Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • Title: Julius Caesar (Modern)
  • Editor: John D. Cox
  • General textual editor: Eric Rasmussen
  • Coordinating editor: Michael Best
  • ISBN: 978-1-55058-366-3

    Copyright John D. Cox. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Editor: John D. Cox
    Peer Reviewed

    Julius Caesar (Modern)

    [3.3]
    Enter Cinna the Poet, and after him the Plebians.
    Cinna
    I dreamt tonight, that I did feast with Caesar,
    1815And things unluckily charge my fantasy.
    I have no will to wander forth of doors,
    Yet something leads me forth.
    1 Plebian
    What is your name?
    2 Plebian
    Whither are you going?
    18203 Plebian
    Where do you dwell?
    4 Plebian
    Are you a married man or a bachelor?
    2 Plebian
    Answer every man directly.
    1 Plebian
    Ay, and briefly.
    4 Plebian
    Ay, and wisely.
    18253 Plebian
    Ay, and truly, you were best.
    What is my name? Whither am I going? Where do I dwell? Am I a married man or a bachelor? Then to answer every man, directly and briefly, wisely and truly: wisely I say, I am a bachelor.
    18302 Plebian
    That's as much as to say, they are fools that marry. You'll bear me a bang for that, I fear. Proceed directly!
    Directly I am going to Caesar's funeral.
    1 Plebian
    As a friend or an enemy?
    As a friend.
    2 Plebian
    That matter is answered directly.
    4 Plebian
    For your dwelling--briefly.
    Briefly, I dwell by the Capitol.
    3 Plebian
    Your name sir, truly.
    Truly, my name is Cinna.
    1 Plebian
    Tear him to pieces! He's a conspirator!
    I am Cinna the poet! I am Cinna the poet!
    4 Plebian
    Tear him for his bad verses! Tear him for his bad verses!
    I am not Cinna the conspirator.
    4 Plebian
    It is no matter; his name's Cinna. Pluck but his name out of his heart, and turn him going.
    3 Plebian
    Tear him! Tear him! Come! Brands ho! Firebrands to Brutus! To Cassius! Burn all! Some to Decius' house, 1850and some to Casca's! Some to Ligarius'! Away, go!
    Exeunt all the plebians.