Read the excerpt below from act 4.3 of the tragedy of julius caesar and answer the question that follows.
brutus:
messala, i have here receivèd letters
that young octavius and mark antony
come down upon us with a mighty power,
bending their expedition toward philippi.

messala:
myself have letters of the selfsame tenor.

how does the interaction in the excerpt above develop the plot of the tragedy of julius caesar?

a. it tells the audience that messala has brought news of caesar’s death.
b. it tells the audience that octavius’ troops are weak and will not engage brutus’ army in battle.
c. it tells the audience that messala is the new ruler of rome.
d. it tells the audience that a battle will occur before the play is over.