shakespeare - antony and cleopatra

8/2/2019 Shakespeare - Antony and Cleopatra

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ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

DRAMATISPERSONAE

MARKANTONY ||

OCTAVIUSCAESAR |triumvirs.|

M.AEMILIUS |LEPIDUS (LEPIDUS:) |

SEXTUSPOMPEIUS (POMPEY:)

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS ||

VENTIDIUS ||

EROS ||

SCARUS |friendstoAntony.|DERCETAS |

|DEMETRIUS |

|PHILO |

MECAENAS ||

AGRIPPA ||

DOLABELLA ||

PROCULEIUS |friendstoCaesar.|

THYREUS ||

GALLUS ||

MENAS |

MENECRATES ||friendstoPompey.

VARRIUS |

TAURUS lieutenant-generaltoCaesar.

CANIDIUS lieutenant-generaltoAntony.

SILIUS anofficerinVentidius'sarmy.

EUPHRONIUS anambassadorfromAntonytoCaesar.



ALEXAS ||

MARDIAN aEunuch. ||attendantsonCleopatra.

SELEUCUS ||

DIOMEDES |

ASoothsayer.(Soothsayer:)

AClown.(Clown:)

CLEOPATRA queenofEgypt.

OCTAVIA sistertoCaesarandwifetoAntony.

CHARMIAN ||attendantsonCleopatra.

IRAS |

Officers,Soldiers,Messengers,andotherAttendants.(FirstOfficer:)(SecondOfficer:)(ThirdOfficer:)(Messenger:)(SecondMessenger:)(FirstServant:)(SecondServant:)(Egyptian:)(Guard:)(FirstGuard:)(SecondGuard:)

(Attendant:)(FirstAttendant:)(SecondAttendant:)

SCENE InseveralpartsoftheRomanempire.

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTI

SCENEI Alexandria.AroominCLEOPATRA'spalace.

[EnterDEMETRIUSandPHILO]



PHILO Nay,butthisdotageofourgeneral'sO'erflowsthemeasure:thosehisgoodlyeyes,Thato'erthefilesandmustersofthewarHaveglow'dlikeplatedMars,nowbend,nowturn,TheofficeanddevotionoftheirviewUponatawnyfront:hiscaptain'sheart,WhichinthescufflesofgreatfightshathburstThebucklesonhisbreast,renegesalltemper,AndisbecomethebellowsandthefanTocoolagipsy'slust.

[Flourish.EnterANTONY,CLEOPATRA,herLadies,theTrain,withEunuchsfanningher]

Look,wheretheycome:Takebutgoodnote,andyoushallseeinhim.Thetriplepillaroftheworldtransform'dIntoastrumpet'sfool:beholdandsee.

CLEOPATRA Ifitbeloveindeed,tellmehowmuch.

MARKANTONY There'sbeggaryinthelovethatcanbereckon'd.

CLEOPATRA I'llsetabournhowfartobebeloved.

MARKANTONY Thenmustthouneedsfindoutnewheaven,newearth.

[EnteranAttendant]

Attendant News,mygoodlord,fromRome.

MARKANTONY Gratesme:thesum.

CLEOPATRA Nay,hearthem,Antony:Fulviaperchanceisangry;or,whoknowsIfthescarce-beardedCaesarhavenotsentHispowerfulmandatetoyou,'Dothis,orthis;

Takeinthatkingdom,andenfranchisethat;Perform't,orelsewedamnthee.'

MARKANTONY How,mylove!

CLEOPATRA Perchance!nay,andmostlike:Youmustnotstayherelonger,yourdismissionIscomefromCaesar;thereforehearit,Antony.Where'sFulvia'sprocess?Caesar'sIwouldsay?both?Callinthemessengers.AsIamEgypt'squeen,Thoublushest,Antony;andthatbloodofthineIsCaesar'shomager:elsesothycheekpaysshameWhenshrill-tonguedFulviascolds.Themessengers!

MARKANTONY LetRomeinTibermelt,andthewidearchOftherangedempirefall!Hereismyspace.Kingdomsareclay:ourdungyearthalikeFeedsbeastasman:thenoblenessoflifeIstodothus;whensuchamutualpair

[Embracing]

Andsuchatwaincando't,inwhichIbind,



Onpainofpunishment,theworldtoweetWestanduppeerless.

CLEOPATRA Excellentfalsehood!WhydidhemarryFulvia,andnotloveher?I'llseemthefoolIamnot;AntonyWillbehimself.

MARKANTONY Butstirr'dbyCleopatra.Now,fortheloveofLoveandhersofthours,Let'snotconfoundthetimewithconferenceharsh:There'snotaminuteofourlivesshouldstretchWithoutsomepleasurenow.Whatsporttonight?

CLEOPATRA Heartheambassadors.

MARKANTONY Fie,wranglingqueen!Whomeverythingbecomes,tochide,tolaugh,Toweep;whoseeverypassionfullystrivesTomakeitself,inthee,fairandadmired!Nomessenger,butthine;andallaloneTo-nightwe'llwanderthroughthestreetsandnoteThequalitiesofpeople.Come,myqueen;Lastnightyoudiddesireit:speaknottous.

[ExeuntMARKANTONYandCLEOPATRAwiththeirtrain]

DEMETRIUS IsCaesarwithAntoniusprizedsoslight?

PHILO Sir,sometimes,whenheisnotAntony,HecomestooshortofthatgreatpropertyWhichstillshouldgowithAntony.

DEMETRIUS IamfullsorryThatheapprovesthecommonliar,whoThusspeaksofhimatRome:butIwillhope

Ofbetterdeedsto-morrow.Restyouhappy!

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTI

SCENEII Thesame.Anotherroom.

[EnterCHARMIAN,IRAS,ALEXAS,andaSoothsayer]

CHARMIAN LordAlexas,sweetAlexas,mostanythingAlexas,almostmostabsoluteAlexas,where'sthesoothsayerthatyoupraisedsotothequeen?O,thatIknewthishusband,which,yousay,mustchargehishorns



withgarlands!

ALEXAS Soothsayer!

Soothsayer Yourwill?

CHARMIAN Isthistheman?Is'tyou,sir,thatknowthings?

Soothsayer Innature'sinfinitebookofsecrecyAlittleIcanread.

ALEXAS Showhimyourhand.

[EnterDOMITIUSENOBARBUS]

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Bringinthebanquetquickly;wineenoughCleopatra'shealthtodrink.

CHARMIAN Goodsir,givemegoodfortune.

Soothsayer Imakenot,butforesee.

CHARMIAN Pray,then,foreseemeone.

Soothsayer Youshallbeyetfarfairerthanyouare.

CHARMIAN Hemeansinflesh.

IRAS No,youshallpaintwhenyouareold.

CHARMIAN Wrinklesforbid!

ALEXAS Vexnothisprescience;beattentive.

CHARMIAN Hush!

Soothsayer Youshallbemorebelovingthanbeloved.

CHARMIAN Ihadratherheatmyliverwithdrinking.

ALEXAS Nay,hearhim.

CHARMIAN Goodnow,someexcellentfortune!Letmebemarriedtothreekingsinaforenoon,andwidowthemall:letmehaveachildatfifty,towhomHerodofJewrymaydohomage:findmetomarrymewithOctaviusCaesar,andcompanionmewithmymistress.

Soothsayer Youshalloutlivetheladywhomyouserve.

CHARMIAN Oexcellent!Ilovelonglifebetterthanfigs.

Soothsayer YouhaveseenandprovedafairerformerfortuneThanthatwhichistoapproach.

CHARMIAN Thenbelikemychildrenshallhavenonames:prithee,howmanyboysandwenchesmustIhave?

Soothsayer Ifeveryofyourwisheshadawomb.Andfertileeverywish,amillion.



CHARMIAN Out,fool!Iforgivetheeforawitch.

ALEXAS Youthinknonebutyoursheetsareprivytoyourwishes.

CHARMIAN Nay,come,tellIrashers.

ALEXAS We'llknowallourfortunes.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Mine,andmostofourfortunes,to-night,shallbe--drunktobed.

IRAS There'sapalmpresageschastity,ifnothingelse.

CHARMIAN E'enastheo'erflowingNiluspresagethfamine.

IRAS Go,youwildbedfellow,youcannotsoothsay.

CHARMIAN Nay,ifanoilypalmbenotafruitfulprognostication,Icannotscratchmineear.Prithee,tellherbutaworky-dayfortune.

Soothsayer Yourfortunesarealike.

IRAS Buthow,buthow?givemeparticulars.

Soothsayer Ihavesaid.

IRAS AmInotaninchoffortunebetterthanshe?

CHARMIAN Well,ifyouwerebutaninchoffortunebetterthanI,wherewouldyouchooseit?

IRAS Notinmyhusband'snose.

CHARMIAN Ourworserthoughtsheavensmend!Alexas,--come,hisfortune,hisfortune!O,lethimmarryawoman

thatcannotgo,sweetIsis,Ibeseechthee!andletherdietoo,andgivehimaworse!andletworstfollowworse,tilltheworstofallfollowhimlaughingtohisgrave,fifty-foldacuckold!GoodIsis,hearmethisprayer,thoughthoudenymeamatterofmoreweight;goodIsis,Ibeseechthee!

IRAS Amen.Deargoddess,hearthatprayerofthepeople!for,asitisaheartbreakingtoseeahandsomemanloose-wived,soitisadeadlysorrowtobeholdafoulknaveuncuckolded:therefore,dearIsis,keepdecorum,andfortunehimaccordingly!

CHARMIAN Amen.

ALEXAS Lo,now,ifitlayintheirhandstomakemeacuckold,theywouldmakethemselveswhores,butthey'lddo't!

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Hush!herecomesAntony.

CHARMIAN Nothe;thequeen.



[EnterCLEOPATRA]

CLEOPATRA Sawyoumylord?

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS No,lady.

CLEOPATRA Washenothere?

CHARMIAN No,madam.

CLEOPATRA Hewasdisposedtomirth;butonthesuddenARomanthoughthathstruckhim.Enobarbus!

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Madam?

CLEOPATRA Seekhim,andbringhimhither.Where'sAlexas?

ALEXAS Here,atyourservice.Mylordapproaches.

CLEOPATRA Wewillnotlookuponhim:gowithus.

[Exeunt]

[EnterMARKANTONYwithaMessengerandAttendants]

Messenger Fulviathywifefirstcameintothefield.

MARKANTONY AgainstmybrotherLucius?

Messenger Ay:Butsoonthatwarhadend,andthetime'sstateMadefriendsofthem,joiningtheirforce'gainstCaesar;Whosebetterissueinthewar,fromItaly,Uponthefirstencounter,dravethem.

MARKANTONY Well,whatworst?

Messenger Thenatureofbadnewsinfectstheteller.

MARKANTONY Whenitconcernsthefoolorcoward.On:Thingsthatarepastaredonewithme.'Tisthus:Whotellsmetrue,thoughinhistaleliedeath,Ihearhimasheflatter'd.

Messenger Labienus--Thisisstiffnews--hath,withhisParthianforce,ExtendedAsiafromEuphrates;HisconqueringbannershookfromSyriaToLydiaandtoIonia;Whilst--

MARKANTONY Antony,thouwouldstsay,--

Messenger O,mylord!

MARKANTONY Speaktomehome,mincenotthegeneraltongue:NameCleopatraassheiscall'dinRome;RailthouinFulvia'sphrase;andtauntmyfaultsWithsuchfulllicenceasbothtruthandmaliceHavepowertoutter.O,thenwebringforthweeds,



Whenourquickmindsliestill;andourillstoldusIsasourearing.Faretheewellawhile.

Messenger Atyournoblepleasure.

[Exit]

MARKANTONY FromSicyon,ho,thenews!Speakthere!

FirstAttendant ThemanfromSicyon,--istheresuchanone?

SecondAttendant Hestaysuponyourwill.

MARKANTONY Lethimappear.ThesestrongEgyptianfettersImustbreak,Orlosemyselfindotage.

[EnteranotherMessenger]

Whatareyou?

SecondMessenger Fulviathywifeisdead.

MARKANTONY Wherediedshe?

SecondMessenger InSicyon:Herlengthofsickness,withwhatelsemoreseriousImporteththeetoknow,thisbears.

[Givesaletter]

MARKANTONY Forbearme.

[ExitSecondMessenger]

There'sagreatspiritgone!ThusdidIdesireit:Whatourcontemptdothoftenhurlfromus,

Wewishitoursagain;thepresentpleasure,Byrevolutionlowering,doesbecomeTheoppositeofitself:she'sgood,beinggone;Thehandcouldpluckherbackthatshovedheron.Imustfromthisenchantingqueenbreakoff:Tenthousandharms,morethantheillsIknow,Myidlenessdothhatch.Hownow!Enobarbus!

[Re-enterDOMITIUSENOBARBUS]

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS What'syourpleasure,sir?

MARKANTONY Imustwithhastefromhence.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Why,then,wekillallourwomen:weseehowmortalanunkindnessistothem;iftheysufferourdeparture,death'stheword.

MARKANTONY Imustbegone.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Underacompellingoccasion,letwomendie;itwerepitytocastthemawayfornothing;though,betweenthemandagreatcause,theyshouldbeesteemed



nothing.Cleopatra,catchingbuttheleastnoiseofthis,diesinstantly;Ihaveseenherdietwentytimesuponfarpoorermoment:Idothinkthereismettleindeath,whichcommitssomelovingactuponher,shehathsuchacelerityindying.

MARKANTONY Sheiscunningpastman'sthought.

[ExitALEXAS]

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Alack,sir,no;herpassionsaremadeofnothingbutthefinestpartofpurelove:wecannotcallherwindsandwaterssighsandtears;theyaregreaterstormsandtempeststhanalmanacscanreport:thiscannotbecunninginher;ifitbe,shemakesashowerofrainaswellasJove.

MARKANTONY WouldIhadneverseenher.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS O,sir,youhadthenleftunseenawonderfulpieceofwork;whichnottohavebeenblestwithalwouldhavediscreditedyourtravel.

MARKANTONY Fulviaisdead.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Sir?

MARKANTONY Fulviaisdead.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Fulvia!

MARKANTONY Dead.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Why,sir,givethegodsathankfulsacrifice.Whenitpleaseththeirdeitiestotakethewifeofamanfromhim,itshowstomanthetailorsoftheearth;comfortingtherein,thatwhenoldrobesareworn

out,therearememberstomakenew.IftherewerenomorewomenbutFulvia,thenhadyouindeedacut,andthecasetobelamented:thisgriefiscrownedwithconsolation;youroldsmockbringsforthanewpetticoat:andindeedthetearsliveinanonionthatshouldwaterthissorrow.

MARKANTONY ThebusinessshehathbroachedinthestateCannotenduremyabsence.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Andthebusinessyouhavebroachedherecannotbewithoutyou;especiallythatofCleopatra's,whichwhollydependsonyourabode.

MARKANTONY Nomorelightanswers.LetourofficersHavenoticewhatwepurpose.IshallbreakThecauseofourexpediencetothequeen,Andgetherleavetopart.FornotaloneThedeathofFulvia,withmoreurgenttouches,Dostronglyspeaktous;buttheletterstooOfmanyourcontrivingfriendsinRomePetitionusathome:SextusPompeiusHathgiventhedaretoCaesar,andcommands



MARKANTONY Iamsorrytogivebreathingtomypurpose,--

CLEOPATRA Helpmeaway,dearCharmian;Ishallfall:Itcannotbethuslong,thesidesofnatureWillnotsustainit.

MARKANTONY Now,mydearestqueen,--

CLEOPATRA Prayyou,standfurtherfromme.

MARKANTONY What'sthematter?

CLEOPATRA Iknow,bythatsameeye,there'ssomegoodnews.Whatsaysthemarriedwoman?Youmaygo:Wouldshehadnevergivenyouleavetocome!Lethernotsay'tisIthatkeepyouhere:Ihavenopoweruponyou;hersyouare.

MARKANTONY Thegodsbestknow,--

CLEOPATRA O,neverwastherequeenSomightilybetray'd!yetatthefirstIsawthetreasonsplanted.

MARKANTONY Cleopatra,--

CLEOPATRA WhyshouldIthinkyoucanbemineandtrue,Thoughyouinswearingshakethethronedgods,WhohavebeenfalsetoFulvia?Riotousmadness,Tobeentangledwiththosemouth-madevows,Whichbreakthemselvesinswearing!

MARKANTONY Mostsweetqueen,--

CLEOPATRA Nay,prayyou,seeknocolourforyourgoing,Butbidfarewell,andgo:whenyousuedstaying,

Thenwasthetimeforwords:nogoingthen;Eternitywasinourlipsandeyes,Blissinourbrows'bent;noneourpartssopoor,Butwasaraceofheaven:theyaresostill,Orthou,thegreatestsoldieroftheworld,Artturn'dthegreatestliar.

MARKANTONY Hownow,lady!

CLEOPATRA IwouldIhadthyinches;thoushouldstknowTherewereaheartinEgypt.

MARKANTONY Hearme,queen:

ThestrongnecessityoftimecommandsOurservicesawhile;butmyfullheartRemainsinusewithyou.OurItalyShineso'erwithcivilswords:SextusPompeiusMakeshisapproachestotheportofRome:EqualityoftwodomesticpowersBreedscrupulousfaction:thehated,growntostrength,Arenewlygrowntolove:thecondemn'dPompey,Richinhisfather'shonour,creepsapace,Intotheheartsofsuchashavenotthrived



Uponthepresentstate,whosenumbersthreaten;Andquietness,grownsickofrest,wouldpurgeByanydesperatechange:mymoreparticular,Andthatwhichmostwithyoushouldsafemygoing,IsFulvia'sdeath.

CLEOPATRA Thoughagefromfollycouldnotgivemefreedom,Itdoesfromchildishness:canFulviadie?

MARKANTONY She'sdead,myqueen:Lookhere,andatthysovereignleisurereadThegarboilssheawaked;atthelast,best:Seewhenandwhereshedied.

CLEOPATRA Omostfalselove!WherebethesacredvialsthoushouldstfillWithsorrowfulwater?NowIsee,Isee,InFulvia'sdeath,howminereceivedshallbe.

MARKANTONY Quarrelnomore,butbepreparedtoknowThepurposesIbear;whichare,orcease,Asyoushallgivetheadvice.BythefireThatquickensNilus'slime,IgofromhenceThysoldier,servant;makingpeaceorwar

Asthouaffect'st.

CLEOPATRA Cutmylace,Charmian,come;Butletitbe:Iamquicklyill,andwell,SoAntonyloves.

MARKANTONY Mypreciousqueen,forbear;Andgivetrueevidencetohislove,whichstandsAnhonourabletrial.

CLEOPATRA SoFulviatoldme.Iprithee,turnasideandweepforher,Thenbidadieutome,andsaythetears

BelongtoEgypt:goodnow,playonesceneOfexcellentdissembling;andletitlookLifeperfecthonour.

MARKANTONY You'llheatmyblood:nomore.

CLEOPATRA Youcandobetteryet;butthisismeetly.

MARKANTONY Now,bymysword,--

CLEOPATRA Andtarget.Stillhemends;Butthisisnotthebest.Look,prithee,Charmian,HowthisHerculeanRomandoesbecome

Thecarriageofhischafe.

MARKANTONY I'llleaveyou,lady.

CLEOPATRA Courteouslord,oneword.Sir,youandImustpart,butthat'snotit:Sir,youandIhaveloved,butthere'snotit;Thatyouknowwell:somethingitisIwould,O,myoblivionisaveryAntony,AndIamallforgotten.



MARKANTONY ButthatyourroyaltyHoldsidlenessyoursubject,IshouldtakeyouForidlenessitself.

CLEOPATRA 'TissweatinglabourTobearsuchidlenesssoneartheheartAsCleopatrathis.But,sir,forgiveme;Sincemybecomingskillme,whentheydonotEyewelltoyou:yourhonourcallsyouhence;Thereforebedeaftomyunpitiedfolly.Andallthegodsgowithyou!uponyourswordSitlaurelvictory!andsmoothsuccessBestrew'dbeforeyourfeet!

MARKANTONY Letusgo.Come;Ourseparationsoabides,andflies,Thatthou,residinghere,go'styetwithme,AndI,hencefleeting,hereremainwiththee.Away!

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTI

SCENEIV Rome.OCTAVIUSCAESAR'shouse.

[EnterOCTAVIUSCAESAR,readingaletter,LEPIDUS,andtheirTrain]

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Youmaysee,Lepidus,andhenceforthknow,ItisnotCaesar'snaturalvicetohateOurgreatcompetitor:fromAlexandriaThisisthenews:hefishes,drinks,andwastesThelampsofnightinrevel;isnotmoreman-likeThanCleopatra;northequeenofPtolemyMorewomanlythanhe;hardlygaveaudience,orVouchsafedtothinkhehadpartners:youshallfindthereAmanwhoistheabstractofallfaultsThatallmenfollow.

LEPIDUS Imustnotthinkthereare

Evilsenowtodarkenallhisgoodness:Hisfaultsinhimseemasthespotsofheaven,Morefierybynight'sblackness;hereditary,Ratherthanpurchased;whathecannotchange,Thanwhathechooses.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Youaretooindulgent.Letusgrant,itisnotAmisstotumbleonthebedofPtolemy;Togiveakingdomforamirth;tositAndkeeptheturnoftipplingwithaslave;



Toreelthestreetsatnoon,andstandthebuffetWithknavesthatsmellofsweat:saythisbecomeshim,--AshiscomposuremustberareindeedWhomthesethingscannotblemish,--yetmustAntonyNowayexcusehissoils,whenwedobearSogreatweightinhislightness.Ifhefill'dHisvacancywithhisvoluptuousness,Fullsurfeits,andthedrynessofhisbones,Callonhimfor't:buttoconfoundsuchtime,Thatdrumshimfromhissport,andspeaksasloudAshisownstateandours,--'tistobechidAswerateboys,who,beingmatureinknowledge,Pawntheirexperiencetotheirpresentpleasure,Andsorebeltojudgment.

[EnteraMessenger]

LEPIDUS Here'smorenews.

Messenger Thybiddingshavebeendone;andeveryhour,MostnobleCaesar,shaltthouhavereportHow'tisabroad.Pompeyisstrongatsea;Anditappearsheisbelovedofthose

Thatonlyhavefear'dCaesar:totheportsThediscontentsrepair,andmen'sreportsGivehimmuchwrong'd.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Ishouldhaveknownnoless.Ithathbeentaughtusfromtheprimalstate,Thathewhichiswaswish'duntilhewere;Andtheebb'dman,ne'erlovedtillne'erworthlove,Comesdear'dbybeinglack'd.Thiscommonbody,Liketoavagabondflaguponthestream,Goestoandback,lackeyingthevaryingtide,Torotitselfwithmotion.

Messenger Caesar,Ibringtheeword,MenecratesandMenas,famouspirates,Maketheseaservethem,whichtheyearandwoundWithkeelsofeverykind:manyhotinroadsTheymakeinItaly;thebordersmaritimeLackbloodtothinkon't,andflushyouthrevolt:Novesselcanpeepforth,but'tisassoonTakenasseen;forPompey'snamestrikesmoreThancouldhiswarresisted.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Antony,Leavethylasciviouswassails.WhenthouonceWastbeatenfromModena,wherethouslew'st

HirtiusandPansa,consuls,atthyheelDidfaminefollow;whomthoufought'stagainst,Thoughdaintilybroughtup,withpatiencemoreThansavagescouldsuffer:thoudidstdrinkThestaleofhorses,andthegildedpuddleWhichbeastswouldcoughat:thypalatethendiddeignTheroughestberryontherudesthedge;Yea,likethestag,whensnowthepasturesheets,Thebarksoftreesthoubrowsed'st;ontheAlpsItisreportedthoudidsteatstrangeflesh,



Whichsomediddietolookon:andallthis--ItwoundsthinehonourthatIspeakitnow--Wasbornesolikeasoldier,thatthycheekSomuchaslank'dnot.

LEPIDUS 'Tispityofhim.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR LethisshamesquicklyDrivehimtoRome:'tistimewetwainDidshowourselvesi'thefield;andtothatendAssembleweimmediatecouncil:PompeyThrivesinouridleness.

LEPIDUS To-morrow,Caesar,Ishallbefurnish'dtoinformyourightlyBothwhatbyseaandlandIcanbeableTofrontthispresenttime.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Tillwhichencounter,Itismybusinesstoo.Farewell.

LEPIDUS Farewell,mylord:whatyoushallknowmeantimeOfstirsabroad,Ishallbeseechyou,sir,Toletmebepartaker.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Doubtnot,sir;Iknewitformybond.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTI

SCENEV Alexandria.CLEOPATRA'spalace.

[EnterCLEOPATRA,CHARMIAN,IRAS,andMARDIAN]

CLEOPATRA Charmian!

CHARMIAN Madam?

CLEOPATRA Ha,ha!

Givemetodrinkmandragora.

CHARMIAN Why,madam?

CLEOPATRA ThatImightsleepoutthisgreatgapoftimeMyAntonyisaway.

CHARMIAN Youthinkofhimtoomuch.

CLEOPATRA O,'tistreason!



CHARMIAN Madam,Itrust,notso.

CLEOPATRA Thou,eunuchMardian!

MARDIAN What'syourhighness'pleasure?

CLEOPATRA Notnowtoheartheesing;ItakenopleasureInaughtaneunuchhas:'tiswellforthee,That,beingunseminar'd,thyfreerthoughtsMaynotflyforthofEgypt.Hastthouaffections?

MARDIAN Yes,graciousmadam.

CLEOPATRA Indeed!

MARDIAN Notindeed,madam;forIcandonothingButwhatindeedishonesttobedone:YethaveIfierceaffections,andthinkWhatVenusdidwithMars.

CLEOPATRA OCharmian,Wherethink'stthouheisnow?Standshe,orsitshe?Ordoeshewalk?orisheonhishorse?

Ohappyhorse,tobeartheweightofAntony!Dobravely,horse!forwot'stthouwhomthoumovest?Thedemi-Atlasofthisearth,thearmAndburgonetofmen.He'sspeakingnow,Ormurmuring'Where'smyserpentofoldNile?'Forsohecallsme:nowIfeedmyselfWithmostdeliciouspoison.Thinkonme,ThatamwithPhoebus'amorouspinchesblack,Andwrinkleddeepintime?Broad-frontedCaesar,Whenthouwasthereabovetheground,IwasAmorselforamonarch:andgreatPompeyWouldstandandmakehiseyesgrowinmybrow;Therewouldheanchorhisaspectanddie

Withlookingonhislife.

[EnterALEXAS,fromOCTAVIUSCAESAR]

ALEXAS SovereignofEgypt,hail!

CLEOPATRA HowmuchunlikeartthouMarkAntony!Yet,comingfromhim,thatgreatmedicinehathWithhistinctgildedthee.HowgoesitwithmybraveMarkAntony?

ALEXAS Lastthinghedid,dearqueen,Hekiss'd,--thelastofmanydoubledkisses,--

Thisorientpearl.Hisspeechsticksinmyheart.

CLEOPATRA Mineearmustpluckitthence.

ALEXAS 'Goodfriend,'quothhe,'Say,thefirmRomantogreatEgyptsendsThistreasureofanoyster;atwhosefoot,Tomendthepettypresent,IwillpieceHeropulentthronewithkingdoms;alltheeast,Saythou,shallcallhermistress.'Sohenodded,



Andsoberlydidmountanarm-gauntsteed,Whoneigh'dsohigh,thatwhatIwouldhavespokeWasbeastlydumb'dbyhim.

CLEOPATRA What,washesadormerry?

ALEXAS Liketothetimeo'theyearbetweentheextremesOfhotandcold,hewasnorsadnormerry.

CLEOPATRA Owell-divideddisposition!Notehim,NotehimgoodCharmian,'tistheman;butnotehim:Hewasnotsad,forhewouldshineonthoseThatmaketheirlooksbyhis;hewasnotmerry,Whichseem'dtotellthemhisremembrancelayInEgyptwithhisjoy;butbetweenboth:Oheavenlymingle!Be'stthousadormerry,Theviolenceofeithertheebecomes,Sodoesitnomanelse.Met'stthoumyposts?

ALEXAS Ay,madam,twentyseveralmessengers:Whydoyousendsothick?

CLEOPATRA Who'sbornthatdayWhenIforgettosendtoAntony,

Shalldieabeggar.Inkandpaper,Charmian.Welcome,mygoodAlexas.DidI,Charmian,EverloveCaesarso?

CHARMIAN OthatbraveCaesar!

CLEOPATRA Bechokedwithsuchanotheremphasis!Say,thebraveAntony.

CHARMIAN ThevaliantCaesar!

CLEOPATRA ByIsis,Iwillgivetheebloodyteeth,IfthouwithCaesarparagonagain

Mymanofmen.

CHARMIAN Byyourmostgraciouspardon,Isingbutafteryou.

CLEOPATRA Mysaladdays,WhenIwasgreeninjudgment:coldinblood,TosayasIsaidthen!But,come,away;Getmeinkandpaper:Heshallhaveeverydayaseveralgreeting,OrI'llunpeopleEgypt.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTII



SCENEI Messina.POMPEY'shouse.

[EnterPOMPEY,MENECRATES,andMENAS,inwarlikemanner]

POMPEY Ifthegreatgodsbejust,theyshallassistThedeedsofjustestmen.

MENECRATES Know,worthyPompey,Thatwhattheydodelay,theynotdeny.

POMPEY Whileswearesuitorstotheirthrone,decaysThethingwesuefor.

MENECRATES We,ignorantofourselves,Begoftenourownharms,whichthewisepowersDenyusforourgood;sofindweprofitBylosingofourprayers.

POMPEY Ishalldowell:Thepeopleloveme,andtheseaismine;Mypowersarecrescent,andmyauguringhope

Saysitwillcometothefull.MarkAntonyInEgyptsitsatdinner,andwillmakeNowarswithoutdoors:CaesargetsmoneywhereHeloseshearts:Lepidusflattersboth,Ofbothisflatter'd;butheneitherloves,Noreithercaresforhim.

MENAS CaesarandLepidusAreinthefield:amightystrengththeycarry.

POMPEY Wherehaveyouthis?'tisfalse.

MENAS FromSilvius,sir.

POMPEY Hedreams:IknowtheyareinRometogether,LookingforAntony.Butallthecharmsoflove,SaltCleopatra,softenthywanedlip!Letwitchcraftjoinwithbeauty,lustwithboth!Tieupthelibertineinafieldoffeasts,Keephisbrainfuming;EpicureancooksSharpenwithcloylesssaucehisappetite;ThatsleepandfeedingmayproroguehishonourEventillaLethe'ddulness!

[EnterVARRIUS]

Hownow,Varrius!

VARRIUS ThisismostcertainthatIshalldeliver:MarkAntonyiseveryhourinRomeExpected:sincehewentfromEgypt'tisAspaceforfurthertravel.

POMPEY IcouldhavegivenlessmatterAbetterear.Menas,IdidnotthinkThisamoroussurfeiterwouldhavedonn'dhishelm



Forsuchapettywar:hissoldiershipIstwicetheothertwain:butletusrearThehigherouropinion,thatourstirringCanfromthelapofEgypt'swidowpluckThene'er-lust-weariedAntony.

MENAS IcannothopeCaesarandAntonyshallwellgreettogether:Hiswifethat'sdeaddidtrespassestoCaesar;Hisbrotherwarr'duponhim;although,Ithink,NotmovedbyAntony.

POMPEY Iknownot,Menas,Howlesserenmitiesmaygivewaytogreater.Were'tnotthatwestandupagainstthemall,'Twerepregnanttheyshouldsquarebetweenthemselves;FortheyhaveentertainedcauseenoughTodrawtheirswords:buthowthefearofusMaycementtheirdivisionsandbindupThepettydifference,weyetnotknow.Be'tasourgodswillhave't!ItonlystandsOurlivesupontouseourstrongesthands.Come,Menas.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTII

SCENEII Rome.ThehouseofLEPIDUS.

[EnterDOMITIUSENOBARBUSandLEPIDUS]

LEPIDUS GoodEnobarbus,'tisaworthydeed,Andshallbecomeyouwell,toentreatyourcaptainTosoftandgentlespeech.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS IshallentreathimToanswerlikehimself:ifCaesarmovehim,LetAntonylookoverCaesar'sheadAndspeakasloudasMars.ByJupiter,

WereIthewearerofAntonius'beard,Iwouldnotshave'tto-day.

LEPIDUS 'TisnotatimeForprivatestomaching.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS EverytimeServesforthematterthatisthenbornin't.

LEPIDUS Butsmalltogreatermattersmustgiveway.



DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Notifthesmallcomefirst.

LEPIDUS Yourspeechispassion:But,prayyou,stirnoembersup.HerecomesThenobleAntony.

[EnterMARKANTONYandVENTIDIUS]

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Andyonder,Caesar.

[EnterOCTAVIUSCAESAR,MECAENAS,andAGRIPPA]

MARKANTONY Ifwecomposewellhere,toParthia:Hark,Ventidius.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Idonotknow,Mecaenas;askAgrippa.

LEPIDUS Noblefriends,Thatwhichcombineduswasmostgreat,andletnotAleaneractionrendus.What'samiss,Mayitbegentlyheard:whenwedebateOurtrivialdifferenceloud,wedocommit

Murderinhealingwounds:then,noblepartners,Therather,forIearnestlybeseech,Touchyouthesourestpointswithsweetestterms,Norcurstnessgrowtothematter.

MARKANTONY 'Tisspokenwell.Werewebeforeourarmies,andtofight.Ishoulddothus.

[Flourish]

OCTAVIUSCAESAR WelcometoRome.

MARKANTONY Thankyou.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Sit.

MARKANTONY Sit,sir.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Nay,then.

MARKANTONY Ilearn,youtakethingsillwhicharenotso,Orbeing,concernyounot.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Imustbelaugh'dat,If,orfornothingoralittle,I

Shouldsaymyselfoffended,andwithyouChieflyi'theworld;morelaugh'dat,thatIshouldOncenameyouderogately,whentosoundyournameItnotconcern'dme.

MARKANTONY MybeinginEgypt,Caesar,Whatwas'ttoyou?

OCTAVIUSCAESAR NomorethanmyresidinghereatRomeMightbetoyouinEgypt:yet,ifyouthere



Didpractiseonmystate,yourbeinginEgyptMightbemyquestion.

MARKANTONY Howintendyou,practised?

OCTAVIUSCAESAR YoumaybepleasedtocatchatmineintentBywhatdidherebefalme.YourwifeandbrotherMadewarsuponme;andtheircontestationWasthemeforyou,youwerethewordofwar.

MARKANTONY Youdomistakeyourbusiness;mybrotherneverDidurgemeinhisact:Ididinquireit;Andhavemylearningfromsometruereports,Thatdrewtheirswordswithyou.DidhenotratherDiscreditmyauthoritywithyours;Andmakethewarsalikeagainstmystomach,Havingalikeyourcause?OfthismylettersBeforedidsatisfyyou.Ifyou'llpatchaquarrel,Asmatterwholeyouhavenottomakeitwith,Itmustnotbewiththis.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR YoupraiseyourselfBylayingdefectsofjudgmenttome;butYoupatch'dupyourexcuses.

MARKANTONY Notso,notso;Iknowyoucouldnotlack,Iamcertainon't,Verynecessityofthisthought,thatI,Yourpartnerinthecause'gainstwhichhefought,CouldnotwithgracefuleyesattendthosewarsWhichfrontedmineownpeace.Asformywife,Iwouldyouhadherspiritinsuchanother:Thethirdo'theworldisyours;whichwithasnaffleYoumaypaceeasy,butnotsuchawife.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Wouldwehadallsuchwives,thatthemenmightgotowarswiththewomen!

MARKANTONY Somuchuncurbable,hergarboils,CaesarMadeoutofherimpatience,whichnotwantedShrewdnessofpolicytoo,IgrievinggrantDidyoutoomuchdisquiet:forthatyoumustButsay,Icouldnothelpit.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR IwrotetoyouWhenriotinginAlexandria;youDidpocketupmyletters,andwithtauntsDidgibemymissiveoutofaudience.

MARKANTONY Sir,

Hefelluponmeereadmitted:thenThreekingsIhadnewlyfeasted,anddidwantOfwhatIwasi'themorning:butnextdayItoldhimofmyself;whichwasasmuchAstohaveask'dhimpardon.LetthisfellowBenothingofourstrife;ifwecontend,Outofourquestionwipehim.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR YouhavebrokenThearticleofyouroath;whichyoushallnever



Havetonguetochargemewith.

LEPIDUS Soft,Caesar!

MARKANTONY No,Lepidus,lethimspeak:Thehonourissacredwhichhetalksonnow,SupposingthatIlack'dit.But,on,Caesar;Thearticleofmyoath.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR TolendmearmsandaidwhenIrequiredthem;Thewhichyoubothdenied.

MARKANTONY Neglected,rather;Andthenwhenpoison'dhourshadboundmeupFrommineownknowledge.AsnearlyasImay,I'llplaythepenitenttoyou:butminehonestyShallnotmakepoormygreatness,normypowerWorkwithoutit.Truthis,thatFulvia,TohavemeoutofEgypt,madewarshere;Forwhichmyself,theignorantmotive,doSofaraskpardonasbefitsminehonourTostoopinsuchacase.

LEPIDUS 'Tisnoblespoken.

MECAENAS Ifitmightpleaseyou,toenforcenofurtherThegriefsbetweenye:toforgetthemquiteWeretorememberthatthepresentneedSpeakstoatoneyou.

LEPIDUS Worthilyspoken,Mecaenas.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Or,ifyouborrowoneanother'slovefortheinstant,youmay,whenyouhearnomorewordsofPompey,returnitagain:youshallhavetimetowrangleinwhenyouhavenothingelsetodo.

MARKANTONY Thouartasoldieronly:speaknomore.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS ThattruthshouldbesilentIhadalmostforgot.

MARKANTONY Youwrongthispresence;thereforespeaknomore.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Goto,then;yourconsideratestone.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Idonotmuchdislikethematter,butThemannerofhisspeech;for'tcannotbeWeshallremaininfriendship,ourconditionsSodifferingintheiracts.YetifIknew

Whathoopshouldholdusstanch,fromedgetoedgeO'theworldIwouldpursueit.

AGRIPPA Givemeleave,Caesar,--

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Speak,Agrippa.

AGRIPPA Thouhastasisterbythemother'sside,AdmiredOctavia:greatMarkAntonyIsnowawidower.



OCTAVIUSCAESAR Saynotso,Agrippa:IfCleopatraheardyou,yourreproofWerewelldeservedofrashness.

MARKANTONY Iamnotmarried,Caesar:letmehearAgrippafurtherspeak.

AGRIPPA Toholdyouinperpetualamity,Tomakeyoubrothers,andtoknityourheartsWithanunslippingknot,takeAntonyOctaviatohiswife;whosebeautyclaimsNoworseahusbandthanthebestofmen;WhosevirtueandwhosegeneralgracesspeakThatwhichnoneelsecanutter.Bythismarriage,Alllittlejealousies,whichnowseemgreat,Andallgreatfears,whichnowimporttheirdangers,Wouldthenbenothing:truthswouldbetales,Wherenowhalftalesbetruths:herlovetobothWould,eachtootherandalllovestoboth,Drawafterher.PardonwhatIhavespoke;For'tisastudied,notapresentthought,Bydutyruminated.

MARKANTONY WillCaesarspeak?

OCTAVIUSCAESAR NottillhehearshowAntonyistouch'dWithwhatisspokealready.

MARKANTONY WhatpowerisinAgrippa,IfIwouldsay,'Agrippa,beitso,'Tomakethisgood?

OCTAVIUSCAESAR ThepowerofCaesar,andHispoweruntoOctavia.

MARKANTONY MayInever

Tothisgoodpurpose,thatsofairlyshows,Dreamofimpediment!Letmehavethyhand:Furtherthisactofgrace:andfromthishourTheheartofbrothersgoverninourlovesAndswayourgreatdesigns!

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Thereismyhand.AsisterIbequeathyou,whomnobrotherDideverlovesodearly:letherliveTojoinourkingdomsandourhearts;andneverFlyoffourlovesagain!

LEPIDUS Happily,amen!

MARKANTONY Ididnotthinktodrawmysword'gainstPompey;ForhehathlaidstrangecourtesiesandgreatOflateuponme:Imustthankhimonly,Lestmyremembrancesufferillreport;Atheelofthat,defyhim.

LEPIDUS Timecallsupon's:OfusmustPompeypresentlybesought,Orelseheseeksoutus.



MARKANTONY Wherelieshe?

OCTAVIUSCAESAR AboutthemountMisenum.

MARKANTONY Whatishisstrengthbyland?

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Greatandincreasing:butbyseaHeisanabsolutemaster.

MARKANTONY Soisthefame.Wouldwehadspoketogether!Hasteweforit:Yet,ereweputourselvesinarms,dispatchweThebusinesswehavetalk'dof.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Withmostgladness:Anddoinviteyoutomysister'sview,WhitherstraightI'llleadyou.

MARKANTONY Letus,Lepidus,Notlackyourcompany.

LEPIDUS NobleAntony,Notsicknessshoulddetainme.

[Flourish.ExeuntOCTAVIUSCAESAR,MARKANTONY,andLEPIDUS]

MECAENAS WelcomefromEgypt,sir.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS HalftheheartofCaesar,worthyMecaenas!Myhonourablefriend,Agrippa!

AGRIPPA GoodEnobarbus!

MECAENAS Wehavecausetobegladthatmattersaresowelldigested.Youstayedwellby'tinEgypt.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Ay,sir;wedidsleepdayoutofcountenance,andmadethenightlightwithdrinking.

MECAENAS Eightwild-boarsroastedwholeatabreakfast,andbuttwelvepersonsthere;isthistrue?

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Thiswasbutasaflybyaneagle:wehadmuchmoremonstrousmatteroffeast,whichworthilydeservednoting.

MECAENAS She'samosttriumphantlady,ifreportbesquaretoher.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS WhenshefirstmetMarkAntony,shepurseduphisheart,upontheriverofCydnus.

AGRIPPA Theresheappearedindeed;ormyreporterdevisedwellforher.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Iwilltellyou.Thebargeshesatin,likeaburnish'dthrone,Burn'donthewater:thepoopwasbeatengold;Purplethesails,andsoperfumedthat



Thewindswerelove-sickwiththem;theoarsweresilver,Whichtothetuneoffluteskeptstroke,andmadeThewaterwhichtheybeattofollowfaster,Asamorousoftheirstrokes.Forherownperson,Itbeggar'dalldescription:shedidlieInherpavilion--cloth-of-goldoftissue--O'er-picturingthatVenuswhereweseeThefancyoutworknature:oneachsideherStoodprettydimpledboys,likesmilingCupids,Withdivers-colour'dfans,whosewinddidseemToglowthedelicatecheekswhichtheydidcool,Andwhattheyundiddid.

AGRIPPA O,rareforAntony!

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Hergentlewomen,liketheNereides,Somanymermaids,tendedheri'theeyes,Andmadetheirbendsadornings:atthehelmAseemingmermaidsteers:thesilkentackleSwellwiththetouchesofthoseflower-softhands,Thatyarelyframetheoffice.FromthebargeAstrangeinvisibleperfumehitsthesenseOftheadjacentwharfs.ThecitycastHerpeopleoutuponher;andAntony,

Enthronedi'themarket-place,didsitalone,Whistlingtotheair;which,butforvacancy,HadgonetogazeonCleopatratoo,Andmadeagapinnature.

AGRIPPA RareEgyptian!

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Uponherlanding,Antonysenttoher,Invitedhertosupper:shereplied,Itshouldbebetterhebecameherguest;Whichsheentreated:ourcourteousAntony,Whomne'erthewordof'No'womanheardspeak,Beingbarber'dtentimeso'er,goestothefeast,

AndforhisordinarypayshisheartForwhathiseyeseatonly.

AGRIPPA Royalwench!ShemadegreatCaesarlayhisswordtobed:Heplough'dher,andshecropp'd.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS IsawheronceHopfortypacesthroughthepublicstreet;Andhavinglostherbreath,shespoke,andpanted,Thatshedidmakedefectperfection,And,breathless,powerbreatheforth.

MECAENAS NowAntonymustleaveherutterly.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Never;hewillnot:Agecannotwitherher,norcustomstaleHerinfinitevariety:otherwomencloyTheappetitestheyfeed:butshemakeshungryWheremostshesatisfies;forvilestthingsBecomethemselvesinher:thattheholypriestsBlessherwhensheisriggish.



MECAENAS Ifbeauty,wisdom,modesty,cansettleTheheartofAntony,OctaviaisAblessedlotterytohim.

AGRIPPA Letusgo.GoodEnobarbus,makeyourselfmyguestWhilstyouabidehere.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Humbly,sir,Ithankyou.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTII

SCENEIII Thesame.OCTAVIUSCAESAR'shouse.

[EnterMARKANTONY,OCTAVIUSCAESAR,OCTAVIAbetweenthem,andAttendants]

MARKANTONY TheworldandmygreatofficewillsometimesDividemefromyourbosom.

OCTAVIA AllwhichtimeBeforethegodsmykneeshallbowmyprayersTothemforyou.

MARKANTONY Goodnight,sir.MyOctavia,Readnotmyblemishesintheworld'sreport:

Ihavenotkeptmysquare;butthattocomeShallallbedonebytherule.Goodnight,dearlady.Goodnight,sir.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Goodnight.

[ExeuntOCTAVIUSCAESARandOCTAVIA]

[EnterSoothsayer]

MARKANTONY Now,sirrah;youdowishyourselfinEgypt?

Soothsayer WouldIhadnevercomefromthence,noryouThither!

MARKANTONY Ifyoucan,yourreason?

Soothsayer IseeitinMymotion,haveitnotinmytongue:butyetHieyoutoEgyptagain.

MARKANTONY Saytome,Whosefortunesshallrisehigher,Caesar'sormine?



Soothsayer Caesar's.Therefore,OAntony,staynotbyhisside:Thydemon,that'sthyspiritwhichkeepsthee,isNoble,courageoushigh,unmatchable,WhereCaesar'sisnot;but,nearhim,thyangelBecomesafear,asbeingo'erpower'd:thereforeMakespaceenoughbetweenyou.

MARKANTONY Speakthisnomore.

Soothsayer Tononebutthee;nomore,butwhentothee.Ifthoudostplaywithhimatanygame,Thouartsuretolose;and,ofthatnaturalluck,Hebeatsthee'gainsttheodds:thylustrethickens,Whenheshinesby:Isayagain,thyspiritIsallafraidtogoverntheenearhim;But,heaway,'tisnoble.

MARKANTONY Gettheegone:SaytoVentidiusIwouldspeakwithhim:

[ExitSoothsayer]

HeshalltoParthia.Beitartorhap,

Hehathspokentrue:theverydiceobeyhim;AndinoursportsmybettercunningfaintsUnderhischance:ifwedrawlots,hespeeds;Hiscocksdowinthebattlestillofmine,Whenitisalltonought;andhisquailseverBeatmine,inhoop'd,atodds.IwilltoEgypt:AndthoughImakethismarriageformypeace,I'theeastmypleasurelies.

[EnterVENTIDIUS]

O,come,Ventidius,YoumusttoParthia:yourcommission'sready;

Followme,andreceive't.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTII

SCENEIV Thesame.Astreet.

[EnterLEPIDUS,MECAENAS,andAGRIPPA]

LEPIDUS Troubleyourselvesnofurther:prayyou,hastenYourgeneralsafter.

AGRIPPA Sir,MarkAntony



Wille'enbutkissOctavia,andwe'llfollow.

LEPIDUS TillIshallseeyouinyoursoldier'sdress,Whichwillbecomeyouboth,farewell.

MECAENAS Weshall,AsIconceivethejourney,beattheMountBeforeyou,Lepidus.

LEPIDUS Yourwayisshorter;Mypurposesdodrawmemuchabout:You'llwintwodaysuponme.

MECAENAS || Sir,goodsuccess!

AGRIPPA |

LEPIDUS Farewell.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTII

SCENEV Alexandria.CLEOPATRA'spalace.

[EnterCLEOPATRA,CHARMIAN,IRAS,andALEXAS]

CLEOPATRA Givemesomemusic;music,moodyfoodOfusthattradeinlove.

Attendants Themusic,ho!

[EnterMARDIAN]

CLEOPATRA Letitalone;let'stobilliards:come,Charmian.

CHARMIAN Myarmissore;bestplaywithMardian.

CLEOPATRA Aswellawomanwithaneunuchplay'd

Aswithawoman.Come,you'llplaywithme,sir?

MARDIAN AswellasIcan,madam.

CLEOPATRA Andwhengoodwillisshow'd,though'tcometooshort,Theactormaypleadpardon.I'llnonenow:Givememineangle;we'lltotheriver:there,Mymusicplayingfaroff,IwillbetrayTawny-finn'dfishes;mybendedhookshallpierce



Theirslimyjaws;and,asIdrawthemup,I'llthinkthemeveryoneanAntony,Andsay'Ah,ha!you'recaught.'

CHARMIAN 'TwasmerrywhenYouwager'donyourangling;whenyourdiverDidhangasalt-fishonhishook,whichheWithfervencydrewup.

CLEOPATRA Thattime,--Otimes!--Ilaugh'dhimoutofpatience;andthatnightIlaugh'dhimintopatience;andnextmorn,Eretheninthhour,Idrunkhimtohisbed;Thenputmytiresandmantlesonhim,whilstIworehisswordPhilippan.

[EnteraMessenger]

O,fromItalyRamthouthyfruitfultidingsinmineears,Thatlongtimehavebeenbarren.

Messenger Madam,madam,--

CLEOPATRA Antoniusdead!--Ifthousayso,villain,Thoukill'stthymistress:butwellandfree,Ifthousoyieldhim,thereisgold,andhereMybluestveinstokiss;ahandthatkingsHavelipp'd,andtrembledkissing.

Messenger First,madam,heiswell.

CLEOPATRA Why,there'smoregold.But,sirrah,mark,weuseTosaythedeadarewell:bringittothat,ThegoldIgivetheewillImeltandpourDownthyill-utteringthroat.

Messenger Goodmadam,hearme.

CLEOPATRA Well,goto,Iwill;Butthere'snogoodnessinthyface:ifAntonyBefreeandhealthful,--sotartafavourTotrumpetsuchgoodtidings!Ifnotwell,ThoushouldstcomelikeaFurycrown'dwithsnakes,Notlikeaformalman.

Messenger Will'tpleaseyouhearme?

CLEOPATRA Ihaveamindtostriketheeerethouspeak'st:

YetifthousayAntonylives,iswell,OrfriendswithCaesar,ornotcaptivetohim,I'llsettheeinashowerofgold,andhailRichpearlsuponthee.

Messenger Madam,he'swell.

CLEOPATRA Wellsaid.

Messenger AndfriendswithCaesar.



CLEOPATRA Thou'rtanhonestman.

Messenger Caesarandhearegreaterfriendsthanever.

CLEOPATRA Maketheeafortunefromme.

Messenger Butyet,madam,--

CLEOPATRA Idonotlike'Butyet,'itdoesallayThegoodprecedence;fieupon'Butyet'!'Butyet'isasagaolertobringforthSomemonstrousmalefactor.Prithee,friend,Pouroutthepackofmattertomineear,Thegoodandbadtogether:he'sfriendswithCaesar:Instateofhealththousay'st;andthousay'stfree.

Messenger Free,madam!no;Imadenosuchreport:He'sbounduntoOctavia.

CLEOPATRA Forwhatgoodturn?

Messenger Forthebestturni'thebed.

CLEOPATRA Iampale,Charmian.

Messenger Madam,he'smarriedtoOctavia.

CLEOPATRA Themostinfectiouspestilenceuponthee!

[Strikeshimdown]

Messenger Goodmadam,patience.

CLEOPATRA Whatsayyou?Hence,

[Strikeshimagain]

Horriblevillain!orI'llspurnthineeyesLikeballsbeforeme;I'llunhairthyhead:

[Shehaleshimupanddown]

Thoushaltbewhipp'dwithwire,andstew'dinbrine,Smartinginlingeringpickle.

Messenger Graciousmadam,Ithatdobringthenewsmadenotthematch.

CLEOPATRA Say'tisnotso,aprovinceIwillgivethee,

Andmakethyfortunesproud:theblowthouhadstShallmakethypeaceformovingmetorage;AndIwillboottheewithwhatgiftbesideThymodestycanbeg.

Messenger He'smarried,madam.

CLEOPATRA Rogue,thouhastlivedtoolong.

[Drawsaknife]



Messenger Nay,thenI'llrun.Whatmeanyou,madam?Ihavemadenofault.

[Exit]

CHARMIAN Goodmadam,keepyourselfwithinyourself:Themanisinnocent.

CLEOPATRA Someinnocents'scapenotthethunderbolt.MeltEgyptintoNile!andkindlycreaturesTurnalltoserpents!Calltheslaveagain:ThoughIammad,Iwillnotbitehim:call.

CHARMIAN Heisafeardtocome.

CLEOPATRA Iwillnothurthim.

[ExitCHARMIAN]

Thesehandsdolacknobility,thattheystrikeAmeanerthanmyself;sinceImyselfHavegivenmyselfthecause.

[Re-enterCHARMIANandMessenger]

Comehither,sir.Thoughitbehonest,itisnevergoodTobringbadnews:givetoagraciousmessage.Anhostoftongues;butletilltidingstellThemselveswhentheybefelt.

Messenger Ihavedonemyduty.

CLEOPATRA Ishemarried?IcannothatetheeworserthanIdo,Ifthouagainsay'Yes.'

Messenger He'smarried,madam.

CLEOPATRA Thegodsconfoundthee!dostthouholdtherestill?

Messenger ShouldIlie,madam?

CLEOPATRA O,Iwouldthoudidst,SohalfmyEgyptweresubmergedandmadeAcisternforscaledsnakes!Go,gettheehence:HadstthouNarcissusinthyface,tomeThouwouldstappearmostugly.Heismarried?

Messenger Icraveyourhighness'pardon.

CLEOPATRA Heismarried?

Messenger TakenooffencethatIwouldnotoffendyou:Topunishmeforwhatyoumakemedo.Seemsmuchunequal:he'smarriedtoOctavia.

CLEOPATRA O,thathisfaultshouldmakeaknaveofthee,Thatartnotwhatthou'rtsureof!Gettheehence:



ThemerchandisewhichthouhastbroughtfromRomeArealltoodearforme:lietheyuponthyhand,Andbeundoneby'em!

[ExitMessenger]

CHARMIAN Goodyourhighness,patience.

CLEOPATRA InpraisingAntony,IhavedispraisedCaesar.

CHARMIAN Manytimes,madam.

CLEOPATRA Iampaidfor'tnow.Leadmefromhence:Ifaint:OIras,Charmian!'tisnomatter.Gotothefellow,goodAlexas;bidhimReportthefeatureofOctavia,heryears,Herinclination,lethimnotleaveoutThecolourofherhair:bringmewordquickly.

[ExitALEXAS]

Lethimforevergo:--lethimnot--Charmian,ThoughhebepaintedonewaylikeaGorgon,

Theotherway'saMars.BidyouAlexas

[ToMARDIAN]

Bringmewordhowtallsheis.Pityme,Charmian,Butdonotspeaktome.Leadmetomychamber.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTII

SCENEVI NearMisenum.

[Flourish.EnterPOMPEYandMENASatonedoor,withdrumandtrumpet:atanother,OCTAVIUSCAESAR,MARKANTONY,LEPIDUS,DOMITIUSENOBARBUS,MECAENAS,withSoldiersmarching]

POMPEY YourhostagesIhave,sohaveyoumine;Andweshalltalkbeforewefight.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR MostmeetThatfirstwecometowords;andthereforehaveweOurwrittenpurposesbeforeussent;Which,ifthouhastconsider'd,letusknowIf'twilltieupthydiscontentedsword,AndcarrybacktoSicilymuchtallyouth



Thatelsemustperishhere.

POMPEY Toyouallthree,Thesenatorsaloneofthisgreatworld,Chieffactorsforthegods,IdonotknowWhereforemyfathershouldrevengerswant,Havingasonandfriends;sinceJuliusCaesar,WhoatPhilippithegoodBrutusghosted,Theresawyoulabouringforhim.Whatwas'tThatmovedpaleCassiustoconspire;andwhatMadetheall-honour'd,honestRoman,Brutus,Withthearm'drest,courtiersandbeauteousfreedom,TodrenchtheCapitol;butthattheywouldHaveonemanbutaman?AndthatisitHathmademerigmynavy;atwhoseburthenTheanger'doceanfoams;withwhichImeantToscourgetheingratitudethatdespitefulRomeCastonmynoblefather.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Takeyourtime.

MARKANTONY Thoucanstnotfearus,Pompey,withthysails;We'llspeakwiththeeatsea:atland,thouknow'stHowmuchwedoo'er-countthee.

POMPEY Atland,indeed,Thoudosto'er-countmeofmyfather'shouse:But,sincethecuckoobuildsnotforhimself,Remainin'tasthoumayst.

LEPIDUS Bepleasedtotellus--Forthisisfromthepresent--howyoutakeTheofferswehavesentyou.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR There'sthepoint.

MARKANTONY Whichdonotbeentreatedto,butweigh

Whatitisworthembraced.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Andwhatmayfollow,Totryalargerfortune.

POMPEY YouhavemademeofferOfSicily,Sardinia;andImustRidalltheseaofpirates;then,tosendMeasuresofwheattoRome;this'greeduponTopartwithunhack'dedges,andbearbackOurtargesundinted.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR ||

MARKANTONY |That'souroffer.|

LEPIDUS |

POMPEY Know,then,IcamebeforeyouhereamanpreparedTotakethisoffer:butMarkAntony



Putmetosomeimpatience:thoughIloseThepraiseofitbytelling,youmustknow,WhenCaesarandyourbrotherwereatblows,YourmothercametoSicilyanddidfindHerwelcomefriendly.

MARKANTONY Ihaveheardit,Pompey;AndamwellstudiedforaliberalthanksWhichIdooweyou.

POMPEY Letmehaveyourhand:Ididnotthink,sir,tohavemetyouhere.

MARKANTONY Thebedsi'theeastaresoft;andthankstoyou,Thatcall'dmetimelierthanmypurposehither;ForIhavegain'dby't.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR SinceIsawyoulast,Thereisachangeuponyou.

POMPEY Well,IknownotWhatcountsharshfortunecastsuponmyface;Butinmybosomshallshenevercome,Tomakemyhearthervassal.

LEPIDUS Wellmethere.

POMPEY Ihopeso,Lepidus.Thusweareagreed:Icraveourcompositionmaybewritten,Andseal'dbetweenus.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR That'sthenexttodo.

POMPEY We'llfeasteachothererewepart;andlet'sDrawlotswhoshallbegin.

MARKANTONY ThatwillI,Pompey.

POMPEY No,Antony,takethelot:but,firstOrlast,yourfineEgyptiancookeryShallhavethefame.IhaveheardthatJuliusCaesarGrewfatwithfeastingthere.

MARKANTONY Youhaveheardmuch.

POMPEY Ihavefairmeanings,sir.

MARKANTONY Andfairwordstothem.

POMPEY ThensomuchhaveIheard:

AndIhaveheard,Apollodoruscarried--

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Nomoreofthat:hedidso.

POMPEY What,Iprayyou?

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS AcertainqueentoCaesarinamattress.

POMPEY Iknowtheenow:howfarestthou,soldier?



DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Well;Andwellamliketodo;for,Iperceive,Fourfeastsaretoward.

POMPEY Letmeshakethyhand;Ineverhatedthee:Ihaveseentheefight,WhenIhaveenviedthybehavior.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Sir,Ineverlovedyoumuch;butIha'praisedye,WhenyouhavewelldeservedtentimesasmuchAsIhavesaidyoudid.

POMPEY Enjoythyplainness,Itnothingillbecomesthee.AboardmygalleyIinviteyouall:Willyoulead,lords?

OCTAVIUSCAESAR ||

MARKANTONY |Showustheway,sir.|

LEPIDUS |

POMPEY Come.

[ExeuntallbutMENASandENOBARBUS]

MENAS [Aside]Thyfather,Pompey,wouldne'erhavemadethistreaty.--YouandIhaveknown,sir.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Atsea,Ithink.

MENAS Wehave,sir.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Youhavedonewellbywater.

MENAS Andyoubyland.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Iwillpraiseanymanthatwillpraiseme;thoughitcannotbedeniedwhatIhavedonebyland.

MENAS NorwhatIhavedonebywater.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Yes,somethingyoucandenyforyourownsafety:youhavebeenagreatthiefbysea.

MENAS Andyoubyland.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS ThereIdenymylandservice.Butgivemeyourhand,Menas:ifoureyeshadauthority,heretheymighttaketwothieveskissing.

MENAS Allmen'sfacesaretrue,whatsome'ertheirhandsare.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Butthereisneverafairwomanhasatrueface.

MENAS Noslander;theystealhearts.



DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Wecamehithertofightwithyou.

MENAS Formypart,Iamsorryitisturnedtoadrinking.Pompeydoththisdaylaughawayhisfortune.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Ifhedo,sure,hecannotweep'tbackagain.

MENAS You'vesaid,sir.WelookednotforMarkAntonyhere:prayyou,ishemarriedtoCleopatra?

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Caesar'ssisteriscalledOctavia.

MENAS True,sir;shewasthewifeofCaiusMarcellus.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS ButsheisnowthewifeofMarcusAntonius.

MENAS Prayye,sir?

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS 'Tistrue.

MENAS ThenisCaesarandheforeverknittogether.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS IfIwereboundtodivineofthisunity,Iwould

notprophesyso.

MENAS Ithinkthepolicyofthatpurposemademoreinthemarriagethantheloveoftheparties.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Ithinksotoo.Butyoushallfind,thebandthatseemstotietheirfriendshiptogetherwillbetheverystrangleroftheiramity:Octaviaisofaholy,cold,andstillconversation.

MENAS Whowouldnothavehiswifeso?

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Nothethathimselfisnotso;whichisMarkAntony.

HewilltohisEgyptiandishagain:thenshallthesighsofOctaviablowthefireupinCaesar;and,asIsaidbefore,thatwhichisthestrengthoftheiramityshallprovetheimmediateauthoroftheirvariance.Antonywillusehisaffectionwhereitis:hemarriedbuthisoccasionhere.

MENAS Andthusitmaybe.Come,sir,willyouaboard?Ihaveahealthforyou.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Ishalltakeit,sir:wehaveusedourthroatsinEgypt.

MENAS Come,let'saway.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTII



SCENEVII OnboardPOMPEY'sgalley,offMisenum.

[Musicplays.EntertwoorthreeServantswithabanquet]

FirstServant Herethey'llbe,man.Someo'theirplantsareill-rootedalready:theleastwindi'theworldwillblowthemdown.

SecondServant Lepidusishigh-coloured.

FirstServant Theyhavemadehimdrinkalms-drink.

SecondServant Astheypinchoneanotherbythedisposition,hecriesout'Nomore;'reconcilesthemtohisentreaty,andhimselftothedrink.

FirstServant Butitraisesthegreaterwarbetweenhimandhisdiscretion.

SecondServant Why,thisistohaveanameingreatmen's

fellowship:IhadasliefhaveareedthatwilldomenoserviceasapartisanIcouldnotheave.

FirstServant Tobecalledintoahugesphere,andnottobeseentomovein't,aretheholeswhereeyesshouldbe,whichpitifullydisasterthecheeks.

[Asennetsounded.EnterOCTAVIUSCAESAR,MARKANTONY,LEPIDUS,POMPEY,AGRIPPA,MECAENAS,DOMITIUSENOBARBUS,MENAS,withothercaptains]

MARKANTONY [ToOCTAVIUSCAESAR]Thusdothey,sir:theytaketheflowo'theNile

Bycertainscalesi'thepyramid;theyknow,Bytheheight,thelowness,orthemean,ifdearthOrfoisonfollow:thehigherNilusswells,Themoreitpromises:asitebbs,theseedsmanUpontheslimeandoozescattershisgrain,Andshortlycomestoharvest.

LEPIDUS You'vestrangeserpentsthere.

MARKANTONY Ay,Lepidus.

LEPIDUS YourserpentofEgyptisbrednowofyourmudbytheoperationofyoursun:soisyourcrocodile.

MARKANTONY Theyareso.

POMPEY Sit,--andsomewine!AhealthtoLepidus!

LEPIDUS IamnotsowellasIshouldbe,butI'llne'erout.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Nottillyouhaveslept;Ifearmeyou'llbeintillthen.



LEPIDUS Nay,certainly,IhaveheardthePtolemies'pyramisesareverygoodlythings;withoutcontradiction,Ihaveheardthat.

MENAS [AsidetoPOMPEY]Pompey,aword.

POMPEY [AsidetoMENAS]Sayinmineear:whatis't?

MENAS [AsidetoPOMPEY]Forsakethyseat,Idobeseechthee,captain,Andhearmespeakaword.

POMPEY [AsidetoMENAS]Forbearmetillanon.ThiswineforLepidus!

LEPIDUS Whatmannero'thingisyourcrocodile?

MARKANTONY Itisshaped,sir,likeitself;anditisasbroadasithathbreadth:itisjustsohighasitis,andmoveswithitsownorgans:itlivesbythatwhichnourishethit;andtheelementsonceoutofit,ittransmigrates.

LEPIDUS Whatcolourisitof?

MARKANTONY Ofitowncolourtoo.

LEPIDUS 'Tisastrangeserpent.

MARKANTONY 'Tisso.Andthetearsofitarewet.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Willthisdescriptionsatisfyhim?

MARKANTONY WiththehealththatPompeygiveshim,elseheisaveryepicure.

POMPEY [AsidetoMENAS]Gohang,sir,hang!Tellmeofthat?away!DoasIbidyou.Where'sthiscupIcall'dfor?

MENAS [AsidetoPOMPEY]Ifforthesakeofmeritthouwilthearme,Risefromthystool.

POMPEY [AsidetoMENAS]Ithinkthou'rtmad.Thematter?

[Rises,andwalksaside]

MENAS Ihaveeverheldmycapofftothyfortunes.

POMPEY Thouhastservedmewithmuchfaith.What'selsetosay?Bejolly,lords.

MARKANTONY Thesequick-sands,Lepidus,Keepoffthem,foryousink.

MENAS Wiltthoubelordofalltheworld?



POMPEY Whatsay'stthou?

MENAS Wiltthoubelordofthewholeworld?That'stwice.

POMPEY Howshouldthatbe?

MENAS Butentertainit,And,thoughthouthinkmepoor,IamthemanWillgivetheealltheworld.

POMPEY Hastthoudrunkwell?

MENAS Now,Pompey,Ihavekeptmefromthecup.Thouart,ifthoudarestbe,theearthlyJove:Whate'ertheoceanpales,orskyinclips,Isthine,ifthouwiltha't.

POMPEY Showmewhichway.

MENAS Thesethreeworld-sharers,thesecompetitors,Areinthyvessel:letmecutthecable;And,whenweareputoff,falltotheirthroats:Allthereisthine.

POMPEY Ah,thisthoushouldsthavedone,Andnothavespokeon't!Inme'tisvillany;Inthee'thadbeengoodservice.Thoumustknow,'Tisnotmyprofitthatdoesleadminehonour;Minehonour,it.Repentthate'erthytongueHathsobetray'dthineact:beingdoneunknown,Ishouldhavefounditafterwardswelldone;Butmustcondemnitnow.Desist,anddrink.

MENAS [Aside]Forthis,I'llneverfollowthypall'dfortunesmore.Whoseeks,andwillnottakewhenonce'tisoffer'd,Shallneverfinditmore.

POMPEY ThishealthtoLepidus!

MARKANTONY Bearhimashore.I'llpledgeitforhim,Pompey.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Here'stothee,Menas!

MENAS Enobarbus,welcome!

POMPEY Filltillthecupbehid.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS There'sastrongfellow,Menas.

[PointingtotheAttendantwhocarriesoffLEPIDUS]

MENAS Why?

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS A'bearsthethirdpartoftheworld,man;see'stnot?

MENAS Thethirdpart,then,isdrunk:woulditwereall,Thatitmightgoonwheels!



DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Drinkthou;increasethereels.

MENAS Come.

POMPEY ThisisnotyetanAlexandrianfeast.

MARKANTONY Itripenstowardsit.Strikethevessels,ho?HereistoCaesar!

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Icouldwellforbear't.It'smonstrouslabour,whenIwashmybrain,Anditgrowsfouler.

MARKANTONY Beachildo'thetime.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Possessit,I'llmakeanswer:ButIhadratherfastfromallfourdaysThandrinksomuchinone.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Ha,mybraveemperor!

[ToMARKANTONY]

ShallwedancenowtheEgyptianBacchanals,

Andcelebrateourdrink?

POMPEY Let'sha't,goodsoldier.

MARKANTONY Come,let'salltakehands,Tillthattheconqueringwinehathsteep'doursenseInsoftanddelicateLethe.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Alltakehands.Makebatterytoourearswiththeloudmusic:ThewhileI'llplaceyou:thentheboyshallsing;TheholdingeverymanshallbearasloudAshisstrongsidescanvolley.

[Musicplays.DOMITIUSENOBARBUSplacesthemhandinhand]THESONG.

Come,thoumonarchofthevine,PlumpyBacchuswithpinkeyne!Inthyfatsourcaresbedrown'd,Withthygrapesourhairsbecrown'd:Cupus,tilltheworldgoround,Cupus,tilltheworldgoround!

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Whatwouldyoumore?Pompey,goodnight.Goodbrother,

Letmerequestyouoff:ourgraverbusinessFrownsatthislevity.Gentlelords,let'spart;Youseewehaveburntourcheeks:strongEnobarbIsweakerthanthewine;andmineowntongueSplitswhatitspeaks:thewilddisguisehathalmostAntick'dusall.Whatneedsmorewords?Goodnight.GoodAntony,yourhand.

POMPEY I'lltryyouontheshore.



MARKANTONY Andshall,sir;give'syourhand.

POMPEY OAntony,Youhavemyfather'shouse,--But,what?wearefriends.Come,downintotheboat.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Takeheedyoufallnot.

[ExeuntallbutDOMITIUSENOBARBUSandMENAS]

Menas,I'llnotonshore.

MENAS No,tomycabin.Thesedrums!thesetrumpets,flutes!what!LetNeptunehearwebidaloudfarewellTothesegreatfellows:soundandbehang'd,soundout!

[Soundaflourish,withdrums]

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Ho!saysa'There'smycap.

MENAS Ho!Noblecaptain,come.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIII

SCENEI AplaininSyria.

[EnterVENTIDIUSasitwereintriumph,withSILIUS,andotherRomans,Officers,andSoldiers;thedeadbodyofPACORUSbornebeforehim]

VENTIDIUS Now,dartingParthia,artthoustruck;andnowPleasedfortunedoesofMarcusCrassus'deathMakemerevenger.Beartheking'sson'sbodyBeforeourarmy.ThyPacorus,Orodes,PaysthisforMarcusCrassus.

SILIUS NobleVentidius,WhilstyetwithParthianbloodthyswordiswarm,

ThefugitiveParthiansfollow;spurthroughMedia,Mesopotamia,andtheshelterswhitherTheroutedfly:sothygrandcaptainAntonyShallsettheeontriumphantchariotsandPutgarlandsonthyhead.

VENTIDIUS OSilius,Silius,Ihavedoneenough;alowerplace,notewell,Maymaketoogreatanact:forlearnthis,Silius;Bettertoleaveundone,thanbyourdeed



Acquiretoohighafamewhenhimweserve'saway.CaesarandAntonyhaveeverwonMoreintheirofficerthanperson:Sossius,OneofmyplaceinSyria,hislieutenant,Forquickaccumulationofrenown,Whichheachievedbytheminute,losthisfavour.Whodoesi'thewarsmorethanhiscaptaincanBecomeshiscaptain'scaptain:andambition,Thesoldier'svirtue,rathermakeschoiceofloss,Thangainwhichdarkenshim.IcoulddomoretodoAntoniusgood,But'twouldoffendhim;andinhisoffenceShouldmyperformanceperish.

SILIUS Thouhast,Ventidius,thatWithoutthewhichasoldier,andhissword,Grantsscarcedistinction.ThouwiltwritetoAntony!

VENTIDIUS I'llhumblysignifywhatinhisname,Thatmagicalwordofwar,wehaveeffected;How,withhisbannersandhiswell-paidranks,Thene'er-yet-beatenhorseofParthiaWehavejadedouto'thefield.

SILIUS Whereishenow?

VENTIDIUS HepurposethtoAthens:whither,withwhathasteTheweightwemustconveywith'swillpermit,Weshallappearbeforehim.Onthere;passalong!

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIII

SCENEII Rome.Anante-chamberinOCTAVIUSCAESAR'shouse.

[EnterAGRIPPAatonedoor,DOMITIUSENOBARBUSatanother]

AGRIPPA What,arethebrothersparted?

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Theyhavedispatch'dwithPompey,heisgone;Theotherthreearesealing.OctaviaweepsTopartfromRome;Caesarissad;andLepidus,SincePompey'sfeast,asMenassays,istroubledWiththegreensickness.

AGRIPPA 'TisanobleLepidus.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Averyfineone:O,howhelovesCaesar!



AGRIPPA Nay,buthowdearlyheadoresMarkAntony!

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Caesar?Why,he'stheJupiterofmen.

AGRIPPA What'sAntony?ThegodofJupiter.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS SpakeyouofCaesar?How!thenon-pareil!

AGRIPPA OAntony!OthouArabianbird!

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS WouldyoupraiseCaesar,say'Caesar:'gonofurther.

AGRIPPA Indeed,hepliedthembothwithexcellentpraises.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS ButhelovesCaesarbest;yethelovesAntony:Ho!hearts,tongues,figures,scribes,bards,poets,cannotThink,speak,cast,write,sing,number,ho!HislovetoAntony.ButasforCaesar,Kneeldown,kneeldown,andwonder.

AGRIPPA Bothheloves.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Theyarehisshards,andhetheirbeetle.

[Trumpetswithin]So;

Thisistohorse.Adieu,nobleAgrippa.

AGRIPPA Goodfortune,worthysoldier;andfarewell.

[EnterOCTAVIUSCAESAR,MARKANTONY,LEPIDUS,andOCTAVIA]

MARKANTONY Nofurther,sir.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Youtakefrommeagreatpartofmyself;

Usemewellin't.Sister,provesuchawifeAsmythoughtsmakethee,andasmyfarthestbandShallpassonthyapproof.MostnobleAntony,Letnotthepieceofvirtue,whichissetBetwixtusasthecementofourlove,Tokeepitbuilded,betheramtobatterThefortressofit;forbettermightweHavelovedwithoutthismean,ifonbothpartsThisbenotcherish'd.

MARKANTONY MakemenotoffendedInyourdistrust.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Ihavesaid.

MARKANTONY Youshallnotfind,Thoughyoubethereincurious,theleastcauseForwhatyouseemtofear:so,thegodskeepyou,AndmaketheheartsofRomansserveyourends!Wewillherepart.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Farewell,mydearestsister,faretheewell:Theelementsbekindtothee,andmake



Thyspiritsallofcomfort!faretheewell.

OCTAVIA Mynoblebrother!

MARKANTONY TheApril'sinhereyes:itislove'sspring,Andthesetheshowerstobringiton.Becheerful.

OCTAVIA Sir,lookwelltomyhusband'shouse;and--

OCTAVIUSCAESAR What,Octavia?

OCTAVIA I'lltellyouinyourear.

MARKANTONY Hertonguewillnotobeyherheart,norcanHerheartinformhertongue,--theswan'sdown-feather,Thatstandsupontheswellatfulloftide,Andneitherwayinclines.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS [AsidetoAGRIPPA]WillCaesarweep?

AGRIPPA [AsidetoDOMITIUSENOBARBUS]Hehasacloudin'sface.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS [AsidetoAGRIPPA]Heweretheworseforthat,

wereheahorse;Soishe,beingaman.

AGRIPPA [AsidetoDOMITIUSENOBARBUS]Why,Enobarbus,WhenAntonyfoundJuliusCaesardead,Hecriedalmosttoroaring;andheweptWhenatPhilippihefoundBrutusslain.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS [AsidetoAGRIPPA]Thatyear,indeed,hewastroubledwitharheum;Whatwillinglyhedidconfoundhewail'd,Believe't,tillIwepttoo.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR No,sweetOctavia,Youshallhearfrommestill;thetimeshallnotOut-gomythinkingonyou.

MARKANTONY Come,sir,come;I'llwrestlewithyouinmystrengthoflove:Look,hereIhaveyou;thusIletyougo,Andgiveyoutothegods.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Adieu;behappy!

LEPIDUS LetallthenumberofthestarsgivelightTothyfairway!

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Farewell,farewell!

[KissesOCTAVIA]

MARKANTONY Farewell!

[Trumpetssound.Exeunt]



ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIII

SCENEIII Alexandria.CLEOPATRA'spalace.

[EnterCLEOPATRA,CHARMIAN,IRAS,andALEXAS]

CLEOPATRA Whereisthefellow?

ALEXAS Halfafeardtocome.

CLEOPATRA Goto,goto.

[EntertheMessengerasbefore]

Comehither,sir.

ALEXAS Goodmajesty,HerodofJewrydarenotlookuponyouButwhenyouarewellpleased.

CLEOPATRA ThatHerod'sheadI'llhave:buthow,whenAntonyisgoneThroughwhomImightcommandit?Comethounear.

Messenger Mostgraciousmajesty,--

CLEOPATRA DidstthoubeholdOctavia?

Messenger Ay,dreadqueen.

CLEOPATRA Where?

Messenger Madam,inRome;Ilook'dherintheface,andsawherledBetweenherbrotherandMarkAntony.

CLEOPATRA Issheastallasme?

Messenger Sheisnot,madam.

CLEOPATRA Didsthearherspeak?issheshrill-tonguedorlow?

Messenger Madam,Iheardherspeak;sheislow-voiced.

CLEOPATRA That'snotsogood:hecannotlikeherlong.

CHARMIAN Likeher!OIsis!'tisimpossible.

CLEOPATRA Ithinkso,Charmian:dulloftongue,anddwarfish!Whatmajestyisinhergait?Remember,Ife'erthoulook'dstonmajesty.



Messenger Shecreeps:Hermotionandherstationareasone;Sheshowsabodyratherthanalife,Astatuethanabreather.

CLEOPATRA Isthiscertain?

Messenger OrIhavenoobservance.

CHARMIAN ThreeinEgyptCannotmakebetternote.

CLEOPATRA He'sveryknowing;Idoperceive't:there'snothinginheryet:Thefellowhasgoodjudgment.

CHARMIAN Excellent.

CLEOPATRA Guessatheryears,Iprithee.

Messenger Madam,Shewasawidow,--

CLEOPATRA Widow!Charmian,hark.

Messenger AndIdothinkshe'sthirty.

CLEOPATRA Bear'stthouherfaceinmind?is'tlongorround?

Messenger Roundeventofaultiness.

CLEOPATRA Forthemostpart,too,theyarefoolishthatareso.Herhair,whatcolour?

Messenger Brown,madam:andherforeheadAslowasshewouldwishit.

CLEOPATRA There'sgoldforthee.Thoumustnottakemyformersharpnessill:Iwillemploytheebackagain;IfindtheeMostfitforbusiness:gomaketheeready;Ourlettersareprepared.

[ExitMessenger]

CHARMIAN Aproperman.

CLEOPATRA Indeed,heisso:IrepentmemuchThatsoIharriedhim.Why,methinks,byhim,Thiscreature'snosuchthing.

CHARMIAN Nothing,madam.

CLEOPATRA Themanhathseensomemajesty,andshouldknow.

CHARMIAN Hathheseenmajesty?Isiselsedefend,Andservingyousolong!

CLEOPATRA Ihaveonethingmoretoaskhimyet,goodCharmian:But'tisnomatter;thoushaltbringhimtome



WhereIwillwrite.Allmaybewellenough.

CHARMIAN Iwarrantyou,madam.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIII

SCENEIV Athens.AroominMARKANTONY'shouse.

[EnterMARKANTONYandOCTAVIA]

MARKANTONY Nay,nay,Octavia,notonlythat,--Thatwereexcusable,that,andthousandsmoreOfsemblableimport,--buthehathwagedNewwars'gainstPompey;madehiswill,andreadit

Topublicear:Spokescantlyofme:whenperforcehecouldnotButpaymetermsofhonour,coldandsicklyHeventedthem;mostnarrowmeasurelentme:Whenthebesthintwasgivenhim,henottook't,Ordiditfromhisteeth.

OCTAVIA Omygoodlord,Believenotall;or,ifyoumustbelieve,Stomachnotall.Amoreunhappylady,Ifthisdivisionchance,ne'erstoodbetween,Prayingforbothparts:Thegoodgodsmepresently,

WhenIshallpray,'Oblessmylordandhusband!'Undothatprayer,bycryingoutasloud,'O,blessmybrother!'Husbandwin,winbrother,Prays,anddestroystheprayer;nomidway'Twixttheseextremesatall.

MARKANTONY GentleOctavia,Letyourbestlovedrawtothatpoint,whichseeksBesttopreserveit:ifIloseminehonour,Ilosemyself:betterIwerenotyoursThanyourssobranchless.But,asyourequested,Yourselfshallgobetween's:themeantime,lady,I'llraisethepreparationofawar

Shallstainyourbrother:makeyoursoonesthaste;Soyourdesiresareyours.

OCTAVIA Thankstomylord.TheJoveofpowermakememostweak,mostweak,Yourreconciler!Wars'twixtyoutwainwouldbeAsiftheworldshouldcleave,andthatslainmenShouldsolderuptherift.

MARKANTONY Whenitappearstoyouwherethisbegins,



Turnyourdispleasurethatway:forourfaultsCanneverbesoequal,thatyourloveCanequallymovewiththem.Provideyourgoing;Chooseyourowncompany,andcommandwhatcostYourhearthasmindto.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIII

SCENEV Thesame.Anotherroom.

[EnterDOMITIUSENOBARBUSandEROS,meeting]

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Hownow,friendEros!

EROS There'sstrangenewscome,sir.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS What,man?

EROS CaesarandLepidushavemadewarsuponPompey.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Thisisold:whatisthesuccess?

EROS Caesar,havingmadeuseofhiminthewars'gainstPompey,presentlydeniedhimrivality;wouldnotlethimpartakeinthegloryoftheaction:andnotrestinghere,accuseshimoflettershehadformerly

wrotetoPompey;uponhisownappeal,seizeshim:sothepoorthirdisup,tilldeathenlargehisconfine.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Then,world,thouhastapairofchaps,nomore;Andthrowbetweenthemallthefoodthouhast,They'llgrindtheonetheother.Where'sAntony?

EROS He'swalkinginthegarden--thus;andspurnsTherushthatliesbeforehim;cries,'FoolLepidus!'AndthreatsthethroatofthathisofficerThatmurder'dPompey.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Ourgreatnavy'srigg'd.

EROS ForItalyandCaesar.More,Domitius;Mylorddesiresyoupresently:mynewsImighthavetoldhereafter.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS 'Twillbenaught:Butletitbe.BringmetoAntony.

EROS Come,sir.



[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIII

SCENEVI Rome.OCTAVIUSCAESAR'shouse.

[EnterOCTAVIUSCAESAR,AGRIPPA,andMECAENAS]

OCTAVIUSCAESAR ContemningRome,hehasdoneallthis,andmore,InAlexandria:here'sthemannerof't:I'themarket-place,onatribunalsilver'd,CleopatraandhimselfinchairsofgoldWerepubliclyenthroned:atthefeetsatCaesarion,whomtheycallmyfather'sson,Andalltheunlawfulissuethattheirlust

Sincethenhathmadebetweenthem.UntoherHegavethestablishmentofEgypt;madeherOflowerSyria,Cyprus,Lydia,Absolutequeen.

MECAENAS Thisinthepubliceye?

OCTAVIUSCAESAR I'thecommonshow-place,wheretheyexercise.Hissonshethereproclaim'dthekingsofkings:GreatMedia,Parthia,andArmenia.HegavetoAlexander;toPtolemyheassign'dSyria,Cilicia,andPhoenicia:sheInthehabilimentsofthegoddessIsis

Thatdayappear'd;andoftbeforegaveaudience,As'tisreported,so.

MECAENAS LetRomebethusInform'd.

AGRIPPA Who,queasywithhisinsolenceAlready,willtheirgoodthoughtscallfromhim.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Thepeopleknowit;andhavenowreceivedHisaccusations.

AGRIPPA Whodoesheaccuse?

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Caesar:andthat,havinginSicilySextusPompeiusspoil'd,wehadnotratedhimHisparto'theisle:thendoeshesay,helentmeSomeshippingunrestored:lastly,hefretsThatLepidusofthetriumvirateShouldbedeposed;and,being,thatwedetainAllhisrevenue.

AGRIPPA Sir,thisshouldbeanswer'd.



OCTAVIUSCAESAR 'Tisdonealready,andthemessengergone.Ihavetoldhim,Lepiduswasgrowntoocruel;Thathehishighauthorityabused,Anddiddeservehischange:forwhatIhaveconquer'd,Igranthimpart;butthen,inhisArmenia,Andotherofhisconquer'dkingdoms,IDemandthelike.

MECAENAS He'llneveryieldtothat.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Normustnotthenbeyieldedtointhis.

[EnterOCTAVIAwithhertrain]

OCTAVIA Hail,Caesar,andmylord!hail,mostdearCaesar!

OCTAVIUSCAESAR ThateverIshouldcalltheecastaway!

OCTAVIA Youhavenotcall'dmeso,norhaveyoucause.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Whyhaveyoustol'nuponusthus!YoucomenotLikeCaesar'ssister:thewifeofAntonyShouldhaveanarmyforanusher,andTheneighsofhorsetotellofherapproach

Longereshedidappear;thetreesbythewayShouldhavebornemen;andexpectationfainted,Longingforwhatithadnot;nay,thedustShouldhaveascendedtotheroofofheaven,Raisedbyyourpopuloustroops:butyouarecomeAmarket-maidtoRome;andhavepreventedTheostentationofourlove,which,leftunshown,Isoftenleftunloved;weshouldhavemetyouByseaandland;supplyingeverystageWithanaugmentedgreeting.

OCTAVIA Goodmylord,TocomethuswasInotconstrain'd,butdid

Onmyfreewill.Mylord,MarkAntony,Hearingthatyoupreparedforwar,acquaintedMygrievedearwithal;whereon,Ibegg'dHispardonforreturn.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Whichsoonhegranted,Beinganobstruct'tweenhislustandhim.

OCTAVIA Donotsayso,mylord.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Ihaveeyesuponhim,Andhisaffairscometomeonthewind.Whereishenow?

OCTAVIA Mylord,inAthens.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR No,mymostwrongedsister;CleopatraHathnoddedhimtoher.HehathgivenhisempireUptoawhore;whonowarelevyingThekingso'theearthforwar;hehathassembledBocchus,thekingofLibya;Archelaus,OfCappadocia;Philadelphos,kingOfPaphlagonia;theThracianking,Adallas;



KingMalchusofArabia;KingofPont;HerodofJewry;Mithridates,kingOfComagene;PolemonandAmyntas,ThekingsofMedeandLycaonia,Withamorelargerlistofsceptres.

OCTAVIA Ayme,mostwretched,ThathavemyheartpartedbetwixttwofriendsThatdoafflicteachother!

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Welcomehither:Yourlettersdidwithholdourbreakingforth;Tillweperceived,bothhowyouwerewrongled,Andweinnegligentdanger.Cheeryourheart;Beyounottroubledwiththetime,whichdrivesO'eryourcontentthesestrongnecessities;ButletdeterminedthingstodestinyHoldunbewail'dtheirway.WelcometoRome;Nothingmoredeartome.YouareabusedBeyondthemarkofthought:andthehighgods,Todoyoujustice,makethemministersOfusandthosethatloveyou.Bestofcomfort;Andeverwelcometous.

AGRIPPA Welcome,lady.

MECAENAS Welcome,dearmadam.EachheartinRomedoesloveandpityyou:OnlytheadulterousAntony,mostlargeInhisabominations,turnsyouoff;Andgiveshispotentregimenttoatrull,Thatnoisesitagainstus.

OCTAVIA Isitso,sir?

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Mostcertain.Sister,welcome:prayyou,Beeverknowntopatience:mydear'stsister!

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIII

SCENEVII NearActium.MARKANTONY'scamp.

[EnterCLEOPATRAandDOMITIUSENOBARBUS]

CLEOPATRA Iwillbeevenwiththee,doubtitnot.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Butwhy,why,why?

CLEOPATRA Thouhastforspokemybeinginthesewars,



Andsay'stitisnotfit.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Well,isit,isit?

CLEOPATRA Ifnotdenouncedagainstus,whyshouldnotweBethereinperson?

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS [Aside]Well,Icouldreply:Ifweshouldservewithhorseandmarestogether,Thehorseweremerelylost;themareswouldbearAsoldierandhishorse.

CLEOPATRA Whatis'tyousay?

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS YourpresenceneedsmustpuzzleAntony;Takefromhisheart,takefromhisbrain,from'stime,Whatshouldnotthenbespared.HeisalreadyTraducedforlevity;and'tissaidinRomeThatPhotinusaneunuchandyourmaidsManagethiswar.

CLEOPATRA SinkRome,andtheirtonguesrotThatspeakagainstus!Achargewebeari'thewar,

And,asthepresidentofmykingdom,willAppearthereforaman.Speaknotagainstit:Iwillnotstaybehind.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Nay,Ihavedone.Herecomestheemperor.

[EnterMARKANTONYandCANIDIUS]

MARKANTONY Isitnotstrange,Canidius,ThatfromTarentumandBrundusiumHecouldsoquicklycuttheIoniansea,AndtakeinToryne?Youhaveheardon't,sweet?

CLEOPATRA CelerityisnevermoreadmiredThanbythenegligent.

MARKANTONY Agoodrebuke,Whichmighthavewellbecomedthebestofmen,Totauntatslackness.Canidius,weWillfightwithhimbysea.

CLEOPATRA Bysea!whatelse?

CANIDIUS Whywillmylorddoso?

MARKANTONY Forthathedaresusto't.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Sohathmylorddaredhimtosinglefight.

CANIDIUS Ay,andtowagethisbattleatPharsalia.WhereCaesarfoughtwithPompey:buttheseoffers,Whichservenotforhisvantage,beshakesoff;Andsoshouldyou.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Yourshipsarenotwellmann'd;



Yourmarinersaremuleters,reapers,peopleIngross'dbyswiftimpress;inCaesar'sfleetArethosethatoftenhave'gainstPompeyfought:Theirshipsareyare;yours,heavy:nodisgraceShallfallyouforrefusinghimatsea,Beingpreparedforland.

MARKANTONY Bysea,bysea.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Mostworthysir,youthereinthrowawayTheabsolutesoldiershipyouhavebyland;Distractyourarmy,whichdothmostconsistOfwar-mark'dfootmen;leaveunexecutedYourownrenownedknowledge;quiteforegoThewaywhichpromisesassurance;andGiveupyourselfmerelytochanceandhazard,Fromfirmsecurity.

MARKANTONY I'llfightatsea.

CLEOPATRA Ihavesixtysails,Caesarnonebetter.

MARKANTONY Ouroverplusofshippingwillweburn;And,withtherestfull-mann'd,fromtheheadofActium

BeattheapproachingCaesar.Butifwefail,Wethencando'tatland.

[EnteraMessenger]

Thybusiness?

Messenger Thenewsistrue,mylord;heisdescried;CaesarhastakenToryne.

MARKANTONY Canhebethereinperson?'tisimpossible;Strangethatpowershouldbe.Canidius,Ournineteenlegionsthoushaltholdbyland,

Andourtwelvethousandhorse.We'lltoourship:Away,myThetis!

[EnteraSoldier]

Hownow,worthysoldier?

Soldier Onobleemperor,donotfightbysea;Trustnottorottenplanks:doyoumisdoubtThisswordandthesemywounds?LettheEgyptiansAndthePhoeniciansgoa-ducking;weHaveusedtoconquer,standingontheearth,Andfightingfoottofoot.

MARKANTONY Well,well:away!

[ExeuntMARKANTONY,QUEENCLEOPATRA,andDOMITIUSENOBARBUS]

Soldier ByHercules,IthinkIami'theright.

CANIDIUS Soldier,thouart:buthiswholeactiongrowsNotinthepoweron't:soourleader'sled,



Andwearewomen'smen.

Soldier YoukeepbylandThelegionsandthehorsewhole,doyounot?

CANIDIUS MarcusOctavius,MarcusJusteius,Publicola,andCaelius,areforsea:Butwekeepwholebyland.ThisspeedofCaesar'sCarriesbeyondbelief.

Soldier WhilehewasyetinRome,HispowerwentoutinsuchdistractionsasBeguiledallspies.

CANIDIUS Who'shislieutenant,hearyou?

Soldier Theysay,oneTaurus.

CANIDIUS WellIknowtheman.

[EnteraMessenger]

Messenger TheemperorcallsCanidius.

CANIDIUS Withnewsthetime'swithlabour,andthroesforth,Eachminute,some.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIII

SCENEVIII AplainnearActium.

[EnterOCTAVIUSCAESAR,andTAURUS,withhisarmy,marching]

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Taurus!

TAURUS Mylord?

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Strikenotbyland;keepwhole:provokenotbattle,Tillwehavedoneatsea.Donotexceed

Theprescriptofthisscroll:ourfortuneliesUponthisjump.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA



ACTIII

SCENEIX Anotherpartoftheplain.

[EnterMARKANTONYandDOMITIUSENOBARBUS]

MARKANTONY Setweoursquadronsonyondsideo'thehill,IneyeofCaesar'sbattle;fromwhichplaceWemaythenumberoftheshipsbehold,Andsoproceedaccordingly.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIII

SCENEX Anotherpartoftheplain.

[CANIDIUSmarchethwithhislandarmyonewayoverthestage;andTAURUS,thelieutenantofOCTAVIUSCAESAR,theotherway.Aftertheirgoingin,isheardthenoiseofasea-fight]

[Alarum.EnterDOMITIUSENOBARBUS]

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Naught,naughtall,naught!Icanbeholdnolonger:

TheAntoniad,theEgyptianadmiral,Withalltheirsixty,flyandturntherudder:Tosee'tmineeyesareblasted.

[EnterSCARUS]

SCARUS Godsandgoddesses,Allthewholesynodofthem!

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS What'sthypassion!

SCARUS ThegreatercantleoftheworldislostWithveryignorance;wehavekiss'daway

Kingdomsandprovinces.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Howappearsthefight?

SCARUS Onoursidelikethetoken'dpestilence,Wheredeathissure.YonribaudrednagofEgypt,--Whomleprosyo'ertake!--i'themidsto'thefight,Whenvantagelikeapairoftwinsappear'd,Bothasthesame,orratherourstheelder,Thebreeseuponher,likeacowinJune,



Hoistssailsandflies.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS ThatIbeheld:Mineeyesdidsickenatthesight,andcouldnotEndureafurtherview.

SCARUS Sheoncebeingloof'd,Thenobleruinofhermagic,Antony,Clapsonhissea-wing,and,likeadotingmallard,Leavingthefightinheight,fliesafterher:Ineversawanactionofsuchshame;Experience,manhood,honour,ne'erbeforeDidviolatesoitself.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Alack,alack!

[EnterCANIDIUS]

CANIDIUS Ourfortuneontheseaisoutofbreath,Andsinksmostlamentably.HadourgeneralBeenwhatheknewhimself,ithadgonewell:O,hehasgivenexampleforourflight,Mostgrossly,byhisown!

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Ay,areyouthereabouts?Why,then,goodnightindeed.

CANIDIUS TowardPeloponnesusaretheyfled.

SCARUS 'Tiseasyto't;andthereIwillattendWhatfurthercomes.

CANIDIUS ToCaesarwillIrenderMylegionsandmyhorse:sixkingsalreadyShowmethewayofyielding.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS I'llyetfollow

ThewoundedchanceofAntony,thoughmyreasonSitsinthewindagainstme.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIII

SCENEXI Alexandria.CLEOPATRA'spalace.

[EnterMARKANTONYwithAttendants]

MARKANTONY Hark!thelandbidsmetreadnomoreupon't;Itisashamedtobearme!Friends,comehither:Iamsolatedintheworld,thatI



Havelostmywayforever:IhaveashipLadenwithgold;takethat,divideit;fly,AndmakeyourpeacewithCaesar.

All Fly!notwe.

MARKANTONY Ihavefledmyself;andhaveinstructedcowardsTorunandshowtheirshoulders.Friends,begone;IhavemyselfresolveduponacourseWhichhasnoneedofyou;begone:Mytreasure'sintheharbour,takeit.O,Ifollow'dthatIblushtolookupon:Myveryhairsdomutiny;forthewhiteReprovethebrownforrashness,andtheythemForfearanddoting.Friends,begone:youshallHavelettersfrommetosomefriendsthatwillSweepyourwayforyou.Prayyou,looknotsad,Normakerepliesofloathness:takethehintWhichmydespairproclaims;letthatbeleftWhichleavesitself:tothesea-sidestraightway:Iwillpossessyouofthatshipandtreasure.Leaveme,Ipray,alittle:prayyounow:Nay,doso;for,indeed,Ihavelostcommand,ThereforeIprayyou:I'llseeyoubyandby.

[Sitsdown]

[EnterCLEOPATRAledbyCHARMIANandIRAS;EROSfollowing]

EROS Nay,gentlemadam,tohim,comforthim.

IRAS Do,mostdearqueen.

CHARMIAN Do!why:whatelse?

CLEOPATRA Letmesitdown.OJuno!

MARKANTONY No,no,no,no,no.

EROS Seeyouhere,sir?

MARKANTONY Ofie,fie,fie!

CHARMIAN Madam!

IRAS Madam,Ogoodempress!

EROS Sir,sir,--

MARKANTONY Yes,mylord,yes;heatPhilippikeptHissworde'enlikeadancer;whileIstruckTheleanandwrinkledCassius;and'twasIThatthemadBrutusended:healoneDealtonlieutenantry,andnopractisehadInthebravesquaresofwar:yetnow--Nomatter.

CLEOPATRA Ah,standby.

EROS Thequeen,mylord,thequeen.



IRAS Gotohim,madam,speaktohim:Heisunqualitiedwithveryshame.

CLEOPATRA Wellthen,sustainhim:O!

EROS Mostnoblesir,arise;thequeenapproaches:Herhead'sdeclined,anddeathwillseizeher,butYourcomfortmakestherescue.

MARKANTONY Ihaveoffendedreputation,Amostunnobleswerving.

EROS Sir,thequeen.

MARKANTONY O,whitherhastthouledme,Egypt?See,HowIconveymyshameoutofthineeyesBylookingbackwhatIhaveleftbehind'Stroy'dindishonour.

CLEOPATRA Omylord,mylord,Forgivemyfearfulsails!IlittlethoughtYouwouldhavefollow'd.

MARKANTONY Egypt,thouknew'sttoowellMyheartwastothyruddertiedbythestrings,Andthoushouldsttowmeafter:o'ermyspiritThyfullsupremacythouknew'st,andthatThybeckmightfromthebiddingofthegodsCommandme.

CLEOPATRA O,mypardon!

MARKANTONY NowImustTotheyoungmansendhumbletreaties,dodgeAndpalterintheshiftsoflowness;whoWithhalfthebulko'theworldplay'dasIpleased,

Makingandmarringfortunes.YoudidknowHowmuchyouweremyconqueror;andthatMysword,madeweakbymyaffection,wouldObeyitonallcause.

CLEOPATRA Pardon,pardon!

MARKANTONY Fallnotatear,Isay;oneofthemratesAllthatiswonandlost:givemeakiss;Eventhisrepaysme.Wesentourschoolmaster;Ishecomeback?Love,Iamfulloflead.Somewine,withinthere,andourviands!FortuneknowsWescornhermostwhenmostsheoffersblows.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIII



SCENEXII Egypt.OCTAVIUSCAESAR'scamp.

[EnterOCTAVIUSCAESAR,DOLABELLA,THYREUS,withothers]

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Lethimappearthat'scomefromAntony.Knowyouhim?

DOLABELLA Caesar,'tishisschoolmaster:Anargumentthatheispluck'd,whenhitherHesendssopoorapinionoffhiswing,WhichhadsuperfluouskingsformessengersNotmanymoonsgoneby.

[EnterEUPHRONIUS,ambassadorfromMARKANTONY]

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Approach,andspeak.

EUPHRONIUS SuchasIam,IcomefromAntony:IwasoflateaspettytohisendsAsisthemorn-dewonthemyrtle-leaf

Tohisgrandsea.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Be'tso:declarethineoffice.

EUPHRONIUS Lordofhisfortuneshesalutesthee,andRequirestoliveinEgypt:whichnotgranted,Helessenshisrequests;andtotheesuesTolethimbreathebetweentheheavensandearth,AprivatemaninAthens:thisforhim.Next,Cleopatradoesconfessthygreatness;Submitshertothymight;andoftheecravesThecircleofthePtolemiesforherheirs,Nowhazardedtothygrace.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR ForAntony,Ihavenoearstohisrequest.ThequeenOfaudiencenordesireshallfail,sosheFromEgyptdriveherall-disgracedfriend,Ortakehislifethere:thisifsheperform,Sheshallnotsueunheard.Sotothemboth.

EUPHRONIUS Fortunepursuethee!

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Bringhimthroughthebands.

[ExitEUPHRONIUS]

[ToTHYREUS]Totryeloquence,now'tistime:dispatch;FromAntonywinCleopatra:promise,Andinourname,whatsherequires;addmore,Fromthineinvention,offers:womenarenotIntheirbestfortunesstrong;butwantwillperjureThene'ertouch'dvestal:trythycunning,Thyreus;Makethineownedictforthypains,whichweWillanswerasalaw.



THYREUS Caesar,Igo.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR ObservehowAntonybecomeshisflaw,Andwhatthouthink'sthisveryactionspeaksIneverypowerthatmoves.

THYREUS Caesar,Ishall.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIII

SCENEXIII Alexandria.CLEOPATRA'spalace.

[EnterCLEOPATRA,DOMITIUSENOBARBUS,CHARMIAN,andIRAS]

CLEOPATRA Whatshallwedo,Enobarbus?

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Think,anddie.

CLEOPATRA IsAntonyorweinfaultforthis?

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Antonyonly,thatwouldmakehiswillLordofhisreason.WhatthoughyoufledFromthatgreatfaceofwar,whoseseveralrangesFrightedeachother?whyshouldhefollow?TheitchofhisaffectionshouldnotthenHavenick'dhiscaptainship;atsuchapoint,

Whenhalftohalftheworldopposed,hebeingThemeeredquestion:'twasashamenolessThanwashisloss,tocourseyourflyingflags,Andleavehisnavygazing.

CLEOPATRA Prithee,peace.

[EnterMARKANTONYwithEUPHRONIUS,theAmbassador]

MARKANTONY Isthathisanswer?

EUPHRONIUS Ay,mylord.

MARKANTONY Thequeenshallthenhavecourtesy,sosheWillyieldusup.

EUPHRONIUS Hesaysso.

MARKANTONY Letherknow't.TotheboyCaesarsendthisgrizzledhead,AndhewillfillthywishestothebrimWithprincipalities.



CLEOPATRA Thathead,mylord?

MARKANTONY Tohimagain:tellhimhewearstheroseOfyouthuponhim;fromwhichtheworldshouldnoteSomethingparticular:hiscoin,ships,legions,Maybeacoward's;whoseministerswouldprevailUndertheserviceofachildassoonAsi'thecommandofCaesar:IdarehimthereforeTolayhisgaycomparisonsapart,Andanswermedeclined,swordagainstsword,Ourselvesalone.I'llwriteit:followme.

[ExeuntMARKANTONYandEUPHRONIUS]

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS [Aside]Yes,likeenough,high-battledCaesarwillUnstatehishappiness,andbestagedtotheshow,Againstasworder!Iseemen'sjudgmentsareAparceloftheirfortunes;andthingsoutwardDodrawtheinwardqualityafterthem,Tosufferallalike.Thatheshoulddream,Knowingallmeasures,thefullCaesarwillAnswerhisemptiness!Caesar,thouhastsubduedHisjudgmenttoo.

[EnteranAttendant]

Attendant AmessengerfromCAESAR.

CLEOPATRA What,nomoreceremony?See,mywomen!AgainsttheblownrosemaytheystoptheirnoseThatkneel'duntothebuds.Admithim,sir.

[ExitAttendant]

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS [Aside]MinehonestyandIbegintosquare.TheloyaltywellheldtofoolsdoesmakeOurfaithmerefolly:yethethatcanendure

Tofollowwithallegianceafall'nlordDoesconquerhimthatdidhismasterconquerAndearnsaplacei'thestory.

[EnterTHYREUS]

CLEOPATRA Caesar'swill?

THYREUS Hearitapart.

CLEOPATRA Nonebutfriends:sayboldly.

THYREUS So,haply,aretheyfriendstoAntony.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Heneedsasmany,sir,asCaesarhas;Orneedsnotus.IfCaesarplease,ourmasterWillleaptobehisfriend:forus,youknow,Whoseheisweare,andthatis,Caesar's.

THYREUS So.Thusthen,thoumostrenown'd:Caesarentreats,Nottoconsiderinwhatcasethoustand'st,FurtherthanheisCaesar.



CLEOPATRA Goon:rightroyal.

THYREUS HeknowsthatyouembracenotAntonyAsyoudidlove,butasyoufear'dhim.

CLEOPATRA O!

THYREUS Thescarsuponyourhonour,therefore,heDoespity,asconstrainedblemishes,Notasdeserved.

CLEOPATRA Heisagod,andknowsWhatismostright:minehonourwasnotyielded,Butconquer'dmerely.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS [Aside]Tobesureofthat,IwillaskAntony.Sir,sir,thouartsoleaky,Thatwemustleavetheetothysinking,forThydearestquitthee.

[Exit]

THYREUS ShallIsaytoCaesar

Whatyourequireofhim?forhepartlybegsTobedesiredtogive.Itmuchwouldpleasehim,ThatofhisfortunesyoushouldmakeastaffToleanupon:butitwouldwarmhisspirits,TohearfrommeyouhadleftAntony,Andputyourselfunderhisshrowd,Theuniversallandlord.

CLEOPATRA What'syourname?

THYREUS MynameisThyreus.

CLEOPATRA Mostkindmessenger,

SaytogreatCaesarthis:indeputationIkisshisconqueringhand:tellhim,IampromptTolaymycrownat'sfeet,andtheretokneel:Tellhimfromhisall-obeyingbreathIhearThedoomofEgypt.

THYREUS 'Tisyournoblestcourse.Wisdomandfortunecombatingtogether,Ifthattheformerdarebutwhatitcan,Nochancemayshakeit.GivemegracetolayMydutyonyourhand.

CLEOPATRA YourCaesar'sfatheroft,

Whenhehathmusedoftakingkingdomsin,Bestow'dhislipsonthatunworthyplace,Asitrain'dkisses.

[Re-enterMARKANTONYandDOMITIUSENOBARBUS]

MARKANTONY Favours,byJovethatthunders!Whatartthou,fellow?

THYREUS Onethatbutperforms



Thebiddingofthefullestman,andworthiestTohavecommandobey'd.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS [Aside]Youwillbewhipp'd.

MARKANTONY Approach,there!Ah,youkite!Now,godsanddevils!Authoritymeltsfromme:oflate,whenIcried'Ho!'Likeboysuntoamuss,kingswouldstartforth,Andcry'Yourwill?'Haveyounoears?IamAntonyyet.

[EnterAttendants]

TakehencethisJack,andwhiphim.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS [Aside]'Tisbetterplayingwithalion'swhelpThanwithanoldonedying.

MARKANTONY Moonandstars!Whiphim.Were'ttwentyofthegreatesttributariesThatdoacknowledgeCaesar,shouldIfindthemSosaucywiththehandofshehere,--what'shername,SinceshewasCleopatra?Whiphim,fellows,

Till,likeaboy,youseehimcringehisface,Andwhinealoudformercy:takehimhence.

THYREUS MarkAntony!

MARKANTONY Tughimaway:beingwhipp'd,Bringhimagain:thisJackofCaesar'sshallBearusanerrandtohim.

[ExeuntAttendantswithTHYREUS]

YouwerehalfblastedereIknewyou:ha!

HaveImypillowleftunpress'dinRome,Forbornethegettingofalawfulrace,Andbyagemofwomen,tobeabusedByonethatlooksonfeeders?

CLEOPATRA Goodmylord,--

MARKANTONY Youhavebeenabogglerever:Butwhenweinourviciousnessgrowhard--Omiseryon't!--thewisegodsseeloureyes;Inourownfilthdropourclearjudgments;makeusAdoreourerrors;laughat's,whilewestrutToourconfusion.

CLEOPATRA O,is'tcometothis?

MARKANTONY IfoundyouasamorselcolduponDeadCaesar'strencher;nay,youwereafragmentOfCneiusPompey's;besideswhathotterhours,Unregister'dinvulgarfame,youhaveLuxuriouslypick'dout:for,Iamsure,Thoughyoucanguesswhattemperanceshouldbe,Youknownotwhatitis.



CLEOPATRA Whereforeisthis?

MARKANTONY ToletafellowthatwilltakerewardsAndsay'Godquityou!'befamiliarwithMyplayfellow,yourhand;thiskinglysealAndplighterofhighhearts!O,thatIwereUponthehillofBasan,tooutroarThehornedherd!forIhavesavagecause;Andtoproclaimitcivilly,werelikeAhalter'dneckwhichdoesthehangmanthankForbeingyareabouthim.

[Re-enterAttendantswithTHYREUS]

Ishewhipp'd?

FirstAttendant Soundly,mylord.

MARKANTONY Criedhe?andbegg'da'pardon?

FirstAttendant Hedidaskfavour.

MARKANTONY Ifthatthyfatherlive,lethimrepent

Thouwastnotmadehisdaughter;andbethousorryTofollowCaesarinhistriumph,sinceThouhastbeenwhipp'dforfollowinghim:henceforthThewhitehandofaladyfeverthee,Shakethoutolookon't.GettheebacktoCaesar,Tellhimthyentertainment:look,thousayHemakesmeangrywithhim;forheseemsProudanddisdainful,harpingonwhatIam,NotwhatheknewIwas:hemakesmeangry;Andatthistimemosteasy'tistodo't,Whenmygoodstars,thatweremyformerguides,Haveemptylefttheirorbs,andshottheirfiresIntotheabysmofhell.Ifhemislike

Myspeechandwhatisdone,tellhimhehasHipparchus,myenfranchedbondman,whomHemayatpleasurewhip,orhang,ortorture,Asheshalllike,toquitme:urgeitthou:Hencewiththystripes,begone!

[ExitTHYREUS]

CLEOPATRA Haveyoudoneyet?

MARKANTONY Alack,ourterrenemoonIsnoweclipsed;anditportendsaloneThefallofAntony!

CLEOPATRA Imuststayhistime.

MARKANTONY ToflatterCaesar,wouldyoumingleeyesWithonethattieshispoints?

CLEOPATRA Notknowmeyet?

MARKANTONY Cold-heartedtowardme?



CLEOPATRA Ah,dear,ifIbeso,Frommycoldheartletheavenengenderhail,Andpoisonitinthesource;andthefirststoneDropinmyneck:asitdetermines,soDissolvemylife!ThenextCaesarionsmite!Tillbydegreesthememoryofmywomb,TogetherwithmybraveEgyptiansall,Bythediscandyingofthispelletedstorm,Liegraveless,tillthefliesandgnatsofNileHaveburiedthemforprey!

MARKANTONY Iamsatisfied.CaesarsitsdowninAlexandria;whereIwillopposehisfate.OurforcebylandHathnoblyheld;oursever'dnavytooHaveknitagain,andfleet,threateningmostsea-like.Wherehastthoubeen,myheart?Dostthouhear,lady?IffromthefieldIshallreturnoncemoreTokisstheselips,Iwillappearinblood;Iandmyswordwillearnourchronicle:There'shopein'tyet.

CLEOPATRA That'smybravelord!

MARKANTONY Iwillbetreble-sinew'd,hearted,breathed,Andfightmaliciously:forwhenminehoursWereniceandlucky,mendidransomlivesOfmeforjests;butnowI'llsetmyteeth,Andsendtodarknessallthatstopme.Come,Let'shaveoneothergaudynight:calltomeAllmysadcaptains;fillourbowlsoncemore;Let'smockthemidnightbell.

CLEOPATRA Itismybirth-day:Ihadthoughttohavehelditpoor:but,sincemylordIsAntonyagain,IwillbeCleopatra.

MARKANTONY Wewillyetdowell.

CLEOPATRA Callallhisnoblecaptainstomylord.

MARKANTONY Doso,we'llspeaktothem;andto-nightI'llforceThewinepeepthroughtheirscars.Comeon,myqueen;There'ssapin'tyet.ThenexttimeIdofight,I'llmakedeathloveme;forIwillcontendEvenwithhispestilentscythe.

[ExeuntallbutDOMITIUSENOBARBUS]

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Nowhe'lloutstarethelightning.Tobefurious,

Istobefrightedoutoffear;andinthatmoodThedovewillpecktheestridge;andIseestill,Adiminutioninourcaptain'sbrainRestoreshisheart:whenvalourpreysonreason,Iteatsthesworditfightswith.IwillseekSomewaytoleavehim.

[Exit]



ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIV

SCENEI BeforeAlexandria.OCTAVIUSCAESAR'scamp.

[EnterOCTAVIUSCAESAR,AGRIPPA,andMECAENAS,withhisArmy;OCTAVIUSCAESARreadingaletter]

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Hecallsmeboy;andchides,ashehadpowerTobeatmeoutofEgypt;mymessengerHehathwhipp'dwithrods;daresmetopersonalcombat,CaesartoAntony:lettheoldruffianknowIhavemanyotherwaystodie;meantimeLaughathischallenge.

MECAENAS Caesarmustthink,Whenonesogreatbeginstorage,he'shunted

Eventofalling.Givehimnobreath,butnowMakebootofhisdistraction:neverangerMadegoodguardforitself.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR LetourbestheadsKnow,thatto-morrowthelastofmanybattlesWemeantofight:withinourfilesthereare,OfthosethatservedMarkAntonybutlate,Enoughtofetchhimin.Seeitdone:Andfeastthearmy;wehavestoretodo't,Andtheyhaveearn'dthewaste.PoorAntony!

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIV

SCENEII Alexandria.CLEOPATRA'spalace.

[EnterMARKANTONY,CLEOPATRA,DOMITIUSENOBARBUS,CHARMIAN,IRAS,ALEXAS,withothers]

MARKANTONY Hewillnotfightwithme,Domitius.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS No.

MARKANTONY Whyshouldhenot?



DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Hethinks,beingtwentytimesofbetterfortune,Heistwentymentoone.

MARKANTONY To-morrow,soldier,ByseaandlandI'llfight:orIwilllive,OrbathemydyinghonourinthebloodShallmakeitliveagain.Woo'tthoufightwell?

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS I'llstrike,andcry'Takeall.'

MARKANTONY Wellsaid;comeon.Callforthmyhouseholdservants:let'sto-nightBebounteousatourmeal.

[EnterthreeorfourServitors]

Givemethyhand,Thouhastbeenrightlyhonest;--sohastthou;--Thou,--andthou,--andthou:--youhaveservedmewell,Andkingshavebeenyourfellows.

CLEOPATRA [AsidetoDOMITIUSENOBARBUS]Whatmeansthis?

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS [AsidetoCLEOPATRA]'Tisoneofthoseodd

trickswhichsorrowshootsOutofthemind.

MARKANTONY Andthouarthonesttoo.IwishIcouldbemadesomanymen,Andallofyouclapp'duptogetherinAnAntony,thatImightdoyouserviceSogoodasyouhavedone.

All Thegodsforbid!

MARKANTONY Well,mygoodfellows,waitonmeto-night:Scantnotmycups;andmakeasmuchofme

Aswhenmineempirewasyourfellowtoo,Andsuffer'dmycommand.

CLEOPATRA [AsidetoDOMITIUSENOBARBUS]Whatdoeshemean?

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS [AsidetoCLEOPATRA]Tomakehisfollowersweep.

MARKANTONY Tendmeto-night;Maybeitistheperiodofyourduty:Haplyyoushallnotseememore;orif,Amangledshadow:perchanceto-morrowYou'llserveanothermaster.IlookonyouAsonethattakeshisleave.Minehonestfriends,

Iturnyounotaway;but,likeamasterMarriedtoyourgoodservice,staytilldeath:Tendmeto-nighttwohours,Iasknomore,Andthegodsyieldyoufor't!

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Whatmeanyou,sir,Togivethemthisdiscomfort?Look,theyweep;AndI,anass,amonion-eyed:forshame,Transformusnottowomen.



MARKANTONY Ho,ho,ho!Nowthewitchtakeme,ifImeantitthus!Gracegrowwherethosedropsfall!Myheartyfriends,Youtakemeintoodolorousasense;ForIspaketoyouforyourcomfort;diddesireyouToburnthisnightwithtorches:know,myhearts,Ihopewellofto-morrow;andwillleadyouWhereratherI'llexpectvictoriouslifeThandeathandhonour.Let'stosupper,come,Anddrownconsideration.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIV

SCENEIII Thesame.Beforethepalace.

[EntertwoSoldierstotheirguard]

FirstSoldier Brother,goodnight:to-morrowistheday.

SecondSoldier Itwilldetermineoneway:fareyouwell.Heardyouofnothingstrangeaboutthestreets?

FirstSoldier Nothing.Whatnews?

SecondSoldier Belike'tisbutarumour.Goodnighttoyou.

FirstSoldier Well,sir,goodnight.

[EntertwootherSoldiers]

SecondSoldier Soldiers,havecarefulwatch.

ThirdSoldier Andyou.Goodnight,goodnight.

[Theyplacethemselvesineverycornerofthestage]

FourthSoldier Herewe:andifto-morrowOurnavythrive,Ihaveanabsolutehope

Ourlandmenwillstandup.

ThirdSoldier 'Tisabravearmy,Andfullofpurpose.

[Musicofthehautboysasunderthestage]

FourthSoldier Peace!whatnoise?

FirstSoldier List,list!



SecondSoldier Hark!

FirstSoldier Musici'theair.

ThirdSoldier Undertheearth.

FourthSoldier Itsignswell,doesitnot?

ThirdSoldier No.

FirstSoldier Peace,Isay!Whatshouldthismean?

SecondSoldier 'TisthegodHercules,whomAntonyloved,Nowleaveshim.

FirstSoldier Walk;let'sseeifotherwatchmenDohearwhatwedo?

[Theyadvancetoanotherpost]

SecondSoldier Hownow,masters!

All [Speakingtogether]Hownow!Hownow!doyouhearthis?

FirstSoldier Ay;is'tnotstrange?

ThirdSoldier Doyouhear,masters?doyouhear?

FirstSoldier Followthenoisesofaraswehavequarter;Let'sseehowitwillgiveoff.

All Content.'Tisstrange.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIV

SCENEIV Thesame.Aroominthepalace.

[EnterMARKANTONYandCLEOPATRA,CHARMIAN,andothersattending]

MARKANTONY Eros!minearmour,Eros!

CLEOPATRA Sleepalittle.

MARKANTONY No,mychuck.Eros,come;minearmour,Eros!



[EnterEROSwitharmour]

Comegoodfellow,putmineironon:Iffortunebenotoursto-day,itisBecausewebraveher:come.

CLEOPATRA Nay,I'llhelptoo.What'sthisfor?

MARKANTONY Ah,letbe,letbe!thouartThearmourerofmyheart:false,false;this,this.

CLEOPATRA Sooth,la,I'llhelp:thusitmustbe.

MARKANTONY Well,well;Weshallthrivenow.Seestthou,mygoodfellow?Goputonthydefences.

EROS Briefly,sir.

CLEOPATRA Isnotthisbuckledwell?

MARKANTONY Rarely,rarely:Hethatunbucklesthis,tillwedoplease

Todaff'tforourrepose,shallhearastorm.Thoufumblest,Eros;andmyqueen'sasquireMoretightatthisthanthou:dispatch.Olove,Thatthoucouldstseemywarsto-day,andknew'stTheroyaloccupation!thoushouldstseeAworkmanin't.

[EnteranarmedSoldier]

Goodmorrowtothee;welcome:Thoulook'stlikehimthatknowsawarlikecharge:Tobusinessthatwelovewerisebetime,Andgoto'twithdelight.

Soldier Athousand,sir,Earlythough'tbe,haveontheirrivetedtrim,Andattheportexpectyou.

[Shout.Trumpetsflourish]

[EnterCaptainsandSoldiers]

Captain Themornisfair.Goodmorrow,general.

All Goodmorrow,general.

MARKANTONY 'Tiswellblown,lads:Thismorning,likethespiritofayouthThatmeanstobeofnote,beginsbetimes.So,so;come,givemethat:thisway;wellsaid.Faretheewell,dame,whate'erbecomesofme:Thisisasoldier'skiss:rebukeable

[Kissesher]

Andworthyshamefulchequeitwere,tostand



Onmoremechaniccompliment;I'llleavetheeNow,likeamanofsteel.Youthatwillfight,Followmeclose;I'llbringyouto't.Adieu.

[ExeuntMARKANTONY,EROS,Captains,andSoldiers]

CHARMIAN Pleaseyou,retiretoyourchamber.

CLEOPATRA Leadme.Hegoesforthgallantly.ThatheandCaesarmightDeterminethisgreatwarinsinglefight!ThenAntony,--butnow--Well,on.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIV

SCENEV Alexandria.MARKANTONY'scamp.

[Trumpetssound.EnterMARKANTONYandEROS;aSoldiermeetingthem]

Soldier ThegodsmakethisahappydaytoAntony!

MARKANTONY Wouldthouandthosethyscarshadonceprevail'dTomakemefightatland!

Soldier Hadstthoudoneso,

Thekingsthathaverevolted,andthesoldierThathasthismorningleftthee,wouldhavestillFollow'dthyheels.

MARKANTONY Who'sgonethismorning?

Soldier Who!Oneevernearthee:callforEnobarbus,Heshallnothearthee;orfromCaesar'scampSay'Iamnoneofthine.'

MARKANTONY Whatsay'stthou?

Soldier Sir,HeiswithCaesar.

EROS Sir,hischestsandtreasureHehasnotwithhim.

MARKANTONY Ishegone?

Soldier Mostcertain.



MARKANTONY Go,Eros,sendhistreasureafter;doit;Detainnojot,Ichargethee:writetohim--Iwillsubscribe--gentleadieusandgreetings;SaythatIwishheneverfindmorecauseTochangeamaster.O,myfortuneshaveCorruptedhonestmen!Dispatch.--Enobarbus!

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIV

SCENEVI Alexandria.OCTAVIUSCAESAR'scamp.

[Flourish.EnterOCTAVIUSCAESAR,AGRIPPA,withDOMITIUSENOBARBUS,andothers]

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Goforth,Agrippa,andbeginthefight:OurwillisAntonybetookalive;Makeitsoknown.

AGRIPPA Caesar,Ishall.

[Exit]

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Thetimeofuniversalpeaceisnear:Provethisaprosperousday,thethree-nook'dworldShallbeartheolivefreely.

[EnteraMessenger]

Messenger AntonyIscomeintothefield.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR GochargeAgrippaPlantthosethathaverevoltedinthevan,ThatAntonymayseemtospendhisfuryUponhimself.

[ExeuntallbutDOMITIUSENOBARBUS]

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Alexasdidrevolt;andwenttoJewryon

AffairsofAntony;theredidpersuadeGreatHerodtoinclinehimselftoCaesar,AndleavehismasterAntony:forthispainsCaesarhathhang'dhim.CanidiusandtherestThatfellawayhaveentertainment,butNohonourabletrust.Ihavedoneill;OfwhichIdoaccusemyselfsosorely,ThatIwilljoynomore.

[EnteraSoldierofCAESAR's]



Soldier Enobarbus,AntonyHathaftertheesentallthytreasure,withHisbountyoverplus:themessengerCameonmyguard;andatthytentisnowUnloadingofhismules.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Igiveityou.

Soldier Mocknot,Enobarbus.Itellyoutrue:bestyousafedthebringerOutofthehost;Imustattendmineoffice,Orwouldhavedone'tmyself.YouremperorContinuesstillaJove.

[Exit]

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Iamalonethevillainoftheearth,AndfeelIamsomost.OAntony,Thoumineofbounty,howwouldstthouhavepaidMybetterservice,whenmyturpitudeThoudostsocrownwithgold!Thisblowsmyheart:Ifswiftthoughtbreakitnot,aswiftermeanShalloutstrikethought:butthoughtwilldo't,Ifeel.

Ifightagainstthee!No:IwillgoseekSomeditchwhereintodie;thefoul'stbestfitsMylatterpartoflife.

[Exit]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIV

SCENEVII Fieldofbattlebetweenthecamps.

[Alarum.Drumsandtrumpets.EnterAGRIPPAandothers]

AGRIPPA Retire,wehaveengagedourselvestoofar:Caesarhimselfhaswork,andouroppressionExceedswhatweexpected.

[Exeunt]

[Alarums.EnterMARKANTONYandSCARUSwounded]

SCARUS Omybraveemperor,thisisfoughtindeed!Hadwedonesoatfirst,wehaddroventhemhomeWithcloutsabouttheirheads.

MARKANTONY Thoubleed'stapace.



SCARUS IhadawoundherethatwaslikeaT,Butnow'tismadeanH.

MARKANTONY Theydoretire.

SCARUS We'llbeat'emintobench-holes:IhaveyetRoomforsixscotchesmore.

[EnterEROS]

EROS Theyarebeaten,sir,andouradvantageservesForafairvictory.

SCARUS Letusscoretheirbacks,Andsnatch'emup,aswetakehares,behind:'Tissporttomaularunner.

MARKANTONY IwillrewardtheeOnceforthyspritelycomfort,andten-foldForthygoodvalour.Cometheeon.

SCARUS I'llhaltafter.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIV

SCENEVIII UnderthewallsofAlexandria.

[Alarum.EnterMARKANTONY,inamarch;SCARUS,withothers]

MARKANTONY Wehavebeathimtohiscamp:runonebefore,Andletthequeenknowofourgests.To-morrow,Beforethesunshallsee's,we'llspillthebloodThathasto-dayescaped.Ithankyouall;Fordoughty-handedareyou,andhavefoughtNotasyouservedthecause,butas'thadbeenEachman'slikemine;youhaveshownallHectors.Enterthecity,clipyourwives,yourfriends,Tellthemyourfeats;whilsttheywithjoyfultears

Washthecongealmentfromyourwounds,andkissThehonour'dgasheswhole.

[ToSCARUS]

Givemethyhand

[EnterCLEOPATRA,attended]

TothisgreatfairyI'llcommendthyacts,



Makeherthanksblessthee.

[ToCLEOPATRA]

Othoudayo'theworld,Chainminearm'dneck;leapthou,attireandall,Throughproofofharnesstomyheart,andthereRideonthepantstriumphing!

CLEOPATRA Lordoflords!Oinfinitevirtue,comestthousmilingfromTheworld'sgreatsnareuncaught?

MARKANTONY Mynightingale,Wehavebeatthemtotheirbeds.What,girl!thoughgreyDosomethingminglewithouryoungerbrown,yetha'weAbrainthatnourishesournerves,andcanGetgoalforgoalofyouth.Beholdthisman;Commenduntohislipsthyfavouringhand:Kissit,mywarrior:hehathfoughtto-dayAsifagod,inhateofmankind,hadDestroy'dinsuchashape.

CLEOPATRA I'llgivethee,friend,Anarmourallofgold;itwasaking's.

MARKANTONY Hehasdeservedit,wereitcarbuncledLikeholyPhoebus'car.Givemethyhand:ThroughAlexandriamakeajollymarch;Bearourhack'dtargetslikethementhatowethem:HadourgreatpalacethecapacityTocampthishost,weallwouldsuptogether,Anddrinkcarousestothenextday'sfate,Whichpromisesroyalperil.Trumpeters,Withbrazendinblastyouthecity'sear;Makeminglewithrattlingtabourines;

Thatheavenandearthmaystriketheirsoundstogether,Applaudingourapproach.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIV

SCENEIX OCTAVIUSCAESAR'scamp.

[Sentinelsattheirpost]

FirstSoldier Ifwebenotrelievedwithinthishour,Wemustreturntothecourtofguard:thenightIsshiny;andtheysayweshallembattle



Bythesecondhouri'themorn.

SecondSoldier ThislastdaywasAshrewdoneto's.

[EnterDOMITIUSENOBARBUS]

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS O,bearmewitness,night,--

ThirdSoldier Whatmanisthis?

SecondSoldier Standclose,andlisthim.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Bewitnesstome,Othoublessedmoon,WhenmenrevoltedshalluponrecordBearhatefulmemory,poorEnobarbusdidBeforethyfacerepent!

FirstSoldier Enobarbus!

ThirdSoldier Peace!Harkfurther.

DOMITIUSENOBARBUS Osovereignmistressoftruemelancholy,

Thepoisonousdampofnightdispongeuponme,Thatlife,averyrebeltomywill,Mayhangnolongeronme:throwmyheartAgainsttheflintandhardnessofmyfault:Which,beingdriedwithgrief,willbreaktopowder,Andfinishallfoulthoughts.OAntony,Noblerthanmyrevoltisinfamous,Forgivemeinthineownparticular;ButlettheworldrankmeinregisterAmaster-leaverandafugitive:OAntony!OAntony!

[Dies]

SecondSoldier Let'sspeakTohim.

FirstSoldier Let'shearhim,forthethingshespeaksMayconcernCaesar.

ThirdSoldier Let'sdoso.Buthesleeps.

FirstSoldier Swoonsrather;forsobadaprayerashisWasneveryetforsleep.

SecondSoldier Gowetohim.

ThirdSoldier Awake,sir,awake;speaktous.

SecondSoldier Hearyou,sir?

FirstSoldier Thehandofdeathhathraughthim.

[Drumsafaroff]

Hark!thedrumsDemurelywakethesleepers.Letusbearhim



Tothecourtofguard;heisofnote:ourhourIsfullyout.

ThirdSoldier Comeon,then;Hemayrecoveryet.

[Exeuntwiththebody]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIV

SCENEX Betweenthetwocamps.

[EnterMARKANTONYandSCARUS,withtheirArmy]

MARKANTONY Theirpreparationisto-daybysea;

Wepleasethemnotbyland.

SCARUS Forboth,mylord.

MARKANTONY Iwouldthey'ldfighti'thefireori'theair;We'ldfighttheretoo.Butthisitis;ourfootUponthehillsadjoiningtothecityShallstaywithus:orderforseaisgiven;Theyhaveputforththehaven[]Wheretheirappointmentwemaybestdiscover,Andlookontheirendeavour.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIV

SCENEXI Anotherpartofthesame.

[EnterOCTAVIUSCAESAR,andhisArmy]

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Butbeingcharged,wewillbestillbyland,Which,asItake't,weshall;forhisbestforceIsforthtomanhisgalleys.Tothevales,Andholdourbestadvantage.

[Exeunt]



ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIV

SCENEXII Anotherpartofthesame.

[EnterMARKANTONYandSCARUS]

MARKANTONY Yettheyarenotjoin'd:whereyondpinedoesstand,Ishalldiscoverall:I'llbringtheewordStraight,how'tisliketogo.

[Exit]

SCARUS SwallowshavebuiltInCleopatra'ssailstheirnests:theaugurersSaytheyknownot,theycannottell;lookgrimly,Anddarenotspeaktheirknowledge.Antony

Isvaliant,anddejected;and,bystarts,Hisfrettedfortunesgivehimhope,andfear,Ofwhathehas,andhasnot.

[Alarumafaroff,asatasea-fight]

[Re-enterMARKANTONY]

MARKANTONY Allislost;ThisfoulEgyptianhathbetrayedme:Myfleethathyieldedtothefoe;andyonderTheycasttheircapsupandcarousetogetherLikefriendslonglost.Triple-turn'dwhore!

'tisthouHastsoldmetothisnovice;andmyheartMakesonlywarsonthee.Bidthemallfly;ForwhenIamrevengeduponmycharm,Ihavedoneall.Bidthemallfly;begone.

[ExitSCARUS]

Osun,thyupriseshallIseenomore:FortuneandAntonyparthere;evenhereDoweshakehands.Allcometothis?TheheartsThatspaniel'dmeatheels,towhomIgaveTheirwishes,dodiscandy,melttheirsweets

OnblossomingCaesar;andthispineisbark'd,Thatovertopp'dthemall.Betray'dIam:OthisfalsesoulofEgypt!thisgravecharm,--Whoseeyebeck'dforthmywars,andcall'dthemhome;Whosebosomwasmycrownet,mychiefend,--Likearightgipsy,hath,atfastandloose,Beguiledmetotheveryheartofloss.What,Eros,Eros!

[EnterCLEOPATRA]



Ah,thouspell!Avaunt!

CLEOPATRA Whyismylordenragedagainsthislove?

MARKANTONY Vanish,orIshallgivetheethydeserving,AndblemishCaesar'striumph.Lethimtakethee,Andhoisttheeuptotheshoutingplebeians:Followhischariot,likethegreatestspotOfallthysex;mostmonster-like,beshownForpoor'stdiminutives,fordoits;andletPatientOctaviaploughthyvisageupWithherpreparednails.

[ExitCLEOPATRA]

'Tiswellthou'rtgone,Ifitbewelltolive;butbetter'twereThoufell'stintomyfury,foronedeathMighthavepreventedmany.Eros,ho!TheshirtofNessusisuponme:teachme,Alcides,thoumineancestor,thyrage:LetmelodgeLichasonthehornso'themoon;Andwiththosehands,thatgrasp'dtheheaviestclub,

Subduemyworthiestself.Thewitchshalldie:TotheyoungRomanboyshehathsoldme,andIfallUnderthisplot;shediesfor't.Eros,ho!

[Exit]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIV

SCENEXIII Alexandria.Cleopatra'spalace.

[EnterCLEOPATRA,CHARMIAN,IRAS,andMARDIAN]

CLEOPATRA Helpme,mywomen!O,heismoremadThanTelamonforhisshield;theboarofThessalyWasneversoemboss'd.

CHARMIAN Tothemonument!Therelockyourself,andsendhimwordyouaredead.

ThesoulandbodyrivenotmoreinpartingThangreatnessgoingoff.

CLEOPATRA Tothemonument!Mardian,gotellhimIhaveslainmyself;Say,thatthelastIspokewas'Antony,'Andwordit,prithee,piteously:hence,Mardian,Andbringmehowhetakesmydeath.Tothemonument!



[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIV

SCENEXIV Thesame.Anotherroom.

[EnterMARKANTONYandEROS]

MARKANTONY Eros,thouyetbehold'stme?

EROS Ay,noblelord.

MARKANTONY Sometimesweseeacloudthat'sdragonish;Avapoursometimelikeabearorlion,Atower'dcitadel,apendentrock,

Aforkedmountain,orbluepromontoryWithtreesupon't,thatnoduntotheworld,Andmockoureyeswithair:thouhastseenthesesigns;Theyareblackvesper'spageants.

EROS Ay,mylord,

MARKANTONY Thatwhichisnowahorse,evenwithathoughtTherackdislimns,andmakesitindistinct,Aswaterisinwater.

EROS Itdoes,mylord.

MARKANTONY MygoodknaveEros,nowthycaptainisEvensuchabody:hereIamAntony:Yetcannotholdthisvisibleshape,myknave.ImadethesewarsforEgypt:andthequeen,--WhoseheartIthoughtIhad,forshehadmine;Whichwhilstitwasminehadannex'dunto'tAmillionmore,nowlost,--she,Eros,hasPack'dcardswithCaesar,andfalse-play'dmygloryUntoanenemy'striumph.Nay,weepnot,gentleEros;thereisleftusOurselvestoendourselves.

[EnterMARDIAN]

O!thyvilelady!Shehasrobb'dmeofmysword.

MARDIAN No,Antony;Mymistresslovedthee,andherfortunesmingledWiththineentirely.

MARKANTONY Hence,saucyeunuch;peace!



Shehathbetray'dmeandshalldiethedeath.

MARDIAN Deathofonepersoncanbepaidbutonce,Andthatshehasdischarged:whatthouwouldstdoIsdoneuntothyhand:thelastshespakeWas'Antony!mostnobleAntony!'TheninthemidstatearinggroandidbreakThenameofAntony;itwasdividedBetweenherheartandlips:sherender'dlife,Thynamesoburiedinher.

MARKANTONY Dead,then?

MARDIAN Dead.

MARKANTONY Unarm,Eros;thelongday'staskisdone,Andwemustsleep.

[ToMARDIAN]

Thatthoudepart'sthencesafe,Doespaythylabourrichly;go.

[ExitMARDIAN]

Off,pluckoff:Theseven-foldshieldofAjaxcannotkeepThebatteryfrommyheart.O,cleave,mysides!Heart,oncebestrongerthanthycontinent,Crackthyfrailcase!Apace,Eros,apace.Nomoreasoldier:bruisedpieces,go;Youhavebeennoblyborne.Frommeawhile.

[ExitEROS]

Iwillo'ertakethee,Cleopatra,andWeepformypardon.Soitmustbe,fornow

Alllengthistorture:sincethetorchisout,Liedown,andstraynofarther:nowalllabourMarswhatitdoes;yea,veryforceentanglesItselfwithstrength:sealthen,andallisdone.Eros!--Icome,myqueen:--Eros!--Stayforme:Wheresoulsdocouchonflowers,we'llhandinhand,Andwithoursprightlyportmaketheghostsgaze:DidoandherAEneasshallwanttroops,Andallthehauntbeours.Come,Eros,Eros!

[Re-enterEROS]

EROS Whatwouldmylord?

MARKANTONY SinceCleopatradied,Ihavelivedinsuchdishonour,thatthegodsDetestmybaseness.I,thatwithmyswordQuarter'dtheworld,ando'ergreenNeptune'sbackWithshipsmadecities,condemnmyselftolackThecourageofawoman;lessnoblemindThanshewhichbyherdeathourCaesartells'Iamconquerorofmyself.'Thouartsworn,Eros,That,whentheexigentshouldcome,whichnow



Iscomeindeed,whenIshouldseebehindmeTheinevitableprosecutionofDisgraceandhorror,that,onmycommand,Thouthenwouldstkillme:do't;thetimeiscome:Thoustrikestnotme,'tisCaesarthoudefeat'st.Putcolourinthycheek.

EROS Thegodswithholdme!ShallIdothatwhichalltheParthiandarts,Thoughenemy,lostaim,andcouldnot?

MARKANTONY Eros,Wouldstthoubewindow'dingreatRomeandseeThymasterthuswithpleach'darms,bendingdownHiscorrigibleneck,hisfacesubduedTopenetrativeshame,whilstthewheel'dseatOffortunateCaesar,drawnbeforehim,brandedHisbasenessthatensued?

EROS Iwouldnotsee't.

MARKANTONY Come,then;forwithawoundImustbecured.Drawthatthyhonestsword,whichthouhastwornMostusefulforthycountry.

EROS O,sir,pardonme!

MARKANTONY WhenIdidmaketheefree,sworestthounotthenTodothiswhenIbadethee?Doitatonce;OrthyprecedentservicesareallButaccidentsunpurposed.Draw,andcome.

EROS Turnfromme,then,thatnoblecountenance,Whereintheworshipofthewholeworldlies.

MARKANTONY Lothee!

[Turningfromhim]

EROS Myswordisdrawn.

MARKANTONY ThenletitdoatonceThethingwhythouhastdrawnit.

EROS Mydearmaster,Mycaptain,andmyemperor,letmesay,BeforeIstrikethisbloodystroke,farewell.

MARKANTONY 'Tissaid,man;andfarewell.

EROS Farewell,greatchief.ShallIstrikenow?

MARKANTONY Now,Eros.

EROS Why,therethen:thusIdoescapethesorrowOfAntony'sdeath.

[Killshimself]

MARKANTONY Thrice-noblerthanmyself!



Thouteachestme,OvaliantEros,whatIshould,andthoucouldstnot.MyqueenandErosHavebytheirbraveinstructiongotuponmeAnoblenessinrecord:butIwillbeAbridegroominmydeath,andruninto'tAstoalover'sbed.Come,then;and,Eros,Thymasterdiesthyscholar:todothus

[Fallingonhissword]

Ilearn'dofthee.How!notdead?notdead?Theguard,ho!O,dispatchme!

[EnterDERCETASandGuard]

FirstGuard What'sthenoise?

MARKANTONY Ihavedonemyworkin,friends:O,makeanendOfwhatIhavebegun.

SecondGuard Thestarisfall'n.

FirstGuard Andtimeisathisperiod.

All Alas,andwoe!

MARKANTONY Lethimthatlovesmestrikemedead.

FirstGuard NotI.

SecondGuard NorI.

ThirdGuard Noranyone.

[ExeuntGuard]

DERCETAS Thydeathandfortunesbidthyfollowersfly.

ThisswordbutshowntoCaesar,withthistidings,Shallentermewithhim.

[EnterDIOMEDES]

DIOMEDES Where'sAntony?

DERCETAS There,Diomedthere.

DIOMEDES Liveshe?Wiltthounotanswer,man?

[ExitDERCETAS]

MARKANTONY Artthouthere,Diomed?Drawthysword,andgivemeSufficingstrokesfordeath.

DIOMEDES Mostabsolutelord,MymistressCleopatrasentmetothee.

MARKANTONY Whendidshesendthee?

DIOMEDES Now,mylord.



MARKANTONY Whereisshe?

DIOMEDES Lock'dinhermonument.ShehadaprophesyingfearOfwhathathcometopass:forwhenshesaw--Whichnevershallbefound--youdidsuspectShehaddisposedwithCaesar,andthatyourrageWouldnotbepurged,shesentyouwordshewasdead;But,fearingsincehowitmightwork,hathsentMetoproclaimthetruth;andIamcome,Idread,toolate.

MARKANTONY Toolate,goodDiomed:callmyguard,Iprithee.

DIOMEDES What,ho,theemperor'sguard!Theguard,what,ho!Come,yourlordcalls!

[EnterfourorfiveoftheGuardofMARKANTONY]

MARKANTONY Bearme,goodfriends,whereCleopatrabides;'TisthelastservicethatIshallcommandyou.

FirstGuard Woe,woearewe,sir,youmaynotlivetowearAllyourtruefollowersout.

All Mostheavyday!

MARKANTONY Nay,goodmyfellows,donotpleasesharpfateTograceitwithyoursorrows:bidthatwelcomeWhichcomestopunishus,andwepunishitSeemingtobearitlightly.Takemeup:Ihaveledyouoft:carrymenow,goodfriends,Andhavemythanksforall.

[Exeunt,bearingMARKANTONY]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTIV

SCENEXV Thesame.Amonument.

[EnterCLEOPATRAandhermaidsaloft,with

CHARMIANandIRAS]

CLEOPATRA OCharmian,Iwillnevergofromhence.

CHARMIAN Becomforted,dearmadam.

CLEOPATRA No,Iwillnot:Allstrangeandterribleeventsarewelcome,Butcomfortswedespise;oursizeofsorrow,Proportion'dtoourcause,mustbeasgreat



MARKANTONY Iamdying,Egypt,dying:Givemesomewine,andletmespeakalittle.

CLEOPATRA No,letmespeak;andletmerailsohigh,ThatthefalsehousewifeFortunebreakherwheel,Provokedbymyoffence.

MARKANTONY Oneword,sweetqueen:OfCaesarseekyourhonour,withyoursafety.O!

CLEOPATRA Theydonotgotogether.

MARKANTONY Gentle,hearme:NoneaboutCaesartrustbutProculeius.

CLEOPATRA MyresolutionandmyhandsI'lltrust;NoneaboutCaesar.

MARKANTONY ThemiserablechangenowatmyendLamentnorsorrowat;butpleaseyourthoughtsInfeedingthemwiththosemyformerfortunesWhereinIlived,thegreatestprinceo'theworld,Thenoblest;anddonownotbaselydie,

NotcowardlyputoffmyhelmettoMycountryman,--aRomanbyaRomanValiantlyvanquish'd.Nowmyspiritisgoing;Icannomore.

CLEOPATRA Noblestofmen,woo'tdie?Hastthounocareofme?shallIabideInthisdullworld,whichinthyabsenceisNobetterthanasty?O,see,mywomen,

[MARKANTONYdies]

Thecrowno'theearthdothmelt.Mylord!

O,wither'disthegarlandofthewar,Thesoldier'spoleisfall'n:youngboysandgirlsArelevelnowwithmen;theoddsisgone,AndthereisnothingleftremarkableBeneaththevisitingmoon.

[Faints]

CHARMIAN O,quietness,lady!

IRAS Sheisdeadtoo,oursovereign.

CHARMIAN Lady!

IRAS Madam!

CHARMIAN Omadam,madam,madam!

IRAS RoyalEgypt,Empress!

CHARMIAN Peace,peace,Iras!

CLEOPATRA Nomore,bute'enawoman,andcommanded



BysuchpoorpassionasthemaidthatmilksAnddoesthemeanestchares.ItwereformeTothrowmysceptreattheinjuriousgods;TotellthemthatthisworlddidequaltheirsTilltheyhadstol'nourjewel.All'sbutnaught;Patienceisscottish,andimpatiencedoesBecomeadogthat'smad:thenisitsinTorushintothesecrethouseofdeath,Eredeathdarecometous?Howdoyou,women?What,what!goodcheer!Why,hownow,Charmian!Mynoblegirls!Ah,women,women,look,Ourlampisspent,it'sout!Goodsirs,takeheart:We'llburyhim;andthen,what'sbrave,what'snoble,Let'sdoitafterthehighRomanfashion,Andmakedeathproudtotakeus.Come,away:Thiscaseofthathugespiritnowiscold:Ah,women,women!come;wehavenofriendButresolution,andthebriefestend.

[Exeunt;thoseabovebearingoffMARKANTONY'sbody]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTV

SCENEI Alexandria.OCTAVIUSCAESAR'scamp.

[EnterOCTAVIUSCAESAR,AGRIPPA,DOLABELLA,MECAENAS,GALLUS,PROCULEIUS,andothers,hiscouncilofwar]

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Gotohim,Dolabella,bidhimyield;Beingsofrustrate,tellhimhemocksThepausesthathemakes.

DOLABELLA Caesar,Ishall.

[Exit]

[EnterDERCETAS,withtheswordofMARKANTONY]

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Whereforeisthat?andwhatartthouthatdarestAppearthustous?

DERCETAS Iamcall'dDercetas;MarkAntonyIserved,whobestwasworthyBesttobeserved:whilsthestoodupandspoke,Hewasmymaster;andIworemylifeTospenduponhishaters.IfthoupleaseTotakemetothee,asIwastohimI'llbetoCaesar;ifthoupleasestnot,Iyieldtheeupmylife.



OCTAVIUSCAESAR Whatis'tthousay'st?

DERCETAS Isay,OCaesar,Antonyisdead.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR ThebreakingofsogreatathingshouldmakeAgreatercrack:theroundworldShouldhaveshooklionsintocivilstreets,Andcitizenstotheirdens:thedeathofAntonyIsnotasingledoom;inthenamelayAmoietyoftheworld.

DERCETAS Heisdead,Caesar:Notbyapublicministerofjustice,Norbyahiredknife;butthatselfhand,Whichwrithishonourintheactsitdid,Hath,withthecouragewhichtheheartdidlendit,Splittedtheheart.Thisishissword;Irobb'dhiswoundofit;beholditstain'dWithhismostnobleblood.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Lookyousad,friends?Thegodsrebukeme,butitistidingsTowashtheeyesofkings.

AGRIPPA Andstrangeitis,ThatnaturemustcompelustolamentOurmostpersisteddeeds.

MECAENAS HistaintsandhonoursWagedequalwithhim.

AGRIPPA ArarerspiritneverDidsteerhumanity:butyou,gods,willgiveusSomefaultstomakeusmen.Caesaristouch'd.

MECAENAS Whensuchaspaciousmirror'ssetbeforehim,Heneedsmustseehimself.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR OAntony!Ihavefollow'dtheetothis;butwedolanceDiseasesinourbodies:ImustperforceHaveshowntotheesuchadecliningday,Orlookonthine;wecouldnotstalltogetherInthewholeworld:butyetletmelament,Withtearsassovereignasthebloodofhearts,Thatthou,mybrother,mycompetitorIntopofalldesign,mymateinempire,Friendandcompanioninthefrontofwar,Thearmofmineownbody,andtheheartWhereminehisthoughtsdidkindle,--thatourstars,

Unreconciliable,shoulddivideOurequalnesstothis.Hearme,goodfriends--ButIwilltellyouatsomemeeterseason:

[EnteranEgyptian]

Thebusinessofthismanlooksoutofhim;We'llhearhimwhathesays.Whenceareyou?

Egyptian ApoorEgyptianyet.Thequeenmymistress,



Confinedinallshehas,hermonument,Ofthyintentsdesiresinstruction,ThatshepreparedlymayframeherselfTothewayshe'sforcedto.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Bidherhavegoodheart:Shesoonshallknowofus,bysomeofours,HowhonourableandhowkindlyweDetermineforher;forCaesarcannotliveTobeungentle.

Egyptian Sothegodspreservethee!

[Exit]

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Comehither,Proculeius.Goandsay,Wepurposehernoshame:giveherwhatcomfortsThequalityofherpassionshallrequire,Lest,inhergreatness,bysomemortalstrokeShedodefeatus;forherlifeinRomeWouldbeeternalinourtriumph:go,Andwithyourspeediestbringuswhatshesays,Andhowyoufindofher.

PROCULEIUS Caesar,Ishall.

[Exit]

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Gallus,goyoualong.

[ExitGALLUS]

Where'sDolabella,TosecondProculeius?

All Dolabella!

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Lethimalone,forIremembernowHowhe'semploy'd:heshallintimebeready.Gowithmetomytent;whereyoushallseeHowhardlyIwasdrawnintothiswar;HowcalmandgentleIproceededstillInallmywritings:gowithme,andseeWhatIcanshowinthis.

[Exeunt]

ANTONYANDCLEOPATRA

ACTV

SCENEII Alexandria.Aroominthemonument.



[EnterCLEOPATRA,CHARMIAN,andIRAS]

CLEOPATRA MydesolationdoesbegintomakeAbetterlife.'TispaltrytobeCaesar;NotbeingFortune,he'sbutFortune'sknave,Aministerofherwill:anditisgreatTodothatthingthatendsallotherdeeds;Whichshacklesaccidentsandboltsupchange;Whichsleeps,andneverpalatesmorethedug,Thebeggar'snurseandCaesar's.

[Enter,tothegatesofthemonument,PROCULEIUS,GALLUSandSoldiers]

PROCULEIUS CaesarsendsgreetingtotheQueenofEgypt;AndbidstheestudyonwhatfairdemandsThoumean'sttohavehimgrantthee.

CLEOPATRA What'sthyname?

PROCULEIUS MynameisProculeius.

CLEOPATRA AntonyDidtellmeofyou,bademetrustyou;but

Idonotgreatlycaretobedeceived,Thathavenousefortrusting.IfyourmasterWouldhaveaqueenhisbeggar,youmusttellhim,Thatmajesty,tokeepdecorum,mustNolessbegthanakingdom:ifhepleaseTogivemeconquer'dEgyptformyson,Hegivesmesomuchofmineown,asIWillkneeltohimwiththanks.

PROCULEIUS Beofgoodcheer;You'refall'nintoaprincelyhand,fearnothing:Makeyourfullreferencefreelytomylord,Whoissofullofgrace,thatitflowsover

Onallthatneed:letmereporttohimYoursweetdependency;andyoushallfindAconquerorthatwillprayinaidforkindness,Whereheforgraceiskneel'dto.

CLEOPATRA Prayyou,tellhimIamhisfortune'svassal,andIsendhimThegreatnesshehasgot.IhourlylearnAdoctrineofobedience;andwouldgladlyLookhimi'theface.

PROCULEIUS ThisI'llreport,dearlady.Havecomfort,forIknowyourplightispitied

Ofhimthatcausedit.

GALLUS Youseehoweasilyshemaybesurprised:

[HerePROCULEIUSandtwooftheGuardascendthemonumentbyaladderplacedagainstawindow,and,havingdescended,comebehindCLEOPATRA.SomeoftheGuardunbarandopenthegates]

[ToPROCULEIUSandtheGuard]



GuardhertillCaesarcome.

[Exit]

IRAS Royalqueen!

CHARMIAN OCleopatra!thouarttaken,queen:

CLEOPATRA Quick,quick,goodhands.

[Drawingadagger]

PROCULEIUS Hold,worthylady,hold:

[Seizesanddisarmsher]

Donotyourselfsuchwrong,whoareinthisRelieved,butnotbetray'd.

CLEOPATRA What,ofdeathtoo,Thatridsourdogsoflanguish?

PROCULEIUS Cleopatra,

Donotabusemymaster'sbountybyTheundoingofyourself:lettheworldseeHisnoblenesswellacted,whichyourdeathWillneverletcomeforth.

CLEOPATRA Whereartthou,death?Comehither,come!come,come,andtakeaqueenWorthymanybabesandbeggars!

PROCULEIUS O,temperance,lady!

CLEOPATRA Sir,Iwilleatnomeat,I'llnotdrink,sir;Ifidletalkwilloncebenecessary,

I'llnotsleepneither:thismortalhouseI'llruin,DoCaesarwhathecan.Know,sir,thatIWillnotwaitpinion'datyourmaster'scourt;NoroncebechastisedwiththesobereyeOfdullOctavia.ShalltheyhoistmeupAndshowmetotheshoutingvarletryOfcensuringRome?RatheraditchinEgyptBegentlegraveuntome!ratheronNilus'mudLaymestarknaked,andletthewater-fliesBlowmeintoabhorring!rathermakeMycountry'shighpyramidesmygibbet,Andhangmeupinchains!

PROCULEIUS YoudoextendThesethoughtsofhorrorfurtherthanyoushallFindcauseinCaesar.

[EnterDOLABELLA]

DOLABELLA Proculeius,WhatthouhastdonethymasterCaesarknows,Andhehathsentforthee:forthequeen,I'lltakehertomyguard.



PROCULEIUS So,Dolabella,Itshallcontentmebest:begentletoher.

[ToCLEOPATRA]

ToCaesarIwillspeakwhatyoushallplease,Ifyou'llemploymetohim.

CLEOPATRA Say,Iwoulddie.

[ExeuntPROCULEIUSandSoldiers]

DOLABELLA Mostnobleempress,youhaveheardofme?

CLEOPATRA Icannottell.

DOLABELLA Assuredlyyouknowme.

CLEOPATRA Nomatter,sir,whatIhaveheardorknown.Youlaughwhenboysorwomentelltheirdreams;Is'tnotyourtrick?

DOLABELLA Iunderstandnot,madam.

CLEOPATRA Idream'dtherewasanEmperorAntony:O,suchanothersleep,thatImightseeButsuchanotherman!

DOLABELLA Ifitmightpleaseye,--

CLEOPATRA Hisfacewasastheheavens;andthereinstuckAsunandmoon,whichkepttheircourse,andlightedThelittleO,theearth.

DOLABELLA Mostsovereigncreature,--

CLEOPATRA Hislegsbestridtheocean:hisrear'darmCrestedtheworld:hisvoicewaspropertiedAsallthetunedspheres,andthattofriends;Butwhenhemeanttoquailandshaketheorb,Hewasasrattlingthunder.Forhisbounty,Therewasnowinterin't;anautumn'twasThatgrewthemorebyreaping:hisdelightsWeredolphin-like;theyshow'dhisbackaboveTheelementtheylivedin:inhisliveryWalk'dcrownsandcrownets;realmsandislandswereAsplatesdropp'dfromhispocket.

DOLABELLA Cleopatra!

CLEOPATRA Thinkyoutherewas,ormightbe,suchamanAsthisIdream'dof?

DOLABELLA Gentlemadam,no.

CLEOPATRA Youlie,uptothehearingofthegods.But,iftherebe,oreverwere,onesuch,It'spastthesizeofdreaming:naturewantsstuff



Toviestrangeformswithfancy;yet,toimagineAndAntony,werenature'spiece'gainstfancy,Condemningshadowsquite.

DOLABELLA Hearme,goodmadam.Yourlossisasyourself,great;andyoubearitAsansweringtotheweight:wouldImightneverO'ertakepursuedsuccess,butIdofeel,Bythereboundofyours,agriefthatsmitesMyveryheartatroot.

CLEOPATRA Ithankyou,sir,KnowyouwhatCaesarmeanstodowithme?

DOLABELLA IamloathtotellyouwhatIwouldyouknew.

CLEOPATRA Nay,prayyou,sir,--

DOLABELLA Thoughhebehonourable,--

CLEOPATRA He'llleadme,then,intriumph?

DOLABELLA Madam,hewill;Iknow't.

[Flourish,andshoutwithin,'Makewaythere:OctaviusCaesar!']

[EnterOCTAVIUSCAESAR,GALLUS,PROCULEIUS,MECAENAS,SELEUCUS,andothersofhisTrain]

OCTAVIUSCAESAR WhichistheQueenofEgypt?

DOLABELLA Itistheemperor,madam.

[CLEOPATRAkneels]

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Arise,youshallnotkneel:

Iprayyou,rise;rise,Egypt.

CLEOPATRA Sir,thegodsWillhaveitthus;mymasterandmylordImustobey.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Taketoyounohardthoughts:Therecordofwhatinjuriesyoudidus,Thoughwritteninourflesh,weshallrememberAsthingsbutdonebychance.

CLEOPATRA Solesiro'theworld,Icannotprojectmineowncausesowell

Tomakeitclear;butdoconfessIhaveBeenladenwithlikefrailtieswhichbeforeHaveoftenshamedoursex.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Cleopatra,know,Wewillextenuateratherthanenforce:Ifyouapplyyourselftoourintents,Whichtowardsyouaremostgentle,youshallfindAbenefitinthischange;butifyouseekTolayonmeacruelty,bytaking



Antony'scourse,youshallbereaveyourselfOfmygoodpurposes,andputyourchildrenTothatdestructionwhichI'llguardthemfrom,Ifthereonyourely.I'lltakemyleave.

CLEOPATRA Andmay,throughalltheworld:'tisyours;andwe,Yourscutcheonsandyoursignsofconquest,shallHanginwhatplaceyouplease.Here,mygoodlord.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR YoushalladvisemeinallforCleopatra.

CLEOPATRA Thisisthebriefofmoney,plate,andjewels,Iampossess'dof:'tisexactlyvalued;Notpettythingsadmitted.Where'sSeleucus?

SELEUCUS Here,madam.

CLEOPATRA Thisismytreasurer:lethimspeak,mylord,Uponhisperil,thatIhavereservedTomyselfnothing.Speakthetruth,Seleucus.

SELEUCUS Madam,Ihadrathersealmylips,than,tomyperil,Speakthatwhichisnot.

CLEOPATRA WhathaveIkeptback?

SELEUCUS Enoughtopurchasewhatyouhavemadeknown.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Nay,blushnot,Cleopatra;IapproveYourwisdominthedeed.

CLEOPATRA See,Caesar!O,behold,Howpompisfollow'd!minewillnowbeyours;And,shouldweshiftestates,yourswouldbemine.TheingratitudeofthisSeleucusdoesEvenmakemewild:Oslave,ofnomoretrust

Thanlovethat'shired!What,goestthouback?thoushaltGoback,Iwarrantthee;butI'llcatchthineeyes,Thoughtheyhadwings:slave,soullessvillain,dog!Orarelybase!

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Goodqueen,letusentreatyou.

CLEOPATRA OCaesar,whatawoundingshameisthis,Thatthou,vouchsafingheretovisitme,DoingthehonourofthylordlinessToonesomeek,thatmineownservantshouldParcelthesumofmydisgracesbyAdditionofhisenvy!Say,goodCaesar,

ThatIsomeladytrifleshavereserved,Immomenttoys,thingsofsuchdignityAswegreetmodernfriendswithal;andsay,SomenoblertokenIhavekeptapartForLiviaandOctavia,toinduceTheirmediation;mustIbeunfoldedWithonethatIhavebred?Thegods!itsmitesmeBeneaththefallIhave.

[ToSELEUCUS]



Prithee,gohence;OrIshallshowthecindersofmyspiritsThroughtheashesofmychance:wertthouaman,Thouwouldsthavemercyonme.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Forbear,Seleucus.

[ExitSELEUCUS]

CLEOPATRA Beitknown,thatwe,thegreatest,aremisthoughtForthingsthatothersdo;and,whenwefall,Weanswerothers'meritsinourname,Arethereforetobepitied.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Cleopatra,Notwhatyouhavereserved,norwhatacknowledged,Putwei'therollofconquest:stillbe'tyours,Bestowitatyourpleasure;andbelieve,Caesar'snomerchant,tomakeprizewithyouOfthingsthatmerchantssold.Thereforebecheer'd;Makenotyourthoughtsyourprisons:no,dearqueen;ForweintendsotodisposeyouasYourselfshallgiveuscounsel.Feed,andsleep:

Ourcareandpityissomuchuponyou,Thatweremainyourfriend;andso,adieu.

CLEOPATRA Mymaster,andmylord!

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Notso.Adieu.

[Flourish.ExeuntOCTAVIUSCAESARandhistrain]

CLEOPATRA Hewordsme,girls,hewordsme,thatIshouldnotBenobletomyself:but,harkthee,Charmian.

[WhispersCHARMIAN]

IRAS Finish,goodlady;thebrightdayisdone,Andweareforthedark.

CLEOPATRA Hietheeagain:Ihavespokealready,anditisprovided;Goputittothehaste.

CHARMIAN Madam,Iwill.

[Re-enterDOLABELLA]

DOLABELLA Whereisthequeen?

CHARMIAN Behold,sir.

[Exit]

CLEOPATRA Dolabella!

DOLABELLA Madam,astheretoswornbyyourcommand,Whichmylovemakesreligiontoobey,Itellyouthis:CaesarthroughSyria



Intendshisjourney;andwithinthreedaysYouwithyourchildrenwillhesendbefore:Makeyourbestuseofthis:Ihaveperform'dYourpleasureandmypromise.

CLEOPATRA Dolabella,Ishallremainyourdebtor.

DOLABELLA Iyourservant,Adieu,goodqueen;ImustattendonCaesar.

CLEOPATRA Farewell,andthanks.

[ExitDOLABELLA]

Now,Iras,whatthink'stthou?Thou,anEgyptianpuppet,shaltbeshownInRome,aswellasI mechanicslavesWithgreasyaprons,rules,andhammers,shallUpliftustotheview;intheirthickbreaths,Rankofgrossdiet,shallbeenclouded,Andforcedtodrinktheirvapour.

IRAS Thegodsforbid!

CLEOPATRA Nay,'tismostcertain,Iras:saucylictorsWillcatchatus,likestrumpets;andscaldrhymersBalladusouto'tune:thequickcomediansExtemporallywillstageus,andpresentOurAlexandrianrevels;AntonyShallbebroughtdrunkenforth,andIshallseeSomesqueakingCleopatraboymygreatnessI'thepostureofawhore.

IRAS Othegoodgods!

CLEOPATRA Nay,that'scertain.

IRAS I'llneversee't;for,Iamsure,mynailsArestrongerthanmineeyes.

CLEOPATRA Why,that'sthewayTofooltheirpreparation,andtoconquerTheirmostabsurdintents.

[Re-enterCHARMIAN]

Now,Charmian!Showme,mywomen,likeaqueen:gofetchMybestattires:IamagainforCydnus,

TomeetMarkAntony:sirrahIras,go.Now,nobleCharmian,we'lldispatchindeed;And,whenthouhastdonethischare,I'llgivetheeleaveToplaytilldoomsday.Bringourcrownandall.Wherefore'sthisnoise?

[ExitIRAS.Anoisewithin]

[EnteraGuardsman]



Guard HereisaruralfellowThatwillnotbedeniedyourhighnesspresence:Hebringsyoufigs.

CLEOPATRA Lethimcomein.

[ExitGuardsman]

WhatpooraninstrumentMaydoanobledeed!hebringsmeliberty.Myresolution'splaced,andIhavenothingOfwomaninme:nowfromheadtofootIammarble-constant;nowthefleetingmoonNoplanetisofmine.

[Re-enterGuardsman,withClownbringinginabasket]

Guard Thisistheman.

CLEOPATRA Avoid,andleavehim.

[ExitGuardsman]

HastthoutheprettywormofNilusthere,

Thatkillsandpainsnot?

Clown Truly,Ihavehim:butIwouldnotbethepartythatshoulddesireyoutotouchhim,forhisbitingisimmortal;thosethatdodieofitdoseldomorneverrecover.

CLEOPATRA Rememberestthouanythathavediedon't?

Clown Verymany,menandwomentoo.Iheardofoneofthemnolongerthanyesterday:averyhonestwoman,butsomethinggiventolie;asawomanshouldnotdo,butinthewayofhonesty:howshediedofthe

bitingofit,whatpainshefelt:truly,shemakesaverygoodreporto'theworm;buthethatwillbelieveallthattheysay,shallneverbesavedbyhalfthattheydo:butthisismostfallible,theworm'sanoddworm.

CLEOPATRA Gettheehence;farewell.

Clown Iwishyoualljoyoftheworm.

[Settingdownhisbasket]

CLEOPATRA Farewell.

Clown Youmustthinkthis,lookyou,thatthewormwilldohiskind.

CLEOPATRA Ay,ay;farewell.

Clown Lookyou,thewormisnottobetrustedbutinthekeepingofwisepeople;for,indeed,thereisnogoodnessinworm.



CLEOPATRA Takethounocare;itshallbeheeded.

Clown Verygood.Giveitnothing,Iprayyou,foritisnotworththefeeding.

CLEOPATRA Williteatme?

Clown YoumustnotthinkIamsosimplebutIknowthedevilhimselfwillnoteatawoman:Iknowthatawomanisadishforthegods,ifthedevildresshernot.But,truly,thesesamewhoresondevilsdothegodsgreatharmintheirwomen;forineverytenthattheymake,thedevilsmarfive.

CLEOPATRA Well,gettheegone;farewell.

Clown Yes,forsooth:Iwishyoujoyo'theworm.

[Exit]

[Re-enterIRASwitharobe,crown,&c]

CLEOPATRA Givememyrobe,putonmycrown;Ihave

Immortallongingsinme:nownomoreThejuiceofEgypt'sgrapeshallmoistthislip:Yare,yare,goodIras;quick.MethinksIhearAntonycall;IseehimrousehimselfTopraisemynobleact;IhearhimmockTheluckofCaesar,whichthegodsgivemenToexcusetheirafterwrath:husband,Icome:Nowtothatnamemycourageprovemytitle!Iamfireandair;myotherelementsIgivetobaserlife.So;haveyoudone?Comethen,andtakethelastwarmthofmylips.Farewell,kindCharmian;Iras,longfarewell.

[Kissesthem.IRASfallsanddies]

HaveItheaspicinmylips?Dostfall?Ifthouandnaturecansogentlypart,Thestrokeofdeathisasalover'spinch,Whichhurts,andisdesired.Dostthouliestill?Ifthusthouvanishest,thoutell'sttheworldItisnotworthleave-taking.

CHARMIAN Dissolve,thickcloud,andrain;thatImaysay,Thegodsthemselvesdoweep!

CLEOPATRA Thisprovesmebase:

IfshefirstmeetthecurledAntony,He'llmakedemandofher,andspendthatkissWhichismyheaventohave.Come,thoumortalwretch,

[Toanasp,whichsheappliestoherbreast]

WiththysharpteeththisknotintrinsicateOflifeatonceuntie:poorvenomousfoolBeangry,anddispatch.O,couldstthouspeak,



ThatImightheartheecallgreatCaesarassUnpolicied!

CHARMIAN Oeasternstar!

CLEOPATRA Peace,peace!Dostthounotseemybabyatmybreast,Thatsucksthenurseasleep?

CHARMIAN O,break!O,break!

CLEOPATRA Assweetasbalm,assoftasair,asgentle,--OAntony!--Nay,Iwilltaketheetoo.

[Applyinganotherasptoherarm]

WhatshouldIstay--

[Dies]

CHARMIAN Inthisvileworld?So,faretheewell.Nowboastthee,death,inthypossessionliesAlassunparallel'd.Downywindows,close;AndgoldenPhoebusneverbebeheld

Ofeyesagainsoroyal!Yourcrown'sawry;I'llmendit,andthenplay.

[EntertheGuard,rushingin]

FirstGuard Whereisthequeen?

CHARMIAN Speaksoftly,wakehernot.

FirstGuard Caesarhathsent--

CHARMIAN Tooslowamessenger.

[Appliesanasp]

O,comeapace,dispatch!Ipartlyfeelthee.

FirstGuard Approach,ho!All'snotwell:Caesar'sbeguiled.

SecondGuard There'sDolabellasentfromCaesar;callhim.

FirstGuard Whatworkishere!Charmian,isthiswelldone?

CHARMIAN Itiswelldone,andfittingforaprincessDescendedofsomanyroyalkings.Ah,soldier!

[Dies]

[Re-enterDOLABELLA]

DOLABELLA Howgoesithere?

SecondGuard Alldead.

DOLABELLA Caesar,thythoughts



Touchtheireffectsinthis:thyselfartcomingToseeperform'dthedreadedactwhichthouSosought'sttohinder.

[Within'Awaythere,awayforCaesar!']

[Re-enterOCTAVIUSCAESARandallhistrainmarching]

DOLABELLA Osir,youaretoosureanaugurer;Thatyoudidfearisdone.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Bravestatthelast,Shelevell'datourpurposes,and,beingroyal,Tookherownway.Themanneroftheirdeaths?Idonotseethembleed.

DOLABELLA Whowaslastwiththem?

FirstGuard Asimplecountryman,thatbroughtherfigs:Thiswashisbasket.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Poison'd,then.

FirstGuard OCaesar,

ThisCharmianlivedbutnow;shestoodandspake:IfoundhertrimmingupthediademOnherdeadmistress;tremblinglyshestoodAndonthesuddendropp'd.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR Onobleweakness!Iftheyhadswallow'dpoison,'twouldappearByexternalswelling:butshelookslikesleep,AsshewouldcatchanotherAntonyInherstrongtoilofgrace.

DOLABELLA Here,onherbreast,Thereisaventofbloodandsomethingblown:

Thelikeisonherarm.

FirstGuard Thisisanaspic'strail:andthesefig-leavesHaveslimeuponthem,suchastheaspicleavesUponthecavesofNile.

OCTAVIUSCAESAR MostprobableThatsoshedied;forherphysiciantellsmeSh h th d l i i fi it

shakespeare - antony and cleopatra

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