julius caesar

Julius Caesar
William Shakespeare

Three Watson
Irvine, CA 92618-2767
Website: www.sdlback.com


Saddleback’s Illustrated ClassicsTM

Three Watson
Irvine, CA 92618-2767
Website: www.sdlback.com

Copyright © 2006 by Saddleback Educational Publishing.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form
or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying,
recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system without the
written permission of the publisher.

ISBN 1-59905-149-4
 julius caesar 

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 William Shakespeare
William Shakespeare was baptized on April 26, 1564, in
Stratford-on-Avon, England, the third child of John Shakespeare,
a well-to-do merchant, and Mary Arden, his wife. Young William
probably attended the Stratford grammar school, where he
learned English, Greek, and a great deal of Latin. Historians
aren’t sure of the exact date of Shakespeare’s birth.

In 1582, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway. By 1583

the couple had a daughter, Susanna, and two years later the
twins, Hamnet and Judith. Somewhere between 1585 and
1592 Shakespeare went to London, where he became first an
actor and then a playwright. His acting company, The King’s
Men, appeared most often in the Globe theater, a part of which
Shakespeare himself owned.

In all, Shakespeare is believed to have written thirty-seven

plays, several nondramatic poems, and a number of sonnets.
In 1611 when he left the active life of the theater, he returned
to Stratford and became a country gentleman, living in the
second-largest house in town. For five years he lived a quiet
life. Then, on April 23, 1616, William Shakespeare died and
was buried in Trinity Church in Stratford. From his own time
to the present, Shakespeare is considered one of the greatest
writers of the English-speaking world.


William Shakespeare

Julius Caesar

mark
antony
brutus

julius caesar

calpurnia
cassius

casca
 julius caesar 

It was a holiday in the city of Rome. Crowds of people cheered the

return of Julius Caesar who had won a battle in Spain.
10

Go home Why are you Why, sir. . . I

But not everyone
you lazy here in holi- am a good
was happy. Two gov-
men! day clothes shoemaker!
ernment officials,*
instead of but today I
Flavius and MarUllus,
working in came out to
tried to send away
your shops? see Caesar
some of the crowds.
and celebrate
with him.

For shame! He did Pompey,

not fight a foreign** who FOUght
enemy, but the sons to keep
of a great Roman— Caesar
Pompey. from making
himself rul-
er of Rome!
Pompey,
whom you
have often
cheered
for in
these very
streets!

How many times have you waited all day just to cheer Pom-
pey as he passed by? Now you dress up to cheer the man
who shed Pompey’s blood!

* those whose jobs involve the running of a city, state, or country

** from another country
 julius caesar 11

We must remove
these decorations.
They are an insult
That day hap-
to the memory of
pened TO be a
Pompey!
yearly holiday to
honor the god
Lupercus.* there
was to be a foot
race, and people
had decorated
all the statues in
the city.

Are we allowed to do
that? After alL it is
the feast of Lupercal!

We don’t need such things You go that way. . . I’ll go this

to remind us of what Caesar way. Remove any of Caesar’s
has done. Before we know it, decorations that you see.
he will make himself king!
I’ll do it!

* a god who would bless the fields with good crops

12

Meanwhile, near the spot where the Then he spoke to Mark Antony.
young Roman men would race, Caesar
spoke to his wife, Calpurnia. Be sure to touch
Calpurnia as you
Stand right in Mark I will! run. TheY say this I’ll
Antony’s way when will grant a woman remember!
he runs. many children.

Suddenly someone called

out from the crowd.

Caesar!

Who calls Caesar?

Speak! I am listening!

Caesar!
Beware
the ides of
March!*

* The Roman month was divided into the kalends, the ides, and the nones; in March the ides fell on
the 15th.
 julius caesar 13

Who is that A soothsayer* who

man? tells you to beware
the ides of March!

Bring him here! Let What do you say

me see his face. now?

Beware the
ides of March!

The man is a
dreamer. Let us
go on our way.

* someone who predicts the future from signs and omens

14

My dear friend, have I No, no!

done something to anger It is not
you? You don’t seem very you.
As Caesar and friendly lately.
his followers
went off to the
race, Cassius
and Brutus, two
noble Romans,
stayed behind.

I have some prob- You will do

Just then a great shout went up from
lems I must deal the right
the crowd watching the games.
with; that is all. thing, I’m
sure.
What’s HAPPENING?

I’m afraid the people are

choosing Caesar to be their
King!
 julius caesar 15

If you fear it. . . Caesar has grown Are you asking me to

then you don’t too great! He is a help you stop Caesar
want it to happen! human being, and from becoming King?
not a god!

Caesar is my friend. but

Rome must be a republic,*
not Caesar’s Kingdom. aND IF I AM?

I will think of The games are over. Pull Casca

what you’ve said, aside when he passes by. He will
and answer you tell us what happened.
later.

* a government ruled by the people

16

Meanwhile, Caesar and his I don’t like Don’t fear him, Caesar.
followers arrived at the the looks He’s not dangerous.
place where Brutus and of that
Cassius were talking. Cassius.

As Caesar left, Casca came by in the crowd.

You pulled at my Yes, tell us what

I don’t fear him, for cloak. You want to happened. why
I am Caesar! But speak to me? all the cheering?
what do you think
of him?
 julius caesar 17

Why, Caesar
What?
was offered
If so, I wouldn’t a crown!
You were there,
ask you what had
weren’t you?
happened!

He refused it. . . What about

pushed it away, the second
like this. . . shout?
and the crowd
cheered!

Three times, Antony

tried to place a crown
on Caesar’s head. . . and
each time Caesar looked
more sad. But the crowd
And the cheered when he turned
third? it down!
18

The people love him as a By the way, Casca,

dictator,* but They are will you dine with me
not yet ready to ac- tomorrow?
cept him as a king.

If I still live. . . And your dinner is

worth eating! For now, farewell.

If you wish so Brutus left, and Cassius

Good! I’ll stood alone.
to talk to
be there.
me privately,
Tonight. . . I will see that letters
come to-
are tossed through Brutus’
morrow. I’ll
window.
wait at home
for you.

They’ll seem to be from leading

citizens** hinting that Caesar
will make himself king. I’ll have
Brutus on my side yet!

* a leader given full power in times of trouble

** members of a city or country who have the right to vote
 julius caesar 19

That night a terrible storm

raged, but casca was out
in it.

Never till tonight have I

seen a storm dropping
such fire on us!

A lion. . . but he is
too frightened to
attack me!

It is a sign from
the gods! They
are angry with
the men of Rome!
20

A Roman!

Who’s there?

casca! I recognized* I like it! I’ve been

your voice. walking and en-
joying it.

But men should fear

and tremble when

cassius! What the gods warn us of

a night this is! their anger!

Honest men should not fear.

The gods grow angry only
with tyrants!**

You mean Caesar,

don’t you?

* knew by seeing or hearing

** rulers who refuse to follow the law and often treat their people harshly
 julius caesar 21

I hear the The Roman peo-

But perhaps you
senators* ple are weaker
serve Caesar
plan to make than I thought if
gladly! If so,
Caesar king they need a king
I am ready to
tomorrow! to rule them.
defend myself!

No, no! I feel as you do! I do! In fact, I’m I am with

And I will join you if you on my way to you!
have a plan against him. meet some other
noble Romans to
discuss** it. Will
you come?

* men who are elected to help rule a city or a country

** talk over
22

But wait! Here It is Cinna. He If you could

He thinks as
comes someone! is one of us! only win Brutus
we do, Cinna.
to our side! All
I am sure HE
the people love
I came to find you! will join us
him and believe
We are waiting at soon.
in him.
the meeting place!

These letters will help

persuade* him. Toss one in
at his window, the others
where only he can find them.

All right. I will meet you

later.

Come Casca. Before it is

day, we shall see Brutus
at his house. By then he
will be one of us!

*urge or encourage someone to believe or to do something

 julius caesar 23

At that very hour, Lucius,

You called,
Brutus was walk- wake up!
sir?
ing in his garden. come here!
He could not
sleep.

Take a candle into my I will, Caesar can be

study, Lucius. When it is sir. stopped only

Alone again,
lighted, come and call me. by death. But
Brutus tried
is it right to
to sort out
kill him?
his thoughts.

The candle is lighted. And

in your study, near the
window, I found this.
24

Go back to I don’t know,

bed, lucius. sir. I’ll look at
Meanwhile, Brutus
But wait! the calendar.
read the unsigned
Isn’t tomor-
letter.
row the ides
of March?

“Brutus, wake up!

Shall Rome be
ruled by one man ?”

What, Rome ? My ances-

tors* drove Tarquin**
from the streets when
he was called a king!

Oh, Rome, I make you

a promise! I, Bru-
tus, will speak. . .
and strike. . . if it be
needed!

* members of one’s family who lived long ago

** Tarquinius Superbus, the last king of Rome, who was driven from the city by his people
 julius caesar 25

Just then, the servant Lucius Sir, it is Let them come

returned. your friend in.

Cassius. . . and
You are Good. Now go
some other men I
right, sir. to the gate.
could not see.
It is the Someone’s
fifteenth knocking.
of March.

No. I’ve been awake

Good day! all night. Do I know

do we wake these men?

you?
26

Yes, every one. This is tre- They are all

bonius. These are Casca, welcome.

Cinna, and Metellus Cimber.

All of them honor you!

Brutus and Cassius whispered

What troubles May I speak together for a few moments.

Keep you to you pri- Then. . .

awake tonight, vately?

Cassius?

Shake hands with me,

He is with us! friends, one by one.
 julius caesar 27

Yes, we will swear to No, not an Our honest word, honestly

carry out our plan! oath!* given, is enough for any
true Roman.

Shall no man A good point. I think Mark

No, no!
be touched but Antony should die too!
Caesar?

We are not butchers! We

don’t kill in anger. We act
for the good of all.

Besides, Mark Antony can

do no more to hurt us than
Caesar’s arm could, if his
head were cut off!

* a very solemn or serious promise

28

Listen! The clock

strikes three.

But suppose Caesar does not go

to the capitOl today? The omens*
are bad, and he has become very

It is time we left. superstitious.**

Then we will meet by

Don’t worry, I know what
eight o’clock.
to do. I’ll get him to the
capitOl.

Agreed! We’ll all be

there. Goodbye, Brutus.

* mysterious signs that are supposed to warn of future events

** believing in all sorts of supernatural signs
 julius caesar 29

All Night you have walked and

Soon after the men had left, Bru- sighed. Earlier, when I asked what
tus was joined by his wife Portia. troubled you, you were cross with
me.
Portia! You Nor should

should not you. Won’t

be up and out you tell me

in the cold what trou-

morning air. bles you?

It is only that I am not feeling

well!

Don’t kneeL, I wouldn’t Am I only someone to fix your

Dear Portia! have to, if you meals and share your bed. . . or

would keep am I truly your wife, a part of

your marriage you, to share your secrets?

vows.

You’re my true wife, AS DEAR

TO ME AS MY HEART’S BLOOD!
30

I am loyal, Bru- But wait. . . someone’s at the gate!

tus, and I can keep Go inside quickly, and we’ll speak
your secrets! later.

My dear love, I will

tell you everything!

Across the city, at Caesar’s house, it had And three times in

been a stormy, wakeful night as well. her sleep, Calpur-
nia cried out:
“help! They mur-
dered Caesar!”
Neither heaven nor
earth has been peaceful
tonight.
 julius caesar 31

Troubled, Caesar called a ser-

As the servant hurried away,
vant to his side.
Caesar’s wife Calpurnia came

Go and tell the priests to make into the room.

sacrifices*, and let me know

Caesar! You must not
what they say.
go out of the house
today!
At once, sir.

I’ve never believed in signs and Ghost-sol- These signs

omens. . . but awful things have diers fought are for ev-

been seen during the night. in the clouds, eryone, not

dead men just for
left their me. I am not
graves, spirits afraid. Death
screamed in will come
the streets. I’m when it will
afraid! come!

* offerings to the gods

32

Just then Cae- The signs show that I will not listen!

sar’s servant you should not go out I am Caesar. . .

returned with today. and stronger

news from the than danger. I

priests. will go!

Please, Caesar. . .
no!

Tell the senators it is my fear All right, Calpurnia. Mark Antony

that keeps you here! Send Mark will tell them I am not well. At
Antony to the Capitol. He will your wish, I will stay at home.
say you are not well today.
 julius caesar 33

Good day, You are just in Say he

Just then Decius Caesar! I’ve time to take a is sick.
arrived. . . the come to take message to the
plotter* who had you to the senators. I will
said he would capitol. not come today.
see to it that
Caesar came to
the capitol.

No, no. I have no Simply tell them I will not come.

need to lie. That is enough.

But because you are my friend, I I had such terrible

will tell you the real reason. It dreams last night!
is Calpurnia, my wife, who keeps
me at home.

* someone who plans evil

34

I saw Caesar’s statue, like a She has begged me on her knees

fountain, spouting blood. And to stay at home today.
many Romans came smiling, and
washed their hands in it!

Her dream is right,

Caesar, but you have
not understood it
correctly!

Your statue spouting blood You see, the senators plan to give

means that Rome will receive you a crown today! If you do not

strength and greatness from you. come, they may change their minds.

That is what the dream means!

 julius caesar 35

Some will laugh, and say, “Wait until They’ll whis- You make
another time when Caesar’s wife has per, “The mighty Calpurnia’s fear
better dreams!” Caesar is seem foolish.
afraid.”

I am ashamed that I agreed Then, as Caesar got

with her. I will go! Bring me my ready, others arrived.
robe.

Here is Publius, coming

to walk with me. And
Brutus!
36

Welcome, Publius! And you,

Good day,
Brutus, you’re out early.
Caesar!
Casca, Caius LiGarIUS. . .
come in!

And here’s Antony—up early even Dear friends, thank you for com-
after a night of merry-making! ing! Have some wine, and we’ll all
go to the Capitol together.
 julius caesar 37

As the plotters waited to go I’ll write a note and try to give

with Caesar to the Senate,* other it to Caesar as he passes. If he
people were trying to find ways reads it, he may yet live!
to warn him.

One of these was

Artemidorus.

Brutus, Cas-
sius, Casca. . .
I know they
mean to harm
Caesar, but
they’ll never
let me near
enough to
warn him.

I must find a place he will pass

Another was the old soothsayer
on his way. I will speak to him
who had warned Caesar about the
once more!
ides of March.

I see great harm coming to

Caesar. I must warn him again
to take care!

* the building in which the senators met for government business; the Capitol
38

MEANWHILE, CAESAR SET OUT, NOT KNOWING HE WAS SURROUNDED BY

PLOTTERS. AS THEY NEARED THE CAPITOL, THE SOOTHSAYER STEPPED OUT
OF THE CROWD. CAESAR SPOKE TO him.

You see, the ides of Yes, but not yet gone!

March have come. OH, great Caesar,
beware!

Then Artemidorus rushed up to All the more

But this
Caesar. reason to wait.
concerns
Hail, Caesar! Please read this I must put the
you, and
petition,* I beg you! people’s business
now!
before my own.

This is not the

time for such
things.

* a paper asking for a favor

 julius caesar 39

So, Caesar moved on to the Capitol, never thinking of danger. But

some of the plotters were nervous.*

Look ! Is Popilius
Don’t worry!
warning Caesar of
Caesar is still
our plot?
smiling.

IF our plan is Everything’s working as we

discovered, I’ll planned it! See, Trebonius
kill myself! is drawing Mark Antony
away from Caesar.

* upset, jumpy
40

Finally Caesar called

the senate to order.
the plotters gathered
around him. suddenly. . .

Hands,
speak for
me!

Are you with them, too,

Brutus? Then die, Caesar!
 julius caesar 41

As Caesar fell, the crowd panicked,*

but the plotters cheered.

Liberty! Freedom!
Tell the people we We mean no
Tyranny** is dead!
have made them free harm to any

again! Roman! No
one should
be frightened!

Where is Mark He fled to Caesar’s death was a sacrifice,

Antony? his home. not a murder. We must bathe
everywhere our hands and our swords in
men, women, his blood and go through the
and children streets crying, “Peace, freedom,
are crying and liberty!”
and running
away.

* became frightened and tried to run away all at once

** harsh rule
42

Just then Mark Antony’s servant “I honor Brutus,” my master said,

drew near. “as I honored Caesar.”

My master sent me to kneel at

your feet, Brutus, with a message.

Then
speak.

If you will make clear to Antony
why Caesar deserved to die, then
he will honor Brutus living more
than Caesar dead. And he will
follow you faithfully.
Antony is a wise and brave Roman!
He may safely come here, and I
will answer all his questions.

I’ll tell him at once.

 julius caesar 43

Almost at once, Antony Welcome, Mark I don’t know what

arrived. Antony! you plan to do.

But if I must die,
no place would be
better than here
by Mighty Caesar.

We may seem cruel and bloody to
you now, but our hearts are not.
Pity for the Roman people made
us do what we did.
We wish you well. And when we
have calmed the fears of the
people, I will explain why I, who
honored Caesar also, struck him
down.

Very well. Then I would like to take his body

to the marketplace and speak at his funeral.*

You shall, Mark

Antony. Brutus, a
word with you!

* a religious service for someone who has died

44

It will do us more good than

Don’t let him speak Brutus! harm to show the people that we
He’ll stir up the people! want to have A proper funeral
for Caesar.

well, I still
don’t like it.

Don’t worry, Cassius.

I will speak first and
explain everything we
have done.

So it was arranged. The plotters I swear that before this is over,

went away and Mark Antony was I will avenge* you! Blood, suffer-
left alone with Caesar’s body. ing, and war will tear Italy apart!

Oh, Caesar,
forgive me for
being meek and
gentle with
these butchers.
They have killed
the noblest man
who ever lived!

* get even for something, seek revenge

 julius caesar 45

Caesar wrote Only a few

to your master, miles away.

As Antony grieved* telling him to But—is this

for Caesar, a return to Rome! Caesar?

servant came to Is he near?

him from Octavius,

Caesar’s nephew
and adopted son.

It is. But before we weep, we must Now come,

make plans. Return to Octavius give me a
and tell him what has happened. hand with
Caesar’s
body.

We must carry him to the

marketplace. I will see
from my speech how the
people will answer this
murder!

*mourned, felt sorrow at someone’s death

46

The people cheered at Brutus’

Meanwhile at the Forum,*
words.
Brutus was explaining to
the people why Caesar
had been killed. Long live Brutus! caesar
was a tyrant! Rule us in
I loved Caesar, but Caesar’s place!
I loved Rome more.
Caesar loved power
too much, and that is
why we killed him.

If you want to live as

slaves, you should
hate us, yes. But if
you want to be free
Romans, you must
praise us.

Good Romans, do honor to Caesar’s

Just then Mark body, and listen to Antony’s funeral
Antony arrived speech. I alone will leave.
with Caesar’s
body.

* a central meeting place in the city of Rome

 julius caesar 47

Saying this, Brutus departed, and Antony began to speak.

the noble brutus But three times

has told you cae- you saw me offer
sar was too ambi- Caesar a crown,
tious*. . . and brutus and three times
is an honorable man. he refused it. Is
this ambition?

He loved you very

much, and you loved
him once, too, with
good reason.

But wait—I’ve said too much. I must not wrong

As Antony recalled** the honorable men who have killed Caesar.
Caesar’s great
deeds, the feelings
They were
of the crowd began
murderers! O
to change.
noble Caesar!

* wanting or trying to get power

** reminded someone of
48

Be calm, my friends! Listen to We’ll hear it! We’ll hear

Caesar’s will! the will!

To every roman man, he leaves To you and your children he

seventy-five drachmas.* leaves his lands, walks, and
gardens on the river tiber. when
shall come another man like this?

Never! Never!

Most noble Caesar! We’ll

burn his body in the holy
place! We’ll aVEnge his
death!

* about $150
 julius caesar 49

We’ll find the traitors!* We’ll

burn their houses! we’ll kill
them! Now let it work.
Mischief** take
your course.

As the mob moved away, Octavius’ They say They must

servant walked up to Antony. Brutus and have had

Cassius have some
ridden like warning
Octavius is I will go
madmen out of how
in Rome. . . at straight to
of Rome! the people
Caesar’s house. visit him.
feel.

* people who have done evil to their own country

** evil works, violence
50

Once Caesar was Mark Antony and Octavius made their

dead, Brutus and plans in Rome.

Cassius had hoped

Brutus and Cas- And we must try
to take control of
sius are raising to learn their
Rome peacefully.
armies. We must plans. There are
But Antony’s speech
get our own enemies on all
changeD everything.
forces together. sides.
They would have to
fight a battle to
decide which side
would rule.

Outside Rome, Brutus and Cassius commanded a large army. They met
one day at Brutus’ camp.

I have word that Antony and I hear

Octavius are leading a strong the same.

force to Philippi.

No, no! It’s Not so, for they can add new
We must march
better for soldiers to their army as they
there to fight them.
them to travel. They will be stronger if
march to us, they come here.
tiring their
Then we will do
soldiers!
it your way. But
I don’t like it.
 julius caesar 51

Come! It is night Yes. Let’s

and time for us not argue When Cassius had left, Brutus

to rest. ever again. made ready for the night.

If you are not it is my

too sleepy Lucius, duty,
play me a tune. sir.

This candle burns badly. . . or is

Lucius played, and nod- it my eyes? Who comes here?
ded, and fell asleep.
52

What are you? an Angel? A devil? I am your evil spirit,

You make my blood freeze and my Brutus. You will see

hair stand on end. me again. . . at Philippi!

LUCiUS! did you cry No, Nothing, sir!

At that, the ghost out in your sleep? Sir!
disappeared, and did you see any-
Brutus woke Lucius thing?
and the guards.

Nothing!

after this, Brutus spent an uneasy night. The next day, on the plains of
Philippi, the two armies met to do battle.

Our hopes are answered! They’ve

come down from the hills to fight
on the plains.
 julius caesar 53

They are coming,

and their flag is
out!

Good. Octavius, Lead your men against

the left part of the field. I’ll take the
right.

Words before blows,*

countrymen.**

But before the battle

began, the leaders
met to talk.

You love your words

more than we do, Brutus.

But good With your bad blows you give

words are good words Brutus. . . like the

better than hole you made in Caesar’s heart

bad blows. while crying, “Long live Caesar!”

* hits, strikes (in a battle)

** fellow citizens
54

I draw my sword against all plotters! It will not be put away again
until Caesar’s wounds are avenged. . . or until I fall in battle!

Come, Antony, we challenge*

you! If you dare to fight, meet
us on the battlefield!

With this, Antony and Octavius Today is my birthday, Messala, and

moved away. Brutus spoke the signs are bad. I do not like to
with his lieutenant**, Lucilius; stake everything on one battle!
Cassius with his aide, Messala.

* dare
** the man next in charge
 julius caesar 55

Cassius spoke of these fears to No, Cassius! Brutus

Brutus. will never go to
Rome in chains!
If we lose this battle, what
then, Brutus? Are you willing
to be led through the streets
of Rome a captive?*

But this day must end what the Forever and

Forever and
ides of March began. Whether we forever farewell,
forever fare-
shall ever meet again, we don’t Brutus! If we do
well, Cassius!
know! not, it is right
If we do meet
that we say our
again, why, we
goodbyes now!
shall smile!

* prisoner, loser of a battle

56

The battle went on all day. I see a weakness in Octavius’

wing*. A sudden attack will
Ride, Messala! Give these beat them.
orders to the troops
across the field.

My own men were running away, Titinius. I

But on another part of
had to kill the flag bearer and take the
the battlefield, things
flag from him!
were not going well for
Cassius.

Brutus gave the command to attack

Octavius too early. We are
surrounded** by Antony’s men!

* a group of men in battle, part of an army

** hemmed in on all sides
 julius caesar 57

Just then, Pindarus, one of Titinius. . . quick! Ride out and

cassius’ men, rushed up. learn whether those nearby
troops are friends or enemies.

Retreat,* sir! I’ll be right

Those are my
Get away! Anto- back!
tents burning?
ny has captured
your tents!

They are, sir.

Look out over the field, Pindarus!

Tell me what is happening!

Titinius is riding toward some

horsemen**. . . they surround
him. . . they shout with joy!
They’ve captured him!

* go back
** in this case, soldiers on horseback
58

Come down, Pindarus. When I

Titinius, my dear friend. . . I sent
spared your life* in battle, you
him to be captured!
swore to do whatever I told
you. Now do what I say, and you
will be free.

Take this sword, the same one Sadly, Pindarus did as he was
that killed Caesar. When my face ordered.
is covered, thrust** it deep into
my chest. Caesar, you are avenged!

I will do it, but

I would rather
not be free in
such a way!

* did not kill someone, kept someone from being killed

** push, strike
 julius caesar 59

So far, the battle is a draw.* Cas-

Just then Titinius returned
sius’ troops were beaten by Antony,
with Messala. He had not
but Brutus won out over Octavius.
been captured after all!

That will comfort,

Cassius. I left him
here somewhere.

Isn’t that Cassius on the ground?

Oh no, Messala; that was
Cassius! He is no more.

I’ll take this sad Cassius must

Oh, Cassius! You sent me out. . . I
news to Brutus. have thought
met our friends. Didn’t you hear
we could not
their shouts? No, you misunder-
win!
stood everything. . . you thought
they were enemies who captured
me!

* even on both sides

** did not understand, made a mistake
60

Brutus gave me this vic- Forgive me, gods! This

tory wreath to bring to is how a noble Roman
you, and you shall have must act, Cassius’ sword
it now. But as for me, it shall find Titinius’ heart!
is time for me to die.

Not long afterward, Where does Cassius’ There. . . with

Messala returned body lie? Titinius grieving
with Brutus. beside it.

He is not grieving. Julius Caesar, you are still mighty! Your

Titinius is dead! spirit walks, and turns our swords against
ourselves.
 julius caesar 61

Friends, I owe more tears to this For now, take the bodies away.
dead man than you shall see me There is still a battle to be fought.
pay.

Give up, or you I give up.

Meanwhile,
will die!
on another
part of the
field, Antony’s
soldiers were
winning.

Where is
Brutus?

Safe, Antony! No enemy

will ever take the noble
Brutus alive!

A noble prisoner! go Here he

and tell Antony. Comes!
62

At that very Come, my friends. Rest

moment, not on this rock.
far away,
Brutus was
beginning to
see that he
could not
win.

Last night Caesar’s ghost Clitus? Dardanius? I, sir? Not

appeared* to me. I know my
for all the
time has come. Who will help
world!
me to die?

I’d rather
kill myself!

Just then You go, and I will

Run, sir! Quickly!
the trumpets follow. Good Strato,

sounded. Enemy stay by me.

troops drew
near.

*as used here, came back from the dead as a spirit and revealed who he was
 julius caesar 63

Hold my sword, and turn your Fare you well,

face away while I run upon it. Will dear sir!

you, Strato?

Farewell, good
Give me your Strato. Caesar,
hand, first. you are avenged!

When Antony How did my master I held the sword, and

and Octavius die, Strato? he ran upon it.
arrived soon
afterward,
only Strato
remained.

Brutus was the noblest*

Roman of them all!

All the others acted be- His body shall

The battle cause they envied** Caesar. lie in honor
was over, and Brutus alone did what he in my tent. We
Antony’s side believed was right! will give him
had won. But all the re-
even so, he spect a noble
was sad at Roman soldier
Brutus’ death. deserves!

THE
END
* best, most honest, most sincere
** were jealous of
 Julius Saddleback’s

Caesar
Illustrated Classics™

Julius
A triumphant Caesar enters Rome after
Caesar
defeating the sons of his old enemy, Pompey.
Jealousy and fear over Caesar’s reforms reveal a
brewing conspiracy to assassinate him. As the SHAKESPEARE

plot thickens, Caesar’s wife is plagued by terrible

nightmares and begs him not to go to the

Julius Caesar
Capitol. But Caesar shrugs off her fears and is
accompanied to the Senate by the conspirators
thus sealing his fate. Caesar’s loyal friends rally to
avenge his death and preserve his legacy.

Three Watson
Irvine, CA 92618-2767
Website: www.sdlback.com
SHAKESPEARE

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