The Complete Works of William Shakespeare In Plain and Simple English (Translated)

by William Shakespeare

  It is a sign from the gods, that a beast without a heart is a coward. I will not stay home today in fear. I, myself, am dangerous. So, I will go.

  Calpurnia

  Alas, my lord, Your wisdom is consumed in confidence! Do not go forth to-day: call it my fear That keeps you in the house, and not your own. We'll send Mark Antony to the Senate-house, And he shall say you are not well to-day: Let me, upon my knee, prevail in this.

  Please, my lord, don’t go. Blame it on my fear. Let Mark Antony go instead, and say that you are ill. I am begging you. Do not go.

  Caesar

  Mark Antony shall say I am not well, And, for thy humor, I will stay at home.

  Mark Antony can say I am not well, and I will stay home for you.

  Enter Decius Brutus

  Here's Decius Brutus, he shall tell them so.

  Here’s Decius Brutus. He can tell them.

  Decius Brutus

  Caesar, all hail! Good morrow, worthy Caesar: I come to fetch you to the Senate-house.

  All hail, Caesar! Good morning, sir. I have come to escort you to the senate-house.

  Caesar

  And you are come in very happy time To bear my greeting to the Senators, And tell them that I will not come to-day. Cannot, is false; and that I dare not, falser: I will not come to-day. Tell them so, Decius.

  I am glad you are here. You can tell the senators that I will not be coming today, well cannot is not really true, nor is I dare not. Just tell them I’m not coming.

  Calpurnia

  Say he is sick.

  Say he is sick.

  Caesar

  Shall Caesar send a lie? Have I in conquest stretch'd mine arm so far, To be afeard to tell grey-beards the truth?-- Decius, go tell them Caesar will not come.

  Shall I tell a lie? Am I afraid to tell the old men the truth? Decius, go tell I am not coming.

  Decius Brutus

  Most mighty Caesar, let me know some cause, Lest I be laugh'd at when I tell them so.

  You must give me a reason, so I will not be laughed at.

  Caesar

  The cause is in my will; I will not come: That is enough to satisfy the Senate. But, for your private satisfaction, Because I love you, I will let you know: Calpurnia here, my wife, stays me at home: She dreamt to-night she saw my statua, Which, like a fountain with an hundred spouts, Did run pure blood; and many lusty Romans Came smiling and did bathe their hands in it: And these does she apply for warnings and portents And evils imminent; and on her knee Hath begg'd that I will stay at home to-day.

  Just tell them I don’t want to come. That should be enough. But, since I love you, I will tell you in private, Calpurnia had a dream and saw me murdered. She has begged me to stay home today.

  Decius Brutus

  This dream is all amiss interpreted: It was a vision fair and fortunate. Your statue spouting blood in many pipes, In which so many smiling Romans bathed, Signifies that from you great Rome shall suck Reviving blood; and that great men shall press For tinctures, stains, relics, and cognizance. This by Calpurnia's dream is signified.

  The dream is misinterpreted. It was not the blood of your death but the blood of birth. Rome is going to experience a revival under you. This is what Calpurnia’s dream meant.

  Caesar

  And this way have you well expounded it.

  That is a good explanation.

  Decius Brutus

  I have, when you have heard what I can say; And know it now: The Senate have concluded To give this day a crown to mighty Caesar. If you shall send them word you will not come, Their minds may change. Besides, it were a mock Apt to be render'd, for someone to say "Break up the Senate till another time, When Caesar's wife shall meet with better dreams." If Caesar hide himself, shall they not whisper "Lo, Caesar is afraid"? Pardon me, Caesar; for my dear dear love To your proceeding bids me tell you this; And reason to my love is liable.

  I know because today the senate decided to give you a crown. If you don’t come, they may change their minds. Some may even question your abilities if you listen to your wife’s dreams. Pardon my frankness, I tell you this out of my love for you.

  Caesar

  How foolish do your fears seem now, Calpurnia! I am ashamed I did yield to them. Give me my robe, for I will go.

  See, Calpurnia, how foolish fear is. I ashamed I listened to them. Give me my robe, and I will go.

  Enter Publius, Brutus, Ligarius, Metellus, Casca, Trebonius, and Cinna.

  And look where Publius is come to fetch me.

  Now, Publius has come to get me.

  Publius

  Good morrow, Caesar.

  Good morning, Caesar.

  Caesar

  Welcome, Publius.-- What, Brutus, are you stirr'd so early too?-- Good morrow, Casca.--Caius Ligarius, Caesar was ne'er so much your enemy As that same ague which hath made you lean.-- What is't o'clock?

  Welcome, Publius. What are you doing up so early, Brutus? Good morning, Casca. Caius Ligarius, you are looking sickly. What time is it?

  Brutus

  Caesar, 'tis strucken eight.

  Caesar, it’s eight o’clock.

  Caesar

  I thank you for your pains and courtesy.

  Thank you.

  Enter Antony.

  See! Antony, that revels long o'nights, Is notwithstanding up.--Good morrow, Antony.

  Even the partier, Antony, is up. Good morning, Antony!

  Antony

  So to most noble Caesar.

  Same to you, most noble Caesar.

  Caesar

  Bid them prepare within: I am to blame to be thus waited for.-- Now, Cinna;--now, Metellus;--what, Trebonius! I have an hour's talk in store for you: Remember that you call on me to-day; Be near me, that I may remember you.

  Tell them to get ready and that I am to blame for keeping them waiting. Cinna, Mettellus, and Trebonius, I have a long talk prepared for you, so stay close by.

  Trebonius

  Caesar, I will. [Aside.] and so near will I be, That your best friends shall wish I had been further.

  I will, Caesar.

  Aside.

  I will be so close that your best friends will wish I had been further away.

  Caesar

  Good friends, go in, and taste some wine with me; And we, like friends, will straightway go together.

  My good friends, let’s go in and drink some wine and then, we will go together.

  Brutus

  [Aside.] That every like is not the same, O Caesar, The heart of Brutus yearns to think upon!

  Aside.

  I wish things could be the same, Caesar. I hate to think of the future.

  Exit all.

  Enter Artemidorus, reading a paper.

  Artemidorus

  "Caesar, beware of Brutus; take heed of Cassius; come not near Casca; have an eye to Cinna; trust not Trebonius; mark well Metellus Cimber; Decius Brutus loves thee not; thou hast wrong'd Caius Ligarius. There is but one mind in all these men, and it is bent against Caesar. If thou be'st not immortal, look about you: security gives way to conspiracy. The mighty gods defend thee! Thy lover, Artemidorus." Here will I stand till Caesar pass along, And as a suitor will I give him this. My heart laments that virtue cannot live Out of the teeth of emulation.-- If thou read this, O Caesar, thou mayest live; If not, the Fates with traitors do contrive.

  “Caesar, beware of Brutus and take heed of Cassius. Do not go near Casca, and keep an eye on Cinna. Don’t trust Trebonius or Metellus Cimber. Decius Brutus doesn’t love you, and you have the wrong idea about Caius Ligarius. These men are of one mind and it is anti-Caesar. If you are not immortal, look around and recognize the conspiracy. May the mighty gods defend you. Your friend, Artemidorus.” I will stand here until Caesar passes by and give him this. My heart aches that a good man cannot be without enemies. If Caesar reads this, he may live. If not, then Fate conspires with traitors.

  Exit.

  Enter Portia and Lucius.

  Portia


  I pr'ythee, boy, run to the Senate-house; Stay not to answer me, but get thee gone. Why dost thou stay?

  Please, boy, run to the senate-house. Get going. Why are you still here?

  Lucius

  To know my errand, madam.

  I need to know why I’m going, madam.

  Portia

  I would have had thee there, and here again, Ere I can tell thee what thou shouldst do there.-- [Aside.] O constancy, be strong upon my side! Set a huge mountain 'tween my heart and tongue! I have a man's mind, but a woman's might. How hard it is for women to keep counsel!-- Art thou here yet?

  You could have been there and back again by the time I can tell you what you are to do there. Oh Lord, help me be strong. Keep my heart from controlling my mouth. It is so hard for a woman to keep a secret. Are you still here?

  Lucius

  Madam, what should I do? Run to the Capitol, and nothing else? And so return to you, and nothing else?

  Madam, what do you want me to do? Just go there and back, nothing else?

  Portia

  Yes, bring me word, boy, if thy lord look well, For he went sickly forth: and take good note What Caesar doth, what suitors press to him. Hark, boy! what noise is that?

  Yes, bring me word, boy, if your lord looked okay. He was sick when he went. Also, take a look at Caesar, and see what men are near him. Listen, boy! What was that noise?

  Lucius

  I hear none, madam.

  I didn’t hear anything.

  Portia

  Pr'ythee, listen well: I heard a bustling rumour, like a fray, And the wind brings it from the Capitol.

  Please listen harder. I heard a bustling noise from the direction of the Capitol.

  Enter the Soothsayer.

  Portia

  Come hither, fellow: Which way hast thou been?

  Come here, fellow. Where are you coming from?

  Soothsayer

  At mine own house, good lady.

  From my house, good lady.

  Portia

  What is't o'clock?

  What time is it?

  Soothsayer

  About the ninth hour, lady.

  It’s about nine o’clock.

  Portia

  Is Caesar yet gone to the Capitol?

  Has Caesar gone to the Capitol, yet?

  Soothsayer

  Madam, not yet: I go to take my stand To see him pass on to the Capitol.

  Not yet, madam. I haven’t seen him pass by.

  Portia

  Thou hast some suit to Caesar, hast thou not?

  You work for Caesar, right?

  Soothsayer

  That I have, lady: if it will please Caesar To be so good to Caesar as to hear me, I shall beseech him to befriend himself.

  Yes. When it pleases him to hear me out, I am a friend to him.

  Portia

  Why, know'st thou any harm's intended towards him?

  Do you know of any harm intended towards him?

  Soothsayer

  None that I know will be, much that I fear may chance. Good morrow to you.--Here the street is narrow: The throng that follows Caesar at the heels, Of Senators, of Praetors, common suitors, Will crowd a feeble man almost to death: I'll get me to a place more void, and there Speak to great Caesar as he comes along.

  None that I know of, although I fear there may be a chance. Good day to you. I need to get going before Caesar and his followers come through this narrow street and trample me to death. I need to get to a better place so I may speak to Caesar.

  Exit.

  Portia

  I must go in.--[Aside.] Ah me, how weak a thing The heart of woman is!--O Brutus, The heavens speed thee in thine enterprise!-- Sure, the boy heard me.--Brutus hath a suit That Caesar will not grant.--O, I grow faint.-- Run, Lucius, and commend me to my lord; Say I am merry: come to me again, And bring me word what he doth say to thee.

  I must go inside. Yes, the heart of a woman is weak. Oh Brutus, may the heavens help you in your work. I know the boy heard me. Brutus has a request Caesar will not grant. Oh, I grow weaker. Run, Lucius, and tell my lord I am well and happy. Then, come to me and tell me what he says

  A crowd of people: Artemidorus and the Soothsayer. Flourish. Enter Caesar, Brutus, Cassius, Casca, Decius Brutus, Metellus Cimber, Trebonius, Cinna, Mark Antony, Lepidus, Popilius, Publius, and others.

  Caesar

  To the Soothsayer.

  The Ides of March are come.

  The ides of March have come.

  Soothsayer

  Ay, Caesar; but not gone.

  Yes, but they are not gone.

  Artemidorus

  Hail, Caesar! read this schedule.

  Hail, Caesar! Read this schedule.

  Decius Brutus

  Trebonius doth desire you to o'er-read, At your best leisure, this his humble suit.

  Trebonius needs you to read over this petition, when you get a moment.

  Artemidorus

  O Caesar, read mine first; for mine's a suit That touches Caesar nearer: read it, great Caesar.

  Oh Caesar, read mine first. My petition is more personal. Read it, great Caesar.

  Caesar

  What touches us ourself shall be last served.

  If it has something to do with me, I’ll read it last.

  Artemidorus

  Delay not, Caesar; read it instantly.

  Don’t delay, Caesar. Read it, now.

  Caesar

  What, is the fellow mad?

  Have you gone crazy?

  Publius

  Sirrah, give place.

  Stand back, sir.

  Cassius

  What, urge you your petitions in the street? Come to the Capitol.

  Are you petitioning in the streets? Come to the Capitol.

  Caesar goes up to the Senate-House and the rest follows.

  Popilius

  I wish your enterprise to-day may thrive.

  I hope your work goes well today.

  Cassius

  What enterprise, Popilius?

  What work, Popilius?

  Popilius

  Fare you well. Advances to Caesar.

  Goodbye then.

  Advances towards Caesar.

  Brutus

  What said Popilius Lena?

  What did Popilius Lena say?

  Cassius

  He wish'd to-day our enterprise might thrive. I fear our purpose is discovered.

  He hoped our work would go well today. I’m afraid he knows what we’re planning.

  Brutus

  Look, how he makes to Caesar: mark him.

  Look how he is getting closer to Caesar. Watch him.

  Cassius

  Casca, be sudden, for we fear prevention.-- Brutus, what shall be done? If this be known, Cassius or Caesar never shall turn back, For I will slay myself.

  Casca, act quickly. We don’t want to be prevented. Brutus, what should we do? If we are discovered, I will kill myself.

  Brutus

  Cassius, be constant: Popilius Lena speaks not of our purposes; For, look, he smiles, and Caesar doth not change.

  Be calm, Cassius. Popilius Lena is not talking about our plan. Look at him smiling, and Caesar’s expression has not changed.

  Cassius

  Trebonius knows his time, for, look you, Brutus, He draws Mark Antony out of the way.

  Trebonius knows what to do. He is drawing Mark Antony away.

  Exit Antony and Trebonius.

  Decius Brutus

  Where is Metellus Cimber? Let him go, And presently prefer his suit to Caesar.

  Where is Metellus Cimber? Let him go and present his case to Caesar.

  Brutus

  He is address'd; press near and second him.

  He is presenting. Go closer and help him.

  Cinna

  Casca, you are the first that rears your hand.

  Casca, you are the first to strike.

  Caesar

  What is now amiss That Caesar and his
Senate must redress?

  Are we all ready? What do the senate and I need to address?

  Metellus Cimber

  Most high, most mighty, and most puissant Caesar, Metellus Cimber throws before thy seat An humble heart.

  Most high and mighty Caesar, I throw myself at your feet with a humble heart…

  Kneeling.

  Caesar

  I must prevent thee, Cimber. These couchings and these lowly courtesies Might fire the blood of ordinary men, And turn pre-ordinance and first decree Into the law of children. Be not fond, To think that Caesar bears such rebel blood That will be thaw'd from the true quality With that which melteth fools; I mean, sweet words, Low-crooked curtsies, and base spaniel-fawning. Thy brother by decree is banished: If thou dost bend, and pray, and fawn for him, I spurn thee like a cur out of my way.

  No need, Cimber. Your actions may make men think that I’m persuaded by such flattery. Your brother has been banished, and I will not grant him a pardon without a good reason.

  Metellus Cimber

  Caesar, thou dost me wrong.

  Isn’t my voice enough to petition for my brother’s pardon?

  METELLUS

  Caesar, thou dost me wrong.

  CAESAR