Shakespeare’s Et tu, Brute has been influential in shaping a tradition that interprets Caesar’s last words as an expression of shock at Brutus’ betrayal. Yet this interpretation is not suggested in the ancient sources that attest the tag καὶ σύ, τέκνον (‘you too, son’). This article argues that Caesar’s dictum evokes a formula of funerary epigrams, which refers to death as the common lot of all mortals. The epitaphic connotations of καὶ σύ or tu quoque feature in epic poetry, a connection that lends a Homeric dimension to Caesar’s last words. The dictator’s oral epitaph predicts the death of Brutus as a consequence of his involvement in the assassination. It means ‘You too, son, will die’. The Greco-Roman belief that a dying man can foresee the future invests Caesar’s last words with prophetic authority.

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著名的遗言：凯撒关于三月伊德斯的预言

莎士比亚等你，蛮力在塑造一种将凯撒的遗言解释为对布鲁图斯背叛的震惊表达的传统方面具有影响力。然而，在证明标签 καὶ σύ、τέκνον（“你也是，儿子”）的古代资料中并未提出这种解释。本文认为，凯撒的格言唤起了一种丧葬警句的公式，即死亡是所有凡人的共同命运。καὶ σύ 或土库克史诗中的特色，这种联系为凯撒的遗言赋予了荷马式的维度。独裁者的口头墓志铭预言布鲁图斯因参与暗杀而死亡。这意味着“你也会死，孩子”。希腊罗马人相信一个垂死的人可以预见未来，这使凯撒的遗言具有预言的权威。