'Popilius comes from L and walks up near Brutus and Cassius. 2All these speeches are spoken with haste and intensity in an undertone. Cæsar 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. Cas. (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 Casar 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.2 (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; you, Brutus, He draws Mark Antony out of the way. [Exeunt Antony and Trebonius Ri 1When 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 fire the bloòd of ordinarỳ mèn, And turn pre-ordinance and first decree Into the law of children. Be not fond, To think that Cæsar beàrs such rèbel blood 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. 1The two lines of Cassius, and those of Brutus, are spoken rapidly; all the scene at this point is at fever heat. 2It is important here that one of the younger senators, Metellus for instance, has the redded sponge in a concealed pocket; he kneels in the centre and all the senators rub their hands with it. It has to be done in an instant, and be careful the paint does not get on to the togas. It should be some process that dries instantly. If there are many senators a second sponge can be concealed behind or near the steps of Cæsar's dais. Be sure the sponge is put away; very little red is necessary. They are not killing a bullock. A pause of about fifteen to twenty seconds — whilst all use the paint, with backs to audience. Then they resume their places as before; all the speeches very rapid. Don't be machines; each man in this crowd has an individuality. |