Thunder and lightning. Enter Julius Caesar in his nightgown.
The scene opens with stormy weather, setting a tense and ominous mood. Caesar is in his nightclothes, suggesting he has been disturbed.
CAESAR: Nor heaven nor Earth have been at peace tonight.
Caesar observes that both the sky (heaven) and the ground (Earth) have been restless and unsettled during the night.
Thrice hath Calphurnia in her sleep cried out “Help ho, they murder Caesar!”
Calphurnia, Caesar’s wife, has had disturbing dreams and has cried out three times in her sleep, fearing for Caesar’s life.
CAESAR: Who’s within?
Caesar calls for someone in the house to come to him.
Enter a Servant.
A servant enters to answer Caesar’s call.
SERVANT: My lord.
The servant addresses Caesar respectfully.
CAESAR: Go bid the priests do present sacrifice, and bring me their opinions of success.
Caesar tells the servant to ask the priests to perform a sacrifice and interpret the results to determine if the day will be successful or dangerous.
SERVANT: I will, my lord. (He exits.)
The servant agrees and leaves to carry out Caesar’s orders.
Enter Calphurnia.
Calphurnia, Caesar’s wife, enters the scene, clearly concerned.
CALPHURNIA: What mean you, Caesar? Think you to walk forth? You shall not stir out of your house today.
Calphurnia questions Caesar’s intention to leave the house, warning him not to go out today.
CAESAR: Caesar shall forth. The things that threatened me ne’er looked but on my back. When they shall see the face of Caesar, they are vanished.
Caesar insists he will go out. He believes that any danger he faces only affects him when he retreats. Once he confronts it head-on, the danger disappears.
CALPHURNIA: Caesar, I never stood on ceremonies, yet now they fright me.
Calphurnia admits that she has never believed in omens or superstitions, but now she is deeply afraid because of them.
There is one within, besides the things that we have heard and seen, recounts most horrid sights seen by the watch.
Calphurnia mentions that someone has reported terrifying visions and strange events witnessed by the night watchmen.
A lioness hath whelpèd in the streets, and graves have yawned and yielded up their dead.
She describes strange events: a lioness gave birth in the streets, and graves have opened, with dead bodies emerging.
Fierce fiery warriors fought upon the clouds in ranks and squadrons and right form of war, which drizzled blood upon the Capitol.
Calphurnia recounts seeing visions of warriors fighting in the sky. The battle seems so real that blood appears to fall on the Capitol building.
The noise of battle hurtled in the air, horses did neigh, and dying men did groan.
She vividly describes the sounds of battle filling the air—horses neighing and men groaning as they die.
And ghosts did shriek and squeal about the streets.
Calphurnia adds to the strange and frightening events, describing ghosts making eerie noises in the streets.
O Caesar, these things are beyond all use, and I do fear them.
She expresses her fear and believes these events are unnatural and beyond ordinary experience.
CAESAR: What can be avoided whose end is purposed by the mighty gods?
Caesar argues that nothing can change what the gods have already determined. If something is meant to happen, it cannot be avoided.
Yet Caesar shall go forth, for these predictions are to the world in general as to Caesar.
He downplays the omens, saying they are warnings for everyone, not just him.
CALPHURNIA: When beggars die there are no comets seen; the heavens themselves blaze forth the death of princes.
Calphurnia insists that the omens are not ordinary. She claims the heavens only display such dramatic signs when important figures, like Caesar, are in danger.
CAESAR: Cowards die many times before their deaths; the valiant never taste of death but once.
Caesar believes that cowards metaphorically “die” repeatedly through fear, while brave people face death only once.
Of all the wonders that I yet have heard, it seems to me most strange that men should fear, seeing that death, a necessary end, will come when it will come.
Caesar reflects that fear of death is strange since it is inevitable. He argues that it will happen at its appointed time, no matter what.
Enter a Servant.
A servant returns to deliver a message.
What say the augurers?
Caesar asks for the priests’ interpretation of the sacrifice.
SERVANT: They would not have you to stir forth today. Plucking the entrails of an offering forth, they could not find a heart within the beast.
The servant reports that the priests advise Caesar to stay home. In their sacrifice, they found no heart in the animal, a very bad omen.
CAESAR: The gods do this in shame of cowardice. Caesar should be a beast without a heart if he should stay at home today for fear.
Caesar dismisses the omen, saying the gods are testing him. He believes staying home out of fear would make him heartless like the beast.
No, Caesar shall not. Danger knows full well that Caesar is more dangerous than he.
Caesar insists he is greater than any danger he may face.
We are two lions littered in one day, and I the elder and more terrible.
He compares himself to danger, saying they were born together, but he is stronger and more fearsome.
And Caesar shall go forth.
Caesar firmly decides to leave his house despite the warnings.
CALPHURNIA: Alas, my lord, your wisdom is consumed in confidence.
Calphurnia laments that Caesar’s overconfidence has clouded his judgment, making him ignore the dangers.
Calphurnia: Do not go forth today. Call it my fear that keeps you in the house, and not your own.
Calphurnia begs Caesar to stay home, saying he should blame her fear, not his own, as the reason for staying in the house. She tries to make it easier for him to agree by taking the responsibility on herself.
We’ll send Mark Antony to the Senate House, and he shall say you are not well today.
Calphurnia suggests a solution: Mark Antony can go to the Senate and tell them that Caesar is unwell, providing a socially acceptable excuse for his absence.
Let me, upon my knee, prevail in this. [She kneels.]
Calphurnia kneels in front of Caesar, showing her desperation and humility. She’s pleading with all her might to convince him to stay home.
Caesar: Mark Antony shall say I am not well, and for thy humor I will stay at home. [He lifts her up.]
Caesar finally agrees, saying Mark Antony can deliver the excuse to the Senate. He acknowledges Calphurnia’s concern, saying he will stay home to please her (“for thy humor”). He then helps her to stand, indicating affection and reassurance.
Enter Decius.
Decius Brutus, one of Caesar’s senators, arrives unexpectedly.
Caesar: Here’s Decius Brutus; he shall tell them so.
Caesar decides to ask Decius to deliver the message to the Senate instead of Mark Antony, as Decius is already present.
Decius: Caesar, all hail! Good morrow, worthy Caesar. I come to fetch you to the Senate House.
Decius greets Caesar politely and announces that he has come to escort him to the Senate meeting.
Caesar: And you are come in very happy time to bear my greeting to the Senators and tell them that I will not come today.
Caesar says Decius’s arrival is well-timed because he can deliver Caesar’s message to the Senate, informing them that Caesar will not attend the meeting.
Cannot is false, and that I dare not, falser.
Caesar emphasizes that it’s not true he “cannot” attend, and it’s even less true that he’s afraid to go. He wants to make it clear that his decision is not out of weakness.
I will not come today. Tell them so, Decius.
Caesar firmly repeats his decision, instructing Decius to tell the Senate that he will not attend.
Calphurnia: Say he is sick.
Calphurnia interrupts, urging Decius to tell the Senate that Caesar is sick. She believes this excuse will be more convincing and less damaging to Caesar’s reputation.
Caesar: Shall Caesar send a lie?
Caesar rejects the idea of lying about being sick, feeling it would be dishonorable for someone of his status to resort to falsehood.
Have I in conquest stretched mine arm so far, to be afeard to tell graybeards the truth?
Caesar reflects on his achievements and conquests, questioning why someone as powerful as him should fear telling the senators (whom he calls “graybeards” because of their age) the plain truth.
Decius, go tell them Caesar will not come.
He reaffirms his decision, asking Decius to tell the Senate directly and honestly that he will not attend.
Decius: Most mighty Caesar, let me know some cause, lest I be laughed at when I tell them so.
Decius respectfully asks Caesar for a specific reason for his absence, explaining that he needs something convincing to avoid being mocked by the senators.
Caesar: The cause is in my will. I will not come. That is enough to satisfy the Senate.
Caesar asserts that his decision alone is reason enough for the Senate. He believes his will should be respected without further explanation.
But for your private satisfaction, because I love you, I will let you know.
Caesar softens his tone toward Decius, offering a personal explanation as a gesture of trust and friendship.
Calphurnia here, my wife, stays me at home.
Caesar reveals the true reason for staying home: Calphurnia’s concerns and her plea for him to avoid danger. By doing so, he shows his respect and care for her feelings.
Caesar: She dreamt tonight she saw my statue,
Which, like a fountain with an hundred spouts,
Did run pure blood; and many lusty Romans
Came smiling and did bathe their hands in it.
Caesar explains Calphurnia’s dream from the night before. In her dream, she saw a statue of Caesar that had many spouts, or openings, like a fountain. Instead of water, it flowed with blood. Many strong and energetic Romans approached the statue, smiled, and dipped their hands in the blood, as if it were something joyful or significant.
And these does she apply for warnings and portents
And evils imminent, and on her knee
Hath begged that I will stay at home today.
Calphurnia believes this dream is a warning of danger and bad events that might happen soon. Because of this, she has begged Caesar—kneeling before him—to stay at home today to avoid any harm.
Decius: This dream is all amiss interpreted.
It was a vision fair and fortunate.
Decius, one of Caesar’s supporters, claims that Calphurnia has misunderstood the dream. He argues that the dream isn’t about danger or bad omens; instead, it’s a positive vision that predicts something great and fortunate for Caesar.
Your statue spouting blood in many pipes,
In which so many smiling Romans bathed,
Signifies that from you great Rome shall suck
Reviving blood, and that great men shall press
For tinctures, stains, relics, and cognizance.
Decius reinterprets the dream to flatter Caesar. He says that the blood flowing from Caesar’s statue represents Caesar’s strength and power, which will bring life and renewal to Rome. The Romans bathing in the blood symbolize how the people of Rome admire Caesar and benefit from his leadership. The “tinctures, stains, relics, and cognizance” mean that people will seek to honor Caesar and keep symbols or reminders of him as a source of inspiration.
This by Calphurnia’s dream is signified.
Decius concludes by saying that this positive interpretation is the real meaning of Calphurnia’s dream.
Caesar: And this way have you well expounded it.
Caesar praises Decius for his explanation, saying he has done a good job of interpreting the dream.
Decius: I have, when you have heard what I can say.
And know it now: the Senate have concluded
To give this day a crown to mighty Caesar.
Decius adds another piece of important news: the Senate has decided that they will officially crown Caesar as king today. This makes it a very special and significant day.
If you shall send them word you will not come,
Their minds may change.
Decius warns Caesar that if he doesn’t attend the Senate meeting, the Senators might change their minds about crowning him.
Besides, it were a mock
Apt to be rendered, for someone to say
“Break up the Senate till another time,
When Caesar’s wife shall meet with better dreams.”
Decius says that if Caesar skips the meeting because of a dream, people might mock him. They might joke that the Senate delayed their important work just because Caesar’s wife had a bad dream. This could damage Caesar’s reputation.
If Caesar hide himself, shall they not whisper
“Lo, Caesar is afraid”?
Decius argues that if Caesar stays home, people will spread rumors that he is scared, making him look weak in the eyes of others.
Pardon me, Caesar, for my dear dear love
To your proceeding bids me tell you this,
And reason to my love is liable.
Decius apologizes for speaking so boldly. He explains that he is motivated by his loyalty and love for Caesar’s success, which is why he is being so persuasive.
Caesar: How foolish do your fears seem now, Calphurnia!
I am ashamèd I did yield to them.
Caesar is swayed by Decius’s arguments and starts to feel embarrassed that he had considered staying home because of Calphurnia’s fears. He dismisses her concerns as foolish.
Give me my robe, for I will go.
Caesar orders someone to bring him his robe, signaling his final decision to go to the Senate meeting despite the warnings. He is now determined to proceed with his plans.
Enter Brutus, Ligarius, Metellus, Casca, Trebonius, Cinna, and Publius.
Several conspirators, including Brutus and his allies, enter Caesar’s house. They pretend to be friendly while secretly plotting against him.
Caesar: And look where Publius is come to fetch me.
Caesar notices Publius has arrived to escort him to the Senate.
Publius: Good morrow, Caesar.
Publius greets Caesar with “Good morning.”
Caesar: Welcome, Publius.—
What, Brutus, are you stirred so early too?—
Good morrow, Casca.—Caius Ligarius,
Caesar was ne’er so much your enemy
As that same ague which hath made you lean.—
What is ’t o’clock?
Caesar greets everyone warmly. He notices Brutus is up early and says good morning to Casca. He comments to Ligarius about how illness (ague) has made him thin, implying Caesar himself was never as harmful to Ligarius as the sickness. Then, Caesar asks for the time.
Brutus: Caesar, ’tis strucken eight.
Brutus informs Caesar it is 8:00 AM.
Caesar: I thank you for your pains and courtesy.
Caesar thanks Brutus for the effort and politeness of arriving so early.
Enter Antony.
Mark Antony enters the scene.
Caesar: See, Antony that revels long a-nights
Is notwithstanding up.—Good morrow, Antony.
Caesar jokes that Antony, who likes to stay up late partying, is still awake and ready early in the morning. He greets Antony with “Good morning.”
Antony: So to most noble Caesar.
Antony returns the greeting, addressing Caesar as “most noble.”
Caesar, to Servant: Bid them prepare within.—
I am to blame to be thus waited for.
Caesar tells a servant to make preparations inside. He acknowledges that he is at fault for making others wait for him.
Servant exits.
The servant leaves to follow Caesar’s instructions.
Caesar: Now, Cinna.—Now, Metellus.—What, Trebonius,
I have an hour’s talk in store for you.
Remember that you call on me today;
Be near me that I may remember you.
Caesar casually addresses Cinna, Metellus, and Trebonius. He tells Trebonius he wants to have a long conversation later and asks him to stay close so that he won’t forget to talk to him.
Trebonius: Caesar, I will. Aside. And so near will I be
That your best friends shall wish I had been further.
Trebonius promises to stay close. Then, in an aside (a statement the audience hears but other characters don’t), he reveals his true intentions. He hints that he will be so close to Caesar during the assassination that even Caesar’s best friends will wish he had stayed farther away.
Caesar: Good friends, go in and taste some wine with me,
And we, like friends, will straightway go together.
Caesar invites his companions to come inside, have some wine, and then head to the Senate together as friends.
Brutus, aside: That every like is not the same, O Caesar,
The heart of Brutus earns to think upon.
Brutus, speaking to himself, reflects that appearances can be deceiving. Though they appear to be Caesar’s friends, they are plotting his murder. Brutus feels sorrow and guilt for what they are about to do.
They exit.
The group leaves, heading inside Caesar’s house.
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