 The scene shifts to a marketplace where the Feast of Lupercal is taking place.  A soothsayer (fortune teller) warns Caesar to “Beware the Ides of March (March 15).”  Caesar does not take the warning seriously and brushes him off.  Brutus and Cassius, two senators, stay behind to discuss the current situation in Rome.

MARULLUS Wherefore rejoice? What conquest brings he home? What tributaries follow him to Rome, To grace in captive bonds his chariot-wheels? You blocks, you stones, you worse than senseless things! O you hard hearts, you cruel men of Rome, Knew you not Pompey? Many a time and oft Have you climb'd up to walls and battlements, To towers and windows, yea, to chimney-tops, Your infants in your arms, and there have sat To see great Pompey pass the streets of Rome: And when you saw his chariot but appear, Have you not made an universal shout? And do you now put on your best attire? And do you now cull out a holiday? And do you now strew flowers in his way That comes in triumph over Pompey's blood? Be gone! WHAT IS THE CHARACTER SAYING? (PARAPHRASE) Why does he deserve to be celebrated? You idiots! Don’t you remember Pompey? You used to climb up to celebrate his return as well. And now you’re doing the same for the one who killed Pompey’s sons? WHAT DO WE LEARN? (INFER) Marullus doesn’t think very highly of the commoners. He thinks the commoners are being hypocrites for praising Caesar.

6. Countenance – facial expression 8. Passions of some difference – conflicting feelings 10. Soil - ruin 27. Yoke - burden 34. Glass – a mirror 44. Aught – anything 54. …had as lief… - would rather 64. Accoutred – dressed/clothed 67. Sinews – muscles 90. Colossus – a huge statue of Apollo 95. Underlings – less important people 121. Repute - consider