CASCA:

A common slave—you know him well by sight—

Held up his left hand, which did flame and burn

Like twenty torches joined; and yet his hand,

Not sensible of fire, remained unscorched. . . .

And there were drawn

Upon a heap a hundred ghastly women,

Transformèd with their fear, who swore they saw

Men all in fire walk up and down the streets.

And yesterday the bird of night did sit

Even at noonday upon the market-place,

Hooting and shrieking. . . .

For I believe they are portentous things

Unto the climate that they point upon.


portentous – adj. Predicting the future.


What does this passage foreshadow?


Rome will continue to prosper, and all citizens will be happy.

Rome will suffer revenge at the hand of a slave.

Rome will suffer danger and destruction.

Rome will find a renewed peace once the bird of night leaves the market-place.