With a flourish of trumpets, Caesar, Antony, the conspirators, the soothsayer, senators, and petitioners enter. Caesar observes that “the ides of March are come,” and the soothsayer replies that, nevertheless, they are not yet gone.

Artemidorus urges Caesar to read his letter first, but Caesar says that a suit concerning himself should be read last.

Cassius urges Caesar to enter the Capitol rather than receiving petitions in the street.

Popilius wishes Cassius well in his “enterprise,” prompting fear in Cassius that the conspirators have been found out. Brutus urges Cassius to stay calm.

Trebonius pulls Mark Antony out of the way, and Decius and Metellus Cimber press close to Caesar. Cinna tells Casca to prepare to strike first.

Caesar asks what business he and the Senate must address. Metellus Cimber kneels before Caesar to present the case of his banished brother, Publius Cimber. Caesar tells him that “base spaniel fawning” will do nothing to change his mind about the situation. Then, Brutus and Cassius kneel, too. Caesar tells them all that he is “constant as the North Star,” and Cimber will remain banished.

The rest of the conspirators kneel, and Casca strikes first, stabbing Caesar. As the rest of the conspirators stab him, too, Caesar addresses Brutus—“Et tu, Bruté?”—and dies.

The conspirators proclaim liberty from tyranny as the Capitol descends into a panic. They send Publius to reassure the people that no harm will befall anyone else.

Brutus suggests that the conspirators bathe their hands and weapons in Caesar’s blood and walk through the marketplace proclaiming “peace, freedom, liberty!” As they wash themselves with blood, Cassius remarks that this “lofty scene” will be replayed many times in the future.

Antony’s servant enters with a passionately-worded appeal, saying that Antony will support Brutus if he is allowed to safely approach and be given a satisfactory explanation for Caesar’s death. Brutus readily grants this, although Cassius doesn’t entirely trust Antony.

Antony enters and is moved by the sight of Caesar’s body. He tells the conspirators that if they intend his death as well, there’s no better moment than now, at the site of Caesar’s death.