1Popilius comes from L and walks up near Brutus and Cassius.

2All these speeches are spoken with haste and intensity in an undertone. Cœsar is fully occupied talking with Decius, Lepidus, Popilius, and Publius. Antony keeps R, so that Trebonius can easily persuade him to go off R in consultation, about some official matter.

Art. (R). Delay not, Cæsar; read it instantly.
Cœs. (C). What, is the fellow mad?

Pub. (Up R).

Sirrah, give place.

Pop. (L). I wish your enterprise to-day may thrive.

Cas. (L). What enterprise, Popilius?

Pop. (L). Fare you well. [Advances to Cæsar
Bru. What said Popilius Lena?

Cas. (L). He wish'd to-day our enterprise
might thrive.

I fear our purpose is discovered.

Bru. (L). Look, how he makes to Cæsar: mark him.1

Cas. (L). Casca, be sudden, for we fear prevention.

Brutus, what shall be done? If this be known,

Cassius or Cæsar never shall turn back,

For I will slay myself.

Bru. (L).

Cassius, be constant:

Popilius Lena speaks not of our purposes;

For, look, he smiles, and Cæsar doth not change. Cas. Trebonius knows his time; for, look

you, Brutus,

He draws Mark Antony out of the way.

[Exeunt Antony and Trebonius Ri

When Casar speaks there is an instant hush; all are silent.

2 Metellus rises from his seat R and goes forward, kneeling.

3Cæsar protests.

Dec. Where is Metellus Cimber? Let him

go,

And presently prefer his suit to Cæsar.

Bru. He is address'd: press near and second him.

Cin. Casca, you are the first that rears your

hand.

Casca. Are we all ready?

Cæs.1

What is now amiss

That Cæsar and his senate must redress?

Met.2 (R.) Most high, most mighty, and most puissant Cæsar,

Metellus Cimber throws before thy seat

An humble heart

Cæs.3

[Kneeling

I must prevent thee, Cimber. These couchings and these lowly courtesies Might firè the bloòd of ordinarỳ men, And turn pre-ordinance and first decree Into the law of children. Be not fond, To think that Cæsar beàrs such rèbel bloòd That will be thaw'd from the true quality With that which melteth fools; I mean, sweet

words,

Low-crooked court'sies and base spaniel-fawn

ing.

1Cæsar suspects this is a put-up job.

2There is an uncomfortable feeling amongst the senators generally.

Metellus does not rise, but makes a wide sweeping appeal all round, — to the senators. 4Brutus kneels.

And they all gradually kneel.

"There should be a full stage and all seats occupied by senators. The scene represented is only a part of the senate nearest to Cæsar; where we are sitting in the audience there are senators and crowds of people. That must always be carefully noted in all representations, especially where there is supposed to be a full stage. A few remain seated.

"Cæsar carefully looks around at them all; his quick eye would take in the whole situation.