Act I, Scene 1

Alexandria. A room in CLEOPATRA’s palace.

[Enter DEMETRIUS and PHILO]

• Philo. Nay, but this dotage of our general's
  O'erflows the measure: those his goodly eyes,
  That o'er the files and musters of the war
  Have glow'd like plated Mars, now bend, now turn, 5
  The office and devotion of their view
  Upon a tawny front: his captain's heart,
  Which in the scuffles of great fights hath burst
  The buckles on his breast, reneges all temper,
  And is become the bellows and the fan 10
  To cool a gipsy's lust.
  [Flourish. Enter ANTONY, CLEOPATRA, her Ladies,]
  the Train, with Eunuchs fanning her]
  Look, where they come:
  Take but good note, and you shall see in him. 15
  The triple pillar of the world transform'd
  Into a strumpet's fool: behold and see.

• Cleopatra. If it be love indeed, tell me how much.

• Antony. There's beggary in the love that can be reckon'd.

• Cleopatra. I'll set a bourn how far to be beloved. 20

• Antony. Then must thou needs find out new heaven, new earth.

[Enter an Attendant]

• Attendant. News, my good lord, from Rome.

• Antony. Grates me: the sum.

• Cleopatra. Nay, hear them, Antony: 25
  Fulvia perchance is angry; or, who knows
  If the scarce-bearded Caesar have not sent
  His powerful mandate to you, 'Do this, or this;
  Take in that kingdom, and enfranchise that;
  Perform 't, or else we damn thee.' 30

• Antony. How, my love!

• Cleopatra. Perchance! nay, and most like:
  You must not stay here longer, your dismission
  Is come from Caesar; therefore hear it, Antony.
  Where's Fulvia's process? Caesar's I would say? both? 35
  Call in the messengers. As I am Egypt's queen,
  Thou blushest, Antony; and that blood of thine
  Is Caesar's homager: else so thy cheek pays shame
  When shrill-tongued Fulvia scolds. The messengers!

• Antony. Let Rome in Tiber melt, and the wide arch 40
  Of the ranged empire fall! Here is my space.
  Kingdoms are clay: our dungy earth alike
  Feeds beast as man: the nobleness of life
  Is to do thus; when such a mutual pair
  [Embracing] 45
  And such a twain can do't, in which I bind,
  On pain of punishment, the world to weet
  We stand up peerless.

• Cleopatra. Excellent falsehood!
  Why did he marry Fulvia, and not love her? 50
  I'll seem the fool I am not; Antony
  Will be himself.

• Antony. But stirr'd by Cleopatra.
  Now, for the love of Love and her soft hours,
  Let's not confound the time with conference harsh: 55
  There's not a minute of our lives should stretch
  Without some pleasure now. What sport tonight?

• Cleopatra. Hear the ambassadors.

• Antony. Fie, wrangling queen!
  Whom every thing becomes, to chide, to laugh, 60
  To weep; whose every passion fully strives
  To make itself, in thee, fair and admired!
  No messenger, but thine; and all alone
  To-night we'll wander through the streets and note
  The qualities of people. Come, my queen; 65
  Last night you did desire it: speak not to us.
  [Exeunt MARK ANTONY and CLEOPATRA with]
  their train]

• Demetrius. Is Caesar with Antonius prized so slight?

• Philo. Sir, sometimes, when he is not Antony, 70
  He comes too short of that great property
  Which still should go with Antony.

• Demetrius. I am full sorry
  That he approves the common liar, who
  Thus speaks of him at Rome: but I will hope 75
  Of better deeds to-morrow. Rest you happy!

[Exeunt]

Act I, Scene 2

The same. Another room.

[Enter CHARMIAN, IRAS, ALEXAS, and a Soothsayer]

• Charmian. Lord Alexas, sweet Alexas, most any thing Alexas,
  almost most absolute Alexas, where's the soothsayer 80
  that you praised so to the queen? O, that I knew
  this husband, which, you say, must charge his horns
  with garlands!

• Alexas. Soothsayer!

• Soothsayer. Your will? 85

• Charmian. Is this the man? Is't you, sir, that know things?

• Soothsayer. In nature's infinite book of secrecy
  A little I can read.

• Alexas. Show him your hand.

[Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]

• Domitius Enobarus. Bring in the banquet quickly; wine enough
  Cleopatra's health to drink.

• Charmian. Good sir, give me good fortune.

• Soothsayer. I make not, but foresee.

• Charmian. Pray, then, foresee me one. 95

• Soothsayer. You shall be yet far fairer than you are.

• Charmian. He means in flesh.

• Iras. No, you shall paint when you are old.

• Charmian. Wrinkles forbid!

• Alexas. Vex not his prescience; be attentive. 100

• Charmian. Hush!

• Soothsayer. You shall be more beloving than beloved.

• Charmian. I had rather heat my liver with drinking.

• Alexas. Nay, hear him.

• Charmian. Good now, some excellent fortune! Let me be married 105
  to three kings in a forenoon, and widow them all:
  let me have a child at fifty, to whom Herod of Jewry
  may do homage: find me to marry me with Octavius
  Caesar, and companion me with my mistress.

• Soothsayer. You shall outlive the lady whom you serve. 110

• Charmian. O excellent! I love long life better than figs.

• Soothsayer. You have seen and proved a fairer former fortune
  Than that which is to approach.

• Charmian. Then belike my children shall have no names:
  prithee, how many boys and wenches must I have? 115

• Soothsayer. If every of your wishes had a womb.
  And fertile every wish, a million.

• Charmian. Out, fool! I forgive thee for a witch.

• Alexas. You think none but your sheets are privy to your wishes.

• Charmian. Nay, come, tell Iras hers. 120

• Alexas. We'll know all our fortunes.

• Domitius Enobarus. Mine, and most of our fortunes, to-night, shall
  be—drunk to bed.

• Iras. There's a palm presages chastity, if nothing else.

• Charmian. E'en as the o'erflowing Nilus presageth famine. 125

• Iras. Go, you wild bedfellow, you cannot soothsay.

• Charmian. Nay, if an oily palm be not a fruitful
  prognostication, I cannot scratch mine ear. Prithee,
  tell her but a worky-day fortune.

• Soothsayer. Your fortunes are alike. 130

• Iras. But how, but how? give me particulars.

• Soothsayer. I have said.

• Iras. Am I not an inch of fortune better than she?

• Charmian. Well, if you were but an inch of fortune better than
  I, where would you choose it? 135

• Iras. Not in my husband's nose.

• Charmian. Our worser thoughts heavens mend! Alexas,—come,
  his fortune, his fortune! O, let him marry a woman
  that cannot go, sweet Isis, I beseech thee! and let
  her die too, and give him a worse! and let worst 140
  follow worse, till the worst of all follow him
  laughing to his grave, fifty-fold a cuckold! Good
  Isis, hear me this prayer, though thou deny me a
  matter of more weight; good Isis, I beseech thee!

• Iras. Amen. Dear goddess, hear that prayer of the people! 145
  for, as it is a heartbreaking to see a handsome man
  loose-wived, so it is a deadly sorrow to behold a
  foul knave uncuckolded: therefore, dear Isis, keep
  decorum, and fortune him accordingly!

• Charmian. Amen. 150

• Alexas. Lo, now, if it lay in their hands to make me a
  cuckold, they would make themselves whores, but
  they'ld do't!

• Domitius Enobarus. Hush! here comes Antony.

• Charmian. Not he; the queen. 155

[Enter CLEOPATRA]

• Cleopatra. Saw you my lord?

• Domitius Enobarus. No, lady.

• Cleopatra. Was he not here?

• Charmian. No, madam. 160

• Cleopatra. He was disposed to mirth; but on the sudden
  A Roman thought hath struck him. Enobarbus!

• Domitius Enobarus. Madam?

• Cleopatra. Seek him, and bring him hither.
  Where's Alexas? 165

• Alexas. Here, at your service. My lord approaches.

• Cleopatra. We will not look upon him: go with us.

[Exeunt]

[Enter MARK ANTONY with a Messenger and Attendants]

• Messenger. Fulvia thy wife first came into the field. 170

• Antony. Against my brother Lucius?

• Messenger. Ay:
  But soon that war had end, and the time's state
  Made friends of them, joining their force 'gainst Caesar;
  Whose better issue in the war, from Italy, 175
  Upon the first encounter, drave them.

• Antony. Well, what worst?

• Messenger. The nature of bad news infects the teller.

• Antony. When it concerns the fool or coward. On:
  Things that are past are done with me. 'Tis thus: 180
  Who tells me true, though in his tale lie death,
  I hear him as he flatter'd.

• Messenger. Labienus—
  This is stiff news—hath, with his Parthian force,
  Extended Asia from Euphrates; 185
  His conquering banner shook from Syria
  To Lydia and to Ionia; Whilst—

• Antony. Antony, thou wouldst say,—

• Messenger. O, my lord!

• Antony. Speak to me home, mince not the general tongue: 190
  Name Cleopatra as she is call'd in Rome;
  Rail thou in Fulvia's phrase; and taunt my faults
  With such full licence as both truth and malice
  Have power to utter. O, then we bring forth weeds,
  When our quick minds lie still; and our ills told us 195
  Is as our earing. Fare thee well awhile.

• Messenger. At your noble pleasure.

[Exit]

• Antony. From Sicyon, ho, the news! Speak there!

• First Attendant. The man from Sicyon,—is there such an one? 200

• Second Attendant. He stays upon your will.

• Antony. Let him appear.
  These strong Egyptian fetters I must break,
  Or lose myself in dotage.
  [Enter another Messenger] 205
  What are you?

• Second Messenger. Fulvia thy wife is dead.

• Antony. Where died she?

• Second Messenger. In Sicyon:
  Her length of sickness, with what else more serious 210
  Importeth thee to know, this bears.

[Gives a letter]

• Antony. Forbear me.
  [Exit Second Messenger]
  There's a great spirit gone! Thus did I desire it: 215
  What our contempt doth often hurl from us,
  We wish it ours again; the present pleasure,
  By revolution lowering, does become
  The opposite of itself: she's good, being gone;
  The hand could pluck her back that shoved her on. 220
  I must from this enchanting queen break off:
  Ten thousand harms, more than the ills I know,
  My idleness doth hatch. How now! Enobarbus!

[Re-enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]

• Domitius Enobarus. What's your pleasure, sir? 225

• Antony. I must with haste from hence.

• Domitius Enobarus. Why, then, we kill all our women:
  we see how mortal an unkindness is to them;
  if they suffer our departure, death's the word.

• Antony. I must be gone. 230

• Domitius Enobarus. Under a compelling occasion, let women die; it were
  pity to cast them away for nothing; though, between
  them and a great cause, they should be esteemed
  nothing. Cleopatra, catching but the least noise of
  this, dies instantly; I have seen her die twenty 235
  times upon far poorer moment: I do think there is
  mettle in death, which commits some loving act upon
  her, she hath such a celerity in dying.

• Antony. She is cunning past man's thought.

[Exit ALEXAS]

• Domitius Enobarus. Alack, sir, no; her passions are made of nothing but
  the finest part of pure love: we cannot call her
  winds and waters sighs and tears; they are greater
  storms and tempests than almanacs can report: this
  cannot be cunning in her; if it be, she makes a 245
  shower of rain as well as Jove.

• Antony. Would I had never seen her.

• Domitius Enobarus. O, sir, you had then left unseen a wonderful piece
  of work; which not to have been blest withal would
  have discredited your travel. 250

• Antony. Fulvia is dead.

• Domitius Enobarus. Sir?

• Antony. Fulvia is dead.

• Domitius Enobarus. Fulvia!

• Antony. Dead. 255

• Domitius Enobarus. Why, sir, give the gods a thankful sacrifice. When
  it pleaseth their deities to take the wife of a man
  from him, it shows to man the tailors of the earth;
  comforting therein, that when old robes are worn
  out, there are members to make new. If there were 260
  no more women but Fulvia, then had you indeed a cut,
  and the case to be lamented: this grief is crowned
  with consolation; your old smock brings forth a new
  petticoat: and indeed the tears live in an onion
  that should water this sorrow. 265

• Antony. The business she hath broached in the state
  Cannot endure my absence.

• Domitius Enobarus. And the business you have broached here cannot be
  without you; especially that of Cleopatra's, which
  wholly depends on your abode. 270

• Antony. No more light answers. Let our officers
  Have notice what we purpose. I shall break
  The cause of our expedience to the queen,
  And get her leave to part. For not alone
  The death of Fulvia, with more urgent touches, 275
  Do strongly speak to us; but the letters too
  Of many our contriving friends in Rome
  Petition us at home: Sextus Pompeius
  Hath given the dare to Caesar, and commands
  The empire of the sea: our slippery people, 280
  Whose love is never link'd to the deserver
  Till his deserts are past, begin to throw
  Pompey the Great and all his dignities
  Upon his son; who, high in name and power,
  Higher than both in blood and life, stands up 285
  For the main soldier: whose quality, going on,
  The sides o' the world may danger: much is breeding,
  Which, like the courser's hair, hath yet but life,
  And not a serpent's poison. Say, our pleasure,
  To such whose place is under us, requires 290
  Our quick remove from hence.

• Domitius Enobarus. I shall do't.

[Exeunt]

Act I, Scene 3

The same. Another room.

[Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and ALEXAS]

• Cleopatra. Where is he? 295

• Charmian. I did not see him since.

• Cleopatra. See where he is, who's with him, what he does:
  I did not send you: if you find him sad,
  Say I am dancing; if in mirth, report
  That I am sudden sick: quick, and return. 300

[Exit ALEXAS]

• Charmian. Madam, methinks, if you did love him dearly,
  You do not hold the method to enforce
  The like from him.

• Cleopatra. What should I do, I do not? 305

• Charmian. In each thing give him way, cross him nothing.

• Cleopatra. Thou teachest like a fool; the way to lose him.

• Charmian. Tempt him not so too far; I wish, forbear:
  In time we hate that which we often fear.
  But here comes Antony. 310

[Enter MARK ANTONY]

• Cleopatra. I am sick and sullen.

• Antony. I am sorry to give breathing to my purpose,—

• Cleopatra. Help me away, dear Charmian; I shall fall:
  It cannot be thus long, the sides of nature 315
  Will not sustain it.

• Antony. Now, my dearest queen,—

• Cleopatra. Pray you, stand further from me.

• Antony. What's the matter?

• Cleopatra. I know, by that same eye, there's some good news. 320
  What says the married woman? You may go:
  Would she had never given you leave to come!
  Let her not say 'tis I that keep you here:
  I have no power upon you; hers you are.

• Antony. The gods best know,— 325

• Cleopatra. O, never was there queen
  So mightily betray'd! yet at the first
  I saw the treasons planted.

• Antony. Cleopatra,—

• Cleopatra. Why should I think you can be mine and true, 330
  Though you in swearing shake the throned gods,
  Who have been false to Fulvia? Riotous madness,
  To be entangled with those mouth-made vows,
  Which break themselves in swearing!

• Antony. Most sweet queen,— 335

• Cleopatra. Nay, pray you, seek no colour for your going,
  But bid farewell, and go: when you sued staying,
  Then was the time for words: no going then;
  Eternity was in our lips and eyes,
  Bliss in our brows' bent; none our parts so poor, 340
  But was a race of heaven: they are so still,
  Or thou, the greatest soldier of the world,
  Art turn'd the greatest liar.

• Antony. How now, lady!

• Cleopatra. I would I had thy inches; thou shouldst know 345
  There were a heart in Egypt.

• Antony. Hear me, queen:
  The strong necessity of time commands
  Our services awhile; but my full heart
  Remains in use with you. Our Italy 350
  Shines o'er with civil swords: Sextus Pompeius
  Makes his approaches to the port of Rome:
  Equality of two domestic powers
  Breed scrupulous faction: the hated, grown to strength,
  Are newly grown to love: the condemn'd Pompey, 355
  Rich in his father's honour, creeps apace,
  Into the hearts of such as have not thrived
  Upon the present state, whose numbers threaten;
  And quietness, grown sick of rest, would purge
  By any desperate change: my more particular, 360
  And that which most with you should safe my going,
  Is Fulvia's death.

• Cleopatra. Though age from folly could not give me freedom,
  It does from childishness: can Fulvia die?

• Antony. She's dead, my queen: 365
  Look here, and at thy sovereign leisure read
  The garboils she awaked; at the last, best:
  See when and where she died.

• Cleopatra. O most false love!
  Where be the sacred vials thou shouldst fill 370
  With sorrowful water? Now I see, I see,
  In Fulvia's death, how mine received shall be.

• Antony. Quarrel no more, but be prepared to know
  The purposes I bear; which are, or cease,
  As you shall give the advice. By the fire 375
  That quickens Nilus' slime, I go from hence
  Thy soldier, servant; making peace or war
  As thou affect'st.

• Cleopatra. Cut my lace, Charmian, come;
  But let it be: I am quickly ill, and well, 380
  So Antony loves.

• Antony. My precious queen, forbear;
  And give true evidence to his love, which stands
  An honourable trial.

• Cleopatra. So Fulvia told me. 385
  I prithee, turn aside and weep for her,
  Then bid adieu to me, and say the tears
  Belong to Egypt: good now, play one scene
  Of excellent dissembling; and let it look
  Life perfect honour. 390

• Antony. You'll heat my blood: no more.

• Cleopatra. You can do better yet; but this is meetly.

• Antony. Now, by my sword,—

• Cleopatra. And target. Still he mends;
  But this is not the best. Look, prithee, Charmian, 395
  How this Herculean Roman does become
  The carriage of his chafe.

• Antony. I'll leave you, lady.

• Cleopatra. Courteous lord, one word.
  Sir, you and I must part, but that's not it: 400
  Sir, you and I have loved, but there's not it;
  That you know well: something it is I would,
  O, my oblivion is a very Antony,
  And I am all forgotten.

• Antony. But that your royalty 405
  Holds idleness your subject, I should take you
  For idleness itself.

• Cleopatra. 'Tis sweating labour
  To bear such idleness so near the heart
  As Cleopatra this. But, sir, forgive me; 410
  Since my becomings kill me, when they do not
  Eye well to you: your honour calls you hence;
  Therefore be deaf to my unpitied folly.
  And all the gods go with you! upon your sword
  Sit laurel victory! and smooth success 415
  Be strew'd before your feet!

• Antony. Let us go. Come;
  Our separation so abides, and flies,
  That thou, residing here, go'st yet with me,
  And I, hence fleeting, here remain with thee. Away! 420

[Exeunt]

Act I, Scene 4

Rome. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s house.

[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, reading a letter, LEPIDUS,] [p]and their Train]

• Octavius. You may see, Lepidus, and henceforth know,
  It is not Caesar's natural vice to hate 425
  Our great competitor: from Alexandria
  This is the news: he fishes, drinks, and wastes
  The lamps of night in revel; is not more man-like
  Than Cleopatra; nor the queen of Ptolemy
  More womanly than he; hardly gave audience, or 430
  Vouchsafed to think he had partners: you shall find there
  A man who is the abstract of all faults
  That all men follow.

• Lepidus. I must not think there are
  Evils enow to darken all his goodness: 435
  His faults in him seem as the spots of heaven,
  More fiery by night's blackness; hereditary,
  Rather than purchased; what he cannot change,
  Than what he chooses.

• Octavius. You are too indulgent. Let us grant, it is not 440
  Amiss to tumble on the bed of Ptolemy;
  To give a kingdom for a mirth; to sit
  And keep the turn of tippling with a slave;
  To reel the streets at noon, and stand the buffet
  With knaves that smell of sweat: say this 445
  becomes him,—
  As his composure must be rare indeed
  Whom these things cannot blemish,—yet must Antony
  No way excuse his soils, when we do bear
  So great weight in his lightness. If he fill'd 450
  His vacancy with his voluptuousness,
  Full surfeits, and the dryness of his bones,
  Call on him for't: but to confound such time,
  That drums him from his sport, and speaks as loud
  As his own state and ours,—'tis to be chid 455
  As we rate boys, who, being mature in knowledge,
  Pawn their experience to their present pleasure,
  And so rebel to judgment.

[Enter a Messenger]

• Lepidus. Here's more news. 460

• Messenger. Thy biddings have been done; and every hour,
  Most noble Caesar, shalt thou have report
  How 'tis abroad. Pompey is strong at sea;
  And it appears he is beloved of those
  That only have fear'd Caesar: to the ports 465
  The discontents repair, and men's reports
  Give him much wrong'd.

• Octavius. I should have known no less.
  It hath been taught us from the primal state,
  That he which is was wish'd until he were; 470
  And the ebb'd man, ne'er loved till ne'er worth love,
  Comes dear'd by being lack'd. This common body,
  Like to a vagabond flag upon the stream,
  Goes to and back, lackeying the varying tide,
  To rot itself with motion. 475

• Messenger. Caesar, I bring thee word,
  Menecrates and Menas, famous pirates,
  Make the sea serve them, which they ear and wound
  With keels of every kind: many hot inroads
  They make in Italy; the borders maritime 480
  Lack blood to think on't, and flush youth revolt:
  No vessel can peep forth, but 'tis as soon
  Taken as seen; for Pompey's name strikes more
  Than could his war resisted.

• Octavius. Antony, 485
  Leave thy lascivious wassails. When thou once
  Wast beaten from Modena, where thou slew'st
  Hirtius and Pansa, consuls, at thy heel
  Did famine follow; whom thou fought'st against,
  Though daintily brought up, with patience more 490
  Than savages could suffer: thou didst drink
  The stale of horses, and the gilded puddle
  Which beasts would cough at: thy palate then did deign
  The roughest berry on the rudest hedge;
  Yea, like the stag, when snow the pasture sheets, 495
  The barks of trees thou browsed'st; on the Alps
  It is reported thou didst eat strange flesh,
  Which some did die to look on: and all this—
  It wounds thine honour that I speak it now—
  Was borne so like a soldier, that thy cheek 500
  So much as lank'd not.

• Lepidus. 'Tis pity of him.

• Octavius. Let his shames quickly
  Drive him to Rome: 'tis time we twain
  Did show ourselves i' the field; and to that end 505
  Assemble we immediate council: Pompey
  Thrives in our idleness.

• Lepidus. To-morrow, Caesar,
  I shall be furnish'd to inform you rightly
  Both what by sea and land I can be able 510
  To front this present time.

• Octavius. Till which encounter,
  It is my business too. Farewell.

• Lepidus. Farewell, my lord: what you shall know meantime
  Of stirs abroad, I shall beseech you, sir, 515
  To let me be partaker.

• Octavius. Doubt not, sir;
  I knew it for my bond.

[Exeunt]

Act I, Scene 5

Alexandria. CLEOPATRA’s palace.

[Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and MARDIAN]

• Cleopatra. Charmian!

• Charmian. Madam?

• Cleopatra. Ha, ha!
  Give me to drink mandragora.

• Charmian. Why, madam? 525

• Cleopatra. That I might sleep out this great gap of time
  My Antony is away.

• Charmian. You think of him too much.

• Cleopatra. O, 'tis treason!

• Charmian. Madam, I trust, not so. 530

• Cleopatra. Thou, eunuch Mardian!

• Mardian. What's your highness' pleasure?

• Cleopatra. Not now to hear thee sing; I take no pleasure
  In aught an eunuch has: 'tis well for thee,
  That, being unseminar'd, thy freer thoughts 535
  May not fly forth of Egypt. Hast thou affections?

• Mardian. Yes, gracious madam.

• Cleopatra. Indeed!

• Mardian. Not in deed, madam; for I can do nothing
  But what indeed is honest to be done: 540
  Yet have I fierce affections, and think
  What Venus did with Mars.

• Cleopatra. O Charmian,
  Where think'st thou he is now? Stands he, or sits he?
  Or does he walk? or is he on his horse? 545
  O happy horse, to bear the weight of Antony!
  Do bravely, horse! for wot'st thou whom thou movest?
  The demi-Atlas of this earth, the arm
  And burgonet of men. He's speaking now,
  Or murmuring 'Where's my serpent of old Nile?' 550
  For so he calls me: now I feed myself
  With most delicious poison. Think on me,
  That am with Phoebus' amorous pinches black,
  And wrinkled deep in time? Broad-fronted Caesar,
  When thou wast here above the ground, I was 555
  A morsel for a monarch: and great Pompey
  Would stand and make his eyes grow in my brow;
  There would he anchor his aspect and die
  With looking on his life.

[Enter ALEXAS, from OCTAVIUS CAESAR]

• Alexas. Sovereign of Egypt, hail!

• Cleopatra. How much unlike art thou Mark Antony!
  Yet, coming from him, that great medicine hath
  With his tinct gilded thee.
  How goes it with my brave Mark Antony? 565

• Alexas. Last thing he did, dear queen,
  He kiss'd,—the last of many doubled kisses,—
  This orient pearl. His speech sticks in my heart.

• Cleopatra. Mine ear must pluck it thence.

• Alexas. 'Good friend,' quoth he, 570
  'Say, the firm Roman to great Egypt sends
  This treasure of an oyster; at whose foot,
  To mend the petty present, I will piece
  Her opulent throne with kingdoms; all the east,
  Say thou, shall call her mistress.' So he nodded, 575
  And soberly did mount an arm-gaunt steed,
  Who neigh'd so high, that what I would have spoke
  Was beastly dumb'd by him.

• Cleopatra. What, was he sad or merry?

• Alexas. Like to the time o' the year between the extremes 580
  Of hot and cold, he was nor sad nor merry.

• Cleopatra. O well-divided disposition! Note him,
  Note him good Charmian, 'tis the man; but note him:
  He was not sad, for he would shine on those
  That make their looks by his; he was not merry, 585
  Which seem'd to tell them his remembrance lay
  In Egypt with his joy; but between both:
  O heavenly mingle! Be'st thou sad or merry,
  The violence of either thee becomes,
  So does it no man else. Met'st thou my posts? 590

• Alexas. Ay, madam, twenty several messengers:
  Why do you send so thick?

• Cleopatra. Who's born that day
  When I forget to send to Antony,
  Shall die a beggar. Ink and paper, Charmian. 595
  Welcome, my good Alexas. Did I, Charmian,
  Ever love Caesar so?

• Charmian. O that brave Caesar!

• Cleopatra. Be choked with such another emphasis!
  Say, the brave Antony. 600

• Charmian. The valiant Caesar!

• Cleopatra. By Isis, I will give thee bloody teeth,
  If thou with Caesar paragon again
  My man of men.

• Charmian. By your most gracious pardon, 605
  I sing but after you.

• Cleopatra. My salad days,
  When I was green in judgment: cold in blood,
  To say as I said then! But, come, away;
  Get me ink and paper: 610
  He shall have every day a several greeting,
  Or I'll unpeople Egypt.

[Exeunt]

Act II, Scene 1

Messina. POMPEY’s house.

[Enter POMPEY, MENECRATES, and MENAS, in] [p]warlike manner]

• Pompey. If the great gods be just, they shall assist
  The deeds of justest men.

• Menecrates. Know, worthy Pompey,
  That what they do delay, they not deny.

• Pompey. Whiles we are suitors to their throne, decays 620
  The thing we sue for.

• Menecrates. We, ignorant of ourselves,
  Beg often our own harms, which the wise powers
  Deny us for our good; so find we profit
  By losing of our prayers. 625

• Pompey. I shall do well:
  The people love me, and the sea is mine;
  My powers are crescent, and my auguring hope
  Says it will come to the full. Mark Antony
  In Egypt sits at dinner, and will make 630
  No wars without doors: Caesar gets money where
  He loses hearts: Lepidus flatters both,
  Of both is flatter'd; but he neither loves,
  Nor either cares for him.

• Menas. Caesar and Lepidus 635
  Are in the field: a mighty strength they carry.

• Pompey. Where have you this? 'tis false.

• Menas. From Silvius, sir.

• Pompey. He dreams: I know they are in Rome together,
  Looking for Antony. But all the charms of love, 640
  Salt Cleopatra, soften thy waned lip!
  Let witchcraft join with beauty, lust with both!
  Tie up the libertine in a field of feasts,
  Keep his brain fuming; Epicurean cooks
  Sharpen with cloyless sauce his appetite; 645
  That sleep and feeding may prorogue his honour
  Even till a Lethe'd dulness!
  [Enter VARRIUS]
  How now, Varrius!

• Varrius. This is most certain that I shall deliver: 650
  Mark Antony is every hour in Rome
  Expected: since he went from Egypt 'tis
  A space for further travel.

• Pompey. I could have given less matter
  A better ear. Menas, I did not think 655
  This amorous surfeiter would have donn'd his helm
  For such a petty war: his soldiership
  Is twice the other twain: but let us rear
  The higher our opinion, that our stirring
  Can from the lap of Egypt's widow pluck 660
  The ne'er-lust-wearied Antony.

• Menas. I cannot hope
  Caesar and Antony shall well greet together:
  His wife that's dead did trespasses to Caesar;
  His brother warr'd upon him; although, I think, 665
  Not moved by Antony.

• Pompey. I know not, Menas,
  How lesser enmities may give way to greater.
  Were't not that we stand up against them all,
  'Twere pregnant they should square between 670
  themselves;
  For they have entertained cause enough
  To draw their swords: but how the fear of us
  May cement their divisions and bind up
  The petty difference, we yet not know. 675
  Be't as our gods will have't! It only stands
  Our lives upon to use our strongest hands.
  Come, Menas.

[Exeunt]

Act II, Scene 2

Rome. The house of LEPIDUS.

[Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS and LEPIDUS]

• Lepidus. Good Enobarbus, 'tis a worthy deed,
  And shall become you well, to entreat your captain
  To soft and gentle speech.

• Domitius Enobarus. I shall entreat him
  To answer like himself: if Caesar move him, 685
  Let Antony look over Caesar's head
  And speak as loud as Mars. By Jupiter,
  Were I the wearer of Antonius' beard,
  I would not shave't to-day.

• Lepidus. 'Tis not a time 690
  For private stomaching.

• Domitius Enobarus. Every time
  Serves for the matter that is then born in't.

• Lepidus. But small to greater matters must give way.

• Domitius Enobarus. Not if the small come first. 695

• Lepidus. Your speech is passion:
  But, pray you, stir no embers up. Here comes
  The noble Antony.

[Enter MARK ANTONY and VENTIDIUS]

• Domitius Enobarus. And yonder, Caesar. 700

[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, MECAENAS, and AGRIPPA]

• Antony. If we compose well here, to Parthia:
  Hark, Ventidius.

• Octavius. I do not know,
  Mecaenas; ask Agrippa. 705

• Lepidus. Noble friends,
  That which combined us was most great, and let not
  A leaner action rend us. What's amiss,
  May it be gently heard: when we debate
  Our trivial difference loud, we do commit 710
  Murder in healing wounds: then, noble partners,
  The rather, for I earnestly beseech,
  Touch you the sourest points with sweetest terms,
  Nor curstness grow to the matter.

• Antony. 'Tis spoken well. 715
  Were we before our armies, and to fight.
  I should do thus.

[Flourish]

• Octavius. Welcome to Rome.

• Antony. Thank you. 720

• Octavius. Sit.

• Antony. Sit, sir.

• Octavius. Nay, then.

• Antony. I learn, you take things ill which are not so,
  Or being, concern you not. 725

• Octavius. I must be laugh'd at,
  If, or for nothing or a little, I
  Should say myself offended, and with you
  Chiefly i' the world; more laugh'd at, that I should
  Once name you derogately, when to sound your name 730
  It not concern'd me.

• Antony. My being in Egypt, Caesar,
  What was't to you?

• Octavius. No more than my residing here at Rome
  Might be to you in Egypt: yet, if you there 735
  Did practise on my state, your being in Egypt
  Might be my question.

• Antony. How intend you, practised?

• Octavius. You may be pleased to catch at mine intent
  By what did here befal me. Your wife and brother 740
  Made wars upon me; and their contestation
  Was theme for you, you were the word of war.

• Antony. You do mistake your business; my brother never
  Did urge me in his act: I did inquire it;
  And have my learning from some true reports, 745
  That drew their swords with you. Did he not rather
  Discredit my authority with yours;
  And make the wars alike against my stomach,
  Having alike your cause? Of this my letters
  Before did satisfy you. If you'll patch a quarrel, 750
  As matter whole you have not to make it with,
  It must not be with this.

• Octavius. You praise yourself
  By laying defects of judgment to me; but
  You patch'd up your excuses. 755

• Antony. Not so, not so;
  I know you could not lack, I am certain on't,
  Very necessity of this thought, that I,
  Your partner in the cause 'gainst which he fought,
  Could not with graceful eyes attend those wars 760
  Which fronted mine own peace. As for my wife,
  I would you had her spirit in such another:
  The third o' the world is yours; which with a snaffle
  You may pace easy, but not such a wife.

• Domitius Enobarus. Would we had all such wives, that the men might go 765
  to wars with the women!

• Antony. So much uncurbable, her garboils, Caesar
  Made out of her impatience, which not wanted
  Shrewdness of policy too, I grieving grant
  Did you too much disquiet: for that you must 770
  But say, I could not help it.

• Octavius. I wrote to you
  When rioting in Alexandria; you
  Did pocket up my letters, and with taunts
  Did gibe my missive out of audience. 775

• Antony. Sir,
  He fell upon me ere admitted: then
  Three kings I had newly feasted, and did want
  Of what I was i' the morning: but next day
  I told him of myself; which was as much 780
  As to have ask'd him pardon. Let this fellow
  Be nothing of our strife; if we contend,
  Out of our question wipe him.

• Octavius. You have broken
  The article of your oath; which you shall never 785
  Have tongue to charge me with.

• Lepidus. Soft, Caesar!

• Antony. No,
  Lepidus, let him speak:
  The honour is sacred which he talks on now, 790
  Supposing that I lack'd it. But, on, Caesar;
  The article of my oath.

• Octavius. To lend me arms and aid when I required them;
  The which you both denied.

• Antony. Neglected, rather; 795
  And then when poison'd hours had bound me up
  From mine own knowledge. As nearly as I may,
  I'll play the penitent to you: but mine honesty
  Shall not make poor my greatness, nor my power
  Work without it. Truth is, that Fulvia, 800
  To have me out of Egypt, made wars here;
  For which myself, the ignorant motive, do
  So far ask pardon as befits mine honour
  To stoop in such a case.

• Lepidus. 'Tis noble spoken. 805

• Mecaenas. If it might please you, to enforce no further
  The griefs between ye: to forget them quite
  Were to remember that the present need
  Speaks to atone you.

• Lepidus. Worthily spoken, Mecaenas. 810

• Domitius Enobarus. Or, if you borrow one another's love for the
  instant, you may, when you hear no more words of
  Pompey, return it again: you shall have time to
  wrangle in when you have nothing else to do.

• Antony. Thou art a soldier only: speak no more. 815

• Domitius Enobarus. That truth should be silent I had almost forgot.

• Antony. You wrong this presence; therefore speak no more.

• Domitius Enobarus. Go to, then; your considerate stone.

• Octavius. I do not much dislike the matter, but
  The manner of his speech; for't cannot be 820
  We shall remain in friendship, our conditions
  So differing in their acts. Yet if I knew
  What hoop should hold us stanch, from edge to edge
  O' the world I would pursue it.

• Agrippa. Give me leave, Caesar,— 825

• Octavius. Speak, Agrippa.

• Agrippa. Thou hast a sister by the mother's side,
  Admired Octavia: great Mark Antony
  Is now a widower.

• Octavius. Say not so, Agrippa: 830
  If Cleopatra heard you, your reproof
  Were well deserved of rashness.

• Antony. I am not married, Caesar: let me hear
  Agrippa further speak.

• Agrippa. To hold you in perpetual amity, 835
  To make you brothers, and to knit your hearts
  With an unslipping knot, take Antony
  Octavia to his wife; whose beauty claims
  No worse a husband than the best of men;
  Whose virtue and whose general graces speak 840
  That which none else can utter. By this marriage,
  All little jealousies, which now seem great,
  And all great fears, which now import their dangers,
  Would then be nothing: truths would be tales,
  Where now half tales be truths: her love to both 845
  Would, each to other and all loves to both,
  Draw after her. Pardon what I have spoke;
  For 'tis a studied, not a present thought,
  By duty ruminated.

• Antony. Will Caesar speak? 850

• Octavius. Not till he hears how Antony is touch'd
  With what is spoke already.

• Antony. What power is in Agrippa,
  If I would say, 'Agrippa, be it so,'
  To make this good? 855

• Octavius. The power of Caesar, and
  His power unto Octavia.

• Antony. May I never
  To this good purpose, that so fairly shows,
  Dream of impediment! Let me have thy hand: 860
  Further this act of grace: and from this hour
  The heart of brothers govern in our loves
  And sway our great designs!

• Octavius. There is my hand.
  A sister I bequeath you, whom no brother 865
  Did ever love so dearly: let her live
  To join our kingdoms and our hearts; and never
  Fly off our loves again!

• Lepidus. Happily, amen!

• Antony. I did not think to draw my sword 'gainst Pompey; 870
  For he hath laid strange courtesies and great
  Of late upon me: I must thank him only,
  Lest my remembrance suffer ill report;
  At heel of that, defy him.

• Lepidus. Time calls upon's: 875
  Of us must Pompey presently be sought,
  Or else he seeks out us.

• Antony. Where lies he?

• Octavius. About the mount Misenum.

• Antony. What is his strength by land? 880

• Octavius. Great and increasing: but by sea
  He is an absolute master.

• Antony. So is the fame.
  Would we had spoke together! Haste we for it:
  Yet, ere we put ourselves in arms, dispatch we 885
  The business we have talk'd of.

• Octavius. With most gladness:
  And do invite you to my sister's view,
  Whither straight I'll lead you.

• Antony. Let us, Lepidus, 890
  Not lack your company.

• Lepidus. Noble Antony,
  Not sickness should detain me.
  [Flourish. Exeunt OCTAVIUS CAESAR, MARK ANTONY,]
  and LEPIDUS] 895

• Mecaenas. Welcome from Egypt, sir.

• Domitius Enobarus. Half the heart of Caesar, worthy Mecaenas! My
  honourable friend, Agrippa!

• Agrippa. Good Enobarbus!

• Mecaenas. We have cause to be glad that matters are so well 900
  digested. You stayed well by 't in Egypt.

• Domitius Enobarus. Ay, sir; we did sleep day out of countenance, and
  made the night light with drinking.

• Mecaenas. Eight wild-boars roasted whole at a breakfast, and
  but twelve persons there; is this true? 905

• Domitius Enobarus. This was but as a fly by an eagle: we had much more
  monstrous matter of feast, which worthily deserved noting.

• Mecaenas. She's a most triumphant lady, if report be square to
  her.

• Domitius Enobarus. When she first met Mark Antony, she pursed up 910
  his heart, upon the river of Cydnus.

• Agrippa. There she appeared indeed; or my reporter devised
  well for her.

• Domitius Enobarus. I will tell you.
  The barge she sat in, like a burnish'd throne, 915
  Burn'd on the water: the poop was beaten gold;
  Purple the sails, and so perfumed that
  The winds were love-sick with them; the oars were silver,
  Which to the tune of flutes kept stroke, and made
  The water which they beat to follow faster, 920
  As amorous of their strokes. For her own person,
  It beggar'd all description: she did lie
  In her pavilion—cloth-of-gold of tissue—
  O'er-picturing that Venus where we see
  The fancy outwork nature: on each side her 925
  Stood pretty dimpled boys, like smiling Cupids,
  With divers-colour'd fans, whose wind did seem
  To glow the delicate cheeks which they did cool,
  And what they undid did.

• Agrippa. O, rare for Antony! 930

• Domitius Enobarus. Her gentlewomen, like the Nereides,
  So many mermaids, tended her i' the eyes,
  And made their bends adornings: at the helm
  A seeming mermaid steers: the silken tackle
  Swell with the touches of those flower-soft hands, 935
  That yarely frame the office. From the barge
  A strange invisible perfume hits the sense
  Of the adjacent wharfs. The city cast
  Her people out upon her; and Antony,
  Enthroned i' the market-place, did sit alone, 940
  Whistling to the air; which, but for vacancy,
  Had gone to gaze on Cleopatra too,
  And made a gap in nature.

• Agrippa. Rare Egyptian!

• Domitius Enobarus. Upon her landing, Antony sent to her, 945
  Invited her to supper: she replied,
  It should be better he became her guest;
  Which she entreated: our courteous Antony,
  Whom ne'er the word of 'No' woman heard speak,
  Being barber'd ten times o'er, goes to the feast, 950
  And for his ordinary pays his heart
  For what his eyes eat only.

• Agrippa. Royal wench!
  She made great Caesar lay his sword to bed:
  He plough'd her, and she cropp'd. 955

• Domitius Enobarus. I saw her once
  Hop forty paces through the public street;
  And having lost her breath, she spoke, and panted,
  That she did make defect perfection,
  And, breathless, power breathe forth. 960

• Mecaenas. Now Antony must leave her utterly.

• Domitius Enobarus. Never; he will not:
  Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale
  Her infinite variety: other women cloy
  The appetites they feed: but she makes hungry 965
  Where most she satisfies; for vilest things
  Become themselves in her: that the holy priests
  Bless her when she is riggish.

• Mecaenas. If beauty, wisdom, modesty, can settle
  The heart of Antony, Octavia is 970
  A blessed lottery to him.

• Agrippa. Let us go.
  Good Enobarbus, make yourself my guest
  Whilst you abide here.

• Domitius Enobarus. Humbly, sir, I thank you. 975

[Exeunt]

Act II, Scene 3

The same. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s house.

[Enter MARK ANTONY, OCTAVIUS CAESAR, OCTAVIA between] [p]them, and Attendants]

• Antony. The world and my great office will sometimes
  Divide me from your bosom. 980

• Octavia. All which time
  Before the gods my knee shall bow my prayers
  To them for you.

• Antony. Good night, sir. My Octavia,
  Read not my blemishes in the world's report: 985
  I have not kept my square; but that to come
  Shall all be done by the rule. Good night, dear lady.
  Good night, sir.

• Octavius. Good night.

[Exeunt OCTAVIUS CAESAR and OCTAVIA]

[Enter Soothsayer]

• Antony. Now, sirrah; you do wish yourself in Egypt?

• Soothsayer. Would I had never come from thence, nor you Thither!

• Antony. If you can, your reason?

• Soothsayer. I see it in 995
  My motion, have it not in my tongue: but yet
  Hie you to Egypt again.

• Antony. Say to me,
  Whose fortunes shall rise higher, Caesar's or mine?

• Soothsayer. Caesar's. 1000
  Therefore, O Antony, stay not by his side:
  Thy demon, that's thy spirit which keeps thee, is
  Noble, courageous high, unmatchable,
  Where Caesar's is not; but, near him, thy angel
  Becomes a fear, as being o'erpower'd: therefore 1005
  Make space enough between you.

• Antony. Speak this no more.

• Soothsayer. To none but thee; no more, but when to thee.
  If thou dost play with him at any game,
  Thou art sure to lose; and, of that natural luck, 1010
  He beats thee 'gainst the odds: thy lustre thickens,
  When he shines by: I say again, thy spirit
  Is all afraid to govern thee near him;
  But, he away, 'tis noble.

• Antony. Get thee gone: 1015
  Say to Ventidius I would speak with him:
  [Exit Soothsayer]
  He shall to Parthia. Be it art or hap,
  He hath spoken true: the very dice obey him;
  And in our sports my better cunning faints 1020
  Under his chance: if we draw lots, he speeds;
  His cocks do win the battle still of mine,
  When it is all to nought; and his quails ever
  Beat mine, inhoop'd, at odds. I will to Egypt:
  And though I make this marriage for my peace, 1025
  I' the east my pleasure lies.
  [Enter VENTIDIUS]
  O, come, Ventidius,
  You must to Parthia: your commission's ready;
  Follow me, and receive't. 1030

[Exeunt]

Act II, Scene 4

The same. A street.

[Enter LEPIDUS, MECAENAS, and AGRIPPA]

• Lepidus. Trouble yourselves no further: pray you, hasten
  Your generals after.

• Agrippa. Sir, Mark Antony 1035
  Will e'en but kiss Octavia, and we'll follow.

• Lepidus. Till I shall see you in your soldier's dress,
  Which will become you both, farewell.

• Mecaenas. We shall,
  As I conceive the journey, be at the Mount 1040
  Before you, Lepidus.

• Lepidus. Your way is shorter;
  My purposes do draw me much about:
  You'll win two days upon me.

• Mecaenas. [with Agrippa] Sir, good success! 1045

• Lepidus. Farewell.

[Exeunt]

Act II, Scene 5

Alexandria. CLEOPATRA’s palace.

[Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and ALEXAS]

• Cleopatra. Give me some music; music, moody food
  Of us that trade in love. 1050

• Attendants. The music, ho!

[Enter MARDIAN]

• Cleopatra. Let it alone; let's to billiards: come, Charmian.

• Charmian. My arm is sore; best play with Mardian.

• Cleopatra. As well a woman with an eunuch play'd 1055
  As with a woman. Come, you'll play with me, sir?

• Mardian. As well as I can, madam.

• Cleopatra. And when good will is show'd, though't come
  too short,
  The actor may plead pardon. I'll none now: 1060
  Give me mine angle; we'll to the river: there,
  My music playing far off, I will betray
  Tawny-finn'd fishes; my bended hook shall pierce
  Their slimy jaws; and, as I draw them up,
  I'll think them every one an Antony, 1065
  And say 'Ah, ha! you're caught.'

• Charmian. 'Twas merry when
  You wager'd on your angling; when your diver
  Did hang a salt-fish on his hook, which he
  With fervency drew up. 1070

• Cleopatra. That time,—O times!—
  I laugh'd him out of patience; and that night
  I laugh'd him into patience; and next morn,
  Ere the ninth hour, I drunk him to his bed;
  Then put my tires and mantles on him, whilst 1075
  I wore his sword Philippan.
  [Enter a Messenger]
  O, from Italy
  Ram thou thy fruitful tidings in mine ears,
  That long time have been barren. 1080

• Messenger. Madam, madam,—

• Cleopatra. Antonius dead!—If thou say so, villain,
  Thou kill'st thy mistress: but well and free,
  If thou so yield him, there is gold, and here
  My bluest veins to kiss; a hand that kings 1085
  Have lipp'd, and trembled kissing.

• Messenger. First, madam, he is well.

• Cleopatra. Why, there's more gold.
  But, sirrah, mark, we use
  To say the dead are well: bring it to that, 1090
  The gold I give thee will I melt and pour
  Down thy ill-uttering throat.

• Messenger. Good madam, hear me.

• Cleopatra. Well, go to, I will;
  But there's no goodness in thy face: if Antony 1095
  Be free and healthful,—so tart a favour
  To trumpet such good tidings! If not well,
  Thou shouldst come like a Fury crown'd with snakes,
  Not like a formal man.

• Messenger. Will't please you hear me? 1100

• Cleopatra. I have a mind to strike thee ere thou speak'st:
  Yet if thou say Antony lives, is well,
  Or friends with Caesar, or not captive to him,
  I'll set thee in a shower of gold, and hail
  Rich pearls upon thee. 1105

• Messenger. Madam, he's well.

• Cleopatra. Well said.

• Messenger. And friends with Caesar.

• Cleopatra. Thou'rt an honest man.

• Messenger. Caesar and he are greater friends than ever. 1110

• Cleopatra. Make thee a fortune from me.

• Messenger. But yet, madam,—

• Cleopatra. I do not like 'But yet,' it does allay
  The good precedence; fie upon 'But yet'!
  'But yet' is as a gaoler to bring forth 1115
  Some monstrous malefactor. Prithee, friend,
  Pour out the pack of matter to mine ear,
  The good and bad together: he's friends with Caesar:
  In state of health thou say'st; and thou say'st free.

• Messenger. Free, madam! no; I made no such report: 1120
  He's bound unto Octavia.

• Cleopatra. For what good turn?

• Messenger. For the best turn i' the bed.

• Cleopatra. I am pale, Charmian.

• Messenger. Madam, he's married to Octavia. 1125

• Cleopatra. The most infectious pestilence upon thee!

[Strikes him down]

• Messenger. Good madam, patience.

• Cleopatra. What say you? Hence,
  [Strikes him again] 1130
  Horrible villain! or I'll spurn thine eyes
  Like balls before me; I'll unhair thy head:
  [She hales him up and down]
  Thou shalt be whipp'd with wire, and stew'd in brine,
  Smarting in lingering pickle. 1135

• Messenger. Gracious madam,
  I that do bring the news made not the match.

• Cleopatra. Say 'tis not so, a province I will give thee,
  And make thy fortunes proud: the blow thou hadst
  Shall make thy peace for moving me to rage; 1140
  And I will boot thee with what gift beside
  Thy modesty can beg.

• Messenger. He's married, madam.

• Cleopatra. Rogue, thou hast lived too long.

[Draws a knife]

• Messenger. Nay, then I'll run.
  What mean you, madam? I have made no fault.

[Exit]

• Charmian. Good madam, keep yourself within yourself:
  The man is innocent. 1150

• Cleopatra. Some innocents 'scape not the thunderbolt.
  Melt Egypt into Nile! and kindly creatures
  Turn all to serpents! Call the slave again:
  Though I am mad, I will not bite him: call.

• Charmian. He is afeard to come. 1155

• Cleopatra. I will not hurt him.
  [Exit CHARMIAN]
  These hands do lack nobility, that they strike
  A meaner than myself; since I myself
  Have given myself the cause. 1160
  [Re-enter CHARMIAN and Messenger]
  Come hither, sir.
  Though it be honest, it is never good
  To bring bad news: give to a gracious message.
  An host of tongues; but let ill tidings tell 1165
  Themselves when they be felt.

• Messenger. I have done my duty.

• Cleopatra. Is he married?
  I cannot hate thee worser than I do,
  If thou again say 'Yes.' 1170

• Messenger. He's married, madam.

• Cleopatra. The gods confound thee! dost thou hold there still?

• Messenger. Should I lie, madam?

• Cleopatra. O, I would thou didst,
  So half my Egypt were submerged and made 1175
  A cistern for scaled snakes! Go, get thee hence:
  Hadst thou Narcissus in thy face, to me
  Thou wouldst appear most ugly. He is married?

• Messenger. I crave your highness' pardon.

• Cleopatra. He is married? 1180

• Messenger. Take no offence that I would not offend you:
  To punish me for what you make me do.
  Seems much unequal: he's married to Octavia.

• Cleopatra. O, that his fault should make a knave of thee,
  That art not what thou'rt sure of! Get thee hence: 1185
  The merchandise which thou hast brought from Rome
  Are all too dear for me: lie they upon thy hand,
  And be undone by 'em!

[Exit Messenger]

• Charmian. Good your highness, patience. 1190

• Cleopatra. In praising Antony, I have dispraised Caesar.

• Charmian. Many times, madam.

• Cleopatra. I am paid for't now.
  Lead me from hence:
  I faint: O Iras, Charmian! 'tis no matter. 1195
  Go to the fellow, good Alexas; bid him
  Report the feature of Octavia, her years,
  Her inclination, let him not leave out
  The colour of her hair: bring me word quickly.
  [Exit ALEXAS] 1200
  Let him for ever go:—let him not—Charmian,
  Though he be painted one way like a Gorgon,
  The other way's a Mars. Bid you Alexas
  [To MARDIAN]
  Bring me word how tall she is. Pity me, Charmian, 1205
  But do not speak to me. Lead me to my chamber.

[Exeunt]

Act II, Scene 6

Near Misenum.

[Flourish. Enter POMPEY and MENAS at one door,] [p]with drum and trumpet: at another, OCTAVIUS CAESAR, [p]MARK ANTONY, LEPIDUS, DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS, MECAENAS, [p]with Soldiers marching]

• Pompey. Your hostages I have, so have you mine;
  And we shall talk before we fight.

• Octavius. Most meet
  That first we come to words; and therefore have we 1215
  Our written purposes before us sent;
  Which, if thou hast consider'd, let us know
  If 'twill tie up thy discontented sword,
  And carry back to Sicily much tall youth
  That else must perish here. 1220

• Pompey. To you all three,
  The senators alone of this great world,
  Chief factors for the gods, I do not know
  Wherefore my father should revengers want,
  Having a son and friends; since Julius Caesar, 1225
  Who at Philippi the good Brutus ghosted,
  There saw you labouring for him. What was't
  That moved pale Cassius to conspire; and what
  Made the all-honour'd, honest Roman, Brutus,
  With the arm'd rest, courtiers and beauteous freedom, 1230
  To drench the Capitol; but that they would
  Have one man but a man? And that is it
  Hath made me rig my navy; at whose burthen
  The anger'd ocean foams; with which I meant
  To scourge the ingratitude that despiteful Rome 1235
  Cast on my noble father.

• Octavius. Take your time.

• Antony. Thou canst not fear us, Pompey, with thy sails;
  We'll speak with thee at sea: at land, thou know'st
  How much we do o'er-count thee. 1240

• Pompey. At land, indeed,
  Thou dost o'er-count me of my father's house:
  But, since the cuckoo builds not for himself,
  Remain in't as thou mayst.

• Lepidus. Be pleased to tell us— 1245
  For this is from the present—how you take
  The offers we have sent you.

• Octavius. There's the point.

• Antony. Which do not be entreated to, but weigh
  What it is worth embraced. 1250

• Octavius. And what may follow,
  To try a larger fortune.

• Pompey. You have made me offer
  Of Sicily, Sardinia; and I must
  Rid all the sea of pirates; then, to send 1255
  Measures of wheat to Rome; this 'greed upon
  To part with unhack'd edges, and bear back
  Our targes undinted.

• Octavius. [with Antony and Lepidus] That's our offer.

• Pompey. Know, then, 1260
  I came before you here a man prepared
  To take this offer: but Mark Antony
  Put me to some impatience: though I lose
  The praise of it by telling, you must know,
  When Caesar and your brother were at blows, 1265
  Your mother came to Sicily and did find
  Her welcome friendly.

• Antony. I have heard it, Pompey;
  And am well studied for a liberal thanks
  Which I do owe you. 1270

• Pompey. Let me have your hand:
  I did not think, sir, to have met you here.

• Antony. The beds i' the east are soft; and thanks to you,
  That call'd me timelier than my purpose hither;
  For I have gain'd by 't. 1275

• Octavius. Since I saw you last,
  There is a change upon you.

• Pompey. Well, I know not
  What counts harsh fortune casts upon my face;
  But in my bosom shall she never come, 1280
  To make my heart her vassal.

• Lepidus. Well met here.

• Pompey. I hope so, Lepidus. Thus we are agreed:
  I crave our composition may be written,
  And seal'd between us. 1285

• Octavius. That's the next to do.

• Pompey. We'll feast each other ere we part; and let's
  Draw lots who shall begin.

• Antony. That will I, Pompey.

• Pompey. No, Antony, take the lot: but, first 1290
  Or last, your fine Egyptian cookery
  Shall have the fame. I have heard that Julius Caesar
  Grew fat with feasting there.

• Antony. You have heard much.

• Pompey. I have fair meanings, sir. 1295

• Antony. And fair words to them.

• Pompey. Then so much have I heard:
  And I have heard, Apollodorus carried—

• Domitius Enobarus. No more of that: he did so.

• Pompey. What, I pray you? 1300

• Domitius Enobarus. A certain queen to Caesar in a mattress.

• Pompey. I know thee now: how farest thou, soldier?

• Domitius Enobarus. Well;
  And well am like to do; for, I perceive,
  Four feasts are toward. 1305

• Pompey. Let me shake thy hand;
  I never hated thee: I have seen thee fight,
  When I have envied thy behavior.

• Domitius Enobarus. Sir,
  I never loved you much; but I ha' praised ye, 1310
  When you have well deserved ten times as much
  As I have said you did.

• Pompey. Enjoy thy plainness,
  It nothing ill becomes thee.
  Aboard my galley I invite you all: 1315
  Will you lead, lords?

• Octavius. [with Antony and Lepidus]

• Pompey. Come.

[Exeunt all but MENAS and ENOBARBUS]

• Menas. [Aside] Thy father, Pompey, would ne'er have 1320
  made this treaty.—You and I have known, sir.

• Domitius Enobarus. At sea, I think.

• Menas. We have, sir.

• Domitius Enobarus. You have done well by water.

• Menas. And you by land. 1325

• Domitius Enobarus. I will praise any man that will praise me; though it
  cannot be denied what I have done by land.

• Menas. Nor what I have done by water.

• Domitius Enobarus. Yes, something you can deny for your own
  safety: you have been a great thief by sea. 1330

• Menas. And you by land.

• Domitius Enobarus. There I deny my land service. But give me your
  hand, Menas: if our eyes had authority, here they
  might take two thieves kissing.

• Menas. All men's faces are true, whatsome'er their hands are. 1335

• Domitius Enobarus. But there is never a fair woman has a true face.

• Menas. No slander; they steal hearts.

• Domitius Enobarus. We came hither to fight with you.

• Menas. For my part, I am sorry it is turned to a drinking.
  Pompey doth this day laugh away his fortune. 1340

• Domitius Enobarus. If he do, sure, he cannot weep't back again.

• Menas. You've said, sir. We looked not for Mark Antony
  here: pray you, is he married to Cleopatra?

• Domitius Enobarus. Caesar's sister is called Octavia.

• Menas. True, sir; she was the wife of Caius Marcellus. 1345

• Domitius Enobarus. But she is now the wife of Marcus Antonius.

• Menas. Pray ye, sir?

• Domitius Enobarus. 'Tis true.

• Menas. Then is Caesar and he for ever knit together.

• Domitius Enobarus. If I were bound to divine of this unity, I would 1350
  not prophesy so.

• Menas. I think the policy of that purpose made more in the
  marriage than the love of the parties.

• Domitius Enobarus. I think so too. But you shall find, the band that
  seems to tie their friendship together will be the 1355
  very strangler of their amity: Octavia is of a
  holy, cold, and still conversation.

• Menas. Who would not have his wife so?

• Domitius Enobarus. Not he that himself is not so; which is Mark Antony.
  He will to his Egyptian dish again: then shall the 1360
  sighs of Octavia blow the fire up in Caesar; and, as
  I said before, that which is the strength of their
  amity shall prove the immediate author of their
  variance. Antony will use his affection where it is:
  he married but his occasion here. 1365

• Menas. And thus it may be. Come, sir, will you aboard?
  I have a health for you.

• Domitius Enobarus. I shall take it, sir: we have used our throats in Egypt.

• Menas. Come, let's away.

[Exeunt]

Act II, Scene 7

On board POMPEY’s galley, off Misenum.

[Music plays. Enter two or three Servants with] [p]a banquet]

• First Servant. Here they'll be, man. Some o' their plants are
  ill-rooted already: the least wind i' the world
  will blow them down. 1375

• Second Servant. Lepidus is high-coloured.

• First Servant. They have made him drink alms-drink.

• Second Servant. As they pinch one another by the disposition, he
  cries out 'No more;' reconciles them to his
  entreaty, and himself to the drink. 1380

• First Servant. But it raises the greater war between him and
  his discretion.

• Second Servant. Why, this is to have a name in great men's
  fellowship: I had as lief have a reed that will do
  me no service as a partisan I could not heave. 1385

• First Servant. To be called into a huge sphere, and not to be seen
  to move in't, are the holes where eyes should be,
  which pitifully disaster the cheeks.
  [A sennet sounded. Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, MARK]
  ANTONY, LEPIDUS, POMPEY, AGRIPPA, MECAENAS, 1390
  DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS, MENAS, with other captains]

• Antony. [To OCTAVIUS CAESAR] Thus do they, sir: they take
  the flow o' the Nile
  By certain scales i' the pyramid; they know,
  By the height, the lowness, or the mean, if dearth 1395
  Or foison follow: the higher Nilus swells,
  The more it promises: as it ebbs, the seedsman
  Upon the slime and ooze scatters his grain,
  And shortly comes to harvest.

• Lepidus. You've strange serpents there. 1400

• Antony. Ay, Lepidus.

• Lepidus. Your serpent of Egypt is bred now of your mud by the
  operation of your sun: so is your crocodile.

• Antony. They are so.

• Pompey. Sit,—and some wine! A health to Lepidus! 1405

• Lepidus. I am not so well as I should be, but I'll ne'er out.

• Domitius Enobarus. Not till you have slept; I fear me you'll be in till then.

• Lepidus. Nay, certainly, I have heard the Ptolemies'
  pyramises are very goodly things; without
  contradiction, I have heard that. 1410

• Menas. [Aside to POMPEY] Pompey, a word.

• Pompey. [Aside to MENAS] Say in mine ear:
  what is't?

• Menas. [Aside to POMPEY] Forsake thy seat, I do beseech
  thee, captain, 1415
  And hear me speak a word.

• Pompey. [Aside to MENAS] Forbear me till anon.
  This wine for Lepidus!

• Lepidus. What manner o' thing is your crocodile?

• Antony. It is shaped, sir, like itself; and it is as broad 1420
  as it hath breadth: it is just so high as it is,
  and moves with its own organs: it lives by that
  which nourisheth it; and the elements once out of
  it, it transmigrates.

• Lepidus. What colour is it of? 1425

• Antony. Of it own colour too.

• Lepidus. 'Tis a strange serpent.

• Antony. 'Tis so. And the tears of it are wet.

• Octavius. Will this description satisfy him?

• Antony. With the health that Pompey gives him, else he is a 1430
  very epicure.

• Pompey. [Aside to MENAS] Go hang, sir, hang! Tell me of
  that? away!
  Do as I bid you. Where's this cup I call'd for?

• Menas. [Aside to POMPEY] If for the sake of merit thou 1435
  wilt hear me,
  Rise from thy stool.

• Pompey. [Aside to MENAS] I think thou'rt mad.
  The matter?

[Rises, and walks aside]

• Menas. I have ever held my cap off to thy fortunes.

• Pompey. Thou hast served me with much faith. What's else to say?
  Be jolly, lords.

• Antony. These quick-sands, Lepidus,
  Keep off them, for you sink. 1445

• Menas. Wilt thou be lord of all the world?

• Pompey. What say'st thou?

• Menas. Wilt thou be lord of the whole world? That's twice.

• Pompey. How should that be?

• Menas. But entertain it, 1450
  And, though thou think me poor, I am the man
  Will give thee all the world.

• Pompey. Hast thou drunk well?

• Menas. Now, Pompey, I have kept me from the cup.
  Thou art, if thou darest be, the earthly Jove: 1455
  Whate'er the ocean pales, or sky inclips,
  Is thine, if thou wilt ha't.

• Pompey. Show me which way.

• Menas. These three world-sharers, these competitors,
  Are in thy vessel: let me cut the cable; 1460
  And, when we are put off, fall to their throats:
  All there is thine.

• Pompey. Ah, this thou shouldst have done,
  And not have spoke on't! In me 'tis villany;
  In thee't had been good service. Thou must know, 1465
  'Tis not my profit that does lead mine honour;
  Mine honour, it. Repent that e'er thy tongue
  Hath so betray'd thine act: being done unknown,
  I should have found it afterwards well done;
  But must condemn it now. Desist, and drink. 1470

• Menas. [Aside] For this,
  I'll never follow thy pall'd fortunes more.
  Who seeks, and will not take when once 'tis offer'd,
  Shall never find it more.

• Pompey. This health to Lepidus! 1475

• Antony. Bear him ashore. I'll pledge it for him, Pompey.

• Domitius Enobarus. Here's to thee, Menas!

• Menas. Enobarbus, welcome!

• Pompey. Fill till the cup be hid.

• Domitius Enobarus. There's a strong fellow, Menas. 1480

[Pointing to the Attendant who carries off LEPIDUS]

• Menas. Why?

• Domitius Enobarus. A' bears the third part of the world, man; see'st
  not?

• Menas. The third part, then, is drunk: would it were all, 1485
  That it might go on wheels!

• Domitius Enobarus. Drink thou; increase the reels.

• Menas. Come.

• Pompey. This is not yet an Alexandrian feast.

• Antony. It ripens towards it. Strike the vessels, ho? 1490
  Here is to Caesar!

• Octavius. I could well forbear't.
  It's monstrous labour, when I wash my brain,
  And it grows fouler.

• Antony. Be a child o' the time. 1495

• Octavius. Possess it, I'll make answer:
  But I had rather fast from all four days
  Than drink so much in one.

• Domitius Enobarus. Ha, my brave emperor!
  [To MARK ANTONY] 1500
  Shall we dance now the Egyptian Bacchanals,
  And celebrate our drink?

• Pompey. Let's ha't, good soldier.

• Antony. Come, let's all take hands,
  Till that the conquering wine hath steep'd our sense 1505
  In soft and delicate Lethe.

• Domitius Enobarus. All take hands.
  Make battery to our ears with the loud music:
  The while I'll place you: then the boy shall sing;
  The holding every man shall bear as loud 1510
  As his strong sides can volley.
  [Music plays. DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS places them]
  hand in hand]
  THE SONG.
  Come, thou monarch of the vine, 1515
  Plumpy Bacchus with pink eyne!
  In thy fats our cares be drown'd,
  With thy grapes our hairs be crown'd:
  Cup us, till the world go round,
  Cup us, till the world go round! 1520

• Octavius. What would you more? Pompey, good night. Good brother,
  Let me request you off: our graver business
  Frowns at this levity. Gentle lords, let's part;
  You see we have burnt our cheeks: strong Enobarb
  Is weaker than the wine; and mine own tongue 1525
  Splits what it speaks: the wild disguise hath almost
  Antick'd us all. What needs more words? Good night.
  Good Antony, your hand.

• Pompey. I'll try you on the shore.

• Antony. And shall, sir; give's your hand. 1530

• Pompey. O Antony,
  You have my father's house,—But, what? we are friends.
  Come, down into the boat.

• Domitius Enobarus. Take heed you fall not.
  [Exeunt all but DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS and MENAS] 1535
  Menas, I'll not on shore.

• Menas. No, to my cabin.
  These drums! these trumpets, flutes! what!
  Let Neptune hear we bid a loud farewell
  To these great fellows: sound and be hang'd, sound out! 1540

[Sound a flourish, with drums]

• Domitius Enobarus. Ho! says a' There's my cap.

• Menas. Ho! Noble captain, come.

[Exeunt]

Act III, Scene 1

A plain in Syria.

[Enter VENTIDIUS as it were in triumph, with SILIUS,] [p]and other Romans, Officers, and Soldiers; the dead [p]body of PACORUS borne before him]

• Ventidius. Now, darting Parthia, art thou struck; and now
  Pleased fortune does of Marcus Crassus' death
  Make me revenger. Bear the king's son's body 1550
  Before our army. Thy Pacorus, Orodes,
  Pays this for Marcus Crassus.

• Silius. Noble Ventidius,
  Whilst yet with Parthian blood thy sword is warm,
  The fugitive Parthians follow; spur through Media, 1555
  Mesopotamia, and the shelters whither
  The routed fly: so thy grand captain Antony
  Shall set thee on triumphant chariots and
  Put garlands on thy head.

• Ventidius. O Silius, Silius, 1560
  I have done enough; a lower place, note well,
  May make too great an act: for learn this, Silius;
  Better to leave undone, than by our deed
  Acquire too high a fame when him we serve's away.
  Caesar and Antony have ever won 1565
  More in their officer than person: Sossius,
  One of my place in Syria, his lieutenant,
  For quick accumulation of renown,
  Which he achieved by the minute, lost his favour.
  Who does i' the wars more than his captain can 1570
  Becomes his captain's captain: and ambition,
  The soldier's virtue, rather makes choice of loss,
  Than gain which darkens him.
  I could do more to do Antonius good,
  But 'twould offend him; and in his offence 1575
  Should my performance perish.

• Silius. Thou hast, Ventidius,
  that
  Without the which a soldier, and his sword,
  Grants scarce distinction. Thou wilt write to Antony! 1580

• Ventidius. I'll humbly signify what in his name,
  That magical word of war, we have effected;
  How, with his banners and his well-paid ranks,
  The ne'er-yet-beaten horse of Parthia
  We have jaded out o' the field. 1585

• Silius. Where is he now?

• Ventidius. He purposeth to Athens: whither, with what haste
  The weight we must convey with's will permit,
  We shall appear before him. On there; pass along!

[Exeunt]

Act III, Scene 2

Rome. An ante-chamber in OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s house.

[Enter AGRIPPA at one door, DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS] [p]at another]

• Agrippa. What, are the brothers parted?

• Domitius Enobarus. They have dispatch'd with Pompey, he is gone;
  The other three are sealing. Octavia weeps 1595
  To part from Rome; Caesar is sad; and Lepidus,
  Since Pompey's feast, as Menas says, is troubled
  With the green sickness.

• Agrippa. 'Tis a noble Lepidus.

• Domitius Enobarus. A very fine one: O, how he loves Caesar! 1600

• Agrippa. Nay, but how dearly he adores Mark Antony!

• Domitius Enobarus. Caesar? Why, he's the Jupiter of men.

• Agrippa. What's Antony? The god of Jupiter.

• Domitius Enobarus. Spake you of Caesar? How! the non-pareil!

• Agrippa. O Antony! O thou Arabian bird! 1605

• Domitius Enobarus. Would you praise Caesar, say 'Caesar:' go no further.

• Agrippa. Indeed, he plied them both with excellent praises.

• Domitius Enobarus. But he loves Caesar best; yet he loves Antony:
  Ho! hearts, tongues, figures, scribes, bards,
  poets, cannot 1610
  Think, speak, cast, write, sing, number, ho!
  His love to Antony. But as for Caesar,
  Kneel down, kneel down, and wonder.

• Agrippa. Both he loves.

• Domitius Enobarus. They are his shards, and he their beetle. 1615
  [Trumpets within]
  So;
  This is to horse. Adieu, noble Agrippa.

• Agrippa. Good fortune, worthy soldier; and farewell.

[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, MARK ANTONY, LEPIDUS, and OCTAVIA]

• Antony. No further, sir.

• Octavius. You take from me a great part of myself;
  Use me well in 't. Sister, prove such a wife
  As my thoughts make thee, and as my farthest band
  Shall pass on thy approof. Most noble Antony, 1625
  Let not the piece of virtue, which is set
  Betwixt us as the cement of our love,
  To keep it builded, be the ram to batter
  The fortress of it; for better might we
  Have loved without this mean, if on both parts 1630
  This be not cherish'd.

• Antony. Make me not offended
  In your distrust.

• Octavius. I have said.

• Antony. You shall not find, 1635
  Though you be therein curious, the least cause
  For what you seem to fear: so, the gods keep you,
  And make the hearts of Romans serve your ends!
  We will here part.

• Octavius. Farewell, my dearest sister, fare thee well: 1640
  The elements be kind to thee, and make
  Thy spirits all of comfort! fare thee well.

• Octavia. My noble brother!

• Antony. The April 's in her eyes: it is love's spring,
  And these the showers to bring it on. Be cheerful. 1645

• Octavia. Sir, look well to my husband's house; and—

• Octavius. What, Octavia?

• Octavia. I'll tell you in your ear.

• Antony. Her tongue will not obey her heart, nor can
  Her heart inform her tongue,—the swan's 1650
  down-feather,
  That stands upon the swell at full of tide,
  And neither way inclines.

• Domitius Enobarus. [Aside to AGRIPPA] Will Caesar weep?

• Agrippa. [Aside to DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS] He has a cloud in 's face. 1655

• Domitius Enobarus. [Aside to AGRIPPA] He were the worse for that,
  were he a horse;
  So is he, being a man.

• Agrippa. [Aside to DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS] Why, Enobarbus,
  When Antony found Julius Caesar dead, 1660
  He cried almost to roaring; and he wept
  When at Philippi he found Brutus slain.

• Domitius Enobarus. [Aside to AGRIPPA] That year, indeed, he was
  troubled with a rheum;
  What willingly he did confound he wail'd, 1665
  Believe't, till I wept too.

• Octavius. No, sweet Octavia,
  You shall hear from me still; the time shall not
  Out-go my thinking on you.

• Antony. Come, sir, come; 1670
  I'll wrestle with you in my strength of love:
  Look, here I have you; thus I let you go,
  And give you to the gods.

• Octavius. Adieu; be happy!

• Lepidus. Let all the number of the stars give light 1675
  To thy fair way!

• Octavius. Farewell, farewell!

[Kisses OCTAVIA]

• Antony. Farewell!

[Trumpets sound. Exeunt]

Act III, Scene 3

Alexandria. CLEOPATRA’s palace.

[Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and ALEXAS]

• Cleopatra. Where is the fellow?

• Alexas. Half afeard to come.

• Cleopatra. Go to, go to.
  [Enter the Messenger as before] 1685
  Come hither, sir.

• Alexas. Good majesty,
  Herod of Jewry dare not look upon you
  But when you are well pleased.

• Cleopatra. That Herod's head 1690
  I'll have: but how, when Antony is gone
  Through whom I might command it? Come thou near.

• Messenger. Most gracious majesty,—

• Cleopatra. Didst thou behold Octavia?

• Messenger. Ay, dread queen. 1695

• Cleopatra. Where?

• Messenger. Madam, in Rome;
  I look'd her in the face, and saw her led
  Between her brother and Mark Antony.

• Cleopatra. Is she as tall as me? 1700

• Messenger. She is not, madam.

• Cleopatra. Didst hear her speak? is she shrill-tongued or low?

• Messenger. Madam, I heard her speak; she is low-voiced.

• Cleopatra. That's not so good: he cannot like her long.

• Charmian. Like her! O Isis! 'tis impossible. 1705

• Cleopatra. I think so, Charmian: dull of tongue, and dwarfish!
  What majesty is in her gait? Remember,
  If e'er thou look'dst on majesty.

• Messenger. She creeps:
  Her motion and her station are as one; 1710
  She shows a body rather than a life,
  A statue than a breather.

• Cleopatra. Is this certain?

• Messenger. Or I have no observance.

• Charmian. Three in Egypt 1715
  Cannot make better note.

• Cleopatra. He's very knowing;
  I do perceive't: there's nothing in her yet:
  The fellow has good judgment.

• Charmian. Excellent. 1720

• Cleopatra. Guess at her years, I prithee.

• Messenger. Madam,
  She was a widow,—

• Cleopatra. Widow! Charmian, hark.

• Messenger. And I do think she's thirty. 1725

• Cleopatra. Bear'st thou her face in mind? is't long or round?

• Messenger. Round even to faultiness.

• Cleopatra. For the most part, too, they are foolish that are so.
  Her hair, what colour?

• Messenger. Brown, madam: and her forehead 1730
  As low as she would wish it.

• Cleopatra. There's gold for thee.
  Thou must not take my former sharpness ill:
  I will employ thee back again; I find thee
  Most fit for business: go make thee ready; 1735
  Our letters are prepared.

[Exit Messenger]

• Charmian. A proper man.

• Cleopatra. Indeed, he is so: I repent me much
  That so I harried him. Why, methinks, by him, 1740
  This creature's no such thing.

• Charmian. Nothing, madam.

• Cleopatra. The man hath seen some majesty, and should know.

• Charmian. Hath he seen majesty? Isis else defend,
  And serving you so long! 1745

• Cleopatra. I have one thing more to ask him yet, good Charmian:
  But 'tis no matter; thou shalt bring him to me
  Where I will write. All may be well enough.

• Charmian. I warrant you, madam.

[Exeunt]

Act III, Scene 4

Athens. A room in MARK ANTONY’s house.

[Enter MARK ANTONY and OCTAVIA]

• Antony. Nay, nay, Octavia, not only that,—
  That were excusable, that, and thousands more
  Of semblable import,—but he hath waged
  New wars 'gainst Pompey; made his will, and read it 1755
  To public ear:
  Spoke scantly of me: when perforce he could not
  But pay me terms of honour, cold and sickly
  He vented them; most narrow measure lent me:
  When the best hint was given him, he not took't, 1760
  Or did it from his teeth.

• Octavia. O my good lord,
  Believe not all; or, if you must believe,
  Stomach not all. A more unhappy lady,
  If this division chance, ne'er stood between, 1765
  Praying for both parts:
  The good gods me presently,
  When I shall pray, 'O bless my lord and husband!'
  Undo that prayer, by crying out as loud,
  'O, bless my brother!' Husband win, win brother, 1770
  Prays, and destroys the prayer; no midway
  'Twixt these extremes at all.

• Antony. Gentle Octavia,
  Let your best love draw to that point, which seeks
  Best to preserve it: if I lose mine honour, 1775
  I lose myself: better I were not yours
  Than yours so branchless. But, as you requested,
  Yourself shall go between 's: the mean time, lady,
  I'll raise the preparation of a war
  Shall stain your brother: make your soonest haste; 1780
  So your desires are yours.

• Octavia. Thanks to my lord.
  The Jove of power make me most weak, most weak,
  Your reconciler! Wars 'twixt you twain would be
  As if the world should cleave, and that slain men 1785
  Should solder up the rift.

• Antony. When it appears to you where this begins,
  Turn your displeasure that way: for our faults
  Can never be so equal, that your love
  Can equally move with them. Provide your going; 1790
  Choose your own company, and command what cost
  Your heart has mind to.

[Exeunt]

Act III, Scene 5

The same. Another room.

[Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS and EROS, meeting]

• Domitius Enobarus. How now, friend Eros! 1795

• Eros. There's strange news come, sir.

• Domitius Enobarus. What, man?

• Eros. Caesar and Lepidus have made wars upon Pompey.

• Domitius Enobarus. This is old: what is the success?

• Eros. Caesar, having made use of him in the wars 'gainst 1800
  Pompey, presently denied him rivality; would not let
  him partake in the glory of the action: and not
  resting here, accuses him of letters he had formerly
  wrote to Pompey; upon his own appeal, seizes him: so
  the poor third is up, till death enlarge his confine. 1805

• Domitius Enobarus. Then, world, thou hast a pair of chaps, no more;
  And throw between them all the food thou hast,
  They'll grind the one the other. Where's Antony?

• Eros. He's walking in the garden—thus; and spurns
  The rush that lies before him; cries, 'Fool Lepidus!' 1810
  And threats the throat of that his officer
  That murder'd Pompey.

• Domitius Enobarus. Our great navy's rigg'd.

• Eros. For Italy and Caesar. More, Domitius;
  My lord desires you presently: my news 1815
  I might have told hereafter.

• Domitius Enobarus. 'Twill be naught:
  But let it be. Bring me to Antony.

• Eros. Come, sir.

[Exeunt]

Act III, Scene 6

Rome. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s house.

[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, AGRIPPA, and MECAENAS]

• Octavius. Contemning Rome, he has done all this, and more,
  In Alexandria: here's the manner of 't:
  I' the market-place, on a tribunal silver'd,
  Cleopatra and himself in chairs of gold 1825
  Were publicly enthroned: at the feet sat
  Caesarion, whom they call my father's son,
  And all the unlawful issue that their lust
  Since then hath made between them. Unto her
  He gave the stablishment of Egypt; made her 1830
  Of lower Syria, Cyprus, Lydia,
  Absolute queen.

• Mecaenas. This in the public eye?

• Octavius. I' the common show-place, where they exercise.
  His sons he there proclaim'd the kings of kings: 1835
  Great Media, Parthia, and Armenia.
  He gave to Alexander; to Ptolemy he assign'd
  Syria, Cilicia, and Phoenicia: she
  In the habiliments of the goddess Isis
  That day appear'd; and oft before gave audience, 1840
  As 'tis reported, so.

• Mecaenas. Let Rome be thus Inform'd.

• Agrippa. Who, queasy with his insolence
  Already, will their good thoughts call from him.

• Octavius. The people know it; and have now received 1845
  His accusations.

• Agrippa. Who does he accuse?

• Octavius. Caesar: and that, having in Sicily
  Sextus Pompeius spoil'd, we had not rated him
  His part o' the isle: then does he say, he lent me 1850
  Some shipping unrestored: lastly, he frets
  That Lepidus of the triumvirate
  Should be deposed; and, being, that we detain
  All his revenue.

• Agrippa. Sir, this should be answer'd. 1855

• Octavius. 'Tis done already, and the messenger gone.
  I have told him, Lepidus was grown too cruel;
  That he his high authority abused,
  And did deserve his change: for what I have conquer'd,
  I grant him part; but then, in his Armenia, 1860
  And other of his conquer'd kingdoms, I
  Demand the like.

• Mecaenas. He'll never yield to that.

• Octavius. Nor must not then be yielded to in this.

[Enter OCTAVIA with her train]

• Octavia. Hail, Caesar, and my lord! hail, most dear Caesar!

• Octavius. That ever I should call thee castaway!

• Octavia. You have not call'd me so, nor have you cause.

• Octavius. Why have you stol'n upon us thus! You come not
  Like Caesar's sister: the wife of Antony 1870
  Should have an army for an usher, and
  The neighs of horse to tell of her approach
  Long ere she did appear; the trees by the way
  Should have borne men; and expectation fainted,
  Longing for what it had not; nay, the dust 1875
  Should have ascended to the roof of heaven,
  Raised by your populous troops: but you are come
  A market-maid to Rome; and have prevented
  The ostentation of our love, which, left unshown,
  Is often left unloved; we should have met you 1880
  By sea and land; supplying every stage
  With an augmented greeting.

• Octavia. Good my lord,
  To come thus was I not constrain'd, but did
  On my free will. My lord, Mark Antony, 1885
  Hearing that you prepared for war, acquainted
  My grieved ear withal; whereon, I begg'd
  His pardon for return.

• Octavius. Which soon he granted,
  Being an obstruct 'tween his lust and him. 1890

• Octavia. Do not say so, my lord.

• Octavius. I have eyes upon him,
  And his affairs come to me on the wind.
  Where is he now?

• Octavia. My lord, in Athens. 1895

• Octavius. No, my most wronged sister; Cleopatra
  Hath nodded him to her. He hath given his empire
  Up to a whore; who now are levying
  The kings o' the earth for war; he hath assembled
  Bocchus, the king of Libya; Archelaus, 1900
  Of Cappadocia; Philadelphos, king
  Of Paphlagonia; the Thracian king, Adallas;
  King Malchus of Arabia; King of Pont;
  Herod of Jewry; Mithridates, king
  Of Comagene; Polemon and Amyntas, 1905
  The kings of Mede and Lycaonia,
  With a more larger list of sceptres.

• Octavia. Ay me, most wretched,
  That have my heart parted betwixt two friends
  That do afflict each other! 1910

• Octavius. Welcome hither:
  Your letters did withhold our breaking forth;
  Till we perceived, both how you were wrong led,
  And we in negligent danger. Cheer your heart;
  Be you not troubled with the time, which drives 1915
  O'er your content these strong necessities;
  But let determined things to destiny
  Hold unbewail'd their way. Welcome to Rome;
  Nothing more dear to me. You are abused
  Beyond the mark of thought: and the high gods, 1920
  To do you justice, make them ministers
  Of us and those that love you. Best of comfort;
  And ever welcome to us.

• Agrippa. Welcome, lady.

• Mecaenas. Welcome, dear madam. 1925
  Each heart in Rome does love and pity you:
  Only the adulterous Antony, most large
  In his abominations, turns you off;
  And gives his potent regiment to a trull,
  That noises it against us. 1930

• Octavia. Is it so, sir?

• Octavius. Most certain. Sister, welcome: pray you,
  Be ever known to patience: my dear'st sister!

[Exeunt]

Act III, Scene 7

Near Actium. MARK ANTONY’s camp.

[Enter CLEOPATRA and DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]

• Cleopatra. I will be even with thee, doubt it not.

• Domitius Enobarus. But why, why, why?

• Cleopatra. Thou hast forspoke my being in these wars,
  And say'st it is not fit.

• Domitius Enobarus. Well, is it, is it? 1940

• Cleopatra. If not denounced against us, why should not we
  Be there in person?

• Domitius Enobarus. [Aside] Well, I could reply:
  If we should serve with horse and mares together,
  The horse were merely lost; the mares would bear 1945
  A soldier and his horse.

• Cleopatra. What is't you say?

• Domitius Enobarus. Your presence needs must puzzle Antony;
  Take from his heart, take from his brain,
  from's time, 1950
  What should not then be spared. He is already
  Traduced for levity; and 'tis said in Rome
  That Photinus an eunuch and your maids
  Manage this war.

• Cleopatra. Sink Rome, and their tongues rot 1955
  That speak against us! A charge we bear i' the war,
  And, as the president of my kingdom, will
  Appear there for a man. Speak not against it:
  I will not stay behind.

• Domitius Enobarus. Nay, I have done. 1960
  Here comes the emperor.

[Enter MARK ANTONY and CANIDIUS]

• Antony. Is it not strange, Canidius,
  That from Tarentum and Brundusium
  He could so quickly cut the Ionian sea, 1965
  And take in Toryne? You have heard on't, sweet?

• Cleopatra. Celerity is never more admired
  Than by the negligent.

• Antony. A good rebuke,
  Which might have well becomed the best of men, 1970
  To taunt at slackness. Canidius, we
  Will fight with him by sea.

• Cleopatra. By sea! what else?

• Canidius. Why will my lord do so?

• Antony. For that he dares us to't. 1975

• Domitius Enobarus. So hath my lord dared him to single fight.

• Canidius. Ay, and to wage this battle at Pharsalia.
  Where Caesar fought with Pompey: but these offers,
  Which serve not for his vantage, be shakes off;
  And so should you. 1980

• Domitius Enobarus. Your ships are not well mann'd;
  Your mariners are muleters, reapers, people
  Ingross'd by swift impress; in Caesar's fleet
  Are those that often have 'gainst Pompey fought:
  Their ships are yare; yours, heavy: no disgrace 1985
  Shall fall you for refusing him at sea,
  Being prepared for land.

• Antony. By sea, by sea.

• Domitius Enobarus. Most worthy sir, you therein throw away
  The absolute soldiership you have by land; 1990
  Distract your army, which doth most consist
  Of war-mark'd footmen; leave unexecuted
  Your own renowned knowledge; quite forego
  The way which promises assurance; and
  Give up yourself merely to chance and hazard, 1995
  From firm security.

• Antony. I'll fight at sea.

• Cleopatra. I have sixty sails, Caesar none better.

• Antony. Our overplus of shipping will we burn;
  And, with the rest full-mann'd, from the head of Actium 2000
  Beat the approaching Caesar. But if we fail,
  We then can do't at land.
  [Enter a Messenger]
  Thy business?

• Messenger. The news is true, my lord; he is descried; 2005
  Caesar has taken Toryne.

• Antony. Can he be there in person? 'tis impossible;
  Strange that power should be. Canidius,
  Our nineteen legions thou shalt hold by land,
  And our twelve thousand horse. We'll to our ship: 2010
  Away, my Thetis!
  [Enter a Soldier]
  How now, worthy soldier?

• Soldier. O noble emperor, do not fight by sea;
  Trust not to rotten planks: do you misdoubt 2015
  This sword and these my wounds? Let the Egyptians
  And the Phoenicians go a-ducking; we
  Have used to conquer, standing on the earth,
  And fighting foot to foot.

• Antony. Well, well: away! 2020

[Exeunt MARK ANTONY, QUEEN CLEOPATRA, and DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]

• Soldier. By Hercules, I think I am i' the right.

• Canidius. Soldier, thou art: but his whole action grows
  Not in the power on't: so our leader's led,
  And we are women's men. 2025

• Soldier. You keep by land
  The legions and the horse whole, do you not?

• Canidius. Marcus Octavius, Marcus Justeius,
  Publicola, and Caelius, are for sea:
  But we keep whole by land. This speed of Caesar's 2030
  Carries beyond belief.

• Soldier. While he was yet in Rome,
  His power went out in such distractions as
  Beguiled all spies.

• Canidius. Who's his lieutenant, hear you? 2035

• Soldier. They say, one Taurus.

• Canidius. Well I know the man.

[Enter a Messenger]

• Messenger. The emperor calls Canidius.

• Canidius. With news the time's with labour, and throes forth, 2040
  Each minute, some.

[Exeunt]

Act III, Scene 8

A plain near Actium.

[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, and TAURUS, with his army, marching]

• Octavius. Taurus!

• Taurus. My lord? 2045

• Octavius. Strike not by land; keep whole: provoke not battle,
  Till we have done at sea. Do not exceed
  The prescript of this scroll: our fortune lies
  Upon this jump.

[Exeunt]

Act III, Scene 9

Another part of the plain.

[Enter MARK ANTONY and DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]

• Antony. Set we our squadrons on yond side o' the hill,
  In eye of Caesar's battle; from which place
  We may the number of the ships behold,
  And so proceed accordingly. 2055

[Exeunt]

Act III, Scene 10

Another part of the plain.

[CANIDIUS marcheth with his land army one way over] [p]the stage; and TAURUS, the lieutenant of OCTAVIUS [p]CAESAR, the other way. After their going in, is [p]heard the noise of a sea-fight]

[Alarum. Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]

• Domitius Enobarus. Naught, naught all, naught! I can behold no longer:
  The Antoniad, the Egyptian admiral,
  With all their sixty, fly and turn the rudder:
  To see't mine eyes are blasted. 2065

[Enter SCARUS]

• Scarus. Gods and goddesses,
  All the whole synod of them!

• Domitius Enobarus. What's thy passion!

• Scarus. The greater cantle of the world is lost 2070
  With very ignorance; we have kiss'd away
  Kingdoms and provinces.

• Domitius Enobarus. How appears the fight?

• Scarus. On our side like the token'd pestilence,
  Where death is sure. Yon ribaudred nag of Egypt,— 2075
  Whom leprosy o'ertake!—i' the midst o' the fight,
  When vantage like a pair of twins appear'd,
  Both as the same, or rather ours the elder,
  The breese upon her, like a cow in June,
  Hoists sails and flies. 2080

• Domitius Enobarus. That I beheld:
  Mine eyes did sicken at the sight, and could not
  Endure a further view.

• Scarus. She once being loof'd,
  The noble ruin of her magic, Antony, 2085
  Claps on his sea-wing, and, like a doting mallard,
  Leaving the fight in height, flies after her:
  I never saw an action of such shame;
  Experience, manhood, honour, ne'er before
  Did violate so itself. 2090

• Domitius Enobarus. Alack, alack!

[Enter CANIDIUS]

• Canidius. Our fortune on the sea is out of breath,
  And sinks most lamentably. Had our general
  Been what he knew himself, it had gone well: 2095
  O, he has given example for our flight,
  Most grossly, by his own!

• Domitius Enobarus. Ay, are you thereabouts?
  Why, then, good night indeed.

• Canidius. Toward Peloponnesus are they fled. 2100

• Scarus. 'Tis easy to't; and there I will attend
  What further comes.

• Canidius. To Caesar will I render
  My legions and my horse: six kings already
  Show me the way of yielding. 2105

• Domitius Enobarus. I'll yet follow
  The wounded chance of Antony, though my reason
  Sits in the wind against me.

[Exeunt]

Act III, Scene 11

Alexandria. CLEOPATRA’s palace.

[Enter MARK ANTONY with Attendants]

• Antony. Hark! the land bids me tread no more upon't;
  It is ashamed to bear me! Friends, come hither:
  I am so lated in the world, that I
  Have lost my way for ever: I have a ship
  Laden with gold; take that, divide it; fly, 2115
  And make your peace with Caesar.

• All. Fly! not we.

• Antony. I have fled myself; and have instructed cowards
  To run and show their shoulders. Friends, be gone;
  I have myself resolved upon a course 2120
  Which has no need of you; be gone:
  My treasure's in the harbour, take it. O,
  I follow'd that I blush to look upon:
  My very hairs do mutiny; for the white
  Reprove the brown for rashness, and they them 2125
  For fear and doting. Friends, be gone: you shall
  Have letters from me to some friends that will
  Sweep your way for you. Pray you, look not sad,
  Nor make replies of loathness: take the hint
  Which my despair proclaims; let that be left 2130
  Which leaves itself: to the sea-side straightway:
  I will possess you of that ship and treasure.
  Leave me, I pray, a little: pray you now:
  Nay, do so; for, indeed, I have lost command,
  Therefore I pray you: I'll see you by and by. 2135
  [Sits down]
  [Enter CLEOPATRA led by CHARMIAN and IRAS; EROS]
  following]

• Eros. Nay, gentle madam, to him, comfort him.

• Iras. Do, most dear queen. 2140

• Charmian. Do! why: what else?

• Cleopatra. Let me sit down. O Juno!

• Antony. No, no, no, no, no.

• Eros. See you here, sir?

• Antony. O fie, fie, fie! 2145

• Charmian. Madam!

• Iras. Madam, O good empress!

• Eros. Sir, sir,—

• Antony. Yes, my lord, yes; he at Philippi kept
  His sword e'en like a dancer; while I struck 2150
  The lean and wrinkled Cassius; and 'twas I
  That the mad Brutus ended: he alone
  Dealt on lieutenantry, and no practise had
  In the brave squares of war: yet now—No matter.

• Cleopatra. Ah, stand by. 2155

• Eros. The queen, my lord, the queen.

• Iras. Go to him, madam, speak to him:
  He is unqualitied with very shame.

• Cleopatra. Well then, sustain him: O!

• Eros. Most noble sir, arise; the queen approaches: 2160
  Her head's declined, and death will seize her, but
  Your comfort makes the rescue.

• Antony. I have offended reputation,
  A most unnoble swerving.

• Eros. Sir, the queen. 2165

• Antony. O, whither hast thou led me, Egypt? See,
  How I convey my shame out of thine eyes
  By looking back what I have left behind
  'Stroy'd in dishonour.

• Cleopatra. O my lord, my lord, 2170
  Forgive my fearful sails! I little thought
  You would have follow'd.

• Antony. Egypt, thou knew'st too well
  My heart was to thy rudder tied by the strings,
  And thou shouldst tow me after: o'er my spirit 2175
  Thy full supremacy thou knew'st, and that
  Thy beck might from the bidding of the gods
  Command me.

• Cleopatra. O, my pardon!

• Antony. Now I must 2180
  To the young man send humble treaties, dodge
  And palter in the shifts of lowness; who
  With half the bulk o' the world play'd as I pleased,
  Making and marring fortunes. You did know
  How much you were my conqueror; and that 2185
  My sword, made weak by my affection, would
  Obey it on all cause.

• Cleopatra. Pardon, pardon!

• Antony. Fall not a tear, I say; one of them rates
  All that is won and lost: give me a kiss; 2190
  Even this repays me. We sent our schoolmaster;
  Is he come back? Love, I am full of lead.
  Some wine, within there, and our viands! Fortune knows
  We scorn her most when most she offers blows.

[Exeunt]

Act III, Scene 12

Egypt. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s camp.

[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, DOLABELLA, THYREUS, with others]

• Octavius. Let him appear that's come from Antony.
  Know you him?

• Dolabella. Caesar, 'tis his schoolmaster:
  An argument that he is pluck'd, when hither 2200
  He sends so poor a pinion off his wing,
  Which had superfluous kings for messengers
  Not many moons gone by.

[Enter EUPHRONIUS, ambassador from MARK ANTONY]

• Octavius. Approach, and speak. 2205

• Euphronius. Such as I am, I come from Antony:
  I was of late as petty to his ends
  As is the morn-dew on the myrtle-leaf
  To his grand sea.

• Octavius. Be't so: declare thine office. 2210

• Euphronius. Lord of his fortunes he salutes thee, and
  Requires to live in Egypt: which not granted,
  He lessens his requests; and to thee sues
  To let him breathe between the heavens and earth,
  A private man in Athens: this for him. 2215
  Next, Cleopatra does confess thy greatness;
  Submits her to thy might; and of thee craves
  The circle of the Ptolemies for her heirs,
  Now hazarded to thy grace.

• Octavius. For Antony, 2220
  I have no ears to his request. The queen
  Of audience nor desire shall fail, so she
  From Egypt drive her all-disgraced friend,
  Or take his life there: this if she perform,
  She shall not sue unheard. So to them both. 2225

• Euphronius. Fortune pursue thee!

• Octavius. Bring him through the bands.
  [Exit EUPHRONIUS]
  [To THYREUS] To try eloquence, now 'tis time: dispatch;]
  From Antony win Cleopatra: promise, 2230
  And in our name, what she requires; add more,
  From thine invention, offers: women are not
  In their best fortunes strong; but want will perjure
  The ne'er touch'd vestal: try thy cunning, Thyreus;
  Make thine own edict for thy pains, which we 2235
  Will answer as a law.

• Thyreus. Caesar, I go.

• Octavius. Observe how Antony becomes his flaw,
  And what thou think'st his very action speaks
  In every power that moves. 2240

• Thyreus. Caesar, I shall.

[Exeunt]

Act III, Scene 13

Alexandria. CLEOPATRA’s palace.

[Enter CLEOPATRA, DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS, CHARMIAN, and IRAS]

• Cleopatra. What shall we do, Enobarbus?

• Domitius Enobarus. Think, and die. 2245

• Cleopatra. Is Antony or we in fault for this?

• Domitius Enobarus. Antony only, that would make his will
  Lord of his reason. What though you fled
  From that great face of war, whose several ranges
  Frighted each other? why should he follow? 2250
  The itch of his affection should not then
  Have nick'd his captainship; at such a point,
  When half to half the world opposed, he being
  The meered question: 'twas a shame no less
  Than was his loss, to course your flying flags, 2255
  And leave his navy gazing.

• Cleopatra. Prithee, peace.

[Enter MARK ANTONY with EUPHRONIUS, the Ambassador]

• Antony. Is that his answer?

• Euphronius. Ay, my lord. 2260

• Antony. The queen shall then have courtesy, so she
  Will yield us up.

• Euphronius. He says so.

• Antony. Let her know't.
  To the boy Caesar send this grizzled head, 2265
  And he will fill thy wishes to the brim
  With principalities.

• Cleopatra. That head, my lord?

• Antony. To him again: tell him he wears the rose
  Of youth upon him; from which the world should note 2270
  Something particular: his coin, ships, legions,
  May be a coward's; whose ministers would prevail
  Under the service of a child as soon
  As i' the command of Caesar: I dare him therefore
  To lay his gay comparisons apart, 2275
  And answer me declined, sword against sword,
  Ourselves alone. I'll write it: follow me.

[Exeunt MARK ANTONY and EUPHRONIUS]

• Domitius Enobarus. [Aside] Yes, like enough, high-battled Caesar will
  Unstate his happiness, and be staged to the show, 2280
  Against a sworder! I see men's judgments are
  A parcel of their fortunes; and things outward
  Do draw the inward quality after them,
  To suffer all alike. That he should dream,
  Knowing all measures, the full Caesar will 2285
  Answer his emptiness! Caesar, thou hast subdued
  His judgment too.

[Enter an Attendant]

• Attendant. A messenger from CAESAR.

• Cleopatra. What, no more ceremony? See, my women! 2290
  Against the blown rose may they stop their nose
  That kneel'd unto the buds. Admit him, sir.

[Exit Attendant]

• Domitius Enobarus. [Aside] Mine honesty and I begin to square.
  The loyalty well held to fools does make 2295
  Our faith mere folly: yet he that can endure
  To follow with allegiance a fall'n lord
  Does conquer him that did his master conquer
  And earns a place i' the story.

[Enter THYREUS]

• Cleopatra. Caesar's will?

• Thyreus. Hear it apart.

• Cleopatra. None but friends: say boldly.

• Thyreus. So, haply, are they friends to Antony.

• Domitius Enobarus. He needs as many, sir, as Caesar has; 2305
  Or needs not us. If Caesar please, our master
  Will leap to be his friend: for us, you know,
  Whose he is we are, and that is, Caesar's.

• Thyreus. So.
  Thus then, thou most renown'd: Caesar entreats, 2310
  Not to consider in what case thou stand'st,
  Further than he is Caesar.

• Cleopatra. Go on: right royal.

• Thyreus. He knows that you embrace not Antony
  As you did love, but as you fear'd him. 2315

• Cleopatra. O!

• Thyreus. The scars upon your honour, therefore, he
  Does pity, as constrained blemishes,
  Not as deserved.

• Cleopatra. He is a god, and knows 2320
  What is most right: mine honour was not yielded,
  But conquer'd merely.

• Domitius Enobarus. [Aside] To be sure of that,
  I will ask Antony. Sir, sir, thou art so leaky,
  That we must leave thee to thy sinking, for 2325
  Thy dearest quit thee.

[Exit]

• Thyreus. Shall I say to Caesar
  What you require of him? for he partly begs
  To be desired to give. It much would please him, 2330
  That of his fortunes you should make a staff
  To lean upon: but it would warm his spirits,
  To hear from me you had left Antony,
  And put yourself under his shrowd,
  The universal landlord. 2335

• Cleopatra. What's your name?

• Thyreus. My name is Thyreus.

• Cleopatra. Most kind messenger,
  Say to great Caesar this: in deputation
  I kiss his conquering hand: tell him, I am prompt 2340
  To lay my crown at 's feet, and there to kneel:
  Tell him from his all-obeying breath I hear
  The doom of Egypt.

• Thyreus. 'Tis your noblest course.
  Wisdom and fortune combating together, 2345
  If that the former dare but what it can,
  No chance may shake it. Give me grace to lay
  My duty on your hand.

• Cleopatra. Your Caesar's father oft,
  When he hath mused of taking kingdoms in, 2350
  Bestow'd his lips on that unworthy place,
  As it rain'd kisses.

[Re-enter MARK ANTONY and DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]

• Antony. Favours, by Jove that thunders!
  What art thou, fellow? 2355

• Thyreus. One that but performs
  The bidding of the fullest man, and worthiest
  To have command obey'd.

• Domitius Enobarus. [Aside] You will be whipp'd.

• Antony. Approach, there! Ah, you kite! Now, gods 2360
  and devils!
  Authority melts from me: of late, when I cried 'Ho!'
  Like boys unto a muss, kings would start forth,
  And cry 'Your will?' Have you no ears? I am
  Antony yet. 2365
  [Enter Attendants]
  Take hence this Jack, and whip him.

• Domitius Enobarus. [Aside] 'Tis better playing with a lion's whelp
  Than with an old one dying.

• Antony. Moon and stars! 2370
  Whip him. Were't twenty of the greatest tributaries
  That do acknowledge Caesar, should I find them
  So saucy with the hand of she here,—what's her name,
  Since she was Cleopatra? Whip him, fellows,
  Till, like a boy, you see him cringe his face, 2375
  And whine aloud for mercy: take him hence.

• Thyreus. Mark Antony!

• Antony. Tug him away: being whipp'd,
  Bring him again: this Jack of Caesar's shall
  Bear us an errand to him. 2380
  [Exeunt Attendants with THYREUS]
  You were half blasted ere I knew you: ha!
  Have I my pillow left unpress'd in Rome,
  Forborne the getting of a lawful race,
  And by a gem of women, to be abused 2385
  By one that looks on feeders?

• Cleopatra. Good my lord,—

• Antony. You have been a boggler ever:
  But when we in our viciousness grow hard—
  O misery on't!—the wise gods seel our eyes; 2390
  In our own filth drop our clear judgments; make us
  Adore our errors; laugh at's, while we strut
  To our confusion.

• Cleopatra. O, is't come to this?

• Antony. I found you as a morsel cold upon 2395
  Dead Caesar's trencher; nay, you were a fragment
  Of Cneius Pompey's; besides what hotter hours,
  Unregister'd in vulgar fame, you have
  Luxuriously pick'd out: for, I am sure,
  Though you can guess what temperance should be, 2400
  You know not what it is.

• Cleopatra. Wherefore is this?

• Antony. To let a fellow that will take rewards
  And say 'God quit you!' be familiar with
  My playfellow, your hand; this kingly seal 2405
  And plighter of high hearts! O, that I were
  Upon the hill of Basan, to outroar
  The horned herd! for I have savage cause;
  And to proclaim it civilly, were like
  A halter'd neck which does the hangman thank 2410
  For being yare about him.
  [Re-enter Attendants with THYREUS]
  Is he whipp'd?

• First Attendant. Soundly, my lord.

• Antony. Cried he? and begg'd a' pardon? 2415

• First Attendant. He did ask favour.

• Antony. If that thy father live, let him repent
  Thou wast not made his daughter; and be thou sorry
  To follow Caesar in his triumph, since
  Thou hast been whipp'd for following him: henceforth 2420
  The white hand of a lady fever thee,
  Shake thou to look on 't. Get thee back to Caesar,
  Tell him thy entertainment: look, thou say
  He makes me angry with him; for he seems
  Proud and disdainful, harping on what I am, 2425
  Not what he knew I was: he makes me angry;
  And at this time most easy 'tis to do't,
  When my good stars, that were my former guides,
  Have empty left their orbs, and shot their fires
  Into the abysm of hell. If he mislike 2430
  My speech and what is done, tell him he has
  Hipparchus, my enfranched bondman, whom
  He may at pleasure whip, or hang, or torture,
  As he shall like, to quit me: urge it thou:
  Hence with thy stripes, begone! 2435

[Exit THYREUS]

• Cleopatra. Have you done yet?

• Antony. Alack, our terrene moon
  Is now eclipsed; and it portends alone
  The fall of Antony! 2440

• Cleopatra. I must stay his time.

• Antony. To flatter Caesar, would you mingle eyes
  With one that ties his points?

• Cleopatra. Not know me yet?

• Antony. Cold-hearted toward me? 2445

• Cleopatra. Ah, dear, if I be so,
  From my cold heart let heaven engender hail,
  And poison it in the source; and the first stone
  Drop in my neck: as it determines, so
  Dissolve my life! The next Caesarion smite! 2450
  Till by degrees the memory of my womb,
  Together with my brave Egyptians all,
  By the discandying of this pelleted storm,
  Lie graveless, till the flies and gnats of Nile
  Have buried them for prey! 2455

• Antony. I am satisfied.
  Caesar sits down in Alexandria; where
  I will oppose his fate. Our force by land
  Hath nobly held; our sever'd navy too
  Have knit again, and fleet, threatening most sea-like. 2460
  Where hast thou been, my heart? Dost thou hear, lady?
  If from the field I shall return once more
  To kiss these lips, I will appear in blood;
  I and my sword will earn our chronicle:
  There's hope in't yet. 2465

• Cleopatra. That's my brave lord!

• Antony. I will be treble-sinew'd, hearted, breathed,
  And fight maliciously: for when mine hours
  Were nice and lucky, men did ransom lives
  Of me for jests; but now I'll set my teeth, 2470
  And send to darkness all that stop me. Come,
  Let's have one other gaudy night: call to me
  All my sad captains; fill our bowls once more;
  Let's mock the midnight bell.

• Cleopatra. It is my birth-day: 2475
  I had thought to have held it poor: but, since my lord
  Is Antony again, I will be Cleopatra.

• Antony. We will yet do well.

• Cleopatra. Call all his noble captains to my lord.

• Antony. Do so, we'll speak to them; and to-night I'll force 2480
  The wine peep through their scars. Come on, my queen;
  There's sap in't yet. The next time I do fight,
  I'll make death love me; for I will contend
  Even with his pestilent scythe.

[Exeunt all but DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]

• Domitius Enobarus. Now he'll outstare the lightning. To be furious,
  Is to be frighted out of fear; and in that mood
  The dove will peck the estridge; and I see still,
  A diminution in our captain's brain
  Restores his heart: when valour preys on reason, 2490
  It eats the sword it fights with. I will seek
  Some way to leave him.

[Exit]

Act IV, Scene 1

Before Alexandria. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s camp.

[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, AGRIPPA, and MECAENAS, with] [p]his Army; OCTAVIUS CAESAR reading a letter]

• Octavius. He calls me boy; and chides, as he had power
  To beat me out of Egypt; my messenger
  He hath whipp'd with rods; dares me to personal combat,
  Caesar to Antony: let the old ruffian know
  I have many other ways to die; meantime 2500
  Laugh at his challenge.

• Mecaenas. Caesar must think,
  When one so great begins to rage, he's hunted
  Even to falling. Give him no breath, but now
  Make boot of his distraction: never anger 2505
  Made good guard for itself.

• Octavius. Let our best heads
  Know, that to-morrow the last of many battles
  We mean to fight: within our files there are,
  Of those that served Mark Antony but late, 2510
  Enough to fetch him in. See it done:
  And feast the army; we have store to do't,
  And they have earn'd the waste. Poor Antony!

[Exeunt]

Act IV, Scene 2

Alexandria. CLEOPATRA’s palace.

[Enter MARK ANTONY, CLEOPATRA, DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS,] [p]CHARMIAN, IRAS, ALEXAS, with others]

• Antony. He will not fight with me, Domitius.

• Domitius Enobarus. No.

• Antony. Why should he not?

• Domitius Enobarus. He thinks, being twenty times of better fortune, 2520
  He is twenty men to one.

• Antony. To-morrow, soldier,
  By sea and land I'll fight: or I will live,
  Or bathe my dying honour in the blood
  Shall make it live again. Woo't thou fight well? 2525

• Domitius Enobarus. I'll strike, and cry 'Take all.'

• Antony. Well said; come on.
  Call forth my household servants: let's to-night
  Be bounteous at our meal.
  [Enter three or four Servitors] 2530
  Give me thy hand,
  Thou hast been rightly honest;—so hast thou;—
  Thou,—and thou,—and thou:—you have served me well,
  And kings have been your fellows.

• Cleopatra. [Aside to DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS] What means this? 2535

• Domitius Enobarus. [Aside to CLEOPATRA] 'Tis one of those odd
  tricks which sorrow shoots
  Out of the mind.

• Antony. And thou art honest too.
  I wish I could be made so many men, 2540
  And all of you clapp'd up together in
  An Antony, that I might do you service
  So good as you have done.

• All. The gods forbid!

• Antony. Well, my good fellows, wait on me to-night: 2545
  Scant not my cups; and make as much of me
  As when mine empire was your fellow too,
  And suffer'd my command.

• Cleopatra. [Aside to DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS] What does he mean?

• Domitius Enobarus. [Aside to CLEOPATRA] To make his followers weep. 2550

• Antony. Tend me to-night;
  May be it is the period of your duty:
  Haply you shall not see me more; or if,
  A mangled shadow: perchance to-morrow
  You'll serve another master. I look on you 2555
  As one that takes his leave. Mine honest friends,
  I turn you not away; but, like a master
  Married to your good service, stay till death:
  Tend me to-night two hours, I ask no more,
  And the gods yield you for't! 2560

• Domitius Enobarus. What mean you, sir,
  To give them this discomfort? Look, they weep;
  And I, an ass, am onion-eyed: for shame,
  Transform us not to women.

• Antony. Ho, ho, ho! 2565
  Now the witch take me, if I meant it thus!
  Grace grow where those drops fall!
  My hearty friends,
  You take me in too dolorous a sense;
  For I spake to you for your comfort; did desire you 2570
  To burn this night with torches: know, my hearts,
  I hope well of to-morrow; and will lead you
  Where rather I'll expect victorious life
  Than death and honour. Let's to supper, come,
  And drown consideration. 2575

[Exeunt]

Act IV, Scene 3

The same. Before the palace.

[Enter two Soldiers to their guard]

• First Soldier. Brother, good night: to-morrow is the day.

• Second Soldier. It will determine one way: fare you well.
  Heard you of nothing strange about the streets? 2580

• First Soldier. Nothing. What news?

• Second Soldier. Belike 'tis but a rumour. Good night to you.

• First Soldier. Well, sir, good night.

[Enter two other Soldiers]

• Second Soldier. Soldiers, have careful watch. 2585

• Third Soldier. And you. Good night, good night.

[They place themselves in every corner of the stage]

• Fourth Soldier. Here we: and if to-morrow
  Our navy thrive, I have an absolute hope
  Our landmen will stand up. 2590

• Third Soldier. 'Tis a brave army,
  And full of purpose.

[Music of the hautboys as under the stage]

• Fourth Soldier. Peace! what noise?

• First Soldier. List, list! 2595

• Second Soldier. Hark!

• First Soldier. Music i' the air.

• Third Soldier. Under the earth.

• Fourth Soldier. It signs well, does it not?

• Third Soldier. No. 2600

• First Soldier. Peace, I say!
  What should this mean?

• Second Soldier. 'Tis the god Hercules, whom Antony loved,
  Now leaves him.

• First Soldier. Walk; let's see if other watchmen 2605
  Do hear what we do?

[They advance to another post]

• Second Soldier. How now, masters!

• All. [Speaking together] How now!
  How now! do you hear this? 2610

• First Soldier. Ay; is't not strange?

• Third Soldier. Do you hear, masters? do you hear?

• First Soldier. Follow the noise so far as we have quarter;
  Let's see how it will give off.

• All. Content. 'Tis strange. 2615

[Exeunt]

Act IV, Scene 4

The same. A room in the palace.

[Enter MARK ANTONY and CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, and] [p]others attending]

• Antony. Eros! mine armour, Eros!

• Cleopatra. Sleep a little. 2620

• Antony. No, my chuck. Eros, come; mine armour, Eros!
  [Enter EROS with armour]
  Come good fellow, put mine iron on:
  If fortune be not ours to-day, it is
  Because we brave her: come. 2625

• Cleopatra. Nay, I'll help too.
  What's this for?

• Antony. Ah, let be, let be! thou art
  The armourer of my heart: false, false; this, this.

• Cleopatra. Sooth, la, I'll help: thus it must be. 2630

• Antony. Well, well;
  We shall thrive now. Seest thou, my good fellow?
  Go put on thy defences.

• Eros. Briefly, sir.

• Cleopatra. Is not this buckled well? 2635

• Antony. Rarely, rarely:
  He that unbuckles this, till we do please
  To daff't for our repose, shall hear a storm.
  Thou fumblest, Eros; and my queen's a squire
  More tight at this than thou: dispatch. O love, 2640
  That thou couldst see my wars to-day, and knew'st
  The royal occupation! thou shouldst see
  A workman in't.
  [Enter an armed Soldier]
  Good morrow to thee; welcome: 2645
  Thou look'st like him that knows a warlike charge:
  To business that we love we rise betime,
  And go to't with delight.

• Soldier. A thousand, sir,
  Early though't be, have on their riveted trim, 2650
  And at the port expect you.

[Shout. Trumpets flourish]

[Enter Captains and Soldiers]

• Captain. The morn is fair. Good morrow, general.

• All. Good morrow, general. 2655

• Antony. 'Tis well blown, lads:
  This morning, like the spirit of a youth
  That means to be of note, begins betimes.
  So, so; come, give me that: this way; well said.
  Fare thee well, dame, whate'er becomes of me: 2660
  This is a soldier's kiss: rebukeable
  [Kisses her]
  And worthy shameful cheque it were, to stand
  On more mechanic compliment; I'll leave thee
  Now, like a man of steel. You that will fight, 2665
  Follow me close; I'll bring you to't. Adieu.

[Exeunt MARK ANTONY, EROS, Captains, and Soldiers]

• Charmian. Please you, retire to your chamber.

• Cleopatra. Lead me.
  He goes forth gallantly. That he and Caesar might 2670
  Determine this great war in single fight!
  Then Antony,—but now—Well, on.

[Exeunt]

Act IV, Scene 5

Alexandria. MARK ANTONY’s camp.

[Trumpets sound. Enter MARK ANTONY and EROS; a] [p]Soldier meeting them]

• Soldier. The gods make this a happy day to Antony!

• Antony. Would thou and those thy scars had once prevail'd
  To make me fight at land!

• Soldier. Hadst thou done so,
  The kings that have revolted, and the soldier 2680
  That has this morning left thee, would have still
  Follow'd thy heels.

• Antony. Who's gone this morning?

• Soldier. Who!
  One ever near thee: call for Enobarbus, 2685
  He shall not hear thee; or from Caesar's camp
  Say 'I am none of thine.'

• Antony. What say'st thou?

• Soldier. Sir,
  He is with Caesar. 2690

• Eros. Sir, his chests and treasure
  He has not with him.

• Antony. Is he gone?

• Soldier. Most certain.

• Antony. Go, Eros, send his treasure after; do it; 2695
  Detain no jot, I charge thee: write to him—
  I will subscribe—gentle adieus and greetings;
  Say that I wish he never find more cause
  To change a master. O, my fortunes have
  Corrupted honest men! Dispatch.—Enobarbus! 2700

[Exeunt]

Act IV, Scene 6

Alexandria. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s camp.

[Flourish. Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, AGRIPPA, with] [p]DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS, and others]

• Octavius. Go forth, Agrippa, and begin the fight:
  Our will is Antony be took alive; 2705
  Make it so known.

• Agrippa. Caesar, I shall.

[Exit]

• Octavius. The time of universal peace is near:
  Prove this a prosperous day, the three-nook'd world 2710
  Shall bear the olive freely.

[Enter a Messenger]

• Messenger. Antony
  Is come into the field.

• Octavius. Go charge Agrippa 2715
  Plant those that have revolted in the van,
  That Antony may seem to spend his fury
  Upon himself.

[Exeunt all but DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]

• Domitius Enobarus. Alexas did revolt; and went to Jewry on 2720
  Affairs of Antony; there did persuade
  Great Herod to incline himself to Caesar,
  And leave his master Antony: for this pains
  Caesar hath hang'd him. Canidius and the rest
  That fell away have entertainment, but 2725
  No honourable trust. I have done ill;
  Of which I do accuse myself so sorely,
  That I will joy no more.

[Enter a Soldier of CAESAR's]

• Soldier. Enobarbus, Antony 2730
  Hath after thee sent all thy treasure, with
  His bounty overplus: the messenger
  Came on my guard; and at thy tent is now
  Unloading of his mules.

• Domitius Enobarus. I give it you. 2735

• Soldier. Mock not, Enobarbus.
  I tell you true: best you safed the bringer
  Out of the host; I must attend mine office,
  Or would have done't myself. Your emperor
  Continues still a Jove. 2740

[Exit]

• Domitius Enobarus. I am alone the villain of the earth,
  And feel I am so most. O Antony,
  Thou mine of bounty, how wouldst thou have paid
  My better service, when my turpitude 2745
  Thou dost so crown with gold! This blows my heart:
  If swift thought break it not, a swifter mean
  Shall outstrike thought: but thought will do't, I feel.
  I fight against thee! No: I will go seek
  Some ditch wherein to die; the foul'st best fits 2750
  My latter part of life.

[Exit]

Act IV, Scene 7

Field of battle between the camps.