[Enter Cinna, the poet, and after him the Citizens, armed with sticks, spears, and swords.]
- Cinna.
- I dreamed tonight that I feasted with Caesar,
And recent events have caused me to imagine awful things.
I have no desire to wander outside,
But something compels me to go out.
- First Citizen.
- What is your name?
- Second Citizen.
- Where are you going?
- Third Citizen.
- Where do you live?
- Fourth Citizen.
- Are you married or single?
- Second Citizen.
- Answer every man directly.
- First Citizen.
- Yes, and briefly.
- Fourth Citizen.
- Yes, and wisely.
- Third Citizen.
- Yes, and truthfully, you'd better.
- Cinna.
- What is my name? Where am I going? Where do I live? Am I married or single?
Then, to answer every man directly and briefly, wisely and truthfully: wisely I say, I am a bachelor.
- Second Citizen.
- That's just like saying that only fools get married. You'll get a punch from me for that, I fear. Go on -- directly.
- Cinna.
- Directly I am going to Caesar's funeral.
- First Citizen.
- As a friend or an enemy?
- Cinna.
- As a friend.
- Second Citizen.
- You answered that question directly.
- Fourth Citizen.
- For where you live--briefly.
- Cinna.
- Briefly, I live by the Capitol.
- Third Citizen.
- Your name, sire, truthfully.
- Cinna.
- Truthfully, my name is Cinna.
- First Citizen.
- Tear him to pieces! He's a conspirator.
- Cinna.
- I am Cinna the poet! I am Cinna the poet!
- Fourth Citizen.
- Tear him for his bad poetry! Tear him for his bad poetry!
- Cinna.
- I am not Cinna the conspirator.
- Fourth Citizen.
- It doesn't matter; his name's Cinna!
Let's just tear the name out of his heart, and send him away.
- Third Citizen.
- Tear him, tear him!
[They attack Cinna.]
- Come, instigators! To Brutus' house, to Cassius' house! Burn all!
Some go to Decius' house and some to Casca's; some to Ligarius'! Away, go!
[Exit all the citizens.]
