Flavius and Marullus, opponents of Caesar's rise to power, intercept a group of commoners who are taking a holiday from work. They ask the commoners who they are. One is a carpenter, another is a cobbler. The cobbler makes a number of jokes about the name of his profession, but eventually Flavius and Marullus learn that what they suspected is true: the commoners are on their way to see Caesar's triumphal procession. Marullus scolds them. He points out that Caesar (who has won a campaign in Spain against other Romans, led by Pompey's sons) is bringing back no prizes from this war. Marullus goes on to ask if they have forgotten Pompey (who Caesar defeated earlier), and how they loved him. Flavius then tells the commoners to go to the Tiber and weep for Pompey until the river is full to overflowing with tears. The commoners turn back, and exit.
Flavius expresses the opinion that the commoners have been touched and are ashamed of themselves. He then tells Marullus that they must go about Rome, taking down royal regalia that Caesar's supporters have put on his statues. Marullus asks if that's allowed, considering that the Feast of Lupercal is being celebrated. Flavius replies that it has to be done. Also, they must drive away any commoners that are trying to follow Caesar's triumphal procession. If they don't do these things, Flavius says, Caesar will gain too much momentum in his drive for power. So the two of them go about their business.
Caesar, at the center of a great crowd, gives orders that during the Lupercal ceremonies, his wife Calpurnia should stand where Antony, who will be one of the runners, can touch her, so that she will be cured of her barrenness. A soothsayer calls out to Caesar, is brought before Caesar, and warns him to "Beware the ides of March." Caesar dismisses the soothsayer as a "dreamer" and leaves with his entourage.
Cassius and Brutus stay behind, and Cassius asks Brutus if he is going to go to the festivities. Brutus replies "Not I" and says Cassius can go if he wishes. Cassius complains that Brutus hasn't been very friendly to him of late. Brutus replies that he's just distracted with an inner conflict. This gives Cassius an opening to enlist Brutus as an ally in the struggle against Caesar. Cassius begins by saying that he's going to describe Brutus to himself, because many in Rome are wishing that Brutus would—in the current hard times—see himself as they see him. (The clear implication is that Brutus could step forward and save the day.) Brutus warily asks, "Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius, / That you would have me seek into myself / For that which is not in me?" Cassius reassures him that his friendship is absolutely sincere, and then they hear a shout from the Forum; Brutus says, "I do fear, the people / Choose Caesar for their king." Cassius remarks that if Brutus fears it, then he would not have it happen. Brutus replies "I would not, Cassius, yet I love him well," but adds that he would lay down his life for the "general good" and for honor. "Well, honour is the subject of my story," says Cassius, and then speaks at length about how he, Rome, and Brutus are dishonored by the worship of Caesar. Cassius makes the point that Caesar is just a man who has many weaknesses, but now it seems like he's the only man in the world. There's another shout from the Forum and Brutus guesses that some new honors have just been given to Caesar. Cassius comments, "Why, man, he doth bestride the narrow world / Like a Colossus, and we petty men / Walk under his huge legs and peep about / To find ourselves dishonourable graves." But, he says, it's their own fault, not a decree of fate, that they are less than Caesar: "The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, / But in ourselves, that we are underlings." In the good old days, Cassius asserts, there was more than one man of consequence in Rome, and Caesar is certainly no better than Brutus. Cassius concludes by reminding Brutus that there was a Brutus who would never have tolerated a king in Rome. (This was Lucius Junius Brutus, who drove Tarquin and his kin out of Rome, more than four hundred years previously. After the defeat of Tarquin, Rome had no king and was a republic. ) Brutus doesn't immediately come over to the side of Cassisus, but he strongly hints that he very well might in the near future.
Cassius tells Brutus to pluck Casca by the sleeve, because he is sure that Casca will tell them, "after his sour fashion," what happened at the Forum. Brutus says that he will, and comments that Caesar appears angry, and his followers look as if they had just been scolded. Meanwhile, Caesar remarks that "Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look," and is not to be trusted. Caesar says that if he were subject to fear, he would fear Cassius, but that because he is Caesar, he fears none.
In a sarcastic way, showing great disdain for both Caesar and the commoners who were cheering Caesar, Casca tells Brutus and Cassius what happened at the Forum. Antony three times offered Caesar a crown, and three times Caesar waved it away. Each time it seemed that Caesar really wanted the crown, but "when he perceived the common herd was glad he refused the crown," he opened his jacket, offered to let them cut his throat, and then fainted. Cassius asks if Cicero said anything. Casca replies that he did, but spoke in Greek, so "it was Greek to me." Casca adds that Marullus and Flavius were dismissed from office for pulling decorations off Caesar's statues. Cassius invites Casca to lunch the next day; Casca accepts the invitation and leaves.
Brutus remarks that Casca has become extremely sarcastic and nonchalant, in contrast to when, as a boy in school, he had a lively spirit. Cassius replies that Casca is still capable of carrying out "any bold or noble enterprise," and that his way of speaking is just a "sauce" to his intelligence, enabling others to swallow what he has to say. Brutus agrees (and by implication agrees with Casca's derogatory view of Caesar), then tells Cassius that he would like to speak to him the next day, either at Cassius' house or his. Cassius agrees to this and tells Brutus to keep thinking about the state of affairs in Rome.
Alone, Cassius remarks that Brutus is "noble," but can be persuaded to do something he wouldn't naturally do. And Cassius has a plan to enlist Brutus in his conspiracy against Caesar. He will write letters, each supposedly from a different citizen, and throw them in Brutus' window. The letters will speak of the high esteem in which Brutus is held and hint that something should be done about Caesar's rise to power. Cassius believes that once he has Brutus on his side, they will be able to stop Caesar.
Cicero happens to meet Casca, who is out of breath, staring about him, and has his sword drawn. Cicero asks what's wrong, and Casca tells of all the strange things he's seen: "dropping fire," a slave whose hand was ablaze, a lion strolling by the Capitol, terrified women who swore that they saw "men all in fire walk up and down the streets," and an owl hooting in the market-place at noon. Casca believes that all of these must be portents of some terrible fate for Rome. Cicero, however, doesn't seem impressed. He remarks that men may interpret things in their own way and be entirely wrong. Then Cicero changes the subject; he asks if Caesar is going to come to the Capitol tomorrow. Casca replies that he is, and that he has told Antony to tell him (Cicero) that he would be there. Cicero casually tells Casca that "this disturbed sky / Is not to walk in" and leaves.
Cassius shows up "unbraced" (with his jacket open), so that anyone can see that he is not afraid of the thunder, lightning, or portents. Cassius asks "Who's there?" Casca replies cautiously, "A Roman." Cassius recognizes Casca's voice and calls him by name. Casca exclaims about what a terrible night it is, but Cassius says that it is "a very pleasing night to honest men." Cassius then boasts that he has exposed himself to the thunder and lightning without fear. Casca is astonished, because it is the role of men to "fear and tremble" when the gods are angry. Cassius replies that Casca lacks the true Roman spirit; it's only old men, women, and children who tremble with fear of the unknown. But, says Cassius, the "true cause" of all the violent weather and bizarre portents is to warn Romans against the advent of an unnatural government. Casca understands that Cassius is speaking against Caesar and mentions that he's heard that the Senate plans to make Caesar a king who will "wear his crown by sea and land, / In every place, save here in Italy." Cassius answers that he is not afraid because he can always free himself from tyranny by suicide. As if to punctuate Cassius' speech, there's another thunder-clap, and Cassius goes on to say that if the Romans weren't so weak and cowardly, Caesar wouldn't be so strong. Cassius then pretends to be alarmed by the possibility that Casca is a supporter of Caesar. This ploy prompts Casca to declare that's he's no tattle-tale and will do as much as anyone else to stop Caesar. Casca thus becomes part of the conspiracy and Cassius tells him that other members of the group are already waiting for him at Pompey's Theater.
Enter CINNA.
(1.3.131) Casca is alarmed when he sees someone hurrying his way, but Cassius recognizes Cinna, a member of the conspiracy, by the way he walks. Cinna asks if it's Metellus Cimber there with Cassius. Cassius explains that it's Casca, who is now a member of the conspiracy, and then—apparently to impress Casca—asks "Am I not stay'd [waited] for, Cinna?" Cinna, who appears to be somewhat flustered, exclaims about what a terrible night it is, and Cassius has to ask again, "Am I not stay'd for?" Cinna says that he is and then expresses the hope that Cassius can "win the noble Brutus to our party." Cassius tells him not to worry and gives him three letters to place where Brutus must find them. (These letters are the ones Cassius said, in a soliloquy at the end of Act 1, Scene 2, that he was going to write as if they came from various citizens, all urging Brutus to take action to save Rome.) Cassius tells Cinna that after he's distributed the letters he should come back to "Pompey's Porch" (The portico of Pompey's Theater). Cassius also asks if Decius Brutus and Trebonius are at Pompey's Porch. Cinna replies that all of the members of the conspiracy are there, except for Metellus Cimber, who is out looking for Cassius. Then Cinna says that he'll hurry and put the letters where Cassius told him to. As Cinna leaves, Cassius reminds him to return to Pompey's Theater.
Exit CINNA.
(1.3.153) Cassius tells Casca that they are going to go visit Brutus before dawn. He's sure that Brutus is already three-quarters on their side, and that when they next talk to him, Brutus will join the conspiracy whole-heartedly. Casca says that Brutus "sits high in all the people's hearts," so that if Brutus gives his approval, what otherwise might appear to be a crime will "change to virtue and to worthiness." Cassius replies that Casca is exactly right, and off they go.
ACT 2, SCENE 1:
Enter BRUTUS in his orchard.
(2.1.1) Brutus, alone in his garden, calls for Lucius, his servant, and frets that he can't tell how long it is until daybreak. He calls again for Lucius and wishes that he could sleep as soundly as Lucius does. Brutus loses his composure and shouts for Lucius until he finally appears.
Enter LUCIUS.
(2.1.6) Brutus tells Lucius to light a candle, put it in his study, and come back and tell him when the chore is done. Lucius says, "I will, my lord," and leaves.
Exit [LUCIUS].
(2.1.10) Brutus says to himself, "It must be by his death"; he justifies the assassination of Caesar by telling himself (and preparing to tell others) that it is necessary because of what Caesar may do, not because of what he has already done. Caesar, Brutus says, is ambitious and wants a crown; if he is crowned, Caesar may use his new powers in harmful ways, and therefore he must die.
Enter LUCIUS.
(2.1.35) Lucius tells Brutus that he has set the lighted candle in his study (as Brutus requested). Lucius adds that he has found a letter on the window-sill, and he gives the letter to Brutus. Brutus asks if the next day is the Ides of March. Lucius replies that he doesn't know, and Brutus sends him to find out by looking at a calender.
Exit [LUCIUS.]
(2.1.44) Brutus opens the letter and reads it by the light of the meteor shower that is lighting up the night sky. The letter urges him to "Speak, strike, redress!" He reflects that he has received many such letters, that his ancestors drove out the last king of Rome, and he promises Rome that if he can save the Republic, he will.
Enter LUCIUS.
(2.1.59) Lucius reports that "March is wasted fourteen days" (which means that the next day will be the Ides of March). There's a knock at the garden gate, and Brutus sends Lucius to answer it.
Exit LUCIUS.
(2.1.61) Brutus says he hasn't slept since Cassius first urged him to take action against Caesar. He reflects that between the time a person first considers the idea of doing a "dreadful thing" and the time he actually does that thing, the person feels that he is living a "hideous dream," in which his emotions stage a riot against his normal self.
Enter LUCIUS.
(2.1.70) Lucius reports that Cassius is at the door and wants to see Brutus. Brutus asks if Cassius is alone; Lucius replies that there are more with him. Brutus asks if he knows who they are; Lucius answers that he does not, because they have their hats pulled down and their cloaks pulled up over their faces. Brutus tells Lucius to let them in.
Exit LUCIUS.
(2.1.77) Brutus reflects that "conspiracy" is ashamed to show itself, even at night, and that its only possible disguise is "smiles and affability."
Enter the conspirators, CASSIUS, CASCA, DECIUS, CINNA, METELLUS [CIMBER], and TREBONIUS.
(2.1.86) Cassius introduces the other conspirators to Brutus, then asks for a private word with him. As Cassius and Brutus are whispering, the others try to decide which direction is east, where the sun will rise. Brutus shakes (or perhaps joins) hands with all of the conspirators, as a sign of their commitment to their cause. Cassius proposes that they take an oath, but Brutus replies, "No, not an oath," and says that the tyranny of Caesar and their honor as Romans are all they need to make them act. In Brutus' view, only the weak and uncertain would need an oath. Cassius and others suggest that they try to enlist Cicero in the conspiracy, because his age and reputation for good judgment will give them more credibility, but Brutus says that Cicero "will never follow any thing / That other men begin," and so the idea is dropped. Decius and Cassius then suggest that Antony be killed too, because he is a great friend of Caesar and might prove dangerous. Brutus opposes this idea, too, saying "Let us be sacrificers, but not butchers." Besides, he says, Antony won't be dangerous "for he is given / To sports, to wildness and much company." Brutus has his way. A clock strikes three, time for them all to leave Brutus' garden and wait for the time to strike. Cassius worries that Caesar won't go to the Capitol because "he is superstitious grown of late," and so the recent portents may keep him at home. Decius says not to worry, because he knows how to manipulate Caesar. Cassius adds that all of conspirators will show up to persuade Caesar to come to the Capitol. They all agree that 8:00 a.m. will be their deadline. Metellus Cimber says that Caius Ligarius has a grudge against Caesar and ought to be sounded out about joining the conspiracy. Brutus replies that Caius Ligarius is a friend, so he can persuade him to join. Cassius says it's time to go, and reminds everyone to keep their promise. Brutus advises all to bear themselves as though nothing unusual is going on. The rest leave, and Brutus remains alone. Brutus calls for his servant, Lucius, then decides he must be asleep. Brutus says he wants Lucius to enjoy his slumber untroubled by "busy care."
Enter PORTIA.
(2.1.233) Portia wants to know what's going on with her husband; she knows that something is seriously wrong, but Brutus has been shutting her out. Brutus, lying, says that his health is not good. Portia answers that if that were true, Brutus wouldn't be out in the night air. She says, "No, my Brutus; / You have some sick offence within your mind," and kneels to plead with him to know what it is. Brutus asks her not to kneel, but she says she wouldn't need to if he treated her as his wife, rather than his harlot, only fit "To keep with you at meals, comfort your bed, / And talk to you sometimes." Brutus declares that she is his "true and honourable wife," and she replies that if that is so, he will share his secrets with her. She goes on to say that she is a strong woman who can keep a secret, and—in a vivid gesture—lifts her skirt to reveal a wound that she has given herself on thigh. She asks, "can I bear that with patience. / And not my husband's secrets?" Brutus seems overwhelmed and asks the gods to make him worthy of her. There's a knock at the gate. Brutus sends Portia away, but promises to tell her everything.
Exit PORTIA.
(2.1.309) Brutus calls to Lucius to know who's knocking.
Enter LUCIUS and [CAIUS] LIGARIUS.
(2.1.310) Lucius answers Brutus, saying "He is a sick man that would speak with you," and Ligarius enters. Brutus wishes that Ligarius were not sick, and Ligarius replies "I am not sick, if Brutus have in hand / Any exploit worthy the name of honour." Brutus says that he does have such an exploit, and Ligarius declares that he is not sick, but strong and able to win any race. Ligarius asks what the exploit is; Brutus answers that it is something that will make sick men healthy. Ligarius asks, "But are not some whole that we must make sick?" Brutus replies that that is true, too, and tells him that he will explain as they are going. Ligarius tells Brutus to lead on, because it is enough for him to know that he is following Brutus. There's a clap of thunder, and they exit.