Summary Two patricians Flavius and Marcullus enter. They are confused by the fact that the plebeians are not in their work clothes, and begin to ask some plebeians what their jobs are. A carpenter admits he is a carpenter. Next Marcullus asks a cobbler what his job is, and the cobbler answers in a series of puns ("souls" "soles"), ("withal" "with awl"). The cobbler explains that everyone is taking the day off to celebrate Caesar's victory over Pompey. Marcullus, in high rhetoric, insults the plebeians for being fickle, since they very recently all liked Pompey. He tells them all to go back home and feel very sorry for dishonoring Pompey's memory. The plebeians leave. Flavius suggests that the two of them take down all of the pro-Caesar decorations. Marcullus is worried about getting into trouble since it is the feast of Luprecal after all. Flavius insists, and recommends they that drive all of the plebeians out of the streets. Finally he comments that they must do something to humble Caesar or else he would put himself so far above other men as to make them all slaves.
Summary Caesar and his party enter. Caesar asks that his wife Calpurnia stand in Antony's way and that Antony touch her while he is running the race. Both agree. A soothsayer warns Caesar of the ides of March. At first Caesar is interested, but then he dismisses the soothsayer. All leaves except Brutus and Cassius. Cassius says that Brutus hasn't seemed himself recently. Brutus admits that he has been troubled, and has been doing a lot of thinking. Cassius suggests he can tell Brutus what has been troubling him. Brutus mistrusts Cassius's motives. Cassius assures Brutus he is trustworthy. They hear trumpets and shouting. Brutus comments to himself that he hopes the people haven't made Caesar a king. Cassius asks Brutus if he fears the people will do so. Brutus admits he does, and asks Cassius to get to the point. He says if Cassius wants him to do something for the pu...