ACT 5
Julius Caesar Act 5, Scene 2: Retold in Modern English Verse
Brutus seizes his moment
In the thick of the battle Brutus sends Messala riding with written orders for the legions on the other wing. He sees only a cold fighting spirit in Octavius's forces and orders a sudden push to overthrow them. It is the shortest scene in the play: one commander, one decision, at full gallop.
Characters appearing: Brutus | Messala
THE SAME. THE FIELD OF BATTLE.
[ALARUM. ENTER BRUTUS AND MESSALA]
BRUTUS
Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give these bills
Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give these orders
Unto the legions on the other side.
To all our soldiers on the other side!
[LOUD ALARUM]
Let them set on at once; for I perceive
Have them attack at once, for I perceive
But cold demeanour in Octavius' wing,
Octavius’ soldiers lacking readiness,
And sudden push gives them the overthrow.
And, with a sudden strike, we will defeat them.
Ride, ride, Messala: let them all come down.
Ride, ride, Messala! Have them all attack!
[EXEUNT]
