Cassius Recruits Brutus — Julius Caesar I.ii
Julius Caesar
intermediateHow to cast this scene
Draw two names from a hat. No type casting of any kind. Swap after each read-through. Players should approach this scene as a conversation between equals — even though Cassius is driving the agenda, Brutus has the power to end it at any moment.
Say it right
- Cassius
- KASH-ee-us
- Brutus
- BROO-tus
- Caesar
- SEE-zer
- Tiber
- TIE-ber
Who’s who
- Brutus
- Honorable, thoughtful, slow to commit. Loves Rome more than any person in it — and Cassius knows that.
- Cassius
- Lean, perceptive, persuasive. Envies Caesar’s power. Needs Brutus’s name to make the conspiracy legitimate.
The scene
The scene
CASSIUS. Tell me, good Brutus, can you see your face?
BRUTUS. No, Cassius; for the eye sees not itself But by reflection, by some other things.
CASSIUS. ’Tis just: And it is very much lamented, Brutus, That you have no such mirrors as will turn Your hidden worthiness into your eye, That you might see your shadow. I have heard, Where many of the best respect in Rome, Except immortal Caesar, speaking of Brutus, And groaning underneath this age’s yoke, Have wish’d that noble Brutus had his eyes.
BRUTUS. Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius, That you would have me seek into myself For that which is not in me?
CASSIUS. Therefore, good Brutus, be prepar’d to hear; And since you know you cannot see yourself So well as by reflection, I, your glass, Will modestly discover to yourself That of yourself which you yet know not of. ….
BRUTUS. What means this shouting? I do fear the people Choose Caesar for their king.
CASSIUS. Ay, do you fear it? Then must I think you would not have it so.
BRUTUS. I would not, Cassius; yet I love him well. But wherefore do you hold me here so long? What is it that you would impart to me? If it be aught toward the general good, Set honour in one eye and death i’ the other, And I will look on both indifferently; For let the gods so speed me as I love The name of honour more than I fear death.
CASSIUS. I know that virtue to be in you, Brutus, As well as I do know your outward favour. Well, honour is the subject of my story. …. I was born free as Caesar; so were you; We both have fed as well, and we can both Endure the winter’s cold as well as he. …. And this man Is now become a god, and Cassius is A wretched creature, and must bend his body If Caesar carelessly but nod on him. ….
BRUTUS. That you do love me, I am nothing jealous; What you would work me to, I have some aim. How I have thought of this and of these times I shall recount hereafter; for this present, I would not, so with love I might entreat you, Be any further mov’d. What you have said I will consider; what you have to say I will with patience hear, and find a time Both meet to hear and answer such high things. …. For now I will not. …. Brutus had rather be a villager Than to repute himself a son of Rome Under these hard conditions as this time Is like to lay upon us.
CASSIUS. I am glad That my weak words have struck but thus much show Of fire from Brutus.
[They walk apart. Trumpets sound.]
Facilitator notes
This scene is about proximity and patience. Cassius is planting a seed, not demanding an answer — play the restraint. Notice that Brutus never commits; he only says he will think about it. After the read-through, ask: is Cassius certain he will succeed, or is he afraid he will fail?
Reflect together
- What does Cassius want from Brutus — beyond simply agreement?
- Why does Brutus matter so much? Why wouldn’t just anyone do?
- Where does Brutus almost say yes — which line, which moment?
- Try the scene where Cassius never touches Brutus. What is lost?
- Notice how Cassius uses Caesar’s name. Count the times. What is the effect?
Wrap up
Now let’s share:
Two things I liked…
One thing I wonder…