Question

Read the excerpt from act 4, scene 3, of The Tragedy of Julius Caesar.

BRUTUS. Bear with me, good boy, I am much forgetful.
Canst thou hold up thy heavy eyes a while,
And touch thy instrument a strain or two?

LUCIUS. Ay, my lord, an’t please you.

BRUTUS. It does, my boy.
I trouble thee too much, but thou art willing.

LUCIUS. It is my duty, sir.

BRUTUS. I should not urge thy duty past thy might.
I know young bloods look for a time of rest.

LUCIUS. I have slept, my lord, already.

BRUTUS. It was well done, and thou shalt sleep again.
I will not hold thee long. If I do live,
I will be good to thee.

[Music, and a song]

This is a sleepy tune. O murderous slumber,
Lay’st thou thy leaden mace upon my boy,
That plays thee music?—Gentle knave, good night;
I will not do thee so much wrong to wake thee.
If thou dost nod thou break’st thy instrument;
I’ll take it from thee, and, good boy, good night.
Let me see, let me see, is not the leaf turned down
Where I left reading? Here it is, I think.

What does this interaction reveal about Brutus’s character? Select two options.

He uses music to help him relax.
He is cruel and selfish.
He cares about those who serve him.
He takes advantage of his servants.
He puts his own needs before the needs of Rome.

Answer 1

- He uses music to help him relax. (He asks Lucius to “touch thy instrument a strain or two” and calls it “a sleepy tune.”)
- He cares about those who serve him. (He speaks gently to Lucius, worries about disturbing him, and promises “I will be good to thee.”)