ACT I

SCENE I. Alexandria. A room in CLEOPATRA's palace.

Enter DEMETRIUS and PHILO
PHILO
Nay, but this dotage of our general's
O'erflows the measure: those his goodly eyes,
That o'er the files and musters of the war
Have glow'd like plated Mars, now bend, now turn,
The office and devotion of their view
pon a tawny front: his captain's heart,
!hich in the scuffles of great fights hath burst
The buckles on his breast, reneges all temper,
"nd is become the bellows and the fan
To cool a gipsy's lust#
Flourish. Enter ANTONY, LEOPATRA, her Ladies, the Train, !ith Eunu"hs #annin$ her
$ook, where they come:
Take but good note, and you shall see in him#
The triple pillar of the world transform'd
%nto a strumpet's fool: behold and see#
CLEOPATRA
%f it be love indeed, tell me how much#
MARK ANTONY
There's beggary in the love that can be reckon'd#
CLEOPATRA
%'ll set a bourn how far to be beloved#
MARK ANTONY
Then must thou needs find out new heaven, new earth#
Enter an Attendant
Aendan
News, my good lord, from &ome#
MARK ANTONY
'rates me: the sum#
CLEOPATRA
Nay, hear them, "ntony:
(ulvia perchance is angry) or, who knows
%f the scarce*bearded +aesar have not sent
His powerful mandate to you, ',o this, or this)
Take in that kingdom, and enfranchise that)
-erform 't, or else we damn thee#'
MARK ANTONY
How, my love.
CLEOPATRA
-erchance. nay, and most like:
/ou must not stay here longer, your dismission
%s come from +aesar) therefore hear it, "ntony#
!here's (ulvia's process0 +aesar's % would say0 both0
+all in the messengers# "s % am 1gypt's 2ueen,
Thou blushest, "ntony) and that blood of thine
%s +aesar's homager: else so thy cheek pays shame
!hen shrill*tongued (ulvia scolds# The messengers.
MARK ANTONY
$et &ome in Tiber melt, and the wide arch
Of the ranged empire fall. Here is my space#
3ingdoms are clay: our dungy earth alike
(eeds beast as man: the nobleness of life
%s to do thus) when such a mutual pair
E%&ra"in$
"nd such a twain can do't, in which % bind,
On pain of punishment, the world to weet
!e stand up peerless#
CLEOPATRA
14cellent falsehood.
!hy did he marry (ulvia, and not love her0
%'ll seem the fool % am not) "ntony
!ill be himself#
MARK ANTONY
5ut stirr'd by +leopatra#
Now, for the love of $ove and her soft hours,
$et's not confound the time with conference harsh:
There's not a minute of our lives should stretch
!ithout some pleasure now# !hat sport tonight0
CLEOPATRA
Hear the ambassadors#
MARK ANTONY
(ie, wrangling 2ueen.
!hom every thing becomes, to chide, to laugh,
To weep) whose every passion fully strives
To make itself, in thee, fair and admired.
No messenger, but thine) and all alone
To*night we'll wander through the streets and note
The 2ualities of people# +ome, my 2ueen)
$ast night you did desire it: speak not to us#
E'eunt MAR( ANTONY and LEOPATRA !ith their train
!EMETRI"S
%s +aesar with "ntonius pri6ed so slight0
PHILO
7ir, sometimes, when he is not "ntony,
He comes too short of that great property
!hich still should go with "ntony#
!EMETRI"S
% am full sorry
That he approves the common liar, who
Thus speaks of him at &ome: but % will hope
Of better deeds to*morrow# &est you happy.
E'eunt
SCENE II. T#e same. Ano#er room.
Enter HARMIAN, IRAS, ALE)AS, and a Soothsa*er
CHARMIAN
$ord "le4as, sweet "le4as, most any thing "le4as,
almost most absolute "le4as, where's the soothsayer
that you praised so to the 2ueen0 O, that % knew
this husband, which, you say, must charge his horns
with garlands.
ALE$AS
7oothsayer.
Soo#sa%er
/our will0
CHARMIAN
%s this the man0 %s't you, sir, that know things0
Soo#sa%er
%n nature's infinite book of secrecy
" little % can read#
ALE$AS
7how him your hand#
Enter DOMITIUS ENO+AR+US
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
5ring in the ban2uet 2uickly) wine enough
+leopatra's health to drink#
CHARMIAN
'ood sir, give me good fortune#
Soo#sa%er
% make not, but foresee#
CHARMIAN
-ray, then, foresee me one#
Soo#sa%er
/ou shall be yet far fairer than you are#
CHARMIAN
He means in flesh#
IRAS
No, you shall paint when you are old#
CHARMIAN
!rinkles forbid.
ALE$AS
8e4 not his prescience) be attentive#
CHARMIAN
Hush.
Soo#sa%er
/ou shall be more beloving than beloved#
CHARMIAN
% had rather heat my liver with drinking#
ALE$AS
Nay, hear him#
CHARMIAN
'ood now, some e4cellent fortune. $et me be married
to three kings in a forenoon, and widow them all:
let me have a child at fifty, to whom Herod of 9ewry
may do homage: find me to marry me with Octavius
+aesar, and companion me with my mistress#
Soo#sa%er
/ou shall outlive the lady whom you serve#
CHARMIAN
O e4cellent. % love long life better than figs#
Soo#sa%er
/ou have seen and proved a fairer former fortune
Than that which is to approach#
CHARMIAN
Then belike my children shall have no names:
prithee, how many boys and wenches must % have0
Soo#sa%er
%f every of your wishes had a womb#
"nd fertile every wish, a million#
CHARMIAN
Out, fool. % forgive thee for a witch#
ALE$AS
/ou think none but your sheets are privy to your wishes#
CHARMIAN
Nay, come, tell %ras hers#
ALE$AS
!e'll know all our fortunes#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
Mine, and most of our fortunes, to*night, shall
be**drunk to bed#
IRAS
There's a palm presages chastity, if nothing else#
CHARMIAN
1'en as the o'erflowing Nilus presageth famine#
IRAS
'o, you wild bedfellow, you cannot soothsay#
CHARMIAN
Nay, if an oily palm be not a fruitful
prognostication, % cannot scratch mine ear# -rithee,
tell her but a worky*day fortune#
Soo#sa%er
/our fortunes are alike#
IRAS
5ut how, but how0 give me particulars#
Soo#sa%er
% have said#
IRAS
"m % not an inch of fortune better than she0
CHARMIAN
!ell, if you were but an inch of fortune better than
%, where would you choose it0
IRAS
Not in my husband's nose#
CHARMIAN
Our worser thoughts heavens mend. "le4as,**come,
his fortune, his fortune. O, let him marry a woman
that cannot go, sweet %sis, % beseech thee. and let
her die too, and give him a worse. and let worst
follow worse, till the worst of all follow him
laughing to his grave, fifty*fold a cuckold. 'ood
%sis, hear me this prayer, though thou deny me a
matter of more weight) good %sis, % beseech thee.
IRAS
"men# ,ear goddess, hear that prayer of the people.
for, as it is a heartbreaking to see a handsome man
loose*wived, so it is a deadly sorrow to behold a
foul knave uncuckolded: therefore, dear %sis, keep
decorum, and fortune him accordingly.
CHARMIAN
"men#
ALE$AS
$o, now, if it lay in their hands to make me a
cuckold, they would make themselves whores, but
they'ld do't.
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
Hush. here comes "ntony#
CHARMIAN
Not he) the 2ueen#
Enter LEOPATRA
CLEOPATRA
7aw you my lord0
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
No, lady#
CLEOPATRA
!as he not here0
CHARMIAN
No, madam#
CLEOPATRA
He was disposed to mirth) but on the sudden
" &oman thought hath struck him# 1nobarbus.
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
Madam0
CLEOPATRA
7eek him, and bring him hither#
!here's "le4as0
ALE$AS
Here, at your service# My lord approaches#
CLEOPATRA
!e will not look upon him: go with us#
E'eunt
Enter MAR( ANTONY !ith a Messen$er and Attendants
Messen'er
(ulvia thy wife first came into the field#
MARK ANTONY
"gainst my brother $ucius0
Messen'er
"y:
5ut soon that war had end, and the time's state
Made friends of them, :oining their force 'gainst +aesar)
!hose better issue in the war, from %taly,
pon the first encounter, drave them#
MARK ANTONY
!ell, what worst0
Messen'er
The nature of bad news infects the teller#
MARK ANTONY
!hen it concerns the fool or coward# On:
Things that are past are done with me# 'Tis thus:
!ho tells me true, though in his tale lie death,
% hear him as he flatter'd#
Messen'er
$abienus**
This is stiff news**hath, with his -arthian force,
14tended "sia from 1uphrates)
His con2uering banner shook from 7yria
To $ydia and to %onia) !hilst**
MARK ANTONY
"ntony, thou wouldst say,**
Messen'er
O, my lord.
MARK ANTONY
7peak to me home, mince not the general tongue:
Name +leopatra as she is call'd in &ome)
&ail thou in (ulvia's phrase) and taunt my faults
!ith such full licence as both truth and malice
Have power to utter# O, then we bring forth weeds,
!hen our 2uick minds lie still) and our ills told us
%s as our earing# (are thee well awhile#
Messen'er
"t your noble pleasure#
E'it
MARK ANTONY
(rom 7icyon, ho, the news. 7peak there.
(irs Aendan
The man from 7icyon,**is there such an one0
Second Aendan
He stays upon your will#
MARK ANTONY
$et him appear#
These strong 1gyptian fetters % must break,
Or lose myself in dotage#
Enter another Messen$er
!hat are you0
Second Messen'er
(ulvia thy wife is dead#
MARK ANTONY
!here died she0
Second Messen'er
%n 7icyon:
Her length of sickness, with what else more serious
%mporteth thee to know, this bears#
,i-es a letter
MARK ANTONY
(orbear me#
E'it Se"ond Messen$er
There's a great spirit gone. Thus did % desire it:
!hat our contempt doth often hurl from us,
!e wish it ours again) the present pleasure,
5y revolution lowering, does become
The opposite of itself: she's good, being gone)
The hand could pluck her back that shoved her on#
% must from this enchanting 2ueen break off:
Ten thousand harms, more than the ills % know,
My idleness doth hatch# How now. 1nobarbus.
Re.enter DOMITIUS ENO+AR+US
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
!hat's your pleasure, sir0
MARK ANTONY
% must with haste from hence#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
!hy, then, we kill all our women:
we see how mortal an unkindness is to them)
if they suffer our departure, death's the word#
MARK ANTONY
% must be gone#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
nder a compelling occasion, let women die) it were
pity to cast them away for nothing) though, between
them and a great cause, they should be esteemed
nothing# +leopatra, catching but the least noise of
this, dies instantly) % have seen her die twenty
times upon far poorer moment: % do think there is
mettle in death, which commits some loving act upon
her, she hath such a celerity in dying#
MARK ANTONY
7he is cunning past man's thought#
E'it ALE)AS
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
"lack, sir, no) her passions are made of nothing but
the finest part of pure love: we cannot call her
winds and waters sighs and tears) they are greater
storms and tempests than almanacs can report: this
cannot be cunning in her) if it be, she makes a
shower of rain as well as 9ove#
MARK ANTONY
!ould % had never seen her#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
O, sir, you had then left unseen a wonderful piece
of work) which not to have been blest withal would
have discredited your travel#
MARK ANTONY
(ulvia is dead#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
7ir0
MARK ANTONY
(ulvia is dead#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
(ulvia.
MARK ANTONY
,ead#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
!hy, sir, give the gods a thankful sacrifice# !hen
it pleaseth their deities to take the wife of a man
from him, it shows to man the tailors of the earth)
comforting therein, that when old robes are worn
out, there are members to make new# %f there were
no more women but (ulvia, then had you indeed a cut,
and the case to be lamented: this grief is crowned
with consolation) your old smock brings forth a new
petticoat: and indeed the tears live in an onion
that should water this sorrow#
MARK ANTONY
The business she hath broached in the state
+annot endure my absence#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
"nd the business you have broached here cannot be
without you) especially that of +leopatra's, which
wholly depends on your abode#
MARK ANTONY
No more light answers# $et our officers
Have notice what we purpose# % shall break
The cause of our e4pedience to the 2ueen,
"nd get her leave to part# (or not alone
The death of (ulvia, with more urgent touches,
,o strongly speak to us) but the letters too
Of many our contriving friends in &ome
-etition us at home: 7e4tus -ompeius
Hath given the dare to +aesar, and commands
The empire of the sea: our slippery people,
!hose love is never link'd to the deserver
Till his deserts are past, begin to throw
-ompey the 'reat and all his dignities
pon his son) who, high in name and power,
Higher than both in blood and life, stands up
(or the main soldier: whose 2uality, going on,
The sides o' the world may danger: much is breeding,
!hich, like the courser's hair, hath yet but life,
"nd not a serpent's poison# 7ay, our pleasure,
To such whose place is under us, re2uires
Our 2uick remove from hence#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
% shall do't#
E'eunt
SCENE III. T#e same. Ano#er room.
Enter LEOPATRA, HARMIAN, IRAS, and ALE)AS
CLEOPATRA
!here is he0
CHARMIAN
% did not see him since#
CLEOPATRA
7ee where he is, who's with him, what he does:
% did not send you: if you find him sad,
7ay % am dancing) if in mirth, report
That % am sudden sick: 2uick, and return#
E'it ALE)AS
CHARMIAN
Madam, methinks, if you did love him dearly,
/ou do not hold the method to enforce
The like from him#
CLEOPATRA
!hat should % do, % do not0
CHARMIAN
%n each thing give him way, cross him nothing#
CLEOPATRA
Thou teachest like a fool) the way to lose him#
CHARMIAN
Tempt him not so too far) % wish, forbear:
%n time we hate that which we often fear#
5ut here comes "ntony#
Enter MAR( ANTONY
CLEOPATRA
% am sick and sullen#
MARK ANTONY
% am sorry to give breathing to my purpose,**
CLEOPATRA
Help me away, dear +harmian) % shall fall:
%t cannot be thus long, the sides of nature
!ill not sustain it#
MARK ANTONY
Now, my dearest 2ueen,**
CLEOPATRA
-ray you, stand further from me#
MARK ANTONY
!hat's the matter0
CLEOPATRA
% know, by that same eye, there's some good news#
!hat says the married woman0 /ou may go:
!ould she had never given you leave to come.
$et her not say 'tis % that keep you here:
% have no power upon you) hers you are#
MARK ANTONY
The gods best know,**
CLEOPATRA
O, never was there 2ueen
7o mightily betray'd. yet at the first
% saw the treasons planted#
MARK ANTONY
+leopatra,**
CLEOPATRA
!hy should % think you can be mine and true,
Though you in swearing shake the throned gods,
!ho have been false to (ulvia0 &iotous madness,
To be entangled with those mouth*made vows,
!hich break themselves in swearing.
MARK ANTONY
Most sweet 2ueen,**
CLEOPATRA
Nay, pray you, seek no colour for your going,
5ut bid farewell, and go: when you sued staying,
Then was the time for words: no going then)
1ternity was in our lips and eyes,
5liss in our brows' bent) none our parts so poor,
5ut was a race of heaven: they are so still,
Or thou, the greatest soldier of the world,
"rt turn'd the greatest liar#
MARK ANTONY
How now, lady.
CLEOPATRA
% would % had thy inches) thou shouldst know
There were a heart in 1gypt#
MARK ANTONY
Hear me, 2ueen:
The strong necessity of time commands
Our services awhile) but my full heart
&emains in use with you# Our %taly
7hines o'er with civil swords: 7e4tus -ompeius
Makes his approaches to the port of &ome:
12uality of two domestic powers
5reed scrupulous faction: the hated, grown to strength,
"re newly grown to love: the condemn'd -ompey,
&ich in his father's honour, creeps apace,
%nto the hearts of such as have not thrived
pon the present state, whose numbers threaten)
"nd 2uietness, grown sick of rest, would purge
5y any desperate change: my more particular,
"nd that which most with you should safe my going,
%s (ulvia's death#
CLEOPATRA
Though age from folly could not give me freedom,
%t does from childishness: can (ulvia die0
MARK ANTONY
7he's dead, my 2ueen:
$ook here, and at thy sovereign leisure read
The garboils she awaked) at the last, best:
7ee when and where she died#
CLEOPATRA
O most false love.
!here be the sacred vials thou shouldst fill
!ith sorrowful water0 Now % see, % see,
%n (ulvia's death, how mine received shall be#
MARK ANTONY
;uarrel no more, but be prepared to know
The purposes % bear) which are, or cease,
"s you shall give the advice# 5y the fire
That 2uickens Nilus' slime, % go from hence
Thy soldier, servant) making peace or war
"s thou affect'st#
CLEOPATRA
+ut my lace, +harmian, come)
5ut let it be: % am 2uickly ill, and well,
7o "ntony loves#
MARK ANTONY
My precious 2ueen, forbear)
"nd give true evidence to his love, which stands
"n honourable trial#
CLEOPATRA
7o (ulvia told me#
% prithee, turn aside and weep for her,
Then bid adieu to me, and say the tears
5elong to 1gypt: good now, play one scene
Of e4cellent dissembling) and let it look
$ife perfect honour#
MARK ANTONY
/ou'll heat my blood: no more#
CLEOPATRA
/ou can do better yet) but this is meetly#
MARK ANTONY
Now, by my sword,**
CLEOPATRA
"nd target# 7till he mends)
5ut this is not the best# $ook, prithee, +harmian,
How this Herculean &oman does become
The carriage of his chafe#
MARK ANTONY
%'ll leave you, lady#
CLEOPATRA
+ourteous lord, one word#
7ir, you and % must part, but that's not it:
7ir, you and % have loved, but there's not it)
That you know well: something it is % would,
O, my oblivion is a very "ntony,
"nd % am all forgotten#
MARK ANTONY
5ut that your royalty
Holds idleness your sub:ect, % should take you
(or idleness itself#
CLEOPATRA
'Tis sweating labour
To bear such idleness so near the heart
"s +leopatra this# 5ut, sir, forgive me)
7ince my becomings kill me, when they do not
1ye well to you: your honour calls you hence)
Therefore be deaf to my unpitied folly#
"nd all the gods go with you. upon your sword
7it laurel victory. and smooth success
5e strew'd before your feet.
MARK ANTONY
$et us go# +ome)
Our separation so abides, and flies,
That thou, residing here, go'st yet with me,
"nd %, hence fleeting, here remain with thee# "way.
E'eunt
SCENE I). Rome. OCTA)I"S CAESAR's #o*se.
Enter OTA/IUS AESAR, readin$ a letter, LEPIDUS, and their Train
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
/ou may see, $epidus, and henceforth know,
%t is not +aesar's natural vice to hate
Our great competitor: from "le4andria
This is the news: he fishes, drinks, and wastes
The lamps of night in revel) is not more man*like
Than +leopatra) nor the 2ueen of -tolemy
More womanly than he) hardly gave audience, or
8ouchsafed to think he had partners: you shall find there
" man who is the abstract of all faults
That all men follow#
LEPI!"S
% must not think there are
1vils enow to darken all his goodness:
His faults in him seem as the spots of heaven,
More fiery by night's blackness) hereditary,
&ather than purchased) what he cannot change,
Than what he chooses#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
/ou are too indulgent# $et us grant, it is not
"miss to tumble on the bed of -tolemy)
To give a kingdom for a mirth) to sit
"nd keep the turn of tippling with a slave)
To reel the streets at noon, and stand the buffet
!ith knaves that smell of sweat: say this
becomes him,**
"s his composure must be rare indeed
!hom these things cannot blemish,**yet must "ntony
No way e4cuse his soils, when we do bear
7o great weight in his lightness# %f he fill'd
His vacancy with his voluptuousness,
(ull surfeits, and the dryness of his bones,
+all on him for't: but to confound such time,
That drums him from his sport, and speaks as loud
"s his own state and ours,**'tis to be chid
"s we rate boys, who, being mature in knowledge,
-awn their e4perience to their present pleasure,
"nd so rebel to :udgment#
Enter a Messen$er
LEPI!"S
Here's more news#
Messen'er
Thy biddings have been done) and every hour,
Most noble +aesar, shalt thou have report
How 'tis abroad# -ompey is strong at sea)
"nd it appears he is beloved of those
That only have fear'd +aesar: to the ports
The discontents repair, and men's reports
'ive him much wrong'd#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
% should have known no less#
%t hath been taught us from the primal state,
That he which is was wish'd until he were)
"nd the ebb'd man, ne'er loved till ne'er worth love,
+omes dear'd by being lack'd# This common body,
$ike to a vagabond flag upon the stream,
'oes to and back, lackeying the varying tide,
To rot itself with motion#
Messen'er
+aesar, % bring thee word,
Menecrates and Menas, famous pirates,
Make the sea serve them, which they ear and wound
!ith keels of every kind: many hot inroads
They make in %taly) the borders maritime
$ack blood to think on't, and flush youth revolt:
No vessel can peep forth, but 'tis as soon
Taken as seen) for -ompey's name strikes more
Than could his war resisted#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
"ntony,
$eave thy lascivious wassails# !hen thou once
!ast beaten from Modena, where thou slew'st
Hirtius and -ansa, consuls, at thy heel
,id famine follow) whom thou fought'st against,
Though daintily brought up, with patience more
Than savages could suffer: thou didst drink
The stale of horses, and the gilded puddle
!hich beasts would cough at: thy palate then did deign
The roughest berry on the rudest hedge)
/ea, like the stag, when snow the pasture sheets,
The barks of trees thou browsed'st) on the "lps
%t is reported thou didst eat strange flesh,
!hich some did die to look on: and all this**
%t wounds thine honour that % speak it now**
!as borne so like a soldier, that thy cheek
7o much as lank'd not#
LEPI!"S
'Tis pity of him#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
$et his shames 2uickly
,rive him to &ome: 'tis time we twain
,id show ourselves i' the field) and to that end
"ssemble we immediate council: -ompey
Thrives in our idleness#
LEPI!"S
To*morrow, +aesar,
% shall be furnish'd to inform you rightly
5oth what by sea and land % can be able
To front this present time#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
Till which encounter,
%t is my business too# (arewell#
LEPI!"S
(arewell, my lord: what you shall know meantime
Of stirs abroad, % shall beseech you, sir,
To let me be partaker#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
,oubt not, sir)
% knew it for my bond#
E'eunt
SCENE ). Alexandria. CLEOPATRA's palace.
Enter LEOPATRA, HARMIAN, IRAS, and MARDIAN
CLEOPATRA
+harmian.
CHARMIAN
Madam0
CLEOPATRA
Ha, ha.
'ive me to drink mandragora#
CHARMIAN
!hy, madam0
CLEOPATRA
That % might sleep out this great gap of time
My "ntony is away#
CHARMIAN
/ou think of him too much#
CLEOPATRA
O, 'tis treason.
CHARMIAN
Madam, % trust, not so#
CLEOPATRA
Thou, eunuch Mardian.
MAR!IAN
!hat's your highness' pleasure0
CLEOPATRA
Not now to hear thee sing) % take no pleasure
%n aught an eunuch has: 'tis well for thee,
That, being unseminar'd, thy freer thoughts
May not fly forth of 1gypt# Hast thou affections0
MAR!IAN
/es, gracious madam#
CLEOPATRA
%ndeed.
MAR!IAN
Not in deed, madam) for % can do nothing
5ut what indeed is honest to be done:
/et have % fierce affections, and think
!hat 8enus did with Mars#
CLEOPATRA
O +harmian,
!here think'st thou he is now0 7tands he, or sits he0
Or does he walk0 or is he on his horse0
O happy horse, to bear the weight of "ntony.
,o bravely, horse. for wot'st thou whom thou movest0
The demi*"tlas of this earth, the arm
"nd burgonet of men# He's speaking now,
Or murmuring '!here's my serpent of old Nile0'
(or so he calls me: now % feed myself
!ith most delicious poison# Think on me,
That am with -hoebus' amorous pinches black,
"nd wrinkled deep in time0 5road*fronted +aesar,
!hen thou wast here above the ground, % was
" morsel for a monarch: and great -ompey
!ould stand and make his eyes grow in my brow)
There would he anchor his aspect and die
!ith looking on his life#
Enter ALE)AS, #ro% OTA/IUS AESAR
ALE$AS
7overeign of 1gypt, hail.
CLEOPATRA
How much unlike art thou Mark "ntony.
/et, coming from him, that great medicine hath
!ith his tinct gilded thee#
How goes it with my brave Mark "ntony0
ALE$AS
$ast thing he did, dear 2ueen,
He kiss'd,**the last of many doubled kisses,**
This orient pearl# His speech sticks in my heart#
CLEOPATRA
Mine ear must pluck it thence#
ALE$AS
''ood friend,' 2uoth he,
'7ay, the firm &oman to great 1gypt sends
This treasure of an oyster) at whose foot,
To mend the petty present, % will piece
Her opulent throne with kingdoms) all the east,
7ay thou, shall call her mistress#' 7o he nodded,
"nd soberly did mount an arm*gaunt steed,
!ho neigh'd so high, that what % would have spoke
!as beastly dumb'd by him#
CLEOPATRA
!hat, was he sad or merry0
ALE$AS
$ike to the time o' the year between the e4tremes
Of hot and cold, he was nor sad nor merry#
CLEOPATRA
O well*divided disposition. Note him,
Note him good +harmian, 'tis the man) but note him:
He was not sad, for he would shine on those
That make their looks by his) he was not merry,
!hich seem'd to tell them his remembrance lay
%n 1gypt with his :oy) but between both:
O heavenly mingle. 5e'st thou sad or merry,
The violence of either thee becomes,
7o does it no man else# Met'st thou my posts0
ALE$AS
"y, madam, twenty several messengers:
!hy do you send so thick0
CLEOPATRA
!ho's born that day
!hen % forget to send to "ntony,
7hall die a beggar# %nk and paper, +harmian#
!elcome, my good "le4as# ,id %, +harmian,
1ver love +aesar so0
CHARMIAN
O that brave +aesar.
CLEOPATRA
5e choked with such another emphasis.
7ay, the brave "ntony#
CHARMIAN
The valiant +aesar.
CLEOPATRA
5y %sis, % will give thee bloody teeth,
%f thou with +aesar paragon again
My man of men#
CHARMIAN
5y your most gracious pardon,
% sing but after you#
CLEOPATRA
My salad days,
!hen % was green in :udgment: cold in blood,
To say as % said then. 5ut, come, away)
'et me ink and paper:
He shall have every day a several greeting,
Or %'ll unpeople 1gypt#
E'eunt
ACT II
SCENE I. Messina. POMPEY's #o*se.
Enter POMPEY, MENERATES, and MENAS, in !arli0e %anner
POMPEY
%f the great gods be :ust, they shall assist
The deeds of :ustest men#
MENECRATES
3now, worthy -ompey,
That what they do delay, they not deny#
POMPEY
!hiles we are suitors to their throne, decays
The thing we sue for#
MENECRATES
!e, ignorant of ourselves,
5eg often our own harms, which the wise powers
,eny us for our good) so find we profit
5y losing of our prayers#
POMPEY
% shall do well:
The people love me, and the sea is mine)
My powers are crescent, and my auguring hope
7ays it will come to the full# Mark "ntony
%n 1gypt sits at dinner, and will make
No wars without doors: +aesar gets money where
He loses hearts: $epidus flatters both,
Of both is flatter'd) but he neither loves,
Nor either cares for him#
MENAS
+aesar and $epidus
"re in the field: a mighty strength they carry#
POMPEY
!here have you this0 'tis false#
MENAS
(rom 7ilvius, sir#
POMPEY
He dreams: % know they are in &ome together,
$ooking for "ntony# 5ut all the charms of love,
7alt +leopatra, soften thy waned lip.
$et witchcraft :oin with beauty, lust with both.
Tie up the libertine in a field of feasts,
3eep his brain fuming) 1picurean cooks
7harpen with cloyless sauce his appetite)
That sleep and feeding may prorogue his honour
1ven till a $ethe'd dulness.
Enter /ARRIUS
How now, 8arrius.
)ARRI"S
This is most certain that % shall deliver:
Mark "ntony is every hour in &ome
14pected: since he went from 1gypt 'tis
" space for further travel#
POMPEY
% could have given less matter
" better ear# Menas, % did not think
This amorous surfeiter would have donn'd his helm
(or such a petty war: his soldiership
%s twice the other twain: but let us rear
The higher our opinion, that our stirring
+an from the lap of 1gypt's widow pluck
The ne'er*lust*wearied "ntony#
MENAS
% cannot hope
+aesar and "ntony shall well greet together:
His wife that's dead did trespasses to +aesar)
His brother warr'd upon him) although, % think,
Not moved by "ntony#
POMPEY
% know not, Menas,
How lesser enmities may give way to greater#
!ere't not that we stand up against them all,
'Twere pregnant they should s2uare between
themselves)
(or they have entertained cause enough
To draw their swords: but how the fear of us
May cement their divisions and bind up
The petty difference, we yet not know#
5e't as our gods will have't. %t only stands
Our lives upon to use our strongest hands#
+ome, Menas#
E'eunt
SCENE II. Rome. T#e #o*se o+ LEPI!"S.
Enter DOMITIUS ENO+AR+US and LEPIDUS
LEPI!"S
'ood 1nobarbus, 'tis a worthy deed,
"nd shall become you well, to entreat your captain
To soft and gentle speech#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
% shall entreat him
To answer like himself: if +aesar move him,
$et "ntony look over +aesar's head
"nd speak as loud as Mars# 5y 9upiter,
!ere % the wearer of "ntonius' beard,
% would not shave't to*day#
LEPI!"S
'Tis not a time
(or private stomaching#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
1very time
7erves for the matter that is then born in't#
LEPI!"S
5ut small to greater matters must give way#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
Not if the small come first#
LEPI!"S
/our speech is passion:
5ut, pray you, stir no embers up# Here comes
The noble "ntony#
Enter MAR( ANTONY and /ENTIDIUS
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
"nd yonder, +aesar#
Enter OTA/IUS AESAR, MEAENAS, and A,RIPPA
MARK ANTONY
%f we compose well here, to -arthia:
Hark, 8entidius#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
% do not know,
Mecaenas) ask "grippa#
LEPI!"S
Noble friends,
That which combined us was most great, and let not
" leaner action rend us# !hat's amiss,
May it be gently heard: when we debate
Our trivial difference loud, we do commit
Murder in healing wounds: then, noble partners,
The rather, for % earnestly beseech,
Touch you the sourest points with sweetest terms,
Nor curstness grow to the matter#
MARK ANTONY
'Tis spoken well#
!ere we before our armies, and to fight#
% should do thus#
Flourish
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
!elcome to &ome#
MARK ANTONY
Thank you#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
7it#
MARK ANTONY
7it, sir#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
Nay, then#
MARK ANTONY
% learn, you take things ill which are not so,
Or being, concern you not#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
% must be laugh'd at,
%f, or for nothing or a little, %
7hould say myself offended, and with you
+hiefly i' the world) more laugh'd at, that % should
Once name you derogately, when to sound your name
%t not concern'd me#
MARK ANTONY
My being in 1gypt, +aesar,
!hat was't to you0
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
No more than my residing here at &ome
Might be to you in 1gypt: yet, if you there
,id practise on my state, your being in 1gypt
Might be my 2uestion#
MARK ANTONY
How intend you, practised0
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
/ou may be pleased to catch at mine intent
5y what did here befal me# /our wife and brother
Made wars upon me) and their contestation
!as theme for you, you were the word of war#
MARK ANTONY
/ou do mistake your business) my brother never
,id urge me in his act: % did in2uire it)
"nd have my learning from some true reports,
That drew their swords with you# ,id he not rather
,iscredit my authority with yours)
"nd make the wars alike against my stomach,
Having alike your cause0 Of this my letters
5efore did satisfy you# %f you'll patch a 2uarrel,
"s matter whole you have not to make it with,
%t must not be with this#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
/ou praise yourself
5y laying defects of :udgment to me) but
/ou patch'd up your e4cuses#
MARK ANTONY
Not so, not so)
% know you could not lack, % am certain on't,
8ery necessity of this thought, that %,
/our partner in the cause 'gainst which he fought,
+ould not with graceful eyes attend those wars
!hich fronted mine own peace# "s for my wife,
% would you had her spirit in such another:
The third o' the world is yours) which with a snaffle
/ou may pace easy, but not such a wife#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
!ould we had all such wives, that the men might go
to wars with the women.
MARK ANTONY
7o much uncurbable, her garboils, +aesar
Made out of her impatience, which not wanted
7hrewdness of policy too, % grieving grant
,id you too much dis2uiet: for that you must
5ut say, % could not help it#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
% wrote to you
!hen rioting in "le4andria) you
,id pocket up my letters, and with taunts
,id gibe my missive out of audience#
MARK ANTONY
7ir,
He fell upon me ere admitted: then
Three kings % had newly feasted, and did want
Of what % was i' the morning: but ne4t day
% told him of myself) which was as much
"s to have ask'd him pardon# $et this fellow
5e nothing of our strife) if we contend,
Out of our 2uestion wipe him#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
/ou have broken
The article of your oath) which you shall never
Have tongue to charge me with#
LEPI!"S
7oft, +aesar.
MARK ANTONY
No,
$epidus, let him speak:
The honour is sacred which he talks on now,
7upposing that % lack'd it# 5ut, on, +aesar)
The article of my oath#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
To lend me arms and aid when % re2uired them)
The which you both denied#
MARK ANTONY
Neglected, rather)
"nd then when poison'd hours had bound me up
(rom mine own knowledge# "s nearly as % may,
%'ll play the penitent to you: but mine honesty
7hall not make poor my greatness, nor my power
!ork without it# Truth is, that (ulvia,
To have me out of 1gypt, made wars here)
(or which myself, the ignorant motive, do
7o far ask pardon as befits mine honour
To stoop in such a case#
LEPI!"S
'Tis noble spoken#
MECAENAS
%f it might please you, to enforce no further
The griefs between ye: to forget them 2uite
!ere to remember that the present need
7peaks to atone you#
LEPI!"S
!orthily spoken, Mecaenas#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
Or, if you borrow one another's love for the
instant, you may, when you hear no more words of
-ompey, return it again: you shall have time to
wrangle in when you have nothing else to do#
MARK ANTONY
Thou art a soldier only: speak no more#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
That truth should be silent % had almost forgot#
MARK ANTONY
/ou wrong this presence) therefore speak no more#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
'o to, then) your considerate stone#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
% do not much dislike the matter, but
The manner of his speech) for't cannot be
!e shall remain in friendship, our conditions
7o differing in their acts# /et if % knew
!hat hoop should hold us stanch, from edge to edge
O' the world % would pursue it#
A,RIPPA
'ive me leave, +aesar,**
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
7peak, "grippa#
A,RIPPA
Thou hast a sister by the mother's side,
"dmired Octavia: great Mark "ntony
%s now a widower#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
7ay not so, "grippa:
%f +leopatra heard you, your reproof
!ere well deserved of rashness#
MARK ANTONY
% am not married, +aesar: let me hear
"grippa further speak#
A,RIPPA
To hold you in perpetual amity,
To make you brothers, and to knit your hearts
!ith an unslipping knot, take "ntony
Octavia to his wife) whose beauty claims
No worse a husband than the best of men)
!hose virtue and whose general graces speak
That which none else can utter# 5y this marriage,
"ll little :ealousies, which now seem great,
"nd all great fears, which now import their dangers,
!ould then be nothing: truths would be tales,
!here now half tales be truths: her love to both
!ould, each to other and all loves to both,
,raw after her# -ardon what % have spoke)
(or 'tis a studied, not a present thought,
5y duty ruminated#
MARK ANTONY
!ill +aesar speak0
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
Not till he hears how "ntony is touch'd
!ith what is spoke already#
MARK ANTONY
!hat power is in "grippa,
%f % would say, '"grippa, be it so,'
To make this good0
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
The power of +aesar, and
His power unto Octavia#
MARK ANTONY
May % never
To this good purpose, that so fairly shows,
,ream of impediment. $et me have thy hand:
(urther this act of grace: and from this hour
The heart of brothers govern in our loves
"nd sway our great designs.
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
There is my hand#
" sister % be2ueath you, whom no brother
,id ever love so dearly: let her live
To :oin our kingdoms and our hearts) and never
(ly off our loves again.
LEPI!"S
Happily, amen.
MARK ANTONY
% did not think to draw my sword 'gainst -ompey)
(or he hath laid strange courtesies and great
Of late upon me: % must thank him only,
$est my remembrance suffer ill report)
"t heel of that, defy him#
LEPI!"S
Time calls upon's:
Of us must -ompey presently be sought,
Or else he seeks out us#
MARK ANTONY
!here lies he0
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
"bout the mount Misenum#
MARK ANTONY
!hat is his strength by land0
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
'reat and increasing: but by sea
He is an absolute master#
MARK ANTONY
7o is the fame#
!ould we had spoke together. Haste we for it:
/et, ere we put ourselves in arms, dispatch we
The business we have talk'd of#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
!ith most gladness:
"nd do invite you to my sister's view,
!hither straight %'ll lead you#
MARK ANTONY
$et us, $epidus,
Not lack your company#
LEPI!"S
Noble "ntony,
Not sickness should detain me#
Flourish. E'eunt OTA/IUS AESAR, MAR( ANTONY, and LEPIDUS
MECAENAS
!elcome from 1gypt, sir#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
Half the heart of +aesar, worthy Mecaenas. My
honourable friend, "grippa.
A,RIPPA
'ood 1nobarbus.
MECAENAS
!e have cause to be glad that matters are so well
digested# /ou stayed well by 't in 1gypt#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
"y, sir) we did sleep day out of countenance, and
made the night light with drinking#
MECAENAS
1ight wild*boars roasted whole at a breakfast, and
but twelve persons there) is this true0
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
This was but as a fly by an eagle: we had much more
monstrous matter of feast, which worthily deserved noting#
MECAENAS
7he's a most triumphant lady, if report be s2uare to
her#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
!hen she first met Mark "ntony, she pursed up
his heart, upon the river of +ydnus#
A,RIPPA
There she appeared indeed) or my reporter devised
well for her#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
% will tell you#
The barge she sat in, like a burnish'd throne,
5urn'd on the water: the poop was beaten gold)
-urple the sails, and so perfumed that
The winds were love*sick with them) the oars were silver,
!hich to the tune of flutes kept stroke, and made
The water which they beat to follow faster,
"s amorous of their strokes# (or her own person,
%t beggar'd all description: she did lie
%n her pavilion**cloth*of*gold of tissue**
O'er*picturing that 8enus where we see
The fancy outwork nature: on each side her
7tood pretty dimpled boys, like smiling +upids,
!ith divers*colour'd fans, whose wind did seem
To glow the delicate cheeks which they did cool,
"nd what they undid did#
A,RIPPA
O, rare for "ntony.
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
Her gentlewomen, like the Nereides,
7o many mermaids, tended her i' the eyes,
"nd made their bends adornings: at the helm
" seeming mermaid steers: the silken tackle
7well with the touches of those flower*soft hands,
That yarely frame the office# (rom the barge
" strange invisible perfume hits the sense
Of the ad:acent wharfs# The city cast
Her people out upon her) and "ntony,
1nthroned i' the market*place, did sit alone,
!histling to the air) which, but for vacancy,
Had gone to ga6e on +leopatra too,
"nd made a gap in nature#
A,RIPPA
&are 1gyptian.
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
pon her landing, "ntony sent to her,
%nvited her to supper: she replied,
%t should be better he became her guest)
!hich she entreated: our courteous "ntony,
!hom ne'er the word of 'No' woman heard speak,
5eing barber'd ten times o'er, goes to the feast,
"nd for his ordinary pays his heart
(or what his eyes eat only#
A,RIPPA
&oyal wench.
7he made great +aesar lay his sword to bed:
He plough'd her, and she cropp'd#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
% saw her once
Hop forty paces through the public street)
"nd having lost her breath, she spoke, and panted,
That she did make defect perfection,
"nd, breathless, power breathe forth#
MECAENAS
Now "ntony must leave her utterly#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
Never) he will not:
"ge cannot wither her, nor custom stale
Her infinite variety: other women cloy
The appetites they feed: but she makes hungry
!here most she satisfies) for vilest things
5ecome themselves in her: that the holy priests
5less her when she is riggish#
MECAENAS
%f beauty, wisdom, modesty, can settle
The heart of "ntony, Octavia is
" blessed lottery to him#
A,RIPPA
$et us go#
'ood 1nobarbus, make yourself my guest
!hilst you abide here#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
Humbly, sir, % thank you#
E'eunt
SCENE III. T#e same. OCTA)I"S CAESAR's #o*se.
Enter MAR( ANTONY, OTA/IUS AESAR, OTA/IA &et!een the%, and Attendants
MARK ANTONY
The world and my great office will sometimes
,ivide me from your bosom#
OCTA)IA
"ll which time
5efore the gods my knee shall bow my prayers
To them for you#
MARK ANTONY
'ood night, sir# My Octavia,
&ead not my blemishes in the world's report:
% have not kept my s2uare) but that to come
7hall all be done by the rule# 'ood night, dear lady#
'ood night, sir#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
'ood night#
E'eunt OTA/IUS AESAR and OTA/IA
Enter Soothsa*er
MARK ANTONY
Now, sirrah) you do wish yourself in 1gypt0
Soo#sa%er
!ould % had never come from thence, nor you Thither.
MARK ANTONY
%f you can, your reason0
Soo#sa%er
% see it in
My motion, have it not in my tongue: but yet
Hie you to 1gypt again#
MARK ANTONY
7ay to me,
!hose fortunes shall rise higher, +aesar's or mine0
Soo#sa%er
+aesar's#
Therefore, O "ntony, stay not by his side:
Thy demon, that's thy spirit which keeps thee, is
Noble, courageous high, unmatchable,
!here +aesar's is not) but, near him, thy angel
5ecomes a fear, as being o'erpower'd: therefore
Make space enough between you#
MARK ANTONY
7peak this no more#
Soo#sa%er
To none but thee) no more, but when to thee#
%f thou dost play with him at any game,
Thou art sure to lose) and, of that natural luck,
He beats thee 'gainst the odds: thy lustre thickens,
!hen he shines by: % say again, thy spirit
%s all afraid to govern thee near him)
5ut, he away, 'tis noble#
MARK ANTONY
'et thee gone:
7ay to 8entidius % would speak with him:
E'it Soothsa*er
He shall to -arthia# 5e it art or hap,
He hath spoken true: the very dice obey him)
"nd in our sports my better cunning faints
nder his chance: if we draw lots, he speeds)
His cocks do win the battle still of mine,
!hen it is all to nought) and his 2uails ever
5eat mine, inhoop'd, at odds# % will to 1gypt:
"nd though % make this marriage for my peace,
%' the east my pleasure lies#
Enter /ENTIDIUS
O, come, 8entidius,
/ou must to -arthia: your commission's ready)
(ollow me, and receive't#
E'eunt
SCENE I). T#e same. A sree.
Enter LEPIDUS, MEAENAS, and A,RIPPA
LEPI!"S
Trouble yourselves no further: pray you, hasten
/our generals after#
A,RIPPA
7ir, Mark "ntony
!ill e'en but kiss Octavia, and we'll follow#
LEPI!"S
Till % shall see you in your soldier's dress,
!hich will become you both, farewell#
MECAENAS
!e shall,
"s % conceive the :ourney, be at the Mount
5efore you, $epidus#
LEPI!"S
/our way is shorter)
My purposes do draw me much about:
/ou'll win two days upon me#
MECAENAS A,RIPPA
7ir, good success.
LEPI!"S
(arewell#
E'eunt
SCENE ). Alexandria. CLEOPATRA's palace.
Enter LEOPATRA, HARMIAN, IRAS, and ALE)AS
CLEOPATRA
'ive me some music) music, moody food
Of us that trade in love#
Aendans
The music, ho.
Enter MARDIAN
CLEOPATRA
$et it alone) let's to billiards: come, +harmian#
CHARMIAN
My arm is sore) best play with Mardian#
CLEOPATRA
"s well a woman with an eunuch play'd
"s with a woman# +ome, you'll play with me, sir0
MAR!IAN
"s well as % can, madam#
CLEOPATRA
"nd when good will is show'd, though't come
too short,
The actor may plead pardon# %'ll none now:
'ive me mine angle) we'll to the river: there,
My music playing far off, % will betray
Tawny*finn'd fishes) my bended hook shall pierce
Their slimy :aws) and, as % draw them up,
%'ll think them every one an "ntony,
"nd say '"h, ha. you're caught#'
CHARMIAN
'Twas merry when
/ou wager'd on your angling) when your diver
,id hang a salt*fish on his hook, which he
!ith fervency drew up#
CLEOPATRA
That time,**O times.**
% laugh'd him out of patience) and that night
% laugh'd him into patience) and ne4t morn,
1re the ninth hour, % drunk him to his bed)
Then put my tires and mantles on him, whilst
% wore his sword -hilippan#
Enter a Messen$er
O, from %taly
&am thou thy fruitful tidings in mine ears,
That long time have been barren#
Messen'er
Madam, madam,**
CLEOPATRA
"ntonius dead.**%f thou say so, villain,
Thou kill'st thy mistress: but well and free,
%f thou so yield him, there is gold, and here
My bluest veins to kiss) a hand that kings
Have lipp'd, and trembled kissing#
Messen'er
(irst, madam, he is well#
CLEOPATRA
!hy, there's more gold#
5ut, sirrah, mark, we use
To say the dead are well: bring it to that,
The gold % give thee will % melt and pour
,own thy ill*uttering throat#
Messen'er
'ood madam, hear me#
CLEOPATRA
!ell, go to, % will)
5ut there's no goodness in thy face: if "ntony
5e free and healthful,**so tart a favour
To trumpet such good tidings. %f not well,
Thou shouldst come like a (ury crown'd with snakes,
Not like a formal man#
Messen'er
!ill't please you hear me0
CLEOPATRA
% have a mind to strike thee ere thou speak'st:
/et if thou say "ntony lives, is well,
Or friends with +aesar, or not captive to him,
%'ll set thee in a shower of gold, and hail
&ich pearls upon thee#
Messen'er
Madam, he's well#
CLEOPATRA
!ell said#
Messen'er
"nd friends with +aesar#
CLEOPATRA
Thou'rt an honest man#
Messen'er
+aesar and he are greater friends than ever#
CLEOPATRA
Make thee a fortune from me#
Messen'er
5ut yet, madam,**
CLEOPATRA
% do not like '5ut yet,' it does allay
The good precedence) fie upon '5ut yet'.
'5ut yet' is as a gaoler to bring forth
7ome monstrous malefactor# -rithee, friend,
-our out the pack of matter to mine ear,
The good and bad together: he's friends with +aesar:
%n state of health thou say'st) and thou say'st free#
Messen'er
(ree, madam. no) % made no such report:
He's bound unto Octavia#
CLEOPATRA
(or what good turn0
Messen'er
(or the best turn i' the bed#
CLEOPATRA
% am pale, +harmian#
Messen'er
Madam, he's married to Octavia#
CLEOPATRA
The most infectious pestilence upon thee.
Stri0es hi% do!n
Messen'er
'ood madam, patience#
CLEOPATRA
!hat say you0 Hence,
Stri0es hi% a$ain
Horrible villain. or %'ll spurn thine eyes
$ike balls before me) %'ll unhair thy head:
She hales hi% u1 and do!n
Thou shalt be whipp'd with wire, and stew'd in brine,
7marting in lingering pickle#
Messen'er
'racious madam,
% that do bring the news made not the match#
CLEOPATRA
7ay 'tis not so, a province % will give thee,
"nd make thy fortunes proud: the blow thou hadst
7hall make thy peace for moving me to rage)
"nd % will boot thee with what gift beside
Thy modesty can beg#
Messen'er
He's married, madam#
CLEOPATRA
&ogue, thou hast lived too long#
Dra!s a 0ni#e
Messen'er
Nay, then %'ll run#
!hat mean you, madam0 % have made no fault#
E'it
CHARMIAN
'ood madam, keep yourself within yourself:
The man is innocent#
CLEOPATRA
7ome innocents 'scape not the thunderbolt#
Melt 1gypt into Nile. and kindly creatures
Turn all to serpents. +all the slave again:
Though % am mad, % will not bite him: call#
CHARMIAN
He is afeard to come#
CLEOPATRA
% will not hurt him#
E'it HARMIAN
These hands do lack nobility, that they strike
" meaner than myself) since % myself
Have given myself the cause#
Re.enter HARMIAN and Messen$er
+ome hither, sir#
Though it be honest, it is never good
To bring bad news: give to a gracious message#
"n host of tongues) but let ill tidings tell
Themselves when they be felt#
Messen'er
% have done my duty#
CLEOPATRA
%s he married0
% cannot hate thee worser than % do,
%f thou again say '/es#'
Messen'er
He's married, madam#
CLEOPATRA
The gods confound thee. dost thou hold there still0
Messen'er
7hould % lie, madam0
CLEOPATRA
O, % would thou didst,
7o half my 1gypt were submerged and made
" cistern for scaled snakes. 'o, get thee hence:
Hadst thou Narcissus in thy face, to me
Thou wouldst appear most ugly# He is married0
Messen'er
% crave your highness' pardon#
CLEOPATRA
He is married0
Messen'er
Take no offence that % would not offend you:
To punish me for what you make me do#
7eems much une2ual: he's married to Octavia#
CLEOPATRA
O, that his fault should make a knave of thee,
That art not what thou'rt sure of. 'et thee hence:
The merchandise which thou hast brought from &ome
"re all too dear for me: lie they upon thy hand,
"nd be undone by 'em.
E'it Messen$er
CHARMIAN
'ood your highness, patience#
CLEOPATRA
%n praising "ntony, % have dispraised +aesar#
CHARMIAN
Many times, madam#
CLEOPATRA
% am paid for't now#
$ead me from hence:
% faint: O %ras, +harmian. 'tis no matter#
'o to the fellow, good "le4as) bid him
&eport the feature of Octavia, her years,
Her inclination, let him not leave out
The colour of her hair: bring me word 2uickly#
E'it ALE)AS
$et him for ever go:**let him not**+harmian,
Though he be painted one way like a 'orgon,
The other way's a Mars# 5id you "le4as
To MARDIAN
5ring me word how tall she is# -ity me, +harmian,
5ut do not speak to me# $ead me to my chamber#
E'eunt
SCENE )I. Near Misen*m.
Flourish. Enter POMPEY and MENAS at one door, !ith dru% and tru%1et2 at another,
OTA/IUS AESAR, MAR( ANTONY, LEPIDUS, DOMITIUS ENO+AR+US,
MEAENAS, !ith Soldiers %ar"hin$
POMPEY
/our hostages % have, so have you mine)
"nd we shall talk before we fight#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
Most meet
That first we come to words) and therefore have we
Our written purposes before us sent)
!hich, if thou hast consider'd, let us know
%f 'twill tie up thy discontented sword,
"nd carry back to 7icily much tall youth
That else must perish here#
POMPEY
To you all three,
The senators alone of this great world,
+hief factors for the gods, % do not know
!herefore my father should revengers want,
Having a son and friends) since 9ulius +aesar,
!ho at -hilippi the good 5rutus ghosted,
There saw you labouring for him# !hat was't
That moved pale +assius to conspire) and what
Made the all*honour'd, honest &oman, 5rutus,
!ith the arm'd rest, courtiers and beauteous freedom,
To drench the +apitol) but that they would
Have one man but a man0 "nd that is it
Hath made me rig my navy) at whose burthen
The anger'd ocean foams) with which % meant
To scourge the ingratitude that despiteful &ome
+ast on my noble father#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
Take your time#
MARK ANTONY
Thou canst not fear us, -ompey, with thy sails)
!e'll speak with thee at sea: at land, thou know'st
How much we do o'er*count thee#
POMPEY
"t land, indeed,
Thou dost o'er*count me of my father's house:
5ut, since the cuckoo builds not for himself,
&emain in't as thou mayst#
LEPI!"S
5e pleased to tell us**
(or this is from the present**how you take
The offers we have sent you#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
There's the point#
MARK ANTONY
!hich do not be entreated to, but weigh
!hat it is worth embraced#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
"nd what may follow,
To try a larger fortune#
POMPEY
/ou have made me offer
Of 7icily, 7ardinia) and % must
&id all the sea of pirates) then, to send
Measures of wheat to &ome) this 'greed upon
To part with unhack'd edges, and bear back
Our targes undinted#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR MARK ANTONY LEPI!"S
That's our offer#
POMPEY
3now, then,
% came before you here a man prepared
To take this offer: but Mark "ntony
-ut me to some impatience: though % lose
The praise of it by telling, you must know,
!hen +aesar and your brother were at blows,
/our mother came to 7icily and did find
Her welcome friendly#
MARK ANTONY
% have heard it, -ompey)
"nd am well studied for a liberal thanks
!hich % do owe you#
POMPEY
$et me have your hand:
% did not think, sir, to have met you here#
MARK ANTONY
The beds i' the east are soft) and thanks to you,
That call'd me timelier than my purpose hither)
(or % have gain'd by 't#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
7ince % saw you last,
There is a change upon you#
POMPEY
!ell, % know not
!hat counts harsh fortune casts upon my face)
5ut in my bosom shall she never come,
To make my heart her vassal#
LEPI!"S
!ell met here#
POMPEY
% hope so, $epidus# Thus we are agreed:
% crave our composition may be written,
"nd seal'd between us#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
That's the ne4t to do#
POMPEY
!e'll feast each other ere we part) and let's
,raw lots who shall begin#
MARK ANTONY
That will %, -ompey#
POMPEY
No, "ntony, take the lot: but, first
Or last, your fine 1gyptian cookery
7hall have the fame# % have heard that 9ulius +aesar
'rew fat with feasting there#
MARK ANTONY
/ou have heard much#
POMPEY
% have fair meanings, sir#
MARK ANTONY
"nd fair words to them#
POMPEY
Then so much have % heard:
"nd % have heard, "pollodorus carried**
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
No more of that: he did so#
POMPEY
!hat, % pray you0
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
" certain 2ueen to +aesar in a mattress#
POMPEY
% know thee now: how farest thou, soldier0
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
!ell)
"nd well am like to do) for, % perceive,
(our feasts are toward#
POMPEY
$et me shake thy hand)
% never hated thee: % have seen thee fight,
!hen % have envied thy behavior#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
7ir,
% never loved you much) but % ha' praised ye,
!hen you have well deserved ten times as much
"s % have said you did#
POMPEY
1n:oy thy plainness,
%t nothing ill becomes thee#
"board my galley % invite you all:
!ill you lead, lords0
OCTA)I"S CAESAR MARK ANTONY LEPI!"S
7how us the way, sir#
POMPEY
+ome#
E'eunt all &ut MENAS and ENO+AR+US
MENAS
<"side= Thy father, -ompey, would ne'er have
made this treaty#**/ou and % have known, sir#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
"t sea, % think#
MENAS
!e have, sir#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
/ou have done well by water#
MENAS
"nd you by land#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
% will praise any man that will praise me) though it
cannot be denied what % have done by land#
MENAS
Nor what % have done by water#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
/es, something you can deny for your own
safety: you have been a great thief by sea#
MENAS
"nd you by land#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
There % deny my land service# 5ut give me your
hand, Menas: if our eyes had authority, here they
might take two thieves kissing#
MENAS
"ll men's faces are true, whatsome'er their hands are#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
5ut there is never a fair woman has a true face#
MENAS
No slander) they steal hearts#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
!e came hither to fight with you#
MENAS
(or my part, % am sorry it is turned to a drinking#
-ompey doth this day laugh away his fortune#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
%f he do, sure, he cannot weep't back again#
MENAS
/ou've said, sir# !e looked not for Mark "ntony
here: pray you, is he married to +leopatra0
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
+aesar's sister is called Octavia#
MENAS
True, sir) she was the wife of +aius Marcellus#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
5ut she is now the wife of Marcus "ntonius#
MENAS
-ray ye, sir0
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
'Tis true#
MENAS
Then is +aesar and he for ever knit together#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
%f % were bound to divine of this unity, % would
not prophesy so#
MENAS
% think the policy of that purpose made more in the
marriage than the love of the parties#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
% think so too# 5ut you shall find, the band that
seems to tie their friendship together will be the
very strangler of their amity: Octavia is of a
holy, cold, and still conversation#
MENAS
!ho would not have his wife so0
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
Not he that himself is not so) which is Mark "ntony#
He will to his 1gyptian dish again: then shall the
sighs of Octavia blow the fire up in +aesar) and, as
% said before, that which is the strength of their
amity shall prove the immediate author of their
variance# "ntony will use his affection where it is:
he married but his occasion here#
MENAS
"nd thus it may be# +ome, sir, will you aboard0
% have a health for you#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
% shall take it, sir: we have used our throats in 1gypt#
MENAS
+ome, let's away#
E'eunt
SCENE )II. On -oard POMPEY's 'alle%. o++ Misen*m.
Musi" 1la*s. Enter t!o or three Ser-ants !ith a &an3uet
(irs Ser/an
Here they'll be, man# 7ome o' their plants are
ill*rooted already: the least wind i' the world
will blow them down#
Second Ser/an
$epidus is high*coloured#
(irs Ser/an
They have made him drink alms*drink#
Second Ser/an
"s they pinch one another by the disposition, he
cries out 'No more)' reconciles them to his
entreaty, and himself to the drink#
(irs Ser/an
5ut it raises the greater war between him and
his discretion#
Second Ser/an
!hy, this is to have a name in great men's
fellowship: % had as lief have a reed that will do
me no service as a partisan % could not heave#
(irs Ser/an
To be called into a huge sphere, and not to be seen
to move in't, are the holes where eyes should be,
which pitifully disaster the cheeks#
A sennet sounded. Enter OTA/IUS AESAR, MAR( ANTONY, LEPIDUS, POMPEY,
A,RIPPA, MEAENAS, DOMITIUS ENO+AR+US, MENAS, !ith other "a1tains
MARK ANTONY
<To O+T"8%7 +"17"&= Thus do they, sir: they take
the flow o' the Nile
5y certain scales i' the pyramid) they know,
5y the height, the lowness, or the mean, if dearth
Or foison follow: the higher Nilus swells,
The more it promises: as it ebbs, the seedsman
pon the slime and oo6e scatters his grain,
"nd shortly comes to harvest#
LEPI!"S
/ou've strange serpents there#
MARK ANTONY
"y, $epidus#
LEPI!"S
/our serpent of 1gypt is bred now of your mud by the
operation of your sun: so is your crocodile#
MARK ANTONY
They are so#
POMPEY
7it,**and some wine. " health to $epidus.
LEPI!"S
% am not so well as % should be, but %'ll ne'er out#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
Not till you have slept) % fear me you'll be in till then#
LEPI!"S
Nay, certainly, % have heard the -tolemies'
pyramises are very goodly things) without
contradiction, % have heard that#
MENAS
<"side to -OM-1/= -ompey, a word#
POMPEY
<"side to M1N"7= 7ay in mine ear:
what is't0
MENAS
<"side to -OM-1/= (orsake thy seat, % do beseech
thee, captain,
"nd hear me speak a word#
POMPEY
<"side to M1N"7= (orbear me till anon#
This wine for $epidus.
LEPI!"S
!hat manner o' thing is your crocodile0
MARK ANTONY
%t is shaped, sir, like itself) and it is as broad
as it hath breadth: it is :ust so high as it is,
and moves with its own organs: it lives by that
which nourisheth it) and the elements once out of
it, it transmigrates#
LEPI!"S
!hat colour is it of0
MARK ANTONY
Of it own colour too#
LEPI!"S
'Tis a strange serpent#
MARK ANTONY
'Tis so# "nd the tears of it are wet#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
!ill this description satisfy him0
MARK ANTONY
!ith the health that -ompey gives him, else he is a
very epicure#
POMPEY
<"side to M1N"7= 'o hang, sir, hang. Tell me of
that0 away.
,o as % bid you# !here's this cup % call'd for0
MENAS
<"side to -OM-1/= %f for the sake of merit thou
wilt hear me,
&ise from thy stool#
POMPEY
<"side to M1N"7= % think thou'rt mad#
The matter0
Rises, and !al0s aside
MENAS
% have ever held my cap off to thy fortunes#
POMPEY
Thou hast served me with much faith# !hat's else to say0
5e :olly, lords#
MARK ANTONY
These 2uick*sands, $epidus,
3eep off them, for you sink#
MENAS
!ilt thou be lord of all the world0
POMPEY
!hat say'st thou0
MENAS
!ilt thou be lord of the whole world0 That's twice#
POMPEY
How should that be0
MENAS
5ut entertain it,
"nd, though thou think me poor, % am the man
!ill give thee all the world#
POMPEY
Hast thou drunk well0
MENAS
Now, -ompey, % have kept me from the cup#
Thou art, if thou darest be, the earthly 9ove:
!hate'er the ocean pales, or sky inclips,
%s thine, if thou wilt ha't#
POMPEY
7how me which way#
MENAS
These three world*sharers, these competitors,
"re in thy vessel: let me cut the cable)
"nd, when we are put off, fall to their throats:
"ll there is thine#
POMPEY
"h, this thou shouldst have done,
"nd not have spoke on't. %n me 'tis villany)
%n thee't had been good service# Thou must know,
'Tis not my profit that does lead mine honour)
Mine honour, it# &epent that e'er thy tongue
Hath so betray'd thine act: being done unknown,
% should have found it afterwards well done)
5ut must condemn it now# ,esist, and drink#
MENAS
<"side= (or this,
%'ll never follow thy pall'd fortunes more#
!ho seeks, and will not take when once 'tis offer'd,
7hall never find it more#
POMPEY
This health to $epidus.
MARK ANTONY
5ear him ashore# %'ll pledge it for him, -ompey#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
Here's to thee, Menas.
MENAS
1nobarbus, welcome.
POMPEY
(ill till the cup be hid#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
There's a strong fellow, Menas#
Pointin$ to the Attendant !ho "arries o## LEPIDUS
MENAS
!hy0
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
"' bears the third part of the world, man) see'st
not0
MENAS
The third part, then, is drunk: would it were all,
That it might go on wheels.
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
,rink thou) increase the reels#
MENAS
+ome#
POMPEY
This is not yet an "le4andrian feast#
MARK ANTONY
%t ripens towards it# 7trike the vessels, ho0
Here is to +aesar.
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
% could well forbear't#
%t's monstrous labour, when % wash my brain,
"nd it grows fouler#
MARK ANTONY
5e a child o' the time#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
-ossess it, %'ll make answer:
5ut % had rather fast from all four days
Than drink so much in one#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
Ha, my brave emperor.
To MAR( ANTONY
7hall we dance now the 1gyptian 5acchanals,
"nd celebrate our drink0
POMPEY
$et's ha't, good soldier#
MARK ANTONY
+ome, let's all take hands,
Till that the con2uering wine hath steep'd our sense
%n soft and delicate $ethe#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
"ll take hands#
Make battery to our ears with the loud music:
The while %'ll place you: then the boy shall sing)
The holding every man shall bear as loud
"s his strong sides can volley#
Musi" 1la*s. DOMITIUS ENO+AR+US 1la"es the% hand in hand
TH1 7ON'#
+ome, thou monarch of the vine,
-lumpy 5acchus with pink eyne.
%n thy fats our cares be drown'd,
!ith thy grapes our hairs be crown'd:
+up us, till the world go round,
+up us, till the world go round.
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
!hat would you more0 -ompey, good night# 'ood brother,
$et me re2uest you off: our graver business
(rowns at this levity# 'entle lords, let's part)
/ou see we have burnt our cheeks: strong 1nobarb
%s weaker than the wine) and mine own tongue
7plits what it speaks: the wild disguise hath almost
"ntick'd us all# !hat needs more words0 'ood night#
'ood "ntony, your hand#
POMPEY
%'ll try you on the shore#
MARK ANTONY
"nd shall, sir) give's your hand#
POMPEY
O "ntony,
/ou have my father's house,**5ut, what0 we are friends#
+ome, down into the boat#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
Take heed you fall not#
E'eunt all &ut DOMITIUS ENO+AR+US and MENAS
Menas, %'ll not on shore#
MENAS
No, to my cabin#
These drums. these trumpets, flutes. what.
$et Neptune hear we bid a loud farewell
To these great fellows: sound and be hang'd, sound out.
Sound a #lourish, !ith dru%s
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
Ho. says a' There's my cap#
MENAS
Ho. Noble captain, come#
E'eunt
ACT III
SCENE I. A plain in S%ria.
Enter /ENTIDIUS as it !ere in triu%1h, !ith SILIUS, and other Ro%ans, O##i"ers, and
Soldiers4 the dead &od* o# PAORUS &orne &e#ore hi%
)ENTI!I"S
Now, darting -arthia, art thou struck) and now
-leased fortune does of Marcus +rassus' death
Make me revenger# 5ear the king's son's body
5efore our army# Thy -acorus, Orodes,
-ays this for Marcus +rassus#
SILI"S
Noble 8entidius,
!hilst yet with -arthian blood thy sword is warm,
The fugitive -arthians follow) spur through Media,
Mesopotamia, and the shelters whither
The routed fly: so thy grand captain "ntony
7hall set thee on triumphant chariots and
-ut garlands on thy head#
)ENTI!I"S
O 7ilius, 7ilius,
% have done enough) a lower place, note well,
May make too great an act: for learn this, 7ilius)
5etter to leave undone, than by our deed
"c2uire too high a fame when him we serve's away#
+aesar and "ntony have ever won
More in their officer than person: 7ossius,
One of my place in 7yria, his lieutenant,
(or 2uick accumulation of renown,
!hich he achieved by the minute, lost his favour#
!ho does i' the wars more than his captain can
5ecomes his captain's captain: and ambition,
The soldier's virtue, rather makes choice of loss,
Than gain which darkens him#
% could do more to do "ntonius good,
5ut 'twould offend him) and in his offence
7hould my performance perish#
SILI"S
Thou hast, 8entidius,
that
!ithout the which a soldier, and his sword,
'rants scarce distinction# Thou wilt write to "ntony.
)ENTI!I"S
%'ll humbly signify what in his name,
That magical word of war, we have effected)
How, with his banners and his well*paid ranks,
The ne'er*yet*beaten horse of -arthia
!e have :aded out o' the field#
SILI"S
!here is he now0
)ENTI!I"S
He purposeth to "thens: whither, with what haste
The weight we must convey with's will permit,
!e shall appear before him# On there) pass along.
E'eunt
SCENE II. Rome. An ane0c#am-er in OCTA)I"S CAESAR's #o*se.
Enter A,RIPPA at one door, DOMITIUS ENO+AR+US at another
A,RIPPA
!hat, are the brothers parted0
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
They have dispatch'd with -ompey, he is gone)
The other three are sealing# Octavia weeps
To part from &ome) +aesar is sad) and $epidus,
7ince -ompey's feast, as Menas says, is troubled
!ith the green sickness#
A,RIPPA
'Tis a noble $epidus#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
" very fine one: O, how he loves +aesar.
A,RIPPA
Nay, but how dearly he adores Mark "ntony.
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
+aesar0 !hy, he's the 9upiter of men#
A,RIPPA
!hat's "ntony0 The god of 9upiter#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
7pake you of +aesar0 How. the non*pareil.
A,RIPPA
O "ntony. O thou "rabian bird.
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
!ould you praise +aesar, say '+aesar:' go no further#
A,RIPPA
%ndeed, he plied them both with e4cellent praises#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
5ut he loves +aesar best) yet he loves "ntony:
Ho. hearts, tongues, figures, scribes, bards,
poets, cannot
Think, speak, cast, write, sing, number, ho.
His love to "ntony# 5ut as for +aesar,
3neel down, kneel down, and wonder#
A,RIPPA
5oth he loves#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
They are his shards, and he their beetle#
Tru%1ets !ithin
7o)
This is to horse# "dieu, noble "grippa#
A,RIPPA
'ood fortune, worthy soldier) and farewell#
Enter OTA/IUS AESAR, MAR( ANTONY, LEPIDUS, and OTA/IA
MARK ANTONY
No further, sir#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
/ou take from me a great part of myself)
se me well in 't# 7ister, prove such a wife
"s my thoughts make thee, and as my farthest band
7hall pass on thy approof# Most noble "ntony,
$et not the piece of virtue, which is set
5etwi4t us as the cement of our love,
To keep it builded, be the ram to batter
The fortress of it) for better might we
Have loved without this mean, if on both parts
This be not cherish'd#
MARK ANTONY
Make me not offended
%n your distrust#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
% have said#
MARK ANTONY
/ou shall not find,
Though you be therein curious, the least cause
(or what you seem to fear: so, the gods keep you,
"nd make the hearts of &omans serve your ends.
!e will here part#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
(arewell, my dearest sister, fare thee well:
The elements be kind to thee, and make
Thy spirits all of comfort. fare thee well#
OCTA)IA
My noble brother.
MARK ANTONY
The "pril 's in her eyes: it is love's spring,
"nd these the showers to bring it on# 5e cheerful#
OCTA)IA
7ir, look well to my husband's house) and**
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
!hat, Octavia0
OCTA)IA
%'ll tell you in your ear#
MARK ANTONY
Her tongue will not obey her heart, nor can
Her heart inform her tongue,**the swan's
down*feather,
That stands upon the swell at full of tide,
"nd neither way inclines#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
<"side to "'&%--"= !ill +aesar weep0
A,RIPPA
<"side to ,OM%T%7 1NO5"&57= He has a cloud in 's face#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
<"side to "'&%--"= He were the worse for that,
were he a horse)
7o is he, being a man#
A,RIPPA
<"side to ,OM%T%7 1NO5"&57= !hy, 1nobarbus,
!hen "ntony found 9ulius +aesar dead,
He cried almost to roaring) and he wept
!hen at -hilippi he found 5rutus slain#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
<"side to "'&%--"= That year, indeed, he was
troubled with a rheum)
!hat willingly he did confound he wail'd,
5elieve't, till % wept too#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
No, sweet Octavia,
/ou shall hear from me still) the time shall not
Out*go my thinking on you#
MARK ANTONY
+ome, sir, come)
%'ll wrestle with you in my strength of love:
$ook, here % have you) thus % let you go,
"nd give you to the gods#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
"dieu) be happy.
LEPI!"S
$et all the number of the stars give light
To thy fair way.
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
(arewell, fa rewell.
(isses OTA/IA
MARK ANTONY
(arewell.
Tru%1ets sound. E'eunt
SCENE III. Alexandria. CLEOPATRA's palace.
Enter LEOPATRA, HARMIAN, IRAS, and ALE)AS
CLEOPATRA
!here is the fellow0
ALE$AS
Half afeard to come#
CLEOPATRA
'o to, go to#
Enter the Messen$er as &e#ore
+ome hither, sir#
ALE$AS
'ood ma:esty,
Herod of 9ewry dare not look upon you
5ut when you are well pleased#
CLEOPATRA
That Herod's head
%'ll have: but how, when "ntony is gone
Through whom % might command it0 +ome thou near#
Messen'er
Most gracious ma:esty,**
CLEOPATRA
,idst thou behold Octavia0
Messen'er
"y, dread 2ueen#
CLEOPATRA
!here0
Messen'er
Madam, in &ome)
% look'd her in the face, and saw her led
5etween her brother and Mark "ntony#
CLEOPATRA
%s she as tall as me0
Messen'er
7he is not, madam#
CLEOPATRA
,idst hear her speak0 is she shrill*tongued or low0
Messen'er
Madam, % heard her speak) she is low*voiced#
CLEOPATRA
That's not so good: he cannot like her long#
CHARMIAN
$ike her. O %sis. 'tis impossible#
CLEOPATRA
% think so, +harmian: dull of tongue, and dwarfish.
!hat ma:esty is in her gait0 &emember,
%f e'er thou look'dst on ma:esty#
Messen'er
7he creeps:
Her motion and her station are as one)
7he shows a body rather than a life,
" statue than a breather#
CLEOPATRA
%s this certain0
Messen'er
Or % have no observance#
CHARMIAN
Three in 1gypt
+annot make better note#
CLEOPATRA
He's very knowing)
% do perceive't: there's nothing in her yet:
The fellow has good :udgment#
CHARMIAN
14cellent#
CLEOPATRA
'uess at her years, % prithee#
Messen'er
Madam,
7he was a widow,**
CLEOPATRA
!idow. +harmian, hark#
Messen'er
"nd % do think she's thirty#
CLEOPATRA
5ear'st thou her face in mind0 is't long or round0
Messen'er
&ound even to faultiness#
CLEOPATRA
(or the most part, too, they are foolish that are so#
Her hair, what colour0
Messen'er
5rown, madam: and her forehead
"s low as she would wish it#
CLEOPATRA
There's gold for thee#
Thou must not take my former sharpness ill:
% will employ thee back again) % find thee
Most fit for business: go make thee ready)
Our letters are prepared#
E'it Messen$er
CHARMIAN
" proper man#
CLEOPATRA
%ndeed, he is so: % repent me much
That so % harried him# !hy, methinks, by him,
This creature's no such thing#
CHARMIAN
Nothing, madam#
CLEOPATRA
The man hath seen some ma:esty, and should know#
CHARMIAN
Hath he seen ma:esty0 %sis else defend,
"nd serving you so long.
CLEOPATRA
% have one thing more to ask him yet, good +harmian:
5ut 'tis no matter) thou shalt bring him to me
!here % will write# "ll may be well enough#
CHARMIAN
% warrant you, madam#
E'eunt
SCENE I). A#ens. A room in MARK ANTONY's #o*se.
Enter MAR( ANTONY and OTA/IA
MARK ANTONY
Nay, nay, Octavia, not only that,**
That were e4cusable, that, and thousands more
Of semblable import,**but he hath waged
New wars 'gainst -ompey) made his will, and read it
To public ear:
7poke scantly of me: when perforce he could not
5ut pay me terms of honour, cold and sickly
He vented them) most narrow measure lent me:
!hen the best hint was given him, he not took't,
Or did it from his teeth#
OCTA)IA
O my good lord,
5elieve not all) or, if you must believe,
7tomach not all# " more unhappy lady,
%f this division chance, ne'er stood between,
-raying for both parts:
The good gods me presently,
!hen % shall pray, 'O bless my lord and husband.'
ndo that prayer, by crying out as loud,
'O, bless my brother.' Husband win, win brother,
-rays, and destroys the prayer) no midway
'Twi4t these e4tremes at all#
MARK ANTONY
'entle Octavia,
$et your best love draw to that point, which seeks
5est to preserve it: if % lose mine honour,
% lose myself: better % were not yours
Than yours so branchless# 5ut, as you re2uested,
/ourself shall go between 's: the mean time, lady,
%'ll raise the preparation of a war
7hall stain your brother: make your soonest haste)
7o your desires are yours#
OCTA)IA
Thanks to my lord#
The 9ove of power make me most weak, most weak,
/our reconciler. !ars 'twi4t you twain would be
"s if the world should cleave, and that slain men
7hould solder up the rift#
MARK ANTONY
!hen it appears to you where this begins,
Turn your displeasure that way: for our faults
+an never be so e2ual, that your love
+an e2ually move with them# -rovide your going)
+hoose your own company, and command what cost
/our heart has mind to#
E'eunt
SCENE ). T#e same. Ano#er room.
Enter DOMITIUS ENO+AR+US and EROS, %eetin$
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
How now, friend 1ros.
EROS
There's strange news come, sir#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
!hat, man0
EROS
+aesar and $epidus have made wars upon -ompey#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
This is old: what is the success0
EROS
+aesar, having made use of him in the wars 'gainst
-ompey, presently denied him rivality) would not let
him partake in the glory of the action: and not
resting here, accuses him of letters he had formerly
wrote to -ompey) upon his own appeal, sei6es him: so
the poor third is up, till death enlarge his confine#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
Then, world, thou hast a pair of chaps, no more)
"nd throw between them all the food thou hast,
They'll grind the one the other# !here's "ntony0
EROS
He's walking in the garden**thus) and spurns
The rush that lies before him) cries, '(ool $epidus.'
"nd threats the throat of that his officer
That murder'd -ompey#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
Our great navy's rigg'd#
EROS
(or %taly and +aesar# More, ,omitius)
My lord desires you presently: my news
% might have told hereafter#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
'Twill be naught:
5ut let it be# 5ring me to "ntony#
EROS
+ome, sir#
E'eunt
SCENE )I. Rome. OCTA)I"S CAESAR's #o*se.
Enter OTA/IUS AESAR, A,RIPPA, and MEAENAS
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
+ontemning &ome, he has done all this, and more,
%n "le4andria: here's the manner of 't:
%' the market*place, on a tribunal silver'd,
+leopatra and himself in chairs of gold
!ere publicly enthroned: at the feet sat
+aesarion, whom they call my father's son,
"nd all the unlawful issue that their lust
7ince then hath made between them# nto her
He gave the stablishment of 1gypt) made her
Of lower 7yria, +yprus, $ydia,
"bsolute 2ueen#
MECAENAS
This in the public eye0
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
%' the common show*place, where they e4ercise#
His sons he there proclaim'd the kings of kings:
'reat Media, -arthia, and "rmenia#
He gave to "le4ander) to -tolemy he assign'd
7yria, +ilicia, and -hoenicia: she
%n the habiliments of the goddess %sis
That day appear'd) and oft before gave audience,
"s 'tis reported, so#
MECAENAS
$et &ome be thus %nform'd#
A,RIPPA
!ho, 2ueasy with his insolence
"lready, will their good thoughts call from him#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
The people know it) and have now received
His accusations#
A,RIPPA
!ho does he accuse0
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
+aesar: and that, having in 7icily
7e4tus -ompeius spoil'd, we had not rated him
His part o' the isle: then does he say, he lent me
7ome shipping unrestored: lastly, he frets
That $epidus of the triumvirate
7hould be deposed) and, being, that we detain
"ll his revenue#
A,RIPPA
7ir, this should be answer'd#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
'Tis done already, and the messenger gone#
% have told him, $epidus was grown too cruel)
That he his high authority abused,
"nd did deserve his change: for what % have con2uer'd,
% grant him part) but then, in his "rmenia,
"nd other of his con2uer'd kingdoms, %
,emand the like#
MECAENAS
He'll never yield to that#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
Nor must not then be yielded to in this#
Enter OTA/IA !ith her train
OCTA)IA
Hail, +aesar, and my lord. hail, most dear +aesar.
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
That ever % should call thee castaway.
OCTA)IA
/ou have not call'd me so, nor have you cause#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
!hy have you stol'n upon us thus. /ou come not
$ike +aesar's sister: the wife of "ntony
7hould have an army for an usher, and
The neighs of horse to tell of her approach
$ong ere she did appear) the trees by the way
7hould have borne men) and e4pectation fainted,
$onging for what it had not) nay, the dust
7hould have ascended to the roof of heaven,
&aised by your populous troops: but you are come
" market*maid to &ome) and have prevented
The ostentation of our love, which, left unshown,
%s often left unloved) we should have met you
5y sea and land) supplying every stage
!ith an augmented greeting#
OCTA)IA
'ood my lord,
To come thus was % not constrain'd, but did
On my free will# My lord, Mark "ntony,
Hearing that you prepared for war, ac2uainted
My grieved ear withal) whereon, % begg'd
His pardon for return#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
!hich soon he granted,
5eing an obstruct 'tween his lust and him#
OCTA)IA
,o not say so, my lord#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
% have eyes upon him,
"nd his affairs come to me on the wind#
!here is he now0
OCTA)IA
My lord, in "thens#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
No, my most wronged sister) +leopatra
Hath nodded him to her# He hath given his empire
p to a whore) who now are levying
The kings o' the earth for war) he hath assembled
5occhus, the king of $ibya) "rchelaus,
Of +appadocia) -hiladelphos, king
Of -aphlagonia) the Thracian king, "dallas)
3ing Malchus of "rabia) 3ing of -ont)
Herod of 9ewry) Mithridates, king
Of +omagene) -olemon and "myntas,
The kings of Mede and $ycaonia,
!ith a more larger list of sceptres#
OCTA)IA
"y me, most wretched,
That have my heart parted betwi4t two friends
That do afflict each other.
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
!elcome hither:
/our letters did withhold our breaking forth)
Till we perceived, both how you were wrong led,
"nd we in negligent danger# +heer your heart)
5e you not troubled with the time, which drives
O'er your content these strong necessities)
5ut let determined things to destiny
Hold unbewail'd their way# !elcome to &ome)
Nothing more dear to me# /ou are abused
5eyond the mark of thought: and the high gods,
To do you :ustice, make them ministers
Of us and those that love you# 5est of comfort)
"nd ever welcome to us#
A,RIPPA
!elcome, lady#
MECAENAS
!elcome, dear madam#
1ach heart in &ome does love and pity you:
Only the adulterous "ntony, most large
%n his abominations, turns you off)
"nd gives his potent regiment to a trull,
That noises it against us#
OCTA)IA
%s it so, sir0
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
Most certain# 7ister, welcome: pray you,
5e ever known to patience: my dear'st sister.
E'eunt
SCENE )II. Near Aci*m. MARK ANTONY's camp.
Enter LEOPATRA and DOMITIUS ENO+AR+US
CLEOPATRA
% will be even with thee, doubt it not#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
5ut why, why, why0
CLEOPATRA
Thou hast forspoke my being in these wars,
"nd say'st it is not fit#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
!ell, is it, is it0
CLEOPATRA
%f not denounced against us, why should not we
5e there in person0
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
<"side= !ell, % could reply:
%f we should serve with horse and mares together,
The horse were merely lost) the mares would bear
" soldier and his horse#
CLEOPATRA
!hat is't you say0
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
/our presence needs must pu66le "ntony)
Take from his heart, take from his brain,
from's time,
!hat should not then be spared# He is already
Traduced for levity) and 'tis said in &ome
That -hotinus an eunuch and your maids
Manage this war#
CLEOPATRA
7ink &ome, and their tongues rot
That speak against us. " charge we bear i' the war,
"nd, as the president of my kingdom, will
"ppear there for a man# 7peak not against it:
% will not stay behind#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
Nay, % have done#
Here comes the emperor#
Enter MAR( ANTONY and ANIDIUS
MARK ANTONY
%s it not strange, +anidius,
That from Tarentum and 5rundusium
He could so 2uickly cut the %onian sea,
"nd take in Toryne0 /ou have heard on't, sweet0
CLEOPATRA
+elerity is never more admired
Than by the negligent#
MARK ANTONY
" good rebuke,
!hich might have well becomed the best of men,
To taunt at slackness# +anidius, we
!ill fight with him by sea#
CLEOPATRA
5y sea. what else0
CANI!I"S
!hy will my lord do so0
MARK ANTONY
(or that he dares us to't#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
7o hath my lord dared him to single fight#
CANI!I"S
"y, and to wage this battle at -harsalia#
!here +aesar fought with -ompey: but these offers,
!hich serve not for his vantage, be shakes off)
"nd so should you#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
/our ships are not well mann'd)
/our mariners are muleters, reapers, people
%ngross'd by swift impress) in +aesar's fleet
"re those that often have 'gainst -ompey fought:
Their ships are yare) yours, heavy: no disgrace
7hall fall you for refusing him at sea,
5eing prepared for land#
MARK ANTONY
5y sea, by sea#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
Most worthy sir, you therein throw away
The absolute soldiership you have by land)
,istract your army, which doth most consist
Of war*mark'd footmen) leave une4ecuted
/our own renowned knowledge) 2uite forego
The way which promises assurance) and
'ive up yourself merely to chance and ha6ard,
(rom firm security#
MARK ANTONY
%'ll fight at sea#
CLEOPATRA
% have si4ty sails, +aesar none better#
MARK ANTONY
Our overplus of shipping will we burn)
"nd, with the rest full*mann'd, from the head of "ctium
5eat the approaching +aesar# 5ut if we fail,
!e then can do't at land#
Enter a Messen$er
Thy business0
Messen'er
The news is true, my lord) he is descried)
+aesar has taken Toryne#
MARK ANTONY
+an he be there in person0 'tis impossible)
7trange that power should be# +anidius,
Our nineteen legions thou shalt hold by land,
"nd our twelve thousand horse# !e'll to our ship:
"way, my Thetis.
Enter a Soldier
How now, worthy soldier0
Soldier
O noble emperor, do not fight by sea)
Trust not to rotten planks: do you misdoubt
This sword and these my wounds0 $et the 1gyptians
"nd the -hoenicians go a*ducking) we
Have used to con2uer, standing on the earth,
"nd fighting foot to foot#
MARK ANTONY
!ell, well: away.
E'eunt MAR( ANTONY, 5UEEN LEOPATRA, and DOMITIUS ENO+AR+US
Soldier
5y Hercules, % think % am i' the right#
CANI!I"S
7oldier, thou art: but his whole action grows
Not in the power on't: so our leader's led,
"nd we are women's men#
Soldier
/ou keep by land
The legions and the horse whole, do you not0
CANI!I"S
Marcus Octavius, Marcus 9usteius,
-ublicola, and +aelius, are for sea:
5ut we keep whole by land# This speed of +aesar's
+arries beyond belief#
Soldier
!hile he was yet in &ome,
His power went out in such distractions as
5eguiled all spies#
CANI!I"S
!ho's his lieutenant, hear you0
Soldier
They say, one Taurus#
CANI!I"S
!ell % know the man#
Enter a Messen$er
Messen'er
The emperor calls +anidius#
CANI!I"S
!ith news the time's with labour, and throes forth,
1ach minute, some#
E'eunt
SCENE )III. A plain near Aci*m.
Enter OTA/IUS AESAR, and TAURUS, !ith his ar%*, %ar"hin$
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
Taurus.
TA"R"S
My lord0
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
7trike not by land) keep whole: provoke not battle,
Till we have done at sea# ,o not e4ceed
The prescript of this scroll: our fortune lies
pon this :ump#
E'eunt
SCENE I$. Ano#er par o+ #e plain.
Enter MAR( ANTONY and DOMITIUS ENO+AR+US
MARK ANTONY
7et we our s2uadrons on yond side o' the hill,
%n eye of +aesar's battle) from which place
!e may the number of the ships behold,
"nd so proceed accordingly#
E'eunt
SCENE $. Ano#er par o+ #e plain.
ANIDIUS %ar"heth !ith his land ar%* one !a* o-er the sta$e4 and TAURUS, the
lieutenant o# OTA/IUS AESAR, the other !a*. A#ter their $oin$ in, is heard the noise
o# a sea.#i$ht
Alaru%. Enter DOMITIUS ENO+AR+US
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
Naught, naught all, naught. % can behold no longer:
The "ntoniad, the 1gyptian admiral,
!ith all their si4ty, fly and turn the rudder:
To see't mine eyes are blasted#
Enter SARUS
SCAR"S
'ods and goddesses,
"ll the whole synod of them.
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
!hat's thy passion.
SCAR"S
The greater cantle of the world is lost
!ith very ignorance) we have kiss'd away
3ingdoms and provinces#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
How appears the fight0
SCAR"S
On our side like the token'd pestilence,
!here death is sure# /on ribaudred nag of 1gypt,**
!hom leprosy o'ertake.**i' the midst o' the fight,
!hen vantage like a pair of twins appear'd,
5oth as the same, or rather ours the elder,
The breese upon her, like a cow in 9une,
Hoists sails and flies#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
That % beheld:
Mine eyes did sicken at the sight, and could not
1ndure a further view#
SCAR"S
7he once being loof'd,
The noble ruin of her magic, "ntony,
+laps on his sea*wing, and, like a doting mallard,
$eaving the fight in height, flies after her:
% never saw an action of such shame)
14perience, manhood, honour, ne'er before
,id violate so itself#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
"lack, alack.
Enter ANIDIUS
CANI!I"S
Our fortune on the sea is out of breath,
"nd sinks most lamentably# Had our general
5een what he knew himself, it had gone well:
O, he has given e4ample for our flight,
Most grossly, by his own.
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
"y, are you thereabouts0
!hy, then, good night indeed#
CANI!I"S
Toward -eloponnesus are they fled#
SCAR"S
'Tis easy to't) and there % will attend
!hat further comes#
CANI!I"S
To +aesar will % render
My legions and my horse: si4 kings already
7how me the way of yielding#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
%'ll yet follow
The wounded chance of "ntony, though my reason
7its in the wind against me#
E'eunt
SCENE $I. Alexandria. CLEOPATRA's palace.
Enter MAR( ANTONY !ith Attendants
MARK ANTONY
Hark. the land bids me tread no more upon't)
%t is ashamed to bear me. (riends, come hither:
% am so lated in the world, that %
Have lost my way for ever: % have a ship
$aden with gold) take that, divide it) fly,
"nd make your peace with +aesar#
All
(ly. not we#
MARK ANTONY
% have fled myself) and have instructed cowards
To run and show their shoulders# (riends, be gone)
% have myself resolved upon a course
!hich has no need of you) be gone:
My treasure's in the harbour, take it# O,
% follow'd that % blush to look upon:
My very hairs do mutiny) for the white
&eprove the brown for rashness, and they them
(or fear and doting# (riends, be gone: you shall
Have letters from me to some friends that will
7weep your way for you# -ray you, look not sad,
Nor make replies of loathness: take the hint
!hich my despair proclaims) let that be left
!hich leaves itself: to the sea*side straightway:
% will possess you of that ship and treasure#
$eave me, % pray, a little: pray you now:
Nay, do so) for, indeed, % have lost command,
Therefore % pray you: %'ll see you by and by#
Sits do!n
Enter LEOPATRA led &* HARMIAN and IRAS4 EROS #ollo!in$
EROS
Nay, gentle madam, to him, comfort him#
IRAS
,o, most dear 2ueen#
CHARMIAN
,o. why: what else0
CLEOPATRA
$et me sit down# O 9uno.
MARK ANTONY
No, no, no, no, no#
EROS
7ee you here, sir0
MARK ANTONY
O fie, fie, fie.
CHARMIAN
Madam.
IRAS
Madam, O good empress.
EROS
7ir, sir,**
MARK ANTONY
/es, my lord, yes) he at -hilippi kept
His sword e'en like a dancer) while % struck
The lean and wrinkled +assius) and 'twas %
That the mad 5rutus ended: he alone
,ealt on lieutenantry, and no practise had
%n the brave s2uares of war: yet now**No matter#
CLEOPATRA
"h, stand by#
EROS
The 2ueen, my lord, the 2ueen#
IRAS
'o to him, madam, speak to him:
He is un2ualitied with very shame#
CLEOPATRA
!ell then, sustain him: O.
EROS
Most noble sir, arise) the 2ueen approaches:
Her head's declined, and death will sei6e her, but
/our comfort makes the rescue#
MARK ANTONY
% have offended reputation,
" most unnoble swerving#
EROS
7ir, the 2ueen#
MARK ANTONY
O, whither hast thou led me, 1gypt0 7ee,
How % convey my shame out of thine eyes
5y looking back what % have left behind
'7troy'd in dishonour#
CLEOPATRA
O my lord, my lord,
(orgive my fearful sails. % little thought
/ou would have follow'd#
MARK ANTONY
1gypt, thou knew'st too well
My heart was to thy rudder tied by the strings,
"nd thou shouldst tow me after: o'er my spirit
Thy full supremacy thou knew'st, and that
Thy beck might from the bidding of the gods
+ommand me#
CLEOPATRA
O, my pardon.
MARK ANTONY
Now % must
To the young man send humble treaties, dodge
"nd palter in the shifts of lowness) who
!ith half the bulk o' the world play'd as % pleased,
Making and marring fortunes# /ou did know
How much you were my con2ueror) and that
My sword, made weak by my affection, would
Obey it on all cause#
CLEOPATRA
-ardon, pardon.
MARK ANTONY
(all not a tear, % say) one of them rates
"ll that is won and lost: give me a kiss)
1ven this repays me# !e sent our schoolmaster)
%s he come back0 $ove, % am full of lead#
7ome wine, within there, and our viands. (ortune knows
!e scorn her most when most she offers blows#
E'eunt
SCENE $II. E'%p. OCTA)I"S CAESAR's camp.
Enter OTA/IUS AESAR, DOLA+ELLA, THYREUS, !ith others
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
$et him appear that's come from "ntony#
3now you him0
!OLA&ELLA
+aesar, 'tis his schoolmaster:
"n argument that he is pluck'd, when hither
He sends so poor a pinion off his wing,
!hich had superfluous kings for messengers
Not many moons gone by#
Enter EUPHRONIUS, a%&assador #ro% MAR( ANTONY
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
"pproach, and speak#
E"PHRONI"S
7uch as % am, % come from "ntony:
% was of late as petty to his ends
"s is the morn*dew on the myrtle*leaf
To his grand sea#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
5e't so: declare thine office#
E"PHRONI"S
$ord of his fortunes he salutes thee, and
&e2uires to live in 1gypt: which not granted,
He lessens his re2uests) and to thee sues
To let him breathe between the heavens and earth,
" private man in "thens: this for him#
Ne4t, +leopatra does confess thy greatness)
7ubmits her to thy might) and of thee craves
The circle of the -tolemies for her heirs,
Now ha6arded to thy grace#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
(or "ntony,
% have no ears to his re2uest# The 2ueen
Of audience nor desire shall fail, so she
(rom 1gypt drive her all*disgraced friend,
Or take his life there: this if she perform,
7he shall not sue unheard# 7o to them both#
E"PHRONI"S
(ortune pursue thee.
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
5ring him through the bands#
E'it EUPHRONIUS
To THYREUS
(rom "ntony win +leopatra: promise,
"nd in our name, what she re2uires) add more,
(rom thine invention, offers: women are not
%n their best fortunes strong) but want will per:ure
The ne'er touch'd vestal: try thy cunning, Thyreus)
Make thine own edict for thy pains, which we
!ill answer as a law#
THYRE"S
+aesar, % go#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
Observe how "ntony becomes his flaw,
"nd what thou think'st his very action speaks
%n every power that moves#
THYRE"S
+aesar, % shall#
E'eunt
SCENE $III. Alexandria. CLEOPATRA's palace.
Enter LEOPATRA, DOMITIUS ENO+AR+US, HARMIAN, and IRAS
CLEOPATRA
!hat shall we do, 1nobarbus0
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
Think, and die#
CLEOPATRA
%s "ntony or we in fault for this0
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
"ntony only, that would make his will
$ord of his reason# !hat though you fled
(rom that great face of war, whose several ranges
(righted each other0 why should he follow0
The itch of his affection should not then
Have nick'd his captainship) at such a point,
!hen half to half the world opposed, he being
The meered 2uestion: 'twas a shame no less
Than was his loss, to course your flying flags,
"nd leave his navy ga6ing#
CLEOPATRA
-rithee, peace#
Enter MAR( ANTONY !ith EUPHRONIUS, the A%&assador
MARK ANTONY
%s that his answer0
E"PHRONI"S
"y, my lord#
MARK ANTONY
The 2ueen shall then have courtesy, so she
!ill yield us up#
E"PHRONI"S
He says so#
MARK ANTONY
$et her know't#
To the boy +aesar send this gri66led head,
"nd he will fill thy wishes to the brim
!ith principalities#
CLEOPATRA
That head, my lord0
MARK ANTONY
To him again: tell him he wears the rose
Of youth upon him) from which the world should note
7omething particular: his coin, ships, legions,
May be a coward's) whose ministers would prevail
nder the service of a child as soon
"s i' the command of +aesar: % dare him therefore
To lay his gay comparisons apart,
"nd answer me declined, sword against sword,
Ourselves alone# %'ll write it: follow me#
E'eunt MAR( ANTONY and EUPHRONIUS
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
<"side= /es, like enough, high*battled +aesar will
nstate his happiness, and be staged to the show,
"gainst a sworder. % see men's :udgments are
" parcel of their fortunes) and things outward
,o draw the inward 2uality after them,
To suffer all alike# That he should dream,
3nowing all measures, the full +aesar will
"nswer his emptiness. +aesar, thou hast subdued
His :udgment too#
Enter an Attendant
Aendan
" messenger from +"17"&#
CLEOPATRA
!hat, no more ceremony0 7ee, my women.
"gainst the blown rose may they stop their nose
That kneel'd unto the buds# "dmit him, sir#
E'it Attendant
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
<"side= Mine honesty and % begin to s2uare#
The loyalty well held to fools does make
Our faith mere folly: yet he that can endure
To follow with allegiance a fall'n lord
,oes con2uer him that did his master con2uer
"nd earns a place i' the story#
Enter THYREUS
CLEOPATRA
+aesar's will0
THYRE"S
Hear it apart#
CLEOPATRA
None but friends: say boldly#
THYRE"S
7o, haply, are they friends to "ntony#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
He needs as many, sir, as +aesar has)
Or needs not us# %f +aesar please, our master
!ill leap to be his friend: for us, you know,
!hose he is we are, and that is, +aesar's#
THYRE"S
7o#
Thus then, thou most renown'd: +aesar entreats,
Not to consider in what case thou stand'st,
(urther than he is +aesar#
CLEOPATRA
'o on: right royal#
THYRE"S
He knows that you embrace not "ntony
"s you did love, but as you fear'd him#
CLEOPATRA
O.
THYRE"S
The scars upon your honour, therefore, he
,oes pity, as constrained blemishes,
Not as deserved#
CLEOPATRA
He is a god, and knows
!hat is most right: mine honour was not yielded,
5ut con2uer'd merely#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
<"side= To be sure of that,
% will ask "ntony# 7ir, sir, thou art so leaky,
That we must leave thee to thy sinking, for
Thy dearest 2uit thee#
E'it
THYRE"S
7hall % say to +aesar
!hat you re2uire of him0 for he partly begs
To be desired to give# %t much would please him,
That of his fortunes you should make a staff
To lean upon: but it would warm his spirits,
To hear from me you had left "ntony,
"nd put yourself under his shrowd,
The universal landlord#
CLEOPATRA
!hat's your name0
THYRE"S
My name is Thyreus#
CLEOPATRA
Most kind messenger,
7ay to great +aesar this: in deputation
% kiss his con2uering hand: tell him, % am prompt
To lay my crown at 's feet, and there to kneel:
Tell him from his all*obeying breath % hear
The doom of 1gypt#
THYRE"S
'Tis your noblest course#
!isdom and fortune combating together,
%f that the former dare but what it can,
No chance may shake it# 'ive me grace to lay
My duty on your hand#
CLEOPATRA
/our +aesar's father oft,
!hen he hath mused of taking kingdoms in,
5estow'd his lips on that unworthy place,
"s it rain'd kisses#
Re.enter MAR( ANTONY and DOMITIUS ENO+AR+US
MARK ANTONY
(avours, by 9ove that thunders.
!hat art thou, fellow0
THYRE"S
One that but performs
The bidding of the fullest man, and worthiest
To have command obey'd#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
<"side= /ou will be whipp'd#
MARK ANTONY
"pproach, there. "h, you kite. Now, gods
and devils.
"uthority melts from me: of late, when % cried 'Ho.'
$ike boys unto a muss, kings would start forth,
"nd cry '/our will0' Have you no ears0 % am
"ntony yet#
Enter Attendants
Take hence this 9ack, and whip him#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
<"side= 'Tis better playing with a lion's whelp
Than with an old one dying#
MARK ANTONY
Moon and stars.
!hip him# !ere't twenty of the greatest tributaries
That do acknowledge +aesar, should % find them
7o saucy with the hand of she here,**what's her name,
7ince she was +leopatra0 !hip him, fellows,
Till, like a boy, you see him cringe his face,
"nd whine aloud for mercy: take him hence#
THYRE"S
Mark "ntony.
MARK ANTONY
Tug him away: being whipp'd,
5ring him again: this 9ack of +aesar's shall
5ear us an errand to him#
E'eunt Attendants !ith THYREUS
/ou were half blasted ere % knew you: ha.
Have % my pillow left unpress'd in &ome,
(orborne the getting of a lawful race,
"nd by a gem of women, to be abused
5y one that looks on feeders0
CLEOPATRA
'ood my lord,**
MARK ANTONY
/ou have been a boggler ever:
5ut when we in our viciousness grow hard**
O misery on't.**the wise gods seel our eyes)
%n our own filth drop our clear :udgments) make us
"dore our errors) laugh at's, while we strut
To our confusion#
CLEOPATRA
O, is't come to this0
MARK ANTONY
% found you as a morsel cold upon
,ead +aesar's trencher) nay, you were a fragment
Of +neius -ompey's) besides what hotter hours,
nregister'd in vulgar fame, you have
$u4uriously pick'd out: for, % am sure,
Though you can guess what temperance should be,
/ou know not what it is#
CLEOPATRA
!herefore is this0
MARK ANTONY
To let a fellow that will take rewards
"nd say ''od 2uit you.' be familiar with
My playfellow, your hand) this kingly seal
"nd plighter of high hearts. O, that % were
pon the hill of 5asan, to outroar
The horned herd. for % have savage cause)
"nd to proclaim it civilly, were like
" halter'd neck which does the hangman thank
(or being yare about him#
Re.enter Attendants !ith THYREUS
%s he whipp'd0
(irs Aendan
7oundly, my lord#
MARK ANTONY
+ried he0 and begg'd a' pardon0
(irs Aendan
He did ask favour#
MARK ANTONY
%f that thy father live, let him repent
Thou wast not made his daughter) and be thou sorry
To follow +aesar in his triumph, since
Thou hast been whipp'd for following him: henceforth
The white hand of a lady fever thee,
7hake thou to look on 't# 'et thee back to +aesar,
Tell him thy entertainment: look, thou say
He makes me angry with him) for he seems
-roud and disdainful, harping on what % am,
Not what he knew % was: he makes me angry)
"nd at this time most easy 'tis to do't,
!hen my good stars, that were my former guides,
Have empty left their orbs, and shot their fires
%nto the abysm of hell# %f he mislike
My speech and what is done, tell him he has
Hipparchus, my enfranched bondman, whom
He may at pleasure whip, or hang, or torture,
"s he shall like, to 2uit me: urge it thou:
Hence with thy stripes, begone.
E'it THYREUS
CLEOPATRA
Have you done yet0
MARK ANTONY
"lack, our terrene moon
%s now eclipsed) and it portends alone
The fall of "ntony.
CLEOPATRA
% must stay his time#
MARK ANTONY
To flatter +aesar, would you mingle eyes
!ith one that ties his points0
CLEOPATRA
Not know me yet0
MARK ANTONY
+old*hearted toward me0
CLEOPATRA
"h, dear, if % be so,
(rom my cold heart let heaven engender hail,
"nd poison it in the source) and the first stone
,rop in my neck: as it determines, so
,issolve my life. The ne4t +aesarion smite.
Till by degrees the memory of my womb,
Together with my brave 1gyptians all,
5y the discandying of this pelleted storm,
$ie graveless, till the flies and gnats of Nile
Have buried them for prey.
MARK ANTONY
% am satisfied#
+aesar sits down in "le4andria) where
% will oppose his fate# Our force by land
Hath nobly held) our sever'd navy too
Have knit again, and fleet, threatening most sea*like#
!here hast thou been, my heart0 ,ost thou hear, lady0
%f from the field % shall return once more
To kiss these lips, % will appear in blood)
% and my sword will earn our chronicle:
There's hope in't yet#
CLEOPATRA
That's my brave lord.
MARK ANTONY
% will be treble*sinew'd, hearted, breathed,
"nd fight maliciously: for when mine hours
!ere nice and lucky, men did ransom lives
Of me for :ests) but now %'ll set my teeth,
"nd send to darkness all that stop me# +ome,
$et's have one other gaudy night: call to me
"ll my sad captains) fill our bowls once more)
$et's mock the midnight bell#
CLEOPATRA
%t is my birth*day:
% had thought to have held it poor: but, since my lord
%s "ntony again, % will be +leopatra#
MARK ANTONY
!e will yet do well#
CLEOPATRA
+all all his noble captains to my lord#
MARK ANTONY
,o so, we'll speak to them) and to*night %'ll force
The wine peep through their scars# +ome on, my 2ueen)
There's sap in't yet# The ne4t time % do fight,
%'ll make death love me) for % will contend
1ven with his pestilent scythe#
E'eunt all &ut DOMITIUS ENO+AR+US
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
Now he'll outstare the lightning# To be furious,
%s to be frighted out of fear) and in that mood
The dove will peck the estridge) and % see still,
" diminution in our captain's brain
&estores his heart: when valour preys on reason,
%t eats the sword it fights with# % will seek
7ome way to leave him#
E'it
ACT I)
SCENE I. &e+ore Alexandria. OCTA)I"S CAESAR's camp.
Enter OTA/IUS AESAR, A,RIPPA, and MEAENAS, !ith his Ar%*4 OTA/IUS
AESAR readin$ a letter
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
He calls me boy) and chides, as he had power
To beat me out of 1gypt) my messenger
He hath whipp'd with rods) dares me to personal combat,
+aesar to "ntony: let the old ruffian know
% have many other ways to die) meantime
$augh at his challenge#
MECAENAS
+aesar must think,
!hen one so great begins to rage, he's hunted
1ven to falling# 'ive him no breath, but now
Make boot of his distraction: never anger
Made good guard for itself#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
$et our best heads
3now, that to*morrow the last of many battles
!e mean to fight: within our files there are,
Of those that served Mark "ntony but late,
1nough to fetch him in# 7ee it done:
"nd feast the army) we have store to do't,
"nd they have earn'd the waste# -oor "ntony.
E'eunt
SCENE II. Alexandria. CLEOPATRA's palace.
Enter MAR( ANTONY, LEOPATRA, DOMITIUS ENO+AR+US, HARMIAN, IRAS,
ALE)AS, !ith others
MARK ANTONY
He will not fight with me, ,omitius#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
No#
MARK ANTONY
!hy should he not0
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
He thinks, being twenty times of better fortune,
He is twenty men to one#
MARK ANTONY
To*morrow, soldier,
5y sea and land %'ll fight: or % will live,
Or bathe my dying honour in the blood
7hall make it live again# !oo't thou fight well0
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
%'ll strike, and cry 'Take all#'
MARK ANTONY
!ell said) come on#
+all forth my household servants: let's to*night
5e bounteous at our meal#
Enter three or #our Ser-itors
'ive me thy hand,
Thou hast been rightly honest)**so hast thou)**
Thou,**and thou,**and thou:**you have served me well,
"nd kings have been your fellows#
CLEOPATRA
<"side to ,OM%T%7 1NO5"&57= !hat means this0
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
<"side to +$1O-"T&"= 'Tis one of those odd
tricks which sorrow shoots
Out of the mind#
MARK ANTONY
"nd thou art honest too#
% wish % could be made so many men,
"nd all of you clapp'd up together in
"n "ntony, that % might do you service
7o good as you have done#
All
The gods forbid.
MARK ANTONY
!ell, my good fellows, wait on me to*night:
7cant not my cups) and make as much of me
"s when mine empire was your fellow too,
"nd suffer'd my command#
CLEOPATRA
<"side to ,OM%T%7 1NO5"&57= !hat does he mean0
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
<"side to +$1O-"T&"= To make his followers weep#
MARK ANTONY
Tend me to*night)
May be it is the period of your duty:
Haply you shall not see me more) or if,
" mangled shadow: perchance to*morrow
/ou'll serve another master# % look on you
"s one that takes his leave# Mine honest friends,
% turn you not away) but, like a master
Married to your good service, stay till death:
Tend me to*night two hours, % ask no more,
"nd the gods yield you for't.
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
!hat mean you, sir,
To give them this discomfort0 $ook, they weep)
"nd %, an ass, am onion*eyed: for shame,
Transform us not to women#
MARK ANTONY
Ho, ho, ho.
Now the witch take me, if % meant it thus.
'race grow where those drops fall.
My hearty friends,
/ou take me in too dolorous a sense)
(or % spake to you for your comfort) did desire you
To burn this night with torches: know, my hearts,
% hope well of to*morrow) and will lead you
!here rather %'ll e4pect victorious life
Than death and honour# $et's to supper, come,
"nd drown consideration#
E'eunt
SCENE III. T#e same. &e+ore #e palace.
Enter t!o Soldiers to their $uard
(irs Soldier
5rother, good night: to*morrow is the day#
Second Soldier
%t will determine one way: fare you well#
Heard you of nothing strange about the streets0
(irs Soldier
Nothing# !hat news0
Second Soldier
5elike 'tis but a rumour# 'ood night to you#
(irs Soldier
!ell, sir, good night#
Enter t!o other Soldiers
Second Soldier
7oldiers, have careful watch#
T#ird Soldier
"nd you# 'ood night, good night#
The* 1la"e the%sel-es in e-er* "orner o# the sta$e
(o*r# Soldier
Here we: and if to*morrow
Our navy thrive, % have an absolute hope
Our landmen will stand up#
T#ird Soldier
'Tis a brave army,
"nd full of purpose#
Musi" o# the haut&o*s as under the sta$e
(o*r# Soldier
-eace. what noise0
(irs Soldier
$ist, list.
Second Soldier
Hark.
(irs Soldier
Music i' the air#
T#ird Soldier
nder the earth#
(o*r# Soldier
%t signs well, does it not0
T#ird Soldier
No#
(irs Soldier
-eace, % say.
!hat should this mean0
Second Soldier
'Tis the god Hercules, whom "ntony loved,
Now leaves him#
(irs Soldier
!alk) let's see if other watchmen
,o hear what we do0
The* ad-an"e to another 1ost
Second Soldier
How now, masters.
All
<7peaking together= How now.
How now. do you hear this0
(irs Soldier
"y) is't not strange0
T#ird Soldier
,o you hear, masters0 do you hear0
(irs Soldier
(ollow the noise so far as we have 2uarter)
$et's see how it will give off#
All
+ontent# 'Tis strange#
E'eunt
SCENE I). T#e same. A room in #e palace.
Enter MAR( ANTONY and LEOPATRA, HARMIAN, and others attendin$
MARK ANTONY
1ros. mine armour, 1ros.
CLEOPATRA
7leep a little#
MARK ANTONY
No, my chuck# 1ros, come) mine armour, 1ros.
Enter EROS !ith ar%our
+ome good fellow, put mine iron on:
%f fortune be not ours to*day, it is
5ecause we brave her: come#
CLEOPATRA
Nay, %'ll help too#
!hat's this for0
MARK ANTONY
"h, let be, let be. thou art
The armourer of my heart: false, false) this, this#
CLEOPATRA
7ooth, la, %'ll help: thus it must be#
MARK ANTONY
!ell, well)
!e shall thrive now# 7eest thou, my good fellow0
'o put on thy defences#
EROS
5riefly, sir#
CLEOPATRA
%s not this buckled well0
MARK ANTONY
&arely, rarely:
He that unbuckles this, till we do please
To daff't for our repose, shall hear a storm#
Thou fumblest, 1ros) and my 2ueen's a s2uire
More tight at this than thou: dispatch# O love,
That thou couldst see my wars to*day, and knew'st
The royal occupation. thou shouldst see
" workman in't#
Enter an ar%ed Soldier
'ood morrow to thee) welcome:
Thou look'st like him that knows a warlike charge:
To business that we love we rise betime,
"nd go to't with delight#
Soldier
" thousand, sir,
1arly though't be, have on their riveted trim,
"nd at the port e4pect you#
Shout. Tru%1ets #lourish
Enter a1tains and Soldiers
Capain
The morn is fair# 'ood morrow, general#
All
'ood morrow, general#
MARK ANTONY
'Tis well blown, lads:
This morning, like the spirit of a youth
That means to be of note, begins betimes#
7o, so) come, give me that: this way) well said#
(are thee well, dame, whate'er becomes of me:
This is a soldier's kiss: rebukeable
(isses her
"nd worthy shameful che2ue it were, to stand
On more mechanic compliment) %'ll leave thee
Now, like a man of steel# /ou that will fight,
(ollow me close) %'ll bring you to't# "dieu#
E'eunt MAR( ANTONY, EROS, a1tains, and Soldiers
CHARMIAN
-lease you, retire to your chamber#
CLEOPATRA
$ead me#
He goes forth gallantly# That he and +aesar might
,etermine this great war in single fight.
Then "ntony,**but now**!ell, on#
E'eunt
SCENE ). Alexandria. MARK ANTONY's camp.
Tru%1ets sound. Enter MAR( ANTONY and EROS4 a Soldier %eetin$ the%
Soldier
The gods make this a happy day to "ntony.
MARK ANTONY
!ould thou and those thy scars had once prevail'd
To make me fight at land.
Soldier
Hadst thou done so,
The kings that have revolted, and the soldier
That has this morning left thee, would have still
(ollow'd thy heels#
MARK ANTONY
!ho's gone this morning0
Soldier
!ho.
One ever near thee: call for 1nobarbus,
He shall not hear thee) or from +aesar's camp
7ay '% am none of thine#'
MARK ANTONY
!hat say'st thou0
Soldier
7ir,
He is with +aesar#
EROS
7ir, his chests and treasure
He has not with him#
MARK ANTONY
%s he gone0
Soldier
Most certain#
MARK ANTONY
'o, 1ros, send his treasure after) do it)
,etain no :ot, % charge thee: write to him**
% will subscribe**gentle adieus and greetings)
7ay that % wish he never find more cause
To change a master# O, my fortunes have
+orrupted honest men. ,ispatch#**1nobarbus.
E'eunt
SCENE )I. Alexandria. OCTA)I"S CAESAR's camp.
Flourish. Enter OTA/IUS AESAR, A,RIPPA, !ith DOMITIUS ENO+AR+US, and
others
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
'o forth, "grippa, and begin the fight:
Our will is "ntony be took alive)
Make it so known#
A,RIPPA
+aesar, % shall#
E'it
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
The time of universal peace is near:
-rove this a prosperous day, the three*nook'd world
7hall bear the olive freely#
Enter a Messen$er
Messen'er
"ntony
%s come into the field#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
'o charge "grippa
-lant those that have revolted in the van,
That "ntony may seem to spend his fury
pon himself#
E'eunt all &ut DOMITIUS ENO+AR+US
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
"le4as did revolt) and went to 9ewry on
"ffairs of "ntony) there did persuade
'reat Herod to incline himself to +aesar,
"nd leave his master "ntony: for this pains
+aesar hath hang'd him# +anidius and the rest
That fell away have entertainment, but
No honourable trust# % have done ill)
Of which % do accuse myself so sorely,
That % will :oy no more#
Enter a Soldier o# AESAR6s
Soldier
1nobarbus, "ntony
Hath after thee sent all thy treasure, with
His bounty overplus: the messenger
+ame on my guard) and at thy tent is now
nloading of his mules#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
% give it you#
Soldier
Mock not, 1nobarbus#
% tell you true: best you safed the bringer
Out of the host) % must attend mine office,
Or would have done't myself# /our emperor
+ontinues still a 9ove#
E'it
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
% am alone the villain of the earth,
"nd feel % am so most# O "ntony,
Thou mine of bounty, how wouldst thou have paid
My better service, when my turpitude
Thou dost so crown with gold. This blows my heart:
%f swift thought break it not, a swifter mean
7hall outstrike thought: but thought will do't, % feel#
% fight against thee. No: % will go seek
7ome ditch wherein to die) the foul'st best fits
My latter part of life#
E'it
SCENE )II. (ield o+ -ale -e1een #e camps.
Alaru%. Dru%s and tru%1ets. Enter A,RIPPA and others
A,RIPPA
&etire, we have engaged ourselves too far:
+aesar himself has work, and our oppression
14ceeds what we e4pected#
E'eunt
Alaru%s. Enter MAR( ANTONY and SARUS !ounded
SCAR"S
O my brave emperor, this is fought indeed.
Had we done so at first, we had droven them home
!ith clouts about their heads#
MARK ANTONY
Thou bleed'st apace#
SCAR"S
% had a wound here that was like a T,
5ut now 'tis made an H#
MARK ANTONY
They do retire#
SCAR"S
!e'll beat 'em into bench*holes: % have yet
&oom for si4 scotches more#
Enter EROS
EROS
They are beaten, sir, and our advantage serves
(or a fair victory#
SCAR"S
$et us score their backs,
"nd snatch 'em up, as we take hares, behind:
'Tis sport to maul a runner#
MARK ANTONY
% will reward thee
Once for thy spritely comfort, and ten*fold
(or thy good valour# +ome thee on#
SCAR"S
%'ll halt after#
E'eunt
SCENE )III. "nder #e 1alls o+ Alexandria.
Alaru%. Enter MAR( ANTONY, in a %ar"h4 SARUS, !ith others
MARK ANTONY
!e have beat him to his camp: run one before,
"nd let the 2ueen know of our gests# To*morrow,
5efore the sun shall see 's, we'll spill the blood
That has to*day escaped# % thank you all)
(or doughty*handed are you, and have fought
Not as you served the cause, but as 't had been
1ach man's like mine) you have shown all Hectors#
1nter the city, clip your wives, your friends,
Tell them your feats) whilst they with :oyful tears
!ash the congealment from your wounds, and kiss
The honour'd gashes whole#
To SARUS
'ive me thy hand
Enter LEOPATRA, attended
To this great fairy %'ll commend thy acts,
Make her thanks bless thee#
To LEOPATRA
O thou day o' the world,
+hain mine arm'd neck) leap thou, attire and all,
Through proof of harness to my heart, and there
&ide on the pants triumphing.
CLEOPATRA
$ord of lords.
O infinite virtue, comest thou smiling from
The world's great snare uncaught0
MARK ANTONY
My nightingale,
!e have beat them to their beds# !hat, girl.
though grey
,o something mingle with our younger brown, yet ha' we
" brain that nourishes our nerves, and can
'et goal for goal of youth# 5ehold this man)
+ommend unto his lips thy favouring hand:
3iss it, my warrior: he hath fought to*day
"s if a god, in hate of mankind, had
,estroy'd in such a shape#
CLEOPATRA
%'ll give thee, friend,
"n armour all of gold) it was a king's#
MARK ANTONY
He has deserved it, were it carbuncled
$ike holy -hoebus' car# 'ive me thy hand:
Through "le4andria make a :olly march)
5ear our hack'd targets like the men that owe them:
Had our great palace the capacity
To camp this host, we all would sup together,
"nd drink carouses to the ne4t day's fate,
!hich promises royal peril# Trumpeters,
!ith bra6en din blast you the city's ear)
Make mingle with rattling tabourines)
That heaven and earth may strike their sounds together,
"pplauding our approach#
E'eunt
SCENE I$. OCTA)I"S CAESAR's camp.
Sentinels at their 1ost
(irs Soldier
%f we be not relieved within this hour,
!e must return to the court of guard: the night
%s shiny) and they say we shall embattle
5y the second hour i' the morn#
Second Soldier
This last day was
" shrewd one to's#
Enter DOMITIUS ENO+AR+US
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
O, bear me witness, night,**
T#ird Soldier
!hat man is this0
Second Soldier
7tand close, and list him#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
5e witness to me, O thou blessed moon,
!hen men revolted shall upon record
5ear hateful memory, poor 1nobarbus did
5efore thy face repent.
(irs Soldier
1nobarbus.
T#ird Soldier
-eace.
Hark further#
!OMITI"S ENO&AR&"S
O sovereign mistress of true melancholy,
The poisonous damp of night disponge upon me,
That life, a very rebel to my will,
May hang no longer on me: throw my heart
"gainst the flint and hardness of my fault:
!hich, being dried with grief, will break to powder,
"nd finish all foul thoughts# O "ntony,
Nobler than my revolt is infamous,
(orgive me in thine own particular)
5ut let the world rank me in register
" master*leaver and a fugitive:
O "ntony. O "ntony.
Dies
Second Soldier
$et's speak To him#
(irs Soldier
$et's hear him, for the things he speaks
May concern +aesar#
T#ird Soldier
$et's do so# 5ut he sleeps#
(irs Soldier
7woons rather) for so bad a prayer as his
!as never yet for sleep#
Second Soldier
'o we to him#
T#ird Soldier
"wake, sir, awake) speak to us#
Second Soldier
Hear you, sir0
(irs Soldier
The hand of death hath raught him#
Dru%s a#ar o##
Hark. the drums
,emurely wake the sleepers# $et us bear him
To the court of guard) he is of note: our hour
%s fully out#
T#ird Soldier
+ome on, then)
He may recover yet#
E'eunt !ith the &od*
SCENE $. &e1een #e 1o camps.
Enter MAR( ANTONY and SARUS, !ith their Ar%*
MARK ANTONY
Their preparation is to*day by sea)
!e please them not by land#
SCAR"S
(or both, my lord#
MARK ANTONY
% would they'ld fight i' the fire or i' the air)
!e'ld fight there too# 5ut this it is) our foot
pon the hills ad:oining to the city
7hall stay with us: order for sea is given)
They have put forth the haven
!here their appointment we may best discover,
"nd look on their endeavour#
E'eunt
SCENE $I. Ano#er par o+ #e same.
Enter OTA/IUS AESAR, and his Ar%*
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
5ut being charged, we will be still by land,
!hich, as % take't, we shall) for his best force
%s forth to man his galleys# To the vales,
"nd hold our best advantage#
E'eunt
SCENE $II. Ano#er par o+ #e same.
Enter MAR( ANTONY and SARUS
MARK ANTONY
/et they are not :oin'd: where yond pine
does stand,
% shall discover all: %'ll bring thee word
7traight, how 'tis like to go#
E'it
SCAR"S
7wallows have built
%n +leopatra's sails their nests: the augurers
7ay they know not, they cannot tell) look grimly,
"nd dare not speak their knowledge# "ntony
%s valiant, and de:ected) and, by starts,
His fretted fortunes give him hope, and fear,
Of what he has, and has not#
Alaru% a#ar o##, as at a sea.#i$ht
Re.enter MAR( ANTONY
MARK ANTONY
"ll is lost)
This foul 1gyptian hath betrayed me:
My fleet hath yielded to the foe) and yonder
They cast their caps up and carouse together
$ike friends long lost# Triple*turn'd whore.
'tis thou
Hast sold me to this novice) and my heart
Makes only wars on thee# 5id them all fly)
(or when % am revenged upon my charm,
% have done all# 5id them all fly) begone#
E'it SARUS
O sun, thy uprise shall % see no more:
(ortune and "ntony part here) even here
,o we shake hands# "ll come to this0 The hearts
That spaniel'd me at heels, to whom % gave
Their wishes, do discandy, melt their sweets
On blossoming +aesar) and this pine is bark'd,
That overtopp'd them all# 5etray'd % am:
O this false soul of 1gypt. this grave charm,**
!hose eye beck'd forth my wars, and call'd them home)
!hose bosom was my crownet, my chief end,**
$ike a right gipsy, hath, at fast and loose,
5eguiled me to the very heart of loss#
!hat, 1ros, 1ros.
Enter LEOPATRA
"h, thou spell. "vaunt.
CLEOPATRA
!hy is my lord enraged against his love0
MARK ANTONY
8anish, or % shall give thee thy deserving,
"nd blemish +aesar's triumph# $et him take thee,
"nd hoist thee up to the shouting plebeians:
(ollow his chariot, like the greatest spot
Of all thy se4) most monster*like, be shown
(or poor'st diminutives, for doits) and let
-atient Octavia plough thy visage up
!ith her prepared nails#
E'it LEOPATRA
'Tis well thou'rt gone,
%f it be well to live) but better 'twere
Thou fell'st into my fury, for one death
Might have prevented many# 1ros, ho.
The shirt of Nessus is upon me: teach me,
"lcides, thou mine ancestor, thy rage:
$et me lodge $ichas on the horns o' the moon)
"nd with those hands, that grasp'd the heaviest club,
7ubdue my worthiest self# The witch shall die:
To the young &oman boy she hath sold me, and % fall
nder this plot) she dies for't# 1ros, ho.
E'it
SCENE $III. Alexandria. Cleopara's palace.
Enter LEOPATRA, HARMIAN, IRAS, and MARDIAN
CLEOPATRA
Help me, my women. O, he is more mad
Than Telamon for his shield) the boar of Thessaly
!as never so emboss'd#
CHARMIAN
To the monument.
There lock yourself, and send him word you are dead#
The soul and body rive not more in parting
Than greatness going off#
CLEOPATRA
To the monument.
Mardian, go tell him % have slain myself)
7ay, that the last % spoke was '"ntony,'
"nd word it, prithee, piteously: hence, Mardian,
"nd bring me how he takes my death#
To the monument.
E'eunt
SCENE $I). T#e same. Ano#er room.
Enter MAR( ANTONY and EROS
MARK ANTONY
1ros, thou yet behold'st me0
EROS
"y, noble lord#
MARK ANTONY
7ometimes we see a cloud that's dragonish)
" vapour sometime like a bear or lion,
" tower'd citadel, a pendent rock,
" forked mountain, or blue promontory
!ith trees upon't, that nod unto the world,
"nd mock our eyes with air: thou hast seen
these signs)
They are black vesper's pageants#
EROS
"y, my lord,
MARK ANTONY
That which is now a horse, even with a thought
The rack dislimns, and makes it indistinct,
"s water is in water#
EROS
%t does, my lord#
MARK ANTONY
My good knave 1ros, now thy captain is
1ven such a body: here % am "ntony:
/et cannot hold this visible shape, my knave#
% made these wars for 1gypt: and the 2ueen,**
!hose heart % thought % had, for she had mine)
!hich whilst it was mine had anne4'd unto't
" million more, now lost,**she, 1ros, has
-ack'd cards with +aesar, and false*play'd my glory
nto an enemy's triumph#
Nay, weep not, gentle 1ros) there is left us
Ourselves to end ourselves#
Enter MARDIAN
O. thy vile lady.
7he has robb'd me of my sword#
MAR!IAN
No, "ntony)
My mistress loved thee, and her fortunes mingled
!ith thine entirely#
MARK ANTONY
Hence, saucy eunuch) peace.
7he hath betray'd me and shall die the death#
MAR!IAN
,eath of one person can be paid but once,
"nd that she has discharged: what thou wouldst do
%s done unto thy hand: the last she spake
!as '"ntony. most noble "ntony.'
Then in the midst a tearing groan did break
The name of "ntony) it was divided
5etween her heart and lips: she render'd life,
Thy name so buried in her#
MARK ANTONY
,ead, then0
MAR!IAN
,ead#
MARK ANTONY
narm, 1ros) the long day's task is done,
"nd we must sleep#
To MARDIAN
That thou depart'st hence safe,
,oes pay thy labour richly) go#
E'it MARDIAN
Off, pluck off:
The seven*fold shield of ":a4 cannot keep
The battery from my heart# O, cleave, my sides.
Heart, once be stronger than thy continent,
+rack thy frail case. "pace, 1ros, apace#
No more a soldier: bruised pieces, go)
/ou have been nobly borne# (rom me awhile#
E'it EROS
% will o'ertake thee, +leopatra, and
!eep for my pardon# 7o it must be, for now
"ll length is torture: since the torch is out,
$ie down, and stray no farther: now all labour
Mars what it does) yea, very force entangles
%tself with strength: seal then, and all is done#
1ros.**% come, my 2ueen:**1ros.**7tay for me:
!here souls do couch on flowers, we'll hand in hand,
"nd with our sprightly port make the ghosts ga6e:
,ido and her "1neas shall want troops,
"nd all the haunt be ours# +ome, 1ros, 1ros.
Re.enter EROS
EROS
!hat would my lord0
MARK ANTONY
7ince +leopatra died,
% have lived in such dishonour, that the gods
,etest my baseness# %, that with my sword
;uarter'd the world, and o'er green Neptune's back
!ith ships made cities, condemn myself to lack
The courage of a woman) less noble mind
Than she which by her death our +aesar tells
'% am con2ueror of myself#' Thou art sworn, 1ros,
That, when the e4igent should come, which now
%s come indeed, when % should see behind me
The inevitable prosecution of
,isgrace and horror, that, on my command,
Thou then wouldst kill me: do't) the time is come:
Thou strikest not me, 'tis +aesar thou defeat'st#
-ut colour in thy cheek#
EROS
The gods withhold me.
7hall % do that which all the -arthian darts,
Though enemy, lost aim, and could not0
MARK ANTONY
1ros,
!ouldst thou be window'd in great &ome and see
Thy master thus with pleach'd arms, bending down
His corrigible neck, his face subdued
To penetrative shame, whilst the wheel'd seat
Of fortunate +aesar, drawn before him, branded
His baseness that ensued0
EROS
% would not see't#
MARK ANTONY
+ome, then) for with a wound % must be cured#
,raw that thy honest sword, which thou hast worn
Most useful for thy country#
EROS
O, sir, pardon me.
MARK ANTONY
!hen % did make thee free, sworest thou not then
To do this when % bade thee0 ,o it at once)
Or thy precedent services are all
5ut accidents unpurposed# ,raw, and come#
EROS
Turn from me, then, that noble countenance,
!herein the worship of the whole world lies#
MARK ANTONY
$o thee.
Turnin$ #ro% hi%
EROS
My sword is drawn#
MARK ANTONY
Then let it do at once
The thing why thou hast drawn it#
EROS
My dear master,
My captain, and my emperor, let me say,
5efore % strike this bloody stroke, farewell#
MARK ANTONY
'Tis said, man) and farewell#
EROS
(arewell, great chief# 7hall % strike now0
MARK ANTONY
Now, 1ros#
EROS
!hy, there then: thus % do escape the sorrow
Of "ntony's death#
(ills hi%sel#
MARK ANTONY
Thrice*nobler than myself.
Thou teachest me, O valiant 1ros, what
% should, and thou couldst not# My 2ueen and 1ros
Have by their brave instruction got upon me
" nobleness in record: but % will be
" bridegroom in my death, and run into't
"s to a lover's bed# +ome, then) and, 1ros,
Thy master dies thy scholar: to do thus
Fallin$ on his s!ord
% learn'd of thee# How. not dead0 not dead0
The guard, ho. O, dispatch me.
Enter DERETAS and ,uard
(irs ,*ard
!hat's the noise0
MARK ANTONY
% have done my work in, friends: O, make an end
Of what % have begun#
Second ,*ard
The star is fall'n#
(irs ,*ard
"nd time is at his period#
All
"las, and woe.
MARK ANTONY
$et him that loves me strike me dead#
(irs ,*ard
Not %#
Second ,*ard
Nor %#
T#ird ,*ard
Nor any one#
E'eunt ,uard
!ERCETAS
Thy death and fortunes bid thy followers fly#
This sword but shown to +aesar, with this tidings,
7hall enter me with him#
Enter DIOMEDES
!IOME!ES
!here's "ntony0
!ERCETAS
There, ,iomed there#
!IOME!ES
$ives he0
!ilt thou not answer, man0
E'it DERETAS
MARK ANTONY
"rt thou there, ,iomed0 ,raw thy sword, and give me
7ufficing strokes for death#
!IOME!ES
Most absolute lord,
My mistress +leopatra sent me to thee#
MARK ANTONY
!hen did she send thee0
!IOME!ES
Now, my lord#
MARK ANTONY
!here is she0
!IOME!ES
$ock'd in her monument# 7he had a prophesying fear
Of what hath come to pass: for when she saw**
!hich never shall be found**you did suspect
7he had disposed with +aesar, and that your rage
!ould not be purged, she sent you word she was dead)
5ut, fearing since how it might work, hath sent
Me to proclaim the truth) and % am come,
% dread, too late#
MARK ANTONY
Too late, good ,iomed: call my guard, % prithee#
!IOME!ES
!hat, ho, the emperor's guard. The guard, what, ho.
+ome, your lord calls.
Enter #our or #i-e o# the ,uard o# MAR( ANTONY
MARK ANTONY
5ear me, good friends, where +leopatra bides)
'Tis the last service that % shall command you#
(irs ,*ard
!oe, woe are we, sir, you may not live to wear
"ll your true followers out#
All
Most heavy day.
MARK ANTONY
Nay, good my fellows, do not please sharp fate
To grace it with your sorrows: bid that welcome
!hich comes to punish us, and we punish it
7eeming to bear it lightly# Take me up:
% have led you oft: carry me now, good friends,
"nd have my thanks for all#
E'eunt, &earin$ MAR( ANTONY
SCENE $). T#e same. A mon*men.
Enter LEOPATRA and her %aids alo#t, !ith HARMIAN and IRAS
CLEOPATRA
O +harmian, % will never go from hence#
CHARMIAN
5e comforted, dear madam#
CLEOPATRA
No, % will not:
"ll strange and terrible events are welcome,
5ut comforts we despise) our si6e of sorrow,
-roportion'd to our cause, must be as great
"s that which makes it#
Enter, &elo!, DIOMEDES
How now. is he dead0
!IOME!ES
His death's upon him, but not dead#
$ook out o' the other side your monument)
His guard have brought him thither#
Enter, &elo!, MAR( ANTONY, &orne &* the ,uard
CLEOPATRA
O sun,
5urn the great sphere thou movest in.
darkling stand
The varying shore o' the world# O "ntony,
"ntony, "ntony. Help, +harmian, help, %ras, help)
Help, friends below) let's draw him hither#
MARK ANTONY
-eace.
Not +aesar's valour hath o'erthrown "ntony,
5ut "ntony's hath triumph'd on itself#
CLEOPATRA
7o it should be, that none but "ntony
7hould con2uer "ntony) but woe 'tis so.
MARK ANTONY
% am dying, 1gypt, dying) only
% here importune death awhile, until
Of many thousand kisses the poor last
% lay up thy lips#
CLEOPATRA
% dare not, dear,**
,ear my lord, pardon,**% dare not,
$est % be taken: not the imperious show
Of the full*fortuned +aesar ever shall
5e brooch'd with me) if knife, drugs,
serpents, have
1dge, sting, or operation, % am safe:
/our wife Octavia, with her modest eyes
"nd still conclusion, shall ac2uire no honour
,emuring upon me# 5ut come, come, "ntony,**
Help me, my women,**we must draw thee up:
"ssist, good friends#
MARK ANTONY
O, 2uick, or % am gone#
CLEOPATRA
Here's sport indeed. How heavy weighs my lord.
Our strength is all gone into heaviness,
That makes the weight: had % great 9uno's power,
The strong*wing'd Mercury should fetch thee up,
"nd set thee by 9ove's side# /et come a little,**
!ishes were ever fools,**O, come, come, come)
The* hea-e MAR( ANTONY alo#t to LEOPATRA
"nd welcome, welcome. die where thou hast lived:
;uicken with kissing: had my lips that power,
Thus would % wear them out#
All
" heavy sight.
MARK ANTONY
% am dying, 1gypt, dying:
'ive me some wine, and let me speak a little#
CLEOPATRA
No, let me speak) and let me rail so high,
That the false housewife (ortune break her wheel,
-rovoked by my offence#
MARK ANTONY
One word, sweet 2ueen:
Of +aesar seek your honour, with your safety# O.
CLEOPATRA
They do not go together#
MARK ANTONY
'entle, hear me:
None about +aesar trust but -roculeius#
CLEOPATRA
My resolution and my hands %'ll trust)
None about +aesar#
MARK ANTONY
The miserable change now at my end
$ament nor sorrow at) but please your thoughts
%n feeding them with those my former fortunes
!herein % lived, the greatest prince o' the world,
The noblest) and do now not basely die,
Not cowardly put off my helmet to
My countryman,**a &oman by a &oman
8aliantly van2uish'd# Now my spirit is going)
% can no more#
CLEOPATRA
Noblest of men, woo't die0
Hast thou no care of me0 shall % abide
%n this dull world, which in thy absence is
No better than a sty0 O, see, my women,
MAR( ANTONY dies
The crown o' the earth doth melt# My lord.
O, wither'd is the garland of the war,
The soldier's pole is fall'n: young boys and girls
"re level now with men) the odds is gone,
"nd there is nothing left remarkable
5eneath the visiting moon#
Faints
CHARMIAN
O, 2uietness, lady.
IRAS
7he is dead too, our sovereign#
CHARMIAN
$ady.
IRAS
Madam.
CHARMIAN
O madam, madam, madam.
IRAS
&oyal 1gypt, 1mpress.
CHARMIAN
-eace, peace, %ras.
CLEOPATRA
No more, but e'en a woman, and commanded
5y such poor passion as the maid that milks
"nd does the meanest chares# %t were for me
To throw my sceptre at the in:urious gods)
To tell them that this world did e2ual theirs
Till they had stol'n our :ewel# "ll's but naught)
-atience is scottish, and impatience does
5ecome a dog that's mad: then is it sin
To rush into the secret house of death,
1re death dare come to us0 How do you, women0
!hat, what. good cheer. !hy, how now, +harmian.
My noble girls. "h, women, women, look,
Our lamp is spent, it's out. 'ood sirs, take heart:
!e'll bury him) and then, what's brave,
what's noble,
$et's do it after the high &oman fashion,
"nd make death proud to take us# +ome, away:
This case of that huge spirit now is cold:
"h, women, women. come) we have no friend
5ut resolution, and the briefest end#
E'eunt4 those a&o-e &earin$ o## MAR( ANTONY6s &od*
ACT )
SCENE I. Alexandria. OCTA)I"S CAESAR's camp.
Enter OTA/IUS AESAR, A,RIPPA, DOLA+ELLA, MEAENAS, ,ALLUS,
PROULEIUS, and others, his "oun"il o# !ar
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
'o to him, ,olabella, bid him yield)
5eing so frustrate, tell him he mocks
The pauses that he makes#
!OLA&ELLA
+aesar, % shall#
E'it
Enter DERETAS, !ith the s!ord o# MAR( ANTONY
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
!herefore is that0 and what art thou that darest
"ppear thus to us0
!ERCETAS
% am call'd ,ercetas)
Mark "ntony % served, who best was worthy
5est to be served: whilst he stood up and spoke,
He was my master) and % wore my life
To spend upon his haters# %f thou please
To take me to thee, as % was to him
%'ll be to +aesar) if thou pleasest not,
% yield thee up my life#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
!hat is't thou say'st0
!ERCETAS
% say, O +aesar, "ntony is dead#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
The breaking of so great a thing should make
" greater crack: the round world
7hould have shook lions into civil streets,
"nd citi6ens to their dens: the death of "ntony
%s not a single doom) in the name lay
" moiety of the world#
!ERCETAS
He is dead, +aesar:
Not by a public minister of :ustice,
Nor by a hired knife) but that self hand,
!hich writ his honour in the acts it did,
Hath, with the courage which the heart did lend it,
7plitted the heart# This is his sword)
% robb'd his wound of it) behold it stain'd
!ith his most noble blood#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
$ook you sad, friends0
The gods rebuke me, but it is tidings
To wash the eyes of kings#
A,RIPPA
"nd strange it is,
That nature must compel us to lament
Our most persisted deeds#
MECAENAS
His taints and honours
!aged e2ual with him#
A,RIPPA
" rarer spirit never
,id steer humanity: but you, gods, will give us
7ome faults to make us men# +aesar is touch'd#
MECAENAS
!hen such a spacious mirror's set before him,
He needs must see himself#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
O "ntony.
% have follow'd thee to this) but we do lance
,iseases in our bodies: % must perforce
Have shown to thee such a declining day,
Or look on thine) we could not stall together
%n the whole world: but yet let me lament,
!ith tears as sovereign as the blood of hearts,
That thou, my brother, my competitor
%n top of all design, my mate in empire,
(riend and companion in the front of war,
The arm of mine own body, and the heart
!here mine his thoughts did kindle,**that our stars,
nreconciliable, should divide
Our e2ualness to this# Hear me, good friends**
5ut % will tell you at some meeter season:
Enter an E$*1tian
The business of this man looks out of him)
!e'll hear him what he says# !hence are you0
E'%pian
" poor 1gyptian yet# The 2ueen my mistress,
+onfined in all she has, her monument,
Of thy intents desires instruction,
That she preparedly may frame herself
To the way she's forced to#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
5id her have good heart:
7he soon shall know of us, by some of ours,
How honourable and how kindly we
,etermine for her) for +aesar cannot live
To be ungentle#
E'%pian
7o the gods preserve thee.
E'it
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
+ome hither, -roculeius# 'o and say,
!e purpose her no shame: give her what comforts
The 2uality of her passion shall re2uire,
$est, in her greatness, by some mortal stroke
7he do defeat us) for her life in &ome
!ould be eternal in our triumph: go,
"nd with your speediest bring us what she says,
"nd how you find of her#
PROC"LEI"S
+aesar, % shall#
E'it
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
'allus, go you along#
E'it ,ALLUS
!here's ,olabella,
To second -roculeius0
All
,olabella.
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
$et him alone, for % remember now
How he's employ'd: he shall in time be ready#
'o with me to my tent) where you shall see
How hardly % was drawn into this war)
How calm and gentle % proceeded still
%n all my writings: go with me, and see
!hat % can show in this#
E'eunt
SCENE II. Alexandria. A room in #e mon*men.
Enter LEOPATRA, HARMIAN, and IRAS
CLEOPATRA
My desolation does begin to make
" better life# 'Tis paltry to be +aesar)
Not being (ortune, he's but (ortune's knave,
" minister of her will: and it is great
To do that thing that ends all other deeds)
!hich shackles accidents and bolts up change)
!hich sleeps, and never palates more the dug,
The beggar's nurse and +aesar's#
Enter, to the $ates o# the %onu%ent, PROULEIUS, ,ALLUS and Soldiers
PROC"LEI"S
+aesar sends greeting to the ;ueen of 1gypt)
"nd bids thee study on what fair demands
Thou mean'st to have him grant thee#
CLEOPATRA
!hat's thy name0
PROC"LEI"S
My name is -roculeius#
CLEOPATRA
"ntony
,id tell me of you, bade me trust you) but
% do not greatly care to be deceived,
That have no use for trusting# %f your master
!ould have a 2ueen his beggar, you must tell him,
That ma:esty, to keep decorum, must
No less beg than a kingdom: if he please
To give me con2uer'd 1gypt for my son,
He gives me so much of mine own, as %
!ill kneel to him with thanks#
PROC"LEI"S
5e of good cheer)
/ou're fall'n into a princely hand, fear nothing:
Make your full reference freely to my lord,
!ho is so full of grace, that it flows over
On all that need: let me report to him
/our sweet dependency) and you shall find
" con2ueror that will pray in aid for kindness,
!here he for grace is kneel'd to#
CLEOPATRA
-ray you, tell him
% am his fortune's vassal, and % send him
The greatness he has got# % hourly learn
" doctrine of obedience) and would gladly
$ook him i' the face#
PROC"LEI"S
This %'ll report, dear lady#
Have comfort, for % know your plight is pitied
Of him that caused it#
,ALL"S
/ou see how easily she may be surprised:
Here PROULEIUS and t!o o# the ,uard as"end the %onu%ent &* a ladder 1la"ed
a$ainst a !indo!, and, ha-in$ des"ended, "o%e &ehind LEOPATRA. So%e o# the ,uard
un&ar and o1en the $ates
To PROULEIUS and the ,uard
'uard her till +aesar come#
E'it
IRAS
&oyal 2ueen.
CHARMIAN
O +leopatra. thou art taken, 2ueen:
CLEOPATRA
;uick, 2uick, good hands#
Dra!in$ a da$$er
PROC"LEI"S
Hold, worthy lady, hold:
Sei7es and disar%s her
,o not yourself such wrong, who are in this
&elieved, but not betray'd#
CLEOPATRA
!hat, of death too,
That rids our dogs of languish0
PROC"LEI"S
+leopatra,
,o not abuse my master's bounty by
The undoing of yourself: let the world see
His nobleness well acted, which your death
!ill never let come forth#
CLEOPATRA
!here art thou, death0
+ome hither, come. come, come, and take a 2ueen
!orthy many babes and beggars.
PROC"LEI"S
O, temperance, lady.
CLEOPATRA
7ir, % will eat no meat, %'ll not drink, sir)
%f idle talk will once be necessary,
%'ll not sleep neither: this mortal house %'ll ruin,
,o +aesar what he can# 3now, sir, that %
!ill not wait pinion'd at your master's court)
Nor once be chastised with the sober eye
Of dull Octavia# 7hall they hoist me up
"nd show me to the shouting varletry
Of censuring &ome0 &ather a ditch in 1gypt
5e gentle grave unto me. rather on Nilus' mud
$ay me stark naked, and let the water*flies
5low me into abhorring. rather make
My country's high pyramides my gibbet,
"nd hang me up in chains.
PROC"LEI"S
/ou do e4tend
These thoughts of horror further than you shall
(ind cause in +aesar#
Enter DOLA+ELLA
!OLA&ELLA
-roculeius,
!hat thou hast done thy master +aesar knows,
"nd he hath sent for thee: for the 2ueen,
%'ll take her to my guard#
PROC"LEI"S
7o, ,olabella,
%t shall content me best: be gentle to her#
To LEOPATRA
To +aesar % will speak what you shall please,
%f you'll employ me to him#
CLEOPATRA
7ay, % would die#
E'eunt PROULEIUS and Soldiers
!OLA&ELLA
Most noble empress, you have heard of me0
CLEOPATRA
% cannot tell#
!OLA&ELLA
"ssuredly you know me#
CLEOPATRA
No matter, sir, what % have heard or known#
/ou laugh when boys or women tell their dreams)
%s't not your trick0
!OLA&ELLA
% understand not, madam#
CLEOPATRA
% dream'd there was an 1mperor "ntony:
O, such another sleep, that % might see
5ut such another man.
!OLA&ELLA
%f it might please ye,**
CLEOPATRA
His face was as the heavens) and therein stuck
" sun and moon, which kept their course,
and lighted
The little O, the earth#
!OLA&ELLA
Most sovereign creature,**
CLEOPATRA
His legs bestrid the ocean: his rear'd arm
+rested the world: his voice was propertied
"s all the tuned spheres, and that to friends)
5ut when he meant to 2uail and shake the orb,
He was as rattling thunder# (or his bounty,
There was no winter in't) an autumn 'twas
That grew the more by reaping: his delights
!ere dolphin*like) they show'd his back above
The element they lived in: in his livery
!alk'd crowns and crownets) realms and islands were
"s plates dropp'd from his pocket#
!OLA&ELLA
+leopatra.
CLEOPATRA
Think you there was, or might be, such a man
"s this % dream'd of0
!OLA&ELLA
'entle madam, no#
CLEOPATRA
/ou lie, up to the hearing of the gods#
5ut, if there be, or ever were, one such,
%t's past the si6e of dreaming: nature wants stuff
To vie strange forms with fancy) yet, to imagine
"nd "ntony, were nature's piece 'gainst fancy,
+ondemning shadows 2uite#
!OLA&ELLA
Hear me, good madam#
/our loss is as yourself, great) and you bear it
"s answering to the weight: would % might never
O'ertake pursued success, but % do feel,
5y the rebound of yours, a grief that smites
My very heart at root#
CLEOPATRA
% thank you, sir,
3now you what +aesar means to do with me0
!OLA&ELLA
% am loath to tell you what % would you knew#
CLEOPATRA
Nay, pray you, sir,**
!OLA&ELLA
Though he be honourable,**
CLEOPATRA
He'll lead me, then, in triumph0
!OLA&ELLA
Madam, he will) % know't#
Flourish, and shout !ithin, 6Ma0e !a* there2 O"ta-ius aesar86
Enter OTA/IUS AESAR, ,ALLUS, PROULEIUS, MEAENAS, SELEUUS, and
others o# his Train
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
!hich is the ;ueen of 1gypt0
!OLA&ELLA
%t is the emperor, madam#
LEOPATRA 0neels
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
"rise, you shall not kneel:
% pray you, rise) rise, 1gypt#
CLEOPATRA
7ir, the gods
!ill have it thus) my master and my lord
% must obey#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
Take to you no hard thoughts:
The record of what in:uries you did us,
Though written in our flesh, we shall remember
"s things but done by chance#
CLEOPATRA
7ole sir o' the world,
% cannot pro:ect mine own cause so well
To make it clear) but do confess % have
5een laden with like frailties which before
Have often shamed our se4#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
+leopatra, know,
!e will e4tenuate rather than enforce:
%f you apply yourself to our intents,
!hich towards you are most gentle, you shall find
" benefit in this change) but if you seek
To lay on me a cruelty, by taking
"ntony's course, you shall bereave yourself
Of my good purposes, and put your children
To that destruction which %'ll guard them from,
%f thereon you rely# %'ll take my leave#
CLEOPATRA
"nd may, through all the world: 'tis yours) and we,
/our scutcheons and your signs of con2uest, shall
Hang in what place you please# Here, my good lord#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
/ou shall advise me in all for +leopatra#
CLEOPATRA
This is the brief of money, plate, and :ewels,
% am possess'd of: 'tis e4actly valued)
Not petty things admitted# !here's 7eleucus0
SELE"C"S
Here, madam#
CLEOPATRA
This is my treasurer: let him speak, my lord,
pon his peril, that % have reserved
To myself nothing# 7peak the truth, 7eleucus#
SELE"C"S
Madam,
% had rather seal my lips, than, to my peril,
7peak that which is not#
CLEOPATRA
!hat have % kept back0
SELE"C"S
1nough to purchase what you have made known#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
Nay, blush not, +leopatra) % approve
/our wisdom in the deed#
CLEOPATRA
7ee, +aesar. O, behold,
How pomp is follow'd. mine will now be yours)
"nd, should we shift estates, yours would be mine#
The ingratitude of this 7eleucus does
1ven make me wild: O slave, of no more trust
Than love that's hired. !hat, goest thou back0 thou shalt
'o back, % warrant thee) but %'ll catch thine eyes,
Though they had wings: slave, soulless villain, dog.
O rarely base.
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
'ood 2ueen, let us entreat you#
CLEOPATRA
O +aesar, what a wounding shame is this,
That thou, vouchsafing here to visit me,
,oing the honour of thy lordliness
To one so meek, that mine own servant should
-arcel the sum of my disgraces by
"ddition of his envy. 7ay, good +aesar,
That % some lady trifles have reserved,
%mmoment toys, things of such dignity
"s we greet modern friends withal) and say,
7ome nobler token % have kept apart
(or $ivia and Octavia, to induce
Their mediation) must % be unfolded
!ith one that % have bred0 The gods. it smites me
5eneath the fall % have#
To SELEUUS
-rithee, go hence)
Or % shall show the cinders of my spirits
Through the ashes of my chance: wert thou a man,
Thou wouldst have mercy on me#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
(orbear, 7eleucus#
E'it SELEUUS
CLEOPATRA
5e it known, that we, the greatest, are misthought
(or things that others do) and, when we fall,
!e answer others' merits in our name,
"re therefore to be pitied#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
+leopatra,
Not what you have reserved, nor what acknowledged,
-ut we i' the roll of con2uest: still be't yours,
5estow it at your pleasure) and believe,
+aesar's no merchant, to make pri6e with you
Of things that merchants sold# Therefore be cheer'd)
Make not your thoughts your prisons: no, dear 2ueen)
(or we intend so to dispose you as
/ourself shall give us counsel# (eed, and sleep:
Our care and pity is so much upon you,
That we remain your friend) and so, adieu#
CLEOPATRA
My master, and my lord.
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
Not so# "dieu#
Flourish. E'eunt OTA/IUS AESAR and his train
CLEOPATRA
He words me, girls, he words me, that % should not
5e noble to myself: but, hark thee, +harmian#
9his1ers HARMIAN
IRAS
(inish, good lady) the bright day is done,
"nd we are for the dark#
CLEOPATRA
Hie thee again:
% have spoke already, and it is provided)
'o put it to the haste#
CHARMIAN
Madam, % will#
Re.enter DOLA+ELLA
!OLA&ELLA
!here is the 2ueen0
CHARMIAN
5ehold, sir#
E'it
CLEOPATRA
,olabella.
!OLA&ELLA
Madam, as thereto sworn by your command,
!hich my love makes religion to obey,
% tell you this: +aesar through 7yria
%ntends his :ourney) and within three days
/ou with your children will he send before:
Make your best use of this: % have perform'd
/our pleasure and my promise#
CLEOPATRA
,olabella,
% shall remain your debtor#
!OLA&ELLA
% your servant,
"dieu, good 2ueen) % must attend on +aesar#
CLEOPATRA
(arewell, and thanks#
E'it DOLA+ELLA
Now, %ras, what think'st thou0
Thou, an 1gyptian puppet, shalt be shown
%n &ome, as well as % mechanic slaves
!ith greasy aprons, rules, and hammers, shall
plift us to the view) in their thick breaths,
&ank of gross diet, shall be enclouded,
"nd forced to drink their vapour#
IRAS
The gods forbid.
CLEOPATRA
Nay, 'tis most certain, %ras: saucy lictors
!ill catch at us, like strumpets) and scald rhymers
5allad us out o' tune: the 2uick comedians
14temporally will stage us, and present
Our "le4andrian revels) "ntony
7hall be brought drunken forth, and % shall see
7ome s2ueaking +leopatra boy my greatness
%' the posture of a whore#
IRAS
O the good gods.
CLEOPATRA
Nay, that's certain#
IRAS
%'ll never see 't) for, % am sure, my nails
"re stronger than mine eyes#
CLEOPATRA
!hy, that's the way
To fool their preparation, and to con2uer
Their most absurd intents#
Re.enter HARMIAN
Now, +harmian.
7how me, my women, like a 2ueen: go fetch
My best attires: % am again for +ydnus,
To meet Mark "ntony: sirrah %ras, go#
Now, noble +harmian, we'll dispatch indeed)
"nd, when thou hast done this chare, %'ll give thee leave
To play till doomsday# 5ring our crown and all#
!herefore's this noise0
E'it IRAS. A noise !ithin
Enter a ,uards%an
,*ard
Here is a rural fellow
That will not be denied your highness presence:
He brings you figs#
CLEOPATRA
$et him come in#
E'it ,uards%an
!hat poor an instrument
May do a noble deed. he brings me liberty#
My resolution's placed, and % have nothing
Of woman in me: now from head to foot
% am marble*constant) now the fleeting moon
No planet is of mine#
Re.enter ,uards%an, !ith lo!n &rin$in$ in a &as0et
,*ard
This is the man#
CLEOPATRA
"void, and leave him#
E'it ,uards%an
Hast thou the pretty worm of Nilus there,
That kills and pains not0
Clo1n
Truly, % have him: but % would not be the party
that should desire you to touch him, for his biting
is immortal) those that do die of it do seldom or
never recover#
CLEOPATRA
&ememberest thou any that have died on't0
Clo1n
8ery many, men and women too# % heard of one of
them no longer than yesterday: a very honest woman,
but something given to lie) as a woman should not
do, but in the way of honesty: how she died of the
biting of it, what pain she felt: truly, she makes
a very good report o' the worm) but he that will
believe all that they say, shall never be saved by
half that they do: but this is most fallible, the
worm's an odd worm#
CLEOPATRA
'et thee hence) farewell#
Clo1n
% wish you all :oy of the worm#
Settin$ do!n his &as0et
CLEOPATRA
(arewell#
Clo1n
/ou must think this, look you, that the worm will
do his kind#
CLEOPATRA
"y, ay) farewell#
Clo1n
$ook you, the worm is not to be trusted but in the
keeping of wise people) for, indeed, there is no
goodness in worm#
CLEOPATRA
Take thou no care) it shall be heeded#
Clo1n
8ery good# 'ive it nothing, % pray you, for it is
not worth the feeding#
CLEOPATRA
!ill it eat me0
Clo1n
/ou must not think % am so simple but % know the
devil himself will not eat a woman: % know that a
woman is a dish for the gods, if the devil dress her
not# 5ut, truly, these same whoreson devils do the
gods great harm in their women) for in every ten
that they make, the devils mar five#
CLEOPATRA
!ell, get thee gone) farewell#
Clo1n
/es, forsooth: % wish you :oy o' the worm#
E'it
Re.enter IRAS !ith a ro&e, "ro!n, : "
CLEOPATRA
'ive me my robe, put on my crown) % have
%mmortal longings in me: now no more
The :uice of 1gypt's grape shall moist this lip:
/are, yare, good %ras) 2uick# Methinks % hear
"ntony call) % see him rouse himself
To praise my noble act) % hear him mock
The luck of +aesar, which the gods give men
To e4cuse their after wrath: husband, % come:
Now to that name my courage prove my title.
% am fire and air) my other elements
% give to baser life# 7o) have you done0
+ome then, and take the last warmth of my lips#
(arewell, kind +harmian) %ras, long farewell#
(isses the%. IRAS #alls and dies
Have % the aspic in my lips0 ,ost fall0
%f thou and nature can so gently part,
The stroke of death is as a lover's pinch,
!hich hurts, and is desired# ,ost thou lie still0
%f thus thou vanishest, thou tell'st the world
%t is not worth leave*taking#
CHARMIAN
,issolve, thick cloud, and rain) that % may say,
The gods themselves do weep.
CLEOPATRA
This proves me base:
%f she first meet the curled "ntony,
He'll make demand of her, and spend that kiss
!hich is my heaven to have# +ome, thou
mortal wretch,
To an as1, !hi"h she a11lies to her &reast
!ith thy sharp teeth this knot intrinsicate
Of life at once untie: poor venomous fool
5e angry, and dispatch# O, couldst thou speak,
That % might hear thee call great +aesar ass
npolicied.
CHARMIAN
O eastern star.
CLEOPATRA
-eace, peace.
,ost thou not see my baby at my breast,
That sucks the nurse asleep0
CHARMIAN
O, break. O, break.
CLEOPATRA
"s sweet as balm, as soft as air, as gentle,**
O "ntony.**Nay, % will take thee too#
A11l*in$ another as1 to her ar%
!hat should % stay**
Dies
CHARMIAN
%n this vile world0 7o, fare thee well#
Now boast thee, death, in thy possession lies
" lass unparallel'd# ,owny windows, close)
"nd golden -hoebus never be beheld
Of eyes again so royal. /our crown's awry)
%'ll mend it, and then play#
Enter the ,uard, rushin$ in
(irs ,*ard
!here is the 2ueen0
CHARMIAN
7peak softly, wake her not#
(irs ,*ard
+aesar hath sent**
CHARMIAN
Too slow a messenger#
A11lies an as1
O, come apace, dispatch. % partly feel thee#
(irs ,*ard
"pproach, ho. "ll's not well: +aesar's beguiled#
Second ,*ard
There's ,olabella sent from +aesar) call him#
(irs ,*ard
!hat work is here. +harmian, is this well done0
CHARMIAN
%t is well done, and fitting for a princess
,escended of so many royal kings#
"h, soldier.
Dies
Re.enter DOLA+ELLA
!OLA&ELLA
How goes it here0
Second ,*ard
"ll dead#
!OLA&ELLA
+aesar, thy thoughts
Touch their effects in this: thyself art coming
To see perform'd the dreaded act which thou
7o sought'st to hinder#
9ithin 6A !a* there, a !a* #or aesar86
Re.enter OTA/IUS AESAR and all his train %ar"hin$
!OLA&ELLA
O sir, you are too sure an augurer)
That you did fear is done#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
5ravest at the last,
7he levell'd at our purposes, and, being royal,
Took her own way# The manner of their deaths0
% do not see them bleed#
!OLA&ELLA
!ho was last with them0
(irs ,*ard
" simple countryman, that brought her figs:
This was his basket#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
-oison'd, then#
(irs ,*ard
O +aesar,
This +harmian lived but now) she stood and spake:
% found her trimming up the diadem
On her dead mistress) tremblingly she stood
"nd on the sudden dropp'd#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
O noble weakness.
%f they had swallow'd poison, 'twould appear
5y e4ternal swelling: but she looks like sleep,
"s she would catch another "ntony
%n her strong toil of grace#
!OLA&ELLA
Here, on her breast,
There is a vent of blood and something blown:
The like is on her arm#
(irs ,*ard
This is an aspic's trail: and these fig*leaves
Have slime upon them, such as the aspic leaves
pon the caves of Nile#
OCTA)I"S CAESAR
Most probable
That so she died) for her physician tells me
7he hath pursued conclusions infinite
Of easy ways to die# Take up her bed)
"nd bear her women from the monument:
7he shall be buried by her "ntony:
No grave upon the earth shall clip in it
" pair so famous# High events as these
7trike those that make them) and their story is
No less in pity than his glory which
5rought them to be lamented# Our army shall
%n solemn show attend this funeral)
"nd then to &ome# +ome, ,olabella, see
High order in this great solemnity#
E'eunt