BRUTUS:
Stand ho!

• Meaning: Brutus calls for everyone to stop.
• Analysis: “Stand ho!” is a command to halt. The use of “ho” is an old-fashioned call to attention.

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LUCILIUS:
Give the word, ho, and stand!

• Meaning: Lucilius repeats Brutus’ command to stop.
• Analysis: This is an example of repetition for emphasis, showing the urgency of the situation.

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BRUTUS:
What now, Lucilius, is Cassius near?

• Meaning: Brutus asks Lucilius if Cassius has arrived yet.
• Analysis: Brutus is concerned and inquires about Cassius’ arrival, highlighting the importance of their alliance and the upcoming battle.

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LUCILIUS:
He is at hand, and Pindarus is come
To do you salutation from his master.

• Meaning: Lucilius responds that Cassius is close by and that Pindarus has come to greet Brutus on Cassius’ behalf.
• Analysis: The use of “at hand” suggests imminent arrival, building tension for Cassius’ approach.

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BRUTUS:
He greets me well. Your master, Pindarus,
In his own change or by ill officers,
Hath given me some worthy cause to wish
Things done undone, but if he be at hand
I shall be satisfied.

• Meaning: Brutus acknowledges Cassius’ greeting and reflects on how Cassius’ actions have given him cause for regret, but he will feel better once Cassius arrives.
• Analysis: The phrase “worthy cause to wish things done undone” shows Brutus’ regret over past actions. “Ill officers” refers to people who may have caused problems in Cassius’ camp, leading to Brutus’ frustration.

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PINDARUS:
I do not doubt
But that my noble master will appear
Such as he is, full of regard and honor.

• Meaning: Pindarus reassures Brutus that Cassius will act with respect and honor.
• Analysis: The use of “full of regard and honor” is a compliment, emphasizing Cassius’ noble nature in contrast to the tensions between the men.

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BRUTUS:
He is not doubted. Brutus and Lucilius walk aside.
A word, Lucilius,
How he received you. Let me be resolved.

• Meaning: Brutus expresses no doubt about Cassius’ character and steps aside with Lucilius to discuss Cassius further.
• Analysis: The phrase “Let me be resolved” means Brutus wants clarity or resolution on the matter.

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LUCILIUS:
With courtesy and with respect enough,
But not with such familiar instances
Nor with such free and friendly conference
As he hath used of old.

• Meaning: Lucilius explains that Cassius greeted him courteously but not as familiarly as in the past.
• Analysis: The contrast between “courtesy” and “familiar instances” suggests a cooling of their relationship, using a more formal tone to show the growing distance between the allies.

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BRUTUS:
Thou hast described
A hot friend cooling. Ever note, Lucilius,
When love begins to sicken and decay
It useth an enforcèd ceremony.

• Meaning: Brutus describes the change in Cassius’ behavior as a “hot friend cooling,” suggesting that their once strong friendship is now weakening.
• Analysis: This metaphor, “hot friend cooling,” conveys how relationships that once burned brightly can fade over time. The phrase “enforcèd ceremony” suggests that outward politeness can sometimes hide inner problems.

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There are no tricks in plain and simple faith;
But hollow men, like horses hot at hand,
Make gallant show and promise of their mettle,
Low march within.

• Meaning: Brutus reflects that true faith is simple and straightforward, but deceitful people make grand promises without delivering.
• Analysis: The metaphor “hollow men” compares people who seem strong on the outside but lack substance, like a horse that looks strong but is weak inside. “Low march within” suggests that these people fail when tested.

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But when they should endure the bloody spur,
They fall their crests and, like deceitful jades,
Sink in the trial.

• Meaning: When these men are tested in difficult times, they fail, like a horse that loses its spirit under pressure.
• Analysis: “Deceitful jades” is a metaphor for horses that pretend to be strong but are actually weak. This comparison highlights the betrayal Brutus feels from Cassius.

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Comes his army on?

• Meaning: Brutus asks if Cassius’ army is approaching.
• Analysis: This is a simple question, but it’s also reflective of the urgency and importance of the upcoming battle.

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LUCILIUS:
They mean this night in Sardis to be quartered.
The greater part, the horse in general,
Are come with Cassius.

• Meaning: Lucilius informs Brutus that Cassius’ army plans to camp in Sardis tonight, and most of the cavalry is with him.
• Analysis: “Quartered” means to set up camp. This detail about the army shows their military preparation and strategy.

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Enter Cassius and his powers.

• Meaning: Cassius arrives with his forces.
• Analysis: The entrance of Cassius marks a turning point in the scene, as the tensions between him and Brutus are about to be revealed.

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BRUTUS:
Hark, he is arrived.
March gently on to meet him.

• Meaning: Brutus hears Cassius’ approach and asks to meet him with calmness.
• Analysis: The phrase “march gently” suggests a cautious approach, indicating that Brutus wants to maintain peace despite their growing tensions.

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CASSIUS:
Stand ho!

• Meaning: Cassius commands a halt as well.
• Analysis: This command shows Cassius’ authority and the seriousness of the situation.

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BRUTUS:
Stand ho! Speak the word along.

• Meaning: Brutus echoes Cassius’ command and asks the soldiers to keep order.
• Analysis: Brutus is maintaining control over the situation, making sure everything is orderly.

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FIRST SOLDIER:
Stand!

• Meaning: A soldier repeats the command to stand still.
• Analysis: The repetition of “stand” builds a sense of military discipline and tension.

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SECOND SOLDIER:
Stand!

• Meaning: Another soldier commands a halt.
• Analysis: Repetition for emphasis.

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THIRD SOLDIER:
Stand!

• Meaning: A third soldier repeats the command.
• Analysis: Again, this repetition shows military discipline and the formal atmosphere.

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CASSIUS:
Most noble brother, you have done me wrong.

• Meaning: Cassius accuses Brutus of wronging him.
• Analysis: The use of “most noble brother” is a formal way to address Brutus, but the accusation reveals a deep personal wound.

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BRUTUS:
Judge me, you gods! Wrong I mine enemies?
And if not so, how should I wrong a brother?

• Meaning: Brutus asks the gods to judge him, claiming that he has not wronged his enemies and questions how he could wrong his brother.
• Analysis: Brutus appeals to divine justice, showing his confusion and innocence. The rhetorical question underscores his internal struggle.

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CASSIUS:
Brutus, this sober form of yours hides wrongs,
And when you do them—

• Meaning: Cassius suggests that Brutus hides his wrongdoings behind his calm exterior.
• Analysis: Cassius is accusing Brutus of pretending to be virtuous while committing wrongs.

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BRUTUS:
Cassius, be content.
Speak your griefs softly. I do know you well.
Before the eyes of both our armies here
(Which should perceive nothing but love from us),
Let us not wrangle. Bid them move away.
Then in my tent, Cassius, enlarge your griefs,
And I will give you audience.

• Meaning: Brutus asks Cassius to calm down and speak privately about his concerns, as they must maintain a united front in front of their armies.
• Analysis: The use of “speak your griefs softly” suggests a desire for peace, while “in my tent, Cassius, enlarge your griefs” is an invitation for private discussion. Brutus wants to preserve appearances but still address their issues.

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CASSIUS:
Pindarus,
Bid our commanders lead their charges off
A little from this ground.

• Meaning: Cassius tells Pindarus to move their forces away to give them space.
• Analysis: This shows Cassius’ authority, as he commands his subordinates to act.

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BRUTUS:
Lucius, do you the like, and let no man
Come to our tent till we have done our conference.
Let Lucilius and Titinius guard our door.

• Meaning: Brutus tells Lucius to ensure no one enters the tent until they are done talking, and that Lucilius and Titinius should guard the entrance.
• Analysis: Brutus is taking precautions to ensure that their private conversation remains undisturbed.

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All but Brutus and Cassius exit.

• Meaning: The scene ends with everyone leaving except Brutus and Cassius.
• Analysis: The exit of others symbolizes the private nature of the conversation about to unfold, highlighting the seriousness of their disagreement.

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Language Devices:

• Metaphor: “A hot friend cooling” – shows how relationships can fade.
• Rhetorical Questions: “Wrong I mine enemies? And if not so, how should I wrong a brother?” – used to express confusion and to emphasize Brutus’ innocence.
• Repetition: “Stand” – builds a sense of order and tension.
• Allusion: “Judge me, you gods!” – appeals to the divine for judgment, showing the seriousness of Brutus’ actions.
• Irony: Cassius accuses Brutus of wrongdoing while Brutus defends his innocence.