University of Virginia Library

ACT. V.

Enter Anthony, Octavius, and Soldiers.
[A March begin.
Act.
Now Anthony, our hopes are answer'd;
You said the enemy wou'd not come down,
But keep the hills, and upper regions,
It proves not so—their battles are at hand,
They mean to warn us at Philippi here,
Answering before we do demand of them.

Anth.
Tut, I am in their bosoms, and I know
Wherefore they do it; they cou'd be content
To visit other places, and come down
With fearful bravery—thinking by this face
To fasten in our thoughts, that they have Courage.
But 'tis not so—

Enter Messenger.
Mess.
Prepare you Generals,
The Enemy comes on in Gallant shew,
Their bloody sign of battle is hung out,
And something to be done, immediately.

Anth.
Octavius, lead your battle softly on,
Upon the left hand of the ev'n field.

Oct.
Upon the right hand I, keep thou the left

Anth.
Why do you cross me in this Exigent?

Oct.
I do not cross you—but I will do so

[March here.
Enter Brutus, Cassius, and Soldiers Caska.
Brut.
They stand, and wou'd have parley.

Cass.
Stand fast, good Caska we must out and talk.

Brut.
Words before blows—Is it so Countrymen?

Oct.
Not that we love words better, as you do.

Brut.
Good words are better than bad strokes, Octavius.

Anth.
In your bad strokes, Brutus, you give Good Words,
Witness the hole you made in Cæsars heart,
Crying, long live, hail Cæsar.

Cass.
Anthony,
The posture of your blows are yet unknown,
But for your words, they rob the Hybla bees,
And leave them honeyless.

Anth.
Not Stingless too.

Brut.
O yes, and soundless too.
For you have stolen their buzzing Anthony,
And very wisely threat before they Sting.

Anth.
Villains you did not so, when your vile Daggers
Hack't one another in the sides of Cæsar,
You shew'd your Teeth like Apes,
And fawn'd like Hounds,
And bow'd like Bondmen, kissing Cæsars feet,
Whilst damned Caska, like a cur behind
Struck Cæsar on the neck—O you flatterers

Cass.
Flatterers! now Brutus, thank your self,
This Tongue had not offended so to day,
If Cassius might have rul'd.

Oct.
Come, come, the Cause—if arguing makes us sweat,
The proof of it will turn to redder drops.
Look I draw a Sword against Conspirators,
When think you that this Sword goes up agen?
Never 'till Cæsars three and thirty wounds
Be all aveng'd: or 'till another Cæsar
Have added Slaughter to the Sword of Traytors

Brut.
Cæsar, thou canst not die by Traytors hands,
Unless thou bring'st them with thee.

Oct.
So I hope.
I was not born to die on Brutus Sword.

Brut.
Oh if thou wer't the noblest of the strain,
Young Man, thou coud'st not die more Honourable.

Cass.
A peevish School-boy, worthless of such Honour,
Joyned with a Maker, and a Reveller.

Ant.
Old Cassius still.

Oct.
Come, Anthony away:
Defience Traytor, hurl we in your teeth,
If you dare fight to day, come to the field,
If not, when you have Stomachs—

[Exeunt.
Cass.
Why now, blow wind, swell billow,
And Swim bark,
The Storm is up, and all is on the hazard.

Brut.
Ho, Lucilius—
[Lucilius and Massala stand forth.
Hark a word with you.

Luc.
My Lord.

[Cassi.]
Messala.

Mess.
What says my General?

Cassi.
Messala, This is my birth-day: as this very day
Was Cassius born—Give me thy hand, Messala.
Be thou my witness, that against my will
(As Pompey was) am I compelled to set
Upon one battle all our Liberties
You know that I held Epicurus strong,
And his opinion—now I change my mind,
And partly Credit things that do presage.
Coming from Sardis, on our formost Ensign
Two mighty Eagles fell, and there they perch'd,
Gorging and feeding from our Soldiers hands,
Who to Philippi, here Consorted us:
This Morning are they fled away, and gone,
And, in their steads, do Ravens, Crows, and Kites
Fly o're our heads, and downward look on us,
As we were sickly prey—their shadows seem
A Canopy most fatal, under which.
Our Army lies, ready to give up the Ghost.

Mess.
Believe not so—

Cass.
I but believe it partly,
For I am fresh of Spirit, and resolv'd
To meet all perils very Constantly—

Brut.
Ev'n so Lucilius.

Cassi.
Now most noble Brutus,
The Gods to day stand friendly, that we may,
Lovers in peace, lead on our days to age.
But since the affairs of Men rest still uncertain,
Let's reason with the worst that may befal.
If we do lose this battle, then is this
The very last time we shall speak together
What are you then determined to do.

Brut.
Ev'n by the rule of that Philosophy,
By which I did blame Cato, for the Death,
Which he did give himself, I know not how:
But I do find it Cowardly and Vile,
For fear of what might fall, so to prevent
The time of Life, arming my self with Patience,
To stay the Providence of some high Powers,
That Govern us below:

Cass.
Then if we lose this Battle.
You are Contented to be led in Triumph
Thorow the streets of Rome—

Brut.

Cass.
For ever, and forever, farewel Brutus,
If we do meet agen, we'll smile indeed.
If not, 'tis true, this parting was well made.

Brut.
Why then lead on—Oh, that a Man might know
The end of this Days business e're it Come.
But it sufficeth, that the day will end,
And then the end is known—Come ho away

[An Alarm. Exeunt.
Re-enter Brutus, and Messala.
Brut.
Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give These Bills
Unto the Legions on the other side—
Let them set on at once—for I perceive
But cold demeaner in Octaviu's wing—
And sudden push gives them the overthrow.
Ride, Ride, Messala, let them all come down.

[Alarm Exit.
Enter Cassius, and Caska.
Cass.
O look Caska, look, the Villains fly,
My self have to mine own turn'd Enemy.
This Ensign here of mine was turning back,
I slew the Coward, and did take it from him.

Cask.
O Cassius, Brutus gave the word two early,
Who having some advantage on Octavius
Took it too eagerly, his Soldiers fell to spoil,
Whilst we by Anthony are all enclos'd.

Enter Pindarus.
Pin.
Fly further off, my Lord, fly further off,
Mark Anthony is in your tents, my Lord.
Fly therefore, noble Cassius, fly far off.

Cassi.
This hill is far enough—Look, look, Caska,
Are those my tents where I perceive the fire?

Caska.
They are my Lord.

Cass.
If thou Lov'st me,
Mount thou my horse, and hide thy Spurs in him,
'Till he have brought thee up to yonder hill—
And here agen, that I may rest assur'd,
Whether yond Troops are friend or enemy

Caska.
I will be here agen ev'n with a thought

[Exit.
Cass.
Go Pindarus, get higher on that hill,
My sight was ever thick: regard Caska,
And tell me what thou not'st about the field.
This day I breathed first, time is come round,
And where I did begin, there shall I end,
My Life is run his Compass—Sirrah, what news:

Pin.
O my Lord!

Cass.
What news !

Pin.
Caska is enclosed round about
With Horsemen, that make to him on the Spur.
Yet he Spurs on—now they are almost on him.
Now some Light—O, he lights too.
He's ta'n
[Shout here.
And hark, they shout for Joy.

Cass.
Come down, behold no more.
O Coward that I am, to live so long,
To see my best friend ta'ne before my face.
Come hither sirrah: In Parthia, did I take thee Prisoner,
And then I swore thee, saving of thy Life,
that whatsoever, I did bid thee do,
Thou shoud'st attempt it. Come now keep thine Oath,
Now be a freeman, and with this Good Sword,
That ran thro' Cæsars bowels, search this bosom.
Stand not to answer—here, take thou the hilts,
And when my face is cover'd as 'tis now,
Guide thou the Sword—Cæsar thou art revenged,
Even with the Sword that kill'd thee.

Pin.
So I am free,
[falls on the Sword.
Yet wou'd not so have been,
Durst I have done my will—O Cassius,
Far from this Country Pindarus shall go,
Where never Roman shall behold him more.

[Exit.
Enter Caska and Messala.
Mess.
It is but change Good Caska, for Octavius
Is overthrown by noble Brutus power,
As Cassius Legions are by Anthony.

Cass.
These tydings will well comfort Cassius.

Mess.
Where did you leave him?

Cask.
All disconsolate
With Pindarus his bondman on this hill.

Mess.
Is not that he that lies upon the Ground?

Cask.
He lies not like the living—Oh my heart!

Messi.
Is not that he?

Cask.
No, this was he, Messala,
But Cassius is no more—Oh setting Sun!
As in thy red Rays thou durst sink to night,
So in his red Blood, Cassius day is set.
The Sun of Rome is set—our day is gone,
Clouds, dews, and dangers come, our deeds are done.
Mistrust of my success hath done this deed

Mess.
Mistrust of good success hath done this deed.
Oh hateful Error! Melancholys Child!
Why dost thou show to the apt thoughts of Men
The things that are not? Oh Error soon Conceiv'd!
Thou never com'st unto a happy Birth,
But kill'st the Mother, that engender'd thee.

Cask.
What Pindarus! Where art thou Pindarus?

Mess.
Seek him, Good Caska, whilst I go to meet
The noble Brutus thrusting this report
Into his Ear—I may say, thrusting it.
For piercing Steel, and darts in venom dipt
Shall be as welcome to the ears of Brutus,
As tydings of this sight—

[Exit.
Cask.
Haste good Messala—
And I will seek for Pindarus the while—
Why didst thou send me forth brave Cassius?
Did I not meet thy friends, and did not they
Put on my brow, this wreath of Victory,
And bid me give it thee—didst thou not hear.
Their shouts?
Alass, thou hast misconstru'd ev'ry thing.
But hold thee, take this Garland on thy brow,
Thy Brutus bid me give it thee and I
Will do his bidding—Brutus come apace,
And see how I regarded Caius Cassius!
By your leave Gods, this is a Roman's part,
Come Cassius Sword, and find out Caska's Heart.

[Aloud Alarm. Kills himself.
Enter Brutus, Messala, Dardanius, Popilius, and Lucilius.
Brut.
Where, where Messala, doth the Body Lie?

Mess.
Lo, yonder, and brave Caska mourning it.

Brut.
His face is upwards.

Luc.
Alas he's slain.

[A low alarm here.
Brut.
Are yet two Romans, living such as these?
The last of all the Romans, fare thee well!
It is impossible that ever Rome,
Shou'd breed thy like—friends, I owe more tears
To this dead Man, than you shall see me pay.
I shall find time Cassius, I shall find time!
Come therefore, and to Tarsus send his body,
His Funeral shall not be in our Camp,
Lest it discomfort us—Leave us a while.
[Exit.
O Julius Cæsar, thou art mighty yet,
And turn'st our Swords into our proper Entrails.

Enter Cæsars Ghost—
Ghost.
Cassius, my three and thirty wounds are now reveng'd.

Brut.
What art thou, why com'st thou.

Ghost.
To keep my word, and meet thee in Philippi fields.

Brut.
Well, I see thee then.

Ghost.
Next, ungrateful Brutus, do I call.

Brut.
Ungrateful Cæsar, that wou'd Rome Enthral

Ghost.
The Ides of March Remember—I must go,
To meet thee on the burning Lake below

[Sinks.
Brut.
My Spirits come to me—Stay thou bloody
Apparition, come back, I wou'd converse
Longer with thee—'tis gone, this fatal shadow
Haunts me still.

Brut.
Come, let's to the field—Flavius, set our
Battles on—and Romans, yet e're night,
We shall try fortune in a second fight.
Take off Cassius.

[Alarm here. Exeunt.
Enter Anthony, meeting Soldiers, and Messala, Prisoner.
Sold.
Here comes the General.
Brutus is ta'ne, Brutus is ta'ne my Lord.

Anth.
Where is he.

Mess.
Safe Anthony—Brutus is safe enough—
I dare assure thee that no Enemy
Shall ever take alive the noble Brutus.
The Gods defend him from so great a shame.
When you do find him or alive or dead
He will be found like Brutus, like himself.

Anth.
This is not Brutus, but I assure you,
A prize no less in worth—keep this Man safe,
Give him all kindness—I had rather have
Such Men my friends, than Enemies—go on,
And see where Brutus be alive or dead.
And bring us word unto Octavius's tent
How every thing is Chanc'd.

[Exeunt.
Enter Brutus, Dardanius, Lucilius, and Popilius.
Brut.
Come, poor remains of friends, let us rest here.

Luc.
Statilius shew'd the torch light, but my Lord
He came not back—he is or ta'ne, or slain

Brut.
Come hither Lucilius, slaying is the Word,
It is a deed in fashion—hark thee Lucilius.

Luc.
What I, my Lord, no not for all the World.

Brut.
Peace then, no Words.

Luc.
I'll rather kill my self.

Brut.
Hark thee, Dardanius.

Dar.
Shall I do such a deed?

Luc.
What ill request did Brutus make to thee.

Dar.
To kill him, Lucilius—look he meditates.

Brut.
Come hither, Good Popilius, list a word.

Pop.
What says my Lord.

Brut.
Why this, Popilius.
The Ghost of Cæsar has appear'd to me
Two several times by night—at Sardis once,
And this same night in here in Philippi fields!
I know my hour is come.

Pop.
Not so, my Lord.

Brut.
Nay, I am sure it is Popilius.
Thou see'st the World Popilius, how it goes,
Our Enemies have beat us to the Pit,
It is more worthy to leap in our selves,
Then tarry till they push us—Good Popilius
Thou know'st that we two went to School together
Ev'n for that our Love of old, I prithee
Hold thou my Sword, while I run on it.

Pop.
That's not an office for a friend my Lord.

[Alarm.
Luc.
Fly my Lord.

Brut.
Why do you stay to save his Life
That must not live.

Luc.
After you, what Roman wou'd Live?

Brut.
What Roman wou'd not live, that may
To serve his Country in a nobler day.
You are not above a pardon, tho' Brutus is.

Luc.
I'm not afraid to die.

Brut.
Retire, and let me think a while.
Now one last look, and then farewel to all.
That wou'd with the unhappy Brutus fall.
Scorning to view his Country's Misery,
Thus Brutus always strikes for Liberty.
[Stabs himself.
Poor slavish Rome farewel, Cæsar now be still.
I kill'd not thee with half so Good a will.

[Dies.
Enter Anthony, Octavius, Messala, and Soldiers.
Anth.
Whom mourn you over?

Luc.
'Tis Brutus.

Mess.
So Brutus shou'd be found—I thank
Thee Brutus, that thou hast prov'd
Messala's saying true.

Anth.
This was the noblest Roman of 'em all,
All the Conspirators, save only he
Did that they did in envy of great Cæsar,
He only in a Generous honest thought,
And Common Good to all, made one of 'em.
His Life was gentle, and the Elements
So mixt in him, that nature might stand up,
And say to all the World, this was a Man.

Oct.
According to his vertue let us use him
With all respects and rites of burial.
Within my tent to night his Bones shall lie,
Most like a Soldier order'd honourably.
So call the Field to Rest, and let's away
To part the Glories of this happy day.