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Brutus is awake at his house during the pre-dawn hours. He asks his servant, Lucius, to light a candle in his study and then come get him when it’s lit.
As he waits for Lucius to return, Brutus speaks to himself. He knows that the only way to stop Caesar is to kill him. Brutus, though, doesn’t harbor any ill-will against Caesar. Caesar’s assassination would be something that would be done for the betterment of the people. He is clearly torn on what to do.
His speech continues and he begins to wonder what will happen to Caesar when he is crowned king of Rome. He wonders if the power will get to him, and he wonders if he will listen to reason or emotions as king. Brutus knows that Caesar has used lowliness, humbleness, to rise up on a ladder of power; but he fears that Caesar will turn his back to his humbleness when he attains full-power over Rome.
Lastly, Brutus makes a very famous comparison in which he says that Caesar is a serpent that is still in its egg. He realizes that once an innocent serpent is hatched, its power grows. Brutus believe the easiest way to kill such a serpent is when it is still in its shell. In other words, Brutus believes Caesar must be killed before he attains the crown.
Lucius returns to Brutus, and he informs him that his candle is lit. Additionally, Lucius has found a mysterious note. He hands Brutus the note. Then, upon Brutus’ request, Lucius heads off to find out if the upcoming day is the ides of March.
Left on stage alone, Brutus begins to read the note and make comments on it. The note is supposedly from a random Roman citizen. Brutus is unaware of the fact that the note was actually written by Cassius. The note asks Brutus why he is sleeping when reform is needed in Rome.
Brutus makes comments to himself as he ponders the note. He knows that his ancestors stopped a king, Tarquin, from ruling Rome many years ago. Now, he realizes that the people of Rome are asking him to take the same actions his ancestors did to prevent another king’s domination. At the end of his soliloquy, Brutus promises the people of Rome that if they want his help, then they indeed have it.
Lucius comes back briefly to let Brutus know that today is indeed the ides of March. It is the fifteenth of March. Lucius, then, exits to go answer the door. Somebody is knocking.
On stage alone again, Brutus makes a few more comments to himself. He confesses that since he has spoken to Cassius, he has been unable to sleep. His mind has been in a state of inner-turmoil.
Brutus is then greeted by Cassius and a few other Roman senators. Those who have come with Cassius are Casca, Decius, Cinna, Metellus Cimber, and Trebonius. Brutus welcomes them all.
Next, Cassius suggests that they all swear an oath to follow through with the plan to dispose of Caesar. Brutus says that if their intentions are true, then an oath is unnecessary. He states that their cause is reason enough to push forward, especially since their cause is honorable. He also states that people who pursue unworthy causes are the ones who swear oaths; on the other hand, their cause is virtuous and it doesn’t need to be stained with oaths.
Cassius, then, changes the subjects. He suggests that they allow another senator, Cicero, join their coup. Metellus Cimber agrees. He states that the public will be even more willing to side with their actions if they have the older, wiser Cicero on their side. Brutus, however, knows Cicero well, and he suggests that Cicero should not join them since he isn’t the type to follow others.
JULIUS CAESAR -- ACT II, 1
Next, Decius asks if Caesar will be the only one that they assassinate. Cassius suggests that they also kill Caesar’s beloved friend, Mark Antony. Cassius believes that Mark Antony might cause them trouble if he too isn’t killed. Brutus, however, believes that killing Mark Antony would be taking it too far. Brutus believes that Mark Antony is like a limb of Caesar. A limb without a body can’t do anything; so, Brutus believes that Mark Antony won’t be able to do anything without Caesar around. Brutus also doesn’t want the conspirators to be perceived as butchers.
Brutus goes onto vocalize his thoughts on how he believes they should kill Caesar. He thinks that they should give him a noble death without making a mess of his body. He also suggests that they later make it clear that they killed Caesar for the sake of the people, and not because they were jealous or envious of him. He doesn’t want them to be seen as murders, but as men who saved Rome from Caesar’s tyranny
Cassius responds to Brutus by readdressing the point that Mark Antony is to be feared. Brutus, though, believes that once Caesar is gone the worst harm that Mark Antony can do is kill himself; however, Brutus knows that Mark Antony would never kill himself since he loves the pleasures of life too much. Trebonius agrees with Brutus’ thoughts on Mark Antony.
The group is ready to depart from each other when Cassius expresses another concern. He isn’t sure if Caesar will show up to the Capitol today. The men intend to kill Caesar at the Capitol and if he doesn’t show then their plan will be foiled. Caesar has recieved bad omens and warnings, so Cassius worries that Caesar might just stay home today.
Decius volunteers to go visit Caesar at home to make sure that he is going to the Capitol later. If Caesar is wary of going, then Decius will convince him to go.
Cassius states that after Decius makes it to Caesar’s house, the other conspirators will also make their way there. Together, they will escort Caesar to the Capitol.
Before they leave Brutus’ house, Metellus suggests that they also invite Caius Ligarius to join the coup. Brutus says that Caius is on good terms with him. Brutus asks that Metellus go ask Caius to come over. Brutus will then convince Caius to join them.
Cassius and Brutus both give the group a small pep-talk before they leave. Cassius asks them to remember their plan and to act like true Romans later. Brutus asks them to hide their intentions behind merry faces. The group departs, leaving Brutus alone.
Brutus is soon accompanied by his wife, Portia. He asks why she is up so early, and he states it’s not good for her to be up during the cold morning. She replies that it too isn’t good for his health to be up so early.
She questions him on what has been troubling him. She states that yesterday at dinner, he arose suddenly as if something was bothering him. He refused to tell her what was wrong, and he told her to leave her alone. She says that whatever is upsetting him won’t allow him to eat, talk, nor sleep. She is deeply concerned, and she wants to know what is wrong with him.
Brutus tells her that he is feeling sick. Portia, though, knows that if its illness that is bugging him, then he his smart enough to take care of his own body. Brutus says that he is taking care of himself, but Portia points out that if he were caring for himself he wouldn’t be out during the cold night and the cold morning.
Portia believes she has the right to know what is wrong with him, especially since she is his wife. She falls to her knees and begs him to tell her what it is that is plaguing him. She also asks who the strange men were that visited him that morning. Brutus tells Portia to get up.
Portia continues her pleads. She points out that because of their marriage vows, they should be able to talk openly to each other. She asks Brutus if she is just good for keeping him company during his dinners and in his bed. She tells him that he is treating her more like a prostitute than a wife.
Brutus retorts that she is his true wife. She is as important to Brutus as is the blood that visits his heart.
Portia replies sharply and states that if his words were true, then he would not withhold any secrets from her. She understands that she is but a woman; however, she is a woman of strength and nobility. She tries to convince Brutus that she is a strong woman who can handle and keep any of Brutus’ secrets.
Brutus then asks the gods to make him worthy of such a noble wife. He lets her know that soon enough he will share all of his secrets with her. He, then, asks her to go back inside because he hears a visitor knocking at their door.
Lucius escorts the man inside. It is Caius Ligarius. Caius is feeling ill, but he says that if Brutus has an honorable exploit for him to join, then his illness will not matter. Brutus hints at what his plans are. Caius miraculously already starts feeling better. Although he doesn’t know the plans, Caius agrees to follow Brutus. Brutus will be giving Caius details of the plan as they walk to Caesar’s house together.
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by William Shakespeare
