Scene summary
On the Ides of March, Julius Caesar goes to the Capitol and tells the Soothsayer that the Ides have come; the Soothsayer replies that they have come, but have not gone. Artemidorus tries to hand him a letter of warning, insisting he read it at once, and Decius simultaneously presents a petition from Trebonius; Caesar says that what concerns himself comes last and enters the Senate without reading. Senator Popilius Lena wishes Cassius that the day's undertaking may prosper and speaks privately with Caesar; Cassius fears all is discovered and threatens to kill himself, but Brutus notices that Popilius smiles and Caesar does not change his expression. Trebonius draws Mark Antony away with conversation, and Metellus Cimber kneels, asking that his exiled brother be recalled. Caesar refuses and rebuffs him like a dog; Brutus and Cassius kneel for the same request, and Caesar refuses them too, saying he is as constant as the North Star; it is under the pretext of this petition that the conspirators surround him. Casca strikes the first blow, the others follow, and Brutus strikes last; Caesar falls saying "Et tu, Brute?"
The conspirators shout liberty, and Brutus asks the fleeing senators to stay calm; then he orders them to wash their hands in Caesar's blood and go out into the streets shouting "peace, liberty." A servant of Antony comes to ask Brutus for a guarantee that his master may learn why Caesar deserved to die, and Antony arrives, laments the body, and offers his own life to the conspirators, who refuse it. He shakes each man's hand and says he only wants to know the reason; Brutus promises to explain. Antony asks to take the body to the public square and to speak at the funeral. Cassius, aside, asks Brutus not to consent; Brutus answers that he will speak first, will explain the crime, and will say that Antony speaks with permission, without blaming the conspirators. Alone, Antony asks the body's pardon for having been gentle with the conspirators, whom he calls butchers, foresees civil war in Italy, with Caesar's spirit crying out for vengeance, and sends the servant of Octavius to tell him that Rome is not yet safe for him, but only after he sees how the people react in the Forum.
Analysis
Caesar ignores the Soothsayer and Artemidorus, who try to warn him, because, he says, what concerns himself comes last, and he enters the Senate. He refuses Metellus's petition, which the conspirators use as a pretext, declaring himself as constant as the northern star, and it is in this refusal that the conspirators surround him. Casca strikes first and Brutus last. Antony pretends alliance, obtains permission to speak at the funeral, and, alone, swears vengeance and sends word to Octavius.
Et tu, Brute?
Then fall, Caesar!
(III.1)
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