Julius Caesar Read Online Free PDF Page B

Caesar was wronged, and that there is “not a nobler man in Rome than Antony.” Antony reveals that he has Caesar’s will, although he “must not” read it. The crowd want to hear it, but Antony claims that it will “wrong the honourable men / Whose daggers have stabbed Caesar”; his use of “honourable” becoming more sardonic with every repetition. The crowd have been won over: Brutus and the others are “traitors,” “villains,” and “murderers.” They demand to hear the will, and Antony, with careful humility, asks their permission to come down among them, and that they form a ring around Caesar’s body.
    Lines 173–275: Showing his absolute control over the mood of the crowd, Antony tells them to “prepare to shed” tears, reminiscing about the first time that Caesar wore the cloak that covers him. He points out each stab wound, listing the men who gave them and calling Brutus’ “the most unkindest cut of all.” Finally, he reveals Caesar’s body to the crowd. They weep for Caesar, and call for revenge, but Antony claims that he does not wish to create a mutiny. His carefuldenials inflame the crowd further, and to reinforce this, he reads them the will in which Caesar has left each Roman citizen seventy-five drachmas as well as all his “private arbours and new-planted orchards” in which they may “walk abroad and recreate” themselves. Roused, the plebeians plan to burn Caesar’s body “in the holy place,” before burning the conspirators’ houses. They take Caesar’s body and Antony remains, calling for the ensuing chaos to “Take … what course thou wilt.” Octavius’ servant returns with the news that he is already in Rome, with Lepidus at Caesar’s house.
ACT 3 SCENE 3
    The plebeians kill Cinna the Poet, even though he explains that he is not “Cinna the conspirator,” demonstrating the anarchic brutality that now prevails.
ACT 4 SCENE 1
    Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus discuss which conspirators are to die, including Lepidus’ brother and Antony’s nephew. Antony asks Lepidus to go to Caesar’s house to collect the will. Once Lepidus has gone, he calls him “a slight unmeritable man,” and questions his abilities as one of a triumvirate. He suggests that Lepidus’ role is merely to take on the burden of the tasks that they don’t want to do themselves, like an “ass” to be “led or driven” as Octavius and Antony see fit. Despite Octavius’ comments that Lepidus is “a tried and valiant soldier,” Antony continues to belittle him, foreshadowing the future in which Rome will have another divided, and therefore potentially weak, leadership. Their talk turns to Brutus and Cassius, who are making preparations to fight. They resolve to go and do likewise.
ACT 4 SCENE 2
    Lines 1–214: Brutus awaits Cassius. Lucilius arrives and tells him that Cassius, while courteous and respectful, was not as open and friendly toward him as he once was. Brutus agrees, saying that Cassiusis “cooling” in his friendship and hides behind “enforced ceremony.” Cassius arrives and directly accuses Brutus of wronging him and hiding his true feelings behind his “sober form.” Brutus says that they should not be seen arguing and invites Cassius to his tent. Once inside, Cassius accuses Brutus of disgracing Lucius Pella for accepting bribes from the Sardians, despite the fact that Cassius himself defended Pella. Brutus argues that Cassius dishonored himself in defending him. Brutus reminds Cassius that they killed Caesar because he was likely to become corrupt, and claims that they must not then be corrupt themselves. The argument escalates and the political accusations become mixed with personal insults until Cassius offers Brutus his dagger, telling him to “Strike as thou didst at Caesar.” Brutus says that Cassius is too hot-tempered and they are reconciled, embracing each other, and Cassius asks Brutus to bear with his “rash humour.” They are interrupted by a Poet