Act I consists of (1) a monologue by the Fury Mégère, a fine

piece to say, and (2) a chorus of six rhymed stanzas. It is rather a prelude than an act.

In Act II Portia’s monologue is followed by a chorus imitating Horace’s second Epode, and the Nurse’s monologue by their dialogue and another Horatian chorus. There is no action. The dialogue gives a hint of characterization when Portia in her doubt and fear regrets the death of Caesar.