The Tragedy of Julius Caesar - Scene Summaries
Act I Scene 1 The opening scene takes place on the streets of Rome.
The common folk are milling around, and the tribune Flavius tells
them to go home. (In Ancient Rome, a tribune was an officer who
protected the interests of the lower class or common people.) Flavius
says that it is not a public holiday, and if the men are on the streets
they should be displaying the signs of their profession. He
interrogates two men. The first says he is a carpenter, but the second
man is in a playful mood and does not answer Flavius directly.
Eventually it transpires that he is a cobbler, and in answer to why he
is out on the streets and not in his shop, the cobbler replies that they
are all out to see Caesar, who has just returned after defeating
Pompey's sons in battle. The crowd wants to rejoice in his triumph.
The second tribune, Murellus, is impatient with the crowd. He
reminds them that not so long ago they were celebrating the
triumphs of Pompey. He says that Romans should not celebrate
Roman triumphs over other Romans, and he sends the workers
home. After the mob has gone, Flavius expresses contempt for the
fickleness of the common folk. Then he tells Marellus to go about the
city and remove any crowns that have been placed on the statues of
Caesar. By limiting his public acclamation, they will help to prevent
Caesar from growing too powerful.
Act I Scene 2 In another public place in Rome, Caesar, accompanied
by his followers, encounters a soothsayer, who tells him to beware
the ides of March (March 15). Caesar dismisses him as a dreamer.
Caesar and his entourage exit, leaving Cassius and Brutus to engage
in conversation. Cassius mentions that recently Brutus has not
seemed so friendly towards him as he usually is. Brutus replies that
it is nothing personal; he is troubled by some private business and
this is affecting his behavior towards others. Cassius hints that he
knows Brutus better than Brutus himself does. He suggests that
others in Rome who are suffering under Caesar's oppression have
wished that Brutus would open his eyes to their plight and (Cassius
implies) do something about it. He promises to tell Brutus something
about himself that he is as yet unaware of.
As shouts are heard from the crowd offstage, Brutus says he fears
that the people will choose Caesar for their king. Even though he
loves Caesar, Brutus does not want him to be crowned king. Cassius
then gives a long speech in which he explains that Caesar is not fit to
hold the great office that he does. He expresses his frustration at the
inferior position he occupies in relation to Caesar, even though he
was born just as free as the man who now rules. Cassius relates an
incident that showed he was a better swimmer than Caesar. He also
observed Caesar when the latter had a fever, and he was not
impressed. Caesar trembled and groaned, his eyes looked dull and
his voice sounded feeble, like that of a sick girl. And yet this Caesar,
who is physically weak, rules over Rome.
More shouts are heard from the crowd outside, which Brutus takes to
be a sign that new honors are being heaped on Caesar. Cassius
continues his complaint against Caesar and bemoans the fact that so
much power is concentrated in one man. He castigates Romans for
allowing it. Brutus says he will consider Cassius's words, but he does
not want to commit himself yet.
Caesar and his entourage return. Caesar tells Mark Antony that
Cassius is a dangerous man, although he hastens to add that he is
not afraid of him, since he fears no one. But men like Cassius,
Caesar observes, are never at rest while someone else holds power
over them.
After Caesar exits, Casca explains to Cassius and Brutus that Antony
just offered Caesar a crown three times. Each time Caesar rejected it,
but each time he did so with greater reluctance. The crowd cheered
when he rejected it for the third time, at which Caesar had an
epileptic fit and fell down foaming at the mouth. Just before he
collapsed, he theatrically opened his doublet, offering the crowd his
throat to cut. Casca also mentions that Flavius and Murellus have
been executed for removing crowns from Caesar's statues. Their acts
were considered treasonous.
After all have left, Cassius is left alone. He reflects that although
Brutus is a noble man, it is possible to be lure him away from his
natural inclinations and persuade him to join the conspiracy to kill
Caesar. Cassius plans to write some letters, in different handwriting,
and toss them through Brutus's window that night, as if they came
from several different Roman citizens. The letters will confirm how
high Brutus is held in public esteem and hint at Caesar's ambition.
Act I Scene 3 That night there is a fearsome thunderstorm. Meeting
Cicero in a Roman street, Casca tells of strange things he has seen
and heard about that night. Women swear they saw a hundred men,
covered in fire, walking up and down the streets; he himself saw a
lion at the capital and a man with his hand on fire that flamed like
twenty torches without burning him. These strange events mean that
something ominous is about to take place.
Cassius enters. He has been wandering the streets during the storm.
He tells Casca that the unnatural disturbances are a warning that
something is badly wrong with Roman society. He says that he could
name a man who is every bit as ominous as the signs in the stormy
night. Casca knows that he refers to Caesar, and Cassius says that
Romans are feeble because they put up with his tyranny. Casca
believes that the following day, the Roman Senate will offer Caesar a
crown. Cassius boasts that he has the power, and will use it, to
overthrow tyranny. Casca agrees, and Cassius continues, saying that
the only reason Caesar acts like a tyrant is because he knows
Romans are weak and will not resist. Casca and Cassius agree to
spearhead the plot to assassinate Caesar.
Another conspirator, Cinna, enters. Cassius gives him the letters he
has written and tells Cinna to throw them into Brutus's house. After
doing this he is to meet Cassius and some other conspirators at
Pompey's Porch, which is the portico of a theatre built by Pompey.
Cassius tells Casca that Brutus is three-quarters won over to their
cause, and on their next meeting he will embrace it fully.
Act II Scene 1 Brutus reflects in a soliloquy that he has nothing
against Caesar personally, but Caesar must be killed for the general
good of Rome. He explains that if Caesar is crowned king, that may
change his nature, and he may abuse his power. He must be
assassinated to prevent this possibility from taking place; in other
words, Caesar must be killed not for what he is but for what he may
become.
Brutus's servant Lucius brings him the letter that Casca has tossed
in through the window. Brutus reads it out loud to himself and
puzzles over the meaning. The letter urges him to take action for the
sake of Rome, and it appears that he has made his decision to join
the conspirators. Lucius enters and confirms that the next day is the
ides of March. Brutus, alone, confesses that since Cassius first
sounded him out about Caesar, he has not slept.
The conspirators, Cassius, Casca, Decius, Cinna, Metellus Cimber
and Trebonius enter. Cassius demands that they take an oath to
cement their resolve to assassinate Caesar. But Brutus refuses,
saying that they need only their own cause to spur them onward. As
Romans they are honor-bound to keep any promise they have made.
The conspirators then discuss whether to enlist Cicero in their cause.
Cicero is old and wise, and his support would give their cause more
legitimacy in the eyes of the people. But Brutus advises against this.
He says Cicero will never join an enterprise that is led by anyone
other than himself. The conspirators agree to leave him out of their
plans. Next they discuss whether they should kill Antony as well as
Caesar. Cassius advocates killing them both, because as a close
friend of Caesar, Antony could prove troublesome to them. But
Brutus says no; killing both men will make the conspirators seem too
bloodthirsty, and anyway, Antony will be made powerless when
Caesar is killed. Brutus hopes that if they go about their purpose
with dignity rather than wrathful passion, the common people will
see them not as murderers but as cleansers of the body politic.
Cassius remains uneasy, but the conspirators side with Brutus and
decide not to kill Antony.
It is three in the morning and the conspirators agree to part. But
Cassius is concerned that Caesar, whom he believes to be
superstitious, may not go to the capital later that morning because of
the strange apparitions during the night. Decius says he knows how
to talk to Caesar and persuade him. He promises to bring Caesar to
the capital. Cassius says they will all be there at eight in the morning
to make sure that Caesar comes.
After the conspirators leave, Brutus's wife Portia enters. Brutus is
surprised to see her up in the middle of the night. She knows Brutus
is troubled by something and asks if she may know what it is. Brutus
replies that he is sick, but Portia does not believe him. She knows
that it is Brutus's mind that is troubled, and again demands to know
what is wrong. She reassures him that she is strong enough to know
the truth, and that she will not disclose it to anyone. Brutus is
touched by her pleas, but then there is a knock at the door, and
Brutus sends Portia away, saying that he will tell her everything
later.
At the door is Caius Ligarius. Although he is sick, he is willing to join
the conspirators.
Act II Scene 2 It is still night, and the storm continues. Caesar's
wife has a dream in which Caesar is murdered. She tries to persuade
Caesar not to leave the house that day. Caesar will not be persuaded,
so Calphurnia recounts some of the strange things that have been
seen by the night watch. Graves have given up their dead, and there
was the noise of battle in the air. But Caesar still insists he will not
change his plans. He says that the disturbances pertain to the world
in general, not to himself, and anyway, he does not fear death. Then
a servant arrives and tells him that the priests, his spiritual advisers,
are also telling him not to go out. Again, Caesar will not listen. But
Calphurnia tries again, urging Caesar to send Mark Antony in his
place to the Senate, with word that Caesar is sick. Caesar finally
agrees to stay at home.
But then Decius enters to escort Caesar to the Senate. Caesar
explains that he is not going, although he refuses to say that he is
sick. Decius says he must give a reason for Caesar's nonappearance,
or the Senate will laugh at him when he delivers the news. Caesar
says it is simply his will that he will not come. But for Decius's own
satisfaction, he confides in him that it is because his wife fears the
bad omens in the stormy night. She also had a dream in which she
saw his statue running with blood. Decius tells him that the dream
has been misinterpreted. It really means that he is the lifeblood of
Rome and everyone wants to receive some small aspect of his person,
as a blessing. Caesar approves of this interpretation. Decius goes on
to say that the Senate plans to award him a crown that day; if he
does not arrive in person, they may rethink their decision. Some may
say Caesar is afraid. Caesar, convinced by the argument, reverses his
decision.
Brutus and the other conspirators enter, as well as Publius, who
knows nothing of the plot. Antony also arrives. Caesar invites them
all to share some wine with him before they all set forth for the
capital.
Act II Scene 3 Artemidorus reads a letter he has written to Caesar,
warning that there is a conspiracy against him. He plans to give it to
Caesar as he passes by in the street.
Act II Scene 4 Portia is restless and anxious about the welfare of
her husband Brutus. She instructs their servant Lucius to go to the
Senate building and take note of whether Brutus looks well, and
what Caesar does.
The soothsayer enters. He tells Portia that he is planning to go to the
streets to wait for Caesar to pass. He fears that ill may befall Caesar,
and hopes to speak to him about the matter. Portia sends Lucius off
to the capital, with instructions to return and inform her of what is
happening.
Act III Scene 1 As Caesar and his company walk to the Senate,
Caesar passes the soothsayer, who reminds him that the ides of
March are not yet passed. Artemidorus tries to get Caesar to read his
letter, and says it is personal. Caesar rejects it, saying that personal
items should be dealt with last.
Brutus fears that the plot has been discovered when Publius remarks
that he hopes their enterprise will thrive. Publius then goes straight
to Caesar, and the conspirators fear that he is warning Caesar of the
plot. But then they see Publius smiling and notice that Caesar does
not react badly to his words.
Meanwhile, Trebonius draws Antony out of the way, and the
conspirators prepare to put their plan into action. First, Metellus
Cimber kneels and puts his petition to Caesar. But Caesar refuses
his request. Metellus Cimber's brother will remain banished. Metellus
tries again, and Brutus joins him in his plea, to Caesar's surprise.
Then Cassius kneels and joins the appeal to Caesar. But Caesar
remains unmoved, declaring that he is as constant as the north star.
He prides himself on being unbending.
As Cinna and Decius protest Caesar's decision, Casca is the first to
stab Caesar; the others follow, including Brutus. Cinna and Cassius
tell the senators and others who witnessed the assassination to run
to the streets and proclaim that tyranny is dead and liberty and
freedom live. Brutus tries to reassure the horrified onlookers. He also
reassures Publius that they intend no harm to him or anyone else,
but he should leave because the people may attack the killers and
Publius might be caught in the middle of it. He says that no one
should have to face the consequences of this deed except those who
performed it.
Trebonius enters and informs them that Antony has fled to his house
and the whole city is in an uproar. Brutus tells the assassins to cover
their arms and swords in Caesar's blood and go to the people
proclaiming peace, liberty and freedom.
A servant arrives with a conciliatory message from Antony. Antony
says that if Brutus will allow him to come safely, he would like to
hear their explanation of why Caesar deserved to die. If Brutus will
do this, Antony promises him his loyalty. Brutus agrees to these
terms and is confident that he will win Antony's support and
friendship.
Antony enters and says he does not know what they intend, but as
far as he is concerned they can kill him now if they wish. He cannot
think of any better time than this, the hour of Caesar's death, to die
himself.
Brutus explains that they acted as they did because of pity for the
condition of Rome under Caesar. He adds that they mean no harm to
Antony, and Cassius confirms this. Brutus says that they first must
calm the populace and then they will explain exactly why they
assassinated Caesar. Antony replies that he does not doubt their
wisdom, and one by one he shakes the conspirators' hands. But then
he praises Caesar and asks forgiveness of him for making peace with
his killers.
Cassius tries to find out whether Antony will be one of their
supporters. Antony replies that he is their friend, but he still wants to
hear how they justify their act. Brutus promises they will.
Antony asks that he may be permitted to speak at Caesar's funeral.
Brutus immediately grants this request, but Cassius pulls him aside,
saying that they should refuse to let Antony speak, since he may
sway people against them. Brutus tries to reassure him by saying
that he will speak first and tell the people why Caesar was killed, and
will then emphasize that Antony speaks with their permission. The
assassins want Caesar to have all the ceremony that is due to him;
Brutus says this will rebound to their advantage. Cassius is not
convinced, but he does not oppose Brutus's plan. Brutus gives
Antony permission to take Caesar's body. He tells him he may praise
Caesar in his speech, but must also say that he does so with their
permission.
Everyone exits except Antony, who now reveals his true thoughts. He
laments the death of such a great man and apologizes for being so
meek with the murderers. He promises revenge against Caesar's
killers. There will be fierce civil war. Caesar's spirit, accompanied by
Ate, the god of discord, will be hot for revenge.
A servant of Octavius, Caesar's adopted son, arrives, saying that
Octavius is on his way to Rome. Antony sends a message that it is
too dangerous for Octavius to come.
Finally, Antony says that in his funeral oration, he will test the way
the people have received the death of Caesar.
Act III Scene 2 Brutus addresses the crowd, saying that while he
loved Caesar, he loved Rome more. He asks them whether they would
prefer it if Caesar were alive and they all slaves, or Caesar were dead
and they were free? Brutus honors Caesar for his bravery but says he
killed him because he was ambitious. Who wants to be a slave? he
asks. Who does not love his country? He invites a response from the
crowd, which cries out in support of him. Brutus concludes that he
can have offended no one by his act.
As Antony enters with Caesar's body, Brutus tells the crowd that he
killed his best friend for the sake of Rome, and that he has the same
dagger reserved for himself, when his country should need his death.
He then leaves to the cheers of the crowd, insisting that everyone stay
to hear Antony's speech. The crowd is convinced by Brutus's speech
that Caesar was a tyrant.
Antony addresses the crowd. He says he came to bury Caesar, not to
praise him. Brutus has said that Caesar was ambitious, and if that
was true, then it was a bad fault in Caesar, and he has fully paid for
it.
Antony points out that he speaks with the permission of the
assassins, and he calls Brutus an honorable man, as are all they all.
He says that Caesar was his friend and always behaved fairly to him.
Then he repeats that Brutus said Caesar was ambitious, and Brutus
is an honorable man. But then he begins to cast doubt on the case
against Caesar. He points out that Caesar brought home many
captives to Rome, whose ransoms increased Rome's revenues. Was
that ambitious? When the poor suffered, Caesar pitied and wept with
them. Did that seem ambitious? He repeats for a third time that that
Brutus said Caesar was ambitious, and that Brutus is an honorable
man.
Next, he reminds the crowd that three times he tried to present
Caesar with a crown, and each time Caesar rejected it. Was that
ambitious? Once more Antony repeats the reference to Brutus and
the fact that he is honorable. He claims that he is not there to
disprove what Brutus has said, only to speak what he knows. He
asks the crowd that since they all loved Caesar once, why can they
not mourn for him? For a moment he is overcome by tears and has to
pause.
Antony's speech is beginning to have its effect. Convinced by the
points he has made, the crowd is ready to change sides and
denounce Brutus.
Continuing, Antony claims it is not his intention to stir up rage
against Cassius and Brutus (who are honorable men). Then he
produces Caesar's will. If the people could hear it, he says, even
though he does not intend to read it, they would kiss Caesar's
wounds, by which he means that they would be extremely grateful to
him.
The crowd clamors to hear the will, but Antony says it is not good for
them to know how much Caesar loved them; it will only inflame them
and make them angry.
The crowd continues to call for the will. Persuaded by the clamor,
tells them to form a circle around Caesar's corpse. Antony points to
each of the many wounds in Caesar's mantle, describing which was
made by which conspirator. He makes particular play with the wound
caused by Brutus, whom Caesar loved. When Caesar saw Brutus
stab him, he was overcome by Brutus' ingratitude far more than any
physical wounds. For the first time, Antony refers to the
assassination as treason.
Then he pulls back the mantle and shows Caesar's body. The crowd
is shocked and calls for revenge. Antony asks them to restrain
themselves, although as he explains himself, referring again to the
"honorable" men who killed Caesar, and saying that he has no gift of
oratory, unlike Brutus, to stir men to action. But if he were Brutus,
and Brutus Antony, then he would speak with passion and call for
mutiny in Rome. The crowd is about to scatter and stir up a rebellion
when Antony reminds them that they have not heard the will yet.
Antony announces that Caesar gives to every Roman citizen the sum
of seventy-five drachmaes. He has also left his forest and orchards to
be public pleasure-grounds, where anyone can walk.
The common people rush off, vowing to burn down the assassins'
houses. Antony is satisfied at what his words have achieved and
waits for whatever events unfold. A servant enters and tells Antony
that Octavius, and Lepidus have arrived. He also says that Brutus
and Cassius have fled Rome. Antony assumes it is because they
heard of how he had stirred the people up against them.
Act III Scene 3 In a street in Rome, Cinna the poet is accosted by a
crowd of pro-Caesar commoners. He says he is going to Caesar's
funeral-as a friend. When he says his name is Cinna, the crowd
wants to kill him, since they think he is one of the conspirators. Even
though he protests that he is Cinna the poet, they drag him off just
the same.
Act IV Scene 2 At a camp near Sardis, Brutus and his generals
enter. Brutus hints at some slight he has suffered at the hands of
Cassius. He inquires of Lucilius how Cassius received him. Lucilius
replies that he was greeted with respect but without the usual
friendliness. Brutus interprets this to mean that his friendship with
Cassius has grown cold and that he can no longer rely on it.
Cassius enters and accuses Brutus of wronging him. Brutus denies
it, but does not want to dispute in front of their generals. He takes
Cassius inside his tent so they can discuss the matter alone
Act IV Scene 3 Cassius explains that Brutus accused a man named
Lucius Pella of taking bribes. Cassius wrote to him, saying that he
knew Lucius Pella was innocent. But Brutus just ignored him.
Brutus says it was unnecessary for Cassius to intervene in such a
small matter. Then he says that Cassius himself sometimes allows
unworthy people to buy offices in his service. Cassius, angered, says
that if anyone other than Brutus made such a remark, he would kill
him. But Brutus is not intimidated. He says that they killed Caesar
in the name of justice. Should one of them now accept bribes?
Cassius warns him to stop, and says he is more experienced than
Brutus and therefore able to make management decisions. They fall
to quarreling. Brutus tells Cassius he is hot-tempered and should
control his anger. But Brutus will not let it disturb him. They quarrel
further over whether Cassius said he was a better soldier than
Brutus. Cassius says that even Caesar would not have dared to anger
him in this way, and Brutus responds by saying Cassius would not
have dared to have provoked him to anger.
Brutus then goes to the heart of the matter. He wrote to Cassius,
asking for money so he could pay his soldiers, because he could not
bring himself to raise it by taxing the peasants. But Cassius refused.
Cassius denies the charge and blames his messenger. He protests
that Brutus exaggerates his faults. He gives a despairing speech in
which he says he is weary of the world, and he invites Brutus to kill
him with his own dagger. This breaks the tension, because Brutus
realizes that it is better just to let Cassius be angry when the mood
takes him. It is soon over. Brutus confesses that he spoke in anger
too. They are reconciled. Brutus promises that if Cassius should be
angry with him in the future, he will not take it so seriously.
There is a disturbance outside as a poet urges the two men to be
friends. After this, Brutus explains to Cassius that he is weighed
down by grief, and that is why he became angry. His wife Portia,
distressed by his absence and the strength of Octavius and Antony,
committed suicide by swallowing burning coals. Brutus and Cassius
drink wine to forget their sorrows.
Titinius and Messala enter and describe the military situation.
Octavius and Antony are marching on them with a large army. They
have put a hundred senators to death. Brutus has different
information, that only seventy senators were killed. Brutus raises the
question of whether they should march to Philippi to meet the
opposing army. Cassius says it would be better not to. They should
let Antony's army advance, so they get exhausted, while Brutus and
Cassius's forces stay fresh. Brutus disagrees. He warns that as the
opposing army advances, they may pick up new recruits from the
towns they pass through, where Brutus and Cassius are unpopular.
But if Brutus and Cassius march on Philippi, they can prevent this
happening. He insists that the time is right for them to strike. Their
forces are at their strongest. If they wait, their strength may decline,
while the enemy's will increase. Cassius accepts Brutus's argument
and they part on good terms.
Brutus's servant Lucius plays some music. After Lucius falls asleep,
Brutus reads a book. He is startled by the appearance of the ghost of
Caesar. The ghost says that he will reappear to Brutus at Philippi.
Then he disappears. Brutus awakens his servants, but none of them
saw the ghost.
Act V Scene 1 On the plains of Philippi, Octavius and Antony
discuss the situation. Octavius says the enemy is planning to attack,
contrary to what Antony had suggested. Antony replies that they are
just putting on a false show of courage. The two men prepare for
battle, although they disagree on tactics. Antony wants Octavius to
take the left side of the field, while he takes the right. Octavius wants
it the other way around.
Before the battle begins, Octavius, Antony, Brutus and Cassius meet
and trade insults. Cassius reproaches Brutus for sparing Antony's
life. If he had not done so, they would not now have to listen to his
aggressive words. Octavius says he will not stop until Caesar's death
is avenged. Cassius denounces him as a schoolboy who does not
deserve the honor of being killed by Brutus; he also insults Antony's
love of revelry. Antony and Octavius depart, ready for battle.
Cassius tells his servant Messala that it is his birthday. He also tells
of an omen: as they journeyed from Sardis, two eagles swooped down
and perched on their banner. The eagles remained there all the way
to Philippi. But that morning they departed. In their place are ravens,
crows and kites, which look down on Cassius's army as if they were
prey. He fears that this is a bad omen. Messala urges him not to
believe it, and Cassius says he only partly does, and he is fresh and
ready for battle.
Cassius tells Brutus that if they lose this battle, this will be the last
time they speak to each other. He asks what Brutus would plan to do
in such a situation. Brutus says he does not intend to commit
suicide. Cassius asks him if he would allow himself to be led in
triumph through the streets of Rome. Brutus says this will never
happen. They bid each other an affectionate farewell.
Act V Scene 2 Brutus sends instructions to his army, telling him to
advance immediately against Octavius. Victory is within their grasp if
they move quickly.
Act V Scene 3 The battle goes badly for Cassius's troops. Cassius
angrily reports that his own soldiers have run from the enemy.
Brutus appears to be having some success, but his soldiers have
fallen to looting.
Pindarus tells Cassius to flee because Antony's troops are upon
them. Cassius refuses. He sends Titinius to investigate whether there
really are enemy soldiers at their tents, as Pindarus told him. He
sends Pindarus higher up the hill to gather information. But Cassius
knows in his heart that he is defeated. Pindarus reports that Titinius
has been captured. This is the final blow for Cassius, who instructs
Pindarus to kill him with his sword, the same sword that killed
Caesar. Cassius dies.
Titanius and Messala enter, reporting that Brutus has triumphed
over Octavius even as Cassius's army has fallen to Antony. They
discover the dead Cassius. Titanius laments that Cassius killed
himself because he misunderstood the situation. Titanius had in fact
been welcomed and treated like a friend; he had not been captured at
all. Filled with grief, he kills himself.
Brutus enters with Messala, who has brought him the news of
Cassius's death. Brutus exclaims that Caesar is mighty yet, and it is
his spirit that has caused their defeat. He laments the death of two
great Romans, and then tells his generals to prepare for another
round of battle.
Act V Scene 4 On the battlefield, Brutus urges his men on. Cato is
killed. Lucilius, claiming that he is Brutus in order to confuse the
enemy, is captured. Antony's soldiers tell him they have captured
Brutus, but when Antony asks where he is (knowing that Lucilius is
not Brutus) Lucilius tells him that Brutus is safe and will never be
taken alive. Antony orders that Lucilius be well treated, since he
would sooner have him as a friend than an enemy.
Act V Scene 5 Brutus and his soldiers, defeated in battle, stop to
rest. Brutus makes it clear that he wishes to be killed. Clitus refuses,
as does Dardanius. Then Brutus asks Volumnius, telling him that he
has twice seen the ghost of Caesar and he knows his time to die has
come. Volumnius also refuses. There are sounds of continuing battle,
and Clitus, Dardanius and Volumnius flee. Brutus says he will
follow. One man remains, Strato, and he holds Brutus's sword as
Brutus runs on to it. Brutus dies.
The victorious Antony and Octavius enter. Antony pays tribute to the
dead Brutus by calling him the noblest Roman of them all.