Brutus' surprise party (Orbis Romanum)

Timeline:  Orbum Romanum

March, 15 44BC

Julius Caesar enters the temple of Apollo wearing his crown and is duly applauded by the standing senators. The applause falters when vigiles (police) led by general Marcus Antonius enter the temple of Apollo and block all exits. The general and a slave carrying a goblet of hemlock march to Brutus in deadly silence. Brutus turns all shades from red to white and finds rage without pity in the general's hard face. He looks at Caesar once and realizes all hope is lost: The plot has been betrayed. All at once he grabs the goblet and gulps the poison. In the same fluid movement he grabs a dagger hidden in his toga and stabs Marcus Antonius. The general is a veteran of many barfights and is well prepared: the dagger is stopped by leather armor. In a flash Marcus Antonius eviscerates Brutus with his sword and blood is spilt in the temple of Apollo. Not a word has been said but now the senators break out in cries and shouts. Caesar is used to speaking in the tumult of combat and his command "Silentium!" is obeyed instantly. While Brutus lays dying he explains the details of the planned assassination and concludes ominously "The members of the plot are known. This session is now ended. Before the next session I expect those senators who unwisely yielded to the seductions of Brutus to have arranged their deaths, in so doing evading the grim death chamber."