The Tragedy of Antony and Cleopatra Dramatis PersonaeDramatis Personae MARK ANTONY OCTAVIUS CAESAR M. AEMILIUS LEPIDUS SEXTUS POMPEIUS DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS VENTIDIUS EROS SCARUS DERCETAS DEMETRIUS PHILO MECAENAS AGRIPPA DOLABELLA PROCULEIUS THYREUS GALLUS MENAS MENECRATES VARRIUS TAURUS, lieutenant-general to Caesar. CANIDIUS, lieutenant-general to Antony. SILIUS, an officer in Ventidius's army. EUPHRONIUS, an ambassador from Antony to Caesar. ALEXAS MARDIAN, a Eunuch. SELEUCUS DIOMEDES A Soothsayer. A Clown. CLEOPATRA, queen of Egypt. OCTAVIA, sister to Caesar and wife to Antony. CHARMIAN IRAS Officers, Soldiers, Messengers, and other Attendants. ACT I SCENE I. Alexandria. A room in CLEOPATRA's palace. SCENE II. The same. Another room. SCENE III. The same. Another room. SCENE IV. Rome. OCTAVIUS CAESAR's house. SCENE V. Alexandria. CLEOPATRA's palace. ACT II SCENE I. Messina. POMPEY's house. SCENE II. Rome. The house of LEPIDUS. SCENE III. The same. OCTAVIUS CAESAR's house. SCENE IV. The same. A street. SCENE V. Alexandria. CLEOPATRA's palace. SCENE VI. Near Misenum. SCENE VII. On board POMPEY's galley, off Misenum. ACT III SCENE I. A plain in Syria. SCENE II. Rome. An ante-chamber in OCTAVIUS CAESAR's house. SCENE III. Alexandria. CLEOPATRA's palace. SCENE IV. Athens. A room in MARK ANTONY's house. SCENE V. The same. Another room. SCENE VI. Rome. OCTAVIUS CAESAR's house. SCENE VII. Near Actium. MARK ANTONY's camp. SCENE VIII. A plain near Actium. SCENE IX. Another part of the plain. SCENE X. Another part of the plain. SCENE XI. Alexandria. CLEOPATRA's palace. SCENE XII. Egypt. OCTAVIUS CAESAR's camp. SCENE XIII. Alexandria. CLEOPATRA's palace. ACT IV SCENE I. Before Alexandria. OCTAVIUS CAESAR's camp. SCENE II. Alexandria. CLEOPATRA's palace. SCENE III. The same. Before the palace. SCENE IV. The same. A room in the palace. SCENE V. Alexandria. MARK ANTONY's camp. SCENE VI. Alexandria. OCTAVIUS CAESAR's camp. SCENE VII. Field of battle between the camps. SCENE VIII. Under the walls of Alexandria. SCENE IX. OCTAVIUS CAESAR's camp. SCENE X. Between the two camps. SCENE XI. Another part of the same. SCENE XII. Another part of the same. SCENE XIII. Alexandria. Cleopatra's palace. SCENE XIV. The same. Another room. SCENE XV. The same. A monument. ACT V SCENE I. Alexandria. OCTAVIUS CAESAR's camp. SCENE II. Alexandria. A room in the monument. @language html <div class='ptitle' >The Tragedy of Antony and Cleopatra</div><div class='pdetail' >Text placed in the public domain by Moby Lexical Tools, 1992.</div> <div class='pdetail' >SGML markup by Jon Bosak, 1992-1994.</div> <div class='pdetail' >XML version by Jon Bosak, 1996-1998.</div> <div class='pdetail' >This work may be freely copied and distributed worldwide.</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter DEMETRIUS and PHILO</div> <div class='speaker' >PHILO</div> <div class='line' >Nay, but this dotage of our general's</div> <div class='line' >O'erflows the measure: those his goodly eyes,</div> <div class='line' >That o'er the files and musters of the war</div> <div class='line' >Have glow'd like plated Mars, now bend, now turn,</div> <div class='line' >The office and devotion of their view</div> <div class='line' >Upon a tawny front: his captain's heart,</div> <div class='line' >Which in the scuffles of great fights hath burst</div> <div class='line' >The buckles on his breast, reneges all temper,</div> <div class='line' >And is become the bellows and the fan</div> <div class='line' >To cool a gipsy's lust.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Flourish. Enter ANTONY, CLEOPATRA, her Ladies, the Train, with Eunuchs fanning her</div> <div class='line' >Look, where they come:</div> <div class='line' >Take but good note, and you shall see in him.</div> <div class='line' >The triple pillar of the world transform'd</div> <div class='line' >Into a strumpet's fool: behold and see.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >If it be love indeed, tell me how much.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >There's beggary in the love that can be reckon'd.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >I'll set a bourn how far to be beloved.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Then must thou needs find out new heaven, new earth.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter an Attendant</div> <div class='speaker' >Attendant</div> <div class='line' >News, my good lord, from Rome.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Grates me: the sum.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Nay, hear them, Antony:</div> <div class='line' >Fulvia perchance is angry; or, who knows</div> <div class='line' >If the scarce-bearded Caesar have not sent</div> <div class='line' >His powerful mandate to you, 'Do this, or this;</div> <div class='line' >Take in that kingdom, and enfranchise that;</div> <div class='line' >Perform 't, or else we damn thee.'</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >How, my love!</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Perchance! nay, and most like:</div> <div class='line' >You must not stay here longer, your dismission</div> <div class='line' >Is come from Caesar; therefore hear it, Antony.</div> <div class='line' >Where's Fulvia's process? Caesar's I would say? both?</div> <div class='line' >Call in the messengers. As I am Egypt's queen,</div> <div class='line' >Thou blushest, Antony; and that blood of thine</div> <div class='line' >Is Caesar's homager: else so thy cheek pays shame</div> <div class='line' >When shrill-tongued Fulvia scolds. The messengers!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Let Rome in Tiber melt, and the wide arch</div> <div class='line' >Of the ranged empire fall! Here is my space.</div> <div class='line' >Kingdoms are clay: our dungy earth alike</div> <div class='line' >Feeds beast as man: the nobleness of life</div> <div class='line' >Is to do thus; when such a mutual pair</div> <div class='stagedir' >Embracing</div> <div class='line' >And such a twain can do't, in which I bind,</div> <div class='line' >On pain of punishment, the world to weet</div> <div class='line' >We stand up peerless.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Excellent falsehood!</div> <div class='line' >Why did he marry Fulvia, and not love her?</div> <div class='line' >I'll seem the fool I am not; Antony</div> <div class='line' >Will be himself.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >But stirr'd by Cleopatra.</div> <div class='line' >Now, for the love of Love and her soft hours,</div> <div class='line' >Let's not confound the time with conference harsh:</div> <div class='line' >There's not a minute of our lives should stretch</div> <div class='line' >Without some pleasure now. What sport tonight?</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Hear the ambassadors.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Fie, wrangling queen!</div> <div class='line' >Whom every thing becomes, to chide, to laugh,</div> <div class='line' >To weep; whose every passion fully strives</div> <div class='line' >To make itself, in thee, fair and admired!</div> <div class='line' >No messenger, but thine; and all alone</div> <div class='line' >To-night we'll wander through the streets and note</div> <div class='line' >The qualities of people. Come, my queen;</div> <div class='line' >Last night you did desire it: speak not to us.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt MARK ANTONY and CLEOPATRA with their train</div> <div class='speaker' >DEMETRIUS</div> <div class='line' >Is Caesar with Antonius prized so slight?</div> <div class='speaker' >PHILO</div> <div class='line' >Sir, sometimes, when he is not Antony,</div> <div class='line' >He comes too short of that great property</div> <div class='line' >Which still should go with Antony.</div> <div class='speaker' >DEMETRIUS</div> <div class='line' >I am full sorry</div> <div class='line' >That he approves the common liar, who</div> <div class='line' >Thus speaks of him at Rome: but I will hope</div> <div class='line' >Of better deeds to-morrow. Rest you happy!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter CHARMIAN, IRAS, ALEXAS, and a Soothsayer</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Lord Alexas, sweet Alexas, most any thing Alexas,</div> <div class='line' >almost most absolute Alexas, where's the soothsayer</div> <div class='line' >that you praised so to the queen? O, that I knew</div> <div class='line' >this husband, which, you say, must charge his horns</div> <div class='line' >with garlands!</div> <div class='speaker' >ALEXAS</div> <div class='line' >Soothsayer!</div> <div class='speaker' >Soothsayer</div> <div class='line' >Your will?</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Is this the man? Is't you, sir, that know things?</div> <div class='speaker' >Soothsayer</div> <div class='line' >In nature's infinite book of secrecy</div> <div class='line' >A little I can read.</div> <div class='speaker' >ALEXAS</div> <div class='line' >Show him your hand.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Bring in the banquet quickly; wine enough</div> <div class='line' >Cleopatra's health to drink.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Good sir, give me good fortune.</div> <div class='speaker' >Soothsayer</div> <div class='line' >I make not, but foresee.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Pray, then, foresee me one.</div> <div class='speaker' >Soothsayer</div> <div class='line' >You shall be yet far fairer than you are.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >He means in flesh.</div> <div class='speaker' >IRAS</div> <div class='line' >No, you shall paint when you are old.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Wrinkles forbid!</div> <div class='speaker' >ALEXAS</div> <div class='line' >Vex not his prescience; be attentive.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Hush!</div> <div class='speaker' >Soothsayer</div> <div class='line' >You shall be more beloving than beloved.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >I had rather heat my liver with drinking.</div> <div class='speaker' >ALEXAS</div> <div class='line' >Nay, hear him.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Good now, some excellent fortune! Let me be married</div> <div class='line' >to three kings in a forenoon, and widow them all:</div> <div class='line' >let me have a child at fifty, to whom Herod of Jewry</div> <div class='line' >may do homage: find me to marry me with Octavius</div> <div class='line' >Caesar, and companion me with my mistress.</div> <div class='speaker' >Soothsayer</div> <div class='line' >You shall outlive the lady whom you serve.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >O excellent! I love long life better than figs.</div> <div class='speaker' >Soothsayer</div> <div class='line' >You have seen and proved a fairer former fortune</div> <div class='line' >Than that which is to approach.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Then belike my children shall have no names:</div> <div class='line' >prithee, how many boys and wenches must I have?</div> <div class='speaker' >Soothsayer</div> <div class='line' >If every of your wishes had a womb.</div> <div class='line' >And fertile every wish, a million.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Out, fool! I forgive thee for a witch.</div> <div class='speaker' >ALEXAS</div> <div class='line' >You think none but your sheets are privy to your wishes.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Nay, come, tell Iras hers.</div> <div class='speaker' >ALEXAS</div> <div class='line' >We'll know all our fortunes.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Mine, and most of our fortunes, to-night, shall</div> <div class='line' >be--drunk to bed.</div> <div class='speaker' >IRAS</div> <div class='line' >There's a palm presages chastity, if nothing else.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >E'en as the o'erflowing Nilus presageth famine.</div> <div class='speaker' >IRAS</div> <div class='line' >Go, you wild bedfellow, you cannot soothsay.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Nay, if an oily palm be not a fruitful</div> <div class='line' >prognostication, I cannot scratch mine ear. Prithee,</div> <div class='line' >tell her but a worky-day fortune.</div> <div class='speaker' >Soothsayer</div> <div class='line' >Your fortunes are alike.</div> <div class='speaker' >IRAS</div> <div class='line' >But how, but how? give me particulars.</div> <div class='speaker' >Soothsayer</div> <div class='line' >I have said.</div> <div class='speaker' >IRAS</div> <div class='line' >Am I not an inch of fortune better than she?</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Well, if you were but an inch of fortune better than</div> <div class='line' >I, where would you choose it?</div> <div class='speaker' >IRAS</div> <div class='line' >Not in my husband's nose.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Our worser thoughts heavens mend! Alexas,--come,</div> <div class='line' >his fortune, his fortune! O, let him marry a woman</div> <div class='line' >that cannot go, sweet Isis, I beseech thee! and let</div> <div class='line' >her die too, and give him a worse! and let worst</div> <div class='line' >follow worse, till the worst of all follow him</div> <div class='line' >laughing to his grave, fifty-fold a cuckold! Good</div> <div class='line' >Isis, hear me this prayer, though thou deny me a</div> <div class='line' >matter of more weight; good Isis, I beseech thee!</div> <div class='speaker' >IRAS</div> <div class='line' >Amen. Dear goddess, hear that prayer of the people!</div> <div class='line' >for, as it is a heartbreaking to see a handsome man</div> <div class='line' >loose-wived, so it is a deadly sorrow to behold a</div> <div class='line' >foul knave uncuckolded: therefore, dear Isis, keep</div> <div class='line' >decorum, and fortune him accordingly!</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Amen.</div> <div class='speaker' >ALEXAS</div> <div class='line' >Lo, now, if it lay in their hands to make me a</div> <div class='line' >cuckold, they would make themselves whores, but</div> <div class='line' >they'ld do't!</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Hush! here comes Antony.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Not he; the queen.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Saw you my lord?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >No, lady.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Was he not here?</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >No, madam.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >He was disposed to mirth; but on the sudden</div> <div class='line' >A Roman thought hath struck him. Enobarbus!</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Madam?</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Seek him, and bring him hither.</div> <div class='line' >Where's Alexas?</div> <div class='speaker' >ALEXAS</div> <div class='line' >Here, at your service. My lord approaches.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >We will not look upon him: go with us.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter MARK ANTONY with a Messenger and Attendants</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Fulvia thy wife first came into the field.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Against my brother Lucius?</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Ay:</div> <div class='line' >But soon that war had end, and the time's state</div> <div class='line' >Made friends of them, joining their force 'gainst Caesar;</div> <div class='line' >Whose better issue in the war, from Italy,</div> <div class='line' >Upon the first encounter, drave them.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Well, what worst?</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >The nature of bad news infects the teller.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >When it concerns the fool or coward. On:</div> <div class='line' >Things that are past are done with me. 'Tis thus:</div> <div class='line' >Who tells me true, though in his tale lie death,</div> <div class='line' >I hear him as he flatter'd.</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Labienus--</div> <div class='line' >This is stiff news--hath, with his Parthian force,</div> <div class='line' >Extended Asia from Euphrates;</div> <div class='line' >His conquering banner shook from Syria</div> <div class='line' >To Lydia and to Ionia; Whilst--</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Antony, thou wouldst say,--</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >O, my lord!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Speak to me home, mince not the general tongue:</div> <div class='line' >Name Cleopatra as she is call'd in Rome;</div> <div class='line' >Rail thou in Fulvia's phrase; and taunt my faults</div> <div class='line' >With such full licence as both truth and malice</div> <div class='line' >Have power to utter. O, then we bring forth weeds,</div> <div class='line' >When our quick minds lie still; and our ills told us</div> <div class='line' >Is as our earing. Fare thee well awhile.</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >At your noble pleasure.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >From Sicyon, ho, the news! Speak there!</div> <div class='speaker' >First Attendant</div> <div class='line' >The man from Sicyon,--is there such an one?</div> <div class='speaker' >Second Attendant</div> <div class='line' >He stays upon your will.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Let him appear.</div> <div class='line' >These strong Egyptian fetters I must break,</div> <div class='line' >Or lose myself in dotage.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter another Messenger</div> <div class='line' >What are you?</div> <div class='speaker' >Second Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Fulvia thy wife is dead.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Where died she?</div> <div class='speaker' >Second Messenger</div> <div class='line' >In Sicyon:</div> <div class='line' >Her length of sickness, with what else more serious</div> <div class='line' >Importeth thee to know, this bears.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Gives a letter</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Forbear me.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit Second Messenger</div> <div class='line' >There's a great spirit gone! Thus did I desire it:</div> <div class='line' >What our contempt doth often hurl from us,</div> <div class='line' >We wish it ours again; the present pleasure,</div> <div class='line' >By revolution lowering, does become</div> <div class='line' >The opposite of itself: she's good, being gone;</div> <div class='line' >The hand could pluck her back that shoved her on.</div> <div class='line' >I must from this enchanting queen break off:</div> <div class='line' >Ten thousand harms, more than the ills I know,</div> <div class='line' >My idleness doth hatch. How now! Enobarbus!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Re-enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >What's your pleasure, sir?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >I must with haste from hence.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Why, then, we kill all our women:</div> <div class='line' >we see how mortal an unkindness is to them;</div> <div class='line' >if they suffer our departure, death's the word.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >I must be gone.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Under a compelling occasion, let women die; it were</div> <div class='line' >pity to cast them away for nothing; though, between</div> <div class='line' >them and a great cause, they should be esteemed</div> <div class='line' >nothing. Cleopatra, catching but the least noise of</div> <div class='line' >this, dies instantly; I have seen her die twenty</div> <div class='line' >times upon far poorer moment: I do think there is</div> <div class='line' >mettle in death, which commits some loving act upon</div> <div class='line' >her, she hath such a celerity in dying.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >She is cunning past man's thought.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit ALEXAS</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Alack, sir, no; her passions are made of nothing but</div> <div class='line' >the finest part of pure love: we cannot call her</div> <div class='line' >winds and waters sighs and tears; they are greater</div> <div class='line' >storms and tempests than almanacs can report: this</div> <div class='line' >cannot be cunning in her; if it be, she makes a</div> <div class='line' >shower of rain as well as Jove.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Would I had never seen her.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >O, sir, you had then left unseen a wonderful piece</div> <div class='line' >of work; which not to have been blest withal would</div> <div class='line' >have discredited your travel.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Fulvia is dead.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Sir?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Fulvia is dead.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Fulvia!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Dead.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Why, sir, give the gods a thankful sacrifice. When</div> <div class='line' >it pleaseth their deities to take the wife of a man</div> <div class='line' >from him, it shows to man the tailors of the earth;</div> <div class='line' >comforting therein, that when old robes are worn</div> <div class='line' >out, there are members to make new. If there were</div> <div class='line' >no more women but Fulvia, then had you indeed a cut,</div> <div class='line' >and the case to be lamented: this grief is crowned</div> <div class='line' >with consolation; your old smock brings forth a new</div> <div class='line' >petticoat: and indeed the tears live in an onion</div> <div class='line' >that should water this sorrow.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >The business she hath broached in the state</div> <div class='line' >Cannot endure my absence.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >And the business you have broached here cannot be</div> <div class='line' >without you; especially that of Cleopatra's, which</div> <div class='line' >wholly depends on your abode.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >No more light answers. Let our officers</div> <div class='line' >Have notice what we purpose. I shall break</div> <div class='line' >The cause of our expedience to the queen,</div> <div class='line' >And get her leave to part. For not alone</div> <div class='line' >The death of Fulvia, with more urgent touches,</div> <div class='line' >Do strongly speak to us; but the letters too</div> <div class='line' >Of many our contriving friends in Rome</div> <div class='line' >Petition us at home: Sextus Pompeius</div> <div class='line' >Hath given the dare to Caesar, and commands</div> <div class='line' >The empire of the sea: our slippery people,</div> <div class='line' >Whose love is never link'd to the deserver</div> <div class='line' >Till his deserts are past, begin to throw</div> <div class='line' >Pompey the Great and all his dignities</div> <div class='line' >Upon his son; who, high in name and power,</div> <div class='line' >Higher than both in blood and life, stands up</div> <div class='line' >For the main soldier: whose quality, going on,</div> <div class='line' >The sides o' the world may danger: much is breeding,</div> <div class='line' >Which, like the courser's hair, hath yet but life,</div> <div class='line' >And not a serpent's poison. Say, our pleasure,</div> <div class='line' >To such whose place is under us, requires</div> <div class='line' >Our quick remove from hence.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >I shall do't.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and ALEXAS</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Where is he?</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >I did not see him since.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >See where he is, who's with him, what he does:</div> <div class='line' >I did not send you: if you find him sad,</div> <div class='line' >Say I am dancing; if in mirth, report</div> <div class='line' >That I am sudden sick: quick, and return.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit ALEXAS</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Madam, methinks, if you did love him dearly,</div> <div class='line' >You do not hold the method to enforce</div> <div class='line' >The like from him.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >What should I do, I do not?</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >In each thing give him way, cross him nothing.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Thou teachest like a fool; the way to lose him.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Tempt him not so too far; I wish, forbear:</div> <div class='line' >In time we hate that which we often fear.</div> <div class='line' >But here comes Antony.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >I am sick and sullen.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >I am sorry to give breathing to my purpose,--</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Help me away, dear Charmian; I shall fall:</div> <div class='line' >It cannot be thus long, the sides of nature</div> <div class='line' >Will not sustain it.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Now, my dearest queen,--</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Pray you, stand further from me.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >What's the matter?</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >I know, by that same eye, there's some good news.</div> <div class='line' >What says the married woman? You may go:</div> <div class='line' >Would she had never given you leave to come!</div> <div class='line' >Let her not say 'tis I that keep you here:</div> <div class='line' >I have no power upon you; hers you are.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >The gods best know,--</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >O, never was there queen</div> <div class='line' >So mightily betray'd! yet at the first</div> <div class='line' >I saw the treasons planted.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Cleopatra,--</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Why should I think you can be mine and true,</div> <div class='line' >Though you in swearing shake the throned gods,</div> <div class='line' >Who have been false to Fulvia? Riotous madness,</div> <div class='line' >To be entangled with those mouth-made vows,</div> <div class='line' >Which break themselves in swearing!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Most sweet queen,--</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Nay, pray you, seek no colour for your going,</div> <div class='line' >But bid farewell, and go: when you sued staying,</div> <div class='line' >Then was the time for words: no going then;</div> <div class='line' >Eternity was in our lips and eyes,</div> <div class='line' >Bliss in our brows' bent; none our parts so poor,</div> <div class='line' >But was a race of heaven: they are so still,</div> <div class='line' >Or thou, the greatest soldier of the world,</div> <div class='line' >Art turn'd the greatest liar.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >How now, lady!</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >I would I had thy inches; thou shouldst know</div> <div class='line' >There were a heart in Egypt.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Hear me, queen:</div> <div class='line' >The strong necessity of time commands</div> <div class='line' >Our services awhile; but my full heart</div> <div class='line' >Remains in use with you. Our Italy</div> <div class='line' >Shines o'er with civil swords: Sextus Pompeius</div> <div class='line' >Makes his approaches to the port of Rome:</div> <div class='line' >Equality of two domestic powers</div> <div class='line' >Breed scrupulous faction: the hated, grown to strength,</div> <div class='line' >Are newly grown to love: the condemn'd Pompey,</div> <div class='line' >Rich in his father's honour, creeps apace,</div> <div class='line' >Into the hearts of such as have not thrived</div> <div class='line' >Upon the present state, whose numbers threaten;</div> <div class='line' >And quietness, grown sick of rest, would purge</div> <div class='line' >By any desperate change: my more particular,</div> <div class='line' >And that which most with you should safe my going,</div> <div class='line' >Is Fulvia's death.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Though age from folly could not give me freedom,</div> <div class='line' >It does from childishness: can Fulvia die?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >She's dead, my queen:</div> <div class='line' >Look here, and at thy sovereign leisure read</div> <div class='line' >The garboils she awaked; at the last, best:</div> <div class='line' >See when and where she died.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >O most false love!</div> <div class='line' >Where be the sacred vials thou shouldst fill</div> <div class='line' >With sorrowful water? Now I see, I see,</div> <div class='line' >In Fulvia's death, how mine received shall be.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Quarrel no more, but be prepared to know</div> <div class='line' >The purposes I bear; which are, or cease,</div> <div class='line' >As you shall give the advice. By the fire</div> <div class='line' >That quickens Nilus' slime, I go from hence</div> <div class='line' >Thy soldier, servant; making peace or war</div> <div class='line' >As thou affect'st.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Cut my lace, Charmian, come;</div> <div class='line' >But let it be: I am quickly ill, and well,</div> <div class='line' >So Antony loves.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >My precious queen, forbear;</div> <div class='line' >And give true evidence to his love, which stands</div> <div class='line' >An honourable trial.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >So Fulvia told me.</div> <div class='line' >I prithee, turn aside and weep for her,</div> <div class='line' >Then bid adieu to me, and say the tears</div> <div class='line' >Belong to Egypt: good now, play one scene</div> <div class='line' >Of excellent dissembling; and let it look</div> <div class='line' >Life perfect honour.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >You'll heat my blood: no more.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >You can do better yet; but this is meetly.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Now, by my sword,--</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >And target. Still he mends;</div> <div class='line' >But this is not the best. Look, prithee, Charmian,</div> <div class='line' >How this Herculean Roman does become</div> <div class='line' >The carriage of his chafe.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >I'll leave you, lady.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Courteous lord, one word.</div> <div class='line' >Sir, you and I must part, but that's not it:</div> <div class='line' >Sir, you and I have loved, but there's not it;</div> <div class='line' >That you know well: something it is I would,</div> <div class='line' >O, my oblivion is a very Antony,</div> <div class='line' >And I am all forgotten.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >But that your royalty</div> <div class='line' >Holds idleness your subject, I should take you</div> <div class='line' >For idleness itself.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >'Tis sweating labour</div> <div class='line' >To bear such idleness so near the heart</div> <div class='line' >As Cleopatra this. But, sir, forgive me;</div> <div class='line' >Since my becomings kill me, when they do not</div> <div class='line' >Eye well to you: your honour calls you hence;</div> <div class='line' >Therefore be deaf to my unpitied folly.</div> <div class='line' >And all the gods go with you! upon your sword</div> <div class='line' >Sit laurel victory! and smooth success</div> <div class='line' >Be strew'd before your feet!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Let us go. Come;</div> <div class='line' >Our separation so abides, and flies,</div> <div class='line' >That thou, residing here, go'st yet with me,</div> <div class='line' >And I, hence fleeting, here remain with thee. Away!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, reading a letter, LEPIDUS, and their Train</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >You may see, Lepidus, and henceforth know,</div> <div class='line' >It is not Caesar's natural vice to hate</div> <div class='line' >Our great competitor: from Alexandria</div> <div class='line' >This is the news: he fishes, drinks, and wastes</div> <div class='line' >The lamps of night in revel; is not more man-like</div> <div class='line' >Than Cleopatra; nor the queen of Ptolemy</div> <div class='line' >More womanly than he; hardly gave audience, or</div> <div class='line' >Vouchsafed to think he had partners: you shall find there</div> <div class='line' >A man who is the abstract of all faults</div> <div class='line' >That all men follow.</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >I must not think there are</div> <div class='line' >Evils enow to darken all his goodness:</div> <div class='line' >His faults in him seem as the spots of heaven,</div> <div class='line' >More fiery by night's blackness; hereditary,</div> <div class='line' >Rather than purchased; what he cannot change,</div> <div class='line' >Than what he chooses.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >You are too indulgent. Let us grant, it is not</div> <div class='line' >Amiss to tumble on the bed of Ptolemy;</div> <div class='line' >To give a kingdom for a mirth; to sit</div> <div class='line' >And keep the turn of tippling with a slave;</div> <div class='line' >To reel the streets at noon, and stand the buffet</div> <div class='line' >With knaves that smell of sweat: say this</div> <div class='line' >becomes him,--</div> <div class='line' >As his composure must be rare indeed</div> <div class='line' >Whom these things cannot blemish,--yet must Antony</div> <div class='line' >No way excuse his soils, when we do bear</div> <div class='line' >So great weight in his lightness. If he fill'd</div> <div class='line' >His vacancy with his voluptuousness,</div> <div class='line' >Full surfeits, and the dryness of his bones,</div> <div class='line' >Call on him for't: but to confound such time,</div> <div class='line' >That drums him from his sport, and speaks as loud</div> <div class='line' >As his own state and ours,--'tis to be chid</div> <div class='line' >As we rate boys, who, being mature in knowledge,</div> <div class='line' >Pawn their experience to their present pleasure,</div> <div class='line' >And so rebel to judgment.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter a Messenger</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >Here's more news.</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Thy biddings have been done; and every hour,</div> <div class='line' >Most noble Caesar, shalt thou have report</div> <div class='line' >How 'tis abroad. Pompey is strong at sea;</div> <div class='line' >And it appears he is beloved of those</div> <div class='line' >That only have fear'd Caesar: to the ports</div> <div class='line' >The discontents repair, and men's reports</div> <div class='line' >Give him much wrong'd.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >I should have known no less.</div> <div class='line' >It hath been taught us from the primal state,</div> <div class='line' >That he which is was wish'd until he were;</div> <div class='line' >And the ebb'd man, ne'er loved till ne'er worth love,</div> <div class='line' >Comes dear'd by being lack'd. This common body,</div> <div class='line' >Like to a vagabond flag upon the stream,</div> <div class='line' >Goes to and back, lackeying the varying tide,</div> <div class='line' >To rot itself with motion.</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Caesar, I bring thee word,</div> <div class='line' >Menecrates and Menas, famous pirates,</div> <div class='line' >Make the sea serve them, which they ear and wound</div> <div class='line' >With keels of every kind: many hot inroads</div> <div class='line' >They make in Italy; the borders maritime</div> <div class='line' >Lack blood to think on't, and flush youth revolt:</div> <div class='line' >No vessel can peep forth, but 'tis as soon</div> <div class='line' >Taken as seen; for Pompey's name strikes more</div> <div class='line' >Than could his war resisted.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Antony,</div> <div class='line' >Leave thy lascivious wassails. When thou once</div> <div class='line' >Wast beaten from Modena, where thou slew'st</div> <div class='line' >Hirtius and Pansa, consuls, at thy heel</div> <div class='line' >Did famine follow; whom thou fought'st against,</div> <div class='line' >Though daintily brought up, with patience more</div> <div class='line' >Than savages could suffer: thou didst drink</div> <div class='line' >The stale of horses, and the gilded puddle</div> <div class='line' >Which beasts would cough at: thy palate then did deign</div> <div class='line' >The roughest berry on the rudest hedge;</div> <div class='line' >Yea, like the stag, when snow the pasture sheets,</div> <div class='line' >The barks of trees thou browsed'st; on the Alps</div> <div class='line' >It is reported thou didst eat strange flesh,</div> <div class='line' >Which some did die to look on: and all this--</div> <div class='line' >It wounds thine honour that I speak it now--</div> <div class='line' >Was borne so like a soldier, that thy cheek</div> <div class='line' >So much as lank'd not.</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >'Tis pity of him.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Let his shames quickly</div> <div class='line' >Drive him to Rome: 'tis time we twain</div> <div class='line' >Did show ourselves i' the field; and to that end</div> <div class='line' >Assemble we immediate council: Pompey</div> <div class='line' >Thrives in our idleness.</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >To-morrow, Caesar,</div> <div class='line' >I shall be furnish'd to inform you rightly</div> <div class='line' >Both what by sea and land I can be able</div> <div class='line' >To front this present time.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Till which encounter,</div> <div class='line' >It is my business too. Farewell.</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >Farewell, my lord: what you shall know meantime</div> <div class='line' >Of stirs abroad, I shall beseech you, sir,</div> <div class='line' >To let me be partaker.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Doubt not, sir;</div> <div class='line' >I knew it for my bond.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and MARDIAN</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Charmian!</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Madam?</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Ha, ha!</div> <div class='line' >Give me to drink mandragora.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Why, madam?</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >That I might sleep out this great gap of time</div> <div class='line' >My Antony is away.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >You think of him too much.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >O, 'tis treason!</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Madam, I trust, not so.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Thou, eunuch Mardian!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARDIAN</div> <div class='line' >What's your highness' pleasure?</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Not now to hear thee sing; I take no pleasure</div> <div class='line' >In aught an eunuch has: 'tis well for thee,</div> <div class='line' >That, being unseminar'd, thy freer thoughts</div> <div class='line' >May not fly forth of Egypt. Hast thou affections?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARDIAN</div> <div class='line' >Yes, gracious madam.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Indeed!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARDIAN</div> <div class='line' >Not in deed, madam; for I can do nothing</div> <div class='line' >But what indeed is honest to be done:</div> <div class='line' >Yet have I fierce affections, and think</div> <div class='line' >What Venus did with Mars.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >O Charmian,</div> <div class='line' >Where think'st thou he is now? Stands he, or sits he?</div> <div class='line' >Or does he walk? or is he on his horse?</div> <div class='line' >O happy horse, to bear the weight of Antony!</div> <div class='line' >Do bravely, horse! for wot'st thou whom thou movest?</div> <div class='line' >The demi-Atlas of this earth, the arm</div> <div class='line' >And burgonet of men. He's speaking now,</div> <div class='line' >Or murmuring 'Where's my serpent of old Nile?'</div> <div class='line' >For so he calls me: now I feed myself</div> <div class='line' >With most delicious poison. Think on me,</div> <div class='line' >That am with Phoebus' amorous pinches black,</div> <div class='line' >And wrinkled deep in time? Broad-fronted Caesar,</div> <div class='line' >When thou wast here above the ground, I was</div> <div class='line' >A morsel for a monarch: and great Pompey</div> <div class='line' >Would stand and make his eyes grow in my brow;</div> <div class='line' >There would he anchor his aspect and die</div> <div class='line' >With looking on his life.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter ALEXAS, from OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='speaker' >ALEXAS</div> <div class='line' >Sovereign of Egypt, hail!</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >How much unlike art thou Mark Antony!</div> <div class='line' >Yet, coming from him, that great medicine hath</div> <div class='line' >With his tinct gilded thee.</div> <div class='line' >How goes it with my brave Mark Antony?</div> <div class='speaker' >ALEXAS</div> <div class='line' >Last thing he did, dear queen,</div> <div class='line' >He kiss'd,--the last of many doubled kisses,--</div> <div class='line' >This orient pearl. His speech sticks in my heart.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Mine ear must pluck it thence.</div> <div class='speaker' >ALEXAS</div> <div class='line' >'Good friend,' quoth he,</div> <div class='line' >'Say, the firm Roman to great Egypt sends</div> <div class='line' >This treasure of an oyster; at whose foot,</div> <div class='line' >To mend the petty present, I will piece</div> <div class='line' >Her opulent throne with kingdoms; all the east,</div> <div class='line' >Say thou, shall call her mistress.' So he nodded,</div> <div class='line' >And soberly did mount an arm-gaunt steed,</div> <div class='line' >Who neigh'd so high, that what I would have spoke</div> <div class='line' >Was beastly dumb'd by him.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >What, was he sad or merry?</div> <div class='speaker' >ALEXAS</div> <div class='line' >Like to the time o' the year between the extremes</div> <div class='line' >Of hot and cold, he was nor sad nor merry.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >O well-divided disposition! Note him,</div> <div class='line' >Note him good Charmian, 'tis the man; but note him:</div> <div class='line' >He was not sad, for he would shine on those</div> <div class='line' >That make their looks by his; he was not merry,</div> <div class='line' >Which seem'd to tell them his remembrance lay</div> <div class='line' >In Egypt with his joy; but between both:</div> <div class='line' >O heavenly mingle! Be'st thou sad or merry,</div> <div class='line' >The violence of either thee becomes,</div> <div class='line' >So does it no man else. Met'st thou my posts?</div> <div class='speaker' >ALEXAS</div> <div class='line' >Ay, madam, twenty several messengers:</div> <div class='line' >Why do you send so thick?</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Who's born that day</div> <div class='line' >When I forget to send to Antony,</div> <div class='line' >Shall die a beggar. Ink and paper, Charmian.</div> <div class='line' >Welcome, my good Alexas. Did I, Charmian,</div> <div class='line' >Ever love Caesar so?</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >O that brave Caesar!</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Be choked with such another emphasis!</div> <div class='line' >Say, the brave Antony.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >The valiant Caesar!</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >By Isis, I will give thee bloody teeth,</div> <div class='line' >If thou with Caesar paragon again</div> <div class='line' >My man of men.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >By your most gracious pardon,</div> <div class='line' >I sing but after you.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >My salad days,</div> <div class='line' >When I was green in judgment: cold in blood,</div> <div class='line' >To say as I said then! But, come, away;</div> <div class='line' >Get me ink and paper:</div> <div class='line' >He shall have every day a several greeting,</div> <div class='line' >Or I'll unpeople Egypt.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter POMPEY, MENECRATES, and MENAS, in warlike manner</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >If the great gods be just, they shall assist</div> <div class='line' >The deeds of justest men.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENECRATES</div> <div class='line' >Know, worthy Pompey,</div> <div class='line' >That what they do delay, they not deny.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >Whiles we are suitors to their throne, decays</div> <div class='line' >The thing we sue for.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENECRATES</div> <div class='line' >We, ignorant of ourselves,</div> <div class='line' >Beg often our own harms, which the wise powers</div> <div class='line' >Deny us for our good; so find we profit</div> <div class='line' >By losing of our prayers.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >I shall do well:</div> <div class='line' >The people love me, and the sea is mine;</div> <div class='line' >My powers are crescent, and my auguring hope</div> <div class='line' >Says it will come to the full. Mark Antony</div> <div class='line' >In Egypt sits at dinner, and will make</div> <div class='line' >No wars without doors: Caesar gets money where</div> <div class='line' >He loses hearts: Lepidus flatters both,</div> <div class='line' >Of both is flatter'd; but he neither loves,</div> <div class='line' >Nor either cares for him.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >Caesar and Lepidus</div> <div class='line' >Are in the field: a mighty strength they carry.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >Where have you this? 'tis false.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >From Silvius, sir.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >He dreams: I know they are in Rome together,</div> <div class='line' >Looking for Antony. But all the charms of love,</div> <div class='line' >Salt Cleopatra, soften thy waned lip!</div> <div class='line' >Let witchcraft join with beauty, lust with both!</div> <div class='line' >Tie up the libertine in a field of feasts,</div> <div class='line' >Keep his brain fuming; Epicurean cooks</div> <div class='line' >Sharpen with cloyless sauce his appetite;</div> <div class='line' >That sleep and feeding may prorogue his honour</div> <div class='line' >Even till a Lethe'd dulness!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter VARRIUS</div> <div class='line' >How now, Varrius!</div> <div class='speaker' >VARRIUS</div> <div class='line' >This is most certain that I shall deliver:</div> <div class='line' >Mark Antony is every hour in Rome</div> <div class='line' >Expected: since he went from Egypt 'tis</div> <div class='line' >A space for further travel.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >I could have given less matter</div> <div class='line' >A better ear. Menas, I did not think</div> <div class='line' >This amorous surfeiter would have donn'd his helm</div> <div class='line' >For such a petty war: his soldiership</div> <div class='line' >Is twice the other twain: but let us rear</div> <div class='line' >The higher our opinion, that our stirring</div> <div class='line' >Can from the lap of Egypt's widow pluck</div> <div class='line' >The ne'er-lust-wearied Antony.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >I cannot hope</div> <div class='line' >Caesar and Antony shall well greet together:</div> <div class='line' >His wife that's dead did trespasses to Caesar;</div> <div class='line' >His brother warr'd upon him; although, I think,</div> <div class='line' >Not moved by Antony.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >I know not, Menas,</div> <div class='line' >How lesser enmities may give way to greater.</div> <div class='line' >Were't not that we stand up against them all,</div> <div class='line' >'Twere pregnant they should square between</div> <div class='line' >themselves;</div> <div class='line' >For they have entertained cause enough</div> <div class='line' >To draw their swords: but how the fear of us</div> <div class='line' >May cement their divisions and bind up</div> <div class='line' >The petty difference, we yet not know.</div> <div class='line' >Be't as our gods will have't! It only stands</div> <div class='line' >Our lives upon to use our strongest hands.</div> <div class='line' >Come, Menas.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS and LEPIDUS</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >Good Enobarbus, 'tis a worthy deed,</div> <div class='line' >And shall become you well, to entreat your captain</div> <div class='line' >To soft and gentle speech.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >I shall entreat him</div> <div class='line' >To answer like himself: if Caesar move him,</div> <div class='line' >Let Antony look over Caesar's head</div> <div class='line' >And speak as loud as Mars. By Jupiter,</div> <div class='line' >Were I the wearer of Antonius' beard,</div> <div class='line' >I would not shave't to-day.</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >'Tis not a time</div> <div class='line' >For private stomaching.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Every time</div> <div class='line' >Serves for the matter that is then born in't.</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >But small to greater matters must give way.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Not if the small come first.</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >Your speech is passion:</div> <div class='line' >But, pray you, stir no embers up. Here comes</div> <div class='line' >The noble Antony.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter MARK ANTONY and VENTIDIUS</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >And yonder, Caesar.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, MECAENAS, and AGRIPPA</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >If we compose well here, to Parthia:</div> <div class='line' >Hark, Ventidius.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >I do not know,</div> <div class='line' >Mecaenas; ask Agrippa.</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >Noble friends,</div> <div class='line' >That which combined us was most great, and let not</div> <div class='line' >A leaner action rend us. What's amiss,</div> <div class='line' >May it be gently heard: when we debate</div> <div class='line' >Our trivial difference loud, we do commit</div> <div class='line' >Murder in healing wounds: then, noble partners,</div> <div class='line' >The rather, for I earnestly beseech,</div> <div class='line' >Touch you the sourest points with sweetest terms,</div> <div class='line' >Nor curstness grow to the matter.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >'Tis spoken well.</div> <div class='line' >Were we before our armies, and to fight.</div> <div class='line' >I should do thus.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Flourish</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Welcome to Rome.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Thank you.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Sit.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Sit, sir.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Nay, then.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >I learn, you take things ill which are not so,</div> <div class='line' >Or being, concern you not.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >I must be laugh'd at,</div> <div class='line' >If, or for nothing or a little, I</div> <div class='line' >Should say myself offended, and with you</div> <div class='line' >Chiefly i' the world; more laugh'd at, that I should</div> <div class='line' >Once name you derogately, when to sound your name</div> <div class='line' >It not concern'd me.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >My being in Egypt, Caesar,</div> <div class='line' >What was't to you?</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >No more than my residing here at Rome</div> <div class='line' >Might be to you in Egypt: yet, if you there</div> <div class='line' >Did practise on my state, your being in Egypt</div> <div class='line' >Might be my question.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >How intend you, practised?</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >You may be pleased to catch at mine intent</div> <div class='line' >By what did here befal me. Your wife and brother</div> <div class='line' >Made wars upon me; and their contestation</div> <div class='line' >Was theme for you, you were the word of war.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >You do mistake your business; my brother never</div> <div class='line' >Did urge me in his act: I did inquire it;</div> <div class='line' >And have my learning from some true reports,</div> <div class='line' >That drew their swords with you. Did he not rather</div> <div class='line' >Discredit my authority with yours;</div> <div class='line' >And make the wars alike against my stomach,</div> <div class='line' >Having alike your cause? Of this my letters</div> <div class='line' >Before did satisfy you. If you'll patch a quarrel,</div> <div class='line' >As matter whole you have not to make it with,</div> <div class='line' >It must not be with this.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >You praise yourself</div> <div class='line' >By laying defects of judgment to me; but</div> <div class='line' >You patch'd up your excuses.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Not so, not so;</div> <div class='line' >I know you could not lack, I am certain on't,</div> <div class='line' >Very necessity of this thought, that I,</div> <div class='line' >Your partner in the cause 'gainst which he fought,</div> <div class='line' >Could not with graceful eyes attend those wars</div> <div class='line' >Which fronted mine own peace. As for my wife,</div> <div class='line' >I would you had her spirit in such another:</div> <div class='line' >The third o' the world is yours; which with a snaffle</div> <div class='line' >You may pace easy, but not such a wife.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Would we had all such wives, that the men might go</div> <div class='line' >to wars with the women!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >So much uncurbable, her garboils, Caesar</div> <div class='line' >Made out of her impatience, which not wanted</div> <div class='line' >Shrewdness of policy too, I grieving grant</div> <div class='line' >Did you too much disquiet: for that you must</div> <div class='line' >But say, I could not help it.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >I wrote to you</div> <div class='line' >When rioting in Alexandria; you</div> <div class='line' >Did pocket up my letters, and with taunts</div> <div class='line' >Did gibe my missive out of audience.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Sir,</div> <div class='line' >He fell upon me ere admitted: then</div> <div class='line' >Three kings I had newly feasted, and did want</div> <div class='line' >Of what I was i' the morning: but next day</div> <div class='line' >I told him of myself; which was as much</div> <div class='line' >As to have ask'd him pardon. Let this fellow</div> <div class='line' >Be nothing of our strife; if we contend,</div> <div class='line' >Out of our question wipe him.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >You have broken</div> <div class='line' >The article of your oath; which you shall never</div> <div class='line' >Have tongue to charge me with.</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >Soft, Caesar!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >No,</div> <div class='line' >Lepidus, let him speak:</div> <div class='line' >The honour is sacred which he talks on now,</div> <div class='line' >Supposing that I lack'd it. But, on, Caesar;</div> <div class='line' >The article of my oath.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >To lend me arms and aid when I required them;</div> <div class='line' >The which you both denied.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Neglected, rather;</div> <div class='line' >And then when poison'd hours had bound me up</div> <div class='line' >From mine own knowledge. As nearly as I may,</div> <div class='line' >I'll play the penitent to you: but mine honesty</div> <div class='line' >Shall not make poor my greatness, nor my power</div> <div class='line' >Work without it. Truth is, that Fulvia,</div> <div class='line' >To have me out of Egypt, made wars here;</div> <div class='line' >For which myself, the ignorant motive, do</div> <div class='line' >So far ask pardon as befits mine honour</div> <div class='line' >To stoop in such a case.</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >'Tis noble spoken.</div> <div class='speaker' >MECAENAS</div> <div class='line' >If it might please you, to enforce no further</div> <div class='line' >The griefs between ye: to forget them quite</div> <div class='line' >Were to remember that the present need</div> <div class='line' >Speaks to atone you.</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >Worthily spoken, Mecaenas.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Or, if you borrow one another's love for the</div> <div class='line' >instant, you may, when you hear no more words of</div> <div class='line' >Pompey, return it again: you shall have time to</div> <div class='line' >wrangle in when you have nothing else to do.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Thou art a soldier only: speak no more.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >That truth should be silent I had almost forgot.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >You wrong this presence; therefore speak no more.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Go to, then; your considerate stone.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >I do not much dislike the matter, but</div> <div class='line' >The manner of his speech; for't cannot be</div> <div class='line' >We shall remain in friendship, our conditions</div> <div class='line' >So differing in their acts. Yet if I knew</div> <div class='line' >What hoop should hold us stanch, from edge to edge</div> <div class='line' >O' the world I would pursue it.</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >Give me leave, Caesar,--</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Speak, Agrippa.</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >Thou hast a sister by the mother's side,</div> <div class='line' >Admired Octavia: great Mark Antony</div> <div class='line' >Is now a widower.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Say not so, Agrippa:</div> <div class='line' >If Cleopatra heard you, your reproof</div> <div class='line' >Were well deserved of rashness.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >I am not married, Caesar: let me hear</div> <div class='line' >Agrippa further speak.</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >To hold you in perpetual amity,</div> <div class='line' >To make you brothers, and to knit your hearts</div> <div class='line' >With an unslipping knot, take Antony</div> <div class='line' >Octavia to his wife; whose beauty claims</div> <div class='line' >No worse a husband than the best of men;</div> <div class='line' >Whose virtue and whose general graces speak</div> <div class='line' >That which none else can utter. By this marriage,</div> <div class='line' >All little jealousies, which now seem great,</div> <div class='line' >And all great fears, which now import their dangers,</div> <div class='line' >Would then be nothing: truths would be tales,</div> <div class='line' >Where now half tales be truths: her love to both</div> <div class='line' >Would, each to other and all loves to both,</div> <div class='line' >Draw after her. Pardon what I have spoke;</div> <div class='line' >For 'tis a studied, not a present thought,</div> <div class='line' >By duty ruminated.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Will Caesar speak?</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Not till he hears how Antony is touch'd</div> <div class='line' >With what is spoke already.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >What power is in Agrippa,</div> <div class='line' >If I would say, 'Agrippa, be it so,'</div> <div class='line' >To make this good?</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >The power of Caesar, and</div> <div class='line' >His power unto Octavia.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >May I never</div> <div class='line' >To this good purpose, that so fairly shows,</div> <div class='line' >Dream of impediment! Let me have thy hand:</div> <div class='line' >Further this act of grace: and from this hour</div> <div class='line' >The heart of brothers govern in our loves</div> <div class='line' >And sway our great designs!</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >There is my hand.</div> <div class='line' >A sister I bequeath you, whom no brother</div> <div class='line' >Did ever love so dearly: let her live</div> <div class='line' >To join our kingdoms and our hearts; and never</div> <div class='line' >Fly off our loves again!</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >Happily, amen!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >I did not think to draw my sword 'gainst Pompey;</div> <div class='line' >For he hath laid strange courtesies and great</div> <div class='line' >Of late upon me: I must thank him only,</div> <div class='line' >Lest my remembrance suffer ill report;</div> <div class='line' >At heel of that, defy him.</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >Time calls upon's:</div> <div class='line' >Of us must Pompey presently be sought,</div> <div class='line' >Or else he seeks out us.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Where lies he?</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >About the mount Misenum.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >What is his strength by land?</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Great and increasing: but by sea</div> <div class='line' >He is an absolute master.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >So is the fame.</div> <div class='line' >Would we had spoke together! Haste we for it:</div> <div class='line' >Yet, ere we put ourselves in arms, dispatch we</div> <div class='line' >The business we have talk'd of.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >With most gladness:</div> <div class='line' >And do invite you to my sister's view,</div> <div class='line' >Whither straight I'll lead you.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Let us, Lepidus,</div> <div class='line' >Not lack your company.</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >Noble Antony,</div> <div class='line' >Not sickness should detain me.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Flourish. Exeunt OCTAVIUS CAESAR, MARK ANTONY, and LEPIDUS</div> <div class='speaker' >MECAENAS</div> <div class='line' >Welcome from Egypt, sir.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Half the heart of Caesar, worthy Mecaenas! My</div> <div class='line' >honourable friend, Agrippa!</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >Good Enobarbus!</div> <div class='speaker' >MECAENAS</div> <div class='line' >We have cause to be glad that matters are so well</div> <div class='line' >digested. You stayed well by 't in Egypt.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Ay, sir; we did sleep day out of countenance, and</div> <div class='line' >made the night light with drinking.</div> <div class='speaker' >MECAENAS</div> <div class='line' >Eight wild-boars roasted whole at a breakfast, and</div> <div class='line' >but twelve persons there; is this true?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >This was but as a fly by an eagle: we had much more</div> <div class='line' >monstrous matter of feast, which worthily deserved noting.</div> <div class='speaker' >MECAENAS</div> <div class='line' >She's a most triumphant lady, if report be square to</div> <div class='line' >her.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >When she first met Mark Antony, she pursed up</div> <div class='line' >his heart, upon the river of Cydnus.</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >There she appeared indeed; or my reporter devised</div> <div class='line' >well for her.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >I will tell you.</div> <div class='line' >The barge she sat in, like a burnish'd throne,</div> <div class='line' >Burn'd on the water: the poop was beaten gold;</div> <div class='line' >Purple the sails, and so perfumed that</div> <div class='line' >The winds were love-sick with them; the oars were silver,</div> <div class='line' >Which to the tune of flutes kept stroke, and made</div> <div class='line' >The water which they beat to follow faster,</div> <div class='line' >As amorous of their strokes. For her own person,</div> <div class='line' >It beggar'd all description: she did lie</div> <div class='line' >In her pavilion--cloth-of-gold of tissue--</div> <div class='line' >O'er-picturing that Venus where we see</div> <div class='line' >The fancy outwork nature: on each side her</div> <div class='line' >Stood pretty dimpled boys, like smiling Cupids,</div> <div class='line' >With divers-colour'd fans, whose wind did seem</div> <div class='line' >To glow the delicate cheeks which they did cool,</div> <div class='line' >And what they undid did.</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >O, rare for Antony!</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Her gentlewomen, like the Nereides,</div> <div class='line' >So many mermaids, tended her i' the eyes,</div> <div class='line' >And made their bends adornings: at the helm</div> <div class='line' >A seeming mermaid steers: the silken tackle</div> <div class='line' >Swell with the touches of those flower-soft hands,</div> <div class='line' >That yarely frame the office. From the barge</div> <div class='line' >A strange invisible perfume hits the sense</div> <div class='line' >Of the adjacent wharfs. The city cast</div> <div class='line' >Her people out upon her; and Antony,</div> <div class='line' >Enthroned i' the market-place, did sit alone,</div> <div class='line' >Whistling to the air; which, but for vacancy,</div> <div class='line' >Had gone to gaze on Cleopatra too,</div> <div class='line' >And made a gap in nature.</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >Rare Egyptian!</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Upon her landing, Antony sent to her,</div> <div class='line' >Invited her to supper: she replied,</div> <div class='line' >It should be better he became her guest;</div> <div class='line' >Which she entreated: our courteous Antony,</div> <div class='line' >Whom ne'er the word of 'No' woman heard speak,</div> <div class='line' >Being barber'd ten times o'er, goes to the feast,</div> <div class='line' >And for his ordinary pays his heart</div> <div class='line' >For what his eyes eat only.</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >Royal wench!</div> <div class='line' >She made great Caesar lay his sword to bed:</div> <div class='line' >He plough'd her, and she cropp'd.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >I saw her once</div> <div class='line' >Hop forty paces through the public street;</div> <div class='line' >And having lost her breath, she spoke, and panted,</div> <div class='line' >That she did make defect perfection,</div> <div class='line' >And, breathless, power breathe forth.</div> <div class='speaker' >MECAENAS</div> <div class='line' >Now Antony must leave her utterly.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Never; he will not:</div> <div class='line' >Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale</div> <div class='line' >Her infinite variety: other women cloy</div> <div class='line' >The appetites they feed: but she makes hungry</div> <div class='line' >Where most she satisfies; for vilest things</div> <div class='line' >Become themselves in her: that the holy priests</div> <div class='line' >Bless her when she is riggish.</div> <div class='speaker' >MECAENAS</div> <div class='line' >If beauty, wisdom, modesty, can settle</div> <div class='line' >The heart of Antony, Octavia is</div> <div class='line' >A blessed lottery to him.</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >Let us go.</div> <div class='line' >Good Enobarbus, make yourself my guest</div> <div class='line' >Whilst you abide here.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Humbly, sir, I thank you.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter MARK ANTONY, OCTAVIUS CAESAR, OCTAVIA between them, and Attendants</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >The world and my great office will sometimes</div> <div class='line' >Divide me from your bosom.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIA</div> <div class='line' >All which time</div> <div class='line' >Before the gods my knee shall bow my prayers</div> <div class='line' >To them for you.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Good night, sir. My Octavia,</div> <div class='line' >Read not my blemishes in the world's report:</div> <div class='line' >I have not kept my square; but that to come</div> <div class='line' >Shall all be done by the rule. Good night, dear lady.</div> <div class='line' >Good night, sir.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Good night.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt OCTAVIUS CAESAR and OCTAVIA</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter Soothsayer</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Now, sirrah; you do wish yourself in Egypt?</div> <div class='speaker' >Soothsayer</div> <div class='line' >Would I had never come from thence, nor you Thither!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >If you can, your reason?</div> <div class='speaker' >Soothsayer</div> <div class='line' >I see it in</div> <div class='line' >My motion, have it not in my tongue: but yet</div> <div class='line' >Hie you to Egypt again.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Say to me,</div> <div class='line' >Whose fortunes shall rise higher, Caesar's or mine?</div> <div class='speaker' >Soothsayer</div> <div class='line' >Caesar's.</div> <div class='line' >Therefore, O Antony, stay not by his side:</div> <div class='line' >Thy demon, that's thy spirit which keeps thee, is</div> <div class='line' >Noble, courageous high, unmatchable,</div> <div class='line' >Where Caesar's is not; but, near him, thy angel</div> <div class='line' >Becomes a fear, as being o'erpower'd: therefore</div> <div class='line' >Make space enough between you.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Speak this no more.</div> <div class='speaker' >Soothsayer</div> <div class='line' >To none but thee; no more, but when to thee.</div> <div class='line' >If thou dost play with him at any game,</div> <div class='line' >Thou art sure to lose; and, of that natural luck,</div> <div class='line' >He beats thee 'gainst the odds: thy lustre thickens,</div> <div class='line' >When he shines by: I say again, thy spirit</div> <div class='line' >Is all afraid to govern thee near him;</div> <div class='line' >But, he away, 'tis noble.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Get thee gone:</div> <div class='line' >Say to Ventidius I would speak with him:</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit Soothsayer</div> <div class='line' >He shall to Parthia. Be it art or hap,</div> <div class='line' >He hath spoken true: the very dice obey him;</div> <div class='line' >And in our sports my better cunning faints</div> <div class='line' >Under his chance: if we draw lots, he speeds;</div> <div class='line' >His cocks do win the battle still of mine,</div> <div class='line' >When it is all to nought; and his quails ever</div> <div class='line' >Beat mine, inhoop'd, at odds. I will to Egypt:</div> <div class='line' >And though I make this marriage for my peace,</div> <div class='line' >I' the east my pleasure lies.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter VENTIDIUS</div> <div class='line' >O, come, Ventidius,</div> <div class='line' >You must to Parthia: your commission's ready;</div> <div class='line' >Follow me, and receive't.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter LEPIDUS, MECAENAS, and AGRIPPA</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >Trouble yourselves no further: pray you, hasten</div> <div class='line' >Your generals after.</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >Sir, Mark Antony</div> <div class='line' >Will e'en but kiss Octavia, and we'll follow.</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >Till I shall see you in your soldier's dress,</div> <div class='line' >Which will become you both, farewell.</div> <div class='speaker' >MECAENAS</div> <div class='line' >We shall,</div> <div class='line' >As I conceive the journey, be at the Mount</div> <div class='line' >Before you, Lepidus.</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >Your way is shorter;</div> <div class='line' >My purposes do draw me much about:</div> <div class='line' >You'll win two days upon me.</div> <div class='speaker' >MECAENAS</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >Sir, good success!</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >Farewell.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and ALEXAS</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Give me some music; music, moody food</div> <div class='line' >Of us that trade in love.</div> <div class='speaker' >Attendants</div> <div class='line' >The music, ho!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter MARDIAN</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Let it alone; let's to billiards: come, Charmian.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >My arm is sore; best play with Mardian.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >As well a woman with an eunuch play'd</div> <div class='line' >As with a woman. Come, you'll play with me, sir?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARDIAN</div> <div class='line' >As well as I can, madam.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >And when good will is show'd, though't come</div> <div class='line' >too short,</div> <div class='line' >The actor may plead pardon. I'll none now:</div> <div class='line' >Give me mine angle; we'll to the river: there,</div> <div class='line' >My music playing far off, I will betray</div> <div class='line' >Tawny-finn'd fishes; my bended hook shall pierce</div> <div class='line' >Their slimy jaws; and, as I draw them up,</div> <div class='line' >I'll think them every one an Antony,</div> <div class='line' >And say 'Ah, ha! you're caught.'</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >'Twas merry when</div> <div class='line' >You wager'd on your angling; when your diver</div> <div class='line' >Did hang a salt-fish on his hook, which he</div> <div class='line' >With fervency drew up.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >That time,--O times!--</div> <div class='line' >I laugh'd him out of patience; and that night</div> <div class='line' >I laugh'd him into patience; and next morn,</div> <div class='line' >Ere the ninth hour, I drunk him to his bed;</div> <div class='line' >Then put my tires and mantles on him, whilst</div> <div class='line' >I wore his sword Philippan.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter a Messenger</div> <div class='line' >O, from Italy</div> <div class='line' >Ram thou thy fruitful tidings in mine ears,</div> <div class='line' >That long time have been barren.</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Madam, madam,--</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Antonius dead!--If thou say so, villain,</div> <div class='line' >Thou kill'st thy mistress: but well and free,</div> <div class='line' >If thou so yield him, there is gold, and here</div> <div class='line' >My bluest veins to kiss; a hand that kings</div> <div class='line' >Have lipp'd, and trembled kissing.</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >First, madam, he is well.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Why, there's more gold.</div> <div class='line' >But, sirrah, mark, we use</div> <div class='line' >To say the dead are well: bring it to that,</div> <div class='line' >The gold I give thee will I melt and pour</div> <div class='line' >Down thy ill-uttering throat.</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Good madam, hear me.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Well, go to, I will;</div> <div class='line' >But there's no goodness in thy face: if Antony</div> <div class='line' >Be free and healthful,--so tart a favour</div> <div class='line' >To trumpet such good tidings! If not well,</div> <div class='line' >Thou shouldst come like a Fury crown'd with snakes,</div> <div class='line' >Not like a formal man.</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Will't please you hear me?</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >I have a mind to strike thee ere thou speak'st:</div> <div class='line' >Yet if thou say Antony lives, is well,</div> <div class='line' >Or friends with Caesar, or not captive to him,</div> <div class='line' >I'll set thee in a shower of gold, and hail</div> <div class='line' >Rich pearls upon thee.</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Madam, he's well.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Well said.</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >And friends with Caesar.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Thou'rt an honest man.</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Caesar and he are greater friends than ever.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Make thee a fortune from me.</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >But yet, madam,--</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >I do not like 'But yet,' it does allay</div> <div class='line' >The good precedence; fie upon 'But yet'!</div> <div class='line' >'But yet' is as a gaoler to bring forth</div> <div class='line' >Some monstrous malefactor. Prithee, friend,</div> <div class='line' >Pour out the pack of matter to mine ear,</div> <div class='line' >The good and bad together: he's friends with Caesar:</div> <div class='line' >In state of health thou say'st; and thou say'st free.</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Free, madam! no; I made no such report:</div> <div class='line' >He's bound unto Octavia.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >For what good turn?</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >For the best turn i' the bed.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >I am pale, Charmian.</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Madam, he's married to Octavia.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >The most infectious pestilence upon thee!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Strikes him down</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Good madam, patience.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >What say you? Hence,</div> <div class='stagedir' >Strikes him again</div> <div class='line' >Horrible villain! or I'll spurn thine eyes</div> <div class='line' >Like balls before me; I'll unhair thy head:</div> <div class='stagedir' >She hales him up and down</div> <div class='line' >Thou shalt be whipp'd with wire, and stew'd in brine,</div> <div class='line' >Smarting in lingering pickle.</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Gracious madam,</div> <div class='line' >I that do bring the news made not the match.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Say 'tis not so, a province I will give thee,</div> <div class='line' >And make thy fortunes proud: the blow thou hadst</div> <div class='line' >Shall make thy peace for moving me to rage;</div> <div class='line' >And I will boot thee with what gift beside</div> <div class='line' >Thy modesty can beg.</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >He's married, madam.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Rogue, thou hast lived too long.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Draws a knife</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Nay, then I'll run.</div> <div class='line' >What mean you, madam? I have made no fault.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Good madam, keep yourself within yourself:</div> <div class='line' >The man is innocent.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Some innocents 'scape not the thunderbolt.</div> <div class='line' >Melt Egypt into Nile! and kindly creatures</div> <div class='line' >Turn all to serpents! Call the slave again:</div> <div class='line' >Though I am mad, I will not bite him: call.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >He is afeard to come.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >I will not hurt him.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >These hands do lack nobility, that they strike</div> <div class='line' >A meaner than myself; since I myself</div> <div class='line' >Have given myself the cause.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Re-enter CHARMIAN and Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Come hither, sir.</div> <div class='line' >Though it be honest, it is never good</div> <div class='line' >To bring bad news: give to a gracious message.</div> <div class='line' >An host of tongues; but let ill tidings tell</div> <div class='line' >Themselves when they be felt.</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >I have done my duty.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Is he married?</div> <div class='line' >I cannot hate thee worser than I do,</div> <div class='line' >If thou again say 'Yes.'</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >He's married, madam.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >The gods confound thee! dost thou hold there still?</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Should I lie, madam?</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >O, I would thou didst,</div> <div class='line' >So half my Egypt were submerged and made</div> <div class='line' >A cistern for scaled snakes! Go, get thee hence:</div> <div class='line' >Hadst thou Narcissus in thy face, to me</div> <div class='line' >Thou wouldst appear most ugly. He is married?</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >I crave your highness' pardon.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >He is married?</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Take no offence that I would not offend you:</div> <div class='line' >To punish me for what you make me do.</div> <div class='line' >Seems much unequal: he's married to Octavia.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >O, that his fault should make a knave of thee,</div> <div class='line' >That art not what thou'rt sure of! Get thee hence:</div> <div class='line' >The merchandise which thou hast brought from Rome</div> <div class='line' >Are all too dear for me: lie they upon thy hand,</div> <div class='line' >And be undone by 'em!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit Messenger</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Good your highness, patience.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >In praising Antony, I have dispraised Caesar.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Many times, madam.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >I am paid for't now.</div> <div class='line' >Lead me from hence:</div> <div class='line' >I faint: O Iras, Charmian! 'tis no matter.</div> <div class='line' >Go to the fellow, good Alexas; bid him</div> <div class='line' >Report the feature of Octavia, her years,</div> <div class='line' >Her inclination, let him not leave out</div> <div class='line' >The colour of her hair: bring me word quickly.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit ALEXAS</div> <div class='line' >Let him for ever go:--let him not--Charmian,</div> <div class='line' >Though he be painted one way like a Gorgon,</div> <div class='line' >The other way's a Mars. Bid you Alexas</div> <div class='stagedir' >To MARDIAN</div> <div class='line' >Bring me word how tall she is. Pity me, Charmian,</div> <div class='line' >But do not speak to me. Lead me to my chamber.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Flourish. Enter POMPEY and MENAS at one door, with drum and trumpet: at another, OCTAVIUS CAESAR, MARK ANTONY, LEPIDUS, DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS, MECAENAS, with Soldiers marching</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >Your hostages I have, so have you mine;</div> <div class='line' >And we shall talk before we fight.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Most meet</div> <div class='line' >That first we come to words; and therefore have we</div> <div class='line' >Our written purposes before us sent;</div> <div class='line' >Which, if thou hast consider'd, let us know</div> <div class='line' >If 'twill tie up thy discontented sword,</div> <div class='line' >And carry back to Sicily much tall youth</div> <div class='line' >That else must perish here.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >To you all three,</div> <div class='line' >The senators alone of this great world,</div> <div class='line' >Chief factors for the gods, I do not know</div> <div class='line' >Wherefore my father should revengers want,</div> <div class='line' >Having a son and friends; since Julius Caesar,</div> <div class='line' >Who at Philippi the good Brutus ghosted,</div> <div class='line' >There saw you labouring for him. What was't</div> <div class='line' >That moved pale Cassius to conspire; and what</div> <div class='line' >Made the all-honour'd, honest Roman, Brutus,</div> <div class='line' >With the arm'd rest, courtiers and beauteous freedom,</div> <div class='line' >To drench the Capitol; but that they would</div> <div class='line' >Have one man but a man? And that is it</div> <div class='line' >Hath made me rig my navy; at whose burthen</div> <div class='line' >The anger'd ocean foams; with which I meant</div> <div class='line' >To scourge the ingratitude that despiteful Rome</div> <div class='line' >Cast on my noble father.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Take your time.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Thou canst not fear us, Pompey, with thy sails;</div> <div class='line' >We'll speak with thee at sea: at land, thou know'st</div> <div class='line' >How much we do o'er-count thee.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >At land, indeed,</div> <div class='line' >Thou dost o'er-count me of my father's house:</div> <div class='line' >But, since the cuckoo builds not for himself,</div> <div class='line' >Remain in't as thou mayst.</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >Be pleased to tell us--</div> <div class='line' >For this is from the present--how you take</div> <div class='line' >The offers we have sent you.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >There's the point.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Which do not be entreated to, but weigh</div> <div class='line' >What it is worth embraced.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >And what may follow,</div> <div class='line' >To try a larger fortune.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >You have made me offer</div> <div class='line' >Of Sicily, Sardinia; and I must</div> <div class='line' >Rid all the sea of pirates; then, to send</div> <div class='line' >Measures of wheat to Rome; this 'greed upon</div> <div class='line' >To part with unhack'd edges, and bear back</div> <div class='line' >Our targes undinted.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >That's our offer.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >Know, then,</div> <div class='line' >I came before you here a man prepared</div> <div class='line' >To take this offer: but Mark Antony</div> <div class='line' >Put me to some impatience: though I lose</div> <div class='line' >The praise of it by telling, you must know,</div> <div class='line' >When Caesar and your brother were at blows,</div> <div class='line' >Your mother came to Sicily and did find</div> <div class='line' >Her welcome friendly.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >I have heard it, Pompey;</div> <div class='line' >And am well studied for a liberal thanks</div> <div class='line' >Which I do owe you.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >Let me have your hand:</div> <div class='line' >I did not think, sir, to have met you here.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >The beds i' the east are soft; and thanks to you,</div> <div class='line' >That call'd me timelier than my purpose hither;</div> <div class='line' >For I have gain'd by 't.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Since I saw you last,</div> <div class='line' >There is a change upon you.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >Well, I know not</div> <div class='line' >What counts harsh fortune casts upon my face;</div> <div class='line' >But in my bosom shall she never come,</div> <div class='line' >To make my heart her vassal.</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >Well met here.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >I hope so, Lepidus. Thus we are agreed:</div> <div class='line' >I crave our composition may be written,</div> <div class='line' >And seal'd between us.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >That's the next to do.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >We'll feast each other ere we part; and let's</div> <div class='line' >Draw lots who shall begin.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >That will I, Pompey.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >No, Antony, take the lot: but, first</div> <div class='line' >Or last, your fine Egyptian cookery</div> <div class='line' >Shall have the fame. I have heard that Julius Caesar</div> <div class='line' >Grew fat with feasting there.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >You have heard much.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >I have fair meanings, sir.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >And fair words to them.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >Then so much have I heard:</div> <div class='line' >And I have heard, Apollodorus carried--</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >No more of that: he did so.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >What, I pray you?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >A certain queen to Caesar in a mattress.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >I know thee now: how farest thou, soldier?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Well;</div> <div class='line' >And well am like to do; for, I perceive,</div> <div class='line' >Four feasts are toward.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >Let me shake thy hand;</div> <div class='line' >I never hated thee: I have seen thee fight,</div> <div class='line' >When I have envied thy behavior.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Sir,</div> <div class='line' >I never loved you much; but I ha' praised ye,</div> <div class='line' >When you have well deserved ten times as much</div> <div class='line' >As I have said you did.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >Enjoy thy plainness,</div> <div class='line' >It nothing ill becomes thee.</div> <div class='line' >Aboard my galley I invite you all:</div> <div class='line' >Will you lead, lords?</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >Show us the way, sir.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >Come.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt all but MENAS and ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >Aside Thy father, Pompey, would ne'er have</div> <div class='line' >made this treaty.--You and I have known, sir.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >At sea, I think.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >We have, sir.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >You have done well by water.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >And you by land.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >I will praise any man that will praise me; though it</div> <div class='line' >cannot be denied what I have done by land.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >Nor what I have done by water.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Yes, something you can deny for your own</div> <div class='line' >safety: you have been a great thief by sea.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >And you by land.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >There I deny my land service. But give me your</div> <div class='line' >hand, Menas: if our eyes had authority, here they</div> <div class='line' >might take two thieves kissing.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >All men's faces are true, whatsome'er their hands are.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >But there is never a fair woman has a true face.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >No slander; they steal hearts.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >We came hither to fight with you.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >For my part, I am sorry it is turned to a drinking.</div> <div class='line' >Pompey doth this day laugh away his fortune.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >If he do, sure, he cannot weep't back again.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >You've said, sir. We looked not for Mark Antony</div> <div class='line' >here: pray you, is he married to Cleopatra?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Caesar's sister is called Octavia.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >True, sir; she was the wife of Caius Marcellus.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >But she is now the wife of Marcus Antonius.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >Pray ye, sir?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >'Tis true.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >Then is Caesar and he for ever knit together.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >If I were bound to divine of this unity, I would</div> <div class='line' >not prophesy so.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >I think the policy of that purpose made more in the</div> <div class='line' >marriage than the love of the parties.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >I think so too. But you shall find, the band that</div> <div class='line' >seems to tie their friendship together will be the</div> <div class='line' >very strangler of their amity: Octavia is of a</div> <div class='line' >holy, cold, and still conversation.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >Who would not have his wife so?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Not he that himself is not so; which is Mark Antony.</div> <div class='line' >He will to his Egyptian dish again: then shall the</div> <div class='line' >sighs of Octavia blow the fire up in Caesar; and, as</div> <div class='line' >I said before, that which is the strength of their</div> <div class='line' >amity shall prove the immediate author of their</div> <div class='line' >variance. Antony will use his affection where it is:</div> <div class='line' >he married but his occasion here.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >And thus it may be. Come, sir, will you aboard?</div> <div class='line' >I have a health for you.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >I shall take it, sir: we have used our throats in Egypt.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >Come, let's away.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Music plays. Enter two or three Servants with a banquet</div> <div class='speaker' >First Servant</div> <div class='line' >Here they'll be, man. Some o' their plants are</div> <div class='line' >ill-rooted already: the least wind i' the world</div> <div class='line' >will blow them down.</div> <div class='speaker' >Second Servant</div> <div class='line' >Lepidus is high-coloured.</div> <div class='speaker' >First Servant</div> <div class='line' >They have made him drink alms-drink.</div> <div class='speaker' >Second Servant</div> <div class='line' >As they pinch one another by the disposition, he</div> <div class='line' >cries out 'No more;' reconciles them to his</div> <div class='line' >entreaty, and himself to the drink.</div> <div class='speaker' >First Servant</div> <div class='line' >But it raises the greater war between him and</div> <div class='line' >his discretion.</div> <div class='speaker' >Second Servant</div> <div class='line' >Why, this is to have a name in great men's</div> <div class='line' >fellowship: I had as lief have a reed that will do</div> <div class='line' >me no service as a partisan I could not heave.</div> <div class='speaker' >First Servant</div> <div class='line' >To be called into a huge sphere, and not to be seen</div> <div class='line' >to move in't, are the holes where eyes should be,</div> <div class='line' >which pitifully disaster the cheeks.</div> <div class='stagedir' >A sennet sounded. Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, MARK ANTONY, LEPIDUS, POMPEY, AGRIPPA, MECAENAS, DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS, MENAS, with other captains</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >To OCTAVIUS CAESAR Thus do they, sir: they take</div> <div class='line' >the flow o' the Nile</div> <div class='line' >By certain scales i' the pyramid; they know,</div> <div class='line' >By the height, the lowness, or the mean, if dearth</div> <div class='line' >Or foison follow: the higher Nilus swells,</div> <div class='line' >The more it promises: as it ebbs, the seedsman</div> <div class='line' >Upon the slime and ooze scatters his grain,</div> <div class='line' >And shortly comes to harvest.</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >You've strange serpents there.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Ay, Lepidus.</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >Your serpent of Egypt is bred now of your mud by the</div> <div class='line' >operation of your sun: so is your crocodile.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >They are so.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >Sit,--and some wine! A health to Lepidus!</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >I am not so well as I should be, but I'll ne'er out.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Not till you have slept; I fear me you'll be in till then.</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >Nay, certainly, I have heard the Ptolemies'</div> <div class='line' >pyramises are very goodly things; without</div> <div class='line' >contradiction, I have heard that.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >Aside to POMPEY Pompey, a word.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >Aside to MENAS Say in mine ear:</div> <div class='line' >what is't?</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >Aside to POMPEY Forsake thy seat, I do beseech</div> <div class='line' >thee, captain,</div> <div class='line' >And hear me speak a word.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >Aside to MENAS Forbear me till anon.</div> <div class='line' >This wine for Lepidus!</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >What manner o' thing is your crocodile?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >It is shaped, sir, like itself; and it is as broad</div> <div class='line' >as it hath breadth: it is just so high as it is,</div> <div class='line' >and moves with its own organs: it lives by that</div> <div class='line' >which nourisheth it; and the elements once out of</div> <div class='line' >it, it transmigrates.</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >What colour is it of?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Of it own colour too.</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >'Tis a strange serpent.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >'Tis so. And the tears of it are wet.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Will this description satisfy him?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >With the health that Pompey gives him, else he is a</div> <div class='line' >very epicure.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >Aside to MENAS Go hang, sir, hang! Tell me of</div> <div class='line' >that? away!</div> <div class='line' >Do as I bid you. Where's this cup I call'd for?</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >Aside to POMPEY If for the sake of merit thou</div> <div class='line' >wilt hear me,</div> <div class='line' >Rise from thy stool.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >Aside to MENAS I think thou'rt mad.</div> <div class='line' >The matter?</div> <div class='stagedir' >Rises, and walks aside</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >I have ever held my cap off to thy fortunes.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >Thou hast served me with much faith. What's else to say?</div> <div class='line' >Be jolly, lords.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >These quick-sands, Lepidus,</div> <div class='line' >Keep off them, for you sink.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >Wilt thou be lord of all the world?</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >What say'st thou?</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >Wilt thou be lord of the whole world? That's twice.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >How should that be?</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >But entertain it,</div> <div class='line' >And, though thou think me poor, I am the man</div> <div class='line' >Will give thee all the world.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >Hast thou drunk well?</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >Now, Pompey, I have kept me from the cup.</div> <div class='line' >Thou art, if thou darest be, the earthly Jove:</div> <div class='line' >Whate'er the ocean pales, or sky inclips,</div> <div class='line' >Is thine, if thou wilt ha't.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >Show me which way.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >These three world-sharers, these competitors,</div> <div class='line' >Are in thy vessel: let me cut the cable;</div> <div class='line' >And, when we are put off, fall to their throats:</div> <div class='line' >All there is thine.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >Ah, this thou shouldst have done,</div> <div class='line' >And not have spoke on't! In me 'tis villany;</div> <div class='line' >In thee't had been good service. Thou must know,</div> <div class='line' >'Tis not my profit that does lead mine honour;</div> <div class='line' >Mine honour, it. Repent that e'er thy tongue</div> <div class='line' >Hath so betray'd thine act: being done unknown,</div> <div class='line' >I should have found it afterwards well done;</div> <div class='line' >But must condemn it now. Desist, and drink.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >Aside For this,</div> <div class='line' >I'll never follow thy pall'd fortunes more.</div> <div class='line' >Who seeks, and will not take when once 'tis offer'd,</div> <div class='line' >Shall never find it more.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >This health to Lepidus!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Bear him ashore. I'll pledge it for him, Pompey.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Here's to thee, Menas!</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >Enobarbus, welcome!</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >Fill till the cup be hid.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >There's a strong fellow, Menas.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Pointing to the Attendant who carries off LEPIDUS</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >Why?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >A' bears the third part of the world, man; see'st</div> <div class='line' >not?</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >The third part, then, is drunk: would it were all,</div> <div class='line' >That it might go on wheels!</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Drink thou; increase the reels.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >Come.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >This is not yet an Alexandrian feast.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >It ripens towards it. Strike the vessels, ho?</div> <div class='line' >Here is to Caesar!</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >I could well forbear't.</div> <div class='line' >It's monstrous labour, when I wash my brain,</div> <div class='line' >And it grows fouler.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Be a child o' the time.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Possess it, I'll make answer:</div> <div class='line' >But I had rather fast from all four days</div> <div class='line' >Than drink so much in one.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Ha, my brave emperor!</div> <div class='stagedir' >To MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Shall we dance now the Egyptian Bacchanals,</div> <div class='line' >And celebrate our drink?</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >Let's ha't, good soldier.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Come, let's all take hands,</div> <div class='line' >Till that the conquering wine hath steep'd our sense</div> <div class='line' >In soft and delicate Lethe.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >All take hands.</div> <div class='line' >Make battery to our ears with the loud music:</div> <div class='line' >The while I'll place you: then the boy shall sing;</div> <div class='line' >The holding every man shall bear as loud</div> <div class='line' >As his strong sides can volley.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Music plays. DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS places them hand in hand</div> <div class='line' >Come, thou monarch of the vine,</div> <div class='line' >Plumpy Bacchus with pink eyne!</div> <div class='line' >In thy fats our cares be drown'd,</div> <div class='line' >With thy grapes our hairs be crown'd:</div> <div class='line' >Cup us, till the world go round,</div> <div class='line' >Cup us, till the world go round!</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >What would you more? Pompey, good night. Good brother,</div> <div class='line' >Let me request you off: our graver business</div> <div class='line' >Frowns at this levity. Gentle lords, let's part;</div> <div class='line' >You see we have burnt our cheeks: strong Enobarb</div> <div class='line' >Is weaker than the wine; and mine own tongue</div> <div class='line' >Splits what it speaks: the wild disguise hath almost</div> <div class='line' >Antick'd us all. What needs more words? Good night.</div> <div class='line' >Good Antony, your hand.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >I'll try you on the shore.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >And shall, sir; give's your hand.</div> <div class='speaker' >POMPEY</div> <div class='line' >O Antony,</div> <div class='line' >You have my father's house,--But, what? we are friends.</div> <div class='line' >Come, down into the boat.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Take heed you fall not.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt all but DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS and MENAS</div> <div class='line' >Menas, I'll not on shore.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >No, to my cabin.</div> <div class='line' >These drums! these trumpets, flutes! what!</div> <div class='line' >Let Neptune hear we bid a loud farewell</div> <div class='line' >To these great fellows: sound and be hang'd, sound out!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Sound a flourish, with drums</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Ho! says a' There's my cap.</div> <div class='speaker' >MENAS</div> <div class='line' >Ho! Noble captain, come.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter VENTIDIUS as it were in triumph, with SILIUS, and other Romans, Officers, and Soldiers; the dead body of PACORUS borne before him</div> <div class='speaker' >VENTIDIUS</div> <div class='line' >Now, darting Parthia, art thou struck; and now</div> <div class='line' >Pleased fortune does of Marcus Crassus' death</div> <div class='line' >Make me revenger. Bear the king's son's body</div> <div class='line' >Before our army. Thy Pacorus, Orodes,</div> <div class='line' >Pays this for Marcus Crassus.</div> <div class='speaker' >SILIUS</div> <div class='line' >Noble Ventidius,</div> <div class='line' >Whilst yet with Parthian blood thy sword is warm,</div> <div class='line' >The fugitive Parthians follow; spur through Media,</div> <div class='line' >Mesopotamia, and the shelters whither</div> <div class='line' >The routed fly: so thy grand captain Antony</div> <div class='line' >Shall set thee on triumphant chariots and</div> <div class='line' >Put garlands on thy head.</div> <div class='speaker' >VENTIDIUS</div> <div class='line' >O Silius, Silius,</div> <div class='line' >I have done enough; a lower place, note well,</div> <div class='line' >May make too great an act: for learn this, Silius;</div> <div class='line' >Better to leave undone, than by our deed</div> <div class='line' >Acquire too high a fame when him we serve's away.</div> <div class='line' >Caesar and Antony have ever won</div> <div class='line' >More in their officer than person: Sossius,</div> <div class='line' >One of my place in Syria, his lieutenant,</div> <div class='line' >For quick accumulation of renown,</div> <div class='line' >Which he achieved by the minute, lost his favour.</div> <div class='line' >Who does i' the wars more than his captain can</div> <div class='line' >Becomes his captain's captain: and ambition,</div> <div class='line' >The soldier's virtue, rather makes choice of loss,</div> <div class='line' >Than gain which darkens him.</div> <div class='line' >I could do more to do Antonius good,</div> <div class='line' >But 'twould offend him; and in his offence</div> <div class='line' >Should my performance perish.</div> <div class='speaker' >SILIUS</div> <div class='line' >Thou hast, Ventidius,</div> <div class='line' >that</div> <div class='line' >Without the which a soldier, and his sword,</div> <div class='line' >Grants scarce distinction. Thou wilt write to Antony!</div> <div class='speaker' >VENTIDIUS</div> <div class='line' >I'll humbly signify what in his name,</div> <div class='line' >That magical word of war, we have effected;</div> <div class='line' >How, with his banners and his well-paid ranks,</div> <div class='line' >The ne'er-yet-beaten horse of Parthia</div> <div class='line' >We have jaded out o' the field.</div> <div class='speaker' >SILIUS</div> <div class='line' >Where is he now?</div> <div class='speaker' >VENTIDIUS</div> <div class='line' >He purposeth to Athens: whither, with what haste</div> <div class='line' >The weight we must convey with's will permit,</div> <div class='line' >We shall appear before him. On there; pass along!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter AGRIPPA at one door, DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS at another</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >What, are the brothers parted?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >They have dispatch'd with Pompey, he is gone;</div> <div class='line' >The other three are sealing. Octavia weeps</div> <div class='line' >To part from Rome; Caesar is sad; and Lepidus,</div> <div class='line' >Since Pompey's feast, as Menas says, is troubled</div> <div class='line' >With the green sickness.</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >'Tis a noble Lepidus.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >A very fine one: O, how he loves Caesar!</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >Nay, but how dearly he adores Mark Antony!</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Caesar? Why, he's the Jupiter of men.</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >What's Antony? The god of Jupiter.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Spake you of Caesar? How! the non-pareil!</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >O Antony! O thou Arabian bird!</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Would you praise Caesar, say 'Caesar:' go no further.</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >Indeed, he plied them both with excellent praises.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >But he loves Caesar best; yet he loves Antony:</div> <div class='line' >Ho! hearts, tongues, figures, scribes, bards,</div> <div class='line' >poets, cannot</div> <div class='line' >Think, speak, cast, write, sing, number, ho!</div> <div class='line' >His love to Antony. But as for Caesar,</div> <div class='line' >Kneel down, kneel down, and wonder.</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >Both he loves.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >They are his shards, and he their beetle.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Trumpets within</div> <div class='line' >So;</div> <div class='line' >This is to horse. Adieu, noble Agrippa.</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >Good fortune, worthy soldier; and farewell.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, MARK ANTONY, LEPIDUS, and OCTAVIA</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >No further, sir.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >You take from me a great part of myself;</div> <div class='line' >Use me well in 't. Sister, prove such a wife</div> <div class='line' >As my thoughts make thee, and as my farthest band</div> <div class='line' >Shall pass on thy approof. Most noble Antony,</div> <div class='line' >Let not the piece of virtue, which is set</div> <div class='line' >Betwixt us as the cement of our love,</div> <div class='line' >To keep it builded, be the ram to batter</div> <div class='line' >The fortress of it; for better might we</div> <div class='line' >Have loved without this mean, if on both parts</div> <div class='line' >This be not cherish'd.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Make me not offended</div> <div class='line' >In your distrust.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >I have said.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >You shall not find,</div> <div class='line' >Though you be therein curious, the least cause</div> <div class='line' >For what you seem to fear: so, the gods keep you,</div> <div class='line' >And make the hearts of Romans serve your ends!</div> <div class='line' >We will here part.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Farewell, my dearest sister, fare thee well:</div> <div class='line' >The elements be kind to thee, and make</div> <div class='line' >Thy spirits all of comfort! fare thee well.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIA</div> <div class='line' >My noble brother!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >The April 's in her eyes: it is love's spring,</div> <div class='line' >And these the showers to bring it on. Be cheerful.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIA</div> <div class='line' >Sir, look well to my husband's house; and--</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >What, Octavia?</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIA</div> <div class='line' >I'll tell you in your ear.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Her tongue will not obey her heart, nor can</div> <div class='line' >Her heart inform her tongue,--the swan's</div> <div class='line' >down-feather,</div> <div class='line' >That stands upon the swell at full of tide,</div> <div class='line' >And neither way inclines.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Aside to AGRIPPA Will Caesar weep?</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >Aside to DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS He has a cloud in 's face.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Aside to AGRIPPA He were the worse for that,</div> <div class='line' >were he a horse;</div> <div class='line' >So is he, being a man.</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >Aside to DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS Why, Enobarbus,</div> <div class='line' >When Antony found Julius Caesar dead,</div> <div class='line' >He cried almost to roaring; and he wept</div> <div class='line' >When at Philippi he found Brutus slain.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Aside to AGRIPPA That year, indeed, he was</div> <div class='line' >troubled with a rheum;</div> <div class='line' >What willingly he did confound he wail'd,</div> <div class='line' >Believe't, till I wept too.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >No, sweet Octavia,</div> <div class='line' >You shall hear from me still; the time shall not</div> <div class='line' >Out-go my thinking on you.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Come, sir, come;</div> <div class='line' >I'll wrestle with you in my strength of love:</div> <div class='line' >Look, here I have you; thus I let you go,</div> <div class='line' >And give you to the gods.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Adieu; be happy!</div> <div class='speaker' >LEPIDUS</div> <div class='line' >Let all the number of the stars give light</div> <div class='line' >To thy fair way!</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Farewell, farewell!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Kisses OCTAVIA</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Farewell!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Trumpets sound. Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and ALEXAS</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Where is the fellow?</div> <div class='speaker' >ALEXAS</div> <div class='line' >Half afeard to come.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Go to, go to.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter the Messenger as before</div> <div class='line' >Come hither, sir.</div> <div class='speaker' >ALEXAS</div> <div class='line' >Good majesty,</div> <div class='line' >Herod of Jewry dare not look upon you</div> <div class='line' >But when you are well pleased.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >That Herod's head</div> <div class='line' >I'll have: but how, when Antony is gone</div> <div class='line' >Through whom I might command it? Come thou near.</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Most gracious majesty,--</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Didst thou behold Octavia?</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Ay, dread queen.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Where?</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Madam, in Rome;</div> <div class='line' >I look'd her in the face, and saw her led</div> <div class='line' >Between her brother and Mark Antony.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Is she as tall as me?</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >She is not, madam.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Didst hear her speak? is she shrill-tongued or low?</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Madam, I heard her speak; she is low-voiced.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >That's not so good: he cannot like her long.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Like her! O Isis! 'tis impossible.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >I think so, Charmian: dull of tongue, and dwarfish!</div> <div class='line' >What majesty is in her gait? Remember,</div> <div class='line' >If e'er thou look'dst on majesty.</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >She creeps:</div> <div class='line' >Her motion and her station are as one;</div> <div class='line' >She shows a body rather than a life,</div> <div class='line' >A statue than a breather.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Is this certain?</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Or I have no observance.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Three in Egypt</div> <div class='line' >Cannot make better note.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >He's very knowing;</div> <div class='line' >I do perceive't: there's nothing in her yet:</div> <div class='line' >The fellow has good judgment.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Excellent.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Guess at her years, I prithee.</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Madam,</div> <div class='line' >She was a widow,--</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Widow! Charmian, hark.</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >And I do think she's thirty.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Bear'st thou her face in mind? is't long or round?</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Round even to faultiness.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >For the most part, too, they are foolish that are so.</div> <div class='line' >Her hair, what colour?</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Brown, madam: and her forehead</div> <div class='line' >As low as she would wish it.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >There's gold for thee.</div> <div class='line' >Thou must not take my former sharpness ill:</div> <div class='line' >I will employ thee back again; I find thee</div> <div class='line' >Most fit for business: go make thee ready;</div> <div class='line' >Our letters are prepared.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit Messenger</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >A proper man.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Indeed, he is so: I repent me much</div> <div class='line' >That so I harried him. Why, methinks, by him,</div> <div class='line' >This creature's no such thing.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Nothing, madam.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >The man hath seen some majesty, and should know.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Hath he seen majesty? Isis else defend,</div> <div class='line' >And serving you so long!</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >I have one thing more to ask him yet, good Charmian:</div> <div class='line' >But 'tis no matter; thou shalt bring him to me</div> <div class='line' >Where I will write. All may be well enough.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >I warrant you, madam.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter MARK ANTONY and OCTAVIA</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Nay, nay, Octavia, not only that,--</div> <div class='line' >That were excusable, that, and thousands more</div> <div class='line' >Of semblable import,--but he hath waged</div> <div class='line' >New wars 'gainst Pompey; made his will, and read it</div> <div class='line' >To public ear:</div> <div class='line' >Spoke scantly of me: when perforce he could not</div> <div class='line' >But pay me terms of honour, cold and sickly</div> <div class='line' >He vented them; most narrow measure lent me:</div> <div class='line' >When the best hint was given him, he not took't,</div> <div class='line' >Or did it from his teeth.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIA</div> <div class='line' >O my good lord,</div> <div class='line' >Believe not all; or, if you must believe,</div> <div class='line' >Stomach not all. A more unhappy lady,</div> <div class='line' >If this division chance, ne'er stood between,</div> <div class='line' >Praying for both parts:</div> <div class='line' >The good gods me presently,</div> <div class='line' >When I shall pray, 'O bless my lord and husband!'</div> <div class='line' >Undo that prayer, by crying out as loud,</div> <div class='line' >'O, bless my brother!' Husband win, win brother,</div> <div class='line' >Prays, and destroys the prayer; no midway</div> <div class='line' >'Twixt these extremes at all.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Gentle Octavia,</div> <div class='line' >Let your best love draw to that point, which seeks</div> <div class='line' >Best to preserve it: if I lose mine honour,</div> <div class='line' >I lose myself: better I were not yours</div> <div class='line' >Than yours so branchless. But, as you requested,</div> <div class='line' >Yourself shall go between 's: the mean time, lady,</div> <div class='line' >I'll raise the preparation of a war</div> <div class='line' >Shall stain your brother: make your soonest haste;</div> <div class='line' >So your desires are yours.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIA</div> <div class='line' >Thanks to my lord.</div> <div class='line' >The Jove of power make me most weak, most weak,</div> <div class='line' >Your reconciler! Wars 'twixt you twain would be</div> <div class='line' >As if the world should cleave, and that slain men</div> <div class='line' >Should solder up the rift.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >When it appears to you where this begins,</div> <div class='line' >Turn your displeasure that way: for our faults</div> <div class='line' >Can never be so equal, that your love</div> <div class='line' >Can equally move with them. Provide your going;</div> <div class='line' >Choose your own company, and command what cost</div> <div class='line' >Your heart has mind to.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS and EROS, meeting</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >How now, friend Eros!</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >There's strange news come, sir.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >What, man?</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >Caesar and Lepidus have made wars upon Pompey.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >This is old: what is the success?</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >Caesar, having made use of him in the wars 'gainst</div> <div class='line' >Pompey, presently denied him rivality; would not let</div> <div class='line' >him partake in the glory of the action: and not</div> <div class='line' >resting here, accuses him of letters he had formerly</div> <div class='line' >wrote to Pompey; upon his own appeal, seizes him: so</div> <div class='line' >the poor third is up, till death enlarge his confine.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Then, world, thou hast a pair of chaps, no more;</div> <div class='line' >And throw between them all the food thou hast,</div> <div class='line' >They'll grind the one the other. Where's Antony?</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >He's walking in the garden--thus; and spurns</div> <div class='line' >The rush that lies before him; cries, 'Fool Lepidus!'</div> <div class='line' >And threats the throat of that his officer</div> <div class='line' >That murder'd Pompey.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Our great navy's rigg'd.</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >For Italy and Caesar. More, Domitius;</div> <div class='line' >My lord desires you presently: my news</div> <div class='line' >I might have told hereafter.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >'Twill be naught:</div> <div class='line' >But let it be. Bring me to Antony.</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >Come, sir.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, AGRIPPA, and MECAENAS</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Contemning Rome, he has done all this, and more,</div> <div class='line' >In Alexandria: here's the manner of 't:</div> <div class='line' >I' the market-place, on a tribunal silver'd,</div> <div class='line' >Cleopatra and himself in chairs of gold</div> <div class='line' >Were publicly enthroned: at the feet sat</div> <div class='line' >Caesarion, whom they call my father's son,</div> <div class='line' >And all the unlawful issue that their lust</div> <div class='line' >Since then hath made between them. Unto her</div> <div class='line' >He gave the stablishment of Egypt; made her</div> <div class='line' >Of lower Syria, Cyprus, Lydia,</div> <div class='line' >Absolute queen.</div> <div class='speaker' >MECAENAS</div> <div class='line' >This in the public eye?</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >I' the common show-place, where they exercise.</div> <div class='line' >His sons he there proclaim'd the kings of kings:</div> <div class='line' >Great Media, Parthia, and Armenia.</div> <div class='line' >He gave to Alexander; to Ptolemy he assign'd</div> <div class='line' >Syria, Cilicia, and Phoenicia: she</div> <div class='line' >In the habiliments of the goddess Isis</div> <div class='line' >That day appear'd; and oft before gave audience,</div> <div class='line' >As 'tis reported, so.</div> <div class='speaker' >MECAENAS</div> <div class='line' >Let Rome be thus Inform'd.</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >Who, queasy with his insolence</div> <div class='line' >Already, will their good thoughts call from him.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >The people know it; and have now received</div> <div class='line' >His accusations.</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >Who does he accuse?</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Caesar: and that, having in Sicily</div> <div class='line' >Sextus Pompeius spoil'd, we had not rated him</div> <div class='line' >His part o' the isle: then does he say, he lent me</div> <div class='line' >Some shipping unrestored: lastly, he frets</div> <div class='line' >That Lepidus of the triumvirate</div> <div class='line' >Should be deposed; and, being, that we detain</div> <div class='line' >All his revenue.</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >Sir, this should be answer'd.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >'Tis done already, and the messenger gone.</div> <div class='line' >I have told him, Lepidus was grown too cruel;</div> <div class='line' >That he his high authority abused,</div> <div class='line' >And did deserve his change: for what I have conquer'd,</div> <div class='line' >I grant him part; but then, in his Armenia,</div> <div class='line' >And other of his conquer'd kingdoms, I</div> <div class='line' >Demand the like.</div> <div class='speaker' >MECAENAS</div> <div class='line' >He'll never yield to that.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Nor must not then be yielded to in this.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter OCTAVIA with her train</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIA</div> <div class='line' >Hail, Caesar, and my lord! hail, most dear Caesar!</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >That ever I should call thee castaway!</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIA</div> <div class='line' >You have not call'd me so, nor have you cause.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Why have you stol'n upon us thus! You come not</div> <div class='line' >Like Caesar's sister: the wife of Antony</div> <div class='line' >Should have an army for an usher, and</div> <div class='line' >The neighs of horse to tell of her approach</div> <div class='line' >Long ere she did appear; the trees by the way</div> <div class='line' >Should have borne men; and expectation fainted,</div> <div class='line' >Longing for what it had not; nay, the dust</div> <div class='line' >Should have ascended to the roof of heaven,</div> <div class='line' >Raised by your populous troops: but you are come</div> <div class='line' >A market-maid to Rome; and have prevented</div> <div class='line' >The ostentation of our love, which, left unshown,</div> <div class='line' >Is often left unloved; we should have met you</div> <div class='line' >By sea and land; supplying every stage</div> <div class='line' >With an augmented greeting.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIA</div> <div class='line' >Good my lord,</div> <div class='line' >To come thus was I not constrain'd, but did</div> <div class='line' >On my free will. My lord, Mark Antony,</div> <div class='line' >Hearing that you prepared for war, acquainted</div> <div class='line' >My grieved ear withal; whereon, I begg'd</div> <div class='line' >His pardon for return.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Which soon he granted,</div> <div class='line' >Being an obstruct 'tween his lust and him.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIA</div> <div class='line' >Do not say so, my lord.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >I have eyes upon him,</div> <div class='line' >And his affairs come to me on the wind.</div> <div class='line' >Where is he now?</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIA</div> <div class='line' >My lord, in Athens.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >No, my most wronged sister; Cleopatra</div> <div class='line' >Hath nodded him to her. He hath given his empire</div> <div class='line' >Up to a whore; who now are levying</div> <div class='line' >The kings o' the earth for war; he hath assembled</div> <div class='line' >Bocchus, the king of Libya; Archelaus,</div> <div class='line' >Of Cappadocia; Philadelphos, king</div> <div class='line' >Of Paphlagonia; the Thracian king, Adallas;</div> <div class='line' >King Malchus of Arabia; King of Pont;</div> <div class='line' >Herod of Jewry; Mithridates, king</div> <div class='line' >Of Comagene; Polemon and Amyntas,</div> <div class='line' >The kings of Mede and Lycaonia,</div> <div class='line' >With a more larger list of sceptres.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIA</div> <div class='line' >Ay me, most wretched,</div> <div class='line' >That have my heart parted betwixt two friends</div> <div class='line' >That do afflict each other!</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Welcome hither:</div> <div class='line' >Your letters did withhold our breaking forth;</div> <div class='line' >Till we perceived, both how you were wrong led,</div> <div class='line' >And we in negligent danger. Cheer your heart;</div> <div class='line' >Be you not troubled with the time, which drives</div> <div class='line' >O'er your content these strong necessities;</div> <div class='line' >But let determined things to destiny</div> <div class='line' >Hold unbewail'd their way. Welcome to Rome;</div> <div class='line' >Nothing more dear to me. You are abused</div> <div class='line' >Beyond the mark of thought: and the high gods,</div> <div class='line' >To do you justice, make them ministers</div> <div class='line' >Of us and those that love you. Best of comfort;</div> <div class='line' >And ever welcome to us.</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >Welcome, lady.</div> <div class='speaker' >MECAENAS</div> <div class='line' >Welcome, dear madam.</div> <div class='line' >Each heart in Rome does love and pity you:</div> <div class='line' >Only the adulterous Antony, most large</div> <div class='line' >In his abominations, turns you off;</div> <div class='line' >And gives his potent regiment to a trull,</div> <div class='line' >That noises it against us.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIA</div> <div class='line' >Is it so, sir?</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Most certain. Sister, welcome: pray you,</div> <div class='line' >Be ever known to patience: my dear'st sister!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter CLEOPATRA and DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >I will be even with thee, doubt it not.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >But why, why, why?</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Thou hast forspoke my being in these wars,</div> <div class='line' >And say'st it is not fit.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Well, is it, is it?</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >If not denounced against us, why should not we</div> <div class='line' >Be there in person?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Aside Well, I could reply:</div> <div class='line' >If we should serve with horse and mares together,</div> <div class='line' >The horse were merely lost; the mares would bear</div> <div class='line' >A soldier and his horse.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >What is't you say?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Your presence needs must puzzle Antony;</div> <div class='line' >Take from his heart, take from his brain,</div> <div class='line' >from's time,</div> <div class='line' >What should not then be spared. He is already</div> <div class='line' >Traduced for levity; and 'tis said in Rome</div> <div class='line' >That Photinus an eunuch and your maids</div> <div class='line' >Manage this war.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Sink Rome, and their tongues rot</div> <div class='line' >That speak against us! A charge we bear i' the war,</div> <div class='line' >And, as the president of my kingdom, will</div> <div class='line' >Appear there for a man. Speak not against it:</div> <div class='line' >I will not stay behind.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Nay, I have done.</div> <div class='line' >Here comes the emperor.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter MARK ANTONY and CANIDIUS</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Is it not strange, Canidius,</div> <div class='line' >That from Tarentum and Brundusium</div> <div class='line' >He could so quickly cut the Ionian sea,</div> <div class='line' >And take in Toryne? You have heard on't, sweet?</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Celerity is never more admired</div> <div class='line' >Than by the negligent.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >A good rebuke,</div> <div class='line' >Which might have well becomed the best of men,</div> <div class='line' >To taunt at slackness. Canidius, we</div> <div class='line' >Will fight with him by sea.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >By sea! what else?</div> <div class='speaker' >CANIDIUS</div> <div class='line' >Why will my lord do so?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >For that he dares us to't.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >So hath my lord dared him to single fight.</div> <div class='speaker' >CANIDIUS</div> <div class='line' >Ay, and to wage this battle at Pharsalia.</div> <div class='line' >Where Caesar fought with Pompey: but these offers,</div> <div class='line' >Which serve not for his vantage, be shakes off;</div> <div class='line' >And so should you.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Your ships are not well mann'd;</div> <div class='line' >Your mariners are muleters, reapers, people</div> <div class='line' >Ingross'd by swift impress; in Caesar's fleet</div> <div class='line' >Are those that often have 'gainst Pompey fought:</div> <div class='line' >Their ships are yare; yours, heavy: no disgrace</div> <div class='line' >Shall fall you for refusing him at sea,</div> <div class='line' >Being prepared for land.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >By sea, by sea.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Most worthy sir, you therein throw away</div> <div class='line' >The absolute soldiership you have by land;</div> <div class='line' >Distract your army, which doth most consist</div> <div class='line' >Of war-mark'd footmen; leave unexecuted</div> <div class='line' >Your own renowned knowledge; quite forego</div> <div class='line' >The way which promises assurance; and</div> <div class='line' >Give up yourself merely to chance and hazard,</div> <div class='line' >From firm security.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >I'll fight at sea.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >I have sixty sails, Caesar none better.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Our overplus of shipping will we burn;</div> <div class='line' >And, with the rest full-mann'd, from the head of Actium</div> <div class='line' >Beat the approaching Caesar. But if we fail,</div> <div class='line' >We then can do't at land.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter a Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Thy business?</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >The news is true, my lord; he is descried;</div> <div class='line' >Caesar has taken Toryne.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Can he be there in person? 'tis impossible;</div> <div class='line' >Strange that power should be. Canidius,</div> <div class='line' >Our nineteen legions thou shalt hold by land,</div> <div class='line' >And our twelve thousand horse. We'll to our ship:</div> <div class='line' >Away, my Thetis!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter a Soldier</div> <div class='line' >How now, worthy soldier?</div> <div class='speaker' >Soldier</div> <div class='line' >O noble emperor, do not fight by sea;</div> <div class='line' >Trust not to rotten planks: do you misdoubt</div> <div class='line' >This sword and these my wounds? Let the Egyptians</div> <div class='line' >And the Phoenicians go a-ducking; we</div> <div class='line' >Have used to conquer, standing on the earth,</div> <div class='line' >And fighting foot to foot.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Well, well: away!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt MARK ANTONY, QUEEN CLEOPATRA, and DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='speaker' >Soldier</div> <div class='line' >By Hercules, I think I am i' the right.</div> <div class='speaker' >CANIDIUS</div> <div class='line' >Soldier, thou art: but his whole action grows</div> <div class='line' >Not in the power on't: so our leader's led,</div> <div class='line' >And we are women's men.</div> <div class='speaker' >Soldier</div> <div class='line' >You keep by land</div> <div class='line' >The legions and the horse whole, do you not?</div> <div class='speaker' >CANIDIUS</div> <div class='line' >Marcus Octavius, Marcus Justeius,</div> <div class='line' >Publicola, and Caelius, are for sea:</div> <div class='line' >But we keep whole by land. This speed of Caesar's</div> <div class='line' >Carries beyond belief.</div> <div class='speaker' >Soldier</div> <div class='line' >While he was yet in Rome,</div> <div class='line' >His power went out in such distractions as</div> <div class='line' >Beguiled all spies.</div> <div class='speaker' >CANIDIUS</div> <div class='line' >Who's his lieutenant, hear you?</div> <div class='speaker' >Soldier</div> <div class='line' >They say, one Taurus.</div> <div class='speaker' >CANIDIUS</div> <div class='line' >Well I know the man.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter a Messenger</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >The emperor calls Canidius.</div> <div class='speaker' >CANIDIUS</div> <div class='line' >With news the time's with labour, and throes forth,</div> <div class='line' >Each minute, some.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, and TAURUS, with his army, marching</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Taurus!</div> <div class='speaker' >TAURUS</div> <div class='line' >My lord?</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Strike not by land; keep whole: provoke not battle,</div> <div class='line' >Till we have done at sea. Do not exceed</div> <div class='line' >The prescript of this scroll: our fortune lies</div> <div class='line' >Upon this jump.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter MARK ANTONY and DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Set we our squadrons on yond side o' the hill,</div> <div class='line' >In eye of Caesar's battle; from which place</div> <div class='line' >We may the number of the ships behold,</div> <div class='line' >And so proceed accordingly.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >CANIDIUS marcheth with his land army one way over the stage; and TAURUS, the lieutenant of OCTAVIUS CAESAR, the other way. After their going in, is heard the noise of a sea-fight</div> <div class='stagedir' >Alarum. Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Naught, naught all, naught! I can behold no longer:</div> <div class='line' >The Antoniad, the Egyptian admiral,</div> <div class='line' >With all their sixty, fly and turn the rudder:</div> <div class='line' >To see't mine eyes are blasted.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter SCARUS</div> <div class='speaker' >SCARUS</div> <div class='line' >Gods and goddesses,</div> <div class='line' >All the whole synod of them!</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >What's thy passion!</div> <div class='speaker' >SCARUS</div> <div class='line' >The greater cantle of the world is lost</div> <div class='line' >With very ignorance; we have kiss'd away</div> <div class='line' >Kingdoms and provinces.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >How appears the fight?</div> <div class='speaker' >SCARUS</div> <div class='line' >On our side like the token'd pestilence,</div> <div class='line' >Where death is sure. Yon ribaudred nag of Egypt,--</div> <div class='line' >Whom leprosy o'ertake!--i' the midst o' the fight,</div> <div class='line' >When vantage like a pair of twins appear'd,</div> <div class='line' >Both as the same, or rather ours the elder,</div> <div class='line' >The breese upon her, like a cow in June,</div> <div class='line' >Hoists sails and flies.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >That I beheld:</div> <div class='line' >Mine eyes did sicken at the sight, and could not</div> <div class='line' >Endure a further view.</div> <div class='speaker' >SCARUS</div> <div class='line' >She once being loof'd,</div> <div class='line' >The noble ruin of her magic, Antony,</div> <div class='line' >Claps on his sea-wing, and, like a doting mallard,</div> <div class='line' >Leaving the fight in height, flies after her:</div> <div class='line' >I never saw an action of such shame;</div> <div class='line' >Experience, manhood, honour, ne'er before</div> <div class='line' >Did violate so itself.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Alack, alack!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter CANIDIUS</div> <div class='speaker' >CANIDIUS</div> <div class='line' >Our fortune on the sea is out of breath,</div> <div class='line' >And sinks most lamentably. Had our general</div> <div class='line' >Been what he knew himself, it had gone well:</div> <div class='line' >O, he has given example for our flight,</div> <div class='line' >Most grossly, by his own!</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Ay, are you thereabouts?</div> <div class='line' >Why, then, good night indeed.</div> <div class='speaker' >CANIDIUS</div> <div class='line' >Toward Peloponnesus are they fled.</div> <div class='speaker' >SCARUS</div> <div class='line' >'Tis easy to't; and there I will attend</div> <div class='line' >What further comes.</div> <div class='speaker' >CANIDIUS</div> <div class='line' >To Caesar will I render</div> <div class='line' >My legions and my horse: six kings already</div> <div class='line' >Show me the way of yielding.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >I'll yet follow</div> <div class='line' >The wounded chance of Antony, though my reason</div> <div class='line' >Sits in the wind against me.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter MARK ANTONY with Attendants</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Hark! the land bids me tread no more upon't;</div> <div class='line' >It is ashamed to bear me! Friends, come hither:</div> <div class='line' >I am so lated in the world, that I</div> <div class='line' >Have lost my way for ever: I have a ship</div> <div class='line' >Laden with gold; take that, divide it; fly,</div> <div class='line' >And make your peace with Caesar.</div> <div class='speaker' >All</div> <div class='line' >Fly! not we.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >I have fled myself; and have instructed cowards</div> <div class='line' >To run and show their shoulders. Friends, be gone;</div> <div class='line' >I have myself resolved upon a course</div> <div class='line' >Which has no need of you; be gone:</div> <div class='line' >My treasure's in the harbour, take it. O,</div> <div class='line' >I follow'd that I blush to look upon:</div> <div class='line' >My very hairs do mutiny; for the white</div> <div class='line' >Reprove the brown for rashness, and they them</div> <div class='line' >For fear and doting. Friends, be gone: you shall</div> <div class='line' >Have letters from me to some friends that will</div> <div class='line' >Sweep your way for you. Pray you, look not sad,</div> <div class='line' >Nor make replies of loathness: take the hint</div> <div class='line' >Which my despair proclaims; let that be left</div> <div class='line' >Which leaves itself: to the sea-side straightway:</div> <div class='line' >I will possess you of that ship and treasure.</div> <div class='line' >Leave me, I pray, a little: pray you now:</div> <div class='line' >Nay, do so; for, indeed, I have lost command,</div> <div class='line' >Therefore I pray you: I'll see you by and by.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Sits down</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter CLEOPATRA led by CHARMIAN and IRAS; EROS following</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >Nay, gentle madam, to him, comfort him.</div> <div class='speaker' >IRAS</div> <div class='line' >Do, most dear queen.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Do! why: what else?</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Let me sit down. O Juno!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >No, no, no, no, no.</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >See you here, sir?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >O fie, fie, fie!</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Madam!</div> <div class='speaker' >IRAS</div> <div class='line' >Madam, O good empress!</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >Sir, sir,--</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Yes, my lord, yes; he at Philippi kept</div> <div class='line' >His sword e'en like a dancer; while I struck</div> <div class='line' >The lean and wrinkled Cassius; and 'twas I</div> <div class='line' >That the mad Brutus ended: he alone</div> <div class='line' >Dealt on lieutenantry, and no practise had</div> <div class='line' >In the brave squares of war: yet now--No matter.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Ah, stand by.</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >The queen, my lord, the queen.</div> <div class='speaker' >IRAS</div> <div class='line' >Go to him, madam, speak to him:</div> <div class='line' >He is unqualitied with very shame.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Well then, sustain him: O!</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >Most noble sir, arise; the queen approaches:</div> <div class='line' >Her head's declined, and death will seize her, but</div> <div class='line' >Your comfort makes the rescue.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >I have offended reputation,</div> <div class='line' >A most unnoble swerving.</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >Sir, the queen.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >O, whither hast thou led me, Egypt? See,</div> <div class='line' >How I convey my shame out of thine eyes</div> <div class='line' >By looking back what I have left behind</div> <div class='line' >'Stroy'd in dishonour.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >O my lord, my lord,</div> <div class='line' >Forgive my fearful sails! I little thought</div> <div class='line' >You would have follow'd.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Egypt, thou knew'st too well</div> <div class='line' >My heart was to thy rudder tied by the strings,</div> <div class='line' >And thou shouldst tow me after: o'er my spirit</div> <div class='line' >Thy full supremacy thou knew'st, and that</div> <div class='line' >Thy beck might from the bidding of the gods</div> <div class='line' >Command me.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >O, my pardon!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Now I must</div> <div class='line' >To the young man send humble treaties, dodge</div> <div class='line' >And palter in the shifts of lowness; who</div> <div class='line' >With half the bulk o' the world play'd as I pleased,</div> <div class='line' >Making and marring fortunes. You did know</div> <div class='line' >How much you were my conqueror; and that</div> <div class='line' >My sword, made weak by my affection, would</div> <div class='line' >Obey it on all cause.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Pardon, pardon!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Fall not a tear, I say; one of them rates</div> <div class='line' >All that is won and lost: give me a kiss;</div> <div class='line' >Even this repays me. We sent our schoolmaster;</div> <div class='line' >Is he come back? Love, I am full of lead.</div> <div class='line' >Some wine, within there, and our viands! Fortune knows</div> <div class='line' >We scorn her most when most she offers blows.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, DOLABELLA, THYREUS, with others</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Let him appear that's come from Antony.</div> <div class='line' >Know you him?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >Caesar, 'tis his schoolmaster:</div> <div class='line' >An argument that he is pluck'd, when hither</div> <div class='line' >He sends so poor a pinion off his wing,</div> <div class='line' >Which had superfluous kings for messengers</div> <div class='line' >Not many moons gone by.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter EUPHRONIUS, ambassador from MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Approach, and speak.</div> <div class='speaker' >EUPHRONIUS</div> <div class='line' >Such as I am, I come from Antony:</div> <div class='line' >I was of late as petty to his ends</div> <div class='line' >As is the morn-dew on the myrtle-leaf</div> <div class='line' >To his grand sea.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Be't so: declare thine office.</div> <div class='speaker' >EUPHRONIUS</div> <div class='line' >Lord of his fortunes he salutes thee, and</div> <div class='line' >Requires to live in Egypt: which not granted,</div> <div class='line' >He lessens his requests; and to thee sues</div> <div class='line' >To let him breathe between the heavens and earth,</div> <div class='line' >A private man in Athens: this for him.</div> <div class='line' >Next, Cleopatra does confess thy greatness;</div> <div class='line' >Submits her to thy might; and of thee craves</div> <div class='line' >The circle of the Ptolemies for her heirs,</div> <div class='line' >Now hazarded to thy grace.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >For Antony,</div> <div class='line' >I have no ears to his request. The queen</div> <div class='line' >Of audience nor desire shall fail, so she</div> <div class='line' >From Egypt drive her all-disgraced friend,</div> <div class='line' >Or take his life there: this if she perform,</div> <div class='line' >She shall not sue unheard. So to them both.</div> <div class='speaker' >EUPHRONIUS</div> <div class='line' >Fortune pursue thee!</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Bring him through the bands.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit EUPHRONIUS</div> <div class='line' >To THYREUS To try eloquence, now 'tis time: dispatch;</div> <div class='line' >From Antony win Cleopatra: promise,</div> <div class='line' >And in our name, what she requires; add more,</div> <div class='line' >From thine invention, offers: women are not</div> <div class='line' >In their best fortunes strong; but want will perjure</div> <div class='line' >The ne'er touch'd vestal: try thy cunning, Thyreus;</div> <div class='line' >Make thine own edict for thy pains, which we</div> <div class='line' >Will answer as a law.</div> <div class='speaker' >THYREUS</div> <div class='line' >Caesar, I go.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Observe how Antony becomes his flaw,</div> <div class='line' >And what thou think'st his very action speaks</div> <div class='line' >In every power that moves.</div> <div class='speaker' >THYREUS</div> <div class='line' >Caesar, I shall.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter CLEOPATRA, DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS, CHARMIAN, and IRAS</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >What shall we do, Enobarbus?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Think, and die.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Is Antony or we in fault for this?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Antony only, that would make his will</div> <div class='line' >Lord of his reason. What though you fled</div> <div class='line' >From that great face of war, whose several ranges</div> <div class='line' >Frighted each other? why should he follow?</div> <div class='line' >The itch of his affection should not then</div> <div class='line' >Have nick'd his captainship; at such a point,</div> <div class='line' >When half to half the world opposed, he being</div> <div class='line' >The meered question: 'twas a shame no less</div> <div class='line' >Than was his loss, to course your flying flags,</div> <div class='line' >And leave his navy gazing.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Prithee, peace.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter MARK ANTONY with EUPHRONIUS, the Ambassador</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Is that his answer?</div> <div class='speaker' >EUPHRONIUS</div> <div class='line' >Ay, my lord.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >The queen shall then have courtesy, so she</div> <div class='line' >Will yield us up.</div> <div class='speaker' >EUPHRONIUS</div> <div class='line' >He says so.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Let her know't.</div> <div class='line' >To the boy Caesar send this grizzled head,</div> <div class='line' >And he will fill thy wishes to the brim</div> <div class='line' >With principalities.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >That head, my lord?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >To him again: tell him he wears the rose</div> <div class='line' >Of youth upon him; from which the world should note</div> <div class='line' >Something particular: his coin, ships, legions,</div> <div class='line' >May be a coward's; whose ministers would prevail</div> <div class='line' >Under the service of a child as soon</div> <div class='line' >As i' the command of Caesar: I dare him therefore</div> <div class='line' >To lay his gay comparisons apart,</div> <div class='line' >And answer me declined, sword against sword,</div> <div class='line' >Ourselves alone. I'll write it: follow me.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt MARK ANTONY and EUPHRONIUS</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Aside Yes, like enough, high-battled Caesar will</div> <div class='line' >Unstate his happiness, and be staged to the show,</div> <div class='line' >Against a sworder! I see men's judgments are</div> <div class='line' >A parcel of their fortunes; and things outward</div> <div class='line' >Do draw the inward quality after them,</div> <div class='line' >To suffer all alike. That he should dream,</div> <div class='line' >Knowing all measures, the full Caesar will</div> <div class='line' >Answer his emptiness! Caesar, thou hast subdued</div> <div class='line' >His judgment too.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter an Attendant</div> <div class='speaker' >Attendant</div> <div class='line' >A messenger from CAESAR.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >What, no more ceremony? See, my women!</div> <div class='line' >Against the blown rose may they stop their nose</div> <div class='line' >That kneel'd unto the buds. Admit him, sir.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit Attendant</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Aside Mine honesty and I begin to square.</div> <div class='line' >The loyalty well held to fools does make</div> <div class='line' >Our faith mere folly: yet he that can endure</div> <div class='line' >To follow with allegiance a fall'n lord</div> <div class='line' >Does conquer him that did his master conquer</div> <div class='line' >And earns a place i' the story.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter THYREUS</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Caesar's will?</div> <div class='speaker' >THYREUS</div> <div class='line' >Hear it apart.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >None but friends: say boldly.</div> <div class='speaker' >THYREUS</div> <div class='line' >So, haply, are they friends to Antony.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >He needs as many, sir, as Caesar has;</div> <div class='line' >Or needs not us. If Caesar please, our master</div> <div class='line' >Will leap to be his friend: for us, you know,</div> <div class='line' >Whose he is we are, and that is, Caesar's.</div> <div class='speaker' >THYREUS</div> <div class='line' >So.</div> <div class='line' >Thus then, thou most renown'd: Caesar entreats,</div> <div class='line' >Not to consider in what case thou stand'st,</div> <div class='line' >Further than he is Caesar.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Go on: right royal.</div> <div class='speaker' >THYREUS</div> <div class='line' >He knows that you embrace not Antony</div> <div class='line' >As you did love, but as you fear'd him.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >O!</div> <div class='speaker' >THYREUS</div> <div class='line' >The scars upon your honour, therefore, he</div> <div class='line' >Does pity, as constrained blemishes,</div> <div class='line' >Not as deserved.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >He is a god, and knows</div> <div class='line' >What is most right: mine honour was not yielded,</div> <div class='line' >But conquer'd merely.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Aside To be sure of that,</div> <div class='line' >I will ask Antony. Sir, sir, thou art so leaky,</div> <div class='line' >That we must leave thee to thy sinking, for</div> <div class='line' >Thy dearest quit thee.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit</div> <div class='speaker' >THYREUS</div> <div class='line' >Shall I say to Caesar</div> <div class='line' >What you require of him? for he partly begs</div> <div class='line' >To be desired to give. It much would please him,</div> <div class='line' >That of his fortunes you should make a staff</div> <div class='line' >To lean upon: but it would warm his spirits,</div> <div class='line' >To hear from me you had left Antony,</div> <div class='line' >And put yourself under his shrowd,</div> <div class='line' >The universal landlord.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >What's your name?</div> <div class='speaker' >THYREUS</div> <div class='line' >My name is Thyreus.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Most kind messenger,</div> <div class='line' >Say to great Caesar this: in deputation</div> <div class='line' >I kiss his conquering hand: tell him, I am prompt</div> <div class='line' >To lay my crown at 's feet, and there to kneel:</div> <div class='line' >Tell him from his all-obeying breath I hear</div> <div class='line' >The doom of Egypt.</div> <div class='speaker' >THYREUS</div> <div class='line' >'Tis your noblest course.</div> <div class='line' >Wisdom and fortune combating together,</div> <div class='line' >If that the former dare but what it can,</div> <div class='line' >No chance may shake it. Give me grace to lay</div> <div class='line' >My duty on your hand.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Your Caesar's father oft,</div> <div class='line' >When he hath mused of taking kingdoms in,</div> <div class='line' >Bestow'd his lips on that unworthy place,</div> <div class='line' >As it rain'd kisses.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Re-enter MARK ANTONY and DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Favours, by Jove that thunders!</div> <div class='line' >What art thou, fellow?</div> <div class='speaker' >THYREUS</div> <div class='line' >One that but performs</div> <div class='line' >The bidding of the fullest man, and worthiest</div> <div class='line' >To have command obey'd.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Aside You will be whipp'd.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Approach, there! Ah, you kite! Now, gods</div> <div class='line' >and devils!</div> <div class='line' >Authority melts from me: of late, when I cried 'Ho!'</div> <div class='line' >Like boys unto a muss, kings would start forth,</div> <div class='line' >And cry 'Your will?' Have you no ears? I am</div> <div class='line' >Antony yet.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter Attendants</div> <div class='line' >Take hence this Jack, and whip him.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Aside 'Tis better playing with a lion's whelp</div> <div class='line' >Than with an old one dying.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Moon and stars!</div> <div class='line' >Whip him. Were't twenty of the greatest tributaries</div> <div class='line' >That do acknowledge Caesar, should I find them</div> <div class='line' >So saucy with the hand of she here,--what's her name,</div> <div class='line' >Since she was Cleopatra? Whip him, fellows,</div> <div class='line' >Till, like a boy, you see him cringe his face,</div> <div class='line' >And whine aloud for mercy: take him hence.</div> <div class='speaker' >THYREUS</div> <div class='line' >Mark Antony!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Tug him away: being whipp'd,</div> <div class='line' >Bring him again: this Jack of Caesar's shall</div> <div class='line' >Bear us an errand to him.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt Attendants with THYREUS</div> <div class='line' >You were half blasted ere I knew you: ha!</div> <div class='line' >Have I my pillow left unpress'd in Rome,</div> <div class='line' >Forborne the getting of a lawful race,</div> <div class='line' >And by a gem of women, to be abused</div> <div class='line' >By one that looks on feeders?</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Good my lord,--</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >You have been a boggler ever:</div> <div class='line' >But when we in our viciousness grow hard--</div> <div class='line' >O misery on't!--the wise gods seel our eyes;</div> <div class='line' >In our own filth drop our clear judgments; make us</div> <div class='line' >Adore our errors; laugh at's, while we strut</div> <div class='line' >To our confusion.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >O, is't come to this?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >I found you as a morsel cold upon</div> <div class='line' >Dead Caesar's trencher; nay, you were a fragment</div> <div class='line' >Of Cneius Pompey's; besides what hotter hours,</div> <div class='line' >Unregister'd in vulgar fame, you have</div> <div class='line' >Luxuriously pick'd out: for, I am sure,</div> <div class='line' >Though you can guess what temperance should be,</div> <div class='line' >You know not what it is.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Wherefore is this?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >To let a fellow that will take rewards</div> <div class='line' >And say 'God quit you!' be familiar with</div> <div class='line' >My playfellow, your hand; this kingly seal</div> <div class='line' >And plighter of high hearts! O, that I were</div> <div class='line' >Upon the hill of Basan, to outroar</div> <div class='line' >The horned herd! for I have savage cause;</div> <div class='line' >And to proclaim it civilly, were like</div> <div class='line' >A halter'd neck which does the hangman thank</div> <div class='line' >For being yare about him.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Re-enter Attendants with THYREUS</div> <div class='line' >Is he whipp'd?</div> <div class='speaker' >First Attendant</div> <div class='line' >Soundly, my lord.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Cried he? and begg'd a' pardon?</div> <div class='speaker' >First Attendant</div> <div class='line' >He did ask favour.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >If that thy father live, let him repent</div> <div class='line' >Thou wast not made his daughter; and be thou sorry</div> <div class='line' >To follow Caesar in his triumph, since</div> <div class='line' >Thou hast been whipp'd for following him: henceforth</div> <div class='line' >The white hand of a lady fever thee,</div> <div class='line' >Shake thou to look on 't. Get thee back to Caesar,</div> <div class='line' >Tell him thy entertainment: look, thou say</div> <div class='line' >He makes me angry with him; for he seems</div> <div class='line' >Proud and disdainful, harping on what I am,</div> <div class='line' >Not what he knew I was: he makes me angry;</div> <div class='line' >And at this time most easy 'tis to do't,</div> <div class='line' >When my good stars, that were my former guides,</div> <div class='line' >Have empty left their orbs, and shot their fires</div> <div class='line' >Into the abysm of hell. If he mislike</div> <div class='line' >My speech and what is done, tell him he has</div> <div class='line' >Hipparchus, my enfranched bondman, whom</div> <div class='line' >He may at pleasure whip, or hang, or torture,</div> <div class='line' >As he shall like, to quit me: urge it thou:</div> <div class='line' >Hence with thy stripes, begone!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit THYREUS</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Have you done yet?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Alack, our terrene moon</div> <div class='line' >Is now eclipsed; and it portends alone</div> <div class='line' >The fall of Antony!</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >I must stay his time.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >To flatter Caesar, would you mingle eyes</div> <div class='line' >With one that ties his points?</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Not know me yet?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Cold-hearted toward me?</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Ah, dear, if I be so,</div> <div class='line' >From my cold heart let heaven engender hail,</div> <div class='line' >And poison it in the source; and the first stone</div> <div class='line' >Drop in my neck: as it determines, so</div> <div class='line' >Dissolve my life! The next Caesarion smite!</div> <div class='line' >Till by degrees the memory of my womb,</div> <div class='line' >Together with my brave Egyptians all,</div> <div class='line' >By the discandying of this pelleted storm,</div> <div class='line' >Lie graveless, till the flies and gnats of Nile</div> <div class='line' >Have buried them for prey!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >I am satisfied.</div> <div class='line' >Caesar sits down in Alexandria; where</div> <div class='line' >I will oppose his fate. Our force by land</div> <div class='line' >Hath nobly held; our sever'd navy too</div> <div class='line' >Have knit again, and fleet, threatening most sea-like.</div> <div class='line' >Where hast thou been, my heart? Dost thou hear, lady?</div> <div class='line' >If from the field I shall return once more</div> <div class='line' >To kiss these lips, I will appear in blood;</div> <div class='line' >I and my sword will earn our chronicle:</div> <div class='line' >There's hope in't yet.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >That's my brave lord!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >I will be treble-sinew'd, hearted, breathed,</div> <div class='line' >And fight maliciously: for when mine hours</div> <div class='line' >Were nice and lucky, men did ransom lives</div> <div class='line' >Of me for jests; but now I'll set my teeth,</div> <div class='line' >And send to darkness all that stop me. Come,</div> <div class='line' >Let's have one other gaudy night: call to me</div> <div class='line' >All my sad captains; fill our bowls once more;</div> <div class='line' >Let's mock the midnight bell.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >It is my birth-day:</div> <div class='line' >I had thought to have held it poor: but, since my lord</div> <div class='line' >Is Antony again, I will be Cleopatra.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >We will yet do well.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Call all his noble captains to my lord.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Do so, we'll speak to them; and to-night I'll force</div> <div class='line' >The wine peep through their scars. Come on, my queen;</div> <div class='line' >There's sap in't yet. The next time I do fight,</div> <div class='line' >I'll make death love me; for I will contend</div> <div class='line' >Even with his pestilent scythe.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt all but DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Now he'll outstare the lightning. To be furious,</div> <div class='line' >Is to be frighted out of fear; and in that mood</div> <div class='line' >The dove will peck the estridge; and I see still,</div> <div class='line' >A diminution in our captain's brain</div> <div class='line' >Restores his heart: when valour preys on reason,</div> <div class='line' >It eats the sword it fights with. I will seek</div> <div class='line' >Some way to leave him.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, AGRIPPA, and MECAENAS, with his Army; OCTAVIUS CAESAR reading a letter</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >He calls me boy; and chides, as he had power</div> <div class='line' >To beat me out of Egypt; my messenger</div> <div class='line' >He hath whipp'd with rods; dares me to personal combat,</div> <div class='line' >Caesar to Antony: let the old ruffian know</div> <div class='line' >I have many other ways to die; meantime</div> <div class='line' >Laugh at his challenge.</div> <div class='speaker' >MECAENAS</div> <div class='line' >Caesar must think,</div> <div class='line' >When one so great begins to rage, he's hunted</div> <div class='line' >Even to falling. Give him no breath, but now</div> <div class='line' >Make boot of his distraction: never anger</div> <div class='line' >Made good guard for itself.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Let our best heads</div> <div class='line' >Know, that to-morrow the last of many battles</div> <div class='line' >We mean to fight: within our files there are,</div> <div class='line' >Of those that served Mark Antony but late,</div> <div class='line' >Enough to fetch him in. See it done:</div> <div class='line' >And feast the army; we have store to do't,</div> <div class='line' >And they have earn'd the waste. Poor Antony!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter MARK ANTONY, CLEOPATRA, DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS, CHARMIAN, IRAS, ALEXAS, with others</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >He will not fight with me, Domitius.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >No.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Why should he not?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >He thinks, being twenty times of better fortune,</div> <div class='line' >He is twenty men to one.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >To-morrow, soldier,</div> <div class='line' >By sea and land I'll fight: or I will live,</div> <div class='line' >Or bathe my dying honour in the blood</div> <div class='line' >Shall make it live again. Woo't thou fight well?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >I'll strike, and cry 'Take all.'</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Well said; come on.</div> <div class='line' >Call forth my household servants: let's to-night</div> <div class='line' >Be bounteous at our meal.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter three or four Servitors</div> <div class='line' >Give me thy hand,</div> <div class='line' >Thou hast been rightly honest;--so hast thou;--</div> <div class='line' >Thou,--and thou,--and thou:--you have served me well,</div> <div class='line' >And kings have been your fellows.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Aside to DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS What means this?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Aside to CLEOPATRA 'Tis one of those odd</div> <div class='line' >tricks which sorrow shoots</div> <div class='line' >Out of the mind.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >And thou art honest too.</div> <div class='line' >I wish I could be made so many men,</div> <div class='line' >And all of you clapp'd up together in</div> <div class='line' >An Antony, that I might do you service</div> <div class='line' >So good as you have done.</div> <div class='speaker' >All</div> <div class='line' >The gods forbid!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Well, my good fellows, wait on me to-night:</div> <div class='line' >Scant not my cups; and make as much of me</div> <div class='line' >As when mine empire was your fellow too,</div> <div class='line' >And suffer'd my command.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Aside to DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS What does he mean?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Aside to CLEOPATRA To make his followers weep.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Tend me to-night;</div> <div class='line' >May be it is the period of your duty:</div> <div class='line' >Haply you shall not see me more; or if,</div> <div class='line' >A mangled shadow: perchance to-morrow</div> <div class='line' >You'll serve another master. I look on you</div> <div class='line' >As one that takes his leave. Mine honest friends,</div> <div class='line' >I turn you not away; but, like a master</div> <div class='line' >Married to your good service, stay till death:</div> <div class='line' >Tend me to-night two hours, I ask no more,</div> <div class='line' >And the gods yield you for't!</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >What mean you, sir,</div> <div class='line' >To give them this discomfort? Look, they weep;</div> <div class='line' >And I, an ass, am onion-eyed: for shame,</div> <div class='line' >Transform us not to women.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Ho, ho, ho!</div> <div class='line' >Now the witch take me, if I meant it thus!</div> <div class='line' >Grace grow where those drops fall!</div> <div class='line' >My hearty friends,</div> <div class='line' >You take me in too dolorous a sense;</div> <div class='line' >For I spake to you for your comfort; did desire you</div> <div class='line' >To burn this night with torches: know, my hearts,</div> <div class='line' >I hope well of to-morrow; and will lead you</div> <div class='line' >Where rather I'll expect victorious life</div> <div class='line' >Than death and honour. Let's to supper, come,</div> <div class='line' >And drown consideration.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter two Soldiers to their guard</div> <div class='speaker' >First Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Brother, good night: to-morrow is the day.</div> <div class='speaker' >Second Soldier</div> <div class='line' >It will determine one way: fare you well.</div> <div class='line' >Heard you of nothing strange about the streets?</div> <div class='speaker' >First Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Nothing. What news?</div> <div class='speaker' >Second Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Belike 'tis but a rumour. Good night to you.</div> <div class='speaker' >First Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Well, sir, good night.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter two other Soldiers</div> <div class='speaker' >Second Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Soldiers, have careful watch.</div> <div class='speaker' >Third Soldier</div> <div class='line' >And you. Good night, good night.</div> <div class='stagedir' >They place themselves in every corner of the stage</div> <div class='speaker' >Fourth Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Here we: and if to-morrow</div> <div class='line' >Our navy thrive, I have an absolute hope</div> <div class='line' >Our landmen will stand up.</div> <div class='speaker' >Third Soldier</div> <div class='line' >'Tis a brave army,</div> <div class='line' >And full of purpose.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Music of the hautboys as under the stage</div> <div class='speaker' >Fourth Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Peace! what noise?</div> <div class='speaker' >First Soldier</div> <div class='line' >List, list!</div> <div class='speaker' >Second Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Hark!</div> <div class='speaker' >First Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Music i' the air.</div> <div class='speaker' >Third Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Under the earth.</div> <div class='speaker' >Fourth Soldier</div> <div class='line' >It signs well, does it not?</div> <div class='speaker' >Third Soldier</div> <div class='line' >No.</div> <div class='speaker' >First Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Peace, I say!</div> <div class='line' >What should this mean?</div> <div class='speaker' >Second Soldier</div> <div class='line' >'Tis the god Hercules, whom Antony loved,</div> <div class='line' >Now leaves him.</div> <div class='speaker' >First Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Walk; let's see if other watchmen</div> <div class='line' >Do hear what we do?</div> <div class='stagedir' >They advance to another post</div> <div class='speaker' >Second Soldier</div> <div class='line' >How now, masters!</div> <div class='speaker' >All</div> <div class='line' >Speaking together How now!</div> <div class='line' >How now! do you hear this?</div> <div class='speaker' >First Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Ay; is't not strange?</div> <div class='speaker' >Third Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Do you hear, masters? do you hear?</div> <div class='speaker' >First Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Follow the noise so far as we have quarter;</div> <div class='line' >Let's see how it will give off.</div> <div class='speaker' >All</div> <div class='line' >Content. 'Tis strange.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter MARK ANTONY and CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, and others attending</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Eros! mine armour, Eros!</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Sleep a little.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >No, my chuck. Eros, come; mine armour, Eros!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter EROS with armour</div> <div class='line' >Come good fellow, put mine iron on:</div> <div class='line' >If fortune be not ours to-day, it is</div> <div class='line' >Because we brave her: come.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Nay, I'll help too.</div> <div class='line' >What's this for?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Ah, let be, let be! thou art</div> <div class='line' >The armourer of my heart: false, false; this, this.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Sooth, la, I'll help: thus it must be.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Well, well;</div> <div class='line' >We shall thrive now. Seest thou, my good fellow?</div> <div class='line' >Go put on thy defences.</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >Briefly, sir.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Is not this buckled well?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Rarely, rarely:</div> <div class='line' >He that unbuckles this, till we do please</div> <div class='line' >To daff't for our repose, shall hear a storm.</div> <div class='line' >Thou fumblest, Eros; and my queen's a squire</div> <div class='line' >More tight at this than thou: dispatch. O love,</div> <div class='line' >That thou couldst see my wars to-day, and knew'st</div> <div class='line' >The royal occupation! thou shouldst see</div> <div class='line' >A workman in't.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter an armed Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Good morrow to thee; welcome:</div> <div class='line' >Thou look'st like him that knows a warlike charge:</div> <div class='line' >To business that we love we rise betime,</div> <div class='line' >And go to't with delight.</div> <div class='speaker' >Soldier</div> <div class='line' >A thousand, sir,</div> <div class='line' >Early though't be, have on their riveted trim,</div> <div class='line' >And at the port expect you.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Shout. Trumpets flourish</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter Captains and Soldiers</div> <div class='speaker' >Captain</div> <div class='line' >The morn is fair. Good morrow, general.</div> <div class='speaker' >All</div> <div class='line' >Good morrow, general.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >'Tis well blown, lads:</div> <div class='line' >This morning, like the spirit of a youth</div> <div class='line' >That means to be of note, begins betimes.</div> <div class='line' >So, so; come, give me that: this way; well said.</div> <div class='line' >Fare thee well, dame, whate'er becomes of me:</div> <div class='line' >This is a soldier's kiss: rebukeable</div> <div class='stagedir' >Kisses her</div> <div class='line' >And worthy shameful cheque it were, to stand</div> <div class='line' >On more mechanic compliment; I'll leave thee</div> <div class='line' >Now, like a man of steel. You that will fight,</div> <div class='line' >Follow me close; I'll bring you to't. Adieu.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt MARK ANTONY, EROS, Captains, and Soldiers</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Please you, retire to your chamber.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Lead me.</div> <div class='line' >He goes forth gallantly. That he and Caesar might</div> <div class='line' >Determine this great war in single fight!</div> <div class='line' >Then Antony,--but now--Well, on.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Trumpets sound. Enter MARK ANTONY and EROS; a Soldier meeting them</div> <div class='speaker' >Soldier</div> <div class='line' >The gods make this a happy day to Antony!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Would thou and those thy scars had once prevail'd</div> <div class='line' >To make me fight at land!</div> <div class='speaker' >Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Hadst thou done so,</div> <div class='line' >The kings that have revolted, and the soldier</div> <div class='line' >That has this morning left thee, would have still</div> <div class='line' >Follow'd thy heels.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Who's gone this morning?</div> <div class='speaker' >Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Who!</div> <div class='line' >One ever near thee: call for Enobarbus,</div> <div class='line' >He shall not hear thee; or from Caesar's camp</div> <div class='line' >Say 'I am none of thine.'</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >What say'st thou?</div> <div class='speaker' >Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Sir,</div> <div class='line' >He is with Caesar.</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >Sir, his chests and treasure</div> <div class='line' >He has not with him.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Is he gone?</div> <div class='speaker' >Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Most certain.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Go, Eros, send his treasure after; do it;</div> <div class='line' >Detain no jot, I charge thee: write to him--</div> <div class='line' >I will subscribe--gentle adieus and greetings;</div> <div class='line' >Say that I wish he never find more cause</div> <div class='line' >To change a master. O, my fortunes have</div> <div class='line' >Corrupted honest men! Dispatch.--Enobarbus!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Flourish. Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, AGRIPPA, with DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS, and others</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Go forth, Agrippa, and begin the fight:</div> <div class='line' >Our will is Antony be took alive;</div> <div class='line' >Make it so known.</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >Caesar, I shall.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >The time of universal peace is near:</div> <div class='line' >Prove this a prosperous day, the three-nook'd world</div> <div class='line' >Shall bear the olive freely.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter a Messenger</div> <div class='speaker' >Messenger</div> <div class='line' >Antony</div> <div class='line' >Is come into the field.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Go charge Agrippa</div> <div class='line' >Plant those that have revolted in the van,</div> <div class='line' >That Antony may seem to spend his fury</div> <div class='line' >Upon himself.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt all but DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Alexas did revolt; and went to Jewry on</div> <div class='line' >Affairs of Antony; there did persuade</div> <div class='line' >Great Herod to incline himself to Caesar,</div> <div class='line' >And leave his master Antony: for this pains</div> <div class='line' >Caesar hath hang'd him. Canidius and the rest</div> <div class='line' >That fell away have entertainment, but</div> <div class='line' >No honourable trust. I have done ill;</div> <div class='line' >Of which I do accuse myself so sorely,</div> <div class='line' >That I will joy no more.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter a Soldier of CAESAR's</div> <div class='speaker' >Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Enobarbus, Antony</div> <div class='line' >Hath after thee sent all thy treasure, with</div> <div class='line' >His bounty overplus: the messenger</div> <div class='line' >Came on my guard; and at thy tent is now</div> <div class='line' >Unloading of his mules.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >I give it you.</div> <div class='speaker' >Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Mock not, Enobarbus.</div> <div class='line' >I tell you true: best you safed the bringer</div> <div class='line' >Out of the host; I must attend mine office,</div> <div class='line' >Or would have done't myself. Your emperor</div> <div class='line' >Continues still a Jove.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >I am alone the villain of the earth,</div> <div class='line' >And feel I am so most. O Antony,</div> <div class='line' >Thou mine of bounty, how wouldst thou have paid</div> <div class='line' >My better service, when my turpitude</div> <div class='line' >Thou dost so crown with gold! This blows my heart:</div> <div class='line' >If swift thought break it not, a swifter mean</div> <div class='line' >Shall outstrike thought: but thought will do't, I feel.</div> <div class='line' >I fight against thee! No: I will go seek</div> <div class='line' >Some ditch wherein to die; the foul'st best fits</div> <div class='line' >My latter part of life.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Alarum. Drums and trumpets. Enter AGRIPPA and others</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >Retire, we have engaged ourselves too far:</div> <div class='line' >Caesar himself has work, and our oppression</div> <div class='line' >Exceeds what we expected.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> <div class='stagedir' >Alarums. Enter MARK ANTONY and SCARUS wounded</div> <div class='speaker' >SCARUS</div> <div class='line' >O my brave emperor, this is fought indeed!</div> <div class='line' >Had we done so at first, we had droven them home</div> <div class='line' >With clouts about their heads.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Thou bleed'st apace.</div> <div class='speaker' >SCARUS</div> <div class='line' >I had a wound here that was like a T,</div> <div class='line' >But now 'tis made an H.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >They do retire.</div> <div class='speaker' >SCARUS</div> <div class='line' >We'll beat 'em into bench-holes: I have yet</div> <div class='line' >Room for six scotches more.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter EROS</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >They are beaten, sir, and our advantage serves</div> <div class='line' >For a fair victory.</div> <div class='speaker' >SCARUS</div> <div class='line' >Let us score their backs,</div> <div class='line' >And snatch 'em up, as we take hares, behind:</div> <div class='line' >'Tis sport to maul a runner.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >I will reward thee</div> <div class='line' >Once for thy spritely comfort, and ten-fold</div> <div class='line' >For thy good valour. Come thee on.</div> <div class='speaker' >SCARUS</div> <div class='line' >I'll halt after.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Alarum. Enter MARK ANTONY, in a march; SCARUS, with others</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >We have beat him to his camp: run one before,</div> <div class='line' >And let the queen know of our gests. To-morrow,</div> <div class='line' >Before the sun shall see 's, we'll spill the blood</div> <div class='line' >That has to-day escaped. I thank you all;</div> <div class='line' >For doughty-handed are you, and have fought</div> <div class='line' >Not as you served the cause, but as 't had been</div> <div class='line' >Each man's like mine; you have shown all Hectors.</div> <div class='line' >Enter the city, clip your wives, your friends,</div> <div class='line' >Tell them your feats; whilst they with joyful tears</div> <div class='line' >Wash the congealment from your wounds, and kiss</div> <div class='line' >The honour'd gashes whole.</div> <div class='stagedir' >To SCARUS</div> <div class='line' >Give me thy hand</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter CLEOPATRA, attended</div> <div class='line' >To this great fairy I'll commend thy acts,</div> <div class='line' >Make her thanks bless thee.</div> <div class='stagedir' >To CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >O thou day o' the world,</div> <div class='line' >Chain mine arm'd neck; leap thou, attire and all,</div> <div class='line' >Through proof of harness to my heart, and there</div> <div class='line' >Ride on the pants triumphing!</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Lord of lords!</div> <div class='line' >O infinite virtue, comest thou smiling from</div> <div class='line' >The world's great snare uncaught?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >My nightingale,</div> <div class='line' >We have beat them to their beds. What, girl!</div> <div class='line' >though grey</div> <div class='line' >Do something mingle with our younger brown, yet ha' we</div> <div class='line' >A brain that nourishes our nerves, and can</div> <div class='line' >Get goal for goal of youth. Behold this man;</div> <div class='line' >Commend unto his lips thy favouring hand:</div> <div class='line' >Kiss it, my warrior: he hath fought to-day</div> <div class='line' >As if a god, in hate of mankind, had</div> <div class='line' >Destroy'd in such a shape.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >I'll give thee, friend,</div> <div class='line' >An armour all of gold; it was a king's.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >He has deserved it, were it carbuncled</div> <div class='line' >Like holy Phoebus' car. Give me thy hand:</div> <div class='line' >Through Alexandria make a jolly march;</div> <div class='line' >Bear our hack'd targets like the men that owe them:</div> <div class='line' >Had our great palace the capacity</div> <div class='line' >To camp this host, we all would sup together,</div> <div class='line' >And drink carouses to the next day's fate,</div> <div class='line' >Which promises royal peril. Trumpeters,</div> <div class='line' >With brazen din blast you the city's ear;</div> <div class='line' >Make mingle with rattling tabourines;</div> <div class='line' >That heaven and earth may strike their sounds together,</div> <div class='line' >Applauding our approach.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Sentinels at their post</div> <div class='speaker' >First Soldier</div> <div class='line' >If we be not relieved within this hour,</div> <div class='line' >We must return to the court of guard: the night</div> <div class='line' >Is shiny; and they say we shall embattle</div> <div class='line' >By the second hour i' the morn.</div> <div class='speaker' >Second Soldier</div> <div class='line' >This last day was</div> <div class='line' >A shrewd one to's.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >O, bear me witness, night,--</div> <div class='speaker' >Third Soldier</div> <div class='line' >What man is this?</div> <div class='speaker' >Second Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Stand close, and list him.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >Be witness to me, O thou blessed moon,</div> <div class='line' >When men revolted shall upon record</div> <div class='line' >Bear hateful memory, poor Enobarbus did</div> <div class='line' >Before thy face repent!</div> <div class='speaker' >First Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Enobarbus!</div> <div class='speaker' >Third Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Peace!</div> <div class='line' >Hark further.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS</div> <div class='line' >O sovereign mistress of true melancholy,</div> <div class='line' >The poisonous damp of night disponge upon me,</div> <div class='line' >That life, a very rebel to my will,</div> <div class='line' >May hang no longer on me: throw my heart</div> <div class='line' >Against the flint and hardness of my fault:</div> <div class='line' >Which, being dried with grief, will break to powder,</div> <div class='line' >And finish all foul thoughts. O Antony,</div> <div class='line' >Nobler than my revolt is infamous,</div> <div class='line' >Forgive me in thine own particular;</div> <div class='line' >But let the world rank me in register</div> <div class='line' >A master-leaver and a fugitive:</div> <div class='line' >O Antony! O Antony!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Dies</div> <div class='speaker' >Second Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Let's speak To him.</div> <div class='speaker' >First Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Let's hear him, for the things he speaks</div> <div class='line' >May concern Caesar.</div> <div class='speaker' >Third Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Let's do so. But he sleeps.</div> <div class='speaker' >First Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Swoons rather; for so bad a prayer as his</div> <div class='line' >Was never yet for sleep.</div> <div class='speaker' >Second Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Go we to him.</div> <div class='speaker' >Third Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Awake, sir, awake; speak to us.</div> <div class='speaker' >Second Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Hear you, sir?</div> <div class='speaker' >First Soldier</div> <div class='line' >The hand of death hath raught him.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Drums afar off</div> <div class='line' >Hark! the drums</div> <div class='line' >Demurely wake the sleepers. Let us bear him</div> <div class='line' >To the court of guard; he is of note: our hour</div> <div class='line' >Is fully out.</div> <div class='speaker' >Third Soldier</div> <div class='line' >Come on, then;</div> <div class='line' >He may recover yet.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt with the body</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter MARK ANTONY and SCARUS, with their Army</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Their preparation is to-day by sea;</div> <div class='line' >We please them not by land.</div> <div class='speaker' >SCARUS</div> <div class='line' >For both, my lord.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >I would they'ld fight i' the fire or i' the air;</div> <div class='line' >We'ld fight there too. But this it is; our foot</div> <div class='line' >Upon the hills adjoining to the city</div> <div class='line' >Shall stay with us: order for sea is given;</div> <div class='line' >They have put forth the haven</div> <div class='line' >Where their appointment we may best discover,</div> <div class='line' >And look on their endeavour.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, and his Army</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >But being charged, we will be still by land,</div> <div class='line' >Which, as I take't, we shall; for his best force</div> <div class='line' >Is forth to man his galleys. To the vales,</div> <div class='line' >And hold our best advantage.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter MARK ANTONY and SCARUS</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Yet they are not join'd: where yond pine</div> <div class='line' >does stand,</div> <div class='line' >I shall discover all: I'll bring thee word</div> <div class='line' >Straight, how 'tis like to go.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit</div> <div class='speaker' >SCARUS</div> <div class='line' >Swallows have built</div> <div class='line' >In Cleopatra's sails their nests: the augurers</div> <div class='line' >Say they know not, they cannot tell; look grimly,</div> <div class='line' >And dare not speak their knowledge. Antony</div> <div class='line' >Is valiant, and dejected; and, by starts,</div> <div class='line' >His fretted fortunes give him hope, and fear,</div> <div class='line' >Of what he has, and has not.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Alarum afar off, as at a sea-fight</div> <div class='stagedir' >Re-enter MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >All is lost;</div> <div class='line' >This foul Egyptian hath betrayed me:</div> <div class='line' >My fleet hath yielded to the foe; and yonder</div> <div class='line' >They cast their caps up and carouse together</div> <div class='line' >Like friends long lost. Triple-turn'd whore!</div> <div class='line' >'tis thou</div> <div class='line' >Hast sold me to this novice; and my heart</div> <div class='line' >Makes only wars on thee. Bid them all fly;</div> <div class='line' >For when I am revenged upon my charm,</div> <div class='line' >I have done all. Bid them all fly; begone.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit SCARUS</div> <div class='line' >O sun, thy uprise shall I see no more:</div> <div class='line' >Fortune and Antony part here; even here</div> <div class='line' >Do we shake hands. All come to this? The hearts</div> <div class='line' >That spaniel'd me at heels, to whom I gave</div> <div class='line' >Their wishes, do discandy, melt their sweets</div> <div class='line' >On blossoming Caesar; and this pine is bark'd,</div> <div class='line' >That overtopp'd them all. Betray'd I am:</div> <div class='line' >O this false soul of Egypt! this grave charm,--</div> <div class='line' >Whose eye beck'd forth my wars, and call'd them home;</div> <div class='line' >Whose bosom was my crownet, my chief end,--</div> <div class='line' >Like a right gipsy, hath, at fast and loose,</div> <div class='line' >Beguiled me to the very heart of loss.</div> <div class='line' >What, Eros, Eros!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Ah, thou spell! Avaunt!</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Why is my lord enraged against his love?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Vanish, or I shall give thee thy deserving,</div> <div class='line' >And blemish Caesar's triumph. Let him take thee,</div> <div class='line' >And hoist thee up to the shouting plebeians:</div> <div class='line' >Follow his chariot, like the greatest spot</div> <div class='line' >Of all thy sex; most monster-like, be shown</div> <div class='line' >For poor'st diminutives, for doits; and let</div> <div class='line' >Patient Octavia plough thy visage up</div> <div class='line' >With her prepared nails.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >'Tis well thou'rt gone,</div> <div class='line' >If it be well to live; but better 'twere</div> <div class='line' >Thou fell'st into my fury, for one death</div> <div class='line' >Might have prevented many. Eros, ho!</div> <div class='line' >The shirt of Nessus is upon me: teach me,</div> <div class='line' >Alcides, thou mine ancestor, thy rage:</div> <div class='line' >Let me lodge Lichas on the horns o' the moon;</div> <div class='line' >And with those hands, that grasp'd the heaviest club,</div> <div class='line' >Subdue my worthiest self. The witch shall die:</div> <div class='line' >To the young Roman boy she hath sold me, and I fall</div> <div class='line' >Under this plot; she dies for't. Eros, ho!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and MARDIAN</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Help me, my women! O, he is more mad</div> <div class='line' >Than Telamon for his shield; the boar of Thessaly</div> <div class='line' >Was never so emboss'd.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >To the monument!</div> <div class='line' >There lock yourself, and send him word you are dead.</div> <div class='line' >The soul and body rive not more in parting</div> <div class='line' >Than greatness going off.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >To the monument!</div> <div class='line' >Mardian, go tell him I have slain myself;</div> <div class='line' >Say, that the last I spoke was 'Antony,'</div> <div class='line' >And word it, prithee, piteously: hence, Mardian,</div> <div class='line' >And bring me how he takes my death.</div> <div class='line' >To the monument!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter MARK ANTONY and EROS</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Eros, thou yet behold'st me?</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >Ay, noble lord.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Sometimes we see a cloud that's dragonish;</div> <div class='line' >A vapour sometime like a bear or lion,</div> <div class='line' >A tower'd citadel, a pendent rock,</div> <div class='line' >A forked mountain, or blue promontory</div> <div class='line' >With trees upon't, that nod unto the world,</div> <div class='line' >And mock our eyes with air: thou hast seen</div> <div class='line' >these signs;</div> <div class='line' >They are black vesper's pageants.</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >Ay, my lord,</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >That which is now a horse, even with a thought</div> <div class='line' >The rack dislimns, and makes it indistinct,</div> <div class='line' >As water is in water.</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >It does, my lord.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >My good knave Eros, now thy captain is</div> <div class='line' >Even such a body: here I am Antony:</div> <div class='line' >Yet cannot hold this visible shape, my knave.</div> <div class='line' >I made these wars for Egypt: and the queen,--</div> <div class='line' >Whose heart I thought I had, for she had mine;</div> <div class='line' >Which whilst it was mine had annex'd unto't</div> <div class='line' >A million more, now lost,--she, Eros, has</div> <div class='line' >Pack'd cards with Caesar, and false-play'd my glory</div> <div class='line' >Unto an enemy's triumph.</div> <div class='line' >Nay, weep not, gentle Eros; there is left us</div> <div class='line' >Ourselves to end ourselves.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter MARDIAN</div> <div class='line' >O! thy vile lady!</div> <div class='line' >She has robb'd me of my sword.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARDIAN</div> <div class='line' >No, Antony;</div> <div class='line' >My mistress loved thee, and her fortunes mingled</div> <div class='line' >With thine entirely.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Hence, saucy eunuch; peace!</div> <div class='line' >She hath betray'd me and shall die the death.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARDIAN</div> <div class='line' >Death of one person can be paid but once,</div> <div class='line' >And that she has discharged: what thou wouldst do</div> <div class='line' >Is done unto thy hand: the last she spake</div> <div class='line' >Was 'Antony! most noble Antony!'</div> <div class='line' >Then in the midst a tearing groan did break</div> <div class='line' >The name of Antony; it was divided</div> <div class='line' >Between her heart and lips: she render'd life,</div> <div class='line' >Thy name so buried in her.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Dead, then?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARDIAN</div> <div class='line' >Dead.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Unarm, Eros; the long day's task is done,</div> <div class='line' >And we must sleep.</div> <div class='stagedir' >To MARDIAN</div> <div class='line' >That thou depart'st hence safe,</div> <div class='line' >Does pay thy labour richly; go.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit MARDIAN</div> <div class='line' >Off, pluck off:</div> <div class='line' >The seven-fold shield of Ajax cannot keep</div> <div class='line' >The battery from my heart. O, cleave, my sides!</div> <div class='line' >Heart, once be stronger than thy continent,</div> <div class='line' >Crack thy frail case! Apace, Eros, apace.</div> <div class='line' >No more a soldier: bruised pieces, go;</div> <div class='line' >You have been nobly borne. From me awhile.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit EROS</div> <div class='line' >I will o'ertake thee, Cleopatra, and</div> <div class='line' >Weep for my pardon. So it must be, for now</div> <div class='line' >All length is torture: since the torch is out,</div> <div class='line' >Lie down, and stray no farther: now all labour</div> <div class='line' >Mars what it does; yea, very force entangles</div> <div class='line' >Itself with strength: seal then, and all is done.</div> <div class='line' >Eros!--I come, my queen:--Eros!--Stay for me:</div> <div class='line' >Where souls do couch on flowers, we'll hand in hand,</div> <div class='line' >And with our sprightly port make the ghosts gaze:</div> <div class='line' >Dido and her AEneas shall want troops,</div> <div class='line' >And all the haunt be ours. Come, Eros, Eros!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Re-enter EROS</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >What would my lord?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Since Cleopatra died,</div> <div class='line' >I have lived in such dishonour, that the gods</div> <div class='line' >Detest my baseness. I, that with my sword</div> <div class='line' >Quarter'd the world, and o'er green Neptune's back</div> <div class='line' >With ships made cities, condemn myself to lack</div> <div class='line' >The courage of a woman; less noble mind</div> <div class='line' >Than she which by her death our Caesar tells</div> <div class='line' >'I am conqueror of myself.' Thou art sworn, Eros,</div> <div class='line' >That, when the exigent should come, which now</div> <div class='line' >Is come indeed, when I should see behind me</div> <div class='line' >The inevitable prosecution of</div> <div class='line' >Disgrace and horror, that, on my command,</div> <div class='line' >Thou then wouldst kill me: do't; the time is come:</div> <div class='line' >Thou strikest not me, 'tis Caesar thou defeat'st.</div> <div class='line' >Put colour in thy cheek.</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >The gods withhold me!</div> <div class='line' >Shall I do that which all the Parthian darts,</div> <div class='line' >Though enemy, lost aim, and could not?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Eros,</div> <div class='line' >Wouldst thou be window'd in great Rome and see</div> <div class='line' >Thy master thus with pleach'd arms, bending down</div> <div class='line' >His corrigible neck, his face subdued</div> <div class='line' >To penetrative shame, whilst the wheel'd seat</div> <div class='line' >Of fortunate Caesar, drawn before him, branded</div> <div class='line' >His baseness that ensued?</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >I would not see't.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Come, then; for with a wound I must be cured.</div> <div class='line' >Draw that thy honest sword, which thou hast worn</div> <div class='line' >Most useful for thy country.</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >O, sir, pardon me!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >When I did make thee free, sworest thou not then</div> <div class='line' >To do this when I bade thee? Do it at once;</div> <div class='line' >Or thy precedent services are all</div> <div class='line' >But accidents unpurposed. Draw, and come.</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >Turn from me, then, that noble countenance,</div> <div class='line' >Wherein the worship of the whole world lies.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Lo thee!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Turning from him</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >My sword is drawn.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Then let it do at once</div> <div class='line' >The thing why thou hast drawn it.</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >My dear master,</div> <div class='line' >My captain, and my emperor, let me say,</div> <div class='line' >Before I strike this bloody stroke, farewell.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >'Tis said, man; and farewell.</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >Farewell, great chief. Shall I strike now?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Now, Eros.</div> <div class='speaker' >EROS</div> <div class='line' >Why, there then: thus I do escape the sorrow</div> <div class='line' >Of Antony's death.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Kills himself</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Thrice-nobler than myself!</div> <div class='line' >Thou teachest me, O valiant Eros, what</div> <div class='line' >I should, and thou couldst not. My queen and Eros</div> <div class='line' >Have by their brave instruction got upon me</div> <div class='line' >A nobleness in record: but I will be</div> <div class='line' >A bridegroom in my death, and run into't</div> <div class='line' >As to a lover's bed. Come, then; and, Eros,</div> <div class='line' >Thy master dies thy scholar: to do thus</div> <div class='stagedir' >Falling on his sword</div> <div class='line' >I learn'd of thee. How! not dead? not dead?</div> <div class='line' >The guard, ho! O, dispatch me!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter DERCETAS and Guard</div> <div class='speaker' >First Guard</div> <div class='line' >What's the noise?</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >I have done my work in, friends: O, make an end</div> <div class='line' >Of what I have begun.</div> <div class='speaker' >Second Guard</div> <div class='line' >The star is fall'n.</div> <div class='speaker' >First Guard</div> <div class='line' >And time is at his period.</div> <div class='speaker' >All</div> <div class='line' >Alas, and woe!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Let him that loves me strike me dead.</div> <div class='speaker' >First Guard</div> <div class='line' >Not I.</div> <div class='speaker' >Second Guard</div> <div class='line' >Nor I.</div> <div class='speaker' >Third Guard</div> <div class='line' >Nor any one.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt Guard</div> <div class='speaker' >DERCETAS</div> <div class='line' >Thy death and fortunes bid thy followers fly.</div> <div class='line' >This sword but shown to Caesar, with this tidings,</div> <div class='line' >Shall enter me with him.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter DIOMEDES</div> <div class='speaker' >DIOMEDES</div> <div class='line' >Where's Antony?</div> <div class='speaker' >DERCETAS</div> <div class='line' >There, Diomed there.</div> <div class='speaker' >DIOMEDES</div> <div class='line' >Lives he?</div> <div class='line' >Wilt thou not answer, man?</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit DERCETAS</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Art thou there, Diomed? Draw thy sword, and give me</div> <div class='line' >Sufficing strokes for death.</div> <div class='speaker' >DIOMEDES</div> <div class='line' >Most absolute lord,</div> <div class='line' >My mistress Cleopatra sent me to thee.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >When did she send thee?</div> <div class='speaker' >DIOMEDES</div> <div class='line' >Now, my lord.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Where is she?</div> <div class='speaker' >DIOMEDES</div> <div class='line' >Lock'd in her monument. She had a prophesying fear</div> <div class='line' >Of what hath come to pass: for when she saw--</div> <div class='line' >Which never shall be found--you did suspect</div> <div class='line' >She had disposed with Caesar, and that your rage</div> <div class='line' >Would not be purged, she sent you word she was dead;</div> <div class='line' >But, fearing since how it might work, hath sent</div> <div class='line' >Me to proclaim the truth; and I am come,</div> <div class='line' >I dread, too late.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Too late, good Diomed: call my guard, I prithee.</div> <div class='speaker' >DIOMEDES</div> <div class='line' >What, ho, the emperor's guard! The guard, what, ho!</div> <div class='line' >Come, your lord calls!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter four or five of the Guard of MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Bear me, good friends, where Cleopatra bides;</div> <div class='line' >'Tis the last service that I shall command you.</div> <div class='speaker' >First Guard</div> <div class='line' >Woe, woe are we, sir, you may not live to wear</div> <div class='line' >All your true followers out.</div> <div class='speaker' >All</div> <div class='line' >Most heavy day!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Nay, good my fellows, do not please sharp fate</div> <div class='line' >To grace it with your sorrows: bid that welcome</div> <div class='line' >Which comes to punish us, and we punish it</div> <div class='line' >Seeming to bear it lightly. Take me up:</div> <div class='line' >I have led you oft: carry me now, good friends,</div> <div class='line' >And have my thanks for all.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt, bearing MARK ANTONY</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter CLEOPATRA and her maids aloft, with CHARMIAN and IRAS</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >O Charmian, I will never go from hence.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Be comforted, dear madam.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >No, I will not:</div> <div class='line' >All strange and terrible events are welcome,</div> <div class='line' >But comforts we despise; our size of sorrow,</div> <div class='line' >Proportion'd to our cause, must be as great</div> <div class='line' >As that which makes it.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter, below, DIOMEDES</div> <div class='line' >How now! is he dead?</div> <div class='speaker' >DIOMEDES</div> <div class='line' >His death's upon him, but not dead.</div> <div class='line' >Look out o' the other side your monument;</div> <div class='line' >His guard have brought him thither.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter, below, MARK ANTONY, borne by the Guard</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >O sun,</div> <div class='line' >Burn the great sphere thou movest in!</div> <div class='line' >darkling stand</div> <div class='line' >The varying shore o' the world. O Antony,</div> <div class='line' >Antony, Antony! Help, Charmian, help, Iras, help;</div> <div class='line' >Help, friends below; let's draw him hither.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Peace!</div> <div class='line' >Not Caesar's valour hath o'erthrown Antony,</div> <div class='line' >But Antony's hath triumph'd on itself.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >So it should be, that none but Antony</div> <div class='line' >Should conquer Antony; but woe 'tis so!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >I am dying, Egypt, dying; only</div> <div class='line' >I here importune death awhile, until</div> <div class='line' >Of many thousand kisses the poor last</div> <div class='line' >I lay up thy lips.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >I dare not, dear,--</div> <div class='line' >Dear my lord, pardon,--I dare not,</div> <div class='line' >Lest I be taken: not the imperious show</div> <div class='line' >Of the full-fortuned Caesar ever shall</div> <div class='line' >Be brooch'd with me; if knife, drugs,</div> <div class='line' >serpents, have</div> <div class='line' >Edge, sting, or operation, I am safe:</div> <div class='line' >Your wife Octavia, with her modest eyes</div> <div class='line' >And still conclusion, shall acquire no honour</div> <div class='line' >Demuring upon me. But come, come, Antony,--</div> <div class='line' >Help me, my women,--we must draw thee up:</div> <div class='line' >Assist, good friends.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >O, quick, or I am gone.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Here's sport indeed! How heavy weighs my lord!</div> <div class='line' >Our strength is all gone into heaviness,</div> <div class='line' >That makes the weight: had I great Juno's power,</div> <div class='line' >The strong-wing'd Mercury should fetch thee up,</div> <div class='line' >And set thee by Jove's side. Yet come a little,--</div> <div class='line' >Wishes were ever fools,--O, come, come, come;</div> <div class='stagedir' >They heave MARK ANTONY aloft to CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >And welcome, welcome! die where thou hast lived:</div> <div class='line' >Quicken with kissing: had my lips that power,</div> <div class='line' >Thus would I wear them out.</div> <div class='speaker' >All</div> <div class='line' >A heavy sight!</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >I am dying, Egypt, dying:</div> <div class='line' >Give me some wine, and let me speak a little.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >No, let me speak; and let me rail so high,</div> <div class='line' >That the false housewife Fortune break her wheel,</div> <div class='line' >Provoked by my offence.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >One word, sweet queen:</div> <div class='line' >Of Caesar seek your honour, with your safety. O!</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >They do not go together.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >Gentle, hear me:</div> <div class='line' >None about Caesar trust but Proculeius.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >My resolution and my hands I'll trust;</div> <div class='line' >None about Caesar.</div> <div class='speaker' >MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='line' >The miserable change now at my end</div> <div class='line' >Lament nor sorrow at; but please your thoughts</div> <div class='line' >In feeding them with those my former fortunes</div> <div class='line' >Wherein I lived, the greatest prince o' the world,</div> <div class='line' >The noblest; and do now not basely die,</div> <div class='line' >Not cowardly put off my helmet to</div> <div class='line' >My countryman,--a Roman by a Roman</div> <div class='line' >Valiantly vanquish'd. Now my spirit is going;</div> <div class='line' >I can no more.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Noblest of men, woo't die?</div> <div class='line' >Hast thou no care of me? shall I abide</div> <div class='line' >In this dull world, which in thy absence is</div> <div class='line' >No better than a sty? O, see, my women,</div> <div class='stagedir' >MARK ANTONY dies</div> <div class='line' >The crown o' the earth doth melt. My lord!</div> <div class='line' >O, wither'd is the garland of the war,</div> <div class='line' >The soldier's pole is fall'n: young boys and girls</div> <div class='line' >Are level now with men; the odds is gone,</div> <div class='line' >And there is nothing left remarkable</div> <div class='line' >Beneath the visiting moon.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Faints</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >O, quietness, lady!</div> <div class='speaker' >IRAS</div> <div class='line' >She is dead too, our sovereign.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Lady!</div> <div class='speaker' >IRAS</div> <div class='line' >Madam!</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >O madam, madam, madam!</div> <div class='speaker' >IRAS</div> <div class='line' >Royal Egypt, Empress!</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Peace, peace, Iras!</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >No more, but e'en a woman, and commanded</div> <div class='line' >By such poor passion as the maid that milks</div> <div class='line' >And does the meanest chares. It were for me</div> <div class='line' >To throw my sceptre at the injurious gods;</div> <div class='line' >To tell them that this world did equal theirs</div> <div class='line' >Till they had stol'n our jewel. All's but naught;</div> <div class='line' >Patience is scottish, and impatience does</div> <div class='line' >Become a dog that's mad: then is it sin</div> <div class='line' >To rush into the secret house of death,</div> <div class='line' >Ere death dare come to us? How do you, women?</div> <div class='line' >What, what! good cheer! Why, how now, Charmian!</div> <div class='line' >My noble girls! Ah, women, women, look,</div> <div class='line' >Our lamp is spent, it's out! Good sirs, take heart:</div> <div class='line' >We'll bury him; and then, what's brave,</div> <div class='line' >what's noble,</div> <div class='line' >Let's do it after the high Roman fashion,</div> <div class='line' >And make death proud to take us. Come, away:</div> <div class='line' >This case of that huge spirit now is cold:</div> <div class='line' >Ah, women, women! come; we have no friend</div> <div class='line' >But resolution, and the briefest end.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt; those above bearing off MARK ANTONY's body</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, AGRIPPA, DOLABELLA, MECAENAS, GALLUS, PROCULEIUS, and others, his council of war</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Go to him, Dolabella, bid him yield;</div> <div class='line' >Being so frustrate, tell him he mocks</div> <div class='line' >The pauses that he makes.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >Caesar, I shall.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter DERCETAS, with the sword of MARK ANTONY</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Wherefore is that? and what art thou that darest</div> <div class='line' >Appear thus to us?</div> <div class='speaker' >DERCETAS</div> <div class='line' >I am call'd Dercetas;</div> <div class='line' >Mark Antony I served, who best was worthy</div> <div class='line' >Best to be served: whilst he stood up and spoke,</div> <div class='line' >He was my master; and I wore my life</div> <div class='line' >To spend upon his haters. If thou please</div> <div class='line' >To take me to thee, as I was to him</div> <div class='line' >I'll be to Caesar; if thou pleasest not,</div> <div class='line' >I yield thee up my life.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >What is't thou say'st?</div> <div class='speaker' >DERCETAS</div> <div class='line' >I say, O Caesar, Antony is dead.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >The breaking of so great a thing should make</div> <div class='line' >A greater crack: the round world</div> <div class='line' >Should have shook lions into civil streets,</div> <div class='line' >And citizens to their dens: the death of Antony</div> <div class='line' >Is not a single doom; in the name lay</div> <div class='line' >A moiety of the world.</div> <div class='speaker' >DERCETAS</div> <div class='line' >He is dead, Caesar:</div> <div class='line' >Not by a public minister of justice,</div> <div class='line' >Nor by a hired knife; but that self hand,</div> <div class='line' >Which writ his honour in the acts it did,</div> <div class='line' >Hath, with the courage which the heart did lend it,</div> <div class='line' >Splitted the heart. This is his sword;</div> <div class='line' >I robb'd his wound of it; behold it stain'd</div> <div class='line' >With his most noble blood.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Look you sad, friends?</div> <div class='line' >The gods rebuke me, but it is tidings</div> <div class='line' >To wash the eyes of kings.</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >And strange it is,</div> <div class='line' >That nature must compel us to lament</div> <div class='line' >Our most persisted deeds.</div> <div class='speaker' >MECAENAS</div> <div class='line' >His taints and honours</div> <div class='line' >Waged equal with him.</div> <div class='speaker' >AGRIPPA</div> <div class='line' >A rarer spirit never</div> <div class='line' >Did steer humanity: but you, gods, will give us</div> <div class='line' >Some faults to make us men. Caesar is touch'd.</div> <div class='speaker' >MECAENAS</div> <div class='line' >When such a spacious mirror's set before him,</div> <div class='line' >He needs must see himself.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >O Antony!</div> <div class='line' >I have follow'd thee to this; but we do lance</div> <div class='line' >Diseases in our bodies: I must perforce</div> <div class='line' >Have shown to thee such a declining day,</div> <div class='line' >Or look on thine; we could not stall together</div> <div class='line' >In the whole world: but yet let me lament,</div> <div class='line' >With tears as sovereign as the blood of hearts,</div> <div class='line' >That thou, my brother, my competitor</div> <div class='line' >In top of all design, my mate in empire,</div> <div class='line' >Friend and companion in the front of war,</div> <div class='line' >The arm of mine own body, and the heart</div> <div class='line' >Where mine his thoughts did kindle,--that our stars,</div> <div class='line' >Unreconciliable, should divide</div> <div class='line' >Our equalness to this. Hear me, good friends--</div> <div class='line' >But I will tell you at some meeter season:</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter an Egyptian</div> <div class='line' >The business of this man looks out of him;</div> <div class='line' >We'll hear him what he says. Whence are you?</div> <div class='speaker' >Egyptian</div> <div class='line' >A poor Egyptian yet. The queen my mistress,</div> <div class='line' >Confined in all she has, her monument,</div> <div class='line' >Of thy intents desires instruction,</div> <div class='line' >That she preparedly may frame herself</div> <div class='line' >To the way she's forced to.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Bid her have good heart:</div> <div class='line' >She soon shall know of us, by some of ours,</div> <div class='line' >How honourable and how kindly we</div> <div class='line' >Determine for her; for Caesar cannot live</div> <div class='line' >To be ungentle.</div> <div class='speaker' >Egyptian</div> <div class='line' >So the gods preserve thee!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Come hither, Proculeius. Go and say,</div> <div class='line' >We purpose her no shame: give her what comforts</div> <div class='line' >The quality of her passion shall require,</div> <div class='line' >Lest, in her greatness, by some mortal stroke</div> <div class='line' >She do defeat us; for her life in Rome</div> <div class='line' >Would be eternal in our triumph: go,</div> <div class='line' >And with your speediest bring us what she says,</div> <div class='line' >And how you find of her.</div> <div class='speaker' >PROCULEIUS</div> <div class='line' >Caesar, I shall.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Gallus, go you along.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit GALLUS</div> <div class='line' >Where's Dolabella,</div> <div class='line' >To second Proculeius?</div> <div class='speaker' >All</div> <div class='line' >Dolabella!</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Let him alone, for I remember now</div> <div class='line' >How he's employ'd: he shall in time be ready.</div> <div class='line' >Go with me to my tent; where you shall see</div> <div class='line' >How hardly I was drawn into this war;</div> <div class='line' >How calm and gentle I proceeded still</div> <div class='line' >In all my writings: go with me, and see</div> <div class='line' >What I can show in this.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div> @language html <div class='stagedir' >Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, and IRAS</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >My desolation does begin to make</div> <div class='line' >A better life. 'Tis paltry to be Caesar;</div> <div class='line' >Not being Fortune, he's but Fortune's knave,</div> <div class='line' >A minister of her will: and it is great</div> <div class='line' >To do that thing that ends all other deeds;</div> <div class='line' >Which shackles accidents and bolts up change;</div> <div class='line' >Which sleeps, and never palates more the dug,</div> <div class='line' >The beggar's nurse and Caesar's.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter, to the gates of the monument, PROCULEIUS, GALLUS and Soldiers</div> <div class='speaker' >PROCULEIUS</div> <div class='line' >Caesar sends greeting to the Queen of Egypt;</div> <div class='line' >And bids thee study on what fair demands</div> <div class='line' >Thou mean'st to have him grant thee.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >What's thy name?</div> <div class='speaker' >PROCULEIUS</div> <div class='line' >My name is Proculeius.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Antony</div> <div class='line' >Did tell me of you, bade me trust you; but</div> <div class='line' >I do not greatly care to be deceived,</div> <div class='line' >That have no use for trusting. If your master</div> <div class='line' >Would have a queen his beggar, you must tell him,</div> <div class='line' >That majesty, to keep decorum, must</div> <div class='line' >No less beg than a kingdom: if he please</div> <div class='line' >To give me conquer'd Egypt for my son,</div> <div class='line' >He gives me so much of mine own, as I</div> <div class='line' >Will kneel to him with thanks.</div> <div class='speaker' >PROCULEIUS</div> <div class='line' >Be of good cheer;</div> <div class='line' >You're fall'n into a princely hand, fear nothing:</div> <div class='line' >Make your full reference freely to my lord,</div> <div class='line' >Who is so full of grace, that it flows over</div> <div class='line' >On all that need: let me report to him</div> <div class='line' >Your sweet dependency; and you shall find</div> <div class='line' >A conqueror that will pray in aid for kindness,</div> <div class='line' >Where he for grace is kneel'd to.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Pray you, tell him</div> <div class='line' >I am his fortune's vassal, and I send him</div> <div class='line' >The greatness he has got. I hourly learn</div> <div class='line' >A doctrine of obedience; and would gladly</div> <div class='line' >Look him i' the face.</div> <div class='speaker' >PROCULEIUS</div> <div class='line' >This I'll report, dear lady.</div> <div class='line' >Have comfort, for I know your plight is pitied</div> <div class='line' >Of him that caused it.</div> <div class='speaker' >GALLUS</div> <div class='line' >You see how easily she may be surprised:</div> <div class='stagedir' >Here PROCULEIUS and two of the Guard ascend the monument by a ladder placed against a window, and, having descended, come behind CLEOPATRA. Some of the Guard unbar and open the gates</div> <div class='stagedir' >To PROCULEIUS and the Guard</div> <div class='line' >Guard her till Caesar come.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit</div> <div class='speaker' >IRAS</div> <div class='line' >Royal queen!</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >O Cleopatra! thou art taken, queen:</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Quick, quick, good hands.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Drawing a dagger</div> <div class='speaker' >PROCULEIUS</div> <div class='line' >Hold, worthy lady, hold:</div> <div class='stagedir' >Seizes and disarms her</div> <div class='line' >Do not yourself such wrong, who are in this</div> <div class='line' >Relieved, but not betray'd.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >What, of death too,</div> <div class='line' >That rids our dogs of languish?</div> <div class='speaker' >PROCULEIUS</div> <div class='line' >Cleopatra,</div> <div class='line' >Do not abuse my master's bounty by</div> <div class='line' >The undoing of yourself: let the world see</div> <div class='line' >His nobleness well acted, which your death</div> <div class='line' >Will never let come forth.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Where art thou, death?</div> <div class='line' >Come hither, come! come, come, and take a queen</div> <div class='line' >Worthy many babes and beggars!</div> <div class='speaker' >PROCULEIUS</div> <div class='line' >O, temperance, lady!</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Sir, I will eat no meat, I'll not drink, sir;</div> <div class='line' >If idle talk will once be necessary,</div> <div class='line' >I'll not sleep neither: this mortal house I'll ruin,</div> <div class='line' >Do Caesar what he can. Know, sir, that I</div> <div class='line' >Will not wait pinion'd at your master's court;</div> <div class='line' >Nor once be chastised with the sober eye</div> <div class='line' >Of dull Octavia. Shall they hoist me up</div> <div class='line' >And show me to the shouting varletry</div> <div class='line' >Of censuring Rome? Rather a ditch in Egypt</div> <div class='line' >Be gentle grave unto me! rather on Nilus' mud</div> <div class='line' >Lay me stark naked, and let the water-flies</div> <div class='line' >Blow me into abhorring! rather make</div> <div class='line' >My country's high pyramides my gibbet,</div> <div class='line' >And hang me up in chains!</div> <div class='speaker' >PROCULEIUS</div> <div class='line' >You do extend</div> <div class='line' >These thoughts of horror further than you shall</div> <div class='line' >Find cause in Caesar.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter DOLABELLA</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >Proculeius,</div> <div class='line' >What thou hast done thy master Caesar knows,</div> <div class='line' >And he hath sent for thee: for the queen,</div> <div class='line' >I'll take her to my guard.</div> <div class='speaker' >PROCULEIUS</div> <div class='line' >So, Dolabella,</div> <div class='line' >It shall content me best: be gentle to her.</div> <div class='stagedir' >To CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >To Caesar I will speak what you shall please,</div> <div class='line' >If you'll employ me to him.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Say, I would die.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt PROCULEIUS and Soldiers</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >Most noble empress, you have heard of me?</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >I cannot tell.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >Assuredly you know me.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >No matter, sir, what I have heard or known.</div> <div class='line' >You laugh when boys or women tell their dreams;</div> <div class='line' >Is't not your trick?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >I understand not, madam.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >I dream'd there was an Emperor Antony:</div> <div class='line' >O, such another sleep, that I might see</div> <div class='line' >But such another man!</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >If it might please ye,--</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >His face was as the heavens; and therein stuck</div> <div class='line' >A sun and moon, which kept their course,</div> <div class='line' >and lighted</div> <div class='line' >The little O, the earth.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >Most sovereign creature,--</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >His legs bestrid the ocean: his rear'd arm</div> <div class='line' >Crested the world: his voice was propertied</div> <div class='line' >As all the tuned spheres, and that to friends;</div> <div class='line' >But when he meant to quail and shake the orb,</div> <div class='line' >He was as rattling thunder. For his bounty,</div> <div class='line' >There was no winter in't; an autumn 'twas</div> <div class='line' >That grew the more by reaping: his delights</div> <div class='line' >Were dolphin-like; they show'd his back above</div> <div class='line' >The element they lived in: in his livery</div> <div class='line' >Walk'd crowns and crownets; realms and islands were</div> <div class='line' >As plates dropp'd from his pocket.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >Cleopatra!</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Think you there was, or might be, such a man</div> <div class='line' >As this I dream'd of?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >Gentle madam, no.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >You lie, up to the hearing of the gods.</div> <div class='line' >But, if there be, or ever were, one such,</div> <div class='line' >It's past the size of dreaming: nature wants stuff</div> <div class='line' >To vie strange forms with fancy; yet, to imagine</div> <div class='line' >And Antony, were nature's piece 'gainst fancy,</div> <div class='line' >Condemning shadows quite.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >Hear me, good madam.</div> <div class='line' >Your loss is as yourself, great; and you bear it</div> <div class='line' >As answering to the weight: would I might never</div> <div class='line' >O'ertake pursued success, but I do feel,</div> <div class='line' >By the rebound of yours, a grief that smites</div> <div class='line' >My very heart at root.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >I thank you, sir,</div> <div class='line' >Know you what Caesar means to do with me?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >I am loath to tell you what I would you knew.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Nay, pray you, sir,--</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >Though he be honourable,--</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >He'll lead me, then, in triumph?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >Madam, he will; I know't.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Flourish, and shout within, 'Make way there: Octavius Caesar!'</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, GALLUS, PROCULEIUS, MECAENAS, SELEUCUS, and others of his Train</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Which is the Queen of Egypt?</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >It is the emperor, madam.</div> <div class='stagedir' >CLEOPATRA kneels</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Arise, you shall not kneel:</div> <div class='line' >I pray you, rise; rise, Egypt.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Sir, the gods</div> <div class='line' >Will have it thus; my master and my lord</div> <div class='line' >I must obey.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Take to you no hard thoughts:</div> <div class='line' >The record of what injuries you did us,</div> <div class='line' >Though written in our flesh, we shall remember</div> <div class='line' >As things but done by chance.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Sole sir o' the world,</div> <div class='line' >I cannot project mine own cause so well</div> <div class='line' >To make it clear; but do confess I have</div> <div class='line' >Been laden with like frailties which before</div> <div class='line' >Have often shamed our sex.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Cleopatra, know,</div> <div class='line' >We will extenuate rather than enforce:</div> <div class='line' >If you apply yourself to our intents,</div> <div class='line' >Which towards you are most gentle, you shall find</div> <div class='line' >A benefit in this change; but if you seek</div> <div class='line' >To lay on me a cruelty, by taking</div> <div class='line' >Antony's course, you shall bereave yourself</div> <div class='line' >Of my good purposes, and put your children</div> <div class='line' >To that destruction which I'll guard them from,</div> <div class='line' >If thereon you rely. I'll take my leave.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >And may, through all the world: 'tis yours; and we,</div> <div class='line' >Your scutcheons and your signs of conquest, shall</div> <div class='line' >Hang in what place you please. Here, my good lord.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >You shall advise me in all for Cleopatra.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >This is the brief of money, plate, and jewels,</div> <div class='line' >I am possess'd of: 'tis exactly valued;</div> <div class='line' >Not petty things admitted. Where's Seleucus?</div> <div class='speaker' >SELEUCUS</div> <div class='line' >Here, madam.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >This is my treasurer: let him speak, my lord,</div> <div class='line' >Upon his peril, that I have reserved</div> <div class='line' >To myself nothing. Speak the truth, Seleucus.</div> <div class='speaker' >SELEUCUS</div> <div class='line' >Madam,</div> <div class='line' >I had rather seal my lips, than, to my peril,</div> <div class='line' >Speak that which is not.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >What have I kept back?</div> <div class='speaker' >SELEUCUS</div> <div class='line' >Enough to purchase what you have made known.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Nay, blush not, Cleopatra; I approve</div> <div class='line' >Your wisdom in the deed.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >See, Caesar! O, behold,</div> <div class='line' >How pomp is follow'd! mine will now be yours;</div> <div class='line' >And, should we shift estates, yours would be mine.</div> <div class='line' >The ingratitude of this Seleucus does</div> <div class='line' >Even make me wild: O slave, of no more trust</div> <div class='line' >Than love that's hired! What, goest thou back? thou shalt</div> <div class='line' >Go back, I warrant thee; but I'll catch thine eyes,</div> <div class='line' >Though they had wings: slave, soulless villain, dog!</div> <div class='line' >O rarely base!</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Good queen, let us entreat you.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >O Caesar, what a wounding shame is this,</div> <div class='line' >That thou, vouchsafing here to visit me,</div> <div class='line' >Doing the honour of thy lordliness</div> <div class='line' >To one so meek, that mine own servant should</div> <div class='line' >Parcel the sum of my disgraces by</div> <div class='line' >Addition of his envy! Say, good Caesar,</div> <div class='line' >That I some lady trifles have reserved,</div> <div class='line' >Immoment toys, things of such dignity</div> <div class='line' >As we greet modern friends withal; and say,</div> <div class='line' >Some nobler token I have kept apart</div> <div class='line' >For Livia and Octavia, to induce</div> <div class='line' >Their mediation; must I be unfolded</div> <div class='line' >With one that I have bred? The gods! it smites me</div> <div class='line' >Beneath the fall I have.</div> <div class='stagedir' >To SELEUCUS</div> <div class='line' >Prithee, go hence;</div> <div class='line' >Or I shall show the cinders of my spirits</div> <div class='line' >Through the ashes of my chance: wert thou a man,</div> <div class='line' >Thou wouldst have mercy on me.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Forbear, Seleucus.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit SELEUCUS</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Be it known, that we, the greatest, are misthought</div> <div class='line' >For things that others do; and, when we fall,</div> <div class='line' >We answer others' merits in our name,</div> <div class='line' >Are therefore to be pitied.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Cleopatra,</div> <div class='line' >Not what you have reserved, nor what acknowledged,</div> <div class='line' >Put we i' the roll of conquest: still be't yours,</div> <div class='line' >Bestow it at your pleasure; and believe,</div> <div class='line' >Caesar's no merchant, to make prize with you</div> <div class='line' >Of things that merchants sold. Therefore be cheer'd;</div> <div class='line' >Make not your thoughts your prisons: no, dear queen;</div> <div class='line' >For we intend so to dispose you as</div> <div class='line' >Yourself shall give us counsel. Feed, and sleep:</div> <div class='line' >Our care and pity is so much upon you,</div> <div class='line' >That we remain your friend; and so, adieu.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >My master, and my lord!</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Not so. Adieu.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Flourish. Exeunt OCTAVIUS CAESAR and his train</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >He words me, girls, he words me, that I should not</div> <div class='line' >Be noble to myself: but, hark thee, Charmian.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Whispers CHARMIAN</div> <div class='speaker' >IRAS</div> <div class='line' >Finish, good lady; the bright day is done,</div> <div class='line' >And we are for the dark.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Hie thee again:</div> <div class='line' >I have spoke already, and it is provided;</div> <div class='line' >Go put it to the haste.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Madam, I will.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Re-enter DOLABELLA</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >Where is the queen?</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Behold, sir.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Dolabella!</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >Madam, as thereto sworn by your command,</div> <div class='line' >Which my love makes religion to obey,</div> <div class='line' >I tell you this: Caesar through Syria</div> <div class='line' >Intends his journey; and within three days</div> <div class='line' >You with your children will he send before:</div> <div class='line' >Make your best use of this: I have perform'd</div> <div class='line' >Your pleasure and my promise.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Dolabella,</div> <div class='line' >I shall remain your debtor.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >I your servant,</div> <div class='line' >Adieu, good queen; I must attend on Caesar.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Farewell, and thanks.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >Now, Iras, what think'st thou?</div> <div class='line' >Thou, an Egyptian puppet, shalt be shown</div> <div class='line' >In Rome, as well as I mechanic slaves</div> <div class='line' >With greasy aprons, rules, and hammers, shall</div> <div class='line' >Uplift us to the view; in their thick breaths,</div> <div class='line' >Rank of gross diet, shall be enclouded,</div> <div class='line' >And forced to drink their vapour.</div> <div class='speaker' >IRAS</div> <div class='line' >The gods forbid!</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Nay, 'tis most certain, Iras: saucy lictors</div> <div class='line' >Will catch at us, like strumpets; and scald rhymers</div> <div class='line' >Ballad us out o' tune: the quick comedians</div> <div class='line' >Extemporally will stage us, and present</div> <div class='line' >Our Alexandrian revels; Antony</div> <div class='line' >Shall be brought drunken forth, and I shall see</div> <div class='line' >Some squeaking Cleopatra boy my greatness</div> <div class='line' >I' the posture of a whore.</div> <div class='speaker' >IRAS</div> <div class='line' >O the good gods!</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Nay, that's certain.</div> <div class='speaker' >IRAS</div> <div class='line' >I'll never see 't; for, I am sure, my nails</div> <div class='line' >Are stronger than mine eyes.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Why, that's the way</div> <div class='line' >To fool their preparation, and to conquer</div> <div class='line' >Their most absurd intents.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Re-enter CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Now, Charmian!</div> <div class='line' >Show me, my women, like a queen: go fetch</div> <div class='line' >My best attires: I am again for Cydnus,</div> <div class='line' >To meet Mark Antony: sirrah Iras, go.</div> <div class='line' >Now, noble Charmian, we'll dispatch indeed;</div> <div class='line' >And, when thou hast done this chare, I'll give thee leave</div> <div class='line' >To play till doomsday. Bring our crown and all.</div> <div class='line' >Wherefore's this noise?</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit IRAS. A noise within</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter a Guardsman</div> <div class='speaker' >Guard</div> <div class='line' >Here is a rural fellow</div> <div class='line' >That will not be denied your highness presence:</div> <div class='line' >He brings you figs.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Let him come in.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit Guardsman</div> <div class='line' >What poor an instrument</div> <div class='line' >May do a noble deed! he brings me liberty.</div> <div class='line' >My resolution's placed, and I have nothing</div> <div class='line' >Of woman in me: now from head to foot</div> <div class='line' >I am marble-constant; now the fleeting moon</div> <div class='line' >No planet is of mine.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Re-enter Guardsman, with Clown bringing in a basket</div> <div class='speaker' >Guard</div> <div class='line' >This is the man.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Avoid, and leave him.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit Guardsman</div> <div class='line' >Hast thou the pretty worm of Nilus there,</div> <div class='line' >That kills and pains not?</div> <div class='speaker' >Clown</div> <div class='line' >Truly, I have him: but I would not be the party</div> <div class='line' >that should desire you to touch him, for his biting</div> <div class='line' >is immortal; those that do die of it do seldom or</div> <div class='line' >never recover.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Rememberest thou any that have died on't?</div> <div class='speaker' >Clown</div> <div class='line' >Very many, men and women too. I heard of one of</div> <div class='line' >them no longer than yesterday: a very honest woman,</div> <div class='line' >but something given to lie; as a woman should not</div> <div class='line' >do, but in the way of honesty: how she died of the</div> <div class='line' >biting of it, what pain she felt: truly, she makes</div> <div class='line' >a very good report o' the worm; but he that will</div> <div class='line' >believe all that they say, shall never be saved by</div> <div class='line' >half that they do: but this is most fallible, the</div> <div class='line' >worm's an odd worm.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Get thee hence; farewell.</div> <div class='speaker' >Clown</div> <div class='line' >I wish you all joy of the worm.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Setting down his basket</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Farewell.</div> <div class='speaker' >Clown</div> <div class='line' >You must think this, look you, that the worm will</div> <div class='line' >do his kind.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Ay, ay; farewell.</div> <div class='speaker' >Clown</div> <div class='line' >Look you, the worm is not to be trusted but in the</div> <div class='line' >keeping of wise people; for, indeed, there is no</div> <div class='line' >goodness in worm.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Take thou no care; it shall be heeded.</div> <div class='speaker' >Clown</div> <div class='line' >Very good. Give it nothing, I pray you, for it is</div> <div class='line' >not worth the feeding.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Will it eat me?</div> <div class='speaker' >Clown</div> <div class='line' >You must not think I am so simple but I know the</div> <div class='line' >devil himself will not eat a woman: I know that a</div> <div class='line' >woman is a dish for the gods, if the devil dress her</div> <div class='line' >not. But, truly, these same whoreson devils do the</div> <div class='line' >gods great harm in their women; for in every ten</div> <div class='line' >that they make, the devils mar five.</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Well, get thee gone; farewell.</div> <div class='speaker' >Clown</div> <div class='line' >Yes, forsooth: I wish you joy o' the worm.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exit</div> <div class='stagedir' >Re-enter IRAS with a robe, crown, &c</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Give me my robe, put on my crown; I have</div> <div class='line' >Immortal longings in me: now no more</div> <div class='line' >The juice of Egypt's grape shall moist this lip:</div> <div class='line' >Yare, yare, good Iras; quick. Methinks I hear</div> <div class='line' >Antony call; I see him rouse himself</div> <div class='line' >To praise my noble act; I hear him mock</div> <div class='line' >The luck of Caesar, which the gods give men</div> <div class='line' >To excuse their after wrath: husband, I come:</div> <div class='line' >Now to that name my courage prove my title!</div> <div class='line' >I am fire and air; my other elements</div> <div class='line' >I give to baser life. So; have you done?</div> <div class='line' >Come then, and take the last warmth of my lips.</div> <div class='line' >Farewell, kind Charmian; Iras, long farewell.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Kisses them. IRAS falls and dies</div> <div class='line' >Have I the aspic in my lips? Dost fall?</div> <div class='line' >If thou and nature can so gently part,</div> <div class='line' >The stroke of death is as a lover's pinch,</div> <div class='line' >Which hurts, and is desired. Dost thou lie still?</div> <div class='line' >If thus thou vanishest, thou tell'st the world</div> <div class='line' >It is not worth leave-taking.</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Dissolve, thick cloud, and rain; that I may say,</div> <div class='line' >The gods themselves do weep!</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >This proves me base:</div> <div class='line' >If she first meet the curled Antony,</div> <div class='line' >He'll make demand of her, and spend that kiss</div> <div class='line' >Which is my heaven to have. Come, thou</div> <div class='line' >mortal wretch,</div> <div class='stagedir' >To an asp, which she applies to her breast</div> <div class='line' >With thy sharp teeth this knot intrinsicate</div> <div class='line' >Of life at once untie: poor venomous fool</div> <div class='line' >Be angry, and dispatch. O, couldst thou speak,</div> <div class='line' >That I might hear thee call great Caesar ass</div> <div class='line' >Unpolicied!</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >O eastern star!</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >Peace, peace!</div> <div class='line' >Dost thou not see my baby at my breast,</div> <div class='line' >That sucks the nurse asleep?</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >O, break! O, break!</div> <div class='speaker' >CLEOPATRA</div> <div class='line' >As sweet as balm, as soft as air, as gentle,--</div> <div class='line' >O Antony!--Nay, I will take thee too.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Applying another asp to her arm</div> <div class='line' >What should I stay--</div> <div class='stagedir' >Dies</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >In this vile world? So, fare thee well.</div> <div class='line' >Now boast thee, death, in thy possession lies</div> <div class='line' >A lass unparallel'd. Downy windows, close;</div> <div class='line' >And golden Phoebus never be beheld</div> <div class='line' >Of eyes again so royal! Your crown's awry;</div> <div class='line' >I'll mend it, and then play.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Enter the Guard, rushing in</div> <div class='speaker' >First Guard</div> <div class='line' >Where is the queen?</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Speak softly, wake her not.</div> <div class='speaker' >First Guard</div> <div class='line' >Caesar hath sent--</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >Too slow a messenger.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Applies an asp</div> <div class='line' >O, come apace, dispatch! I partly feel thee.</div> <div class='speaker' >First Guard</div> <div class='line' >Approach, ho! All's not well: Caesar's beguiled.</div> <div class='speaker' >Second Guard</div> <div class='line' >There's Dolabella sent from Caesar; call him.</div> <div class='speaker' >First Guard</div> <div class='line' >What work is here! Charmian, is this well done?</div> <div class='speaker' >CHARMIAN</div> <div class='line' >It is well done, and fitting for a princess</div> <div class='line' >Descended of so many royal kings.</div> <div class='line' >Ah, soldier!</div> <div class='stagedir' >Dies</div> <div class='stagedir' >Re-enter DOLABELLA</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >How goes it here?</div> <div class='speaker' >Second Guard</div> <div class='line' >All dead.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >Caesar, thy thoughts</div> <div class='line' >Touch their effects in this: thyself art coming</div> <div class='line' >To see perform'd the dreaded act which thou</div> <div class='line' >So sought'st to hinder.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Within 'A way there, a way for Caesar!'</div> <div class='stagedir' >Re-enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR and all his train marching</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >O sir, you are too sure an augurer;</div> <div class='line' >That you did fear is done.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Bravest at the last,</div> <div class='line' >She levell'd at our purposes, and, being royal,</div> <div class='line' >Took her own way. The manner of their deaths?</div> <div class='line' >I do not see them bleed.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >Who was last with them?</div> <div class='speaker' >First Guard</div> <div class='line' >A simple countryman, that brought her figs:</div> <div class='line' >This was his basket.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Poison'd, then.</div> <div class='speaker' >First Guard</div> <div class='line' >O Caesar,</div> <div class='line' >This Charmian lived but now; she stood and spake:</div> <div class='line' >I found her trimming up the diadem</div> <div class='line' >On her dead mistress; tremblingly she stood</div> <div class='line' >And on the sudden dropp'd.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >O noble weakness!</div> <div class='line' >If they had swallow'd poison, 'twould appear</div> <div class='line' >By external swelling: but she looks like sleep,</div> <div class='line' >As she would catch another Antony</div> <div class='line' >In her strong toil of grace.</div> <div class='speaker' >DOLABELLA</div> <div class='line' >Here, on her breast,</div> <div class='line' >There is a vent of blood and something blown:</div> <div class='line' >The like is on her arm.</div> <div class='speaker' >First Guard</div> <div class='line' >This is an aspic's trail: and these fig-leaves</div> <div class='line' >Have slime upon them, such as the aspic leaves</div> <div class='line' >Upon the caves of Nile.</div> <div class='speaker' >OCTAVIUS CAESAR</div> <div class='line' >Most probable</div> <div class='line' >That so she died; for her physician tells me</div> <div class='line' >She hath pursued conclusions infinite</div> <div class='line' >Of easy ways to die. Take up her bed;</div> <div class='line' >And bear her women from the monument:</div> <div class='line' >She shall be buried by her Antony:</div> <div class='line' >No grave upon the earth shall clip in it</div> <div class='line' >A pair so famous. High events as these</div> <div class='line' >Strike those that make them; and their story is</div> <div class='line' >No less in pity than his glory which</div> <div class='line' >Brought them to be lamented. Our army shall</div> <div class='line' >In solemn show attend this funeral;</div> <div class='line' >And then to Rome. Come, Dolabella, see</div> <div class='line' >High order in this great solemnity.</div> <div class='stagedir' >Exeunt</div>