In this episode, we delve into the world of radio drama with Orson Welles and the Mercury Theater on the Air, as they present a riveting adaptation of Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar." The episode opens with a historical context, highlighting the Mercury Theater's transition from Broadway to radio, and the critical acclaim it has received. Orson Welles introduces the play, emphasizing its timeless relevance and the political intrigue surrounding the assassination of Julius Caesar. The narrative unfolds with a dramatic portrayal of the conspiracy against Caesar, the tension among the conspirators, and the eventual assassination, all brought to life by the original New York cast and the evocative music of Marc Blitzstein.
The episode continues with the aftermath of Caesar's death, capturing the chaos and civil strife that ensues in Rome. Mark Antony's famous funeral oration stirs the emotions of the Roman citizens, leading to a public uprising against the conspirators. The narrative follows Brutus and Cassius as they grapple with the consequences of their actions, leading to their eventual downfall in the Battle of Philippi. The episode concludes with a poignant reflection on Brutus' character, as Antony acknowledges him as "the noblest Roman of them all." This broadcast not only showcases the dramatic talents of Orson Welles and his company but also underscores the enduring power of Shakespeare's work in exploring themes of ambition, betrayal, and honor.
Listen to our radio station Old Time Radio https://link.radioking.com/otradio
Listen to other Shows at My Classic Radio https://www.myclassicradio.net/
Entertainment Radio | Broadcasting Classic Radio Shows | Patreon
Remember that times have changed, and some shows might not reflect the standards of today’s politically correct society. The shows do not necessarily reflect the views, standards, or beliefs of Entertainment Radio
[00:00:00]
Unknown:
Ryan Seacrest here. When you have a busy schedule, it's important to maximize your downtime. One of the best ways to do that is by going to chumbacasino.com. Chumba Casino has all your favorite social casino games, like spin slots, bingo, and solitaire that you can play for free for a chance to redeem some serious prizes. So hop on to chumbacasino.com
[00:00:20] Unknown:
now and live the chumba life. Sponsored by Chumba Casino. No purchase necessary. VGW Group void. We're prohibited by law. 21 plus terms and conditions apply.
[00:00:30] Unknown:
The Mercury Theater on the air. The Columbia Broadcasting System takes pleasure tonight in bringing you the first of a new series of broadcasts by Orson Welles and the Mercury Theater on the Air. Two months ago, this brilliant Broadway company came to radio as the first complete theatrical producing unit ever to take the air. Hailed by stage critics as the brightest moon to rise during recent years over New York's legitimate theater, the name of Orson Welles has become a byword to the greater Broadway of the country as a whole. After nine weeks, this is what the radio critics say. Radio dialed it, players. Everything was well nigh perfect.
A feather in the cap of the Columbia Broadcasting System. Bill Bird and the Pasadena California independent units, the program sparkled with originality, cleverness, and skilled acting. The series suggests new avenues of approach in the development of radio drama. Says the Saint Louis Democrat, a master of the theater, be it stage or radio, mister Wells' choice of classics is a master strike. A must for any listener declares the Camden University post. And finally, the Cleveland Plain Dealer asserts there was nothing in the production the ear could not see. It's now a habit for Orson Welles to produce Walter Wishart. His radio show. And so tonight, by overwhelming popular demand, Orson Welles and the Mercury Theater on the Air open a new cycle of broadcast dramas with a radio production of their greatest stage success to date, Shakespeare's Caesar.
And here is Orson Welles himself to tell you about it. The director of the Mercury Theatre, the star and producer of these programs, Orson Welles. Good evening.
[00:02:29] Unknown:
Julius Caesar was done by the Mercury Theater without benefit of toga. It was as timely last October as it was 1,650 after Caesar's murder when Shakespeare wrote it, and it is as timely today. A glance at your newspaper headlines, and you'll understand why tonight we could wish for the extra dimension of television. Shakespeare's great political tragedy about the death of a dictator, which is also the personal tragedy of a great liberal, exists in all times without identification or special reference to its time. Its story is real Roman history and its source is the Roman historian Plutarch.
From the Plutarch text for the medium of radio broadcast, we have arranged a running commentary on the action of the play. No voice is better known, and none could be more suitable than that of radio's outstanding news commentator, mister H. V. Kaltenborn.
[00:03:29] Unknown:
And so tonight, the Columbia Broadcasting System begins the new series of the Mercury Theatre on the Air with Orson Welles' world famous production of Julius Caesar, starring the original New York cast, Orson Welles as Brutus, Martin Gable as Cassius, George Coullurus as Anthony, and Joseph Holland as Caesar with music by the celebrated American composer, Marc Blitzstein, and H. B. Kaltenborn as the narrator.
[00:03:57] Unknown:
This is the history of a political assassination, the killing of a man who tried to make himself king. It is an account of how the murder was prepared, how it was carried out, and what happened later to the men who took part in it. When the civil war was ended, Caesar was 55. By Pompey's death, he had made himself the most powerful man in the empire. His countrymen, in the hope that the government of a single person would give them time to breathe after so many civil wars and calamities, now made him dictator for life.
Honors were conferred upon him, which seemed to exceed the limits of ordinary human ambition. This gave offense to those who looked with an evil eye on his position and felt oppressed by his power. A conspiracy was formed against him, aided by Cassius, one Pompey's generals whom Caesar had pardoned after the civil war. But what gave the common people their first quarrel with him was their growing suspicion that he aspired to be king. The February 15 was a national holiday, and there was a huge gathering of the people. As Caesar went through the streets, a strange voice was heard a crowd warning him to prepare for some great danger on the Ides of March.
Caesar paused for a moment, and then as the voice was still, march on between the rows of soldiers who guarded him.
[00:06:35] Unknown:
Caesar. And he said again,
[00:06:38] Unknown:
who is it in the throng that calls on me? Mark Antrim. Caesar, men ought. I hear a tongue shriller than all the music cries Caesar. Caesar,
[00:06:49] Unknown:
you course. Speak. Caesar, it's turned to hear. Beware the Ides of March. What man is it? What say a thought to me?
[00:07:02] Unknown:
Speak once again. As soothsayer, did you beware the Ides of March? Set him before me. Let me see his face. Come from the throne. Look upon Caesar. He is a dreamer. Let us leave him.
[00:07:32] Unknown:
In the forum, high above the heads of the people Don't look at me. Go ahead. The golden throne had been set for Caesar. Mark Antony, his friend, was consul at the time. When he came into the forum and the people made way for him, he went up and reached to Caesar a crown, wreathed with laurel. Upon this, there was a shout, but only a small one, made by the few who were planted there for that purpose. And when Caesar refused the crown, there was universal applause. Later, Caesar's statues were found with royal diadems on their heads. Marullus and Flavius, two tribunes of the people, went presently and pulled them off. For this, Caesar had them arrested.
This was the day on which Cassius, the leader of the conspiracy, first came to Brutus, the most honored man in Rome, and cried to enlist his aid.
[00:08:32] Unknown:
Tell me to Brutus. Louder. Can you see your face? No, Cassius, for the AI sees not itself but by reflection by some other things. Is just, quiet.
[00:08:43] Unknown:
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 as yoke,
[00:09:05] Unknown:
have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes. Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius, that you would have me seek into myself for that which is not in me? Therefore, good Brutus, be prepared to hear.
[00:09:17] Unknown:
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.
[00:09:36] Unknown:
What means the shouting? I do fear the people choose Caesar for their king, don't you people?
[00:09:44] Unknown:
Then must I think you would not have it so? I would not, Cassius, yet I love him well.
[00:09:50] Unknown:
But wherefore do you hold me here so long? What is it you would impart to me?
[00:09:56] Unknown:
I cannot tell what you or other men may think of this life. But for my single self, I had as least not be as lived to be in awe of such a thing as I myself. I was born free as Caesar, so were you. We both have said as well. We can both endure the winter's cold as well as he. For once, up in a raw and gusty day, the troubled Kaiba chafing with her shores, ceaseless at me, darest thou, Cassius, now leap in with me into this angry flood and swim to yonder point? A good word. Couple of as I was, I plunged it in and bade him follow. And so did he did.
The torrent roared and we did buffet it with lusty sinews, throwing it aside and stemming it with hearts of controversy. But ere we could arrive the point proposed, Caesar cried, help me, Cassius, while I think. I, as Aeneas, our great ancestor, did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder the old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber did I, the tired Caesar. And this man has now become a god. And we petty men walk under his huge legs and peep about to find ourselves dishonorable graves. Men at some time are masters of their fates.
The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves that we are underling.
[00:11:42] Unknown:
Will you kill people? I'm not running this show. Mister Capable. I have no such answer. Keca. Would you speak with me? Aye, Keter.
[00:11:55] Unknown:
Tell us what was chanted today. Why, there was a crown offered to Caesar. And being offered him, he put it by with the back of his hand thus, and then the people fell a shouting.
[00:12:06] Unknown:
Who offered him a crown? Why, Anthony.
[00:12:09] Unknown:
Tell us the manner of it. I can as well be hanged to tell the manner of it. I saw Mark Anthony offer him a crown. It was not a crown neither 'twas one of these coronets. And as I told you, he put it by once. But for all that, to my thinking, he would fain have had it. Then he offered it to him again. Then he put it by again. But to my thinking, he was very loath to lay his finger at it. And then he offered it the third time. He put it the third time by and still it he refused it. A rabbleman hooted and slapped their chopped hands and offered such a deal of stinking breath because Caesar refused the crown. He had almost chipped Caesar. But he swooned it and fell down at it.
And for mine own part, I dares not laugh for fear of opening my lips and receiving the bad air.
[00:12:56] Unknown:
What city when he came unto himself?
[00:12:59] Unknown:
He said if he had done or said anything amiss, he desired their worships to think it was his infirmity. Three or four wenchers where I stood cried, alas, good soul, and forgave him with all their hearts. But there's no heed to be taken of them. If Caesar had stabbed their mothers, they would have done no less. Is this worse to anything? Aye. He spoke Greek. To what effect? Those that understood him smiled at one another and shook their heads. But for my known part, it was Greek to me. I could tell you more news too. Morolos and Flavius, for pulling scarves off Caesar's images, put to silence.
There was more foolery yet, if I could remember it. And so it is.
[00:13:42] Unknown:
For this time I will leave you. What you have said I will consider. What you have to say I will, with patience, hear and find a time both me to hear and answer such high things. Till then, my noble friend, chew upon this. 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. Farewell both.
[00:14:22] Unknown:
Well, Brutus art noble. Yet I see thy honorable mettle may be wrought from that it is disposed. Therefore, it is meet that noble minds keep up with their likes. For who so firm that cannot be seduced? If I were Brutus now, you were Cassius. He should not humor me. I will this night in several hands. In at his windows throw, as if they came from several citizens, writings, all tending to the great opinion that Rome holds of his name. Wherein obscurely Caesar's ambition shall be glanced at. And after this, let Caesar seat him sure, for we will seek him, or worse days endure.
[00:15:18] Unknown:
It is probable that Caesar was not unaware of the conspiracy. For when it was reported to him about that time that Dolabella was in a plot against him, he said he did not fear such fat, luxurious men, but rather the pale, lean fellows, meaning Cassius.
[00:15:38] Unknown:
Mark Anthony.
[00:15:40] Unknown:
Ethan. Let me have men above me that are fat, sleek headed men and such as sleep on nights. John Cassius has a lean and hungry look. Such men as he are never at heart's ease whilst they behold a greater than themselves. And therefore are they very dangerous. Fear him not, see that he is not dangerous. I rather tell you what is to be feared than what I fear. For always,
[00:16:05] Unknown:
I am Caesar. There's no production there. No. No press or anything.
[00:16:18] Unknown:
The weeks before the murder, many strange prodigies and apparitions were observed. As to the lights in the heavens, the noises heard in the night and and the wild birds which perched on the house tops, these are not perhaps worth taking notice of in so great case as this. But a number of men were seen in the forum looking as though they were heated through with fire, fighting with each other. A quantity of flame issued from the hand of a soldier's servant so that they who saw it thought he must be burned, but he had not been hurt.
There were fearful storms over the city. The conspiracy continued to spread.
[00:17:07] Unknown:
Who's there?
[00:17:10] Unknown:
Aroma. Cassius, by your voice.
[00:17:12] Unknown:
Your ear is good. Believe me, sir. Wrote you Caesar home. What night is this? A very pleasing night to honest men. Why not you move when all the sway of earth shakes like a thing infern?
[00:17:25] Unknown:
Oh, Cassius, I have seen tempests when the scolding winds have arrived in Nutty Oaks. And I have seen the ambitious ocean swell and rage and foam to be exalted with the threatening clouds. But never till tonight, never till now did I go through a tempest
[00:17:40] Unknown:
dropping fire. I assure you anything more wonderful.
[00:17:43] Unknown:
Oh, they were drawn upon a heap of hundred ghastly women, transformed with their fear who swore they saw men all in fire, walk up and down the streets.
[00:17:52] Unknown:
And yesterday, the third of night is sit even at noonday upon the marketplace,
[00:17:57] Unknown:
hooting and shrieking.
[00:17:59] Unknown:
When these prodigies do so conjointly meet, let not men say these are their reasons they are natural.
[00:18:06] Unknown:
Indeed, it is a strange disposed of time. Whoever knew the heavens, man is so. Those that have known the earth so full of faults. Now could I send a name to the man most like this dreadful night, A man no mightier than myself or me.
[00:18:24] Unknown:
Caesar that you mean.
[00:18:26] Unknown:
Is it not Cassius? Indeed, they say the senators tomorrow need to establish Caesar as a king,
[00:18:32] Unknown:
and he shall wear his crown by sea and land in every place
[00:18:36] Unknown:
safe here in Italy. I know what I will wear this dagger then. Hold my hand. And I will set this foot of mine as far as Rugal's farthest. There's a body made. Come, Cinna. You and I will yet airday see Brutus at his house. Three parts of him is ours already, and the man in Tyre up in the next encounter yields him ours.
[00:19:04] Unknown:
Still Brutus hesitated, and still the conspirators tried to win him to their cause. Letters were placed where he would find them. You are asleep, Brutus. You are no longer Brutus. Brutus, thou sleepest.
[00:19:19] Unknown:
Awake and see thyself. Shall roam. Speak, strike, regress. Brutest thou sleepest, awake. Such instigations have been often dropped where I've took them up. Shall Rome thus must I piece it out. Shall Rome stand under one man's awe? What? Rome? My ancestor did from the streets of Rome, the Tarquin Drive, when he was called a king. It must be by his death. And for my part, I know no personal cause to spurn at him. But for the general, he would be crowned. Now that might change his nature. There's the question. It is the bright day that brings forth the adder and that craves wary walking.
Crown him. That. Then I grant we put a sting in him that at his will he may do danger with. The abuse of greatness is when it disjoins remorse from power. And to speak truth of Caesar, I have not known when his affections swayed more than his reason. What is a common proof? That lowliness is young ambitions ladder, whereto the climber upward turns his face. But when he once attains the utmost round, he then, onto the ladder, turns his back, looks in the clouds, scorning the base degrees by which he did ascend. So Caesar may, then, blessed he may, prevent.
[00:21:21] Unknown:
In the end, Brutus agreed to meet the conspirators in the garden of his house. The men who came that night were Cassius, Casca, Cynna, Trebonius, and Decius Brutus. It was decided that Caesar should be killed in the senate on the March 15, the day on which the crown would again be offered to him.
[00:21:45] Unknown:
Shall no man else be touched, but only Caesar? Caesar's well urged.
[00:21:49] Unknown:
I think it is not me, Mark Antony. So well beloved of Caesar should outlive Caesar. We shall find him a shrewd contriver. And you know his means, if he improve them, may well stretch so far as to annoy us all, which to prevent.
[00:22:06] Unknown:
Let Antony and Caesar fall together. Our course will seem to blood Achaist Cassius to cut the head off and then hack the limbs, for Antony is but a limb of Caesar. Let us be sacrifices, but not butcher's case. We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar, and in the spirit of men, there is no blood. For that we could come by Caesar's spirit and not dismember Caesar. But, alas, Caesar must breathe for it. Quiet in the studio and gentle friends, let carve him. It's a dish fit for the gods, not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds.
[00:22:54] Unknown:
Count the clock.
[00:22:56] Unknown:
The morning comes upon us. We leave you, Brutus. Give me our hands all over one by one. Let us swear our resolution.
[00:23:03] Unknown:
Jeez.
[00:23:04] Unknown:
No. Not an oath. It's not the face of men, the sufferance of our souls, the time's abuse. If these be motives weak, break off betimes and every man hence to his idle bed. So let high sighted tyranny range on till each man drop by lottery. But these as I'm sure they do, they are fire enough to kindle cowards and to steal with valor the melting spirits of women. Then countrymen, what need we any spur but our own cause to prick us to regress? What other bond and secret Romans that have spoke the word and will not falter? And what other oath and honesty to honesty engaged that this shall be?
For we will fall for it. Music.
[00:24:00] Unknown:
On the March 14, the day before the assassination, Caesar supped with Marcus Lepidus. And as he was signing some letters, and according to his custom, as he sat at table, there arose a question of what sort of death was the best, at which he immediately, before anyone could speak, said, a sudden one. After this, as he was in bed with his wife, all the doors and windows of the house flew open together. He was startled at the noise and the light which broke into the room and sat up in his bed, where, by moonlight, he perceived his wife fast asleep, but heard her utter in her dream some indistinct words and inarticulate groans.
She fancied at that time she was weeping over Caesar and holding him butchered in her arms. When it was day, she begged Caesar not to leave the house, but to adjourn the senate to another time. Caesar laughed at her fears. And when the time was come, he started for the capital. On his way, he was handed a paper in which the whole plot was disclosed with the names of the conspirators. After his death, it was found still unopened. When Caesar entered, the senate stood up to show their respect for him. Of the conspirators, some came about his chair and stood behind it, and others stood in front of him and talked to him.
Then Tilius, laying hold of Caesar's cloak with both hands, pulled it down from his neck, which was the signal for the assault. Casca that stood behind him gave him the first wound in the neck. It was not mortal, and Caesar turned and put his hand on the dagger and kept hold of it. The conspirators closed around him with their naked knives in their hands. Which waysoever he turned, he was met with blows and saw their blades leveled at his face and eyes, for it had been agreed that they should each of them make a thrust at him and flesh themselves with his blood. For which reason, Brutus also gave him one stab in the groin.
Some say that he fought and resisted all the rest.
[00:26:36] Unknown:
Pleasure, live a thousand years. I shall not find myself so as to die, as here by Caesar and by you cut off the choice and master spirits of this age. Oh Anthony, beg not your death of us. What compact mean you to have with us? Will you be pricked in the number of our friends? Friends, am I, with you all and love you all upon this hope that you shall give me reasons why and wherein Caesar was dangerous. Our reasons are so full of good regard that were you, Antony, the son of Caesar, you should be satisfied. That's all I seek. And, moreover, a suitor, that I may produce his body in the marketplace and in the pulpit has become the friend, speak in the order of his funeral. You shall, Mark Antony. Just A word with you.
[00:27:29] Unknown:
You know not what you do. Do not consent that Antinous speak in his funeral. Knowing how much the people have been moved by that which you will utter? By your pardon, I will myself into the pulpit first. Mark Antony, here take you Caesar's body. You shall not in your funeral speech blame us, but speak all good you can devise of Caesar and say you do it by our permission. Else, shall you not have any hand at all about his funeral? You shall speak in the same pulpit whereto I am going after my speech is ended. Be it so.
[00:28:03] Unknown:
I do desire no more.
[00:28:05] Unknown:
Prepare the body then. Follow us.
[00:28:10] Unknown:
Then Anthony was alone in the body of the man he loved best and admired most in the world.
[00:28:19] Unknown:
Almighty Caesar, dost thou lie so low? Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils, front to this little measure? That I did love thee, Caesar, o't is true. If then thy spirit look upon us now, shall it not grieve thee dearer than thy death to see thy Anthony making his peace shaking the bloody fingers of thy foes? Most noble, in the presence of thy course, had I as many eyes as thou hast wounds weeping as fast as they streamed forth thy blood, it would become me better than to close in terms of friendship with thine enemies.
Oh, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth. I am meek and gentle with these butchers. Thou art the ruins of the noblest man that ever lived in the tide of times. Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood over thy wounds. Now do I prophesy which like dumb mouths drooped their ruby lips to beg the voice and utterance of my tongue. A curse shall light upon the limbs of men. Domestic fury and fierce civil strife shall cumber all the parts of Italy. Blood and destruction shall be so in use and dreadful objects so familiar that mothers shall but smile
[00:29:38] Unknown:
when they behold their infants quartered with the hands of war and see the spirits ranging for revenge with Arte by his side come hot from hell, stare in these confines with a mother's voice, cry ever and
[00:30:34] Unknown:
Then Brutus came down from the capital among the crowd and made a speech to the people who listened without expressing either pleasure or resentment, but showed by their silence that they pitied Caesar and respected Brutus. Be patient.
[00:30:52] Unknown:
Be patient to the last Romans, countrymen, lovers, hear me for my cause and be silent that you may hear. Believe me for mine honor and have respect to mine honor that you may believe. Center me in your wisdom and awake your senses that you may the better judge. If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar's, to him I say that Brutus' love to Caesar was no less than his. If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer. Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome. More.
Had you rather Caesar were living and die all slaves than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men? As Caesar loved me, I weep for him. As he was fortunate, I rejoice at it. As he was valiant, I honor him. But as he was ambitious,
[00:32:26] Unknown:
I slew him.
[00:32:30] Unknown:
There is tears for his love, joy for his fortune, honor for his valor, and death for his ambition. Who is here so base that would be a bondman? If any, speak for him have I offended. Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any, speak for him have I offended. Who is here so vile that would not love his country? If any, speak for him, have I offended? I pause for a reply. Then none have I offended. I've done no more to Caesar than you will do to Brutus. Here comes this body mourned by Mark Antony, who though he had no hand in his death shall receive the benefit of his dying, a place in the commonwealth as which of you shall not. Good countrymen, let me depart alone.
And for my sake, stay here with Antony. Do grace to Caesar's corpse and grace his speech tending to Caesar's glories which Mark Anthony, by our permission, is allowed to make. I do entreat you not a man depart save I alone till Anthony have spoke. With this I depart, that as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself when it shall please my country to need my death.
[00:34:10] Unknown:
You are listening? You are listening to the CBS presentation of Orson Welles and the Mercury Theater on the Air in the first of a new series of Sunday night dramatic productions. The performance of Caesar will continue in just a moment. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System. Orson Welles and the Mercury Theatre on the Air in Caesar presented the original Mercury Theatre cast and with Orson Welles and the role of Brutus.
[00:34:38] Unknown:
When Brutus was gone, the body of Caesar was brought out into the forum all mangled with wounds. And Antony made a funeral oration to the people in praise of Caesar. And finding them moved by his speech, he unfolded the bloody garment of Caesar and showed them in how many places it was pierced and the number of his wounds. He also told them at this time of Caesar's will in which it was found that he had left a considerable legacy of money to each one of the Roman citizens.
[00:35:10] Unknown:
For Brutus' sake,
[00:35:12] Unknown:
I am beholding to you. What does he say of Brutus? He says for Brutus' sake, he finds himself beholding you at all. Very strict no harm of Brutus' fear. Caesar was entirely Blessed is all this
[00:35:23] Unknown:
the time line.
[00:35:24] Unknown:
You gentle Romans.
[00:35:28] Unknown:
Friends, Roman, countrymen,
[00:35:32] Unknown:
And see what Anthony can say. I come to bury Caesar,
[00:35:36] Unknown:
not to place him. The evil that men do lived after them. The good is often tarred with their bones. So let it be with Caesar. The noble Brutus hath told you Caesar was ambitious, and it was so. It was a grievous fault and grievously hath still answered it. Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest, for Brutus is an honorable man. So are they all, all honorable men, come I to speak in Caesar's funeral? He was my friend, faithful and just to me. But Brutus says he was ambitious, and Brutus is an honorable man. He hath brought many captives home to Rome, whose ransoms did the general coffers fill. Did this and Caesar seem ambitious?
When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept. Ambition should be made of sterner stuff. Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, and Brutus is an honorable man. You all did see that on the lupacal, I thrice presented him a kingly crown which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition? Yet Brutus says he was ambitious and sure. He is an honorable man. I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke, but here I am to say what I do know. You all did love him once, not without cause. What cause withholds you then to mourn for him? Oh, judgment. Thou art fled to brutish beasts, and men have lost their reason.
Bear with me. My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar, and I must pause till it come back to me.
[00:37:32] Unknown:
And he thinks there is much reason in his saying. Thou consider rightly of the matter. Caesar has had great drawers. I hear them with the words under his place. Marky his word, he would not take the crown. He would not take the crown. Therefore, it certainly was not ambitious that he found so troubled here by the before I have to go to the right way of a matter.
[00:37:55] Unknown:
But yesterday, the word of Caesar might have stood against the world. Now lies he there, and none so poor to do him reverence. Oh, masters, if I were disposed to stir your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage, I should do Brutus wrong and Cassius wrong, who, you all know, are honorable men. I will not do them wrong. I rather choose to wrong the dead, to wrong myself and you, than I will wrong such honorable men. But here's a parchment with the seal of Caesar. I found it in his closet. It is his will. Let but the commons hear this testament, which, pardon me, I do not mean to read, and they would go and kiss dead Caesar's wounds and dip their napkins in his sacred blood. Yea, beg a hair of him for memory and dying mention it within their wills, bequeathing it as a rich legacy until their issue.
[00:38:58] Unknown:
Gentle friends,
[00:39:00] Unknown:
I must not read it. It is not me that you know how Caesar loved you. You are not wood. You are not stones, but man. I am. And bearing the will of Caesar, it will enslave you. It will make you mad. And this good you know not that you are You will. Confirm me then to read the will. Yeah. And make a ring about the corpse of Caesar, and let me show you him that made the will. Shall I descend, and will you give me leave? Calm down. Yes, sir. You shall have leave. Room for Anthony. No. No, A ring. Stand round. Stand from the hearse. Room for Anthony.
Stand back. If you have tears, prepare to shed them now. You all don't know this mantle. I remember the first time ever Caesar put it on. It was on a summer's evening in his tent. That day he overcame the nervii. Look. In this place ran Cassius' dagger through. See what a rent the envious Casca made. Through this, the well beloved Brutus stabbed and as he plucked his cursed steel away, mark how the blood of Caesar followed it as as rushing out of doors to be resolved if Brutus so unkindly knocked on. Oh, for Brutus, as you know, was Caesar's angel. Judge, oh ye gods, how dearly Caesar loved him.
For when the noble Caesar's or him stab, ingratitude more strong than traitor's arms quite vanquished him. Then burst his mighty heart, and in his mantle the ring of his face, even at the base of Pompey Statue, which all the while ran blood, great Caesar fell. Oh, what a fall was there, my countryman. Then I and you and all of us fell down whilst bloody treason flourished over us. Now you weep, and I perceive you feel the dint of pity. These are gracious drops. Kind souls, what weep you when you but behold our Caesar's vesture wounded? Look, you're here. Here is himself. Why did you see
[00:42:26] Unknown:
Repent.
[00:42:30] Unknown:
He says,
[00:42:35] Unknown:
hear the noble Anthony.
[00:42:38] Unknown:
We'll hear him. We'll follow him.
[00:42:41] Unknown:
We'll die with him. Good friends. Sweet friends. Let me not stir you up to such a sudden flood of mutiny. They that have done this deed are honorable. What private Greece they have, alas, I know not that made them do it but they are wise and honorable and will no doubt with reason, answer you. I come not present to steal away your heart. I am no hoarder as Brutus is. But as you know me all, a plain blunt man that love my friend and that they know full well that gave me public lead to speak of him, for I'm neither wit nor words nor worth, action nor utterance nor the powers of speech disturbance blood. I only speak right on. Tell you that which you yourselves do know. Show you sweet Caesar's wounds, poor poor dumb mouths, and bid them speak for me. But were I Brutus and Brutus Anthony,
[00:43:31] Unknown:
there were an Anthony would ruffle up your spirits and put a tongue in every wound of Caesar that should move the stones of Rome to rise in mutiny.
[00:43:43] Unknown:
Will mutiny
[00:43:45] Unknown:
will burn the house of Brutus.
[00:43:49] Unknown:
I won't seek for Maya My friends, you go to do you know not what? Wherein hath Caesar thus deserved your love, unless you know not. I must tell you then. You have forgot the will I told you of, Caesar's will. We have the will. And under Caesar's seal, he gives to every Roman citizen, to every several man. Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot. Take thou what caused thou it.
[00:45:04] Unknown:
In the streets, there was nothing to be seen but confusion. Some cried out to kill the murderers. Others tore away the benches and tables out of the shops roundabout, and heaping them all together, built a great funeral pyre. On this, they set the corpse of Caesar and set fire to it. Then they took brands from the pile. Some of them ran to the houses of the conspirators. Others ran up and down the streets to find out the men who had killed Caesar and tear them to pieces. That night, Brutus, having said farewell to Portia, his wife, left the city with Cassius and their friends.
Soon after, there arrived in Rome, young Octavius, Caesar's adopted son, who was immediately elected consul. As his first act, he ordered a judicial process to be issued against Brutus and Cassius for having murdered a principal man of the state holding the highest majesties of Rome without being heard or condemned. No one appearing for the accusation, the judges were forced to pass sentence and condemn them both. It is reported that when the choir of the tribunal, as the custom was, with a loud voice cried Brutus to appear, the people groaned audibly, and many of the nobler citizens hung down their heads for grief.
After this, Antony and Octavius made up a list for a proscription in which were set those of their enemies that were designed for the slaughter amounting to over 200 persons. In the months that followed, the empire was divided into two factions, some going over to Brutus and Cassius, others to Antony and Octavius. Two years after Caesar's murder, the armies of the two factions came face to face on the Plains Of Philippi. That night, Brutus sent for Cassius to come to his tent. There had been distinction between them lately. There was talk of corruption in Cassius' army, and Cassius himself was not above suspicion.
[00:47:46] Unknown:
And, oh, can't it, Oh, so will brother, you've done me wrong. Wrong I mine enemies, but if not so, how should I wrong a brother? That you've wronged me disappear in this.
[00:47:54] Unknown:
You have condemned a note of Lucius Peller for taking bribes here at the salience,
[00:47:59] Unknown:
wherein my letters, praying on his side because I knew the man was slighted up. You wronged yourself to write in such a case. But at time of this, it is not meet that every nice offense that bear his comment. Let me I say you, Cassius, you yourself are much condemned to have an itching palm to sell and march your offices for gold to undeserve it. Aye. An itching palm.
[00:48:16] Unknown:
You know that your Brutus that speaks this or might have guard this speech or else you're left. The name of Cassius honors this corruption chastisement that ever hide its head. Chastisement. Remember March.
[00:48:27] Unknown:
The Ides of March, remember. Did not great Julius bleed for justice sake? What villain touched his body that did stab? And not for justice? What shall one of us that struck the foremost men of all this world but for supporting robbers? Shall we now contaminate our fingers with base bribes and sell the mighty space of our large honors for so much trash
[00:48:57] Unknown:
as may be grasped dust?
[00:49:01] Unknown:
I'd rather be a dog and bade a moon than such a Roman.
[00:49:06] Unknown:
Bait not me. I'll not endure it. You forget yourself to hedge me in. I am a soldier. I older in practice, able than yourself to make conditions. Go to. You are not casualties. I am. I say you are not Let me no more. I shall forget myself. Tempt me no farther.
[00:49:22] Unknown:
Away, slight man. It's possible that I endure all this? All this? I'm all French to your proud heartbreak. Must I observe you? Must I stand and crouch under your testy humor? By the gods, you shall digest the venom of your spleen, though it will split you. For from this day forth, I'll use you for my mirth, yea, for my laughter when you are waspish. You say you were a better soldier. Let's not appear so. Make your vaunting true, and it shall please me well. For my known part, I should be glad to learn of noblemen. You rung me in every way.
[00:50:04] Unknown:
You rung, Bruce. I tell an elder soldier not a better. Did I say better? You did. I cannot. When Caesar lives, he does not not have moved me. Peace you does not so tempted him. I does not No. What does not tempt him. Your life, you does not Do not presume too much upon my love. I may do that. I shall be sorry for. You have done that. You should be sorry for.
[00:50:24] Unknown:
There is no terror, Cassius, in your threats, for I am armed so strong in honesty that they pass me by as the idle wind, which I respect not. I did send you for certain sums of gold which you denied me, for I can raise no money by vile means. Why haven't I rather coin my heart and drop my blood for drachmas and to ring from the hard hands of peasants, thereby, I'll trash by any indirection. I did send you for gold to pay my allegiance, which you denied me with that done by Cassius. I denied you not. You did. I did not.
[00:51:05] Unknown:
News but a fool that brought my answer back. Brutus hath rived my heart. A friend should bear his friend infirmities,
[00:51:14] Unknown:
but Brutus makes mine greater than they are. I do not till you practice them on me. You love me quote. The flatterers would not, though we do appear as huge as high of impostor. Come, Anthony and young Octavius. Come.
[00:51:29] Unknown:
Revenge yourselves alone on Cassius, for Cassius is the will of the world, hated by one he loves, brave by his brother, checked like a bondman, all his faults observed, set in a notebook, learned and come by rote to cast into my I could weep my spirit from mine eyes. There's my dagger. I that denied thee gold will give my heart. Strike as thou didst deceive her. For I know when thou didst hate him worst, thou lovest him better than ever thou lovest Cassius.
[00:52:10] Unknown:
Sheathe your dagger. Be angry when you will. It shall have scope. Do what you will. Dishonor shall be humor.
[00:52:25] Unknown:
That Cassius lived to give but mirth and laughter to his Brutus when grief and bloody ill tempered vexed him?
[00:52:34] Unknown:
I was ill tempered too.
[00:52:38] Unknown:
Do you confess so much?
[00:52:41] Unknown:
Give me your hand. And my heart too.
[00:52:44] Unknown:
I did not think you could have been so angry. Poor Cassius.
[00:52:51] Unknown:
I'm sick of many griefs.
[00:52:53] Unknown:
Of your philosophy, you make no use if you give place to Portia
[00:52:57] Unknown:
is dead.
[00:53:00] Unknown:
Portia?
[00:53:02] Unknown:
She's dead. That's when Mark Antony have made themselves so strong. But with her death, their tidings came. With this, she fell distract.
[00:53:13] Unknown:
And died so. Even so.
[00:53:18] Unknown:
Deep of night is crept upon our talk. There's no more to say?
[00:53:25] Unknown:
No more. Good night. Early tomorrow will we rise and hence.
[00:53:34] Unknown:
Noble noble Cassius, good night and good repose.
[00:53:45] Unknown:
Lucius.
[00:53:47] Unknown:
Here, my good lord.
[00:53:49] Unknown:
Art thou speaks drowsily? For nave, I blame thee not, art o' watched. Look, Look, Lucius, here's the book I sought for so.
[00:53:57] Unknown:
I was sure your lordship did not give it me. Bear with me, good boy.
[00:54:01] Unknown:
I'm much forgetful. Canst thou hold up thy heavy eyes a while and touch thy instrument a strain or two? I'm lord, and please you. It does, my boy. Trouble thee too much without willing. It is my duty, sir. I should not urge thy duty. Pass thy might. I know young bloods look for a time of rest. I have slept already. It was well done. I should sleep again. I'll not hold you long. If I do live, I will be good to thee.
[00:54:35] Unknown:
Orpheus
[00:54:37] Unknown:
with his lute made trees and the mountain tops that freeze. Thou themselves when he did sing. To his music plants and flowers ever sprang as sun and showers there had made a lasting spring. Dadaam did diddum. Everything that heard him play, Even the billows of the sea hung their heads and then lay by. In sweet music is the charge, killing care and grief of heart. All asleep or hearing die. Didi,
[00:56:38] Unknown:
Against the advice of Cassius, Brutus resolved to meet the enemy on the Plain Of Philippi. Never had two such large Roman armies come together to engage each other. That of Brutus was somewhat less in number than that of Anthony, but in the splendor of the men's arms and the richness of their equipage wonderfully exceeded. For most of their arms were of gold and silver, which Brutus had lavishly bestowed upon them. There is a story that immediately before the battle, two eagles falling upon each other fought in the space between the two armies, Yet the whole field kept incredible silence and all were intent upon the spectacle until at last, that which was on Brutus' side yielded and fled.
As soon as it was morning, the signal of battle, the Scarlet Coat, was sent out in Brutus and Cassius' camps, and the two friends met for the last time in the middle space between their two armies.
[00:57:55] Unknown:
Now most noble Brutus, if we do lose this battle, then is this the very last time that we shall speak together? You're contented to be led in triumph through the streets of Rome.
[00:58:06] Unknown:
No, Cassius. No. Think not, thou noble Roman, that ever Brutus will go on to Rome. He bears too great a mind. But this same day must end that work the Ides of March begun. And whether we shall meet again, I know not. Therefore, our everlasting farewell take.
[00:58:32] Unknown:
Come home. Away.
[00:58:50] Unknown:
In the beginning, the tide of battle was with Brutus. The right wing, which he commanded, rode back their opponents with great slaughter. Then they fell upon that part of Octavius' army, which was exposed and separated, and pursued them towards the sea. During this time, however, Cassius, with the main body of the army, was retreating before the attack of Antony. Expecting Brutus to come to his aid and acting by delay and expectation rather than boldly and with a clear purpose, soon Cassius saw his whole army begin to give way. He did as much as ever he could to hinder their flight and bring them back, and snatching a flag out of the hand of one that fled, he stuck it at his feet and begged them to stand with him and fight.
When he found that he could not even keep his own personal guard together, Cassius retired to an empty tent, taking along with him only Pindarus, one of his. And pulling his cloak over his head, he made his neck bare and held it forth to Pindarus, commanding him to strike. Cassius' head was found severed from his body, and beside it was found the same night with which he had stabbed Caesar in the Senate house.
[01:00:29] Unknown:
Back to the previews.
[01:00:35] Unknown:
Oh, Cassius. Brut escaped the word too early, who having some advantage on Octavius took it too eagerly. His soldiers fell to spoil whilst we, by Antony, are all enclosed.
[01:00:46] Unknown:
This day, I breathe it first.
[01:00:50] Unknown:
Time has come round, and where I did begin there shall I end. My life is run as compass. Come hither, Silla. And with this good sword that ran through Caesar's bowels, search this bosom. Stand up to utter.
[01:01:15] Unknown:
Here, take over helps.
[01:01:19] Unknown:
And when my face is covered, as it is now, guide thou the sword.
[01:01:30] Unknown:
Caesar,
[01:01:33] Unknown:
without revenge, even with a sword that killed thee.
[01:01:54] Unknown:
Sometime later, Brutus, returning from the pursuit, wondered that he could not see Cassius' tent afar off, standing high as it was won't and appearing above the rest of the camp. Then for the first time, he suspected the defeat of Cassius and made haste to him. He heard nothing of his death until he came to the camp.
[01:02:17] Unknown:
Where? Hamersall does his body lie? Low yonder.
[01:02:21] Unknown:
He is slain.
[01:02:24] Unknown:
The last of all the Romans. Fare thee well. It is impossible that ever Rome should breed thy fellow. Friends, I owe more tears to this dead man than you shall see me pay. I shall find time, Cassius. I shall find time. Julius Caesar? Thou art mighty yet? Thy spirit walketh abroad and turns our swords in our improper entrails. Statilius showed the torchlight, but the lord had came up back. He's attained or slain. Slaying is the word. It is a deed in fashion. Come hither, good Volumnius. List a word. What says, my lord? Why this, Volumnius? A ghost of Caesar that appeared to me two several times by night at Sardis once and this last night here in Philippi Fields.
I know my hour has come. Not so, milord. I'm sure it is volumnious. Thou knows that we two went to school together. Even for that, our love of old, I pray thee, hold on my sword hilts whilst I run on it. That's not an office for a friend, m'lord. Fly. Fly, m'lord. There's no carrying here. Farewell to you and you and you, Volumnius. Strato last in all this while asleep. Farewell to thee too, Strato. Countryman, my heart doth joy that yet in all my life I found no man, but he was true to me. I shall have glory by this losing day. More than Octavius and Mark Antony, by this vile conquest, shall attain unto, So fare you well at once, for Brutus' tongue had almost ended his life's history.
Night hangs upon mine eyes. My bones would rest that have but labored to attain this hour. Why, my lord? Why? Hence, I will follow. Christ's sake, I prithee straight, oh, hold thy lord, daughter fellow for good respect. Thou like to have some snatch of honor in it. And then my sword, turn away thy face. I do run on it.
[01:04:48] Unknown:
Is that Strato? Give me your hand first. Fare you well, Maron. Farewell, good Strato.
[01:04:56] Unknown:
Caesar, now be still. I killed not thee with half so good a will.
[01:05:13] Unknown:
Brutus' dead body was found by Antony, who commanded the richest purple mantle that he had to be thrown over it. Then, before the assembled armies, he spoke over the body of his enemy.
[01:05:27] Unknown:
So Brutus should be found. This was the noblest Roman of them all. All the conspirators, save only he, did that they did in envy of great Caesar. He, only on a general honest thought and common good to all, made one of them. His life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him that nature might stand up and say to all the world, this was a man. Tonight Orson Welles and the original Mercury theater cast have produced Caesar, the hit of last year's theatrical season on Broadway as the first in a new series of weekly hours which the Columbia Broadcasting System will present during the coming months.
In response to the tremendous enthusiasm evoked by these programs from all parts of the country, CBS has made the Mercury Theater on the air a regular feature of its Sunday night schedule. The drama was adapted from the play of Shakespeare, and the narration was taken from Plutarch's lives. Orson Welles directed the entire production. H. V. Kalvenborn was the narrator, and the cast included it later. The original music was composed for the Mercury Theater by Mark Blitzstein. Davidson Taylor supervised production for CBS. Dan Seymour speaking.
[01:06:50] Unknown:
How to have fun anytime, anywhere. Step one, go to Chumbacasino.com. Chumba casino Com. Got it. Step two, collect your welcome bonus. Come to papa welcome bonus. Step three, play hundreds of casino style games for free. That's a lot of games, all for free? Step four, unleash your excitement. Woo hoo. Chumba casino has been delivering thrills for over a decade. So claim your free welcome bonus now and live the Chamba life. Visit chambacasino.com.
[01:07:15] Unknown:
No purchase necessary. VGW Group void. We're prohibited by law. 21 plus terms and conditions apply.
Ryan Seacrest here. When you have a busy schedule, it's important to maximize your downtime. One of the best ways to do that is by going to chumbacasino.com. Chumba Casino has all your favorite social casino games, like spin slots, bingo, and solitaire that you can play for free for a chance to redeem some serious prizes. So hop on to chumbacasino.com
[00:00:20] Unknown:
now and live the chumba life. Sponsored by Chumba Casino. No purchase necessary. VGW Group void. We're prohibited by law. 21 plus terms and conditions apply.
[00:00:30] Unknown:
The Mercury Theater on the air. The Columbia Broadcasting System takes pleasure tonight in bringing you the first of a new series of broadcasts by Orson Welles and the Mercury Theater on the Air. Two months ago, this brilliant Broadway company came to radio as the first complete theatrical producing unit ever to take the air. Hailed by stage critics as the brightest moon to rise during recent years over New York's legitimate theater, the name of Orson Welles has become a byword to the greater Broadway of the country as a whole. After nine weeks, this is what the radio critics say. Radio dialed it, players. Everything was well nigh perfect.
A feather in the cap of the Columbia Broadcasting System. Bill Bird and the Pasadena California independent units, the program sparkled with originality, cleverness, and skilled acting. The series suggests new avenues of approach in the development of radio drama. Says the Saint Louis Democrat, a master of the theater, be it stage or radio, mister Wells' choice of classics is a master strike. A must for any listener declares the Camden University post. And finally, the Cleveland Plain Dealer asserts there was nothing in the production the ear could not see. It's now a habit for Orson Welles to produce Walter Wishart. His radio show. And so tonight, by overwhelming popular demand, Orson Welles and the Mercury Theater on the Air open a new cycle of broadcast dramas with a radio production of their greatest stage success to date, Shakespeare's Caesar.
And here is Orson Welles himself to tell you about it. The director of the Mercury Theatre, the star and producer of these programs, Orson Welles. Good evening.
[00:02:29] Unknown:
Julius Caesar was done by the Mercury Theater without benefit of toga. It was as timely last October as it was 1,650 after Caesar's murder when Shakespeare wrote it, and it is as timely today. A glance at your newspaper headlines, and you'll understand why tonight we could wish for the extra dimension of television. Shakespeare's great political tragedy about the death of a dictator, which is also the personal tragedy of a great liberal, exists in all times without identification or special reference to its time. Its story is real Roman history and its source is the Roman historian Plutarch.
From the Plutarch text for the medium of radio broadcast, we have arranged a running commentary on the action of the play. No voice is better known, and none could be more suitable than that of radio's outstanding news commentator, mister H. V. Kaltenborn.
[00:03:29] Unknown:
And so tonight, the Columbia Broadcasting System begins the new series of the Mercury Theatre on the Air with Orson Welles' world famous production of Julius Caesar, starring the original New York cast, Orson Welles as Brutus, Martin Gable as Cassius, George Coullurus as Anthony, and Joseph Holland as Caesar with music by the celebrated American composer, Marc Blitzstein, and H. B. Kaltenborn as the narrator.
[00:03:57] Unknown:
This is the history of a political assassination, the killing of a man who tried to make himself king. It is an account of how the murder was prepared, how it was carried out, and what happened later to the men who took part in it. When the civil war was ended, Caesar was 55. By Pompey's death, he had made himself the most powerful man in the empire. His countrymen, in the hope that the government of a single person would give them time to breathe after so many civil wars and calamities, now made him dictator for life.
Honors were conferred upon him, which seemed to exceed the limits of ordinary human ambition. This gave offense to those who looked with an evil eye on his position and felt oppressed by his power. A conspiracy was formed against him, aided by Cassius, one Pompey's generals whom Caesar had pardoned after the civil war. But what gave the common people their first quarrel with him was their growing suspicion that he aspired to be king. The February 15 was a national holiday, and there was a huge gathering of the people. As Caesar went through the streets, a strange voice was heard a crowd warning him to prepare for some great danger on the Ides of March.
Caesar paused for a moment, and then as the voice was still, march on between the rows of soldiers who guarded him.
[00:06:35] Unknown:
Caesar. And he said again,
[00:06:38] Unknown:
who is it in the throng that calls on me? Mark Antrim. Caesar, men ought. I hear a tongue shriller than all the music cries Caesar. Caesar,
[00:06:49] Unknown:
you course. Speak. Caesar, it's turned to hear. Beware the Ides of March. What man is it? What say a thought to me?
[00:07:02] Unknown:
Speak once again. As soothsayer, did you beware the Ides of March? Set him before me. Let me see his face. Come from the throne. Look upon Caesar. He is a dreamer. Let us leave him.
[00:07:32] Unknown:
In the forum, high above the heads of the people Don't look at me. Go ahead. The golden throne had been set for Caesar. Mark Antony, his friend, was consul at the time. When he came into the forum and the people made way for him, he went up and reached to Caesar a crown, wreathed with laurel. Upon this, there was a shout, but only a small one, made by the few who were planted there for that purpose. And when Caesar refused the crown, there was universal applause. Later, Caesar's statues were found with royal diadems on their heads. Marullus and Flavius, two tribunes of the people, went presently and pulled them off. For this, Caesar had them arrested.
This was the day on which Cassius, the leader of the conspiracy, first came to Brutus, the most honored man in Rome, and cried to enlist his aid.
[00:08:32] Unknown:
Tell me to Brutus. Louder. Can you see your face? No, Cassius, for the AI sees not itself but by reflection by some other things. Is just, quiet.
[00:08:43] Unknown:
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 as yoke,
[00:09:05] Unknown:
have wished that noble Brutus had his eyes. Into what dangers would you lead me, Cassius, that you would have me seek into myself for that which is not in me? Therefore, good Brutus, be prepared to hear.
[00:09:17] Unknown:
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.
[00:09:36] Unknown:
What means the shouting? I do fear the people choose Caesar for their king, don't you people?
[00:09:44] Unknown:
Then must I think you would not have it so? I would not, Cassius, yet I love him well.
[00:09:50] Unknown:
But wherefore do you hold me here so long? What is it you would impart to me?
[00:09:56] Unknown:
I cannot tell what you or other men may think of this life. But for my single self, I had as least not be as lived to be in awe of such a thing as I myself. I was born free as Caesar, so were you. We both have said as well. We can both endure the winter's cold as well as he. For once, up in a raw and gusty day, the troubled Kaiba chafing with her shores, ceaseless at me, darest thou, Cassius, now leap in with me into this angry flood and swim to yonder point? A good word. Couple of as I was, I plunged it in and bade him follow. And so did he did.
The torrent roared and we did buffet it with lusty sinews, throwing it aside and stemming it with hearts of controversy. But ere we could arrive the point proposed, Caesar cried, help me, Cassius, while I think. I, as Aeneas, our great ancestor, did from the flames of Troy upon his shoulder the old Anchises bear, so from the waves of Tiber did I, the tired Caesar. And this man has now become a god. And we petty men walk under his huge legs and peep about to find ourselves dishonorable graves. Men at some time are masters of their fates.
The fault, dear Brutus, is not in our stars, but in ourselves that we are underling.
[00:11:42] Unknown:
Will you kill people? I'm not running this show. Mister Capable. I have no such answer. Keca. Would you speak with me? Aye, Keter.
[00:11:55] Unknown:
Tell us what was chanted today. Why, there was a crown offered to Caesar. And being offered him, he put it by with the back of his hand thus, and then the people fell a shouting.
[00:12:06] Unknown:
Who offered him a crown? Why, Anthony.
[00:12:09] Unknown:
Tell us the manner of it. I can as well be hanged to tell the manner of it. I saw Mark Anthony offer him a crown. It was not a crown neither 'twas one of these coronets. And as I told you, he put it by once. But for all that, to my thinking, he would fain have had it. Then he offered it to him again. Then he put it by again. But to my thinking, he was very loath to lay his finger at it. And then he offered it the third time. He put it the third time by and still it he refused it. A rabbleman hooted and slapped their chopped hands and offered such a deal of stinking breath because Caesar refused the crown. He had almost chipped Caesar. But he swooned it and fell down at it.
And for mine own part, I dares not laugh for fear of opening my lips and receiving the bad air.
[00:12:56] Unknown:
What city when he came unto himself?
[00:12:59] Unknown:
He said if he had done or said anything amiss, he desired their worships to think it was his infirmity. Three or four wenchers where I stood cried, alas, good soul, and forgave him with all their hearts. But there's no heed to be taken of them. If Caesar had stabbed their mothers, they would have done no less. Is this worse to anything? Aye. He spoke Greek. To what effect? Those that understood him smiled at one another and shook their heads. But for my known part, it was Greek to me. I could tell you more news too. Morolos and Flavius, for pulling scarves off Caesar's images, put to silence.
There was more foolery yet, if I could remember it. And so it is.
[00:13:42] Unknown:
For this time I will leave you. What you have said I will consider. What you have to say I will, with patience, hear and find a time both me to hear and answer such high things. Till then, my noble friend, chew upon this. 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. Farewell both.
[00:14:22] Unknown:
Well, Brutus art noble. Yet I see thy honorable mettle may be wrought from that it is disposed. Therefore, it is meet that noble minds keep up with their likes. For who so firm that cannot be seduced? If I were Brutus now, you were Cassius. He should not humor me. I will this night in several hands. In at his windows throw, as if they came from several citizens, writings, all tending to the great opinion that Rome holds of his name. Wherein obscurely Caesar's ambition shall be glanced at. And after this, let Caesar seat him sure, for we will seek him, or worse days endure.
[00:15:18] Unknown:
It is probable that Caesar was not unaware of the conspiracy. For when it was reported to him about that time that Dolabella was in a plot against him, he said he did not fear such fat, luxurious men, but rather the pale, lean fellows, meaning Cassius.
[00:15:38] Unknown:
Mark Anthony.
[00:15:40] Unknown:
Ethan. Let me have men above me that are fat, sleek headed men and such as sleep on nights. John Cassius has a lean and hungry look. Such men as he are never at heart's ease whilst they behold a greater than themselves. And therefore are they very dangerous. Fear him not, see that he is not dangerous. I rather tell you what is to be feared than what I fear. For always,
[00:16:05] Unknown:
I am Caesar. There's no production there. No. No press or anything.
[00:16:18] Unknown:
The weeks before the murder, many strange prodigies and apparitions were observed. As to the lights in the heavens, the noises heard in the night and and the wild birds which perched on the house tops, these are not perhaps worth taking notice of in so great case as this. But a number of men were seen in the forum looking as though they were heated through with fire, fighting with each other. A quantity of flame issued from the hand of a soldier's servant so that they who saw it thought he must be burned, but he had not been hurt.
There were fearful storms over the city. The conspiracy continued to spread.
[00:17:07] Unknown:
Who's there?
[00:17:10] Unknown:
Aroma. Cassius, by your voice.
[00:17:12] Unknown:
Your ear is good. Believe me, sir. Wrote you Caesar home. What night is this? A very pleasing night to honest men. Why not you move when all the sway of earth shakes like a thing infern?
[00:17:25] Unknown:
Oh, Cassius, I have seen tempests when the scolding winds have arrived in Nutty Oaks. And I have seen the ambitious ocean swell and rage and foam to be exalted with the threatening clouds. But never till tonight, never till now did I go through a tempest
[00:17:40] Unknown:
dropping fire. I assure you anything more wonderful.
[00:17:43] Unknown:
Oh, they were drawn upon a heap of hundred ghastly women, transformed with their fear who swore they saw men all in fire, walk up and down the streets.
[00:17:52] Unknown:
And yesterday, the third of night is sit even at noonday upon the marketplace,
[00:17:57] Unknown:
hooting and shrieking.
[00:17:59] Unknown:
When these prodigies do so conjointly meet, let not men say these are their reasons they are natural.
[00:18:06] Unknown:
Indeed, it is a strange disposed of time. Whoever knew the heavens, man is so. Those that have known the earth so full of faults. Now could I send a name to the man most like this dreadful night, A man no mightier than myself or me.
[00:18:24] Unknown:
Caesar that you mean.
[00:18:26] Unknown:
Is it not Cassius? Indeed, they say the senators tomorrow need to establish Caesar as a king,
[00:18:32] Unknown:
and he shall wear his crown by sea and land in every place
[00:18:36] Unknown:
safe here in Italy. I know what I will wear this dagger then. Hold my hand. And I will set this foot of mine as far as Rugal's farthest. There's a body made. Come, Cinna. You and I will yet airday see Brutus at his house. Three parts of him is ours already, and the man in Tyre up in the next encounter yields him ours.
[00:19:04] Unknown:
Still Brutus hesitated, and still the conspirators tried to win him to their cause. Letters were placed where he would find them. You are asleep, Brutus. You are no longer Brutus. Brutus, thou sleepest.
[00:19:19] Unknown:
Awake and see thyself. Shall roam. Speak, strike, regress. Brutest thou sleepest, awake. Such instigations have been often dropped where I've took them up. Shall Rome thus must I piece it out. Shall Rome stand under one man's awe? What? Rome? My ancestor did from the streets of Rome, the Tarquin Drive, when he was called a king. It must be by his death. And for my part, I know no personal cause to spurn at him. But for the general, he would be crowned. Now that might change his nature. There's the question. It is the bright day that brings forth the adder and that craves wary walking.
Crown him. That. Then I grant we put a sting in him that at his will he may do danger with. The abuse of greatness is when it disjoins remorse from power. And to speak truth of Caesar, I have not known when his affections swayed more than his reason. What is a common proof? That lowliness is young ambitions ladder, whereto the climber upward turns his face. But when he once attains the utmost round, he then, onto the ladder, turns his back, looks in the clouds, scorning the base degrees by which he did ascend. So Caesar may, then, blessed he may, prevent.
[00:21:21] Unknown:
In the end, Brutus agreed to meet the conspirators in the garden of his house. The men who came that night were Cassius, Casca, Cynna, Trebonius, and Decius Brutus. It was decided that Caesar should be killed in the senate on the March 15, the day on which the crown would again be offered to him.
[00:21:45] Unknown:
Shall no man else be touched, but only Caesar? Caesar's well urged.
[00:21:49] Unknown:
I think it is not me, Mark Antony. So well beloved of Caesar should outlive Caesar. We shall find him a shrewd contriver. And you know his means, if he improve them, may well stretch so far as to annoy us all, which to prevent.
[00:22:06] Unknown:
Let Antony and Caesar fall together. Our course will seem to blood Achaist Cassius to cut the head off and then hack the limbs, for Antony is but a limb of Caesar. Let us be sacrifices, but not butcher's case. We all stand up against the spirit of Caesar, and in the spirit of men, there is no blood. For that we could come by Caesar's spirit and not dismember Caesar. But, alas, Caesar must breathe for it. Quiet in the studio and gentle friends, let carve him. It's a dish fit for the gods, not hew him as a carcass fit for hounds.
[00:22:54] Unknown:
Count the clock.
[00:22:56] Unknown:
The morning comes upon us. We leave you, Brutus. Give me our hands all over one by one. Let us swear our resolution.
[00:23:03] Unknown:
Jeez.
[00:23:04] Unknown:
No. Not an oath. It's not the face of men, the sufferance of our souls, the time's abuse. If these be motives weak, break off betimes and every man hence to his idle bed. So let high sighted tyranny range on till each man drop by lottery. But these as I'm sure they do, they are fire enough to kindle cowards and to steal with valor the melting spirits of women. Then countrymen, what need we any spur but our own cause to prick us to regress? What other bond and secret Romans that have spoke the word and will not falter? And what other oath and honesty to honesty engaged that this shall be?
For we will fall for it. Music.
[00:24:00] Unknown:
On the March 14, the day before the assassination, Caesar supped with Marcus Lepidus. And as he was signing some letters, and according to his custom, as he sat at table, there arose a question of what sort of death was the best, at which he immediately, before anyone could speak, said, a sudden one. After this, as he was in bed with his wife, all the doors and windows of the house flew open together. He was startled at the noise and the light which broke into the room and sat up in his bed, where, by moonlight, he perceived his wife fast asleep, but heard her utter in her dream some indistinct words and inarticulate groans.
She fancied at that time she was weeping over Caesar and holding him butchered in her arms. When it was day, she begged Caesar not to leave the house, but to adjourn the senate to another time. Caesar laughed at her fears. And when the time was come, he started for the capital. On his way, he was handed a paper in which the whole plot was disclosed with the names of the conspirators. After his death, it was found still unopened. When Caesar entered, the senate stood up to show their respect for him. Of the conspirators, some came about his chair and stood behind it, and others stood in front of him and talked to him.
Then Tilius, laying hold of Caesar's cloak with both hands, pulled it down from his neck, which was the signal for the assault. Casca that stood behind him gave him the first wound in the neck. It was not mortal, and Caesar turned and put his hand on the dagger and kept hold of it. The conspirators closed around him with their naked knives in their hands. Which waysoever he turned, he was met with blows and saw their blades leveled at his face and eyes, for it had been agreed that they should each of them make a thrust at him and flesh themselves with his blood. For which reason, Brutus also gave him one stab in the groin.
Some say that he fought and resisted all the rest.
[00:26:36] Unknown:
Pleasure, live a thousand years. I shall not find myself so as to die, as here by Caesar and by you cut off the choice and master spirits of this age. Oh Anthony, beg not your death of us. What compact mean you to have with us? Will you be pricked in the number of our friends? Friends, am I, with you all and love you all upon this hope that you shall give me reasons why and wherein Caesar was dangerous. Our reasons are so full of good regard that were you, Antony, the son of Caesar, you should be satisfied. That's all I seek. And, moreover, a suitor, that I may produce his body in the marketplace and in the pulpit has become the friend, speak in the order of his funeral. You shall, Mark Antony. Just A word with you.
[00:27:29] Unknown:
You know not what you do. Do not consent that Antinous speak in his funeral. Knowing how much the people have been moved by that which you will utter? By your pardon, I will myself into the pulpit first. Mark Antony, here take you Caesar's body. You shall not in your funeral speech blame us, but speak all good you can devise of Caesar and say you do it by our permission. Else, shall you not have any hand at all about his funeral? You shall speak in the same pulpit whereto I am going after my speech is ended. Be it so.
[00:28:03] Unknown:
I do desire no more.
[00:28:05] Unknown:
Prepare the body then. Follow us.
[00:28:10] Unknown:
Then Anthony was alone in the body of the man he loved best and admired most in the world.
[00:28:19] Unknown:
Almighty Caesar, dost thou lie so low? Are all thy conquests, glories, triumphs, spoils, front to this little measure? That I did love thee, Caesar, o't is true. If then thy spirit look upon us now, shall it not grieve thee dearer than thy death to see thy Anthony making his peace shaking the bloody fingers of thy foes? Most noble, in the presence of thy course, had I as many eyes as thou hast wounds weeping as fast as they streamed forth thy blood, it would become me better than to close in terms of friendship with thine enemies.
Oh, pardon me, thou bleeding piece of earth. I am meek and gentle with these butchers. Thou art the ruins of the noblest man that ever lived in the tide of times. Woe to the hand that shed this costly blood over thy wounds. Now do I prophesy which like dumb mouths drooped their ruby lips to beg the voice and utterance of my tongue. A curse shall light upon the limbs of men. Domestic fury and fierce civil strife shall cumber all the parts of Italy. Blood and destruction shall be so in use and dreadful objects so familiar that mothers shall but smile
[00:29:38] Unknown:
when they behold their infants quartered with the hands of war and see the spirits ranging for revenge with Arte by his side come hot from hell, stare in these confines with a mother's voice, cry ever and
[00:30:34] Unknown:
Then Brutus came down from the capital among the crowd and made a speech to the people who listened without expressing either pleasure or resentment, but showed by their silence that they pitied Caesar and respected Brutus. Be patient.
[00:30:52] Unknown:
Be patient to the last Romans, countrymen, lovers, hear me for my cause and be silent that you may hear. Believe me for mine honor and have respect to mine honor that you may believe. Center me in your wisdom and awake your senses that you may the better judge. If there be any in this assembly, any dear friend of Caesar's, to him I say that Brutus' love to Caesar was no less than his. If then that friend demand why Brutus rose against Caesar, this is my answer. Not that I loved Caesar less, but that I loved Rome. More.
Had you rather Caesar were living and die all slaves than that Caesar were dead, to live all free men? As Caesar loved me, I weep for him. As he was fortunate, I rejoice at it. As he was valiant, I honor him. But as he was ambitious,
[00:32:26] Unknown:
I slew him.
[00:32:30] Unknown:
There is tears for his love, joy for his fortune, honor for his valor, and death for his ambition. Who is here so base that would be a bondman? If any, speak for him have I offended. Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman? If any, speak for him have I offended. Who is here so vile that would not love his country? If any, speak for him, have I offended? I pause for a reply. Then none have I offended. I've done no more to Caesar than you will do to Brutus. Here comes this body mourned by Mark Antony, who though he had no hand in his death shall receive the benefit of his dying, a place in the commonwealth as which of you shall not. Good countrymen, let me depart alone.
And for my sake, stay here with Antony. Do grace to Caesar's corpse and grace his speech tending to Caesar's glories which Mark Anthony, by our permission, is allowed to make. I do entreat you not a man depart save I alone till Anthony have spoke. With this I depart, that as I slew my best lover for the good of Rome, I have the same dagger for myself when it shall please my country to need my death.
[00:34:10] Unknown:
You are listening? You are listening to the CBS presentation of Orson Welles and the Mercury Theater on the Air in the first of a new series of Sunday night dramatic productions. The performance of Caesar will continue in just a moment. This is the Columbia Broadcasting System. Orson Welles and the Mercury Theatre on the Air in Caesar presented the original Mercury Theatre cast and with Orson Welles and the role of Brutus.
[00:34:38] Unknown:
When Brutus was gone, the body of Caesar was brought out into the forum all mangled with wounds. And Antony made a funeral oration to the people in praise of Caesar. And finding them moved by his speech, he unfolded the bloody garment of Caesar and showed them in how many places it was pierced and the number of his wounds. He also told them at this time of Caesar's will in which it was found that he had left a considerable legacy of money to each one of the Roman citizens.
[00:35:10] Unknown:
For Brutus' sake,
[00:35:12] Unknown:
I am beholding to you. What does he say of Brutus? He says for Brutus' sake, he finds himself beholding you at all. Very strict no harm of Brutus' fear. Caesar was entirely Blessed is all this
[00:35:23] Unknown:
the time line.
[00:35:24] Unknown:
You gentle Romans.
[00:35:28] Unknown:
Friends, Roman, countrymen,
[00:35:32] Unknown:
And see what Anthony can say. I come to bury Caesar,
[00:35:36] Unknown:
not to place him. The evil that men do lived after them. The good is often tarred with their bones. So let it be with Caesar. The noble Brutus hath told you Caesar was ambitious, and it was so. It was a grievous fault and grievously hath still answered it. Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest, for Brutus is an honorable man. So are they all, all honorable men, come I to speak in Caesar's funeral? He was my friend, faithful and just to me. But Brutus says he was ambitious, and Brutus is an honorable man. He hath brought many captives home to Rome, whose ransoms did the general coffers fill. Did this and Caesar seem ambitious?
When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept. Ambition should be made of sterner stuff. Yet Brutus says he was ambitious, and Brutus is an honorable man. You all did see that on the lupacal, I thrice presented him a kingly crown which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition? Yet Brutus says he was ambitious and sure. He is an honorable man. I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke, but here I am to say what I do know. You all did love him once, not without cause. What cause withholds you then to mourn for him? Oh, judgment. Thou art fled to brutish beasts, and men have lost their reason.
Bear with me. My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar, and I must pause till it come back to me.
[00:37:32] Unknown:
And he thinks there is much reason in his saying. Thou consider rightly of the matter. Caesar has had great drawers. I hear them with the words under his place. Marky his word, he would not take the crown. He would not take the crown. Therefore, it certainly was not ambitious that he found so troubled here by the before I have to go to the right way of a matter.
[00:37:55] Unknown:
But yesterday, the word of Caesar might have stood against the world. Now lies he there, and none so poor to do him reverence. Oh, masters, if I were disposed to stir your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage, I should do Brutus wrong and Cassius wrong, who, you all know, are honorable men. I will not do them wrong. I rather choose to wrong the dead, to wrong myself and you, than I will wrong such honorable men. But here's a parchment with the seal of Caesar. I found it in his closet. It is his will. Let but the commons hear this testament, which, pardon me, I do not mean to read, and they would go and kiss dead Caesar's wounds and dip their napkins in his sacred blood. Yea, beg a hair of him for memory and dying mention it within their wills, bequeathing it as a rich legacy until their issue.
[00:38:58] Unknown:
Gentle friends,
[00:39:00] Unknown:
I must not read it. It is not me that you know how Caesar loved you. You are not wood. You are not stones, but man. I am. And bearing the will of Caesar, it will enslave you. It will make you mad. And this good you know not that you are You will. Confirm me then to read the will. Yeah. And make a ring about the corpse of Caesar, and let me show you him that made the will. Shall I descend, and will you give me leave? Calm down. Yes, sir. You shall have leave. Room for Anthony. No. No, A ring. Stand round. Stand from the hearse. Room for Anthony.
Stand back. If you have tears, prepare to shed them now. You all don't know this mantle. I remember the first time ever Caesar put it on. It was on a summer's evening in his tent. That day he overcame the nervii. Look. In this place ran Cassius' dagger through. See what a rent the envious Casca made. Through this, the well beloved Brutus stabbed and as he plucked his cursed steel away, mark how the blood of Caesar followed it as as rushing out of doors to be resolved if Brutus so unkindly knocked on. Oh, for Brutus, as you know, was Caesar's angel. Judge, oh ye gods, how dearly Caesar loved him.
For when the noble Caesar's or him stab, ingratitude more strong than traitor's arms quite vanquished him. Then burst his mighty heart, and in his mantle the ring of his face, even at the base of Pompey Statue, which all the while ran blood, great Caesar fell. Oh, what a fall was there, my countryman. Then I and you and all of us fell down whilst bloody treason flourished over us. Now you weep, and I perceive you feel the dint of pity. These are gracious drops. Kind souls, what weep you when you but behold our Caesar's vesture wounded? Look, you're here. Here is himself. Why did you see
[00:42:26] Unknown:
Repent.
[00:42:30] Unknown:
He says,
[00:42:35] Unknown:
hear the noble Anthony.
[00:42:38] Unknown:
We'll hear him. We'll follow him.
[00:42:41] Unknown:
We'll die with him. Good friends. Sweet friends. Let me not stir you up to such a sudden flood of mutiny. They that have done this deed are honorable. What private Greece they have, alas, I know not that made them do it but they are wise and honorable and will no doubt with reason, answer you. I come not present to steal away your heart. I am no hoarder as Brutus is. But as you know me all, a plain blunt man that love my friend and that they know full well that gave me public lead to speak of him, for I'm neither wit nor words nor worth, action nor utterance nor the powers of speech disturbance blood. I only speak right on. Tell you that which you yourselves do know. Show you sweet Caesar's wounds, poor poor dumb mouths, and bid them speak for me. But were I Brutus and Brutus Anthony,
[00:43:31] Unknown:
there were an Anthony would ruffle up your spirits and put a tongue in every wound of Caesar that should move the stones of Rome to rise in mutiny.
[00:43:43] Unknown:
Will mutiny
[00:43:45] Unknown:
will burn the house of Brutus.
[00:43:49] Unknown:
I won't seek for Maya My friends, you go to do you know not what? Wherein hath Caesar thus deserved your love, unless you know not. I must tell you then. You have forgot the will I told you of, Caesar's will. We have the will. And under Caesar's seal, he gives to every Roman citizen, to every several man. Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot. Take thou what caused thou it.
[00:45:04] Unknown:
In the streets, there was nothing to be seen but confusion. Some cried out to kill the murderers. Others tore away the benches and tables out of the shops roundabout, and heaping them all together, built a great funeral pyre. On this, they set the corpse of Caesar and set fire to it. Then they took brands from the pile. Some of them ran to the houses of the conspirators. Others ran up and down the streets to find out the men who had killed Caesar and tear them to pieces. That night, Brutus, having said farewell to Portia, his wife, left the city with Cassius and their friends.
Soon after, there arrived in Rome, young Octavius, Caesar's adopted son, who was immediately elected consul. As his first act, he ordered a judicial process to be issued against Brutus and Cassius for having murdered a principal man of the state holding the highest majesties of Rome without being heard or condemned. No one appearing for the accusation, the judges were forced to pass sentence and condemn them both. It is reported that when the choir of the tribunal, as the custom was, with a loud voice cried Brutus to appear, the people groaned audibly, and many of the nobler citizens hung down their heads for grief.
After this, Antony and Octavius made up a list for a proscription in which were set those of their enemies that were designed for the slaughter amounting to over 200 persons. In the months that followed, the empire was divided into two factions, some going over to Brutus and Cassius, others to Antony and Octavius. Two years after Caesar's murder, the armies of the two factions came face to face on the Plains Of Philippi. That night, Brutus sent for Cassius to come to his tent. There had been distinction between them lately. There was talk of corruption in Cassius' army, and Cassius himself was not above suspicion.
[00:47:46] Unknown:
And, oh, can't it, Oh, so will brother, you've done me wrong. Wrong I mine enemies, but if not so, how should I wrong a brother? That you've wronged me disappear in this.
[00:47:54] Unknown:
You have condemned a note of Lucius Peller for taking bribes here at the salience,
[00:47:59] Unknown:
wherein my letters, praying on his side because I knew the man was slighted up. You wronged yourself to write in such a case. But at time of this, it is not meet that every nice offense that bear his comment. Let me I say you, Cassius, you yourself are much condemned to have an itching palm to sell and march your offices for gold to undeserve it. Aye. An itching palm.
[00:48:16] Unknown:
You know that your Brutus that speaks this or might have guard this speech or else you're left. The name of Cassius honors this corruption chastisement that ever hide its head. Chastisement. Remember March.
[00:48:27] Unknown:
The Ides of March, remember. Did not great Julius bleed for justice sake? What villain touched his body that did stab? And not for justice? What shall one of us that struck the foremost men of all this world but for supporting robbers? Shall we now contaminate our fingers with base bribes and sell the mighty space of our large honors for so much trash
[00:48:57] Unknown:
as may be grasped dust?
[00:49:01] Unknown:
I'd rather be a dog and bade a moon than such a Roman.
[00:49:06] Unknown:
Bait not me. I'll not endure it. You forget yourself to hedge me in. I am a soldier. I older in practice, able than yourself to make conditions. Go to. You are not casualties. I am. I say you are not Let me no more. I shall forget myself. Tempt me no farther.
[00:49:22] Unknown:
Away, slight man. It's possible that I endure all this? All this? I'm all French to your proud heartbreak. Must I observe you? Must I stand and crouch under your testy humor? By the gods, you shall digest the venom of your spleen, though it will split you. For from this day forth, I'll use you for my mirth, yea, for my laughter when you are waspish. You say you were a better soldier. Let's not appear so. Make your vaunting true, and it shall please me well. For my known part, I should be glad to learn of noblemen. You rung me in every way.
[00:50:04] Unknown:
You rung, Bruce. I tell an elder soldier not a better. Did I say better? You did. I cannot. When Caesar lives, he does not not have moved me. Peace you does not so tempted him. I does not No. What does not tempt him. Your life, you does not Do not presume too much upon my love. I may do that. I shall be sorry for. You have done that. You should be sorry for.
[00:50:24] Unknown:
There is no terror, Cassius, in your threats, for I am armed so strong in honesty that they pass me by as the idle wind, which I respect not. I did send you for certain sums of gold which you denied me, for I can raise no money by vile means. Why haven't I rather coin my heart and drop my blood for drachmas and to ring from the hard hands of peasants, thereby, I'll trash by any indirection. I did send you for gold to pay my allegiance, which you denied me with that done by Cassius. I denied you not. You did. I did not.
[00:51:05] Unknown:
News but a fool that brought my answer back. Brutus hath rived my heart. A friend should bear his friend infirmities,
[00:51:14] Unknown:
but Brutus makes mine greater than they are. I do not till you practice them on me. You love me quote. The flatterers would not, though we do appear as huge as high of impostor. Come, Anthony and young Octavius. Come.
[00:51:29] Unknown:
Revenge yourselves alone on Cassius, for Cassius is the will of the world, hated by one he loves, brave by his brother, checked like a bondman, all his faults observed, set in a notebook, learned and come by rote to cast into my I could weep my spirit from mine eyes. There's my dagger. I that denied thee gold will give my heart. Strike as thou didst deceive her. For I know when thou didst hate him worst, thou lovest him better than ever thou lovest Cassius.
[00:52:10] Unknown:
Sheathe your dagger. Be angry when you will. It shall have scope. Do what you will. Dishonor shall be humor.
[00:52:25] Unknown:
That Cassius lived to give but mirth and laughter to his Brutus when grief and bloody ill tempered vexed him?
[00:52:34] Unknown:
I was ill tempered too.
[00:52:38] Unknown:
Do you confess so much?
[00:52:41] Unknown:
Give me your hand. And my heart too.
[00:52:44] Unknown:
I did not think you could have been so angry. Poor Cassius.
[00:52:51] Unknown:
I'm sick of many griefs.
[00:52:53] Unknown:
Of your philosophy, you make no use if you give place to Portia
[00:52:57] Unknown:
is dead.
[00:53:00] Unknown:
Portia?
[00:53:02] Unknown:
She's dead. That's when Mark Antony have made themselves so strong. But with her death, their tidings came. With this, she fell distract.
[00:53:13] Unknown:
And died so. Even so.
[00:53:18] Unknown:
Deep of night is crept upon our talk. There's no more to say?
[00:53:25] Unknown:
No more. Good night. Early tomorrow will we rise and hence.
[00:53:34] Unknown:
Noble noble Cassius, good night and good repose.
[00:53:45] Unknown:
Lucius.
[00:53:47] Unknown:
Here, my good lord.
[00:53:49] Unknown:
Art thou speaks drowsily? For nave, I blame thee not, art o' watched. Look, Look, Lucius, here's the book I sought for so.
[00:53:57] Unknown:
I was sure your lordship did not give it me. Bear with me, good boy.
[00:54:01] Unknown:
I'm much forgetful. Canst thou hold up thy heavy eyes a while and touch thy instrument a strain or two? I'm lord, and please you. It does, my boy. Trouble thee too much without willing. It is my duty, sir. I should not urge thy duty. Pass thy might. I know young bloods look for a time of rest. I have slept already. It was well done. I should sleep again. I'll not hold you long. If I do live, I will be good to thee.
[00:54:35] Unknown:
Orpheus
[00:54:37] Unknown:
with his lute made trees and the mountain tops that freeze. Thou themselves when he did sing. To his music plants and flowers ever sprang as sun and showers there had made a lasting spring. Dadaam did diddum. Everything that heard him play, Even the billows of the sea hung their heads and then lay by. In sweet music is the charge, killing care and grief of heart. All asleep or hearing die. Didi,
[00:56:38] Unknown:
Against the advice of Cassius, Brutus resolved to meet the enemy on the Plain Of Philippi. Never had two such large Roman armies come together to engage each other. That of Brutus was somewhat less in number than that of Anthony, but in the splendor of the men's arms and the richness of their equipage wonderfully exceeded. For most of their arms were of gold and silver, which Brutus had lavishly bestowed upon them. There is a story that immediately before the battle, two eagles falling upon each other fought in the space between the two armies, Yet the whole field kept incredible silence and all were intent upon the spectacle until at last, that which was on Brutus' side yielded and fled.
As soon as it was morning, the signal of battle, the Scarlet Coat, was sent out in Brutus and Cassius' camps, and the two friends met for the last time in the middle space between their two armies.
[00:57:55] Unknown:
Now most noble Brutus, if we do lose this battle, then is this the very last time that we shall speak together? You're contented to be led in triumph through the streets of Rome.
[00:58:06] Unknown:
No, Cassius. No. Think not, thou noble Roman, that ever Brutus will go on to Rome. He bears too great a mind. But this same day must end that work the Ides of March begun. And whether we shall meet again, I know not. Therefore, our everlasting farewell take.
[00:58:32] Unknown:
Come home. Away.
[00:58:50] Unknown:
In the beginning, the tide of battle was with Brutus. The right wing, which he commanded, rode back their opponents with great slaughter. Then they fell upon that part of Octavius' army, which was exposed and separated, and pursued them towards the sea. During this time, however, Cassius, with the main body of the army, was retreating before the attack of Antony. Expecting Brutus to come to his aid and acting by delay and expectation rather than boldly and with a clear purpose, soon Cassius saw his whole army begin to give way. He did as much as ever he could to hinder their flight and bring them back, and snatching a flag out of the hand of one that fled, he stuck it at his feet and begged them to stand with him and fight.
When he found that he could not even keep his own personal guard together, Cassius retired to an empty tent, taking along with him only Pindarus, one of his. And pulling his cloak over his head, he made his neck bare and held it forth to Pindarus, commanding him to strike. Cassius' head was found severed from his body, and beside it was found the same night with which he had stabbed Caesar in the Senate house.
[01:00:29] Unknown:
Back to the previews.
[01:00:35] Unknown:
Oh, Cassius. Brut escaped the word too early, who having some advantage on Octavius took it too eagerly. His soldiers fell to spoil whilst we, by Antony, are all enclosed.
[01:00:46] Unknown:
This day, I breathe it first.
[01:00:50] Unknown:
Time has come round, and where I did begin there shall I end. My life is run as compass. Come hither, Silla. And with this good sword that ran through Caesar's bowels, search this bosom. Stand up to utter.
[01:01:15] Unknown:
Here, take over helps.
[01:01:19] Unknown:
And when my face is covered, as it is now, guide thou the sword.
[01:01:30] Unknown:
Caesar,
[01:01:33] Unknown:
without revenge, even with a sword that killed thee.
[01:01:54] Unknown:
Sometime later, Brutus, returning from the pursuit, wondered that he could not see Cassius' tent afar off, standing high as it was won't and appearing above the rest of the camp. Then for the first time, he suspected the defeat of Cassius and made haste to him. He heard nothing of his death until he came to the camp.
[01:02:17] Unknown:
Where? Hamersall does his body lie? Low yonder.
[01:02:21] Unknown:
He is slain.
[01:02:24] Unknown:
The last of all the Romans. Fare thee well. It is impossible that ever Rome should breed thy fellow. Friends, I owe more tears to this dead man than you shall see me pay. I shall find time, Cassius. I shall find time. Julius Caesar? Thou art mighty yet? Thy spirit walketh abroad and turns our swords in our improper entrails. Statilius showed the torchlight, but the lord had came up back. He's attained or slain. Slaying is the word. It is a deed in fashion. Come hither, good Volumnius. List a word. What says, my lord? Why this, Volumnius? A ghost of Caesar that appeared to me two several times by night at Sardis once and this last night here in Philippi Fields.
I know my hour has come. Not so, milord. I'm sure it is volumnious. Thou knows that we two went to school together. Even for that, our love of old, I pray thee, hold on my sword hilts whilst I run on it. That's not an office for a friend, m'lord. Fly. Fly, m'lord. There's no carrying here. Farewell to you and you and you, Volumnius. Strato last in all this while asleep. Farewell to thee too, Strato. Countryman, my heart doth joy that yet in all my life I found no man, but he was true to me. I shall have glory by this losing day. More than Octavius and Mark Antony, by this vile conquest, shall attain unto, So fare you well at once, for Brutus' tongue had almost ended his life's history.
Night hangs upon mine eyes. My bones would rest that have but labored to attain this hour. Why, my lord? Why? Hence, I will follow. Christ's sake, I prithee straight, oh, hold thy lord, daughter fellow for good respect. Thou like to have some snatch of honor in it. And then my sword, turn away thy face. I do run on it.
[01:04:48] Unknown:
Is that Strato? Give me your hand first. Fare you well, Maron. Farewell, good Strato.
[01:04:56] Unknown:
Caesar, now be still. I killed not thee with half so good a will.
[01:05:13] Unknown:
Brutus' dead body was found by Antony, who commanded the richest purple mantle that he had to be thrown over it. Then, before the assembled armies, he spoke over the body of his enemy.
[01:05:27] Unknown:
So Brutus should be found. This was the noblest Roman of them all. All the conspirators, save only he, did that they did in envy of great Caesar. He, only on a general honest thought and common good to all, made one of them. His life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him that nature might stand up and say to all the world, this was a man. Tonight Orson Welles and the original Mercury theater cast have produced Caesar, the hit of last year's theatrical season on Broadway as the first in a new series of weekly hours which the Columbia Broadcasting System will present during the coming months.
In response to the tremendous enthusiasm evoked by these programs from all parts of the country, CBS has made the Mercury Theater on the air a regular feature of its Sunday night schedule. The drama was adapted from the play of Shakespeare, and the narration was taken from Plutarch's lives. Orson Welles directed the entire production. H. V. Kalvenborn was the narrator, and the cast included it later. The original music was composed for the Mercury Theater by Mark Blitzstein. Davidson Taylor supervised production for CBS. Dan Seymour speaking.
[01:06:50] Unknown:
How to have fun anytime, anywhere. Step one, go to Chumbacasino.com. Chumba casino Com. Got it. Step two, collect your welcome bonus. Come to papa welcome bonus. Step three, play hundreds of casino style games for free. That's a lot of games, all for free? Step four, unleash your excitement. Woo hoo. Chumba casino has been delivering thrills for over a decade. So claim your free welcome bonus now and live the Chamba life. Visit chambacasino.com.
[01:07:15] Unknown:
No purchase necessary. VGW Group void. We're prohibited by law. 21 plus terms and conditions apply.
Introduction to Mercury Theater
Orson Welles on Julius Caesar
Caesar's Rise and the Conspiracy
Brutus' Dilemma
The Conspirators' Plan
The Assassination of Caesar
Brutus' Speech to the People
Antony's Funeral Oration
Aftermath and Civil War
The Battle of Philippi
The Deaths of Cassius and Brutus
Antony's Tribute to Brutus
