An Historical and Metrical Introduction into the Study of Shakspeare’'s Works, with Particular Regard to his Julius Caesar by Dr. LöBBO WILKEN.

Part the Second.

1. Analysis of Julius Caesar. Act the First. Scene the First.

A crowd of idle citizens flocks together in the streets of Rome to celebrate the feast of the Lupercalia, but principally for the purpose of seeing great Caesar coming home in triumph, after having defeated the sons of Pompey in Spain. And going to be appointed chief-leader of an expedition against the Parthians, who, it was said, could be conquered only by a King, Caesar is anxious to assume the Royal Crown, assisted by his friend Antony. Flavius and Marullus, two tribunes, angrily chide the people of Rome, who not long ere this had manifested in the same way their worship and devotion to Pompey on his return home from abroad, where he had gained such glorious victories over many foreign nations. Both Flavius and Marullus are urging the people to clear the public squares, and to retire without delay into their homes. When this was done, the two tribunes resolved to disrobe the images, should they be hung with Caesar's trophies.

Scene the Second.

Caesar enters in procession with music; with him Antony, his best friend, ready to follow the course of the Lupercalia. A soothsayer warns him of the ides of March. Then Brutus and Cassius, not taking part in the festivities, meet, the latter pointing out to the former the danger which the Republic runs, should Caesar be proclaimed King, and by base flattery trying to persuade Brutus that he was as much looked up to by the people as Caesar, hoping thus to alienate him from the latter, and win him over to his purpose. He intimates to Brutus how the Republic must be imperilled by Caesar's conceit and ambition: upon which Brutus yields. After this Caesar returns from the festival ceremonies, which he had gone to look at; he is now expressing his dislike for Cassius regarding his outward ap- pearance as well as his mind. Casca tells his two friends Brutus and Cassius of what has happened in the Market-place(Forum), how Antony offered Caesar a crown, but which Caesar had, however reluctantly, declined. The three friends agree to meet in Brutus's house to consult about the welfare of the Republic.

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