man of such a feeble temper should so get the start of the majestic world and bear the palm alone.”

• Cassius is astonished that someone as physically weak as Caesar has risen to dominate the world and claim glory for himself.

(Shout. Flourish.)

• There is another round of cheering in the distance.

BRUTUS:
“Another general shout! I do believe that these applauses are for some new honors that are heaped on Caesar.”

• Brutus comments on the cheers, assuming they are celebrating yet another honor being given to Caesar.

CASSIUS:
“Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world like a Colossus, and we petty men walk under his huge legs and peep about to find ourselves dishonorable graves.”

• Cassius compares Caesar to the Colossus of Rhodes (a massive statue) towering over the world, while ordinary people like him and Brutus are reduced to insignificant figures scurrying beneath him, destined for dishonorable deaths.

CASSIUS:
“Men at some time are masters of their fates. The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves, that we are underlings.”

• Cassius argues that people have control over their own destinies. Their subservience to Caesar is not because of fate but because they allow themselves to be inferior.

CASSIUS:
“Brutus” and “Caesar”—what should be in that “Caesar”

• Cassius compares the names “Brutus” and “Caesar,” questioning what makes “Caesar” so special.

Why should that name be sounded more than yours?

• Cassius asks why Caesar’s name is spoken more often or with more importance than Brutus’.

Write them together, yours is as fair a name; sound them, it doth become the mouth as well; weigh them, it is as heavy;

• Cassius argues that Brutus’ name is just as beautiful, pleasant to say, and significant as Caesar’s name.

Conjure with ’em, “Brutus” will start a spirit as soon as “Caesar.”

• Cassius suggests that if someone called upon spirits using the names “Brutus” or “Caesar,” Brutus’ name would be just as powerful.

Now, in the names of all the gods at once, upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed that he is grown so great?

• Cassius sarcastically asks what extraordinary food Caesar eats to make him so powerful, emphasizing that Caesar is no different from other men.

Age, thou art shamed! Rome, thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods!

• Cassius laments that the current era is shameful and that Rome no longer produces men as noble as before.

When went there by an age, since the great flood, but it was famed with more than with one man?

• Cassius notes that throughout history, every era has been remembered for having more than just one great man.

When could they say, till now, that talked of Rome, that her wide walks encompassed but one man?

• Cassius criticizes how Rome, known for its greatness, now seems to revolve around only Caesar.

Now is it Rome indeed, and room enough when there is in it but one only man.

• Cassius makes a pun, saying Rome has turned into “room” big enough for only one man, Caesar, mocking the centralization of power.

O, you and I have heard our fathers say there was a Brutus once that would have brooked th’ eternal devil to keep his state in Rome as easily as a king.

• Cassius reminds Brutus of his ancestor (Lucius Junius Brutus), who would have tolerated the devil ruling in Rome just as easily as a king, emphasizing his resistance to tyranny.

---

BRUTUS:
That you do love me, I am nothing jealous.

• Brutus acknowledges Cassius’ affection and says he doesn’t doubt it.

What you would work me to, I have some aim.

• Brutus says he has an idea of what Cassius is trying to persuade him to do.

How I have thought of this, and of these times, I shall recount hereafter.

• Brutus mentions he has been reflecting on the situation and will share his thoughts later.

For this present, I would not, so with love I might entreat you, be any further moved.

• Brutus asks Cassius, out of friendship, to stop pressing him on this matter for now.

What you have said I will consider; what you have to say I will with patience hear, and find a time both meet to hear and answer such high things.

• Brutus promises to think about what Cassius has said, listen to more when the time is right, and respond thoughtfully.

Till then, my noble friend, chew upon this: Brutus had rather be a villager than to repute himself a son of Rome…

• Brutus ends by saying he would rather live as a simple villager than accept a dishonorable Rome ruled by one man like Caesar.

BRUTUS:
Under these hard conditions as this time is like to lay upon us.

• Brutus reflects on the difficult circumstances that the current situation may impose on them.

---

CASSIUS:
I am glad that my weak words have struck but thus much show of fire from Brutus.

• Cassius is pleased that his words have stirred even a small reaction of passion from Brutus.

---

(Enter Caesar and his train.)

---

BRUTUS:
The games are done, and Caesar is returning.

• Brutus observes that the public games have ended, and Caesar is coming back.

---

CASSIUS:
As they pass by, pluck Casca by the sleeve, and he will, after his sour fashion, tell you what hath proceeded worthy note today.

• Cassius suggests Brutus pull Casca aside as Caesar passes by; Casca, though grumpy, will explain anything noteworthy that happened.

---

BRUTUS:
I will do so. But look you, Cassius, the angry spot doth glow on Caesar’s brow, and all the rest look like a chidden train.

• Brutus agrees but points out that Caesar looks angry, and those with him seem like scolded followers.

Calphurnia’s cheek is pale, and Cicero looks with such ferret and such fiery eyes as we have seen him in the Capitol, being crossed in conference by some senators.

• Brutus notes Calphurnia’s pale appearance and Cicero’s fiery, determined gaze, similar to when he argued with senators in the Capitol.

---

CASSIUS:
Casca will tell us what the matter is.

• Cassius reassures Brutus that Casca will explain what happened.

---

CAESAR:
Antonius.

• Caesar calls out to Antony.

---

ANTONY:
Caesar.

• Antony responds promptly.

---

CAESAR:
Let me have men about me that are fat, sleek-headed men, and such as sleep a-nights.

• Caesar says he prefers to be surrounded by content, carefree men who eat well and sleep peacefully.

Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look. He thinks too much. Such men are dangerous.

• Caesar describes Cassius as thin, ambitious, and always thinking, making him dangerous.

---

ANTONY:
Fear him not, Caesar; he’s not dangerous. He is a noble Roman, and well given.

• Antony tries to reassure Caesar, saying Cassius is harmless and honorable.

---

CAESAR:
Would he were fatter! But I fear him not.

• Caesar wishes Cassius were less ambitious (symbolized by being “fatter”) but insists he isn’t afraid of him.

Yet if my name were liable to fear…

• Caesar starts to say that if he could feel fear, Cassius might be a cause for it, hinting at a deeper awareness of potential danger.

CAESAR:
I do not know the man I should avoid so soon as that spare Cassius.

• Caesar admits that if he had to avoid anyone, it would be Cassius, whom he finds worrisome.

He reads much, he is a great observer, and he looks quite through the deeds of men.

• Cassius is intelligent, observant, and can see through people’s actions, which makes him dangerous.

He loves no plays, as thou dost, Antony; he hears no music; seldom he smiles, and smiles in such a sort as if he mocked himself and scorned his spirit that could be moved to smile at anything.

• Unlike Antony, Cassius does not enjoy entertainment or music. When he does smile, it’s bitter and self-mocking, as if ashamed of finding joy.

Such men as he be never at heart’s ease whiles they behold a greater than themselves, and therefore are they very dangerous.

• Men like Cassius, who are restless when they see someone more powerful, pose a threat.

I rather tell thee what is to be feared than what I fear; for always I am Caesar.

• Caesar claims he doesn’t personally fear anything but points out what should be feared to appear strong and invincible.

Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf, and tell me truly what thou think’st of him.

• Caesar asks Antony to move to his right side (as he is deaf in his left ear) and share his honest thoughts about Cassius.

---

(Sennet. Caesar and his train exit, but Casca remains behind.)

---

CASCA:
You pulled me by the cloak. Would you speak with me?

• Casca notices Brutus tugging his cloak and asks if he wants to talk.

BRUTUS:
Ay, Casca. Tell us what hath chanced today that Caesar looks so sad.

• Brutus confirms and asks Casca to explain why Caesar seems upset.

CASCA:
Why, you were with him, were you not?

• Casca points out that Brutus was present and should already know.

BRUTUS:
I should not then ask Casca what had chanced.

• Brutus clarifies that if he knew, he wouldn’t need to ask Casca.

CASCA:
Why, there was a crown offered him; and, being offered him, he put it by with the back of his hand, thus, and then the people fell a-shouting.

• Casca explains that Caesar was offered a crown. He pushed it away with his hand, and the crowd cheered loudly.

---

BRUTUS:
What was the second noise for?

• Brutus asks what caused the next round of shouting.

CASCA:
Why, for that too.

• Casca says it was also because Caesar refused the crown again.

CASSIUS:
They shouted thrice. What was the last cry for?

• Cassius notes the crowd cheered three times and asks about the final cheer.

CASCA:
Why, for that too.

• Casca repeats that all the cheers were for Caesar refusing the crown.

BRUTUS:
Was the crown offered him thrice?

• Brutus confirms if the crown was offered three times.

CASCA:
Ay, marry, was ’t, and he put it by thrice, every time gentler than other; and at every putting-by, mine honest neighbors shouted.

• Casca confirms it was offered three times, and Caesar rejected it each time, with each refusal being more hesitant, which made the crowd cheer louder.

CASSIUS:
Who offered him the crown?

• Cassius asks Casca who gave Caesar the crown.

CASCA:
Why, Antony.

• Casca answers that Mark Antony was the one who offered it.

BRUTUS:
Tell us the manner of it, gentle Casca.

• Brutus asks Casca to describe how the event happened.

CASCA:
I can as well be hanged as tell the manner of it. It was mere foolery; I did not mark it.

• Casca jokes that he would rather be punished than describe it, dismissing the scene as ridiculous nonsense he barely paid attention to.

I saw Mark Antony offer him a crown (yet ’twas not a crown neither; ’twas one of these coronets), and, as I told you, he put it by once; but for all that, to my thinking, he would fain have had it.

• Casca describes how Antony offered Caesar a small crown or wreath (not a full royal crown), and although Caesar refused it once, it seemed like he secretly wanted to accept it.

Then he offered it to him again; then he put it by again; but to my thinking, he was very loath to lay his fingers off it.

• Antony offered it a second time, and Caesar refused again, but reluctantly, as if he didn’t really want to let it go.

And then he offered it the third time. He put it the third time by, and still as he refused it the rabblement hooted and clapped their chopped hands and threw up their sweaty nightcaps and uttered such a deal of stinking breath because Caesar refused the crown that it had almost choked Caesar, for he swooned and fell down at it.

• When Antony offered it a third time, Caesar refused again, and the crowd went wild, cheering and waving their hats in celebration. Their loud cheering and sweaty, smelly breath overwhelmed Caesar, causing him to faint.

And for mine own part, I durst not laugh for fear of opening my lips and receiving the bad air.

• Casca humorously adds that he didn’t dare laugh because he didn’t want to inhale the foul air from the crowd.

---

CASSIUS:
But soft, I pray you. What, did Caesar swoon?

• Cassius asks for clarification: did Caesar really faint?

CASCA:
He fell down in the marketplace and foamed at mouth and was speechless.

• Casca confirms that Caesar collapsed in the marketplace, foaming at the mouth and unable to speak.

BRUTUS:
’Tis very like; he hath the falling sickness.

• Brutus agrees, saying Caesar likely had an epileptic seizure (referred to as “the falling sickness”).

CASSIUS:
No, Caesar hath it not; but you and I and honest Casca, we have the falling sickness.

• Cassius sarcastically remarks that it’s not Caesar but the three of them who suffer from “falling sickness”—a metaphor for their subjugation under Caesar’s growing power.

CASCA:
I know not what you mean by that, but I am sure Caesar fell down.

• Casca admits he doesn’t understand Cassius’ metaphor but confirms that Caesar physically fell.

If the tag-rag people did not clap him and hiss him, according as he pleased and displeased them, as they use to do the players in the theater, I am no true man.

• Casca comments that the common crowd cheered and booed Caesar unpredictably, just like they would for actors in a theater, depending on their mood.

BRUTUS:
What said he when he came unto himself?

• Brutus asks what Caesar said after he regained consciousness.

CASCA:
Marry, before he fell down, when he perceived the common herd was glad he refused the crown, he plucked me ope his doublet and offered them his throat to cut.

• Casca explains that before Caesar fainted, he noticed how happy the crowd was when he refused the crown. He dramatically opened his coat and offered his throat, as if inviting them to kill him.

An I had been a man of any occupation, if I would not have taken him at a word, I would I might go to hell among the rogues.

• Casca jokes that if he had been any ordinary tradesman and not taken Caesar at his word, he would deserve to go to hell for his foolishness.

And so he fell. When he came to himself again, he said if he had done or said anything amiss, he desired their Worships to think it was his infirmity.

• Casca says that after fainting and regaining consciousness, Caesar apologized, claiming that anything inappropriate he did or said was due to his illness.

Three or four wenches where I stood cried “Alas, good soul!” and forgave him with all their hearts.

• Casca humorously notes that some women nearby pitied Caesar and forgave him, seeing him as a “good soul.”

But there’s no heed to be taken of them; if Caesar had stabbed their mothers, they would have done no less.

• Casca cynically dismisses their reactions, claiming that even if Caesar had killed their mothers, they would still forgive him.

---

BRUTUS:
And, after that, he came thus sad away?

• Brutus asks if Caesar left looking dejected after the incident.

CASCA:
Ay.

• Casca confirms this.

CASSIUS:
Did Cicero say anything?

• Cassius asks if the orator Cicero made any comments during the event.

CASCA:
Ay, he spoke Greek.

• Casca says that Cicero spoke in Greek.

CASSIUS:
To what effect?

• Cassius asks what Cicero meant.

CASCA:
Nay, an I tell you that, I’ll ne’er look you i’ th’ face again.

• Casca avoids answering, saying that if he were to explain Cicero’s words, he’d never be able to face Cassius again.

But those that understood him smiled at one another and shook their heads. But for mine own part, it was Greek to me.

• Casca says that those who understood Greek reacted knowingly, but he didn’t understand it. (This is the origin of the phrase “It’s Greek to me,” meaning something incomprehensible.)

I could tell you more news too: Marullus and Flavius, for pulling scarves off Caesar’s images, are put to silence.

• Casca mentions that Marullus and Flavius, who removed decorations from Caesar’s statues, have been punished.

Fare you well. There was more foolery yet, if I could remember it.

• Casca says goodbye, adding that there were more foolish things he can’t recall at the moment.

---

CASSIUS:
Will you sup with me tonight, Casca?

• Cassius invites Casca to dinner.

CASCA:
No, I am promised forth.

• Casca declines, saying he already has plans.

CASSIUS:
Will you dine with me tomorrow?

• Cassius asks if Casca can join him for a meal the next day.

CASCA:
Ay, if I be alive, and your mind hold, and your dinner worth the eating.

• Casca agrees, joking that he’ll come if he’s alive, if Cassius doesn’t change his mind, and if the food is good.

CASSIUS:
Good. I will expect you.

• Cassius confirms he’ll wait for Casca.

CASCA:
Do so. Farewell both.

• Casca agrees and says goodbye.

BRUTUS:
What a blunt fellow is this grown to be! He was quick mettle when he went to school.

• Brutus remarks that Cassius, once sharp and quick-witted, has now become less refined in his approach.

CASSIUS:
So is he now in execution of any bold or noble enterprise, however he puts on this tardy form.

• Cassius responds that, despite appearing slow or reluctant, Caesar is still capable of carrying out bold actions.

This rudeness is a sauce to his good wit, which gives men stomach to digest his words with better appetite.

• Cassius suggests that Caesar’s seeming rudeness actually enhances his ability to inspire people. It gives his words more impact, making them easier for others to accept.

BRUTUS:
And so it is. For this time I will leave you. Tomorrow, if you please to speak with me, I will come home to you; or, if you will, come home to me, and I will wait for you.

• Brutus agrees with Cassius’ assessment and suggests they continue their discussion another time. He offers to meet at either of their homes.

CASSIUS:
I will do so. Till then, think of the world.

• Cassius agrees to meet later and tells Brutus to reflect on everything they’ve discussed.

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(Brutus exits)

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CASSIUS (Soliloquy):
Well, Brutus, thou art noble. Yet I see thy honorable mettle may be wrought from that it is disposed.

• Cassius reflects on Brutus’ nobility but believes that Brutus can be manipulated. He thinks that even Brutus’ honorable nature can be shaped to support Cassius’ cause.

Therefore it is meet that noble minds keep ever with their likes; for who so firm that cannot be seduced?

• Cassius notes that even the noblest minds should surround themselves with others of similar thinking, because no one is so strong-willed that they cannot be influenced.

Caesar doth bear me hard, but he loves Brutus.

• Cassius admits that Caesar dislikes him, but he knows Caesar loves Brutus, which he plans to use to his advantage.

If I were Brutus now, and he were Cassius, he should not humor me.

• Cassius imagines a role reversal, saying that if he were Brutus, he wouldn’t tolerate his own manipulations.

I will this night in several hands in at his windows throw, as if they came from several citizens, writings, all tending to the great opinion that Rome holds of his name, wherein obscurely Caesar’s ambition shall be glancèd at.

• Cassius plans to forge letters from “concerned citizens” that will be sent to Brutus, subtly hinting at Caesar’s ambition and how much people want Brutus to take action against Caesar.

And after this, let Caesar seat him sure, For we will shake him, or worse days endure.

• After planting the letters, Cassius intends to ensure that Caesar’s power is challenged, even if it means facing dangerous consequences.

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(Cassius exits)