Julius Caesar

Artemidorus, the soothsayer, and citizens enter on one side of the stage; Caesar, the conspirators, and other senators enter on the other. Artemidorus tries in vain to get Caesar to read his letter. Brutus and Cassius fear that the other senators have discovered their plot. Trebonius persuades Mark Antony to leave.

Metellus Cimber is the first to approach Caesar; he asks Caesar to revoke the banishment of his brother. Brutus and Cassius join Cimber in his entreaty. Caesar remains unmoved. The conspirators beg him. Casca moves forward and says, “Speak hands for me” (3.1.76). They stab Caesar. Caesar says, “Et tu Brute?—Then fall Caesar” (3.1.77). He dies.

Chaos ensues. Brutus bids the conspirators to dip their hands and weapons in Caesar’s blood then go out chanting about liberty and freedom. Mark Antony’s servant enters. He wishes to know the reason why Caesar was killed; if it is sound, Mark Antony will support Brutus. Brutus promises that Mark Antony will not be harmed if he returns to the Senate.

Mark Antony enters and laments Caesar’s death. He tells them that if they want to kill him, they should do it now. Brutus assures him that they bear him no ill will; they killed Caesar out of fear for the Republic.