form with steps down can be used up stage to go right across. This is effective in plays and can often remain all through. It helps the entrance and exits of dignitaries, generals, fairies, etc. On the floor should be used a cloth of indefinite brown or gray shade, sometimes green, in which case it should be a good dark colour. The painting of scenes is an art: in my opinion, indefinite backgrounds of neutral colour, are best for these plays.

A long flourish of trumpets should follow the exit; distant murmur of crowds, all coming in one direction from the L. The crowd comes first, some of them replacing the wreaths; then soldiers, then the senators; as many as possible, but eight to ten at least, half precede and half follow Cæsar. A great shouting. The Soothsayer is hidden among the crowd R. The Soothsayer's hands go up in the crowd, he is hardly seen, and a feeble voice trying to be heard.

2Be sure and emphasize "ides" (not March, only, as is usually done).

Cæs. Stand you directly in Antonius' way, When he doth run his course. Antonius!

Ant. Cæsar, my lord?

Cœs. Forget not, in your speed, Antonius,
To touch Calpurnia; for our elders say,
The barren, touchèd in his holy chase,
Shake off their sterile curse.

Ant.

I shall remember:

When Cæsar says "do this," it is perform'd Cœs. Set on; and leave no ceremony out. [Flourish; they are going R1

Sooth. (R). Cæsar!

Cœs. Ha! who calls?

Casca. (L). Bid every noise be still: peace yet again!

Cœs. Who is it in the press that calls on me?

I hear a tongue, shriller than all the music,
Cry "Cæsar!" Speak; Cæsar is turn'd to hear.
Sooth. Beware the ides2 of March.

Cœs. (C).

What man is that?

1The Soothsayer is almost pulled out of the crowd. 2They all cross and exeunt R1; a great crowd shouting, trumpets braying, all sweep after Cœsar and Antony; who go off through the single file made by the crowd; soldiers going first, then follow Calpurnia, Portia, and other women, and other senators following, those from L crossing over. Brutus and Cassius cross, and when Casca, who

Calpurnia

Bru. (R). A soothsayer bids you beware the ides of March.

Cas. (C). Set him before me; let me see his

face.

Cas. (R). Fellow, come from the throng; look upon Cæsar.1

Cas. (C). What say'st thou to me now? speak once again.

Sooth. (R). Beware the ides of March. Cus. He is a dreamer; let us leave him: pass. (Shouts of "Long live Cæsar!") [Sennet. Exeunt except Brutus and Cassius.2 Cas. (R). Will you go see the order of the course?

Bru. (L). Not I.

Cas. (R). I pray you, do.

Bru. (L C). 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 (going L).

Cas. (R C).

of late:

Brutus, I do observe you now (Brutus stops L)

I have not from your eyes that gentleness

And show of love as I was wont to have:

goes last, crosses, he is stopped by Cassius, who speaks to him. Brutus, going over to L, does not notice this; Casca goes off R; Brutus sits on a stool which is up L by the LC pillar.

1Cassius begins his playing on Brutus very warily; at this point he goes across stage to him. 2Brutus looks up very candidly.