Julius Caesar

Act 1 Scene 3
 Summary of Julius Caesar Act 4, Scene 2
• In Act 4, Scene 2, the tension between Brutus and Cassius comes to a head. Cassius
feels wronged by Brutus, but Brutus is puzzled by this accusation. Their argument is
significant because it reflects the broader instability within their camp and the
challenges they face from external threats.
• Cassius’s Complaint: Cassius accuses Brutus of mistreating him, which adds to the
existing strain in their relationship.
• Brutus’s Reaction: Brutus is surprised and confused, emphasizing that he does not
understand how he could have wronged Cassius, given that he has been fair and
just.
• Resolution Attempt: To prevent their argument from affecting their troops and to
address their grievances properly, Brutus suggests discussing the matter privately in
his tent, away from the eyes of their armies.
• This scene underscores the fragility of alliances and the impact of personal conflicts
on larger political and military strategies. The leaders’ ability to resolve their issues
is crucial for maintaining unity and effectively confronting their common enemies.
• Central Idea
• The central idea of Act 4, Scene 2 is the tension and conflict between Brutus and
Cassius, highlighting the strain in their relationship and the need for private
resolution. The scene emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity and order
• Lucius
• Role: Lucius is Brutus’s servant and a minor character in the
play. He is loyal and attentive to Brutus, performing tasks and
supporting him throughout the play.
• Personality: Lucius is depicted as diligent and respectful. In
Act 4, Scene 2, he is tasked with ensuring that no one disturbs
the meeting between Brutus and Cassius, reflecting his
reliability and the trust Brutus places in him.
• Lucillius
• Role: Lucillius is a friend and supporter of Brutus. He is also an
officer in Brutus’s army and plays a role in the military and
political events of the play.
• Personality: Lucillius is supportive and diplomatic. In the
scene, he is involved in managing the logistics of the meeting
between Brutus and Cassius and helps to maintain order by
ensuring that no one interrupts their private discussion.
• Titinius
• Role: Titinius is a friend and officer in Cassius’s army. He is loyal
and plays a role in the military strategy and operations of the
forces aligned against Antony and Octavius.
• Personality: Titinius is depicted as trustworthy and committed to
his allies. His role in the scene is to act as a guard and ensure
that the area is secured, showing his reliability and sense of
duty.
• Pindarus
• Role: Pindarus is a servant to Cassius. He is involved in delivering
messages and performing tasks on behalf of his master.
• Personality: Pindarus is a loyal servant who follows Cassius’s
orders. In the scene, he is responsible for instructing the
commanders to move their troops away from the meeting area,
reflecting his role in supporting Cassius’s interests and
maintaining order.
• A drum plays. BRUTUS, • A drum plays. BRUTUS,
LUCIUS, LUCILLIUS, and LUCIUS, LUCILLIUS, and
soldiers enter. TITINIUS and soldiers enter. TITINIUS and
PINDARUS meet them. PINDARUS meet them.
• BRUTUS • BRUTUS
• Stand, ho! • Halt!
• LUCILLIUS • LUCILLIUS
• Give the word, ho, and • Hey, pass on the command
stand. to halt.
• BRUTUS • BRUTUS
• What now, Lucillius? Is • What’s going on, Lucillius?
Cassius near? Is Cassius nearby?
• "A drum plays."
• A drum is being played, which often signals the approach of an army or the start of an
important event.
• "BRUTUS, LUCIUS, LUCILLIUS, and soldiers enter."
• Brutus, Lucius, Lucillius, and some soldiers come onto the stage.
• "TITINIUS and PINDARUS meet them."
• Titinius and Pindarus, who are also characters in the play, meet Brutus and his group.
• "BRUTUS: Stand, ho!"
• Brutus calls out for everyone to stop and pay attention. "Ho" is an old-fashioned term
used to get someone's attention.
• "LUCILLIUS: Give the word, ho, and stand."
• Lucillius responds, asking for the signal or command to stand by, repeating the call for
attention.
• "BRUTUS: What now, Lucillius? Is Cassius near?"
• Brutus turns to Lucillius and asks if Cassius has arrived or is close by.
• In this scene from Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Brutus, Lucius, Lucillius, and their
soldiers are on stage. They are waiting for Cassius and his men to join them. When
they hear a drum, Brutus calls out to make sure everyone is standing by and ready.
Lucillius echoes this, asking for a signal to stand. Brutus then asks Lucillius if Cassius is
nearby. Essentially, they’re preparing for something important and are checking on
• LUCILLIUS • LUCILLIUS
• He is at hand, and Pindarus is • He’s close by, and Pindarus has
come to greet you on his master's
come To do you salutation behalf.
from his master. • BRUTUS
• BRUTUS • He has sent a noble man to greet
• He greets me well. —Your me.
master, Pindarus, In his own
[To PINDARUS] Your master,
change or by ill officers Hath
Pindarus—either because his
given me some worthy cause feelings for me have changed or
to wish Things done, undone. because he's been influenced by
But if he be at hand I shall be bad advice—has made me wish we
satisfied. could undo some of the things
we've done. But if he is nearby, I'll
• PINDARUS
get an explanation.
• I do not doubt But that my • PINDARUS
noble master will appear Such • I don't doubt that my noble master
as he is, full of regard and will prove himself to be what he is:
honor. respectful and honorable.
• "LUCILLIUS: He is at hand, and Pindarus is come To do you salutation from
his master."
– Lucillius informs Brutus that Cassius is near and that Pindarus has arrived
to deliver greetings from Cassius.
• "BRUTUS: He greets me well. — Your master, Pindarus, In his own change or
by ill officers Hath given me some worthy cause to wish Things done,
undone. But if he be at hand I shall be satisfied."
– Brutus acknowledges Cassius’s greetings. He also mentions that Cassius
(or his subordinates) has given him reasons to regret or question some
actions that have been taken. However, as long as Cassius is present,
Brutus will be content.
• "PINDARUS: I do not doubt But that my noble master will appear Such as he
is, full of regard and honor."
– Pindarus expresses confidence that Cassius will show up as he truly is—
respected and honorable.
• In simpler terms, Lucillius tells Brutus that Cassius is close by and that
Pindarus has come to deliver Cassius's greetings. Brutus reflects that,
although there have been issues or mistakes (possibly involving Cassius or his
men), he will be pleased to see Cassius arrive. Pindarus assures Brutus that
• BRUTUS • BRUTUS
• He is not doubted. —A word, • I don’t doubt him.
Lucillius. [takes LUCILLIUS
aside]How he received you, let me [To LUCILLIUS] Lucillius, can I speak with
you? [He takes LUCILLIUS aside] Please
be resolved.
tell me, how did Cassius greet you?
• LUCILLIUS • LUCILLIUS
• With courtesy and with respect • With suitable courtesy and respect, but
enough. But not with such familiar not with real friendship or with the
instances Nor with such free and same open and friendly conversation
friendly conference As he hath used that he used to greet me before.
of old. • BRUTUS
• BRUTUS • You’ve described a formerly good friend
• Thou hast described A hot friend who’s now cooling off. Note this,
Lucillius: when a love starts to fade and
cooling. Ever note, Lucillius, When
wither, what remains is strained
love begins to sicken and decay, It
formality. There are no tricks hiding
useth an enforcèd ceremony. There behind plain and simple friendship. But
are no tricks in plain and simple insincere men make a big show of their
faith. But hollow men, like horses courage, like horses who are too
hot at hand, Make gallant show and spirited when a rider first takes the
promise of their mettle. reins.
• "BRUTUS: He is not doubted. — A word, Lucillius."
• Brutus is saying that he doesn’t doubt Cassius will be honorable. He
then asks Lucillius to step aside with him for a private conversation.
• "[takes LUCILLIUS aside] How he received you, let me be resolved."
• Brutus wants to know how Cassius treated Lucillius when they met.
He wants to understand Cassius’s demeanor.
• "LUCILLIUS: With courtesy and with respect enough. But not with
such familiar instances Nor with such free and friendly conference
As he hath used of old."
• Lucillius explains that Cassius greeted him politely and respectfully
but not as warmly or familiarly as he used to in the past.
• "BRUTUS: Thou hast described A hot friend cooling."
• Brutus responds that Lucillius has described a friend who seems to
be losing his enthusiasm or warmth. "Hot" here means passionate or
intense, and "cooling" means becoming distant or less enthusiastic.
• "Ever note, Lucillius, When love begins to sicken and decay, It
useth an enforcèd ceremony."
– Brutus tells Lucillius to remember that when a close relationship starts to
fade or weaken, people start to act more formally and ceremoniously,
even if it feels forced.
• "There are no tricks in plain and simple faith."
– Brutus points out that true and straightforward loyalty doesn’t involve
tricks or pretense.
• "But hollow men, like horses hot at hand, Make gallant show and
promise of their mettle."
– Brutus notes that insincere or superficial people (hollow men) can put on
a grand show and make grand promises to appear impressive, like horses
that look eager and strong but might not be reliable.
• In summary, Brutus is concerned that Cassius is growing distant.
Lucillius’s description of Cassius’s less warm reception suggests to
Brutus that their friendship might be cooling. Brutus reflects on
how people who are losing genuine affection often start to act
more formally, and how outward appearances can be deceiving.
• BRUTUS • BRUTUS
• But when they should endure • But when the going gets
the bloody spur, They fall tough, they drop their necks
their crests and, like deceitful and fail the test, like the poor
jades, Sink in the trial. Comes horse they truly are. Is
his army on? Cassius' army approaching?
• LUCILLIUS • LUCILLIUS
• They mean this night in Sardis • They plan to spend the night
to be quartered. The greater in Sardis. The larger part,
part, the horse in general, Are including all the cavalry, are
come with Cassius. coming with Cassius.
• BRUTUS • BRUTUS
• Hark! He is arrived. March • Look! He’s arrived. March to
gently on to meet him. meet him slowly, without
• CASSIUS enters with his army. hostility.
• CASSIUS enters with his army.
• "BRUTUS: But when they should endure the bloody spur, They fall
their crests and, like deceitful jades, Sink in the trial."
– Brutus is saying that when people are tested under pressure (the "bloody
spur" refers to a test or challenge), they often show their true, unreliable
nature. He compares them to deceitful horses that fail when put to the
test.
• "Comes his army on?"
– Brutus asks if Cassius’s army is arriving.
• "LUCILLIUS: They mean this night in Sardis to be quartered. The
greater part, the horse in general, Are come with Cassius."
– Lucillius replies that Cassius’s army plans to stay in Sardis that night. Most
of Cassius’s cavalry (horsemen) have already arrived with him.
• "BRUTUS: Hark! He is arrived. March gently on to meet him."
– Brutus hears that Cassius has arrived and instructs his men to move
forward calmly and meet him.
• In summary, Brutus reflects on how people who seem strong can
often reveal their true, unreliable nature under pressure. He then
learns that Cassius’s army is arriving in Sardis and directs his own
• CASSIUS • CASSIUS
• Stand, ho! • Halt!
• BRUTUS • BRUTUS
• Stand, ho! Speak the word • Halt! Pass along the order.
along. • FIRST SOLDIER
• FIRST SOLDIER • Halt!
• Stand! • SECOND SOLDIER
• SECOND SOLDIER • Halt!
• Stand! • THIRD SOLDIER
• THIRD SOLDIER • Halt!
• Stand!
• CASSIUS • CASSIUS
• Most noble brother, you • Most noble brother, you
have done me wrong. have done me wrong.
• BRUTUS • BRUTUS
• Judge me, you gods! • May the gods judge me,
Wrong I mine enemies? then! Do I mistreat my
And if not so, how should I enemies? No. So why
wrong a brother? would I wrong a brother?
• CASSIUS • CASSIUS
• Brutus, this sober form of • Brutus, this dignified
yours hides wrongs. And manner of yours hides the
when you do them— fact that you’ve wronged
me. And when you do
these wrongs—
• "CASSIUS: Most noble brother, you have done me wrong."
– Cassius is addressing Brutus as his "noble brother" and accusing him
of treating him unfairly or unjustly.
• "BRUTUS: Judge me, you gods! Wrong I mine enemies? And if
not so, how should I wrong a brother?"
– Brutus is surprised and asks the gods to judge him. He wonders if he
has wronged his enemies, and if not, he is puzzled as to how he could
have wronged his own brother (Cassius).
• "CASSIUS: Brutus, this sober form of yours hides wrongs. And
when you do them—"
– Cassius says that Brutus’s serious and calm demeanour is hiding the
wrongs he has committed. He implies that even though Brutus
appears calm and composed, he has still done wrong.
• In summary, Cassius is accusing Brutus of being unfair to him.
Brutus is confused and shocked by the accusation, insisting he
would not wrong a brother. Cassius suggests that Brutus’s
outward calmness is concealing the harm he has caused.
• BRUTUS • BRUTUS
• Cassius, be content. Speak your • Cassius, keep calm. We know each
griefs softly. I do know you well. other well, so you don't have to
Before the eyes of both our armies shout your grievances. Let's not
here, Which should perceive argue in front of our armies, which
nothing but love from us, Let us not should see nothing but love between
wrangle. Bid them move away. Then us. Tell them to move away. Then, in
in my tent, Cassius, enlarge your my tent, you can fully explain your
griefs, And I will give you audience. grievances, and I’ll listen.
• CASSIUS • CASSIUS
• Pindarus, Bid our commanders lead • Pindarus, tell our commanders to
their charges off A little from this lead their soldiers a little ways away
ground. from this spot.
• BRUTUS • BRUTUS
• Lucillius, do you the like. And let no • Lucillius, you do the same. And don’t
man Come to our tent till we have let any man come near our tent until
done our conference. Let Lucius and we’ve finished our conversation.
Titinius guard our door. Have Lucius and Titinius guard the
door.
• Everyone exits except BRUTUS and
• Everyone except BRUTUS and
CASSIUS.
• "BRUTUS: Cassius, be content. Speak your griefs softly."
• Brutus tells Cassius to calm down and discuss his complaints quietly.
• "I do know you well. Before the eyes of both our armies here,
Which should perceive nothing but love from us, Let us not
wrangle."
• Brutus acknowledges that he knows Cassius well. He suggests that,
since they are in front of their armies, which should see only
harmony between them, they should avoid arguing.
• "Bid them move away. Then in my tent, Cassius, enlarge your
griefs, And I will give you audience."
• Brutus asks Cassius to have their troops move away so they can talk
privately. He invites Cassius to express his concerns in detail in his
(Brutus’s) tent, where he will listen.
• "CASSIUS: Pindarus, Bid our commanders lead their charges off A
little from this ground."
• Cassius instructs Pindarus to tell their commanders to move their
troops away from the area.
• "BRUTUS: Lucillius, do you the like. And let no man
Come to our tent till we have done our
conference."
– Brutus asks Lucillius to do the same for his side and
make sure no one enters their tent until they have
finished their discussion.
• "Let Lucius and Titinius guard our door."
– Brutus assigns Lucius and Titinius to guard the entrance
to their tent.
• In summary, Brutus is asking Cassius to calm down
and discuss his grievances privately, away from the
armies. Both leaders arrange for their troops to be
moved and ensure they are not disturbed during
their conversation.