Flourish Enter CAESAR,
ANTONY, dressed for the course,
CALPHURNIA, PORTIA,
DECIUS, CICERO,
BRUTUS, CASSIUS,
CASCA, and a SOOTHSAYER in a throng of
plebians. After them, MURELLUS and FLAVIUS
A trumpet sounds. CAESAR enters,
followed by ANTONY, dressed formally for a foot race,
then CALPHURNIA, PORTIA,
DECIUS, CICERO,
BRUTUS, CASSIUS, and
CASCA. A great crowd follows, among them a
SOOTHSAYER.
CAESAR
Calphurnia!
CAESAR
Calphurnia!
CASCA
Peace, ho! Caesar speaks.
CASCA
Quiet! Caesar's talking.
CAESAR
Calphurnia!
CAESAR
Calphurnia!
CALPHURNIA
Here, my lord.
CALPHURNIA
I'm here, my lord.
CAESAR
5
Stand you directly in Antonius' way
When he doth run his course.—Antonius!
CAESAR
Stand right in Antonius's path when he runs the race.
Antonius!
ANTONY
Caesar, my lord.
ANTONY
Yes, Caesar?
CAESAR
Forget not in your speed, Antonius,
To touch Calphurnia, for our elders say
10
The barren, touchèd in this holy chase,
Shake off their sterile curse.
CAESAR
Antonius, after you take off, don't forget to touch
Calphurnia, because our wise elders say that if you touch an
infertile woman during this holy race, she'll be freed from
the curse of sterility.
ANTONY
I shall
remember.
When Caesar says, “do this,” it is
performed.
ANTONY
I'll remember. When Caesar says “do
this,” it is done.
CAESAR
Set on, and leave no ceremony out.
CAESAR
Continue, then, and don't forget to perform all of the
rituals.
