Act 4 - Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
Scene i
The play starts with Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus deciding who shall be killed.
Lepidus’s brother is chosen to be killed
Publius is marked for death
Scene ii
Brutus and Cassius meet with their armies outside Brutus's tent near Sardis.
Brutus accuses Cassius of corruption and taking bribes.
Cassius denies the charges, leading to a heated argument between the two generals.
Brutus chastises Cassius for selling offices for gold, which goes against their honorable cause.
Cassius, deeply offended by Brutus's accusations, offers his dagger to Brutus and bids him strike.
Eventually, the two reconcile, with Brutus suggesting that Cassius's temper might be inherited from his mother.
Brutus then reveals that his wife, Portia, has committed suicide by swallowing hot coals due to his prolonged absence and the actions of Octavius and Antony.
They discuss their military strategy and decide to march to Philippi to confront Antony and Octavius.
Scene iii
Brutus and Cassius discuss their financial needs, and Brutus scolds Cassius for allegedly withholding funds.
A poet bursts in and attempts to reconcile them, but is dismissed.
Brutus reveals to Cassius that Portia is dead, which explains his earlier irritability and harshness.
Messala arrives with news from Rome: Antony, Octavius, and Lepidus have executed many senators, and Portia's death has been confirmed.
Brutus and Cassius discuss their military plans again. Cassius favors waiting for Antony and Octavius to march to them, conserving their strength. Brutus insists on marching to Philippi immediately, believing their army is at its peak and the enemy is growing stronger.
Brutus's will prevails, and they decide to march to Philippi.
Later that night, Brutus reads in his tent. The Ghost of Caesar appears, warning Brutus that they will meet again at Philippi. Brutus questions his attendants, who claim to have seen or heard nothing, leaving Brutus troubled but resolved.