Julius Caesars (Summary)

 

Act 1 Scene 1

Flavius and Murellus, two tribunes, talk with some commoners, including a carpenter and a cobbler, to find out why crowds of people are flooding the streets of Rome. After a pun-filled exchange, the cobbler reveals that they are celebrating Caesar’s triumphal return.

Murellus asks why they celebrate Caesar—do they not remember Pompey? Didn’t they once anticipate Pompey’s triumphal procession with equal joy, yet now they celebrate Pompey’s death at Caesar’s hands? Murellus tells the commoners to beg the gods’ forgiveness for their ingratitude.

As the commoners leave and Flavius and Murellus part ways, Flavius encourages his friend to remove any decorations he finds on images of Caesar. Murellus hesitates, given that it’s the feast of Lupercal, but Flavius tells him that doesn’t matter. They agree to drive other commoners off the streets so the popular enthusiasm won’t go to Caesar’s head.

Act 1 Scene 2

, Antony, Brutus, Cassius, and others enter. Caesar tells his wife, Calpurnia, to stand in Antony’s path when he runs his race. He tells Antony to touch Calpurnia as he runs by, since this is believed to cure a woman’s infertility. Antony agrees.

Caesar hears someone calling shrilly in the crowd—it’s a soothsayer, telling him, “Beware the ides of March.” Caesar summons the soothsayer before him, but then dismisses him, saying that the man is a “dreamer.”

Despite Cassius’s urging, Brutus declines to watch the race. Cassius observes that Brutus has seemed aloof lately. Brutus assures Cassius that he shouldn’t take this personally; he is distracted by his own thoughts, “with himself at war.” Cassius replies that he wishes Brutus could see his own “hidden worthiness,” which so many prominent Romans recognize. Brutus fears that Cassius is trying to lead him astray, but Cassius assures him that he’s no flatterer, and Brutus should trust his perspective.

They hear shouting, and Brutus fears that the people have hailed Caesar as king. When Cassius says that it sounds as if Brutus is against that possibility, Brutus admits that this is true, although he loves Caesar. Brutus urges Cassius to tell him what’s on his mind—whatever it is. If it’s for the good of Rome, he’ll accept it, since he loves honor more than he fears death.

Cassius says that honor is just what he wants to discuss with Brutus. Both he and Brutus, he argues, were born just as free as Caesar. He recalls a story about racing Caesar across the Tiber River and having to rescue an exhausted Caesar from drowning. Now, Caesar is “become a god, and Cassius is / A wretched creature” who must submit to Caesar’s will. He describes other instances of weakness he’s observed in Caesar.

They hear another burst of applause. Cassius tells Brutus that “the fault […] is not in our stars, / But in ourselves”; that, in other words, it’s their fault if they are beneath Caesar. He argues that the people of Rome should be ashamed if they only have enough room for one great man. Brutus replies that he understands what Cassius is getting at and that they’ll discuss it later. He adds that he would rather be a mere villager than be ruled by a king.

The Lupercalia race has ended. Brutus points out to Cassius that Caesar, Calpurnia, and Cicero look angry and distraught. Meanwhile, Caesar tells Antony that he wishes he were surrounded by “fat,” satisfied men, unlike Cassius, who has a “lean and hungry” look—that is, he’s dangerous. Nevertheless, Caesar doesn’t fear him, “for always I am Caesar.”

Caesar and his train exit, but Brutus tugs on Casca’s cloak, detaining him. He asks Casca why Caesar looked so sad. Casca explains that Caesar was offered a crown by Antony three times; each time, Caesar refused it, but he appeared less reluctant to accept it each time. After the third refusal, Caesar swooned from “the falling sickness.” Casca observes that the rabble responded to Caesar as they would to “the players in the theater.”

Casca says that when Caesar perceived that the people were glad he’d refused the crown, he asked Casca to cut his throat. When he recovered from his swoon, he said that his words should be attributed to his illness. Cicero also made a speech in Greek, which Casca was unable to understand, and Murellus and Flavius were executed for defacing Caesar’s statues. Casca categorizes all of this as “foolery.”

Brutus and Cassius agree to meet tomorrow to talk further. Cassius urges him to “think of the world” until then. After Brutus leaves, Cassius muses that Brutus is noble, but that even the noblest can be seduced. Tonight, Cassius will leave a few letters for Brutus, as if written by different citizens, praising Brutus’s reputation and hinting at Caesar’s ambition. Cassius this thinks this will surely help cause against Caesar.

Act 1 Scene 3

There’s thunder and lightning as Casca and Cicero enter. Casca is disturbed by the earth’s shaking and the fire dropping from the heavens. He speculates that it’s either civil war among the gods, or else humans have provoked the gods to destroy them. He also saw a slave’s hand burn unharmed, a lion strolling down the street, and an owl hooting at noon. Casca concludes that this collection of omens can be no natural coincidence. Cicero agrees that it’s all quite strange, but that people are prone to misconstrue signs.

Cicero exits, and Cassius comes to see Casca. Cassius says that he has been walking fearlessly through the stormy night, and that Casca wouldn’t be afraid, either, if he understood the meaning behind these “instruments of fear and warning”—namely, that there’s “a man no mightier than thyself or me […] yet prodigious grown.” Romans’ willingness to put up with such a man shows that they have grown “womanish.”

Casca mentions the rumor that the Senators are going to crown Caesar as king tomorrow. Cassius says that, in that case, he will commit suicide sooner than submit to tyranny. He adds that maybe he shouldn’t speak like this in front of Casca, if Casca doesn’t mind such “bondage.”  But Casca says that if there’s a faction that’s preparing to overthrow tyranny, he’s willing to follow them all the way. Then Cassius tells him about the conspiracy to assassinate Caesar.

They’re interrupted by Cinna, a member of the conspiracy. Cassius gives Cinna some fake letters to leave where Brutus will find them. Then Cassius and Casca agree to confront Brutus at his house and win him over to the conspiracy, confident that he’s nearly persuaded already.

Act 2 Scene 1

Brutus, unable to sleep, paces in his orchard. He talks to himself, reasoning that he has nothing against Caesar personally. However, kingship might change Caesar, leading him to abuse his power. Caesar, then, should be regarded as a “serpent’s egg” that must be crushed before it has the chance to hatch.

Lucius, a servant, brings Brutus a letter he found on the windowsill. Brutus reads the letter by the light of whizzing meteors. It says, “Awake, and see thyself! Shall Rome, etc. Speak, strike, redress!” Brutus interprets this to mean that he, like his ancestors who drove out the Tarquin, should act to prevent Rome from falling under the sway of a king.

Brutus has asked Lucius to confirm the date; Lucius checks the calendar and says that it is indeed the 15th of March. As Lucius answers a knock at the door, Brutus reflects that he hasn’t slept since Cassius spoke to him of the conspiracy. While anticipating the assassination, Brutus feels as though there is a rebellion in the “little kingdom” of his body.

Cassius has arrived, and Lucius reports that he is accompanied by others who are concealed in their cloaks. As Lucius lets the group in, Brutus reflects on the “monstrous” nature of conspiracy. When Cassius comes in, he introduces the other conspirators: Trebonius, Decius, Casca, Cinna, and Metellus. Brutus shakes hands with them, but when Cassius proposes an oath, Brutus objects that the corruption of the times should be motivation enough to follow through on their plot, and that Romans should be able to trust one another’s word.

Cassius suggests that Cicero be included in the plot, and the others agree, Metellus pointing out that Cicero’s age and rhetorical skill will win others to the cause. Brutus rejects this idea, saying that Cicero isn’t a follower.

Cassius suggests that Mark Antony be killed as well, since he’s so close to Caesar. Again, Brutus objects, arguing that they must be “sacrificers, but not butchers.” They must kill Caesar “boldly, but not wrathfully.” Anyway, he concludes, Antony will be powerless—like a limb without a head—once Caesar is dead.

The clock strikes three. Cassius says that it’s doubtful whether Caesar will go to the Capitol today—he’s grown so superstitious lately. Decius offers to make sure Caesar goes. They discuss bringing Caius Ligarius into the conspiracy, and Brutus says he will take care of this. The conspirators part for the night.

Portia enters, asking Brutus about his strange behavior lately—he’s been so restless and distracted. She pleads with Brutus to tell her what is bothering him and who the visitors were. She says that although she is a woman, she is Cato’s daughter and Brutus’s wife, and therefore she is stronger than women in general. In fact, she has wounded herself in the thigh to prove her strength and loyalty. There is a knock at the door, so Brutus promises he will unburden his thoughts to her later.

Caius Ligarius enters. He is sick but eager to be involved in the plot—“a piece of work that will make sick men whole.” He and Brutus set off together in Caesar’s direction, the sound of thunder in the background.

Act 2 Scene 2

There’s more thunder and lightning. Julius Caesar enters in his nightgown, unable to sleep. Calpurnia has been talking in her sleep, dreaming of his murder. Caesar sends a servant to order the priests to do sacrifices and report back to him the results of their auguries.

Calpurnia enters and tells Caesar that he mustn’t leave the house today. Although she has “never stood on ceremonies,” she’s frightened by reports of a lioness birthing in the streets, blood drizzling from the sky, and ghosts roaming about. Caesar replies that the gods’ purposes can’t be avoided; he will leave anyway, because these omens aren’t just signs for him, but for the world in general. Death is inevitable and comes to everyone when it’s fated to come.

The servant returns with a worrying omen—the  sacrificed animal was found to contain no heart, indicating that Caesar shouldn’t leave the house. Caesar rebuffs this interpretation, saying the heartless sacrifice is a warning against cowardice. He is “more dangerous than [danger] itself” and will go forth. Calpurnia replies that Caesar’s wisdom is being outweighed by his confidence. She begs him to stay home, saying Caesar can use her fear as an excuse, and he relents.

Decius arrives to accompany Caesar to the Senate House. Caesar tells Decius to inform the Senate that he chooses not to come. Decius insists on being given a reason for Caesar’s absence—otherwise he’ll be laughed at when he delivers the message. Caesar replies that his will is reason enough. However, he privately admits that Calpurnia has asked him to stay home because of her dream of Caesar’s statue spurting blood. Decius replies that this dream is actually fortunate—it signifies that Caesar’s blood will revive Rome. Besides, the Senate is planning to give Caesar a crown today, and if Caesar stays away, they might change their minds. Caesar quickly decides to go after all.

The rest of the conspirators enter, followed by Antony. Caesar greets them all and teases Antony about his late-night partying. Then he invites them all inside for a drink of wine before they depart for the Senate together. Privately, Brutus laments what he and his fellow conspirators are about to do.

Act 2 Scene 3

Artemidorus enters, reading a paper. He’s written a letter to Caesar, warning him to beware of Brutus and the other conspirators. He will offer the paper to Caesar when he passes by. If Caesar doesn’t read the note and live, he thinks, then “the Fates with traitors do contrive.”

Act 2 Scene 4

Portia sends Lucius to the Capitol to learn whether the conspirators have been successful. Nervous, she struggles to direct Lucius without giving away what she knows of the conspiracy. Aside, she complains that it’s hard to have “a man’s mind but a woman’s might.”

The soothsayer passes by. He tells Portia that he fears harm to Caesar, though he doesn’t know for sure that it will come to pass. He goes on to find a position outside of the pressing throng from which he can speak to Caesar. Feeling faint, Portia urges Lucius on to the Capitol.

Act 3 Scene 1

With a flourish of trumpets, Caesar, Antony, the conspirators, the soothsayer, senators, and petitioners enter. Caesar observes that “the ides of March are come,” and the soothsayer replies that, nevertheless, they are not yet gone. Artemidorus urges Caesar to read his letter first, but Caesar says that a suit concerning himself should be read last. Cassius urges Caesar to enter the Capitol rather than receiving petitions in the street.

Popilius wishes Cassius well in his “enterprise,” prompting fears that the conspirators have been found out. Brutus urges Cassius to stay calm. Trebonius pulls Mark Antony out of the way, and Decius and Metellus Cimber press close to Caesar. Cinna tells Casca to prepare to strike first.

Caesar asks what business he and the Senate must address. Metellus Cimber kneels before Caesar to present the case of his banished brother, Publius Cimber. Caesar tells him that “base spaniel fawning” will do nothing to change his mind about the situation. Then, Brutus and Cassius kneel, too. Caesar tells them all that he is “constant as the North Star,” and Cimber will remain banished.

The conspirators proclaim liberty from tyranny as the Capitol descends into a panic. They send Publius to reassure the people that no harm will befall anyone else. Brutus suggests that the conspirators bathe their hands and weapons in Caesar’s blood and walk through the marketplace proclaiming “peace, freedom, liberty!” As they wash themselves with blood, Cassius remarks that this “lofty scene” will be replayed many times in the future.

Antony’s servant enters with a passionately-worded appeal, saying that Antony will support Brutus if he is allowed to safely approach and be given a satisfactory explanation for Caesar’s death. Brutus readily grants this, although Cassius doesn’t entirely trust Antony.

Antony enters and is moved by the sight of Caesar’s body. He tells the conspirators that if they intend his death as well, there’s no better moment than now, at the site of Caesar’s death. Brutus replies that they desire no such thing, and that if Antony could see their hearts, he’d know that they’ve acted out of pity for Rome in general and that they receive him with love. He adds that they will explain their reasoning to Antony after they have appeased the fearful crowds.

Antony shakes hands with the conspirators, while apologizing to Caesar’s spirit for making peace with his murderers. Cassius interjects to ask whether they can rely on Antony as a friend. Antony assures them that they can, if indeed they can convince him that Caesar was dangerous and thus that his death was justified. Moreover, he asks if he might speak at Caesar’s funeral. Brutus grants this request immediately.

Cassius takes Brutus aside, warning him that he doesn’t know what he’s doing—the people will be moved against them by Antony’s funeral speech. Brutus replies that, by speaking first, he’ll explain the reason for Caesar’s death and also that Antony only speaks by permission—thus Antony’s speech will turn out to the conspirators’ advantage after all. Cassius doesn’t like this plan, but when Brutus tells Antony that he must only praise Caesar and not blame the conspirators, Antony agrees.

 

After the others leave, Antony speaks over Caesar’s corpse, prophesying that brutal civil war will break out across Italy, urged on by Caesar’s vengeful spirit. Then a servant of Octavius Caesar enters, telling Antony that Octavius is on his way to Rome. Antony tells the servant that after his funeral speech, they’ll have a better sense of the people’s reaction, and then the servant can tell Octavius whether he can safely enter Rome or not. They carry out Caesar’s body.

Act 3 Scene 2

A crowd of plebeians follows Brutus and Cassius, demanding satisfaction. Half of them follow Cassius to hear his explanation, and half follow Brutus. Brutus begins to speak, asking his countrymen to believe him out of respect for his honor, and to use their wisdom to judge him. He explains that he rose against Caesar not because he loved Caesar less than anyone present, but because he loved Rome above all. Insofar as Caesar was good, Brutus honors him, but insofar as he was ambitious, Brutus slew him. He, too, should be slain for the good of Rome, should the day come when that’s necessary. The people shout their approval of Brutus. As Mark Antony enters with Caesar’s body, Brutus departs, charging the crowds to hear what they’ve given Antony permission to say.

As Antony ascends the pulpit, the plebeians talk among themselves, saying that Antony had better not speak ill of Brutus, and that Rome is blessed to be rid of Caesar. Antony begins, “Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears. / I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.” He restates Brutus’s charge that Caesar was ambitious, observing that “Brutus is an honorable man,” a line he repeats several times. He also makes several observations about Caesar’s so-called “ambition”—that he wept for the poor, for example, and that he refused the crown. At one point, he weeps himself, prompting several plebeians to remark that “there is much reason in his sayings,” that Caesar was wronged indeed, and that no man is nobler than Antony. 

When Antony resumes his speech, he says that he would sooner wrong the dead than wrong the “honorable” Brutus and Cassius by stirring the public to mutiny. Then he shows them Caesar’s will, but declines to read it aloud, claiming that Caesar’s love for them would inflame the people too much. However, the people shout to hear the will read, denouncing the conspirators as traitors and murderers. They beg Antony to descend from the pulpit, and they all gather in a ring around Caesar’s body.

Antony tells the people to get ready to cry. He points out Caesar’s mantle and recalls the first time Caesar ever wore it, pointing out the rips in the fabric caused by various conspirators—“the unkindest cut of all” having been given by Brutus. As the people weep, Antony lifts the mantle so they can see Caesar’s body itself. The people cry out for revenge, swearing to follow Antony to the death.

Antony reminds the people that they haven’t heard the will yet. He reads it: Caesar has left each man some money, as well as all of his property, to be used as recreational parks. The people are pleased, preparing to take Caesar’s body and also burn down the traitors’ houses. As they go, Antony remarks, “Mischief, thou art afoot; / Take thou what course thou wilt.” Meanwhile, the servant returns and reports that Octavius is now in Rome, and that Brutus and Cassius have fled the city. Antony attributes their flight to his success in stirring up the people against them.

Act 3 Scene 3

Cinna the poet enters, on his way to Caesar’s funeral, followed by the plebeians. The plebeians interrogate Cinna, and when they learn his identity, they egg each other on to “tear him.” When Cinna tells them that he is Cinna the poet, not Cinna the conspirator, they attack him anyway, for being a bad poet.

Act 4 Scene 1

Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus enter. They are discussing which members of the conspiracy ought to be executed. When they send Lepidus on an errand to fetch Caesar’s will—they’re planning to change some of the provisions it contains—Antony explains to Octavius that Lepidus is only there to be “led or driven, as we point the way.”

Act 4 Scene 2

In an army camp near Sardis, Brutus, Lucius, Lucilius, and other soldiers meet Titinius and Pindarus. Brutus talks with the others about a disagreement with Cassius. Aside, Brutus tells Lucilius that Cassius is starting to seem fake and overly courteous, and that he doesn't trust him like he used to.

Cassius arrives and accuses Brutus of having done him wrong. Brutus, surprised, says that he doesn’t even wrong his enemies, so how could he wrong a “brother”? Cassius reacts impatiently. They withdraw to Brutus’s tent so that the army won’t overhear their argument. Lucilius and Titinius stand guard.

Act 4 Scene 3

Cassius explains that Brutus has wronged him by condemning Lucius Pella for taking bribes, whereas Cassius’s letters in Lucius’s defense were ignored. Brutus accuses Cassius of letting people off for offenses in exchange for bribes. He says that since they killed Caesar for justice’s sake, they shouldn’t “contaminate” their cause by accepting bribes now—Brutus would “rather be a dog […] than such a Roman.”

Cassius is insulted and says that he's an abler soldier than Brutus. Brutus disagrees, saying he is not afraid of Cassius. Cassius says that even Caesar never insulted him this way, and Brutus says that Cassius was too afraid of Caesar to give him reason. Brutus continues, saying that Cassius denied him money for his army, even though Cassius is richer than he, because of his corruption. Cassius says that Brutus is being unfair. Brutus accuses Cassius of loving flattery. Cassius makes a show of asking Brutus to kill him, if he really thinks him so dishonorable.

Brutus tells Cassius to sheathe his dagger, explaining that his quick temper is just as quickly expired. Cassius apologizes for his hasty temper, too, and they shake hands. Outside, a poet speaks to the guards, saying that in light of their mutual grudge, it’s not wise for the two to be left alone. Brutus and Cassius emerge and mock the poet’s poor rhymes, sending him away.

Brutus and Cassius dismiss their guards and servant. Brutus explains that his temper stems from grief—Portia is dead. She killed herself by swallowing coals when she feared that Antony and Octavius would defeat Brutus. Cassius is horrified; Brutus doesn’t want to discuss it further. They drink wine in honor of their reconciliation.

Titinius and Messala enter, and the men compare notes regarding the advance of Octavius and Mark Antony. Messala reports that Octavius, Antony, and Lepidus are reported to have executed a large number of senators, including Cicero. Messala also reports Portia’s death, and Brutus stoically accepts the news, not revealing that he already knew. Brutus and Cassius debate whether it’s best to march to Philippi to confront Antony and Octavius. Cassius thinks it’s best for them to remain well-rested, in a defensive position, while Brutus argues that if Antony’s army marches to meet them, they’ll collect allies along the way, arriving in strengthened numbers. Cassius concedes to Brutus’s reasoning, and they bid one another goodnight.

Two servants, Varrus and Claudio, and Lucius enter Brutus’s tent. Lucius plays a song, and everyone but Brutus is soon asleep. Brutus settles down to read, but the Ghost of Caesar suddenly appears, calling himself “Thy evil spirit, Brutus.” The ghost tells Brutus that they will meet again at Philippi; then he vanishes. Brutus wakes the others, who deny having seen anything. Then Brutus sends word to Cassius that they should prepare to march.

Act 5 Scene 1

Octavius, Antony, and their army are waiting on the battlefield. Antony thinks that Brutus and Cassius are attacking them in order to make themselves look braver than they are. A messenger alerts them that the opposing army is approaching. Antony gives Octavius an order about how to advance his troops, which Octavius disputes. When Antony asks why Octavius is arguing with him, he replies, "I do not cross you, but I will do so.”

Brutus’s and Cassius’s army meets Antony’s and Octavius’s army on the battlefield, and they exchange taunts. Brutus and Cassius mock Antony as an untested soldier, a bee who is all “buzz” and no sting. Antony and Octavius call Brutus and Cassius hypocrites and traitors. Antony and Octavius exit in disgust.

As Brutus steps aside with Lucilius, Cassius talks with Messala. Cassius says that, although he’s an Epicurean and previously gave little credit to omens, he has changed his mind—carrion birds have been flying above the army and looking down at them as if they’re prey. When Brutus returns, Cassius says that, although he’s hopeful about the battle, in the event that they lose, this will be the last time he and Brutus speak together. Brutus says that if they lose, his Stoic outlook will prevent him from committing suicide. However, neither will he be content to be led as a defeated captive through the streets of Rome. The two say farewell to each another.

Act 5 Scene 2

In the midst of the battle, Brutus sends Messala in haste with orders for Cassius’s forces. Octavius’s forces appear to be vulnerable, so now is the time to pour all of Cassius’s forces into the attack.

Act 5 Scene 3

Cassius and Titinius enter, with Cassius carrying a battle flag. Cassius tells Titinius that when his own flag-bearer started running away, Cassius killed him for his cowardice. Titinius says that Brutus gave his orders too soon, giving Antony’s men an opportunity to surround them. Pindarus enters, urging Cassius to quickly retreat—Antony’s forces are overrunning them. As Titinius rides off to scout out the situation further, Cassius reflects that on this, his birthday, his life has run its full course. Pindarus reports that Titinius has been taken captive by the enemy. Appealing to Pindarus’s personal loyalty to him, Cassius orders Pindarus to stab him to death. Pindarus does so, with the same sword Cassius used to stab Caesar. Then, in grief, he flees Rome forever.

Titinius and Messala enter. Messala tells Titinius that Octavius has been overthrown by Brutus, just as Cassius has been overthrown by Antony. Then they discover Cassius’s body on the ground. Titinius grieves his friend’s death: “the sun of Rome is set” because Cassius didn’t trust that Titinius would be successful in his scouting errand. Messala shares his grief, lamenting that despair moves people to irreparable error. Messala goes to give Brutus the sorrowful news while Titinius searches for Pindarus. However, alone with Cassius’s body, Titinius lays his victory garland on Cassius’s brow and then kills himself with Cassius’s sword.

Brutus, Messala, and several others enter. When they discover both Cassius’s and Titinius’s slain bodies, Brutus laments that Caesar’s ghost “walks abroad and turns our swords / In our own proper entrails,” and that Rome will never produce an equal to Cassius. He sends Cassius’s body outside the camp for burial and leads the others off for a second fight.

Act 5 Scene 4

Brutus, Messala, Cato, and other soldiers enter the field. Brutus urges his men to be courageous. Cato fights boldly and is killed, and Lucilius, pretending to be Brutus, is taken captive. Then Antony enters and, recognizing Lucilius, spares his life and orders that he be treated kindly, in hopes that he will become an ally.

Act 5 Scene 5

Brutus enters with several friends; battle-weary, they sit down together to rest. Tearfully, Brutus speaks to three different companions—Clitus, Dardanius, and Volumnius—asking each of them in turn to kill him. To Volumnius, Brutus explains that Caesar’s ghost has appeared to him again, and that he knows his hour has come. They each refuse his request, urging him to keep running from the enemy. Brutus declines and bids each of them farewell, explaining that now he only desires rest. Finally, he asks Strato to hold Brutus’s sword while Brutus runs upon it. Strato agrees, and Brutus kills himself, saying, “Caesar, now rest. I killed you half as willingly as I kill myself.”

Octavius enters with Antony, Messala, Lucilius (both captives), and other soldiers. They see Strato with Brutus’s body, and Strato explains to them the circumstances of Brutus’s suicide. Antony declares that Brutus was “the noblest Roman of them all,” since he was the only conspirator who did not act out of envy of Caesar; instead, he acted from lofty ideals. Octavius agrees, making plans for Brutus’s honorable burial. They all leave to celebrate their victory in battle.