Julius Caesar and his friends Brutus and Cassius.

SUMMARY: As Caesar and his procession move across the stage, Brutus and Cassius stay behind. Cassius takes this opportunity to gauge Brutus' feelings towards Caesar without directly stating his own stance. He remarks that Brutus has been acting strange and reserved in his dealings with his friends. Brutus tells Cassius he is preoccupied with some concerns he has and asks to be forgiven for his behavior. Sensing that Brutus may be open to what he has to say, Cassius flatters Brutus and tries to enlist his support in the revolt against Caesar's rule. Brutus at first resists, insisting on his faithfulness and loyalty; he says he does not gossip about friends behind their backs. A flourish of trumpets startles him, however, and he blurts out his true feelings about the matter, saying, "I do fear the people/Choose Caesar for their king." This is all the encouragement Cassius needs to intensify his persuasion. Brutus confesses to Cassius that though he loves Caesar dearly, he is also concerned about the possible consequences of the vast power the king now holds.

Cassius proceeds to flatter Brutus; he then goes on to narrate two instances of Caesar's physical weakness. The first is a time when Caesar supposedly challenged Cassius to swim across the flooded river Tiber on a stormy day. Caesar was unable to finish the swim, and Cassius claims he had to help him across. Cassius says he is disgusted that such a weak man has now become the absolute ruler of Rome. Additionally, he tells of a time in Spain when Caesar was extremely ill with a fever. He suggests that his  was a weakness, not a natural phenomenon.

There is a second flourish of trumpets and another general shout is heard offstage. Brutus comments that the crowd must be applauding some new honors heaped on Caesar. On  this, Cassius continues to provoke Brutus' resentment of Caesar, suggesting that even Brutus is a better ruler. Brutus replies that he will seriously contemplate what Cassius has told him; he leaves with the promise that the two of them will discuss these matters later.