demanding to see them. The Poet warns them that they should “Love and be friends,” but he is dismissed. Lucilius and Titinius are sent with messages to the commanders.
Lines 215–326: Cassius expresses surprise at the depth of Brutus’ anger, and Brutus reveals that Portia is dead. She has killed herself due to Brutus’ absence, and fear of the growing strength of Antony and Octavius. His fragmented phrases reveal genuine sorrow, but he resolves that they will “Speak no more of her” as Lucius brings wine and tapers. Brutus and Cassius drink to each other and are joined by Titinius and Messala. Brutus shows letters from which he has learned that the armies of Octavius and Antony are on their way to Philippi. Messala has had similar news and they both reveal that the triumvirs have executed up to a hundred senators, including Cicero. Tentatively, Messala asks Brutus if he has heard from Portia, before revealing what Brutus already knows of her death. Again, Brutus does not dwell on this, saying that he has “the patience to endure it now” before changing the subject to the battle they must fight. He asks whether they should march to Philippi. Cassius suggests that they let the enemy come to them, so that their troops will be weary while their own will be “full of rest, defence and nimbleness.” Once again, Brutus and Cassius are in disagreement, but Cassius bows toBrutus’ suggestion and agrees to go to Philippi. The leaders bid each other goodnight.
Lines 327–401: Brutus instructs Varrus and Claudio to sleep in his tent in case he has messages for Cassius. His exchange with Lucius reveals a gentler, more compassionate side. Lucius falls asleep. The Ghost of Caesar appears, announcing that it is Brutus’ “evil spirit” and telling him that it shall appear again “at Philippi.” It vanishes before Brutus can talk with it further, and he calls out to wake Lucius, Varrus, and Claudio. They all deny either crying out or seeing anything, and Brutus sends Lucius and Varrus to Cassius, telling him to be ready to march early in the morning.
ACT 5 SCENE 1
At Philippi, Octavius and Antony discuss the approach of the enemy. Echoing the divisions in the conspirators’ camp, they briefly disagree over tactics before marching. Brutus and Cassius enter with their armies, and the two sets of leaders meet in “parley,” exchanging insults that focus attention on the theme of speech or “words.” Octavius and Antony lead their armies away. Brutus calls Lucilius, and the two speak apart as Cassius reveals his own concerns to Messala: despite not previously believing in such things, he is unnerved by several omens they encountered on their march to Philippi. Brutus returns, and he and Cassius contemplate what will happen if they lose. Brutus vows that he will not be taken captive to Rome. They say farewell, and go into battle.
ACT 5 SCENE 2
Brutus sends Messala with messages to Cassius: he can see a possible weakness in Octavius’ army and is going to attack.
ACT 5 SCENE 3
Lines 1–51: Cassius watches as his own troops run. Titinius blames Brutus for attacking Octavius too soon while Cassius’ troops weresurrounded by Antony’s. Pindarus arrives, urging Cassius to flee, as Antony has entered the camp. Cassius assures him that he is far enough away and sends Titinius for news. He sends Pindarus farther up the hill to observe the battlefield, before noting that it is his birthday and likely also to be the day he dies: “where I did begin, there shall I end.” Pindarus reports what he believes he can see: Titinius surrounded by horsemen, who kill him. Ashamed of what he perceives as his own cowardice, Cassius calls Pindarus to him and reminds him of the oath he made to do whatever Cassius bid him to. Cassius hands Pindarus his sword and tells him to kill him, thus rendering Pindarus a “freeman” and giving Caesar his revenge. Pindarus does so and flees.
Lines 52–116: Titinius and Messala are discussing