Act 3 Scene 1
Caesar approaches the Capitol. He observes that the ‘Ides of March have come’ but the Soothsayer points out they are not over yet. Caesar refuses to read Artemidorus’ warning. Cassius has a moment of panic and fears the plot has been discovered but Brutus reassures him.
The conspirators surround Caesar, pretending to kneel in appeal, and Caesar is stabbed to death by all the conspirators. Brutus is the last to strike, a betrayal of friendship which shocks Caesar. The conspirators claim publicly that ‘Tyranny is dead!’ and Brutus invites them to ‘bathe' their hands in Caesar’s blood, echoing the image in Calphurnia’s dream.
Antony, who has fled, returns to the scene. After being promised safety, he shakes hands with the murderers. Brutus tells him he will explain his motives at Caesar’s funeral where he will speak to the crowd. Antony asks to speak also. Cassius advises against this but Brutus allows it, as long as Brutus speaks first. When left alone with Caesar’s body, Antony weeps and speaks of revenge. We hear that Caesar’s great-nephew Octavius is coming to Rome.