Julius Caesar Paraphrase: Act III, Scene 3

Act III, Scene 3

[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.]