Shakespeare in Plain English
Julius Caesar · Tragedy · c. 1599

Julius Caesar Act 5 Scene 2

Six lines. Brutus sees a weakness in Octavius's wing and orders an immediate all-out attack. It is the decision that loses the battle: his troops break ranks to loot while Cassius is left surrounded.

Julius Caesar
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Julius Caesar Act 5 Scene 2

The field of battle.
The Original
Plain Modern English
Alarum. Enter Brutus and Messala.
Brutus
Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give these bills
Unto the legions on the other side:
Let them set on at once; for I perceive
But cold demeanor in Octavius' wing,
And sudden push gives them the overthrow.
Ride, ride, Messala: let them all come down.
Brutus
Ride, Messala, ride — take these written orders
to the legions on the other side.
Have them attack immediately. I can see
that Octavius's wing is fighting half-heartedly,
and one sudden push will break them.
Ride, Messala — send them all in.
Exeunt.
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