The New Hudson Shakespeare: Julius Cæsar

by William Shakespeare

[II.163] Scene VI Pope.

[II.164] Enter Publius ... | Ff have Publius after Cinna.

[II.165] This was probably Publius Silicius, not a conspirator. See [III, i, 87], where he is described as "quite confounded with this mutiny."

[II.166] This is a graphic and charming touch. Here, for the first time, we have Cæsar speaking fairly in character; for he was probably the most finished gentleman of his time, one of the sweetest of men, and as full of kindness as of wisdom and courage. Merivale aptly styles him "Cæsar the politic and the merciful."

[II.167] o'clock Theobald | a Clocke Ff.

[II.168] o' nights Theobald | a-nights Ff.

[II.169] [Aside] Rowe | Ff omit.

[II.170] [Aside] Pope | Ff omit.

[II.171] yearns Capell | earnes F₁F₂.

[II.172] yearns: grieves. The Folios read 'earnes.' Skeat considers earn (yearn) 'to grieve' of distinct origin from earn (yearn) 'to desire.' Shakespeare uses the verb both transitively and intransitively. The winning and honest suavity of Cæsar here starts a pang of remorse in Brutus. Drinking wine together was regarded as a sacred pledge of truth and honor. Brutus knows that Cæsar is doing it in good faith; and it hurts him to think that the others seem to be doing the like, and yet are doing a very different thing.