[I.255[1] i.e. scrolls.
[I.256] Brutus may but find it: only Brutus may find it.
[I.257] For a discussion of singular verbs with plural subjects, see Abbott, § 333. Cf. [l. 138], [l. 155]; [III, ii, 26].
[I.258] Decius Brutus. As indicated in the notes to the Dramatis Personæ, this should be 'Decimus Brutus.' Shakespeare found the form 'Decius' in North's Plutarch, who translated from Amyot, in whose French version the blunder was originally made. Decimus Brutus is said to have been cousin to the other Brutus of the play. He had been one of Cæsar's ablest, most favored, and most trusted lieutenants, and had particularly distinguished himself in his naval service at Venetia and Massilia. After the murder of Cæsar, he was found to be written down in his will as second heir.
[I.259] bade Rowe | bad Ff.
[I.260] countenance: support.
[I.261] alchemy: the old ideal art of turning base metals into gold. So in Sonnets, xxxiii, 4: "Gilding pale streams with heavenly alchemy." Cf. King John, III, i, 78.
[I.262] conceited: formed an idea of, conceived, judged. 'Conceit' as a verb occurs again in [III, i, 193], and in Othello, III, iii, 149.
Act II
[II.1] orchard. Shakespeare generally uses 'orchard' in its original sense of 'garden' (literally 'herb-garden,' Anglo-Saxon ort-geard).