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Act 1, Scene 2 — The same. A public place.
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The argument During a public festival, the Soothsayer warns Caesar; Cassius works on Brutus's conscience; Casca reports that Antony thrice offered Caesar a crown; Cassius resolves to send forged letters to push Brutus toward the conspiracy.
Enter, in procession, with music, Caesar; Antony, for the course;
Calphurnia, Portia, Decius, Cicero, Brutus, Cassius and Casca; a great
crowd following, among them a Soothsayer.
CAESAR Speaking from personal perspective

Calphurnia.

Calphurnia.

Calphurnia.

calphurnia

First appearance
CASCA

Casca performs cynicism as a kind of armor — blunt, deflating, refusing to admit he finds anything impressive. He pretends everything is beneath him. But the mask occasionally slips, like when he nervously notes that Caesar fainted at the crown. Watch for the contrast between what he claims not to care about and what he clearly can't stop watching.

CASCA Cynical, detached, secretly impressed

Peace, ho! Caesar speaks.

Peace, ho! Caesar speaks.

Peace, ho! Caesar speaks.

peace, ho

[_Music ceases._]
CAESAR Speaking from personal perspective

Calphurnia.

Calphurnia.

Calphurnia.

calphurnia

First appearance
CALPHURNIA

Calphurnia's first appearance is as a silent body following Caesar's instruction. Her two words are 'Here, my lord.' But remember this obedience when she's desperately trying to keep Caesar home in 2-2 — she has no illusions about her power in this marriage.

CALPHURNIA Speaking from personal perspective

Here, my lord.

Here, my lord.

Here, my lord.

here, my lord

CAESAR ≋ verse Speaking from personal perspective

Stand you directly in Antonius’ way,

When he doth run his course. Antonius.

Stand you directly in Antonius’ way, When he does run his course. Antonius.

Stand you directly in Antonius’ way, When he does run his course. Antonius.

stand you directly in antonius’ way, when he doth run his course

"Stand you directly in Antonius' way" During the Lupercalia, priests ran and struck women with goatskin thongs. Caesar is directing Calphurnia to be struck — it was believed to cure infertility. This is medical management, not affection.
First appearance
ANTONY

Antony's first line — 'When Caesar says "Do this," it is performed' — tells you everything. His devotion to Caesar is total and unquestioning, and he says so proudly. Watch for how this absolute loyalty becomes a political weapon after Caesar's death.

ANTONY Devoted to Caesar, calculating for power

Caesar, my lord?

Caesar, my lord?

Caesar, my lord?

caesar, my lord

CAESAR ≋ verse Speaking from personal perspective

Forget not in your speed, Antonius,

To touch Calphurnia; for our elders say,

The barren, touched in this holy chase,

Shake off their sterile curse.

Forget not in your speed, Antonius, To touch Calphurnia; for our elders say, The barren, touched in this holy chase, Shake off their sterile curse.

Forget not in your speed, Antonius, To touch Calphurnia; for our elders say, The barren, touched in this holy chase, Shake off their sterile curse.

forget not in your speed, antonius, to touch calphurnia; for our elders say, the barren, touched in this holy chase, shake off their sterile curse

ANTONY ≋ verse Devoted to Caesar, calculating for power

I shall remember.

When Caesar says “Do this,” it is perform’d.

I shall remember. When Caesar says “Do this,” it is perform’d.

I shall remember. When Caesar says “Do this,” it is perform’d.

i shall remember

Why it matters This is Antony's introduction to the play: not as a schemer or orator, but as a man whose entire self is organized around obedience to Caesar. 'When Caesar says Do this, it is performed' is both a pledge of loyalty and a warning about what kind of man Caesar has created.
CAESAR Speaking from personal perspective

Set on; and leave no ceremony out.

Set on; and leave no ceremony out.

Set on; and leave no ceremony out.

set on; and leave no ceremony out

[_Music._]
First appearance
SOOTHSAYER

The Soothsayer says almost nothing and changes everything. 'Beware the Ides of March' is delivered twice, flatly, and Caesar dismisses the speaker as 'a dreamer.' Watch for when this dreamer reappears.

SOOTHSAYER Speaking from personal perspective

Caesar!

Caesar!

Caesar!

caesar

CAESAR Speaking from personal perspective

Ha! Who calls?

Ha! Who calls?

Ha! Who calls?

ha

CASCA Cynical, detached, secretly impressed

Bid every noise be still; peace yet again!

Bid every noise be still; peace yet again!

Bid every noise be still; peace yet again!

bid every noise be still; peace yet again

[_Music ceases._]
CAESAR ≋ verse Speaking from personal perspective

Who is it in the press that calls on me?

I hear a tongue shriller than all the music,

Cry “Caesar”! Speak. Caesar is turn’d to hear.

Who is it in the press that calls on me? I hear a tongue shriller than all the music, CryCaesar”! Speak. Caesar is turn’d to hear.

Who is it in the press that calls on me? I hear a tongue shriller than all the music, CryCaesar”! Speak. Caesar is turn’d to hear.

who is it in the press that calls on me

SOOTHSAYER Speaking from personal perspective

Beware the Ides of March.

Beware the Ides of March.

Beware the Ides of March.

beware the ides of march

"Beware the Ides of March" The Ides (15th) of March was sacred to Mars, god of war. The soothsayer doesn't explain his warning — he just repeats it. The audience already knows what's coming; the scene lets us watch Caesar decide not to listen.
Why it matters The most famous warning in drama. It will be repeated twice, dismissed twice, and proved correct on March 15th. Caesar's response — 'He is a dreamer; let us leave him' — is the play's first great irony.
CAESAR Speaking from personal perspective

What man is that?

What man is that?

What man is that?

what man is that

First appearance
BRUTUS

Brutus speaks in careful, qualified sentences — 'I know no personal cause to spurn at him / But for the general.' He thinks out loud in the structure of formal argument, and his scrupulousness is both his greatest virtue and his greatest weakness. Watch for how he converts every political question into a philosophical one.

BRUTUS Torn between loyalty and duty, intellectual struggle

A soothsayer bids you beware the Ides of March.

A soothsayer bids you beware the Ides of March.

A soothsayer bids you beware the Ides of March.

a soothsayer bids you beware the ides of march

CAESAR Speaking from personal perspective

Set him before me; let me see his face.

Set him before me; let me see his face.

Set him before me; let me see his face.

set him before me; let me see his face

First appearance
CASSIUS

Cassius operates through flattery that disguises itself as honesty — he keeps telling Brutus 'I'm not a flatterer' while doing exactly that. His key rhetorical move is the mirror: 'I'll show you what you are.' Watch for how often he uses Brutus's own nobility as leverage.

CASSIUS Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

Fellow, come from the throng; look upon Caesar.

Fellow, come from the throng; look upon Caesar.

Fellow, come from the throng; look upon Caesar.

fellow, come from the throng; look upon caesar

CAESAR Speaking from personal perspective

What say’st thou to me now? Speak once again.

What say’st you to me now? Speak once again.

What say’st you to me now? Speak once again.

what say’st thou to me now

SOOTHSAYER Speaking from personal perspective

Beware the Ides of March.

Beware the Ides of March.

Beware the Ides of March.

beware the ides of march

CAESAR Speaking from personal perspective

He is a dreamer; let us leave him. Pass.

He is a dreamer; let us leave him. Pass.

He is a dreamer; let us leave him. Pass.

he is a dreamer; let us leave him

🎭 Dramatic irony Caesar calls the Soothsayer 'a dreamer' and dismisses him. The audience knows the warning is accurate. Every subsequent scene will be colored by the memory of this dismissal.
[_Sennet. Exeunt all but Brutus and Cassius._]
CASSIUS Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

Will you go see the order of the course?

Will you go see the order of the course?

Will you go see the order of the course?

will you go see the order of the course

BRUTUS Torn between loyalty and duty, intellectual struggle

Not I.

Not I.

Not I.

not i

CASSIUS Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

I pray you, do.

I pray you, do.

I pray you, do.

i pray you, do

BRUTUS ≋ verse Torn between loyalty and duty, intellectual struggle

I am not gamesome: I do lack some part

Of that quick spirit that is in Antony.

Let me not hinder, Cassius, your desires;

I’ll leave you.

I am not gamesome: I do lack some part Of that quick spirit that is in Antony. Let me not hinder, Cassius, your desires; I’ll leave you.

I'm not gamesome: I do lack some part Of that quick spirit that's in Antony. Let me not hinder, Cassius, your desires; I’ll leave you.

i am not gamesome: i do lack some part of that quick spirit that is in antony

CASSIUS ≋ verse Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

Brutus, I do observe you now of late:

I have not from your eyes that gentleness

And show of love as I was wont to have.

You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand

Over your friend that loves you.

Brutus, I do observe you now of late: I have not from your eyes that gentleness And show of love as I was wont to have. You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand Over your friend that loves you.

Brutus, I do observe you now of late: I haven't from your eyes that gentleness And show of love as I was wont to have. You bear too stubborn and too strange a hand Over your friend that loves you.

brutus, i do observe you now of late: i have not from your eyes that gentleness and show of love as i was wont to have

BRUTUS ≋ verse Torn between loyalty and duty, intellectual struggle

Cassius,

Be not deceived: if I have veil’d my look,

I turn the trouble of my countenance

Merely upon myself. Vexed I am

Of late with passions of some difference,

Conceptions only proper to myself,

Which give some soil perhaps to my behaviors;

But let not therefore my good friends be grieved

(Among which number, Cassius, be you one)

Nor construe any further my neglect,

Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war,

Forgets the shows of love to other men.

Cassius, Be not deceived: if I have veil’d my look, I turn the trouble of my countenance Merely upon myself. Vexed I am Of late with passions of some difference, Conceptions only proper to myself, Which give some soil perhaps to my behaviors; But let not therefore my good friends be grieved (Among which number, Cassius, be you one) Nor construe any further my neglect, Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war, Forgets the shows of love to other men.

Cassius, Be not deceived: if I have veil’d my look, I turn the trouble of my countenance Merely upon myself. Vexed I'm Of late with passions of some difference, Conceptions only proper to myself, Which give some soil perhaps to my behaviors; But let not therefore my good friends be grieved (Among which number, Cassius, be you one) Nor construe any further my neglect, Than that poor Brutus, with himself at war, Forgets the shows of love to other men.

cassius, be not deceived: if i have veil’d my look, i turn the trouble of my countenance merely upon myself

CASSIUS ≋ verse Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion;

By means whereof this breast of mine hath buried

Thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations.

Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?

Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion; By means whereof this breast of mine has buried Thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations. Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?

Then, Brutus, I have much mistook your passion; By means whereof this breast of mine has buried Thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations. Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?

then, brutus, i have much mistook your passion; by means whereof this breast of mine hath buried thoughts of great value, worthy cogitations

BRUTUS ≋ verse Torn between loyalty and duty, intellectual struggle

No, Cassius, for the eye sees not itself

But by reflection, by some other thing.

No, Cassius, for the eye sees not itself But by reflection, by some other thing.

No, Cassius, for the eye sees not itself But by reflection, by some other thing.

no, cassius, for the eye sees not itself but by reflection, by some other thing

CASSIUS ≋ verse Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

’Tis just:

And it is very much lamented, Brutus,

That you have no such mirrors as will turn

Your hidden worthiness into your eye,

That you might see your shadow. I have heard

Where many of the best respect in Rome,

(Except immortal Caesar) speaking of Brutus,

And groaning underneath this age’s yoke,

Have wish’d that noble Brutus had his eyes.

Tis just: And it is very much lamented, Brutus, That you have no such mirrors as will turn Your hidden worthiness into your eye, That you might see your shadow. I have heard Where many of the best respect in Rome, (Except immortal Caesar) speaking of Brutus, And groaning underneath this age’s yoke, Have wish’d that noble Brutus had his eyes.

Tis just: And it is very much lamented, Brutus, That you have no such mirrors as will turn Your hidden worthiness into your eye, That you might see your shadow. I have heard Where many of the best respect in Rome, (Except immortal Caesar) speaking of Brutus, And groaning underneath this age’s yoke, Have wish’d that noble Brutus had his eyes.

tis just: and it is very much lamented, brutus, that you have no such mirrors as will turn your hidden worthiness into your eye, that you might see your shadow

"Except immortal Caesar" Cassius drops 'immortal Caesar' with pointed sarcasm — everyone else of worth agrees on Brutus's greatness, except for the man who's apparently above such earthly concerns. The parenthetical is a dagger.
BRUTUS ≋ verse Torn between loyalty and duty, intellectual struggle

Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius,

That you would have me seek into myself

For that which is not in me?

Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius, That you would have me seek into myself For that which is not in me?

Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius, That you would have me seek into myself For that which isn't in me?

into what dangers would you lead me, cassius, that you would have me seek into myself for that which is not in me

CASSIUS ≋ verse Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

Therefore, good Brutus, be prepared to hear;

And since you know you cannot see yourself

So well as by reflection, I, your glass,

Will modestly discover to yourself

That of yourself which you yet know not of.

And be not jealous on me, gentle Brutus:

Were I a common laugher, or did use

To stale with ordinary oaths my love

To every new protester; if you know

That I do fawn on men, and hug them hard,

And after scandal them; or if you know

That I profess myself in banqueting,

To all the rout, then hold me dangerous.

Therefore, good Brutus, be prepared to hear; And since you know you cannot see yourself So well as by reflection, I, your glass, Will modestly discover to yourself That of yourself which you yet know not of. And be not jealous on me, gentle Brutus: Were I a common laugher, or did use To stale with ordinary oaths my love To every new protester; if you know That I do fawn on men, and hug them hard, And after scandal them; or if you know That I profess myself in banqueting, To all the rout, then hold me dangerous.

Therefore, good Brutus, be prepared to hear; And since you know you can't see yourself So well as by reflection, I, your glass, Will modestly discover to yourself That of yourself which you yet know not of. And be not jealous on me, gentle Brutus: Were I a common laugher, or did use To stale with ordinary oaths my love To every new protester; if you know That I do fawn on men, and hug them hard, And after scandal them; or if you know That I profess myself in banqueting, To all the rout, then hold me dangerous.

therefore, good brutus, be prepared to hear; and since you know you cannot see yourself so well as by reflection, i, your glass, will modestly discover to yourself that of...

"I, your glass" Glass = mirror. Cassius casts himself as a neutral reflective surface — just showing Brutus what's there. But a mirror can also be selective, angled, distorting. Cassius is the mirror of this play: he shows Brutus himself, but what he shows is chosen with purpose.
[_Flourish and shout._]
BRUTUS ≋ verse Torn between loyalty and duty, intellectual struggle

What means this shouting? I do fear the people

Choose Caesar for their king.

What means this shouting? I do fear the people Choose Caesar for their king.

What means this shouting? I do fear the people Choose Caesar for their king.

what means this shouting

CASSIUS ≋ verse Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

Ay, do you fear it?

Then must I think you would not have it so.

Ay, do you fear it? Then must I think you would not have it so.

Ay, do you fear it? Then must I think you wouldn't have it so.

ay, do you fear it

BRUTUS ≋ verse Torn between loyalty and duty, intellectual struggle

I would not, Cassius; yet I love him well,

But wherefore do you hold me here so long?

What is it that you would impart to me?

If it be aught toward the general good,

Set honour in one eye and death i’ the other,

And I will look on both indifferently;

For let the gods so speed me as I love

The name of honour more than I fear death.

I would not, Cassius; yet I love him well, But wherefore do you hold me here so long? What is it that you would impart to me? If it be aught toward the general good, Set honour in one eye and death i’ the other, And I will look on both indifferently; For let the gods so speed me as I love The name of honour more than I fear death.

I wouldn't, Cassius; yet I love him well, But wherefore do you hold me here so long? What is it that you would impart to me? If it be aught toward the general good, Set honour in one eye and death i’ the other, And I will look on both indifferently; For let the gods so speed me as I love The name of honour more than I fear death.

i would not, cassius; yet i love him well, but wherefore do you hold me here so long

Why it matters Brutus has just told Cassius exactly how to recruit him. 'If it be aught toward the general good' — make it about Rome, not about Caesar, and I'm yours. Cassius has his angle.
CASSIUS ≋ verse Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus,

As well as I do know your outward favour.

Well, honour is the subject of my story.

I cannot tell what you and other men

Think of this life; but, for my single self,

I had as lief not be as live to be

In awe of such a thing as I myself.

I was born free as Caesar; so were you;

We both have fed as well, and we can both

Endure the winter’s cold as well as he:

For once, upon a raw and gusty day,

The troubled Tiber chafing with her shores,

Caesar said to me, “Dar’st thou, Cassius, now

Leap in with me into this angry flood,

And swim to yonder point?” Upon the word,

Accoutred as I was, I plunged in,

And bade him follow: so indeed he did.

The torrent roar’d, and we did buffet it

With lusty sinews, throwing it aside

And stemming it with hearts of controversy.

But ere we could arrive the point propos’d,

Caesar cried, “Help me, Cassius, or I sink!”

I, as Aeneas, our great ancestor,

Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder

The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber

Did I the tired Caesar. And this man

Is now become a god; and Cassius is

A wretched creature, and must bend his body,

If Caesar carelessly but nod on him.

He had a fever when he was in Spain,

And when the fit was on him I did mark

How he did shake: ’tis true, this god did shake:

His coward lips did from their colour fly,

And that same eye whose bend doth awe the world

Did lose his lustre. I did hear him groan:

Ay, and that tongue of his, that bade the Romans

Mark him, and write his speeches in their books,

Alas, it cried, “Give me some drink, Titinius,”

As a sick girl. Ye gods, it doth amaze me,

A man of such a feeble temper should

So get the start of the majestic world,

And bear the palm alone.

I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus, As well as I do know your outward favour. Well, honour is the subject of my story. I cannot tell what you and other men Think of this life; but, for my single self, I had as lief not be as live to be In awe of such a thing as I myself. I was born free as Caesar; so were you; We both have fed as well, and we can both Endure the winter’s cold as well as he: For once, upon a raw and gusty day, The troubled Tiber chafing with her shores, Caesar said to me, “Dar’st you, Cassius, now Leap in with me into this angry flood, And swim to over there point?” Upon the word, Accoutred as I was, I plunged in, And bade him follow: so indeed he did. The torrent roar’d, and we did buffet it With lusty sinews, throwing it aside And stemming it with hearts of controversy. But ere we could arrive the point propos’d, Caesar cried, “Help me, Cassius, or I sink!” I, as Aeneas, our great ancestor, Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber Did I the tired Caesar. And this man Is now become a god; and Cassius is A wretched creature, and must bend his body, If Caesar carelessly but nod on him. He had a fever when he was in Spain, And when the fit was on him I did mark How he did shake: ’tis true, this god did shake: His coward lips did from their colour fly, And that same eye whose bend does awe the world Did lose his lustre. I did hear him groan: Ay, and that tongue of his, that bade the Romans Mark him, and write his speeches in their books, Alas, it cried, “Give me some drink, Titinius,” As a sick girl. Ye gods, it does amaze me, A man of such a feeble temper should So get the start of the majestic world, And bear the palm alone.

I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus, As well as I do know your outward favour. Well, honour is the subject of my story. I can't tell what you and other men Think of this life; but, for my single self, I had as lief not be as live to be In awe of such a thing as I myself. I was born free as Caesar; so were you; We both have fed as well, and we can both Endure the winter’s cold as well as he: For once, upon a raw and gusty day, The troubled Tiber chafing with her shores, Caesar said to me, “Dar’st you, Cassius, now Leap in with me into this angry flood, And swim to over there point?” Upon the word, Accoutred as I was, I plunged in, And bade him follow: so indeed he did. The torrent roar’d, and we did buffet it With lusty sinews, throwing it aside And stemming it with hearts of controversy. But ere we could arrive the point propos’d, Caesar cried, “Help me, Cassius, or I sink!” I, as Aeneas, our great ancestor, Did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder The old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber Did I the tired Caesar. And this man Is now become a god; and Cassius is A wretched creature, and must bend his body, If Caesar carelessly but nod on him. He had a fever when he was in Spain, And when the fit was on him I did mark How he did shake: ’tis true, this god did shake: His coward lips did from their colour fly, And that same eye whose bend does awe the world Did lose his lustre. I did hear him groan: Ay, and that tongue of his, that bade the Romans Mark him, and write his speeches in their books, Alas, it cried, “Give me some drink, Titinius,” As a sick girl. Ye gods, it does amaze me, A man of such a feeble temper should So get the start of the majestic world, And bear the palm alone.

i know that virtue to be in you, brutus, as well as i do know your outward favour

"I, as Aeneas, our great ancestor" By comparing himself to Aeneas saving Anchises, Cassius claims to be the founder of Rome's future — the man who literally preserved what became the Roman state. The comparison is grandiose and carefully chosen: Cassius saved Rome's 'god,' just as Aeneas saved Rome's ancestor.
"His coward lips did from their colour fly" Cassius describes Caesar's lips draining of blood during his fever as an act of cowardice — even the color abandons his lips like a soldier fleeing battle. The metaphor is brilliant and cruel: even Caesar's body betrays him.
Why it matters This is the play's most sustained piece of anti-Caesar rhetoric. Cassius strips Caesar of his divinity by using two stories: the swimming contest (Caesar needed saving) and the fever (Caesar's body is frail). His goal is to unmake the myth.
[_Shout. Flourish._]
BRUTUS ≋ verse Torn between loyalty and duty, intellectual struggle

Another general shout?

I do believe that these applauses are

For some new honours that are heap’d on Caesar.

Another general shout? I do believe that these applauses are For some new honours that are heap’d on Caesar.

Another general shout? I do believe that these applauses are For some new honours that are heap’d on Caesar.

another general shout

CASSIUS ≋ verse Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

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.

Men at some time are masters of their fates:

The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars,

But in ourselves, that we are underlings.

“Brutus” and “Caesar”: what should be in that “Caesar”?

Why should that name be sounded more than yours?

Write them together, yours is as fair a name;

Why, man, he does bestride the narrow world Like a Colossus, and we petty men Walk under his huge legs, and peep about To find ourselves dishonourable graves. Men at some time are masters of their fates: The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, But in ourselves, that we are underlings. “Brutus” and “Caesar”: what should be in that “Caesar”? Why should that name be sounded more than yours? Write them together, yours is as fair a name;

Why, man, he does bestride the narrow world Like a Colossus, and we petty men Walk under his huge legs, and peep about To find ourselves dishonourable graves. Men at some time are masters of their fates: The fault, dear Brutus, isn't in our stars, But in ourselves, that we're underlings. “Brutus” and “Caesar”: what should be in that “Caesar”? Why should that name be sounded more than yours? Write them together, yours is as fair a name;

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

"The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars" A direct rejection of astrology and fate — Cassius is an Epicurean materialist who believes in human agency. The line became one of the most quoted in Shakespeare. He's telling Brutus: no cosmic force made Caesar great. We made him great by accepting it.
Why it matters The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars — one of the most quoted lines in Shakespeare, and the philosophical heart of the conspiracy. Cassius is an Epicurean; he doesn't believe in fate. This is his argument for action.
Sound them, it doth become the mouth as well;
Weigh them, it is as heavy; conjure with ’em,
“Brutus” will start a spirit as soon as “Caesar.”
Now in the names of all the gods at once,
Upon what meat doth this our Caesar feed,
That he is grown so great? Age, thou art sham’d!
Rome, thou hast lost the breed of noble bloods!
When went there by an age since the great flood,
But it was fam’d with more than with one man?
When could they say, till now, that talk’d of Rome,
That her wide walls encompass’d but one man?
Now is it Rome indeed, and room enough,
When there is in it but one only man.
O, you and I have heard our fathers say,
There was a Brutus once that would have brook’d
Th’ eternal devil to keep his state in Rome,
As easily as a king!
BRUTUS ≋ verse Torn between loyalty and duty, intellectual struggle

That you do love me, I am nothing jealous;

What you would work me to, I have some aim:

How I have thought of this, and of these times,

I shall recount hereafter. For this present,

I would not, so with love I might entreat you,

Be any further mov’d. What you have said,

I will consider; what you have to say

I will with patience hear; and find a time

Both meet to hear and answer such high things.

Till then, my noble friend, chew upon this:

Brutus had rather be a villager

Than to repute himself a son of Rome

Under these hard conditions as this time

Is like to lay upon us.

That you do love me, I am nothing jealous; What you would work me to, I have some aim: How I have thought of this, and of these times, I shall recount hereafter. For this present, I would not, so with love I might entreat you, Be any further mov’d. What you have said, I will consider; what you have to say I will with patience hear; and find a time Both meet to hear and answer such high things. Till then, my noble friend, chew upon this: Brutus had rather be a villager Than to repute himself a son of Rome Under these hard conditions as this time Is like to lay upon us.

That you do love me, I'm nothing jealous; What you would work me to, I have some aim: How I have thought of this, and of these times, I shall recount hereafter. For this present, I wouldn't, so with love I might entreat you, Be any further mov’d. What you have said, I will consider; what you have to say I will with patience hear; and find a time Both meet to hear and answer such high things. Till then, my noble friend, chew upon this: Brutus had rather be a villager Than to repute himself a son of Rome Under these hard conditions as this time Is like to lay upon us.

that you do love me, i am nothing jealous; what you would work me to, i have some aim: how i have thought of this, and of these times, i...

CASSIUS ≋ verse Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

I am glad that my weak words

Have struck but thus much show of fire from Brutus.

I am glad that my weak words Have struck but thus much show of fire from Brutus.

I'm glad that my weak words Have struck but thus much show of fire from Brutus.

i am glad that my weak words have struck but thus much show of fire from brutus

Enter Caesar and his Train.
BRUTUS Torn between loyalty and duty, intellectual struggle

The games are done, and Caesar is returning.

The games are done, and Caesar is returning.

The games are done, and Caesar is returning.

the games are done, and caesar is returning

CASSIUS ≋ verse Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

As they pass by, pluck Casca by the sleeve,

And he will, after his sour fashion, tell you

What hath proceeded worthy note today.

As they pass by, pluck Casca by the sleeve, And he will, after his sour fashion, tell you What has proceeded worthy note today.

As they pass by, pluck Casca by the sleeve, And he will, after his sour fashion, tell you What has proceeded worthy note today.

as they pass by, pluck casca by the sleeve, and he will, after his sour fashion, tell you what hath proceeded worthy note today

BRUTUS ≋ verse Torn between loyalty and duty, intellectual struggle

I will do so. But, look you, Cassius,

The angry spot doth glow on Caesar’s brow,

And all the rest look like a chidden train:

Calphurnia’s cheek is pale; and Cicero

Looks with such ferret and such fiery eyes

As we have seen him in the Capitol,

Being cross’d in conference by some senators.

I will do so. But, look you, Cassius, The angry spot does glow on Caesar’s brow, And all the rest look like a chidden train: Calphurnia’s cheek is pale; and Cicero Looks with such ferret and such fiery eyes As we have seen him in the Capitol, Being cross’d in conference by some senators.

I will do so. But, look you, Cassius, The angry spot does glow on Caesar’s brow, And all the rest look like a chidden train: Calphurnia’s cheek is pale; and Cicero Looks with such ferret and such fiery eyes As we have seen him in the Capitol, Being cross’d in conference by some senators.

i will do so

CASSIUS Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

Casca will tell us what the matter is.

Casca will tell us what the matter is.

Casca will tell us what the matter is.

casca will tell us what the matter is

CAESAR Speaking from personal perspective

Antonius.

Antonius.

Antonius.

antonius

ANTONY Devoted to Caesar, calculating for power

Caesar?

Caesar?

Caesar?

caesar

CAESAR ≋ verse Speaking from personal perspective

Let me have men about me that are fat,

Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep a-nights:

Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look;

He thinks too much: such men are dangerous.

Let me have men about me that are fat, Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep a-nights: Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look; He thinks too much: such men are dangerous.

Let me have men about me that are fat, Sleek-headed men, and such as sleep a-nights: Yond Cassius has a lean and hungry look; He thinks too much: such men are dangerous.

let me have men about me that are fat, sleek-headed men, and such as sleep a-nights: yond cassius has a lean and hungry look; he thinks too much: such men...

Why it matters Caesar's read of Cassius is absolutely correct — and Caesar ignores it anyway. This moment establishes that Caesar is not naive. He sees the danger and walks into it. That's a different kind of tragedy.
ANTONY ≋ verse Devoted to Caesar, calculating for power

Fear him not, Caesar; he’s not dangerous;

He is a noble Roman and well given.

Fear him not, Caesar; he’s not dangerous; He is a noble Roman and well given.

Fear him not, Caesar; he’s not dangerous; He is a noble Roman and well given.

fear him not, caesar; he’s not dangerous; he is a noble roman and well given

CAESAR ≋ verse Speaking from personal perspective

Would he were fatter! But I fear him not:

Yet if my name were liable to fear,

I do not know the man I should avoid

So soon as that spare Cassius. He reads much,

He is a great observer, and he looks

Quite through the deeds of men. He loves no plays,

As thou dost, Antony; he hears no music.

Seldom he smiles; and smiles in such a sort

As if he mock’d himself and scorn’d his spirit

That could be mov’d to smile at anything.

Such men as he be never at heart’s ease

Whiles they behold a greater than themselves,

And therefore are they very dangerous.

I rather tell thee what is to be fear’d

Than what I fear; for always I am Caesar.

Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf,

And tell me truly what thou think’st of him.

Would he were fatter! But I fear him not: Yet if my name were liable to fear, I do not know the man I should avoid So soon as that spare Cassius. He reads much, He is a great observer, and he looks Quite through the deeds of men. He loves no plays, As you do, Antony; he hears no music. Seldom he smiles; and smiles in such a sort As if he mock’d himself and scorn’d his spirit That could be mov’d to smile at anything. Such men as he be never at heart’s ease Whiles they behold a greater than themselves, And therefore are they very dangerous. I rather tell you what is to be fear’d Than what I fear; for always I am Caesar. Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf, And tell me truly what you think’st of him.

Would he were fatter! But I fear him not: Yet if my name were liable to fear, I don't know the man I should avoid So soon as that spare Cassius. He reads much, He is a great observer, and he looks Quite through the deeds of men. He loves no plays, As you do, Antony; he hears no music. Seldom he smiles; and smiles in such a sort As if he mock’d himself and scorn’d his spirit That could be mov’d to smile at anything. Such men as he be never at heart’s ease Whiles they behold a greater than themselves, And therefore are they very dangerous. I rather tell you what's to be fear’d Than what I fear; for always I'm Caesar. Come on my right hand, for this ear is deaf, And tell me truly what you think’st of him.

would he were fatter

"I rather tell thee what is to be fear'd / Than what I fear; for always I am Caesar" This is Caesar's most revealing line. He separates 'what is to be feared' from 'what I fear' — claiming the former exists while the latter doesn't apply to him. It's a rhetorical trick: I can see the danger perfectly; I am simply above it. The admission that his ear is deaf undercuts everything.
🎭 Dramatic irony Caesar's famous 'always I am Caesar' is delivered while he simultaneously admits his left ear is deaf — a small physical vulnerability quietly undermining the grand claim.
[_Exeunt Caesar and his Train. Casca stays._]
CASCA Cynical, detached, secretly impressed

You pull’d me by the cloak; would you speak with me?

You pull’d me by the cloak; would you speak with me?

You pull’d me by the cloak; would you speak with me?

you pull’d me by the cloak; would you speak with me

BRUTUS ≋ verse Torn between loyalty and duty, intellectual struggle

Ay, Casca, tell us what hath chanc’d today,

That Caesar looks so sad.

Ay, Casca, tell us what has chanc’d today, That Caesar looks so sad.

Ay, Casca, tell us what has chanc’d today, That Caesar looks so sad.

ay, casca, tell us what hath chanc’d today, that caesar looks so sad

CASCA Cynical, detached, secretly impressed

Why, you were with him, were you not?

Why, you were with him, were you not?

Why, you were with him, were you not?

why, you were with him, were you not

BRUTUS Torn between loyalty and duty, intellectual struggle

I should not then ask Casca what had chanc’d.

I should not then ask Casca what had chanc’d.

I shouldn't then ask Casca what had chanc’d.

i should not then ask casca what had chanc’d

CASCA Cynical, detached, secretly impressed

Why, there was a crown offer’d him; and being offer’d him, he put it by

with the back of his hand, thus; and then the people fell a-shouting.

Why, there was a crown offer’d him; and being offer’d him, he put it by with the back of his hand, thus; and then the people fell a-shouting.

Why, there was a crown offer’d him; and being offer’d him, he put it by with the back of his hand, thus; and then the people fell a-shouting.

why, there was a crown offer’d him; and being offer’d him, he put it by with the back of his hand, thus; and then the people fell a-shouting

BRUTUS Torn between loyalty and duty, intellectual struggle

What was the second noise for?

What was the second noise for?

What was the second noise for?

what was the second noise for

CASCA Cynical, detached, secretly impressed

Why, for that too.

Why, for that too.

Why, for that too.

why, for that too

CASSIUS Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

They shouted thrice: what was the last cry for?

They shouted thrice: what was the last cry for?

They shouted thrice: what was the last cry for?

they shouted thrice: what was the last cry for

CASCA Cynical, detached, secretly impressed

Why, for that too.

Why, for that too.

Why, for that too.

why, for that too

BRUTUS Torn between loyalty and duty, intellectual struggle

Was the crown offer’d him thrice?

Was the crown offer’d him thrice?

Was the crown offer’d him thrice?

was the crown offer’d him thrice

CASCA Cynical, detached, secretly impressed

Ay, marry, was’t, and he put it by thrice, every time gentler than

other; and at every putting-by mine honest neighbours shouted.

Ay, marry, was’t, and he put it by thrice, every time gentler than other; and at every putting-by mine honest neighbours shouted.

Ay, marry, was’t, and he put it by thrice, every time gentler than other; and at every putting-by mine honest neighbours shouted.

ay, marry, was’t, and he put it by thrice, every time gentler than other; and at every putting-by mine honest neighbours shouted

CASSIUS Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

Who offer’d him the crown?

Who offer’d him the crown?

Who offer’d him the crown?

who offer’d him the crown

CASCA Cynical, detached, secretly impressed

Why, Antony.

Why, Antony.

Why, Antony.

why, antony

BRUTUS Torn between loyalty and duty, intellectual struggle

Tell us the manner of it, gentle Casca.

Tell us the manner of it, gentle Casca.

Tell us the manner of it, gentle Casca.

tell us the manner of it, gentle casca

CASCA Cynical, detached, secretly impressed

I can as well be hang’d, as tell the manner of it: it was mere foolery;

I did not mark it. I saw Mark Antony offer him a crown; yet ’twas not a

crown neither, ’twas one of these coronets; and, as I told you, he put

it by once: but, for all that, to my thinking, he would fain have had

it. Then he offered it to him again: then he put it by again: but, to

my thinking, he was very loath to lay his fingers off it. And then he

offered it the third time; he put it the third time by; and still, as

he refus’d it, the rabblement hooted, and clapp’d their chopt hands,

and threw up their sweaty night-caps, and uttered such a deal of

stinking breath because Caesar refus’d the crown, that it had, almost,

choked Caesar, for he swooned, and fell down at it. And for mine own

part, I durst not laugh, for fear of opening my lips and receiving the

bad air.

I can as well be hang’d, as tell the manner of it: it was mere foolery; I did not mark it. I saw Mark Antony offer him a crown; yet ’twas not a crown neither, ’twas one of these coronets; and, as I told you, he put it by once: but, for all that, to my thinking, he would fain have had it. Then he offered it to him again: then he put it by again: but, to my thinking, he was very loath to lay his fingers off it. And then he offered it the third time; he put it the third time by; and still, as he refus’d it, the rabblement hooted, and clapp’d their chopt hands, and threw up their sweaty night-caps, and uttered such a deal of stinking breath because Caesar refus’d the crown, that it had, almost, choked Caesar, for he swooned, and fell down at it. And for mine own part, I durst not laugh, for fear of opening my lips and receiving the bad air.

I can as well be hang’d, as tell the manner of it: it was mere foolery; I did not mark it. I saw Mark Antony offer him a crown; yet ’twas not a crown neither, ’twas one of these coronets; and, as I told you, he put it by once: but, for all that, to my thinking, he would fain have had it. Then he offered it to him again: then he put it by again: but, to my thinking, he was very loath to lay his fingers off it. And then he offered it the third time; he put it the third time by; and still, as he refus’d it, the rabblement hooted, and clapp’d their chopt hands, and threw up their sweaty night-caps, and uttered such a deal of stinking breath because Caesar refus’d the crown, that it had, almost, choked Caesar, for he swooned, and fell down at it. And for mine own part, I durst not laugh, for fear of opening my lips and receiving the bad air.

i can as well be hang’d, as tell the manner of it: it was mere foolery; i did not mark it

"he would fain have had it" 'Fain' = gladly, willingly. Casca's key eyewitness testimony: Caesar's refusals were theater. He wanted the crown and knew the crowd would love him more for refusing it. This is the core of the conspiracy's argument.
CASSIUS Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

But, soft! I pray you. What, did Caesar swoon?

But, soft! I pray you. What, did Caesar swoon?

But, soft! I pray you. What, did Caesar swoon?

but, soft

CASCA Cynical, detached, secretly impressed

He fell down in the market-place, and foam’d at mouth, and was

speechless.

He fell down in the market-place, and foam’d at mouth, and was speechless.

He fell down in the market-place, and foam’d at mouth, and was speechless.

he fell down in the market-place, and foam’d at mouth, and was speechless

BRUTUS Torn between loyalty and duty, intellectual struggle

’Tis very like: he hath the falling-sickness.

Tis very like: he has the falling-sickness.

Tis very like: he has the falling-sickness.

tis very like: he hath the falling-sickness

CASSIUS ≋ verse Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

No, Caesar hath it not; but you, and I,

And honest Casca, we have the falling-sickness.

No, Caesar has it not; but you, and I, And honest Casca, we have the falling-sickness.

No, Caesar has it not; but you, and I, And honest Casca, we have the falling-sickness.

no, caesar hath it not; but you, and i, and honest casca, we have the falling-sickness

"we have the falling-sickness" Cassius's pun: the 'falling sickness' isn't Caesar's epilepsy — it's the Romans' own condition. They have fallen from their position as free men; they've fallen into submission. They are the ones who are 'fallen.'
CASCA Cynical, detached, secretly impressed

I know not what you mean by that; but I am sure Caesar fell down. If

the tag-rag people did not clap him and hiss him, according as he

pleased and displeased them, as they use to do the players in the

theatre, I am no true man.

I know not what you mean by that; but I am sure Caesar fell down. If the tag-rag people did not clap him and hiss him, according as he pleased and displeased them, as they use to do the players in the theatre, I am no true man.

I know not what you mean by that; but I'm sure Caesar fell down. If the tag-rag people did not clap him and hiss him, according as he pleased and displeased them, as they use to do the players in the theatre, I'm no true man.

i know not what you mean by that; but i am sure caesar fell down

BRUTUS Torn between loyalty and duty, intellectual struggle

What said he when he came unto himself?

What said he when he came unto himself?

What said he when he came unto himself?

what said he when he came unto himself

CASCA Cynical, detached, secretly impressed

Marry, before he fell down, when he perceived the common herd was glad

he refused the crown, he pluck’d me ope his doublet, and offer’d them

his throat to cut. And I had been a man of any occupation, if I would

not have taken him at a word, I would I might go to hell among the

rogues. And so he fell. When he came to himself again, he said, if he

had done or said anything amiss, he desir’d their worships to think it

was his infirmity. Three or four wenches where I stood cried, “Alas,

good soul!” and forgave him with all their hearts. But there’s no heed

to be taken of them: if Caesar had stabb’d their mothers, they would

have done no less.

Marry, before he fell down, when he perceived the common herd was glad he refused the crown, he pluck’d me ope his doublet, and offer’d them his throat to cut. And I had been a man of any occupation, if I would not have taken him at a word, I would I might go to hell among the rogues. And so he fell. When he came to himself again, he said, if he had done or said anything amiss, he desir’d their worships to think it was his infirmity. Three or four wenches where I stood cried, “Alas, good soul!” and forgave him with all their hearts. But there’s no heed to be taken of them: if Caesar had stabb’d their mothers, they would have done no less.

Marry, before he fell down, when he perceived the common herd was glad he refused the crown, he pluck’d me ope his doublet, and offer’d them his throat to cut. And I had been a man of any occupation, if I wouldn't have taken him at a word, I would I might go to hell among the rogues. And so he fell. When he came to himself again, he said, if he had done or said anything amiss, he desir’d their worships to think it was his infirmity. Three or four wenches where I stood cried, “Alas, good soul!” and forgave him with all their hearts. But there’s no heed to be taken of them: if Caesar had stabb’d their mothers, they would have done no less.

marry, before he fell down, when he perceived the common herd was glad he refused the crown, he pluck’d me ope his doublet, and offer’d them his throat to cut

"he pluck'd me ope his doublet, and offer'd them his throat to cut" This is political theater at its most sophisticated. Caesar, having just refused a crown three times, then offers his throat to the crowd — saying 'if I'm wrong, kill me.' The crowd loves this. Casca sees through it but can't stop watching.
BRUTUS Torn between loyalty and duty, intellectual struggle

And, after that, he came thus sad away?

And, after that, he came thus sad away?

And, after that, he came thus sad away?

and, after that, he came thus sad away

CASCA Cynical, detached, secretly impressed

Ay.

Ay.

Ay.

ay

CASSIUS Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

Did Cicero say anything?

Did Cicero say anything?

Did Cicero say anything?

did cicero say anything

CASCA Cynical, detached, secretly impressed

Ay, he spoke Greek.

Ay, he spoke Greek.

Ay, he spoke Greek.

ay, he spoke greek

CASSIUS Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

To what effect?

To what effect?

To what effect?

to what effect

CASCA Cynical, detached, secretly impressed

Nay, and I tell you that, I’ll ne’er look you i’ the face again. But

those that understood him smil’d at one another and shook their heads;

but for mine own part, it was Greek to me. I could tell you more news

too: Marullus and Flavius, for pulling scarfs off Caesar’s images, are

put to silence. Fare you well. There was more foolery yet, if I could

remember it.

no, and I tell you that, I’ll ne’er look you i’ the face again. But those that understood him smil’d at one another and shook their heads; but for mine own part, it was Greek to me. I could tell you more news too: Marullus and Flavius, for pulling scarfs off Caesar’s images, are put to silence. Fare you well. There was more foolery yet, if I could remember it.

no, and I tell you that, I’ll ne’er look you i’ the face again. But those that understood him smil’d at one another and shook their heads; but for mine own part, it was Greek to me. I could tell you more news too: Marullus and Flavius, for pulling scarfs off Caesar’s images, are put to silence. Fare you well. There was more foolery yet, if I could remember it.

nay, and i tell you that, i’ll ne’er look you i’ the face again

"it was Greek to me" This is the origin of the expression 'it's all Greek to me' — Shakespeare coined it here. Casca uses it to deflect Cassius's question about Cicero, while also landing the news that the tribunes from 1-1 have already been punished.
CASSIUS Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

Will you sup with me tonight, Casca?

Will you sup with me tonight, Casca?

Will you sup with me tonight, Casca?

will you sup with me tonight, casca

CASCA Cynical, detached, secretly impressed

No, I am promis’d forth.

No, I am promis’d forth.

No, I'm promis’d forth.

no, i am promis’d forth

CASSIUS Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

Will you dine with me tomorrow?

Will you dine with me tomorrow?

Will you dine with me tomorrow?

will you dine with me tomorrow

CASCA Cynical, detached, secretly impressed

Ay, if I be alive, and your mind hold, and your dinner worth the

eating.

Ay, if I be alive, and your mind hold, and your dinner worth the eating.

Ay, if I be alive, and your mind hold, and your dinner worth the eating.

ay, if i be alive, and your mind hold, and your dinner worth the eating

CASSIUS Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

Good. I will expect you.

Good. I will expect you.

Good. I will expect you.

good

CASCA Cynical, detached, secretly impressed

Do so; farewell both.

Do so; farewell both.

Do so; farewell both.

do so; farewell both

[_Exit Casca._]
BRUTUS ≋ verse Torn between loyalty and duty, intellectual struggle

What a blunt fellow is this grown to be!

He was quick mettle when he went to school.

What a blunt fellow is this grown to be! He was quick mettle when he went to school.

What a blunt fellow is this grown to be! He was quick mettle when he went to school.

what a blunt fellow is this grown to be

CASSIUS ≋ verse Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

So is he now in execution

Of any bold or noble enterprise,

However he puts on this tardy form.

This rudeness is a sauce to his good wit,

Which gives men stomach to digest his words

With better appetite.

So is he now in execution Of any bold or noble enterprise, However he puts on this tardy form. This rudeness is a sauce to his good wit, Which gives men stomach to digest his words With better appetite.

So is he now in execution Of any bold or noble enterprise, However he puts on this tardy form. This rudeness is a sauce to his good wit, Which gives men stomach to digest his words With better appetite.

so is he now in execution of any bold or noble enterprise, however he puts on this tardy form

BRUTUS ≋ verse Torn between loyalty and duty, intellectual struggle

And so it is. For this time I will leave you:

Tomorrow, if you please to speak with me,

I will come home to you; or, if you will,

Come home to me, and I will wait for you.

And so it is. For this time I will leave you: Tomorrow, if you please to speak with me, I will come home to you; or, if you will, Come home to me, and I will wait for you.

And so it is. For this time I will leave you: Tomorrow, if you please to speak with me, I will come home to you; or, if you will, Come home to me, and I will wait for you.

and so it is

CASSIUS Manipulative, ambitious, resentful of Caesar

I will do so: till then, think of the world.

I will do so: till then, think of the world.

I will do so: till then, think of the world.

i will do so: till then, think of the world

[_Exit Brutus._]
Well, Brutus, thou art noble; yet I see,
Thy honourable metal may be wrought
From that it is dispos’d: therefore ’tis meet
That noble minds keep ever with their likes;
For who so firm that cannot be seduc’d?
Caesar doth bear me hard, but he loves Brutus.
If I were Brutus now, and he were Cassius,
He should not humour me. I will this night,
In several hands, in at his windows throw,
As if they came from several citizens,
Writings, all tending to the great opinion
That Rome holds of his name; wherein obscurely
Caesar’s ambition shall be glanced at.
And after this, let Caesar seat him sure,
For we will shake him, or worse days endure.
[_Exit._]

The Reckoning

This is the scene where the conspiracy is born — not in a secret meeting, but in an intimate conversation in public, while Caesar's triumph procession passes nearby. Cassius is brilliant and relentless, and by the end Brutus is not yet committed but visibly shaken. We leave wondering how much Brutus already knew, and how much of himself he's about to lose.

If this happened today…

Imagine two colleagues at a company all-hands meeting, slipping out while the CEO gives a big speech. One starts: 'Have you noticed how different he's been lately? I've been thinking about this for a while. Remember when we were both junior employees and he asked us to jump into a river on a dare? I had to pull him out. Now he practically runs the place. Does that seem right to you?' Meanwhile, a friend reports back that the CEO just did a whole performance where he pretended not to want a lifetime appointment — three times — while loving every second of it. The first colleague texts the second: 'I'm going to send anonymous messages to the thoughtful one. We need him on board.'

Continue to 1.3 →