He reminds him of another Brutus, who overthrew the last king of Rome and established the republic. Brutus assures Cassius that he has already thought “of this and of these times.” He will not discuss it further now, but promises that they will talk again.

Lines 184–220: Caesar and his train return. Cassius quickly advises Brutus to “pluck Casca by the sleeve” to find out what has happened. Brutus observes that Caesar looks angry and that Calpurnia is pale. Caesar asks Antony to ensure that he only has “fat / Sleek-headed men” about him, unlike Cassius, who has “a lean and hungry look” and is “dangerous.” Antony reassures Caesar that Cassius is “a noble Roman,” but Caesar says that he mistrusts him. Unlike Antony, he does not care for plays or music and seldom smiles. Caesar observes that men such as Cassius are “never at heart’s ease / Whiles they behold a greater than themselves.” He asks Antony for his opinion, requesting him to speak on his right side as he is deaf in his left ear, another subtle reference to Caesar’s weaknesses, and a metaphorical allusion to his lack of perception/understanding. He exits with his train, leaving Brutus, Cassius, and Casca.

Lines 221–323: Casca describes how Caesar was offered a crown three times by Antony, and that each time he refused it to cheers from the crowd. He adds, however, that he thinks Caesar “would fain have had it” and “was very loath to lay his fingers off it.” As the crowd “hooted” and “clapped,” Caesar swooned and fell down, “foamed at mouth, and was speechless.” Brutus explains that Caesar “hath the falling sickness” (epilepsy), again drawing attention to potential infirmities. Casca goes on to describe how Caesar was so much in favor with the crowd that they were not put off by his collapse, although it appears to have affected his mood. Before leaving, Casca adds that Murellus and Flavius have been “put to silence” for “pulling scarves off Caesar’s images.” Brutus comments on how “blunt” Casca is, but Cassius says this is “put on.” Brutus promises to speak to Cassius the next day, and leaves. Alone, Cassius muses on Brutus’ “noble” nature, but feels that he can be manipulated. He reveals his plan to throw forged letters through Brutus’ window, complaining of “Caesar’s ambition.”

ACT 1 SCENE 3

Lines 1–41: Casca and Cicero meet during a violent storm. Cicero is unmoved, but Casca is disturbed by the “tempest,” which he sees as portentous. Questioned by Cicero, he lists recent omens, such as a man whose hand burned “Like twenty torches,” but who remained “unscorched.” Cicero agrees but points out that people misinterpret things. Casca tells Cicero that Caesar will be at the Capitol the next day, and Cicero bids him goodnight.

Lines 42–170: Cassius arrives, and Casca comments again on the “menace” of the heavens. Like Cicero, Cassius is unconcerned, describing how he presented himself to “the aim and very flash” of the lightning. Casca warns that he should not “tempt the heavens”: men should “fear and tremble” when the “most mighty gods” send such “tokens.” Cassius argues that Casca should ask himself why the heavens have sent “instruments of fear and warning.” Casca understands that Cassius refers to Caesar, and reports that the senators mean to make him king the next day. Cassius declares that he will “deliver” himself from such bondage, and calls upon the gods. Casca argues that he, too, can “cancel his captivity.” Cassius tells Casca that he has the support of several “noblest-minded Romans” to undertake “an enterprise / Of honourable dangerous consequence,” and that they are waiting for him under the cover of the “fearful night.” They are interrupted by the arrival of Cinna, and draw back until Cassius identifies him. Cassius asks whether the conspirators are waiting, then sends Cinna with the letters to throw into Brutus’ house. He asks Casca to accompany him to see Brutus. Casca observes that Brutus’ involvement will make their “offence” appear as “virtue” and “worthiness,” because the people love and respect him.

ACT 2 SCENE 1

Lines 1–60: Brutus is in his orchard, unable to sleep. He sends Lucius to light a candle in his study. Brutus’ soliloquy reveals his concerns over Caesar: he can see no other way to stop him than “by his death.” He makes it clear that his reasons are not “personal,” but “general.” He concedes that he has never known Caesar to allow his “affections” to be “swayed / More than his reason,” but adds that ambition is dangerous. Lucius returns with a letter he has found in the study (one of those planted by Cassius and Cinna), and Brutus sends him away again to check the date. Alone, he reads the letter. The audience only receives brief words and phrases: “Shall Rome, etc.,” “Speak, strike, redress,” contributing to a sense of Brutus’ fragmented thoughts, but suggesting doubt as to how convincing the letter is, and the extent to which Brutus is willing to “piece it out” to persuade himself. He is resolved, however: he promises Rome that “redress will follow.” Lucius returns with the information that the next day is March 15 and goes to answer a knocking at the gate.

Lines 61–243: Lucius announces that Cassius has arrived with others whose “hats are plucked about their ears / And half their faces buried in their cloaks.” Unsettled, Brutus tells Lucius to show them in. Cassius introduces the other conspirators, assuring Brutus that they all “honour” him, as does “every noble Roman.” Cassius and Brutus speak aside before Brutus asks everyone to give him their hands.