Act 5

Scene II

The same. The field of battle.

	Alarum. Enter Brutus* and Messala.*
Brutus	Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give these bills Unto the legions on the other side. Loud alarum. Let them set on at once; for I perceive But cold demeanour in Octavius’ wing, And sudden push gives them the overthrow. Ride, ride, Messala: let them all come down. Exeunt.

Companion

Previously

Act 5, Scene 1: At Philippi, Octavius rejects Antony's instructions about their positions, and the opposing generals exchange accusations before battle. Cassius tells Messala that he partly believes the birds above their army are signs of death. Brutus condemns suicide through fear of what might happen but refuses to be taken captive to Rome, and he and Cassius exchange farewells in case they do not meet again.

Who's who so far

Flavius Has been put to silence with Marullus for removing decorations from images of Caesar, according to Casca.
Marullus Has been put to silence with Flavius for removing decorations from images of Caesar, according to Casca.
First Commoner A carpenter among the commoners whom Flavius and Marullus confront in the street.
Second Commoner A cobbler who answers the questioning with puns before explaining that the commoners are celebrating Caesar's triumph.
Caesar Appears as a ghost to Brutus, calls himself Brutus's evil spirit and says they will meet at Philippi.
Antony Has his instructions about the army's positions challenged by Octavius and confronts Brutus and Cassius with accusations of flattery and betrayal in Caesar's killing.
Calpurnia Frightened by strange sights and a dream of Caesar's statue bleeding, she briefly persuades him to stay at home before Decius changes his mind.
Portia Has died after swallowing fire, according to Brutus, who attributes her distress to his absence and the strength of Antony and Octavius.
Decius Brutus Helps arrange Metellus Cimber's approach to Caesar and joins the conspirators in killing him.
Cicero Has been put to death by proscription, as both Brutus's letters and Messala report.
Brutus Condemns suicide undertaken through fear of what might happen, yet refuses the prospect of being led captive through Rome and exchanges farewells with Cassius.
Cassius On his birthday, partly accepts the birds above his army as signs of death and bids Brutus farewell while declaring his resolve to face danger.
Casca Strikes Caesar first, beginning the attack in which the other conspirators and Brutus join.
Soothsayer Answers Caesar's remark that the ides of March have come by reminding him that they have not yet gone.
Cinna Joins the attack on Caesar and immediately calls for the streets to hear that tyranny is dead.
Lucius Falls asleep while playing music for Brutus and, when awakened after the ghost's visit, says he saw nothing.
Metellus Cimber Kneels to seek his brother Publius Cimber's return from banishment as the conspirators gather around Caesar, then joins their attack.
Trebonius Draws Antony away before the attack on Caesar and returns to report that Antony has fled home and the streets are in panic.
Caius Ligarius Ill when he visits Brutus, he declares himself ready to follow him in an honourable enterprise without yet knowing what it is.
Caesar's servant Carries Caesar's instructions to the priests and reports their advice to stay at home after they find no heart in the sacrificial animal.
Publius Is bewildered by Caesar's killing, and Brutus and Cassius urge him to leave safely because he has no part in their deed.
Artemidorus Urgently asks Caesar to read his warning first, but Caesar puts aside the personal request and dismisses his insistence.
Lepidus Consents to his brother's death on condition that Antony's nephew Publius also dies, then leaves to fetch Caesar's will.
Popilius Lena Wishes Cassius's enterprise success and approaches Caesar, briefly alarming the conspirators before Brutus reassures Cassius.
Antony's servant Carries Antony's request for safe passage and an explanation of Caesar's death to Brutus, then leaves to fetch his master.
Octavius's servant Reports that Octavius is approaching Rome, weeps at Caesar's body and stays to help Antony carry it to the market-place before taking news back.
First Citizen Calls for Cinna to be torn to pieces on hearing his name, declaring him a conspirator.
Second Citizen Threatens Cinna with a blow after twisting his statement that he is a bachelor into an insult to married men.
Third Citizen Urges the citizens to tear Cinna and carry firebrands to the conspirators' houses.
Fourth Citizen Calls for Cinna to be torn for his verses and dismisses his denial of being the conspirator because he shares the name.
Cinna the poet Goes out despite an unsettling dream and faces citizens calling for him to be torn to pieces even after he explains that he is a poet rather than the conspirator.
Octavius Insists on taking the right side of the field despite Antony's instructions and vows to avenge Caesar or die himself.
Lucilius Reports that Cassius received him politely but without his former warmth, and is ordered to keep others from the generals' private meeting.
Titinius Meets Brutus's party with Pindarus and is assigned to guard the tent door with Lucius during the generals' conference.
Pindarus Brings Cassius's greeting to Brutus, defends his master's honour and is ordered to have the commanders move their troops away from the dispute.
First Soldier Passes on the command to halt when the armies meet before Brutus's tent.
Second Soldier Repeats the command to halt as it passes along the troops.
Third Soldier Repeats the command to halt before the generals begin their dispute.
Poet Insists on entering the generals' tent to urge friendship in rhyme, but Brutus and Cassius send him away.
Messala Brings reports of the enemy's advance and the execution of senators, confirms Portia's death and praises Brutus's endurance.
Varro Sleeps in Brutus's tent, says he saw nothing when awakened and is sent with Claudius to tell Cassius to advance early.
Claudius Sleeps in Brutus's tent, denies seeing anything and is sent with Varro to carry Brutus's marching instructions to Cassius.
Messenger Warns Antony and Octavius that the enemy is approaching with its battle signal displayed and that immediate action is needed.

Words to know

bills: written orders or messages
legions: large divisions of the Roman army

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Act 5, Scene 2 in brief

Brutus and Messala enter the battlefield amid alarms. Brutus orders Messala to ride to the legions on the other side with written instructions to attack at once. He bases the order on his judgement that Octavius's wing lacks spirit and will give way to a sudden assault. The repeated command to ride and the louder alarm make the brief scene urgent, while the result of the order remains unseen when both men leave.

Key quotes

Let them set on at once; for I perceive But cold demeanour in Octavius’ wing, And sudden push gives them the overthrow.

Why it matters Brutus moves from his perception of weakness to confidence that an immediate attack will succeed. The speed of the order leaves no onstage discussion of his judgement.

Power and tyrannyAppearance and reality

Themes in this chapter

Power and tyrannyAppearance and reality

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