Find simple English-to-Hindi meanings of important words and phrases from Julius Caesar Act 3, Scene 2. For a full explanation in English, click on ‘Modern English explanation of Julius Caesar Act 3, Scene 2 in English and Hindi.’
Also see: Julius Caesar Act 3 Scene 2 Explanation
Contents
Julius Caesar – Act 3, Scene 2 – Meanings (English and Hindi)
Meanings in simple English and Hindi.
| Word / Phrase | Meaning (English + Hindi) |
|---|---|
| audience |
To listen to someone who is speaking; Brutus asks the crowd to listen carefully. Hindi: किसी की बात ध्यान से सुनना; ब्रूटस भीड़ से शांति से सुनने को कहता है। |
| part the numbers |
Divide the crowd into groups (some with Brutus, some with Cassius). Hindi: भीड़ को अलग-अलग समूहों में बाँटना (कुछ ब्रूटस के साथ, कुछ कैसियस के साथ)। |
| reasons |
Explanations or arguments (for Caesar’s death). Hindi: कारण, तर्क; सीज़र की मृत्यु के कारण। |
| renderèd |
Given or presented; explained to the people. Hindi: प्रस्तुत किया, समझाया; लोगों के सामने कारण रखना। |
| severally |
One by one, separately; to hear each speaker separately. Hindi: अलग-अलग, एक-एक करके; हर वक्ता को अलग से सुनना। |
| lovers |
Dear friends, loyal supporters (people who love Rome / Brutus). Hindi: प्रेमी नहीं, बल्कि प्यारे मित्र / निष्ठावान समर्थक; जो रोम और ब्रूटस से प्रेम करते हैं। |
| censure |
Judge or evaluate using your wisdom. Hindi: समझ-बूझ से निर्णय करना, परखना, आलोचना करना। |
| fortunate |
Lucky, successful in life. Hindi: भाग्यशाली, सफल। |
| valiant |
Brave, courageous (especially in battle). Hindi: बहादुर / साहसी, विशेषकर युद्ध में। |
| slew |
Killed (past tense of “slay”). Hindi: मार डाला; “slay” का भूतकाल, हत्या की। |
| base |
Low-minded, dishonorable, cowardly. Hindi: नीच, घटिया सोच वाला, कायर। |
| bondman |
Slave; person without freedom. Hindi: दास, गुलाम; जिसके पास स्वतंत्रता नहीं है। |
| rude |
Uncivilized, not noble. Hindi: असभ्य, अनाड़ी, जिसे शिष्टाचार न हो। |
| vile |
Wicked, evil, very bad. Hindi: दुष्ट, घृणित, बहुत बुरा। |
| The question |
The matter or issue being discussed (Caesar’s death). Hindi: मुद्दा, चर्चा का विषय; यहाँ सीज़र की मृत्यु का प्रश्न। |
| enrolled |
Recorded, written down officially (in the Capitol). Hindi: दर्ज किया गया, आधिकारिक रूप से लिखा गया। |
| extenuated |
Reduced, made smaller or less serious. Hindi: कम करके दिखाना, हल्का करना, महत्व घटाना। |
| enforced |
Exaggerated, made greater or bigger than it really was. Hindi: बढ़ा-चढ़ाकर दिखाया गया, अत्यधिक जोर देकर। |
| benefit of his dying |
The advantage or good result that comes from Caesar’s death (freedom of Rome). Hindi: उसकी मृत्यु से मिलने वाला लाभ; सीज़र की मौत से रोम को मिली स्वतंत्रता व सुरक्षा। |
| a place in the commonwealth |
A position as a free and equal citizen in the state of Rome. Hindi: राज्य में एक स्वतंत्र और समान नागरिक का स्थान; रोम की प्रजा में हिस्सा। |
| please my country |
When my country demands it; if Rome needs my death, I am ready. Hindi: जब मेरे देश को ऐसा चाहिए; यदि रोम को मेरी मृत्यु की ज़रूरत हो, तो मैं तैयार हूँ। |
| triumph |
A grand, joyful celebration like a hero’s procession. Hindi: विजय उत्सव, बहुत धूमधाम से मनाया जाने वाला जश्न। |
| better parts |
The best qualities or virtues (of Caesar) now seen in Brutus. Hindi: श्रेष्ठ गुण, अच्छे संस्कार; सीज़र के अच्छे गुण जो अब ब्रूटस में दिखते हैं। |
| shouts and clamors |
Loud cheering and noisy cries of the crowd. Hindi: तेज़ जयकारें और शोरगुल; हल्ला-गुल्ला। |
| grace |
Show respect or honor (especially to Caesar’s body). Hindi: आदर देना, सम्मान दिखाना; विशेषकर सीज़र के शव को। |
| Tending to Caesar’s glories |
Speaking about Caesar’s good qualities and great deeds. Hindi: सीज़र की महिमा, अच्छे काम और उपलब्धियों के बारे में बात करना। |
| entreat |
Request politely, beg seriously. Hindi: विनती करना, हाथ जोड़कर अनुरोध करना। |
| public chair |
The public speaking platform or stage. Hindi: सार्वजनिक मंच, जहाँ से जनता को संबोधित किया जाता है। |
| beholden |
Grateful, thankful. Hindi: कृतज्ञ, आभारी महसूस करना। |
| no harm of Brutus |
Not speaking anything bad or against Brutus. Hindi: ब्रूटस के बारे में कोई बुरी / आलोचनात्मक बात न कहना। |
| tyrant |
Cruel and unfair ruler with too much power. Hindi: अत्याचारी शासक, ज़ालिम राजा। |
| blest |
Blessed, fortunate, lucky. Hindi: धन्य, भाग्यशाली, सौभाग्यशाली। |
| interrèd |
Buried (with the bones). Hindi: दफ़न किया गया; हड्डियों के साथ मिट्टी में दबा। |
| under leave of Brutus |
With permission from Brutus (showing polite or fake respect). Hindi: ब्रूटस की अनुमति से; दिखावे का सम्मान दिखाते हुए। |
| grievous |
Serious, terrible. Hindi: बहुत गंभीर, दुखद, भारी गलती। |
| answered it |
Paid for it or suffered punishment (with death). Hindi: उसकी सज़ा भुगती; अपनी गलती की कीमत जान देकर चुकाई। |
| captives |
Prisoners captured in war. Hindi: युद्ध में पकड़े गए क़ैदी, बंदी। |
| ransoms |
Money paid to free prisoners. Hindi: फिरौती की रकम; बंदियों को छुड़ाने के बदले दिया गया धन। |
| sterner stuff |
Tougher and harder nature or character. Hindi: कठोर स्वभाव, सख़्त दिल का होना। |
| Lupercal |
A Roman festival where Antony offered Caesar a crown. Hindi: एक रोमन उत्सव, जहाँ एंटनी ने सीज़र को मुकुट पेश किया था। |
| not without cause |
For a good reason; with a valid cause. Hindi: यूँ ही नहीं, किसी अच्छे कारण से; उचित वजह के साथ। |
| withholds |
Stops, prevents from doing something. Hindi: रोकना, बाँध कर रखना, आगे बढ़ने से रोकना। |
| judgment |
Sense, wisdom, ability to think clearly. Hindi: समझ-बूझ, विवेक, सही निर्णय करने की क्षमता। |
| O judgment, thou art fled to brutish beasts |
O wisdom, you have gone to animals; people have lost their sense and act like beasts. Hindi: हे बुद्धि! तू जानवरों के पास चली गई; इंसानों ने अपना विवेक खो दिया है। |
| Bear with me |
Be patient with me; give me a moment. Hindi: थोड़ा धैर्य रखो, मुझे संभलने का समय दो। |
| great wrong |
Great injustice; something very unfair done to Caesar. Hindi: बड़ा अन्याय; सीज़र के साथ किया गया बहुत गलत व्यवहार। |
| masters |
Friends, gentlemen; polite way to address the crowd. Hindi: मित्रो / सज्जनो; भीड़ को सम्मान से संबोधित करने का तरीका। |
| worse |
Someone more dangerous or worse than Caesar. Hindi: उससे भी बुरा, अधिक ख़तरनाक व्यक्ति। |
| abide |
Bear, suffer, or face the consequences. Hindi: सहना, परिणाम भुगतना, कीमत चुकाना। |
| word of Caesar |
Caesar’s command or opinion. Hindi: सीज़र का आदेश / वचन / बात। |
| against the world |
Against everyone; stronger than all others. Hindi: सारी दुनिया के सामने; सब पर भारी पड़ने वाला। |
| so poor |
So low or unimportant. Hindi: इतना साधारण, महत्वहीन, छोटा। |
| disposed |
Willing or intending to do something. Hindi: इच्छुक, मन बना चुका, करने को तैयार। |
| mutiny |
Riot, violent revolt or rebellion. Hindi: विद्रोह, बगावत, हिंसक विरोध। |
| should |
Would (in old usage; expressing what would happen). Hindi: यहाँ “would” के अर्थ में; जो होना तय है / जो हो सकता है। |
| wrong |
Harm or insult (especially someone’s honor). Hindi: नुकसान पहुँचाना, अपमान करना। |
| wrong the dead |
Speak unfairly or unjustly about someone who has died. Hindi: मरे हुए के साथ अन्याय करना, उसके बारे में गलत बात कहना। |
| parchment |
Official paper or scroll for writing important documents. Hindi: मोटा कागज़ / चर्मपत्र, जिस पर ज़रूरी दस्तावेज लिखे जाते थे। |
| closet |
Private room or study. Hindi: निजी कमरा, अध्ययन कक्ष। |
| Let but |
If only, just let (something happen). Hindi: बस इतना हो जाए कि…, अगर केवल ऐसा हो तो। |
| commons |
The common people, ordinary citizens. Hindi: साधारण जनता, आम लोग। |
| testament |
Will; legal document that states who gets what after death. Hindi: वसीयत; कानूनी कागज़ जिसमें मृत्यु के बाद की संपत्ति बाँटने की बात लिखी हो। |
| napkins |
Cloths or handkerchiefs. Hindi: रूमाल, कपड़े के छोटे टुकड़े। |
| dying |
At the time of their own death. Hindi: मरते समय, मृत्यु के समय। |
| Bequeathing |
Leaving behind or giving something in a will. Hindi: वसीयत में देकर जाना, उत्तराधिकार में छोड़ना। |
| issue |
Children, descendants, future generations. Hindi: संतान, वंशज, आगे की पीढ़ियाँ। |
| meet |
Appropriate, suitable, right. Hindi: उचित, ठीक, शोभनीय। |
| inflame |
Make very angry or highly excited. Hindi: भड़काना, तीव्र क्रोध या भावनाएँ जगा देना। |
| what would come of it |
What might happen; what the result would be. Hindi: इसका क्या परिणाम होगा, आगे क्या हो सकता है। |
| o’ershot myself |
Went too far; said more than I should have. Hindi: हद से ज़्यादा कह दिया, सीमा से आगे निकल गया। |
| give me leave |
Allow me; give me permission. Hindi: मुझे अनुमति दें, मुझे करने दें। |
| hearse |
The frame or stand where the dead body lies. Hindi: शव रखने का तख़्ता / मंच। |
| press not so |
Do not crowd so close; keep some distance. Hindi: इतने पास मत आओ, धक्का-मुक्की मत करो; थोड़ा हटकर खड़े रहो। |
| mantle |
Cloak, outer garment (Caesar’s cloak). Hindi: चोगा, ओढ़ने वाला बाहरी कपड़ा; सीज़र का चोगा। |
| Nervii |
A tribe that Caesar defeated in battle. Hindi: एक दुश्मन क़बीला जिसे सीज़र ने युद्ध में हराया था। |
| rent |
A tear, big cut in cloth. Hindi: बड़ा चीरा, फटा हुआ हिस्सा। |
| cursèd steel |
Wicked, evil dagger (the knife used to stab Caesar). Hindi: शापित / दुष्ट खंजर; वही छुरा जिससे सीज़र को मारा गया। |
| As (in “As he plucked…”) |
When, while. Hindi: जैसे ही / जब वह…, उसी समय। |
| resolved |
To know, to be certain; to find out. Hindi: निश्चित करना, पता करना; सच जान लेना। |
| angel (Caesar’s angel) |
Most trusted and beloved friend. Hindi: सबसे अधिक प्रिय और विश्वसनीय मित्र। |
| Judge |
Decide, look and see (and form an opinion). Hindi: निर्णय करो, विचार करो, देख कर राय बनाओ। |
| unkindest cut of all |
The most cruel blow or wound (Brutus’s stab). Hindi: सबसे निर्दयी / सबसे क्रूर वार; ब्रूटस द्वारा किया गया घाव। |
| vanquished |
Defeated, overcome. Hindi: पराजित, हरा दिया गया, टूट गया। |
| in (his mantle) |
Into, inside (his cloak). Hindi: उसके चोगे के भीतर, अंदर। |
| muffling |
Covering, hiding (his face). Hindi: लपेटना, ढकना, चेहरा छिपाना। |
| Pompey’s statue |
Statue of Pompey, Caesar’s old enemy. Hindi: पोंपेई की मूर्ति; सीज़र का पुराना शत्रु। |
| fall |
Collapse, downfall. Hindi: गिरना, पतन, बड़ी गिरावट। |
| fell down |
Collapsed, were crushed; lost power and freedom. Hindi: गिर पड़े, कुचले गए; शक्ति और स्वतंत्रता खो दी। |
| bloody treason flourished |
Betrayal ruled; treason was winning and in power. Hindi: खून से सना विश्वासघात फलने-फूलने लगा; गद्दार हावी हो गए। |
| perceive |
See, notice, understand. Hindi: महसूस करना, देखना, समझ लेना। |
| dint of pity |
Force or feeling of pity. Hindi: दया की चोट / असर; दया की भावना का प्रभाव। |
| gracious drops |
Noble, kind tears. Hindi: करुणा से भरे आँसू, पवित्र आँसू। |
| but (in “But behold…”) |
Only, just. Hindi: केवल, बस, सिर्फ़। |
| vesture |
Clothing, garment. Hindi: वस्त्र, कपड़ा। |
| marred |
Damaged, destroyed, wounded. Hindi: बिगाड़ दिया गया, घायल, नष्ट कर दिया गया। |
| private griefs |
Personal reasons, private problems. Hindi: निजी दुख, व्यक्तिगत कारण, व्यक्तिगत नाराज़गी। |
| plain blunt man |
Simple, straightforward man; not fancy, not a great speaker. Hindi: सीधा-सादा, साफ़ बोलने वाला व्यक्ति; बड़ा वक्ता नहीं। |
| Action |
Dramatic performance, acting ability. Hindi: अभिनय की कला, नाटकीय ढंग से बोलने की क्षमता। |
| right on |
Straightforwardly, directly. Hindi: सीधे-सीधे, बिना घुमा-फिराकर। |
| sweet Caesar’s wounds |
Caesar’s pitiful, innocent wounds that move people to pity. Hindi: सीज़र के मासूम, दया जगाने वाले घाव; जिन्हें देखकर दिल पिघल जाए। |
| dumb mouths |
Silent mouths; wounds that cannot speak. Hindi: गूँगे मुँह; घाव जो बोल नहीं सकते। |
| bid |
Ask, request. Hindi: कहना, अनुरोध करना, कहलवाना। |
| were (in “there were an Antony”) |
Would be (old usage). Hindi: “would be” के अर्थ में; होता तो…। |
| ruffle up |
Stir up, excite strongly. Hindi: भड़का देना, भीतर की भावनाओं को ज़ोर से जगा देना। |
| put a tongue |
Give a voice. Hindi: ज़ुबान देना, बोलने की ताकत देना। |
| should (in “should move the stones”) |
Would (would move). Hindi: यहाँ “would” के अर्थ में — पत्थरों को भी हिला दे। |
| Wherein |
In which; in the part or place where. Hindi: जिसमें, जिस बात / हिस्से में। |
| several |
Each one, every individual person. Hindi: हर एक, प्रत्येक व्यक्ति। |
| seventy-five drachmas |
Seventy-five silver coins left to each citizen. Hindi: पचहत्तर द्रक्मा (चाँदी के सिक्के) जो हर नागरिक को दिए गए। |
| walks |
Public paths or garden lanes. Hindi: बगीचे के रास्ते, टहलने की पगडंडियाँ। |
| arbors |
Shaded garden places or small covered sitting spots. Hindi: छायादार बगीचे की जगहें, बैठने के छोटे-छोटे कोने। |
| Tiber |
The river Tiber in Rome. Hindi: टाइबर नदी; रोम की प्रसिद्ध नदी। |
| abroad and recreate |
Walk outside and relax; enjoy yourselves. Hindi: बाहर घूमना और मन बहलाना; सैर करना और आराम करना। |
| brands |
Burning pieces of wood, torches for setting fire. Hindi: जलते हुए लकड़ी के टुकड़े, मशालें। |
| forms |
Benches or wooden seats. Hindi: बेंच, लकड़ी की बैठने की पट्टियाँ। |
| afoot |
Already begun, in motion. Hindi: शुरू हो चुका, चल पड़ा है। |
| course |
Direction or path something will take. Hindi: दिशा, मार्ग, रास्ता। |
| Lepidus |
A Roman leader, ally of Antony and Octavius (later in the Triumvirate). Hindi: लेपिडस – एक रोमन नेता, एंटनी और ऑक्टेवियस का साथी। |
| upon a wish |
At the perfect moment, just when needed. Hindi: बिल्कुल सही समय पर, जैसे मनचाही घड़ी में। |
| merry (Fortune is merry) |
Favourable, cheerful, lucky. Hindi: प्रसन्न, अनुकूल, भाग्य साथ दे रहा है। |
| Are rid |
Have ridden away, escaped on horseback. Hindi: घोड़े पर सवार होकर भाग गए, तेज़ी से निकल गए। |
| through (the gates) |
Out of, across (through the city gates). Hindi: फाटकों के पार होकर बाहर निकल जाना। |
| Belike |
Probably, most likely. Hindi: शायद, संभवतः, सम्भावना है कि। |
| moved |
Stirred up, agitated, influenced emotionally. Hindi: भड़का दिया, भावनाएँ जगा दीं, भीतर से हिला दिया। |
Julius Caesar – Act 3, Scene 2 Detailed Vocabulary with References to Texts
| Word/Phrase | Simple Meaning | Contextual Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| audience | to listen to someone who is speaking | When Brutus says “give me audience,” he is asking the crowd to listen quietly and pay attention to what he wants to say. |
| part the numbers | divide the crowd | Brutus tells Cassius to “part the numbers,” meaning to separate the people into two groups — those who want to hear Brutus and those who want to hear Cassius. |
| reasons | explanations or arguments | When Brutus says he will give “public reasons,” he means clear explanations for why Caesar was killed. |
| renderèd | given or presented | “Rendered” here means explained or presented. Brutus says they will “render” public reasons — meaning they will present the reasons to the people. |
| severally | one by one / separately | The citizens say they will hear Brutus and Cassius “severally,” meaning they will listen to each separately and then compare. |
| lovers | dear friends / loyal supporters | When Brutus says “Romans, countrymen, and lovers,” he means people who love Rome and friends who care about their country. |
| Censure | judge or evaluate | Brutus says, “Censure me in your wisdom,” meaning judge me using your wisdom. |
| fortunate | lucky / successful | Brutus says he rejoices because Caesar was “fortunate,” meaning Caesar was successful and lucky in life. |
| valiant | brave / courageous | Caesar was “valiant,” meaning he was brave in battles and actions. |
| slew | killed | “Slew” is the past tense of slay. Brutus says he “slew him,” meaning Brutus killed Caesar. |
| base | low-minded / dishonorable | “Who is here so base that would be a bondman?” means Who is so low or cowardly that he would want to be a slave? |
| bondman | slave / someone without freedom | A “bondman” is a slave or person without liberty. |
| rude | uncivilized / not noble | “Who is here so rude that would not be a Roman?” means Who is so uncivilized that he would refuse to be a Roman citizen? |
| vile | wicked / evil / very bad | “Who is here so vile that will not love his country?” means Who is so wicked that he would not love Rome? |
Table 2: Justification for Death & Citizens’ Reaction to Brutus
| Word/Phrase | Simple Meaning | Contextual Explanation |
| The question | the matter / the issue being discussed | When Brutus says “The question of his death,” he means the matter or issue of Caesar’s death — the reasons behind it. |
| enrolled | recorded / written down officially | Brutus says the question of Caesar’s death is “enrolled in the Capitol,” meaning it has been officially written down in the government records. |
| extenuated | reduced / made smaller or less serious | Brutus says Caesar’s glory has not been “extenuated,” meaning his good qualities have not been lessened or reduced. |
| enforced | made greater / exaggerated | Brutus says Caesar’s faults have not been “enforced,” meaning his mistakes have not been exaggerated or made to look bigger than they were. |
| benefit of his dying | the advantage or good result that comes from Caesar’s death | Antony will enjoy the freedom and safety that Caesar’s death is supposed to bring to Rome. |
| a place in the commonwealth | a position as a free and equal citizen of Rome | Antony will have his share in Rome as a free citizen, just like everyone else. |
| please my country | when my country demands it / if Rome needs it | If Rome needs my death, I am ready to die for my country. |
| triumph | a grand, joyful celebration | Take Brutus home like a hero, with cheers and celebration. |
| better parts | the best qualities / the good virtues | All the good qualities of Caesar will now be seen in Brutus. |
| shouts and clamors | loud cheering and noisy cries | We will take Brutus home with loud shouting, cheering, and excitement. |
| grace | show respect / honor | When Brutus says “Do grace to Caesar’s corpse,” he means: Show respect to Caesar’s dead body. |
| Tending to Caesar’s glories | speaking about Caesar’s good qualities and achievements | Antony will talk about Caesar’s greatness and the good things he did. |
| entreat | request politely / beg | I politely request you or I ask you seriously. |
| public chair | the public speaking platform / stage | Let Antony climb the platform from where speakers address the crowd. |
| beholden | grateful / thankful | He feels thankful to them because they are allowing him to speak. |
| no harm of Brutus | he should not speak anything against Brutus | He must not say anything bad about Brutus in front of them. |
| tyrant | a cruel and unfair ruler | Caesar ruled harshly and had too much power (in their opinion). |
| blest | fortunate / lucky / blessed | We are lucky or blessed that Rome is free of Caesar. |
Table 3: Antony’s Oration (Part 1) and Emotional Turn
| Word/Phrase | Simple Meaning | Contextual Explanation |
| interrèd | buried | People’s good deeds are often buried with them when they die. |
| under leave of Brutus | with permission from Brutus | He is speaking with Brutus’s permission (showing fake respect). |
| grievous | serious / terrible | A very serious mistake. |
| answered it | paid for it / received punishment | Caesar has paid for the fault with his death. |
| captives | prisoners captured in war | People he captured during battles. |
| ransoms | money paid to free prisoners | The money received for releasing prisoners filled Rome’s treasury. |
| sterner stuff | harder / tougher nature | If Caesar was ambitious, he should have been tougher and not cried for the poor. |
| Lupercal | a Roman festival | The “Lupercal” was a festival where Antony offered Caesar the crown. |
| not without cause | for a good reason | You had a valid reason for loving Caesar earlier. |
| withholds | stops / prevents | What is stopping you from mourning Caesar now? |
| judgment | sense / ability to think wisely | Here, “judgment” refers to human wisdom. |
| O judgment, thou art fled to brutish beasts | O wisdom, you have run away to the animals | People have lost their ability to think—they are behaving like animals. |
| Bear with me | be patient with me / give me a moment | Antony says this as he pretends to cry and stop speaking. |
| great wrong | a big injustice / something very unfair | Caesar has been treated very unfairly or wrongly. |
| masters (1st time) | friends / people / gentlemen | Has he really, my friends? (a polite way to address the crowd). |
| worse | a person worse than Caesar | Someone more dangerous or more cruel than Caesar may take his place. |
| abide | bear / suffer / face the consequences | If this is proven true, some people will suffer for it or pay the price. |
| word of Caesar | Caesar’s command / Caesar’s opinion | Yesterday, whatever Caesar said was powerful enough to challenge anyone. |
| against the world | against everyone / stronger than all others | Caesar’s word was so strong that it could stand against everyone else in Rome. |
| so poor | so unimportant / so low | No one is so low or unimportant that they cannot show respect to Caesar now. |
| masters (2nd time) | friends / gentlemen | O my friends / respected people. |
| disposed | willing or intending | If I wanted or intended to make you angry. |
| mutiny | riot / violent revolt | Antony warns that he does not want to make the crowd rebel. |
| should (meaning would) | would (in old English context) | Here, “should” often means would — something likely to happen. |
| wrong | harm or insult | I would be insulting or harming Brutus. |
| wrong the dead | speak falsely or unjustly about the dead | He would rather harm himself or even speak less of Caesar than insult Brutus. |
| parchment | official paper or scroll | The will was written on parchment, a type of writing material. |
| closet | private room / study | Antony found Caesar’s will in his private room or study. |
| Let but | If only / just let | If only the common people heard this will… |
| commons | the common people / ordinary citizens | Antony refers to the general public of Rome. |
| testament | will | “Testament” is another word for Caesar’s will. |
| napkins | cloths / handkerchiefs | People would dip their cloths or handkerchiefs in Caesar’s blood as a memory. |
| dying | at the time of their own death | When they die, they will mention Caesar’s blood in their own wills. |
| Bequeathing | leaving behind / giving after death | They would leave that precious memory as a gift in their own wills. |
| issue | children / descendants | To their children or future generations. |
| meet | appropriate / suitable / right | It is not suitable or proper for you to know how much Caesar loved you. |
| inflame | to make very angry or excited | It will fill you with strong anger and emotion. |
| what would come of it | what might happen / what the result would be | If you knew the truth, who knows what dangerous things you might do? |
| o’ershot myself | I went too far / I said more than I should | He accidentally revealed too much by talking about the will. |
Table 4: Antony’s Oration (Part 2), Caesar’s Will, and Aftermath
| Word/Phrase | Simple Meaning | Contextual Explanation |
| give me leave | allow me / give me permission | Will you allow me to come down or to do this? |
| hearse | the frame or stand holding the body | Stand away from the place where Caesar’s body is lying. |
| press not so | do not crowd so close | Do not push or crowd around me. Keep some distance. |
| mantle | cloak / outer garment | Caesar’s mantle is the cloak he was wearing when he was stabbed. |
| Nervii | a tribe Caesar defeated in battle | A Roman enemy tribe. Antony says Caesar wore the cloak the day he beat the Nervii. |
| rent | a tear / a big cut | Casca made a “rent” in the cloak, meaning he tore or cut it badly. |
| cursèd steel | the wicked knife | “Steel” means the dagger; “cursed” means evil. So it means the evil dagger used to kill Caesar. |
| As (here) | when / while | “As he plucked his cursed steel away” means when he pulled the dagger out. |
| resolved | to know / to be certain | Caesar’s blood rushed out as if it wanted to find out whether Brutus had really hurt him. |
| angel | most trusted and beloved friend | Caesar trusted Brutus the most. |
| Judge | decide / look and see | O gods, decide or see how much Caesar loved him. |
| unkindest cut of all | the most cruel blow | This refers to Brutus’s stab, the most painful because it came from a friend. |
| vanquished | defeated / overcome | His heart broke because Brutus betrayed him. |
| in (here) | into / inside | “In his mantle muffling up his face” means: He covered his face inside his cloak. |
| muffling | covering / hiding | Caesar “muffled” his face — he covered his face with his cloak when he fell. |
| Pompey’s statue | the statue of Pompey, Caesar’s old enemy | Caesar fell dead at the base of Pompey’s statue, which makes the scene more tragic. |
| fall | collapse | What a terrible collapse that was. |
| fell down | collapsed / were crushed | Antony says he and all Romans “fell down” — meaning they lost their freedom and dignity when Caesar died. |
| bloody treason flourished | betrayal was ruling / treason was winning | It means the traitors were now in power after killing Caesar. |
| perceive | see / notice | I can see you are feeling pity. |
| dint of pity | the feeling of pity / the force of pity | You are being touched by pity. |
| gracious drops | noble tears | Antony calls the citizens’ tears “gracious drops,” meaning their tears show kindness and goodness. |
| but (here) | only | “But behold our Caesar’s vesture” — here “but” means only / just. |
| vesture | clothing / garment | Caesar’s “vesture” means his cloak or clothes. |
| marred | damaged / destroyed / wounded | Here is his body, wounded and ruined by traitors. |
| private griefs | personal reasons / private problems | What personal reasons Brutus and the conspirators had for killing Caesar. |
| plain blunt man | a simple, straightforward man | He is not fancy, not a great speaker — just honest and direct. (He is pretending, of course.) |
| Action | dramatic performance / acting ability | He has no acting skills or dramatic style to influence people. |
| right on | straightforwardly / directly | I speak simply and directly, without tricks. |
| sweet Caesar’s wounds | Caesar’s pitiful and innocent wounds | Antony calls them “sweet” to make the crowd emotional — these wounds are sad, silent, and painful to see. |
| dumb mouths | silent wounds | The wounds cannot speak, so Antony calls them “dumb mouths” (mute mouths). He wants the crowd to imagine the wounds begging for justice. |
| bid | ask / request | He asks Caesar’s wounds to speak on his behalf. |
| were (meaning would be) | would be | Example: “There were an Antony…” = There would be an Antony… |
| ruffle up | stir up / excite strongly | He would excite or stir up the crowd’s emotions. |
| put a tongue | give a voice | Give each wound a voice to shout for revenge. |
| should (meaning would) | would | “Should move the stones of Rome” means: Would move even the stones of Rome to action. |
| Wherein | in which / in the part where | Used to refer to the place or situation being talked about. |
| several | each one / every individual person | Every single person. |
| seventy-five drachmas | seventy-five silver coins | A drachma was a Roman coin, so Caesar left 75 coins for each citizen. |
| walks | public paths or garden lanes | Caesar left his walkways for citizens to use. |
| arbors | shaded garden places / small covered sitting spots | Private garden areas where people could relax. |
| Tiber | the river Tiber in Rome | Caesar’s gardens were on this side of the Tiber River. |
| abroad and recreate | walk outside and relax / enjoy yourselves | Caesar left the gardens so people could walk in them and refresh themselves. |
| brands | burning pieces of wood / torches | The citizens would use burning sticks to set houses on fire. |
| forms | benches or wooden seats | Citizens shout to break benches and use them as firewood. |
| afoot | already begun / in motion | The trouble has already begun. |
| course | direction / path it will take | Antony says trouble can take whatever direction it wants. |
| Lepidus | a Roman leader and ally of Antony and Octavius | He becomes part of the Second Triumvirate. |
| upon a wish | at the perfect moment / just when needed | Antony says Octavius came exactly at the right time. |
| merry | favorable / cheerful / lucky | Luck is on their side. |
| Are rid | have ridden away / have escaped on horseback | They rode out of Rome in great hurry. |
| through | out of / across | “Through the gates of Rome” means: They rode out through the city gates. |
| Belike | probably / most likely | Antony says “Belike they had some notice,” meaning: Probably they heard about the crowd’s anger. |
| moved | stirred up / agitated / influenced emotionally | “How I had moved them” means: How Antony had stirred up the people’s emotions. |
Also see: Julius Caesar Act 3 Scene 2 Explanation