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 Cassius is “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 demanding to see them. The Poet warns them that they should “Love and be friends,” but he is dismissed. Lucilius and Titinius are sent with messages to the commanders.

Lines 215–326: Cassius expresses surprise at the depth of Brutus’ anger, and Brutus reveals that Portia is dead. She has killed herself due to Brutus’ absence, and fear of the growing strength of Antony and Octavius. His fragmented phrases reveal genuine sorrow, but he resolves that they will “Speak no more of her” as Lucius brings wine and tapers. Brutus and Cassius drink to each other and are joined by Titinius and Messala. Brutus shows letters from which he has learned that the armies of Octavius and Antony are on their way to Philippi. Messala has had similar news and they both reveal that the triumvirs have executed up to a hundred senators, including Cicero. Tentatively, Messala asks Brutus if he has heard from Portia, before revealing what Brutus already knows of her death. Again, Brutus does not dwell on this, saying that he has “the patience to endure it now” before changing the subject to the battle they must fight. He asks whether they should march to Philippi. Cassius suggests that they let the enemy come to them, so that their troops will be weary while their own will be “full of rest, defence and nimbleness.” Once again, Brutus and Cassius are in disagreement, but Cassius bows to Brutus’ suggestion and agrees to go to Philippi. The leaders bid each other goodnight.

Lines 327–401: Brutus instructs Varrus and Claudio to sleep in his tent in case he has messages for Cassius. His exchange with Lucius reveals a gentler, more compassionate side. Lucius falls asleep. The Ghost of Caesar appears, announcing that it is Brutus’ “evil spirit” and telling him that it shall appear again “at Philippi.” It vanishes before Brutus can talk with it further, and he calls out to wake Lucius, Varrus, and Claudio. They all deny either crying out or seeing anything, and Brutus sends Lucius and Varrus to Cassius, telling him to be ready to march early in the morning.

ACT 5 SCENE 1

At Philippi, Octavius and Antony discuss the approach of the enemy. Echoing the divisions in the conspirators’ camp, they briefly disagree over tactics before marching. Brutus and Cassius enter with their armies, and the two sets of leaders meet in “parley,” exchanging insults that focus attention on the theme of speech or “words.” Octavius and Antony lead their armies away. Brutus calls Lucilius, and the two speak apart as Cassius reveals his own concerns to Messala: despite not previously believing in such things, he is unnerved by several omens they encountered on their march to Philippi. Brutus returns, and he and Cassius contemplate what will happen if they lose.