Julius Caesar: Act 5, Scene 2
Alarum. Enter BRUTUS and MESSALA.
Alarum: call to battle.
BRUTUS
1
Ride, ride, Messala, ride, and give these bills
1. bills: written orders.
2
Unto the legions on the other side.
2. the legions on the other side: i.e., Cassius' wing of the army
Loud alarum.
3
Let them set on at once; for I perceive
3. set on: attack.
4
But cold demeanor in Octavius' wing,
4. cold demeanor: reluctant attitude.
5
And sudden push gives them the overthrow.
5. sudden . . . overthrow: a quick attack will defeat them.
6
Ride, ride, Messala: let them all come down.
6. let them all come down: i.e., have all of our forces join in the attack. (Brutus' reserves are in the hills above Philippi; he is throwing them into the battle, and thus risking everything in hopes of quick victory.)
Exeunt.