CAESAR enters the Capitol, the rest following. This stage direction originates with Edward Capell (1731-81), the first scholarly editor of Shakespeare.

In Capell's time Shakespeare was staged with elaborate scenery, so that there would be a clear visual distinction between the "street" and the Capitol. Such scenery would make sense of Cassius' admonition to Artemidorus, "What, urge you your petitions in the street? / Come to the Capitol."

On Shakespeare's stage there was no scenery, but set-pieces—beds, chairs, and tables—were used So there was probably something, perhaps a chair for Caesar, to indicate the interior of the Capitol, as distinct from the "street," which was probably simply the fore-stage.

In any case, the idea is that Caesar turns away from those in the street who would warn him of his danger—the Soothsayer and Artemidorus—and goes into the Capitol. Also, not all of "the rest" follow him; most of the members of the conspiracy stay on the street for a minute or two, wondering whether or not Popilius is going to give away their plot.