Calphurnia.

Calphurnia.

calphurnia

Quiet, everyone! Caesar is about to speak.

Shh, quiet down. Caesar's going to say something.

everyone quiet caesar's talking

Calphurnia.

Calphurnia.

calphurnia

Here, my lord.

Here, my lord.

here, my lord

You stand directly in Antony's path when he runs his race. Antony.

Position yourself right in Antony's way when he does his run. Antony.

get in antony's path when he runs

Caesar, my lord?

Caesar, my lord?

caesar, my lord

Don't forget while you're running, Antony, to touch Calphurnia. Our ancestors say that women who are barren, if touched during this sacred ritual race, shed their infertility curse.

Antony, don't forget to touch Calphurnia as you're running. The old stories say that women who can't have kids get the ability to have them if someone touches them during this holy race.

touch calphurnia while u run elders say barren women get blessed by the touch

I will remember. When Caesar gives an order, it gets done.

I won't forget. Whatever Caesar says to do, it's as good as done.

i got u when caesar says do it it's done

Go ahead. Don't leave out any ceremony.

Let's go. Make sure you do everything the way it's supposed to be done.

let's go do all the rituals

Caesar!

Caesar!

caesar

Ha! Who calls?

Ha! Who calls?

ha

Make every noise stop. Peace again!

Get everyone to shut up. Quiet now.

silence everyone be quiet

Who in this crowd is calling out to me? I hear a voice louder than all the music, shouting my name. Caesar is turning to listen.

Who's yelling at me from the crowd? There's somebody whose voice cuts through all the noise, calling my name. I'm listening.

who's calling? voice louder than the music calling caesar

Watch out for the Ides of March.

Be careful about the Ides of March.

watch out ides of march

Who is this person?

Who is that guy?

who is that

A fortune teller is telling you to watch out for the Ides of March.

Some fortune teller guy just told you to be careful about the Ides of March.

fortune teller warning about the ides

Bring him to where I can see him. I want to see his face.

Get him up here where I can see him. I want to look at his face.

bring him forward let me see him

Come out of the crowd and look at Caesar.

You there—step out from all these people and take a good look at Caesar.

come out look at caesar

What do you have to say to me now? Speak again.

What do you want to tell me? Say it again.

what do u want say it again

Watch out for the Ides of March.

Be careful about the Ides of March.

watch out ides of march

He's a dreamer. Let's leave him and move on.

He's just a crazy dreamer. Let's go.

he's a dreamer let's move on

Do you want to go watch how the race runs?

Want to go check out how the race goes?

wanna watch the race?

Not I.

Not I.

not i

I'm asking you, please do.

Come on, go watch it.

come on go

I'm not in the mood for fun and games. I lack some of that quick, energetic spirit that Antony has. Let me not hold you back from what you want to do, Cassius. I'll go.

I'm not really in the mood for that stuff. I don't have the same kind of energy and fun that Antony's got. Don't let me stop you from going, Cassius. I'm heading out.

i'm not feeling it no energy like antony go ahead without me

Brutus, I've been watching you lately and I notice you no longer show me the gentleness and affection that you used to. You're acting cold and distant toward me, even though I'm your friend who loves you.

Brutus, I've been noticing something with you. You're not being as warm and friendly to me like you used to be. It feels like you're keeping your distance from me, and I care about you.

brutus i notice u changed u're cold u used to be warmer

Cassius, don't misunderstand me. If I've hidden my expression, the problem is only with myself. I've been troubled lately by personal feelings and thoughts that belong to me alone, which may affect how I act toward others. But don't let that upset you or any of my friends. Don't think I'm neglecting you because of anything more than this: poor Brutus is at war with himself and has forgotten to show love to others.

Cassius, don't get the wrong idea. If I've been looking withdrawn, it's just me dealing with my own stuff. I've got some feelings and thoughts that are eating at me, and yeah, maybe they show sometimes. But that doesn't mean anything's wrong between us. I'm not trying to hurt you or my other friends. It's just that I'm struggling with my own stuff right now and I haven't been thinking about how I treat people.

cassius listen if i seem off it's me i'm dealing w/ stuff not about u sorry

Then I've completely misread your feelings, Brutus. Because I've hidden important and valuable thoughts in my heart, thoughts I should have shared with you. Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your own face?

So I've been totally wrong about what's going on with you. I've been keeping some important ideas to myself that I should have talked to you about. Tell me this, Brutus—can you even see what your own face looks like?

i got it wrong then i kept quiet about stuff brutus can u see your own face?

No, Cassius. The eye can't see itself except through reflection, through something else.

No, Cassius. Your eye can't see itself unless it's looking in something that reflects it back.

no cassius eye can't see itself only thru reflection

That's exactly right. And it's very unfortunate, Brutus, that you have no mirrors that would show you your own hidden excellence and character. You might see what you truly are. I've heard that many of the most respected people in Rome, except Caesar of course, speak about you and say they wish noble Brutus could see himself as they see him.

Exactly. And that's a real shame, Brutus, because you don't have anything to show you how great you actually are. If you could see yourself the way other people do. I've heard a lot of important people in Rome—everyone except Caesar, obviously—talking about you and wishing that you could see the goodness in yourself.

right sad u can't see what we all see great people in rome wish u saw urself

What kind of danger are you leading me toward, Cassius, with this idea that I should look inside myself for something I don't have?

What are you trying to get me to do here, Cassius? You're suggesting I have qualities I don't think I have.

where u going w/ this cassius i don't have that

So, good Brutus, get ready to listen, because you can't see yourself as clearly as you can through reflection. I can be your mirror and show you something about yourself that you don't know. And don't be suspicious of me, gentle Brutus. I'm not someone who flatters every person I meet or who cheapens my friendship by promising it carelessly to everyone who comes along. If you know that I go around sweet-talking men and hugging them hard only to gossip about them later, or if you know I'm someone who brags about being friendly to everyone, then you should consider me dangerous.

Look, Brutus, listen to what I'm saying. Since you can see yourself better through reflection than directly, let me be that reflection for you. I'll show you something true about yourself that you haven't noticed. Don't worry about me having bad intentions, Brutus. I'm not some guy who's all friendly to everyone and makes empty promises. I don't go around hugging people and then trash talking them. I don't claim to be everyone's best friend. If that's who I was, then yeah, you should be suspicious of me.

listen let me be ur mirror i'll show u the truth i'm not fake i don't use ppl trust me

What's all this noise? I'm afraid the people want to make Caesar their king.

What's all that shouting about? I'm worried they want to make Caesar king.

what's that noise they want caesar as king?

Are you afraid of that? Then I think you don't want it to happen.

You're scared of that? That means you don't want Caesar to be king.

u scared? then u don't want that

I wouldn't want it, Cassius, even though I care for him. But why are you keeping me here so long? What is it you want to tell me? If it's something that serves the common good, I would rather have honor than life itself. I love honor more than I fear death.

I wouldn't want Caesar to be king, Cassius. I like him, but no. But why are you keeping me standing here? What's on your mind? If it's something that's good for Rome, then I'm ready. Honor means more to me than staying alive.

no don't want it but y do u keep me here what's up if it's good for rome i'll do it honor > life

I know you have that virtue, Brutus, as well as I know your outward appearance. Well, honor is what my story is about. I can't speak for what you and other men think of life, but for myself, I would rather not exist than live in awe of someone like myself. I was born as free as Caesar was, and so were you. We've eaten the same food, we can both endure winter cold as well as he can. Once on a raw, windy day, when the angry Tiber was rushing against its banks, Caesar said to me, 'Cassius, do you dare to jump into this angry river with me and swim to that spot over there?' When he said that, I dove in fully clothed and told him to follow. And he did follow. The current roared, we fought it with strong muscles, pushing it aside and battling it with determined hearts. But before we reached the spot we were aiming for, Caesar yelled, 'Help me, Cassius, I'm sinking!' And I, like Aeneas carrying his father Anchises from the burning city of Troy on his shoulders, lifted the tired Caesar from the Tiber waters. And now this man has become a god, and Cassius is a miserable creature who has to bow if Caesar just nods at him. When Caesar was in Spain, he had a fever, and when it hit him hard, I saw how much he was shaking—yes, this god was shaking. His coward lips lost their color, and that same eye that terrifies the world lost its brightness. I heard him groan. And that tongue, the one that told the Romans to listen and write down his words—it cried out like a sick girl, 'Give me some water, Titinius.' By the gods, it amazes me that a man of such weak constitution should get ahead of the entire world and hold the highest power alone.

I know you're an honorable person, Brutus, and I can see that just by looking at you. Honor is what I want to talk about. I can't tell you what everyone thinks about life, but me? I'd rather not be alive than have to live under someone like myself. Caesar and I were born free the same way. You too. We've both eaten just fine, we're both tough enough to handle winter. One time, this raw, windy day, the Tiber was wild and churning, Caesar says to me, 'Cassius, jump in with me and swim to that side over there.' I jumped right in, soaking wet, and I told him come on. And he jumped in. The river was insane, we're fighting it with everything we've got, pushing through it with all our strength. But right before we got to where we were going, Caesar starts screaming, 'Cassius, help me! I'm going down!' So I grab him, like how Aeneas carried his dad on his back when Troy was burning, and I pull Caesar out of the water. And now? Now he's like a god and I'm just some pathetic guy who has to bend over backwards if Caesar looks at him. When he was in Spain with a fever, I watched him shake—I mean really shake. This 'god' was literally trembling. His face turned white and that eye that scares everyone got dim. He was groaning like crazy. And that voice, the one Romans are supposed to write down and remember? It was whimpering like some sick girl, 'Give me a drink, Titinius.' Come on. How does a guy like that end up ruling the whole world?

i know ur honor born free like caesar once he was scared shaking in fever whimpering for water yet now he rules everyone how?

Is that more cheering? I believe this applause is for some new honors they've given to Caesar.

Is that more shouting? Sounds like they're giving Caesar another honor or something.

more noise probably more honors for caesar

Come on, man, he straddles the world like a giant statue, and we ordinary people walk under his huge legs, looking around for some grave worth nothing to us. Some men are masters of their own fates. The problem, dear Brutus, isn't in our stars but in ourselves—we're the underlings. What's the difference between 'Brutus' and 'Caesar'? Why should that name sound greater than yours? Write them side by side—your name is just as good.

Look, the guy is basically sitting on top of the entire world like some huge statue, and we're tiny people walking underneath him, searching for any grave that won't be shameful. Some men control their own destiny. The real problem, Brutus, isn't fate or luck. It's us. We choose to be less than we are. Think about it—'Brutus' and 'Caesar.' What's really different? Why does 'Caesar' sound bigger? Put them together—your name is just as strong.

caesar dominates everyone like a statue we crawl underneath it's not fate it's us we let it happen 'brutus' = 'caesar' why should one sound better

Weigh them, they're equal in weight; invoke them by magic, the name 'Brutus' summons spirits just as quickly as 'Caesar.' Now I swear by all the gods: what food has Caesar been eating that made him so great? Our age is shameful! Rome has lost its noble people! Since ancient times, has there been an age famous for just one man? When could they say—until now—that Rome was so vast but contained only one man? Now Rome truly is only one man, and that's room enough. You and I have heard our fathers say there once was a Brutus who would have tolerated even the devil ruling Rome as easily as a king.

Put them on a scale—they weigh the same. Chant their names as spells, and 'Brutus' works as well as 'Caesar' does. I swear by every god: what's Caesar been eating to get this big? This age is pathetic! Rome has lost all its truly great people! Since the beginning of time, has any era been known for just one person? When did anyone ever say Rome was so huge but only held one man? Now that's exactly what Rome is—just one guy. That's plenty of space for him. Our fathers told us about a Brutus once who would've let the devil run Rome just as easily as a king.

they're the same weight their names have equal power i swear by the gods what's caesar eating? our age is shameful rome has lost its great people when was any age just one man? rome now is just caesar our fathers said there was a brutus who'd let the devil rule rome

I'm not jealous of your love for me. I have some idea what you're working toward. I've thought about this and the times we live in, and I'll explain later. For now, I don't want to be pushed further, much as I value your friendship. What you've said I will consider. What you have to say, I will listen to with patience, and I'll find the right time to discuss and answer such important matters. Until then, my noble friend, think about this: Brutus would rather be a common villager than call himself a son of Rome under these hard conditions that look like they're coming.

I know you care about me, and I get what you're trying to do. I've been thinking about what you're saying and everything going on. I'll talk to you about it later. Right now, I just need some space. I promise I'll think about what you said. And when you tell me your thoughts, I'll listen. We'll find a good time to really talk about this seriously. But for now, just hear this: I'd rather be nobody than be part of Rome if it means accepting what's about to come.

i know u care i get what u want i've been thinking will talk later just need space i'd rather be nobody than be rome's son if this is what comes

I'm pleased that my weak words have sparked just this much passion in Brutus.

I'm glad my words got some kind of reaction out of you, Brutus.

good i sparked something in u

The games are done, and Caesar is coming back.

The race is over. Caesar's coming back.

race is done caesar's back

As they pass by, grab Casca by the sleeve, and he will tell you in his rough way what noteworthy things happened today.

When they go by, pull Casca aside and ask him what happened. He'll tell you in his blunt way what went down.

grab casca when he passes he'll tell u what happened

I will. But look, Cassius, Caesar's brow is dark with anger, and everyone else behind him looks like servants scolded by their master. Calphurnia's face is pale, and Cicero is looking with such sharp, fierce eyes like we've seen him use when senators have opposed him at the capitol.

I'll do that. But look at Caesar, Cassius—he's got that angry look on his face, and all the people with him look like they've been told off. Calphurnia looks sick, and Cicero's got those intense, angry eyes like when he's arguing with senators.

will do but look caesar angry everyone looks scolded calphurnia pale cicero fierce

Casca will tell us what the problem is.

Casca will explain what happened.

casca will tell us

Antonius.

Antonius.

antonius

Caesar?

Caesar?

caesar

I want to be around men who are fat, smooth-headed men who sleep well at night. That Cassius over there has a lean, hungry look. He thinks too much. Men like that are dangerous.

I like being around guys who are comfortable and relaxed, who sleep easy. That Cassius guy looks thin and hungry for something. He's always thinking. Guys like that are trouble.

i like fat comfortable men cassius looks hungry thinks too much he's dangerous

Don't be afraid of him, Caesar. He's not dangerous. He's a noble Roman and generous.

Don't worry about him, Caesar. He's not dangerous. He's a good guy and generous.

don't fear him he's cool generous even

I wish he were fatter! But I'm not afraid of him. Yet if my name could be afraid, I don't know any man I would avoid so quickly as that skinny Cassius. He reads constantly. He observes everything carefully and sees right through people's actions. He doesn't like plays like you do, Antony. He doesn't listen to music. He rarely smiles, and when he does, it's like he's mocking himself and insulting his own spirit for being able to smile at anything. Men like him are never at peace while they see someone greater than themselves, and that's why they're very dangerous. I'm telling you what should be feared rather than what I fear, because I am always Caesar. Come on my right side—my left ear is deaf—and tell me truly what you think of him.

I wish he'd put on some weight! But no, I'm not scared of him. If I were the type to be scared, Cassius is the guy I'd want to stay away from. The man never stops reading. He notices everything and he figures people out. He hates theater, unlike you. No music for him. He's barely ever smiling, and when he does, it's like he's laughing at himself for smiling. Guys like that can't stand seeing anyone do better than them, and that makes them super dangerous. I'm not telling you I'm afraid—I'm just saying this is what you should worry about. I'm Caesar. I don't do fear. So come here to my right side because I can't hear well on this ear, and be honest about what you think of him.

wish he'd get fat but i don't fear him if i did cassius is it reads all day figures ppl out hates theater no music rarely smiles can't stand being second very dangerous

You pulled me by my cloak. Did you want to talk to me?

You grabbed my cloak. What did you want?

u pulled my cloak what's up

Casca, tell us what happened today that's made Caesar look so sad.

Casca, what went down today? Why is Caesar looking so upset?

casca what happened why's caesar sad

Why, weren't you there with him?

Wait, you were there with him, weren't you?

u were there tho right

If I had been there, I wouldn't be asking you what happened.

If I was there, I wouldn't need to ask you.

if i was there i wouldn't ask

Well, they offered Caesar a crown, and when they offered it to him, he pushed it away with the back of his hand like this, and then the people started shouting.

So they tried to make Caesar king. They offered him a crown and he pushed it away with his hand like this. Then everyone started screaming.

they offered him crown he pushed it away people screamed

What was the second round of shouting for?

Why did they cheer again?

why'd they yell again

For the same reason.

Same reason.

that's why

They shouted three times. What was the final cheer about?

They cheered three times. What was the third one for?

they cheered 3 times what was 3rd for

For the same reason.

Same reason.

yup same

Did they offer him the crown three times?

So they offered him the crown three times?

crown offered 3 times

Yes, indeed, and he turned it down three times, each time more gently than the last, and every time he turned it down, my honest neighbors shouted.

Yeah, and he turned it down three times, getting a bit gentler each time. And every time he said no, people cheered.

yup 3 times each time gentler people cheered each time

Who offered him the crown?

Who gave him the crown to turn down?

who offered it

Why, Antony.

Why, Antony.

why, antony

Tell us how it happened, gentle Casca.

Tell us exactly what happened, Casca.

tell us how

I could be hanged as easily as explain how it went. It was pure foolishness. I didn't really pay attention to it. I saw Mark Antony offer Caesar a crown, but it wasn't really a crown—it was one of these small coronets. And like I said, he pushed it away once. But honestly, I think he would have loved to have it. Then Antony offered it to him again and Caesar pushed it away again. But I think he really didn't want to let his fingers go. Then Antony offered it a third time and Caesar rejected it a third time. Every time he refused it, the mob shouted and clapped their callused hands together and threw up their sweaty caps, and they belched out such stinking breath because Caesar refused the crown that it almost choked Caesar. He fainted and fell down. As for me, I didn't dare laugh because I was afraid I'd open my mouth and breathe in that foul air.

I could get executed as easily as describe what happened. It was ridiculous, honestly. I wasn't really paying attention. I saw Mark Antony hold out a crown to Caesar, but it wasn't even a real crown—just one of those little things they wear. Like I said, Caesar pushed it back the first time. But between you and me, I think he really wanted it. Then Antony showed it to him again and Caesar pushed it away again. But I'm telling you, he didn't want to let go. Then a third time and Caesar says no a third time. And every single time he said no, the crowd goes crazy cheering and clapping with their gross hands and throwing their disgusting sweaty hats in the air, and their breath was so bad it almost made Caesar sick. He actually fainted and fell over. And me? I couldn't laugh because I didn't want to open my mouth and get that nasty air in.

couldn't explain it was so dumb antony offered crown 3 times caesar pushed away each time softer but wanted it tho crowd went crazy caesar fainted i didn't laugh fear of bad breath

Wait, hold on. Did Caesar actually faint?

Hold up. Caesar actually passed out?

wait caesar fainted

He fell down in the market and foam was coming from his mouth, and he couldn't speak.

He collapsed in the square and was foaming at the mouth and couldn't talk.

he fell foaming no speech

That's very likely. He's got epilepsy.

Yeah, that makes sense. He has epilepsy.

makes sense he has epilepsy

No, Caesar doesn't have it, but you, me, and honest Casca—we have epilepsy.

No, Caesar doesn't have epilepsy. But you, me, and Casca here—we do.

no caesar doesn't but we do

I don't know what you mean by that, but I'm certain Caesar fell down. If those common people didn't clap and jeer at him depending on whether he pleased or displeased them, the way they do with actors at the theater, then I'm no honest man.

I don't get what you're saying, but I know for sure Caesar fell over. If that crowd didn't treat him like some actor in a play, cheering and booing depending on what he did, then I'm a liar.

don't get it but caesar fell crowd treats him like theater actor applause then boos

What did he say when he came back to himself?

What did he say when he woke up?

what'd he say when he woke

Well, before he fainted, when he realized the crowd was glad he refused the crown, he ripped open his shirt and offered them his throat to cut. And if I had been a man who did any kind of work, I would have taken him at his word and done it. I wish I'd gone to hell with the criminals. So he fainted. When he came to, he said if he had done or said anything wrong, he hoped they would think it was because he was sick. Three or four women standing near me cried out, 'Poor soul!' and forgave him with all their hearts. But there's no point paying attention to them. If Caesar had stabbed their mothers, they would have forgiven him just the same.

So before he passed out, when he saw that people were happy he said no to the crown, he ripped his shirt open and offered them his throat to cut. And if I had a real job, honestly, I would have done it. I'd have gone to hell with the worst criminals, I'm telling you. Then he passed out. When he woke up, he told them if he said or did anything wrong, please think it was because he was sick. These few women near me started crying, 'Oh poor thing!' and completely forgave him. But forget about those people. Even if Caesar had killed their moms, they'd forgive him.

he ripped shirt offered throat i woulda done it faint wakes up says it was sickness women cry forgive him even if he killed mom

And after that, did he leave looking sad like this?

And then he left looking all depressed like we just saw?

then left sad

Ay.

Ay.

ay

Did Cicero contribute anything to the discussion?

What about Cicero—did he chime in?

cicero speak up

Yes, he spoke Greek.

Yeah, he spoke in Greek.

spoke greek

To what effect?

To what effect?

to what effect

If I tell you what he said, I'll never look you in the face again. But those who understood him smiled at each other and shook their heads. But as for me, it was like listening to Greek—I had no idea. I could tell you more news too: Marullus and Flavius, for removing Caesar's decorations from his statues, have been punished with silence. Goodbye. There was more foolishness, if I could remember it.

If I tell you what he meant, I swear I'll never be able to look at you again. But the people who could understand him just smiled at each other and shook their heads. But for me? It was like he was speaking Greek. I understood nothing. Oh, and I've got other news: Marullus and Flavius got in trouble for taking those scarves off Caesar's statues. They're basically been silenced. See you. There was more stupid stuff that happened if I could remember it.

if i tell u i can't face u others smile said nothing was greek to me marullus and flavius got silenced for removing scarves

Will you have dinner with me tonight, Casca?

You want to grab dinner with me tonight?

dinner tonight

No, I have another commitment.

No, I've got plans.

got plans

Will you have dinner with me tomorrow?

How about dinner tomorrow?

tomorrow then

Yes, if I'm still alive and you haven't changed your mind and your dinner is worth eating.

Yeah, if I'm still around and you still want to, and if the food's actually good.

if i'm alive and u still want and food's good

Good. I'll expect you.

Alright. I'll be looking for you.

cool see u then

Do it. Goodbye to both of you.

Will do. See you both.

bye both

What a dull fellow he's become! He was quick and energetic when he was at school.

Man, he's turned into such a boring guy. He used to be sharp and quick-witted.

he's so dull now used to be quick

He's the same now when it comes to any bold or noble action, regardless of how he acts as if he's slow and lazy. This blunt manner of his is a seasoning that makes his intelligence easier to digest and more appealing.

He's just as sharp now when it comes to doing something bold or important, no matter how he acts. His rough attitude is like a sauce that makes his intelligence easier to swallow and more interesting.

he's still sharp for bold stuff his rudeness seasoning makes him work

And that's true. For now I'll leave you. Tomorrow, if you want to talk with me, I'll come to your place, or if you prefer, come to mine and I'll wait for you.

Yeah, that's right. I'm going to go for now. If you want to talk tomorrow, I'll either come to your place or you can come to mine, whichever works.

true i'm going tomorrow either ur place or mine

I will do that. Until then, think about the world.

I'll do that. Until then, think about everything that's happening.

will do think about rome

Well, Brutus is noble; yet I see his noble character can be shaped from what it naturally inclines toward. It's right that noble minds stay with their equals; after all, who is so firm that they cannot be persuaded? Caesar treats me harshly, but he loves Brutus. If I were Brutus and he were Cassius, he wouldn't treat me this way. Tonight I'll throw forged letters through his windows, made to look like they're from different citizens, all praising the high regard Rome has for his name, with Caesar's ambition subtly suggested. After that, let Caesar feel secure, because we'll destabilize him, or we'll face darker times.

Brutus is a good man, but I can see that his good character can be bent from where it naturally points. It's natural for nobles to stick together—and who's so solid they can't be talked into something? Caesar treats me poorly, but he's fond of Brutus. If our positions were switched, he'd never treat me the way he does Brutus. Tonight I'm going to slip forged letters through his windows, written like they're from different people around Rome, all saying great things about his reputation, and making a veiled point about his ambition. After I do this, Caesar can relax all he wants, because we're about to shake his foundation. Or we'll all face much darker days ahead.

brutus is good but his character can be bent who's so strong they can't be talked into something? caesar treats me badly but loves brutus i'm slipping forged letters through his windows tonight they'll look like they're from rome they'll hint at his ambition we're about to shake him or we'll face darker times