Folger Shakespeare Library

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Contents

Front Matter |
ACT 1 |
ACT 2 |
ACT 3 |
ACT 4 |
ACT 5 |

From the Director of the Folger Shakespeare Library

It is hard to imagine a world without Shakespeare. Since their composition four hundred years ago, Shakespeare’s plays and poems have traveled the globe, inviting those who see and read his works to make them their own.

Readers of the New Folger Editions are part of this ongoing process of “taking up Shakespeare,” finding our own thoughts and feelings in language that strikes us as old or unusual and, for that very reason, new. We still struggle to keep up with a writer who could think a mile a minute, whose words paint pictures that shift like clouds. These expertly edited texts are presented to the public as a resource for study, artistic adaptation, and enjoyment. By making the classic texts of the New Folger Editions available in electronic form as Folger Digital Texts, we place a trusted resource in the hands of anyone who wants them.

The New Folger Editions of Shakespeare’s plays, which are the basis for the texts realized here in digital form, are special because of their origin. The Folger Shakespeare Library in Washington, DC, is the single greatest documentary source of Shakespeare’s works. An unparalleled collection of early modern books, manuscripts, and artwork connected to Shakespeare, the Folger’s holdings have been consulted extensively in the preparation of these texts. The Editions also reflect the expertise gained through the regular performance of Shakespeare’s works in the Folger’s Elizabethan Theater.

I want to express my deep thanks to editors Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine for creating these indispensable editions of Shakespeare’s works, which incorporate the best of textual scholarship with a richness of commentary that is both inspired and engaging. Readers who want to know more about Shakespeare and his plays can follow the paths these distinguished scholars have tread by visiting the Folger either in-person or online, where a range of physical and digital resources exists to supplement the material in these texts. I commend to you these words, and hope that they inspire.

Michael Witmore
Director, Folger Shakespeare Library

Textual Introduction
By Barbara Mowat and Paul Werstine

Until now, with the release of the Folger Digital Texts, readers in search of a free online text of Shakespeare’s plays had to be content primarily with using the Moby™ Text, which reproduces a late-nineteenth century version of the plays. What is the difference? Many ordinary readers assume that there is a single text for the plays: what Shakespeare wrote. But Shakespeare’s plays were not published the way modern novels or plays are published today: as a single, authoritative text. In some cases, the plays have come down to us in multiple published versions, represented by various Quartos (Qq) and by the great collection put together by his colleagues in 1623, called the First Folio (F). There are, for example, three very different versions of Hamlet, two of King Lear, Henry V, Romeo and Juliet, and others. Editors choose which version to use as their base text, and then amend that text with words, lines or speech prefixes from the other versions that, in their judgment, make for a better or more accurate text.

Other editorial decisions involve choices about whether an unfamiliar word could be understood in light of other writings of the period or whether it should be changed; decisions about words that made it into Shakespeare’s text by accident through four hundred years of printings and misprinting; and even decisions based on cultural preference and taste. When the Moby™ Text was created, for example, it was deemed “improper” and “indecent” for Miranda to chastise Caliban for having attempted to rape her. (See The Tempest, 1.2: “Abhorred slave,/Which any print of goodness wilt not take,/Being capable of all ill! I pitied thee…”). All Shakespeare editors at the time took the speech away from her and gave it to her father, Prospero.

The editors of the Moby™ Shakespeare produced their text long before scholars fully understood the proper grounds on which to make the thousands of decisions that Shakespeare editors face. The Folger Library Shakespeare Editions, on which the Folger Digital Texts depend, make this editorial process as nearly transparent as is possible, in contrast to older texts, like the Moby™, which hide editorial interventions. The reader of the Folger Shakespeare knows where the text has been altered because editorial interventions are signaled by square brackets (for example, from Othello: “If she in chains of magic were not bound,”), half-square brackets (for example, from Henry V: “With blood and sword and fire to win your right,”), or angle brackets (for example, from Hamlet: “O farewell, honest soldier. Who hath relieved/you?”). At any point in the text, you can hover your cursor over a bracket for more information.

Because the Folger Digital Texts are edited in accord with twenty-first century knowledge about Shakespeare’s texts, the Folger here provides them to readers, scholars, teachers, actors, directors, and students, free of charge, confident of their quality as texts of the plays and pleased to be able to make this contribution to the study and enjoyment of Shakespeare.

Synopsis

Antony and Cleopatra tells the story of a romance between two powerful lovers: Cleopatra, the queen of Egypt, and Mark Antony, who rules the Roman Empire with Octavius Caesar and Lepidus.

Although he is needed in Rome, Antony lingers in Egypt with Cleopatra. He finally returns to Rome when Pompey, another military leader, tries to gain control of the empire. Once in Rome, Antony marries Caesar’s sister Octavia.

After Pompey is defeated, Caesar imprisons Lepidus and turns on Antony. Octavia attempts to reconcile them, but fails. Antony returns to Cleopatra. He challenges Caesar at sea, adding Cleopatra’s ships to his own. When she and her navy flee in mid-battle, Antony follows, abandoning his men.

Antony fails in a second battle at sea. At first, he blames Cleopatra and plans to kill her. He responds to false news of her death, however, by attempting suicide; fatally wounded, he reunites with her as he dies. Faced with Caesar’s plans to humiliate her in Rome, Cleopatra kills herself with poisonous snakes.

Characters in the Play
Antony, a triumvir of Rome
Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt
Octavius Caesar, a triumvir of Rome
Octavia, sister to Caesar, later wife to Antony
Lepidus, a triumvir of Rome
Enobarbus, also called Domitius
Ventidius
Silius
Eros
Canidius
Scarus
Dercetus
Demetrius
Philo
A Schoolmaster, Antony’s
Ambassador to Caesar
accompanying Antony
in Egypt and elsewhere
Charmian
Iras
Alexas
Mardian, a Eunuch
Seleucus, Cleopatra’s treasurer
Diomedes
serving in Cleopatra’s court
Maecenas
Agrippa
Taurus
Thidias
Dolabella
Gallus
Proculeius
supporting and accompanying Caesar
Sextus Pompeius, also called Pompey
Menas
Menecrates
Varrius
Messengers
Soldiers
Sentries
Guardsmen
A Soothsayer
Servants
A Boy
A Captain
An Egyptian
A Countryman
Ladies, Eunuchs, Captains, Officers, Soldiers, Attendants, Servants (Lamprius, Rannius, Lucillius: mute characters named in the opening stage direction to 1.2)

ACT 1
Scene 1
Enter Demetrius and Philo.
PHILO
FTLN 0001 Nay, but this dotage of our general’s
FTLN 0002 O’erflows the measure. Those his goodly eyes,
FTLN 0003 That o’er the files and musters of the war
FTLN 0004 Have glowed like plated Mars, now bend, now turn
FTLN 0005 5 The office and devotion of their view
FTLN 0006 Upon a tawny front. His captain’s heart,
FTLN 0007 Which in the scuffles of great fights hath burst
FTLN 0008 The buckles on his breast, reneges all temper
FTLN 0009 And is become the bellows and the fan
FTLN 0010 10 To cool a gypsy’s lust.
Flourish. Enter Antony, Cleopatra, her Ladies, the Train,
with Eunuchs fanning her.
FTLN 0011 Look where they come.
FTLN 0012 Take but good note, and you shall see in him
FTLN 0013 The triple pillar of the world transformed
FTLN 0014 Into a strumpet’s fool. Behold and see.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0015 15 If it be love indeed, tell me how much.
ANTONY
FTLN 0016 There’s beggary in the love that can be reckoned.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0017 I’ll set a bourn how far to be beloved.
7

9
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 1. SC. 1
ANTONY
FTLN 0018 Then must thou needs find out new heaven, new
FTLN 0019 Earth.
Enter a Messenger.
MESSENGER FTLN 0020 20 News, my good lord, from Rome.
ANTONY FTLN 0021 Grates me, the sum.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 0022 Nay, hear them, Antony.
FTLN 0023 Fulvia perchance is angry. Or who knows
FTLN 0024 If the scarce-bearded Caesar have not sent
FTLN 0025 25 His powerful mandate to you: “Do this, or this;
FTLN 0026 Take in that kingdom, and enfranchise that.
FTLN 0027 Perform ’t, or else we damn thee.”
ANTONY FTLN 0028 How, my love?
CLEOPATRA FTLN 0029 Perchance? Nay, and most like.
FTLN 0030 30 You must not stay here longer; your dismission
FTLN 0031 Is come from Caesar. Therefore hear it, Antony.
FTLN 0032 Where’s Fulvia’s process? Caesar’s, I would say—
FTLN 0033 both?
FTLN 0034 Call in the messengers. As I am Egypt’s queen,
FTLN 0035 35 Thou blushest, Antony, and that blood of thine
FTLN 0036 Is Caesar’s homager; else so thy cheek pays shame
FTLN 0037 When shrill-tongued Fulvia scolds. The messengers!
ANTONY
FTLN 0038 Let Rome in Tiber melt and the wide arch
FTLN 0039 Of the ranged empire fall. Here is my space.
FTLN 0040 40 Kingdoms are clay. Our dungy earth alike
FTLN 0041 Feeds beast as man. The nobleness of life
FTLN 0042 Is to do thus; when such a mutual pair
FTLN 0043 And such a twain can do ’t, in which I bind,
FTLN 0044 On pain of punishment, the world to weet
FTLN 0045 45 We stand up peerless.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 0046 Excellent falsehood!
FTLN 0047 Why did he marry Fulvia and not love her?
FTLN 0048 I’ll seem the fool I am not. Antony
FTLN 0049 Will be himself.

11
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 1. SC. 2
ANTONY FTLN 0050 50 But stirred by Cleopatra.
FTLN 0051 Now for the love of Love and her soft hours,
FTLN 0052 Let’s not confound the time with conference harsh.
FTLN 0053 There’s not a minute of our lives should stretch
FTLN 0054 Without some pleasure now. What sport tonight?
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0055 55 Hear the ambassadors.
ANTONY FTLN 0056 Fie, wrangling queen,
FTLN 0057 Whom everything becomes—to chide, to laugh,
FTLN 0058 To weep; whose every passion fully strives
FTLN 0059 To make itself, in thee, fair and admired!
FTLN 0060 60 No messenger but thine, and all alone
FTLN 0061 Tonight we’ll wander through the streets and note
FTLN 0062 The qualities of people. Come, my queen,
FTLN 0063 Last night you did desire it. To the Messenger.
FTLN 0064 Speak not to us.
Antony and Cleopatra exit with the Train.
DEMETRIUS
FTLN 0065 65 Is Caesar with Antonius prized so slight?
PHILO
FTLN 0066 Sir, sometimes when he is not Antony
FTLN 0067 He comes too short of that great property
FTLN 0068 Which still should go with Antony.
DEMETRIUS FTLN 0069 I am full sorry
FTLN 0070 70 That he approves the common liar who
FTLN 0071 Thus speaks of him at Rome; but I will hope
FTLN 0072 Of better deeds tomorrow. Rest you happy!
They exit.
Scene 2
Enter Enobarbus, Lamprius, a Soothsayer, Rannius,
Lucillius, Charmian, Iras, Mardian the Eunuch, Alexas,
and Servants.
CHARMIAN FTLN 0073 Lord Alexas, sweet Alexas, most anything
FTLN 0074 Alexas, almost most absolute Alexas, where’s the

13
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0075 soothsayer that you praised so to th’ Queen? O, that
FTLN 0076 I knew this husband which you say must charge
FTLN 0077 5 his horns with garlands!
ALEXAS FTLN 0078 Soothsayer!
SOOTHSAYER FTLN 0079 Your will?
CHARMIAN
FTLN 0080 Is this the man?—Is ’t you, sir, that know things?
SOOTHSAYER
FTLN 0081 In nature’s infinite book of secrecy
FTLN 0082 10 A little I can read.
ALEXAS , to Charmian FTLN 0083 Show him your hand.
ENOBARBUS , to Servants
FTLN 0084 Bring in the banquet quickly, wine enough
FTLN 0085 Cleopatra’s health to drink.
CHARMIAN , giving her hand to the Soothsayer FTLN 0086 Good sir,
FTLN 0087 15 give me good fortune.
SOOTHSAYER FTLN 0088 I make not, but foresee.
CHARMIAN FTLN 0089 Pray then, foresee me one.
SOOTHSAYER
FTLN 0090 You shall be yet far fairer than you are.
CHARMIAN FTLN 0091 He means in flesh.
IRAS FTLN 0092 20 No, you shall paint when you are old.
CHARMIAN FTLN 0093 Wrinkles forbid!
ALEXAS FTLN 0094 Vex not his prescience. Be attentive.
CHARMIAN FTLN 0095 Hush.
SOOTHSAYER
FTLN 0096 You shall be more beloving than beloved.
CHARMIAN FTLN 0097 25 I had rather heat my liver with drinking.
ALEXAS FTLN 0098 Nay, hear him.
CHARMIAN FTLN 0099 Good now, some excellent fortune! Let me
FTLN 0100 be married to three kings in a forenoon and widow
FTLN 0101 them all. Let me have a child at fifty to whom Herod
FTLN 0102 30 of Jewry may do homage. Find me to marry me
FTLN 0103 with Octavius Caesar, and companion me with my
FTLN 0104 mistress.

15
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 1. SC. 2
SOOTHSAYER
FTLN 0105 You shall outlive the lady whom you serve.
CHARMIAN FTLN 0106 O, excellent! I love long life better than figs.
SOOTHSAYER
FTLN 0107 35 You have seen and proved a fairer former fortune
FTLN 0108 Than that which is to approach.
CHARMIAN FTLN 0109 Then belike my children shall have no
FTLN 0110 names. Prithee, how many boys and wenches must
FTLN 0111 I have?
SOOTHSAYER
FTLN 0112 40 If every of your wishes had a womb,
FTLN 0113 And fertile every wish, a million.
CHARMIAN FTLN 0114 Out, fool! I forgive thee for a witch.
ALEXAS FTLN 0115 You think none but your sheets are privy to
FTLN 0116 your wishes.
CHARMIAN , to Soothsayer FTLN 0117 45 Nay, come. Tell Iras hers.
ALEXAS FTLN 0118 We’ll know all our fortunes.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0119 Mine, and most of our fortunes tonight,
FTLN 0120 shall be—drunk to bed.
IRAS , giving her hand to the Soothsayer FTLN 0121 There’s a palm
FTLN 0122 50 presages chastity, if nothing else.
CHARMIAN FTLN 0123 E’en as the o’erflowing Nilus presageth
FTLN 0124 famine.
IRAS FTLN 0125 Go, you wild bedfellow, you cannot soothsay.
CHARMIAN FTLN 0126 Nay, if an oily palm be not a fruitful prognostication,
FTLN 0127 55 I cannot scratch mine ear.—Prithee
FTLN 0128 tell her but a workaday fortune.
SOOTHSAYER FTLN 0129 Your fortunes are alike.
IRAS FTLN 0130 But how, but how? Give me particulars.
SOOTHSAYER FTLN 0131 I have said.
IRAS FTLN 0132 60 Am I not an inch of fortune better than she?
CHARMIAN FTLN 0133 Well, if you were but an inch of fortune
FTLN 0134 better than I, where would you choose it?
IRAS FTLN 0135 Not in my husband’s nose.
CHARMIAN FTLN 0136 Our worser thoughts heavens mend. Alexas—
FTLN 0137 65 come, his fortune, his fortune! O, let him marry a

17
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0138 woman that cannot go, sweet Isis, I beseech thee, and
FTLN 0139 let her die, too, and give him a worse, and let worse
FTLN 0140 follow worse, till the worst of all follow him laughing
FTLN 0141 to his grave, fiftyfold a cuckold. Good Isis, hear me
FTLN 0142 70 this prayer, though thou deny me a matter of more
FTLN 0143 weight, good Isis, I beseech thee!
IRAS FTLN 0144 Amen, dear goddess, hear that prayer of the
FTLN 0145 people. For, as it is a heartbreaking to see a handsome
FTLN 0146 man loose-wived, so it is a deadly sorrow to
FTLN 0147 75 behold a foul knave uncuckolded. Therefore, dear
FTLN 0148 Isis, keep decorum and fortune him accordingly.
CHARMIAN FTLN 0149 Amen.
ALEXAS FTLN 0150 Lo now, if it lay in their hands to make me a
FTLN 0151 cuckold, they would make themselves whores but
FTLN 0152 80 they’d do ’t.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0153 Hush, here comes Antony.
CHARMIAN FTLN 0154 Not he. The Queen.
Enter Cleopatra.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 0155 Saw you my lord?
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0156 No, lady.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 0157 85 Was he not here?
CHARMIAN FTLN 0158 No, madam.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0159 He was disposed to mirth, but on the sudden
FTLN 0160 A Roman thought hath struck him.—Enobarbus!
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0161 Madam?
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0162 90 Seek him and bring him hither.—Where’s Alexas?
ALEXAS
FTLN 0163 Here at your service. My lord approaches.
Enter Antony with a Messenger.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0164 We will not look upon him. Go with us.
All but Antony and the Messenger exit.

19
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 1. SC. 2
MESSENGER
FTLN 0165 Fulvia thy wife first came into the field.
ANTONY FTLN 0166 Against my brother Lucius?
MESSENGER FTLN 0167 95 Ay.
FTLN 0168 But soon that war had end, and the time’s state
FTLN 0169 Made friends of them, jointing their force ’gainst
FTLN 0170 Caesar,
FTLN 0171 Whose better issue in the war from Italy
FTLN 0172 100 Upon the first encounter drave them.
ANTONY FTLN 0173 Well, what worst?
MESSENGER
FTLN 0174 The nature of bad news infects the teller.
ANTONY
FTLN 0175 When it concerns the fool or coward. On.
FTLN 0176 Things that are past are done, with me. ’Tis thus:
FTLN 0177 105 Who tells me true, though in his tale lie death,
FTLN 0178 I hear him as he flattered.
MESSENGER FTLN 0179 Labienus—
FTLN 0180 This is stiff news—hath with his Parthian force
FTLN 0181 Extended Asia: from Euphrates
FTLN 0182 110 His conquering banner shook, from Syria
FTLN 0183 To Lydia and to Ionia,
FTLN 0184 Whilst—
ANTONY FTLN 0185 “Antony,” thou wouldst say?
MESSENGER FTLN 0186 O, my lord!
ANTONY
FTLN 0187 115 Speak to me home; mince not the general tongue.
FTLN 0188 Name Cleopatra as she is called in Rome;
FTLN 0189 Rail thou in Fulvia’s phrase, and taunt my faults
FTLN 0190 With such full license as both truth and malice
FTLN 0191 Have power to utter. O, then we bring forth weeds
FTLN 0192 120 When our quick winds lie still, and our ills told us
FTLN 0193 Is as our earing. Fare thee well awhile.
MESSENGER FTLN 0194 At your noble pleasure. Messenger exits.

21
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 1. SC. 2
Enter another Messenger.
ANTONY
FTLN 0195 From Sicyon how the news? Speak there.
SECOND MESSENGER
FTLN 0196 The man from Sicyon—
ANTONY FTLN 0197 125 Is there such an one?
SECOND MESSENGER
FTLN 0198 He stays upon your will.
ANTONY FTLN 0199 Let him appear.
Second Messenger exits.
FTLN 0200 These strong Egyptian fetters I must break,
FTLN 0201 Or lose myself in dotage.
Enter another Messenger with a letter.
FTLN 0202 130 What are you?
THIRD MESSENGER
FTLN 0203 Fulvia thy wife is dead.
ANTONY FTLN 0204 Where died she?
THIRD MESSENGER FTLN 0205 In Sicyon.
FTLN 0206 Her length of sickness, with what else more serious
FTLN 0207 135 Importeth thee to know, this bears.
He hands Antony the letter.
ANTONY FTLN 0208 Forbear me.
Third Messenger exits.
FTLN 0209 There’s a great spirit gone! Thus did I desire it.
FTLN 0210 What our contempts doth often hurl from us,
FTLN 0211 We wish it ours again. The present pleasure,
FTLN 0212 140 By revolution lowering, does become
FTLN 0213 The opposite of itself. She’s good, being gone.
FTLN 0214 The hand could pluck her back that shoved her on.
FTLN 0215 I must from this enchanting queen break off.
FTLN 0216 Ten thousand harms more than the ills I know
FTLN 0217 145 My idleness doth hatch.—How now, Enobarbus!
Enter Enobarbus.

23
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 1. SC. 2
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0218 What’s your pleasure, sir?
ANTONY FTLN 0219 I must with haste from hence.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0220 Why then we kill all our women. We see
FTLN 0221 how mortal an unkindness is to them. If they suffer
FTLN 0222 150 our departure, death’s the word.
ANTONY FTLN 0223 I must be gone.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0224 Under a compelling occasion, let women
FTLN 0225 die. It were pity to cast them away for nothing,
FTLN 0226 though between them and a great cause, they
FTLN 0227 155 should be esteemed nothing. Cleopatra, catching
FTLN 0228 but the least noise of this, dies instantly. I have seen
FTLN 0229 her die twenty times upon far poorer moment. I do
FTLN 0230 think there is mettle in death which commits some
FTLN 0231 loving act upon her, she hath such a celerity in
FTLN 0232 160 dying.
ANTONY FTLN 0233 She is cunning past man’s thought.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0234 Alack, sir, no, her passions are made of
FTLN 0235 nothing but the finest part of pure love. We cannot
FTLN 0236 call her winds and waters sighs and tears; they are
FTLN 0237 165 greater storms and tempests than almanacs can
FTLN 0238 report. This cannot be cunning in her; if it be, she
FTLN 0239 makes a shower of rain as well as Jove.
ANTONY FTLN 0240 Would I had never seen her!
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0241 O, sir, you had then left unseen a wonderful
FTLN 0242 170 piece of work, which not to have been blest
FTLN 0243 withal would have discredited your travel.
ANTONY FTLN 0244 Fulvia is dead.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0245 Sir?
ANTONY FTLN 0246 Fulvia is dead.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0247 175 Fulvia?
ANTONY FTLN 0248 Dead.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0249 Why, sir, give the gods a thankful sacrifice.
FTLN 0250 When it pleaseth their deities to take the wife of a
FTLN 0251 man from him, it shows to man the tailors of the

25
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 1. SC. 2
FTLN 0252 180 Earth; comforting therein, that when old robes are
FTLN 0253 worn out, there are members to make new. If there
FTLN 0254 were no more women but Fulvia, then had you
FTLN 0255 indeed a cut, and the case to be lamented. This grief
FTLN 0256 is crowned with consolation; your old smock brings
FTLN 0257 185 forth a new petticoat, and indeed the tears live in an
FTLN 0258 onion that should water this sorrow.
ANTONY
FTLN 0259 The business she hath broachèd in the state
FTLN 0260 Cannot endure my absence.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0261 And the business you have broached here
FTLN 0262 190 cannot be without you, especially that of Cleopatra’s,
FTLN 0263 which wholly depends on your abode.
ANTONY
FTLN 0264 No more light answers. Let our officers
FTLN 0265 Have notice what we purpose. I shall break
FTLN 0266 The cause of our expedience to the Queen
FTLN 0267 195 And get her leave to part. For not alone
FTLN 0268 The death of Fulvia, with more urgent touches,
FTLN 0269 Do strongly speak to us, but the letters too
FTLN 0270 Of many our contriving friends in Rome
FTLN 0271 Petition us at home. Sextus Pompeius
FTLN 0272 200 Hath given the dare to Caesar and commands
FTLN 0273 The empire of the sea. Our slippery people,
FTLN 0274 Whose love is never linked to the deserver
FTLN 0275 Till his deserts are past, begin to throw
FTLN 0276 Pompey the Great and all his dignities
FTLN 0277 205 Upon his son, who—high in name and power,
FTLN 0278 Higher than both in blood and life—stands up
FTLN 0279 For the main soldier; whose quality, going on,
FTLN 0280 The sides o’ th’ world may danger. Much is
FTLN 0281 breeding
FTLN 0282 210 Which, like the courser’s hair, hath yet but life
FTLN 0283 And not a serpent’s poison. Say our pleasure,

27
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 1. SC. 3
FTLN 0284 To such whose place is under us, requires
FTLN 0285 Our quick remove from hence.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0286 I shall do ’t.
They exit.
Scene 3
Enter Cleopatra, Charmian, Alexas, and Iras.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0287 Where is he?
CHARMIAN FTLN 0288 I did not see him since.
CLEOPATRA , to Alexas
FTLN 0289 See where he is, who’s with him, what he does.
FTLN 0290 I did not send you. If you find him sad,
FTLN 0291 5 Say I am dancing; if in mirth, report
FTLN 0292 That I am sudden sick. Quick, and return.
Alexas exits.
CHARMIAN
FTLN 0293 Madam, methinks, if you did love him dearly,
FTLN 0294 You do not hold the method to enforce
FTLN 0295 The like from him.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 0296 10 What should I do I do not?
CHARMIAN
FTLN 0297 In each thing give him way; cross him in nothing.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0298 Thou teachest like a fool: the way to lose him.
CHARMIAN
FTLN 0299 Tempt him not so too far. I wish, forbear.
FTLN 0300 In time we hate that which we often fear.
Enter Antony.
FTLN 0301 15 But here comes Antony.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 0302 I am sick and sullen.
ANTONY
FTLN 0303 I am sorry to give breathing to my purpose—

29
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 1. SC. 3
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0304 Help me away, dear Charmian! I shall fall.
FTLN 0305 It cannot be thus long; the sides of nature
FTLN 0306 20 Will not sustain it.
ANTONY FTLN 0307 Now, my dearest queen—
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0308 Pray you stand farther from me.
ANTONY FTLN 0309 What’s the matter?
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0310 I know by that same eye there’s some good news.
FTLN 0311 25 What, says the married woman you may go?
FTLN 0312 Would she had never given you leave to come.
FTLN 0313 Let her not say ’tis I that keep you here.
FTLN 0314 I have no power upon you. Hers you are.
ANTONY
FTLN 0315 The gods best know—
CLEOPATRA FTLN 0316 30 O, never was there queen
FTLN 0317 So mightily betrayed! Yet at the first
FTLN 0318 I saw the treasons planted.
ANTONY FTLN 0319 Cleopatra—
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0320 Why should I think you can be mine, and true—
FTLN 0321 35 Though you in swearing shake the thronèd gods—
FTLN 0322 Who have been false to Fulvia? Riotous madness,
FTLN 0323 To be entangled with those mouth-made vows
FTLN 0324 Which break themselves in swearing!
ANTONY FTLN 0325 Most sweet
FTLN 0326 40 queen—
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0327 Nay, pray you seek no color for your going,
FTLN 0328 But bid farewell and go. When you sued staying,
FTLN 0329 Then was the time for words. No going then!
FTLN 0330 Eternity was in our lips and eyes,
FTLN 0331 45 Bliss in our brows’ bent; none our parts so poor
FTLN 0332 But was a race of heaven. They are so still,

31
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 1. SC. 3
FTLN 0333 Or thou, the greatest soldier of the world,
FTLN 0334 Art turned the greatest liar.
ANTONY FTLN 0335 How now, lady?
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0336 50 I would I had thy inches. Thou shouldst know
FTLN 0337 There were a heart in Egypt.
ANTONY FTLN 0338 Hear me, queen:
FTLN 0339 The strong necessity of time commands
FTLN 0340 Our services awhile, but my full heart
FTLN 0341 55 Remains in use with you. Our Italy
FTLN 0342 Shines o’er with civil swords; Sextus Pompeius
FTLN 0343 Makes his approaches to the port of Rome;
FTLN 0344 Equality of two domestic powers
FTLN 0345 Breed scrupulous faction; the hated grown to
FTLN 0346 60 strength
FTLN 0347 Are newly grown to love; the condemned Pompey,
FTLN 0348 Rich in his father’s honor, creeps apace
FTLN 0349 Into the hearts of such as have not thrived
FTLN 0350 Upon the present state, whose numbers threaten;
FTLN 0351 65 And quietness, grown sick of rest, would purge
FTLN 0352 By any desperate change. My more particular,
FTLN 0353 And that which most with you should safe my going,
FTLN 0354 Is Fulvia’s death.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0355 Though age from folly could not give me freedom,
FTLN 0356 70 It does from childishness. Can Fulvia die?
ANTONY FTLN 0357 She’s dead, my queen. He shows her papers.
FTLN 0358 Look here, and at thy sovereign leisure read
FTLN 0359 The garboils she awaked; at the last, best,
FTLN 0360 See when and where she died.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 0361 75 O, most false love!
FTLN 0362 Where be the sacred vials thou shouldst fill
FTLN 0363 With sorrowful water? Now I see, I see,
FTLN 0364 In Fulvia’s death, how mine received shall be.
ANTONY
FTLN 0365 Quarrel no more, but be prepared to know

33
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 1. SC. 3
FTLN 0366 80 The purposes I bear, which are or cease
FTLN 0367 As you shall give th’ advice. By the fire
FTLN 0368 That quickens Nilus’ slime, I go from hence
FTLN 0369 Thy soldier, servant, making peace or war
FTLN 0370 As thou affects.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 0371 85 Cut my lace, Charmian, come!
FTLN 0372 But let it be; I am quickly ill and well;
FTLN 0373 So Antony loves.
ANTONY FTLN 0374 My precious queen, forbear,
FTLN 0375 And give true evidence to his love, which stands
FTLN 0376 90 An honorable trial.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 0377 So Fulvia told me.
FTLN 0378 I prithee turn aside and weep for her,
FTLN 0379 Then bid adieu to me, and say the tears
FTLN 0380 Belong to Egypt. Good now, play one scene
FTLN 0381 95 Of excellent dissembling, and let it look
FTLN 0382 Like perfect honor.
ANTONY FTLN 0383 You’ll heat my blood. No more!
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0384 You can do better yet, but this is meetly.
ANTONY
FTLN 0385 Now by my sword—
CLEOPATRA FTLN 0386 100 And target. Still he mends.
FTLN 0387 But this is not the best. Look, prithee, Charmian,
FTLN 0388 How this Herculean Roman does become
FTLN 0389 The carriage of his chafe.
ANTONY FTLN 0390 I’ll leave you, lady.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 0391 105 Courteous lord, one word.
FTLN 0392 Sir, you and I must part, but that’s not it;
FTLN 0393 Sir, you and I have loved, but there’s not it;
FTLN 0394 That you know well. Something it is I would—
FTLN 0395 O, my oblivion is a very Antony,
FTLN 0396 110 And I am all forgotten.
ANTONY FTLN 0397 But that your Royalty
FTLN 0398 Holds idleness your subject, I should take you
FTLN 0399 For idleness itself.

35
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 1. SC. 4
CLEOPATRA FTLN 0400 ’Tis sweating labor
FTLN 0401 115 To bear such idleness so near the heart
FTLN 0402 As Cleopatra this. But, sir, forgive me,
FTLN 0403 Since my becomings kill me when they do not
FTLN 0404 Eye well to you. Your honor calls you hence;
FTLN 0405 Therefore be deaf to my unpitied folly,
FTLN 0406 120 And all the gods go with you. Upon your sword
FTLN 0407 Sit laurel victory, and smooth success
FTLN 0408 Be strewed before your feet.
ANTONY FTLN 0409 Let us go. Come.
FTLN 0410 Our separation so abides and flies
FTLN 0411 125 That thou, residing here, goes yet with me,
FTLN 0412 And I, hence fleeting, here remain with thee.
FTLN 0413 Away!
They exit.
Scene 4
Enter Octavius Caesar, reading a letter,
Lepidus, and their Train.
CAESAR
FTLN 0414 You may see, Lepidus, and henceforth know,
FTLN 0415 It is not Caesar’s natural vice to hate
FTLN 0416 Our great competitor. From Alexandria
FTLN 0417 This is the news: he fishes, drinks, and wastes
FTLN 0418 5 The lamps of night in revel, is not more manlike
FTLN 0419 Than Cleopatra, nor the queen of Ptolemy
FTLN 0420 More womanly than he; hardly gave audience, or
FTLN 0421 Vouchsafed to think he had partners. You shall
FTLN 0422 find there
FTLN 0423 10 A man who is th’ abstract of all faults
FTLN 0424 That all men follow.
LEPIDUS FTLN 0425 I must not think there are
FTLN 0426 Evils enough to darken all his goodness.

37
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 1. SC. 4
FTLN 0427 His faults in him seem as the spots of heaven,
FTLN 0428 15 More fiery by night’s blackness, hereditary
FTLN 0429 Rather than purchased, what he cannot change
FTLN 0430 Than what he chooses.
CAESAR
FTLN 0431 You are too indulgent. Let’s grant it is not
FTLN 0432 Amiss to tumble on the bed of Ptolemy,
FTLN 0433 20 To give a kingdom for a mirth, to sit
FTLN 0434 And keep the turn of tippling with a slave,
FTLN 0435 To reel the streets at noon and stand the buffet
FTLN 0436 With knaves that smells of sweat. Say this becomes
FTLN 0437 him—
FTLN 0438 25 As his composure must be rare indeed
FTLN 0439 Whom these things cannot blemish—yet must
FTLN 0440 Antony
FTLN 0441 No way excuse his foils when we do bear
FTLN 0442 So great weight in his lightness. If he filled
FTLN 0443 30 His vacancy with his voluptuousness,
FTLN 0444 Full surfeits and the dryness of his bones
FTLN 0445 Call on him for ’t. But to confound such time
FTLN 0446 That drums him from his sport and speaks as loud
FTLN 0447 As his own state and ours, ’tis to be chid
FTLN 0448 35 As we rate boys who, being mature in knowledge,
FTLN 0449 Pawn their experience to their present pleasure
FTLN 0450 And so rebel to judgment.
Enter a Messenger.
LEPIDUS FTLN 0451 Here’s more news.
MESSENGER
FTLN 0452 Thy biddings have been done, and every hour,
FTLN 0453 40 Most noble Caesar, shalt thou have report
FTLN 0454 How ’tis abroad. Pompey is strong at sea,
FTLN 0455 And it appears he is beloved of those
FTLN 0456 That only have feared Caesar. To the ports
FTLN 0457 The discontents repair, and men’s reports
FTLN 0458 45 Give him much wronged.

39
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 1. SC. 4
CAESAR FTLN 0459 I should have known no less.
FTLN 0460 It hath been taught us from the primal state
FTLN 0461 That he which is was wished until he were,
FTLN 0462 And the ebbed man, ne’er loved till ne’er worth love,
FTLN 0463 50 Comes feared by being lacked. This common body,
FTLN 0464 Like to a vagabond flag upon the stream,
FTLN 0465 Goes to and back, lackeying the varying tide
FTLN 0466 To rot itself with motion.
Enter a Second Messenger.
SECOND MESSENGER FTLN 0467 Caesar, I bring thee word
FTLN 0468 55 Menecrates and Menas, famous pirates,
FTLN 0469 Makes the sea serve them, which they ear and
FTLN 0470 wound
FTLN 0471 With keels of every kind. Many hot inroads
FTLN 0472 They make in Italy—the borders maritime
FTLN 0473 60 Lack blood to think on ’t—and flush youth revolt.
FTLN 0474 No vessel can peep forth but ’tis as soon
FTLN 0475 Taken as seen, for Pompey’s name strikes more
FTLN 0476 Than could his war resisted.
CAESAR FTLN 0477 Antony,
FTLN 0478 65 Leave thy lascivious wassails. When thou once
FTLN 0479 Was beaten from Modena, where thou slew’st
FTLN 0480 Hirsius and Pansa, consuls, at thy heel
FTLN 0481 Did famine follow, whom thou fought’st against,
FTLN 0482 Though daintily brought up, with patience more
FTLN 0483 70 Than savages could suffer. Thou didst drink
FTLN 0484 The stale of horses and the gilded puddle
FTLN 0485 Which beasts would cough at. Thy palate then did
FTLN 0486 deign
FTLN 0487 The roughest berry on the rudest hedge.
FTLN 0488 75 Yea, like the stag when snow the pasture sheets,
FTLN 0489 The barks of trees thou browsèd. On the Alps
FTLN 0490 It is reported thou didst eat strange flesh
FTLN 0491 Which some did die to look on. And all this—

41
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 1. SC. 5
FTLN 0492 It wounds thine honor that I speak it now—
FTLN 0493 80 Was borne so like a soldier that thy cheek
FTLN 0494 So much as lanked not.
LEPIDUS FTLN 0495’Tis pity of him.
CAESAR FTLN 0496 Let his shames quickly
FTLN 0497 Drive him to Rome. ’Tis time we twain
FTLN 0498 85 Did show ourselves i’ th’ field, and to that end
FTLN 0499 Assemble we immediate council. Pompey
FTLN 0500 Thrives in our idleness.
LEPIDUS FTLN 0501 Tomorrow, Caesar,
FTLN 0502 I shall be furnished to inform you rightly
FTLN 0503 90 Both what by sea and land I can be able
FTLN 0504 To front this present time.
CAESAR FTLN 0505 Till which encounter,
FTLN 0506 It is my business too. Farewell.
LEPIDUS
FTLN 0507 Farewell, my lord. What you shall know meantime
FTLN 0508 95 Of stirs abroad, I shall beseech you, sir,
FTLN 0509 To let me be partaker.
CAESAR
FTLN 0510 Doubt not, sir. I knew it for my bond.
They exit.
Scene 5
Enter Cleopatra, Charmian, Iras, and Mardian.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 0511 Charmian!
CHARMIAN FTLN 0512 Madam?
CLEOPATRA FTLN 0513 Ha, ha! Give me to drink mandragora.
CHARMIAN FTLN 0514 Why, madam?
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0515 5 That I might sleep out this great gap of time
FTLN 0516 My Antony is away.
CHARMIAN FTLN 0517 You think of him too much.

43
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 1. SC. 5
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0518 O, ’tis treason!
CHARMIAN FTLN 0519 Madam, I trust not so.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0520 10 Thou, eunuch Mardian!
MARDIAN FTLN 0521 What’s your Highness’ pleasure?
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0522 Not now to hear thee sing. I take no pleasure
FTLN 0523 In aught an eunuch has. ’Tis well for thee
FTLN 0524 That, being unseminared, thy freer thoughts
FTLN 0525 15 May not fly forth of Egypt. Hast thou affections?
MARDIAN FTLN 0526 Yes, gracious madam.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 0527 Indeed?
MARDIAN
FTLN 0528 Not in deed, madam, for I can do nothing
FTLN 0529 But what indeed is honest to be done.
FTLN 0530 20 Yet have I fierce affections, and think
FTLN 0531 What Venus did with Mars.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 0532 O, Charmian,
FTLN 0533 Where think’st thou he is now? Stands he, or sits he?
FTLN 0534 Or does he walk? Or is he on his horse?
FTLN 0535 25 O happy horse, to bear the weight of Antony!
FTLN 0536 Do bravely, horse, for wot’st thou whom thou
FTLN 0537 mov’st?
FTLN 0538 The demi-Atlas of this Earth, the arm
FTLN 0539 And burgonet of men. He’s speaking now,
FTLN 0540 30 Or murmuring “Where’s my serpent of old Nile?”
FTLN 0541 For so he calls me. Now I feed myself
FTLN 0542 With most delicious poison. Think on me
FTLN 0543 That am with Phoebus’ amorous pinches black,
FTLN 0544 And wrinkled deep in time? Broad-fronted Caesar,
FTLN 0545 35 When thou wast here above the ground, I was
FTLN 0546 A morsel for a monarch. And great Pompey
FTLN 0547 Would stand and make his eyes grow in my brow;
FTLN 0548 There would he anchor his aspect, and die
FTLN 0549 With looking on his life.

45
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 1. SC. 5
Enter Alexas from Antony.
ALEXAS FTLN 0550 40 Sovereign of Egypt, hail!
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0551 How much unlike art thou Mark Antony!
FTLN 0552 Yet coming from him, that great med’cine hath
FTLN 0553 With his tinct gilded thee.
FTLN 0554 How goes it with my brave Mark Antony?
ALEXAS FTLN 0555 45 Last thing he did, dear queen,
FTLN 0556 He kissed—the last of many doubled kisses—
FTLN 0557 This orient pearl. His speech sticks in my heart.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0558 Mine ear must pluck it thence.
ALEXAS FTLN 0559 “Good friend,” quoth
FTLN 0560 50 he,
FTLN 0561 “Say the firm Roman to great Egypt sends
FTLN 0562 This treasure of an oyster; at whose foot,
FTLN 0563 To mend the petty present, I will piece
FTLN 0564 Her opulent throne with kingdoms. All the East,
FTLN 0565 55 Say thou, shall call her mistress.” So he nodded
FTLN 0566 And soberly did mount an arm-gaunt steed,
FTLN 0567 Who neighed so high that what I would have spoke
FTLN 0568 Was beastly dumbed by him.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 0569 What, was he sad, or merry?
ALEXAS
FTLN 0570 60 Like to the time o’ th’ year between th’ extremes
FTLN 0571 Of hot and cold, he was nor sad nor merry.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0572 O, well-divided disposition!—Note him,
FTLN 0573 Note him, good Charmian, ’tis the man! But note
FTLN 0574 him:
FTLN 0575 65 He was not sad, for he would shine on those
FTLN 0576 That make their looks by his; he was not merry,
FTLN 0577 Which seemed to tell them his remembrance lay
FTLN 0578 In Egypt with his joy; but between both.

47
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 1. SC. 5
FTLN 0579 O, heavenly mingle!—Be’st thou sad or merry,
FTLN 0580 70 The violence of either thee becomes,
FTLN 0581 So does it no man’s else.—Met’st thou my posts?
ALEXAS
FTLN 0582 Ay, madam, twenty several messengers.
FTLN 0583 Why do you send so thick?
CLEOPATRA FTLN 0584 Who’s born that day
FTLN 0585 75 When I forget to send to Antony
FTLN 0586 Shall die a beggar.—Ink and paper, Charmian.—
FTLN 0587 Welcome, my good Alexas.—Did I, Charmian,
FTLN 0588 Ever love Caesar so?
CHARMIAN FTLN 0589 O, that brave Caesar!
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0590 80 Be choked with such another emphasis!
FTLN 0591 Say “the brave Antony.”
CHARMIAN FTLN 0592 The valiant Caesar!
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 0593 By Isis, I will give thee bloody teeth
FTLN 0594 If thou with Caesar paragon again
FTLN 0595 85 My man of men.
CHARMIAN FTLN 0596 By your most gracious pardon,
FTLN 0597 I sing but after you.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 0598 My salad days,
FTLN 0599 When I was green in judgment, cold in blood,
FTLN 0600 90 To say as I said then. But come, away,
FTLN 0601 Get me ink and paper.
FTLN 0602 He shall have every day a several greeting,
FTLN 0603 Or I’ll unpeople Egypt.
They exit.

ACT 2
Scene 1
Enter Pompey, Menecrates, and Menas,
in warlike manner.
POMPEY
FTLN 0604 If the great gods be just, they shall assist
FTLN 0605 The deeds of justest men.
MENAS FTLN 0606 Know, worthy Pompey,
FTLN 0607 That what they do delay they not deny.
POMPEY
FTLN 0608 5 Whiles we are suitors to their throne, decays
FTLN 0609 The thing we sue for.
MENAS FTLN 0610 We, ignorant of ourselves,
FTLN 0611 Beg often our own harms, which the wise powers
FTLN 0612 Deny us for our good; so find we profit
FTLN 0613 10 By losing of our prayers.
POMPEY FTLN 0614 I shall do well.
FTLN 0615 The people love me, and the sea is mine;
FTLN 0616 My powers are crescent, and my auguring hope
FTLN 0617 Says it will come to th’ full. Mark Antony
FTLN 0618 15 In Egypt sits at dinner, and will make
FTLN 0619 No wars without doors. Caesar gets money where
FTLN 0620 He loses hearts. Lepidus flatters both,
FTLN 0621 Of both is flattered; but he neither loves,
FTLN 0622 Nor either cares for him.
MENAS FTLN 0623 20 Caesar and Lepidus
FTLN 0624 Are in the field. A mighty strength they carry.
51

53
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 2. SC. 1
POMPEY
FTLN 0625 Where have you this? ’Tis false.
MENAS FTLN 0626 From Silvius, sir.
POMPEY
FTLN 0627 He dreams. I know they are in Rome together,
FTLN 0628 25 Looking for Antony. But all the charms of love,
FTLN 0629 Salt Cleopatra, soften thy wanned lip!
FTLN 0630 Let witchcraft join with beauty, lust with both;
FTLN 0631 Tie up the libertine in a field of feasts;
FTLN 0632 Keep his brain fuming. Epicurean cooks
FTLN 0633 30 Sharpen with cloyless sauce his appetite,
FTLN 0634 That sleep and feeding may prorogue his honor
FTLN 0635 Even till a Lethe’d dullness—
Enter Varrius.
FTLN 0636 How now, Varrius?
VARRIUS
FTLN 0637 This is most certain that I shall deliver:
FTLN 0638 35 Mark Antony is every hour in Rome
FTLN 0639 Expected. Since he went from Egypt ’tis
FTLN 0640 A space for farther travel.
POMPEY FTLN 0641 I could have given less matter
FTLN 0642 A better ear.—Menas, I did not think
FTLN 0643 40 This amorous surfeiter would have donned his helm
FTLN 0644 For such a petty war. His soldiership
FTLN 0645 Is twice the other twain. But let us rear
FTLN 0646 The higher our opinion, that our stirring
FTLN 0647 Can from the lap of Egypt’s widow pluck
FTLN 0648 45 The ne’er lust-wearied Antony.
MENAS FTLN 0649 I cannot hope
FTLN 0650 Caesar and Antony shall well greet together.
FTLN 0651 His wife that’s dead did trespasses to Caesar;
FTLN 0652 His brother warred upon him, although I think
FTLN 0653 50 Not moved by Antony.
POMPEY FTLN 0654 I know not, Menas,

55
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 0655 How lesser enmities may give way to greater.
FTLN 0656 Were ’t not that we stand up against them all,
FTLN 0657 ’Twere pregnant they should square between
FTLN 0658 55 themselves,
FTLN 0659 For they have entertainèd cause enough
FTLN 0660 To draw their swords. But how the fear of us
FTLN 0661 May cement their divisions and bind up
FTLN 0662 The petty difference, we yet not know.
FTLN 0663 60 Be ’t as our gods will have ’t. It only stands
FTLN 0664 Our lives upon to use our strongest hands.
FTLN 0665 Come, Menas.
They exit.
Scene 2
Enter Enobarbus and Lepidus.
LEPIDUS
FTLN 0666 Good Enobarbus, ’tis a worthy deed,
FTLN 0667 And shall become you well, to entreat your captain
FTLN 0668 To soft and gentle speech.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0669 I shall entreat him
FTLN 0670 5 To answer like himself. If Caesar move him,
FTLN 0671 Let Antony look over Caesar’s head
FTLN 0672 And speak as loud as Mars. By Jupiter,
FTLN 0673 Were I the wearer of Antonio’s beard,
FTLN 0674 I would not shave ’t today.
LEPIDUS
FTLN 0675 10 ’Tis not a time for private stomaching.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0676 Every time serves for the matter that is
FTLN 0677 then born in ’t.
LEPIDUS
FTLN 0678 But small to greater matters must give way.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0679 Not if the small come first.
LEPIDUS
FTLN 0680 15 Your speech is passion; but pray you stir
FTLN 0681 No embers up. Here comes the noble Antony.

57
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 2. SC. 2
Enter, at one door, Antony and Ventidius.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0682 And yonder Caesar.
Enter, at another door, Caesar,
Maecenas, and Agrippa.
ANTONY , to Ventidius
FTLN 0683 If we compose well here, to Parthia.
FTLN 0684 Hark, Ventidius. They talk aside.
CAESAR , to Maecenas
FTLN 0685 20 I do not know, Maecenas. Ask Agrippa.
LEPIDUS , to Caesar and Antony FTLN 0686 Noble friends,
FTLN 0687 That which combined us was most great, and let not
FTLN 0688 A leaner action rend us. What’s amiss,
FTLN 0689 May it be gently heard. When we debate
FTLN 0690 25 Our trivial difference loud, we do commit
FTLN 0691 Murder in healing wounds. Then, noble partners,
FTLN 0692 The rather for I earnestly beseech,
FTLN 0693 Touch you the sourest points with sweetest terms,
FTLN 0694 Nor curstness grow to th’ matter.
ANTONY FTLN 0695 30 ’Tis spoken well.
FTLN 0696 Were we before our armies, and to fight,
FTLN 0697 I should do thus. Flourish.
CAESAR FTLN 0698 Welcome to Rome.
ANTONY FTLN 0699 Thank you.
CAESAR FTLN 0700 35 Sit.
ANTONY FTLN 0701 Sit, sir.
CAESAR FTLN 0702 Nay, then. They sit.
ANTONY
FTLN 0703 I learn you take things ill which are not so,
FTLN 0704 Or, being, concern you not.
CAESAR FTLN 0705 40 I must be laughed at
FTLN 0706 If or for nothing or a little, I
FTLN 0707 Should say myself offended, and with you
FTLN 0708 Chiefly i’ th’ world; more laughed at, that I should

59
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 0709 Once name you derogately when to sound your
FTLN 0710 45 name
FTLN 0711 It not concerned me.
ANTONY
FTLN 0712 My being in Egypt, Caesar, what was ’t to you?
CAESAR
FTLN 0713 No more than my residing here at Rome
FTLN 0714 Might be to you in Egypt. Yet if you there
FTLN 0715 50 Did practice on my state, your being in Egypt
FTLN 0716 Might be my question.
ANTONY FTLN 0717 How intend you, practiced?
CAESAR
FTLN 0718 You may be pleased to catch at mine intent
FTLN 0719 By what did here befall me. Your wife and brother
FTLN 0720 55 Made wars upon me, and their contestation
FTLN 0721 Was theme for you; you were the word of war.
ANTONY
FTLN 0722 You do mistake your business. My brother never
FTLN 0723 Did urge me in his act. I did inquire it,
FTLN 0724 And have my learning from some true reports
FTLN 0725 60 That drew their swords with you. Did he not rather
FTLN 0726 Discredit my authority with yours,
FTLN 0727 And make the wars alike against my stomach,
FTLN 0728 Having alike your cause? Of this my letters
FTLN 0729 Before did satisfy you. If you’ll patch a quarrel,
FTLN 0730 65 As matter whole you have to make it with,
FTLN 0731 It must not be with this.
CAESAR FTLN 0732 You praise yourself
FTLN 0733 By laying defects of judgment to me; but
FTLN 0734 You patched up your excuses.
ANTONY FTLN 0735 70 Not so, not so.
FTLN 0736 I know you could not lack—I am certain on ’t—
FTLN 0737 Very necessity of this thought, that I,
FTLN 0738 Your partner in the cause ’gainst which he fought,
FTLN 0739 Could not with graceful eyes attend those wars

61
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 0740 75 Which fronted mine own peace. As for my wife,
FTLN 0741 I would you had her spirit in such another.
FTLN 0742 The third o’ th’ world is yours, which with a snaffle
FTLN 0743 You may pace easy, but not such a wife.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0744 Would we had all such wives, that the men
FTLN 0745 80 might go to wars with the women!
ANTONY
FTLN 0746 So much uncurbable, her garboils, Caesar,
FTLN 0747 Made out of her impatience—which not wanted
FTLN 0748 Shrewdness of policy too—I grieving grant
FTLN 0749 Did you too much disquiet. For that you must
FTLN 0750 85 But say I could not help it.
CAESAR FTLN 0751 I wrote to you
FTLN 0752 When rioting in Alexandria; you
FTLN 0753 Did pocket up my letters, and with taunts
FTLN 0754 Did gibe my missive out of audience.
ANTONY FTLN 0755 90 Sir,
FTLN 0756 He fell upon me ere admitted, then;
FTLN 0757 Three kings I had newly feasted, and did want
FTLN 0758 Of what I was i’ th’ morning. But next day
FTLN 0759 I told him of myself, which was as much
FTLN 0760 95 As to have asked him pardon. Let this fellow
FTLN 0761 Be nothing of our strife; if we contend,
FTLN 0762 Out of our question wipe him.
CAESAR FTLN 0763 You have broken
FTLN 0764 The article of your oath, which you shall never
FTLN 0765 100 Have tongue to charge me with.
LEPIDUS FTLN 0766 Soft, Caesar!
ANTONY FTLN 0767 No, Lepidus, let him speak.
FTLN 0768 The honor is sacred which he talks on now,
FTLN 0769 Supposing that I lacked it.—But on, Caesar:
FTLN 0770 105 The article of my oath?
CAESAR
FTLN 0771 To lend me arms and aid when I required them,
FTLN 0772 The which you both denied.

63
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 2. SC. 2
ANTONY FTLN 0773 Neglected, rather;
FTLN 0774 And then when poisoned hours had bound me up
FTLN 0775 110 From mine own knowledge. As nearly as I may
FTLN 0776 I’ll play the penitent to you. But mine honesty
FTLN 0777 Shall not make poor my greatness, nor my power
FTLN 0778 Work without it. Truth is that Fulvia,
FTLN 0779 To have me out of Egypt, made wars here,
FTLN 0780 115 For which myself, the ignorant motive, do
FTLN 0781 So far ask pardon as befits mine honor
FTLN 0782 To stoop in such a case.
LEPIDUS FTLN 0783 ’Tis noble spoken.
MAECENAS
FTLN 0784 If it might please you to enforce no further
FTLN 0785 120 The griefs between you, to forget them quite
FTLN 0786 Were to remember that the present need
FTLN 0787 Speaks to atone you.
LEPIDUS FTLN 0788 Worthily spoken, Maecenas.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0789 Or, if you borrow one another’s love for
FTLN 0790 125 the instant, you may, when you hear no more words
FTLN 0791 of Pompey, return it again. You shall have time to
FTLN 0792 wrangle in when you have nothing else to do.
ANTONY
FTLN 0793 Thou art a soldier only. Speak no more.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0794 That truth should be silent I had almost
FTLN 0795 130 forgot.
ANTONY
FTLN 0796 You wrong this presence; therefore speak no more.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0797 Go to, then. Your considerate stone.
CAESAR
FTLN 0798 I do not much dislike the matter, but
FTLN 0799 The manner of his speech; for ’t cannot be
FTLN 0800 135 We shall remain in friendship, our conditions
FTLN 0801 So diff’ring in their acts. Yet if I knew
FTLN 0802 What hoop should hold us staunch, from edge to
FTLN 0803 edge
FTLN 0804 O’ th’ world I would pursue it.

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AGRIPPA FTLN 0805 140 Give me leave, Caesar.
CAESAR FTLN 0806 Speak, Agrippa.
AGRIPPA
FTLN 0807 Thou hast a sister by the mother’s side,
FTLN 0808 Admired Octavia. Great Mark Antony
FTLN 0809 Is now a widower.
CAESAR FTLN 0810 145 Say not so, Agrippa.
FTLN 0811 If Cleopatra heard you, your reproof
FTLN 0812 Were well deserved of rashness.
ANTONY
FTLN 0813 I am not married, Caesar. Let me hear
FTLN 0814 Agrippa further speak.
AGRIPPA
FTLN 0815 150 To hold you in perpetual amity,
FTLN 0816 To make you brothers, and to knit your hearts
FTLN 0817 With an unslipping knot, take Antony
FTLN 0818 Octavia to his wife, whose beauty claims
FTLN 0819 No worse a husband than the best of men;
FTLN 0820 155 Whose virtue and whose general graces speak
FTLN 0821 That which none else can utter. By this marriage
FTLN 0822 All little jealousies, which now seem great,
FTLN 0823 And all great fears, which now import their dangers,
FTLN 0824 Would then be nothing. Truths would be tales,
FTLN 0825 160 Where now half-tales be truths. Her love to both
FTLN 0826 Would each to other and all loves to both
FTLN 0827 Draw after her. Pardon what I have spoke,
FTLN 0828 For ’tis a studied, not a present thought,
FTLN 0829 By duty ruminated.
ANTONY FTLN 0830 165 Will Caesar speak?
CAESAR
FTLN 0831 Not till he hears how Antony is touched
FTLN 0832 With what is spoke already.
ANTONY FTLN 0833 What power is in Agrippa,
FTLN 0834 If I would say “Agrippa, be it so,”
FTLN 0835 170 To make this good?

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CAESAR FTLN 0836 The power of Caesar, and
FTLN 0837 His power unto Octavia.
ANTONY FTLN 0838 May I never
FTLN 0839 To this good purpose, that so fairly shows,
FTLN 0840 175 Dream of impediment. Let me have thy hand.
FTLN 0841 Further this act of grace; and from this hour
FTLN 0842 The heart of brothers govern in our loves
FTLN 0843 And sway our great designs.
CAESAR FTLN 0844 There’s my hand.
They clasp hands.
FTLN 0845 180 A sister I bequeath you whom no brother
FTLN 0846 Did ever love so dearly. Let her live
FTLN 0847 To join our kingdoms and our hearts; and never
FTLN 0848 Fly off our loves again.
LEPIDUS FTLN 0849 Happily, amen!
ANTONY
FTLN 0850 185 I did not think to draw my sword ’gainst Pompey,
FTLN 0851 For he hath laid strange courtesies and great
FTLN 0852 Of late upon me. I must thank him only,
FTLN 0853 Lest my remembrance suffer ill report;
FTLN 0854 At heel of that, defy him.
LEPIDUS FTLN 0855 190 Time calls upon ’s.
FTLN 0856 Of us must Pompey presently be sought,
FTLN 0857 Or else he seeks out us.
ANTONY FTLN 0858 Where lies he?
CAESAR FTLN 0859 About the Mount Misena.
ANTONY FTLN 0860 195 What is his strength by land?
CAESAR FTLN 0861 Great and increasing;
FTLN 0862 But by sea he is an absolute master.
ANTONY FTLN 0863 So is the fame.
FTLN 0864 Would we had spoke together. Haste we for it.
FTLN 0865 200 Yet, ere we put ourselves in arms, dispatch we
FTLN 0866 The business we have talked of.
CAESAR FTLN 0867 With most gladness,

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ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 0868 And do invite you to my sister’s view,
FTLN 0869 Whither straight I’ll lead you.
ANTONY
FTLN 0870 205 Let us, Lepidus, not lack your company.
LEPIDUS
FTLN 0871 Noble Antony, not sickness should detain me.
Flourish. All but Enobarbus, Agrippa, and
Maecenas exit.
MAECENAS , to Enobarbus FTLN 0872 Welcome from Egypt, sir.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0873 Half the heart of Caesar, worthy
FTLN 0874 Maecenas!—My honorable friend Agrippa!
AGRIPPA FTLN 0875 210 Good Enobarbus!
MAECENAS FTLN 0876 We have cause to be glad that matters are so
FTLN 0877 well digested. You stayed well by ’t in Egypt.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0878 Ay, sir, we did sleep day out of countenance
FTLN 0879 and made the night light with drinking.
MAECENAS FTLN 0880 215 Eight wild boars roasted whole at a breakfast,
FTLN 0881 and but twelve persons there. Is this true?
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0882 This was but as a fly by an eagle. We had
FTLN 0883 much more monstrous matter of feast, which worthily
FTLN 0884 deserved noting.
MAECENAS FTLN 0885 220 She’s a most triumphant lady, if report be
FTLN 0886 square to her.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0887 When she first met Mark Antony, she
FTLN 0888 pursed up his heart upon the river of Cydnus.
AGRIPPA FTLN 0889 There she appeared indeed, or my reporter
FTLN 0890 225 devised well for her.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0891 I will tell you.
FTLN 0892 The barge she sat in like a burnished throne
FTLN 0893 Burned on the water. The poop was beaten gold,
FTLN 0894 Purple the sails, and so perfumed that
FTLN 0895 230 The winds were lovesick with them. The oars were
FTLN 0896 silver,
FTLN 0897 Which to the tune of flutes kept stroke, and made
FTLN 0898 The water which they beat to follow faster,

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ACT 2. SC. 2
FTLN 0899 As amorous of their strokes. For her own person,
FTLN 0900 235 It beggared all description: she did lie
FTLN 0901 In her pavilion—cloth-of-gold, of tissue—
FTLN 0902 O’erpicturing that Venus where we see
FTLN 0903 The fancy outwork nature. On each side her
FTLN 0904 Stood pretty dimpled boys, like smiling Cupids,
FTLN 0905 240 With divers-colored fans, whose wind did seem
FTLN 0906 To glow the delicate cheeks which they did cool,
FTLN 0907 And what they undid did.
AGRIPPA FTLN 0908 O, rare for Antony!
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 0909 Her gentlewomen, like the Nereides,
FTLN 0910 245 So many mermaids, tended her i’ th’ eyes,
FTLN 0911 And made their bends adornings. At the helm
FTLN 0912 A seeming mermaid steers. The silken tackle
FTLN 0913 Swell with the touches of those flower-soft hands
FTLN 0914 That yarely frame the office. From the barge
FTLN 0915 250 A strange invisible perfume hits the sense
FTLN 0916 Of the adjacent wharfs. The city cast
FTLN 0917 Her people out upon her; and Antony,
FTLN 0918 Enthroned i’ th’ market-place, did sit alone,
FTLN 0919 Whistling to th’ air, which but for vacancy
FTLN 0920 255 Had gone to gaze on Cleopatra too
FTLN 0921 And made a gap in nature.
AGRIPPA FTLN 0922 Rare Egyptian!
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 0923 Upon her landing, Antony sent to her,
FTLN 0924 Invited her to supper. She replied
FTLN 0925 260 It should be better he became her guest,
FTLN 0926 Which she entreated. Our courteous Antony,
FTLN 0927 Whom ne’er the word of “No” woman heard speak,
FTLN 0928 Being barbered ten times o’er, goes to the feast,
FTLN 0929 And for his ordinary pays his heart
FTLN 0930 265 For what his eyes eat only.
AGRIPPA FTLN 0931 Royal wench!

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FTLN 0932 She made great Caesar lay his sword to bed;
FTLN 0933 He ploughed her, and she cropped.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0934 I saw her once
FTLN 0935 270 Hop forty paces through the public street,
FTLN 0936 And having lost her breath, she spoke and panted,
FTLN 0937 That she did make defect perfection,
FTLN 0938 And breathless pour breath forth.
MAECENAS
FTLN 0939 Now Antony must leave her utterly.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0940 275 Never. He will not.
FTLN 0941 Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale
FTLN 0942 Her infinite variety. Other women cloy
FTLN 0943 The appetites they feed, but she makes hungry
FTLN 0944 Where most she satisfies. For vilest things
FTLN 0945 280 Become themselves in her, that the holy priests
FTLN 0946 Bless her when she is riggish.
MAECENAS
FTLN 0947 If beauty, wisdom, modesty can settle
FTLN 0948 The heart of Antony, Octavia is
FTLN 0949 A blessèd lottery to him.
AGRIPPA FTLN 0950 285 Let us go.
FTLN 0951 Good Enobarbus, make yourself my guest
FTLN 0952 Whilst you abide here.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 0953 Humbly, sir, I thank you.
They exit.
Scene 3
Enter Antony, Caesar; Octavia between them.
ANTONY
FTLN 0954 The world and my great office will sometimes
FTLN 0955 Divide me from your bosom.
OCTAVIA FTLN 0956 All which time
FTLN 0957 Before the gods my knee shall bow my prayers
FTLN 0958 5 To them for you.

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ANTONY , to Caesar FTLN 0959 Goodnight, sir.—My Octavia,
FTLN 0960 Read not my blemishes in the world’s report.
FTLN 0961 I have not kept my square, but that to come
FTLN 0962 Shall all be done by th’ rule. Good night, dear
FTLN 0963 10 lady.—
FTLN 0964 Good night, sir.
CAESAR FTLN 0965 Goodnight. Caesar and Octavia exit.
Enter Soothsayer.
ANTONY
FTLN 0966 Now, sirrah, you do wish yourself in Egypt?
SOOTHSAYER FTLN 0967 Would I had never come from thence,
FTLN 0968 15 nor you thither.
ANTONY FTLN 0969 If you can, your reason?
SOOTHSAYER FTLN 0970 I see it in my motion, have it not in my
FTLN 0971 tongue. But yet hie you to Egypt again.
ANTONY
FTLN 0972 Say to me, whose fortunes shall rise higher,
FTLN 0973 20 Caesar’s or mine?
SOOTHSAYER FTLN 0974 Caesar’s.
FTLN 0975 Therefore, O Antony, stay not by his side.
FTLN 0976 Thy dæmon—that thy spirit which keeps thee—is
FTLN 0977 Noble, courageous, high, unmatchable,
FTLN 0978 25 Where Caesar’s is not. But near him, thy angel
FTLN 0979 Becomes afeard, as being o’erpowered. Therefore
FTLN 0980 Make space enough between you.
ANTONY FTLN 0981 Speak this no more.
SOOTHSAYER
FTLN 0982 To none but thee; no more but when to thee.
FTLN 0983 30 If thou dost play with him at any game,
FTLN 0984 Thou art sure to lose; and of that natural luck
FTLN 0985 He beats thee ’gainst the odds. Thy luster thickens
FTLN 0986 When he shines by. I say again, thy spirit
FTLN 0987 Is all afraid to govern thee near him;
FTLN 0988 35 But he away, ’tis noble.

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ANTONY FTLN 0989 Get thee gone.
FTLN 0990 Say to Ventidius I would speak with him.
Soothsayer exits.
FTLN 0991 He shall to Parthia. Be it art or hap,
FTLN 0992 He hath spoken true. The very dice obey him,
FTLN 0993 40 And in our sports my better cunning faints
FTLN 0994 Under his chance. If we draw lots, he speeds;
FTLN 0995 His cocks do win the battle still of mine
FTLN 0996 When it is all to naught, and his quails ever
FTLN 0997 Beat mine, inhooped, at odds. I will to Egypt.
FTLN 0998 45 And though I make this marriage for my peace,
FTLN 0999 I’ th’ East my pleasure lies.
Enter Ventidius.
FTLN 1000 O, come, Ventidius.
FTLN 1001 You must to Parthia; your commission’s ready.
FTLN 1002 Follow me and receive ’t.
They exit.
Scene 4
Enter Lepidus, Maecenas, and Agrippa.
LEPIDUS
FTLN 1003 Trouble yourselves no further. Pray you hasten
FTLN 1004 Your generals after.
AGRIPPA FTLN 1005 Sir, Mark Antony
FTLN 1006 Will e’en but kiss Octavia, and we’ll follow.
LEPIDUS
FTLN 1007 5 Till I shall see you in your soldiers’ dress,
FTLN 1008 Which will become you both, farewell.
MAECENAS FTLN 1009 We shall,
FTLN 1010 As I conceive the journey, be at the Mount
FTLN 1011 Before you, Lepidus.

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LEPIDUS FTLN 1012 10 Your way is shorter;
FTLN 1013 My purposes do draw me much about.
FTLN 1014 You’ll win two days upon me.
BOTH FTLN 1015 Sir, good success.
LEPIDUS FTLN 1016 Farewell.
They exit.
Scene 5
Enter Cleopatra, Charmian, Iras, and Alexas.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1017 Give me some music—music, moody food
FTLN 1018 Of us that trade in love.
ALL FTLN 1019 The music, ho!
Enter Mardian the eunuch.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1020 Let it alone. Let’s to billiards. Come, Charmian.
CHARMIAN
FTLN 1021 5 My arm is sore. Best play with Mardian.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1022 As well a woman with an eunuch played
FTLN 1023 As with a woman.—Come, you’ll play with me, sir?
MARDIAN FTLN 1024 As well as I can, madam.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1025 And when good will is showed, though ’t come too
FTLN 1026 10 short,
FTLN 1027 The actor may plead pardon. I’ll none now.
FTLN 1028 Give me mine angle; we’ll to th’ river. There,
FTLN 1029 My music playing far off, I will betray
FTLN 1030 Tawny-finned fishes. My bended hook shall pierce
FTLN 1031 15 Their slimy jaws, and as I draw them up
FTLN 1032 I’ll think them every one an Antony
FTLN 1033 And say “Aha! You’re caught.”

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CHARMIAN FTLN 1034 ’Twas merry when
FTLN 1035 You wagered on your angling; when your diver
FTLN 1036 20 Did hang a salt fish on his hook, which he
FTLN 1037 With fervency drew up.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 1038 That time?—O, times!—
FTLN 1039 I laughed him out of patience; and that night
FTLN 1040 I laughed him into patience; and next morn,
FTLN 1041 25 Ere the ninth hour, I drunk him to his bed,
FTLN 1042 Then put my tires and mantles on him, whilst
FTLN 1043 I wore his sword Philippan.
Enter a Messenger.
FTLN 1044 O, from Italy!
FTLN 1045 Ram thou thy fruitful tidings in mine ears,
FTLN 1046 30 That long time have been barren.
MESSENGER FTLN 1047 Madam, madam—
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1048 Antonio’s dead! If thou say so, villain,
FTLN 1049 Thou kill’st thy mistress. But well and free,
FTLN 1050 If thou so yield him, there is gold, and here
FTLN 1051 35 My bluest veins to kiss, a hand that kings
FTLN 1052 Have lipped and trembled kissing.
MESSENGER FTLN 1053 First, madam, he is well.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1054 Why, there’s more gold. But sirrah, mark, we use
FTLN 1055 To say the dead are well. Bring it to that,
FTLN 1056 40 The gold I give thee will I melt and pour
FTLN 1057 Down thy ill-uttering throat.
MESSENGER FTLN 1058 Good madam, hear me.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 1059 Well, go to, I will.
FTLN 1060 But there’s no goodness in thy face—if Antony
FTLN 1061 45 Be free and healthful, so tart a favor
FTLN 1062 To trumpet such good tidings! If not well,
FTLN 1063 Thou shouldst come like a Fury crowned with snakes,
FTLN 1064 Not like a formal man.

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MESSENGER FTLN 1065 Will ’t please you hear me?
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1066 50 I have a mind to strike thee ere thou speak’st
FTLN 1067 Yet if thou say Antony lives, is well,
FTLN 1068 Or friends with Caesar or not captive to him,
FTLN 1069 I’ll set thee in a shower of gold and hail
FTLN 1070 Rich pearls upon thee.
MESSENGER FTLN 1071 55 Madam, he’s well.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 1072 Well said.
MESSENGER
FTLN 1073 And friends with Caesar.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 1074 Th’ art an honest man.
MESSENGER
FTLN 1075 Caesar and he are greater friends than ever.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1076 60 Make thee a fortune from me.
MESSENGER FTLN 1077 But yet, madam—
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1078 I do not like “But yet.” It does allay
FTLN 1079 The good precedence. Fie upon “But yet.”
FTLN 1080 “But yet” is as a jailer to bring forth
FTLN 1081 65 Some monstrous malefactor. Prithee, friend,
FTLN 1082 Pour out the pack of matter to mine ear,
FTLN 1083 The good and bad together: he’s friends with Caesar,
FTLN 1084 In state of health, thou say’st, and, thou say’st, free.
MESSENGER
FTLN 1085 Free, madam, no. I made no such report.
FTLN 1086 70 He’s bound unto Octavia.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 1087 For what good turn?
MESSENGER
FTLN 1088 For the best turn i’ th’ bed.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 1089 I am pale, Charmian.
MESSENGER
FTLN 1090 Madam, he’s married to Octavia.

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CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1091 75 The most infectious pestilence upon thee!
Strikes him down.
MESSENGER FTLN 1092 Good madam, patience!
CLEOPATRA FTLN 1093 What say you? Strikes him.
FTLN 1094 Hence, horrible villain, or I’ll spurn thine eyes
FTLN 1095 Like balls before me! I’ll unhair thy head!
She hales him up and down.
FTLN 1096 80 Thou shalt be whipped with wire and stewed in
FTLN 1097 brine,
FTLN 1098 Smarting in ling’ring pickle.
MESSENGER FTLN 1099 Gracious madam,
FTLN 1100 I that do bring the news made not the match.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1101 85 Say ’tis not so, a province I will give thee
FTLN 1102 And make thy fortunes proud. The blow thou hadst
FTLN 1103 Shall make thy peace for moving me to rage,
FTLN 1104 And I will boot thee with what gift beside
FTLN 1105 Thy modesty can beg.
MESSENGER FTLN 1106 90 He’s married, madam.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1107 Rogue, thou hast lived too long. Draw a knife.
MESSENGER FTLN 1108 Nay then, I’ll run.
FTLN 1109 What mean you, madam? I have made no fault.
He exits.
CHARMIAN
FTLN 1110 Good madam, keep yourself within yourself.
FTLN 1111 95 The man is innocent.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1112 Some innocents ’scape not the thunderbolt.
FTLN 1113 Melt Egypt into Nile, and kindly creatures
FTLN 1114 Turn all to serpents! Call the slave again.
FTLN 1115 Though I am mad, I will not bite him. Call!
CHARMIAN
FTLN 1116 100 He is afeard to come.

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CLEOPATRA FTLN 1117 I will not hurt him.
FTLN 1118 These hands do lack nobility that they strike
FTLN 1119 A meaner than myself, since I myself
FTLN 1120 Have given myself the cause.
Enter the Messenger again.
FTLN 1121 105 Come hither, sir.
FTLN 1122 Though it be honest, it is never good
FTLN 1123 To bring bad news. Give to a gracious message
FTLN 1124 An host of tongues, but let ill tidings tell
FTLN 1125 Themselves when they be felt.
MESSENGER FTLN 1126 110 I have done my duty.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 1127 Is he married?
FTLN 1128 I cannot hate thee worser than I do
FTLN 1129 If thou again say “yes.”
MESSENGER FTLN 1130 He’s married, madam.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1131 115 The gods confound thee! Dost thou hold there still?
MESSENGER
FTLN 1132 Should I lie, madam?
CLEOPATRA FTLN 1133 O, I would thou didst,
FTLN 1134 So half my Egypt were submerged and made
FTLN 1135 A cistern for scaled snakes! Go, get thee hence.
FTLN 1136 120 Hadst thou Narcissus in thy face, to me
FTLN 1137 Thou wouldst appear most ugly. He is married?
MESSENGER
FTLN 1138 I crave your Highness’ pardon.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 1139 He is married?
MESSENGER
FTLN 1140 Take no offense that I would not offend you.
FTLN 1141 125 To punish me for what you make me do
FTLN 1142 Seems much unequal. He’s married to Octavia.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1143 O, that his fault should make a knave of thee

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FTLN 1144 That art not what th’ art sure of! Get thee hence.
FTLN 1145 The merchandise which thou hast brought from
FTLN 1146 130 Rome
FTLN 1147 Are all too dear for me. Lie they upon thy hand,
FTLN 1148 And be undone by ’em! Messenger exits.
CHARMIAN FTLN 1149 Good your Highness,
FTLN 1150 patience.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1151 135 In praising Antony, I have dispraised Caesar.
CHARMIAN FTLN 1152 Many times, madam.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1153 I am paid for ’t now. Lead me from hence;
FTLN 1154 I faint. O, Iras, Charmian! ’Tis no matter.—
FTLN 1155 Go to the fellow, good Alexas. Bid him
FTLN 1156 140 Report the feature of Octavia, her years,
FTLN 1157 Her inclination; let him not leave out
FTLN 1158 The color of her hair. Bring me word quickly.
Alexas exits.
FTLN 1159 Let him forever go—let him not, Charmian.
FTLN 1160 Though he be painted one way like a Gorgon,
FTLN 1161 145 The other way ’s a Mars. (To Mardian.) Bid you
FTLN 1162 Alexas
FTLN 1163 Bring me word how tall she is.—Pity me,
FTLN 1164 Charmian,
FTLN 1165 But do not speak to me. Lead me to my chamber.
They exit.
Scene 6
Flourish. Enter Pompey and Menas at one door,
with Drum and Trumpet; at another Caesar, Lepidus,
Antony, Enobarbus, Maecenas, and Agrippa,
with Soldiers marching.
POMPEY
FTLN 1166 Your hostages I have, so have you mine,
FTLN 1167 And we shall talk before we fight.

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CAESAR FTLN 1168 Most meet
FTLN 1169 That first we come to words, and therefore have we
FTLN 1170 5 Our written purposes before us sent,
FTLN 1171 Which if thou hast considered, let us know
FTLN 1172 If ’twill tie up thy discontented sword
FTLN 1173 And carry back to Sicily much tall youth
FTLN 1174 That else must perish here.
POMPEY FTLN 1175 10 To you all three,
FTLN 1176 The senators alone of this great world,
FTLN 1177 Chief factors for the gods: I do not know
FTLN 1178 Wherefore my father should revengers want,
FTLN 1179 Having a son and friends, since Julius Caesar,
FTLN 1180 15 Who at Philippi the good Brutus ghosted,
FTLN 1181 There saw you laboring for him. What was ’t
FTLN 1182 That moved pale Cassius to conspire? And what
FTLN 1183 Made the all-honored, honest, Roman Brutus,
FTLN 1184 With the armed rest, courtiers of beauteous
FTLN 1185 20 freedom,
FTLN 1186 To drench the Capitol, but that they would
FTLN 1187 Have one man but a man? And that is it
FTLN 1188 Hath made me rig my navy, at whose burden
FTLN 1189 The angered ocean foams, with which I meant
FTLN 1190 25 To scourge th’ ingratitude that despiteful Rome
FTLN 1191 Cast on my noble father.
CAESAR FTLN 1192 Take your time.
ANTONY
FTLN 1193 Thou canst not fear us, Pompey, with thy sails.
FTLN 1194 We’ll speak with thee at sea. At land thou know’st
FTLN 1195 30 How much we do o’ercount thee.
POMPEY FTLN 1196 At land indeed
FTLN 1197 Thou dost o’ercount me of my father’s house;
FTLN 1198 But since the cuckoo builds not for himself,
FTLN 1199 Remain in ’t as thou mayst.
LEPIDUS FTLN 1200 35 Be pleased to tell us—
FTLN 1201 For this is from the present—how you take
FTLN 1202 The offers we have sent you.

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CAESAR FTLN 1203 There’s the point.
ANTONY
FTLN 1204 Which do not be entreated to, but weigh
FTLN 1205 40 What it is worth embraced.
CAESAR FTLN 1206 And what may follow
FTLN 1207 To try a larger fortune.
POMPEY FTLN 1208 You have made me offer
FTLN 1209 Of Sicily, Sardinia; and I must
FTLN 1210 45 Rid all the sea of pirates; then to send
FTLN 1211 Measures of wheat to Rome. This ’greed upon,
FTLN 1212 To part with unhacked edges and bear back
FTLN 1213 Our targes undinted.
ALL FTLN 1214 That’s our offer.
POMPEY FTLN 1215 50 Know then
FTLN 1216 I came before you here a man prepared
FTLN 1217 To take this offer. But Mark Antony
FTLN 1218 Put me to some impatience.—Though I lose
FTLN 1219 The praise of it by telling, you must know
FTLN 1220 55 When Caesar and your brother were at blows,
FTLN 1221 Your mother came to Sicily and did find
FTLN 1222 Her welcome friendly.
ANTONY FTLN 1223 I have heard it, Pompey,
FTLN 1224 And am well studied for a liberal thanks,
FTLN 1225 60 Which I do owe you.
POMPEY FTLN 1226 Let me have your hand.
They clasp hands.
FTLN 1227 I did not think, sir, to have met you here.
ANTONY
FTLN 1228 The beds i’ th’ East are soft; and thanks to you,
FTLN 1229 That called me timelier than my purpose hither,
FTLN 1230 65 For I have gained by ’t.
CAESAR , to Pompey FTLN 1231 Since I saw you last,
FTLN 1232 There’s a change upon you.
POMPEY FTLN 1233 Well, I know not
FTLN 1234 What counts harsh Fortune casts upon my face,

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FTLN 1235 70 But in my bosom shall she never come
FTLN 1236 To make my heart her vassal.
LEPIDUS FTLN 1237 Well met here.
POMPEY
FTLN 1238 I hope so, Lepidus. Thus we are agreed.
FTLN 1239 I crave our composition may be written
FTLN 1240 75 And sealed between us.
CAESAR FTLN 1241 That’s the next to do.
POMPEY
FTLN 1242 We’ll feast each other ere we part, and let’s
FTLN 1243 Draw lots who shall begin.
ANTONY FTLN 1244 That will I, Pompey.
POMPEY
FTLN 1245 80 No, Antony, take the lot. But, first or last,
FTLN 1246 Your fine Egyptian cookery shall have
FTLN 1247 The fame. I have heard that Julius Caesar
FTLN 1248 Grew fat with feasting there.
ANTONY FTLN 1249 You have heard much.
POMPEY FTLN 1250 85 I have fair meanings, sir.
ANTONY FTLN 1251 And fair words to them.
POMPEY FTLN 1252 Then so much have I heard.
FTLN 1253 And I have heard Apollodorus carried—
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 1254 No more of that. He did so.
POMPEY FTLN 1255 90 What, I pray you?
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 1256 A certain queen to Caesar in a mattress.
POMPEY
FTLN 1257 I know thee now. How far’st thou, soldier?
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1258 Well,
FTLN 1259 And well am like to do, for I perceive
FTLN 1260 95 Four feasts are toward.
POMPEY FTLN 1261 Let me shake thy hand.
FTLN 1262 I never hated thee. I have seen thee fight
FTLN 1263 When I have envied thy behavior.

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ENOBARBUS FTLN 1264 Sir,
FTLN 1265 100 I never loved you much, but I ha’ praised you
FTLN 1266 When you have well deserved ten times as much
FTLN 1267 As I have said you did.
POMPEY FTLN 1268 Enjoy thy plainness;
FTLN 1269 It nothing ill becomes thee.—
FTLN 1270 105 Aboard my galley I invite you all.
FTLN 1271 Will you lead, lords?
ALL FTLN 1272 Show ’s the way, sir.
POMPEY FTLN 1273 Come.
They exit, except for Enobarbus and Menas.
MENAS , aside FTLN 1274 Thy father, Pompey, would ne’er have
FTLN 1275 110 made this treaty.—You and I have known, sir.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1276 At sea, I think.
MENAS FTLN 1277 We have, sir.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1278 You have done well by water.
MENAS FTLN 1279 And you by land.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1280 115 I will praise any man that will praise me,
FTLN 1281 though it cannot be denied what I have done by
FTLN 1282 land.
MENAS FTLN 1283 Nor what I have done by water.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1284 Yes, something you can deny for your own
FTLN 1285 120 safety: you have been a great thief by sea.
MENAS FTLN 1286 And you by land.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1287 There I deny my land service. But give me
FTLN 1288 your hand, Menas. They clasp hands. If our eyes
FTLN 1289 had authority, here they might take two thieves
FTLN 1290 125 kissing.
MENAS FTLN 1291 All men’s faces are true, whatsome’er their
FTLN 1292 hands are.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1293 But there is never a fair woman has a true
FTLN 1294 face.
MENAS FTLN 1295 130 No slander. They steal hearts.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1296 We came hither to fight with you.
MENAS FTLN 1297 For my part, I am sorry it is turned to a

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FTLN 1298 drinking. Pompey doth this day laugh away his
FTLN 1299 fortune.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1300 135 If he do, sure he cannot weep ’t back
FTLN 1301 again.
MENAS FTLN 1302 You’ve said, sir. We looked not for Mark Antony
FTLN 1303 here. Pray you, is he married to Cleopatra?
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1304 Caesar’s sister is called Octavia.
MENAS FTLN 1305 140 True, sir. She was the wife of Caius Marcellus.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1306 But she is now the wife of Marcus
FTLN 1307 Antonius.
MENAS FTLN 1308 Pray you, sir?
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1309’Tis true.
MENAS FTLN 1310 145 Then is Caesar and he forever knit together.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1311 If I were bound to divine of this unity, I
FTLN 1312 would not prophesy so.
MENAS FTLN 1313 I think the policy of that purpose made more in
FTLN 1314 the marriage than the love of the parties.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1315 150 I think so, too. But you shall find the band
FTLN 1316 that seems to tie their friendship together will be
FTLN 1317 the very strangler of their amity. Octavia is of a holy,
FTLN 1318 cold, and still conversation.
MENAS FTLN 1319 Who would not have his wife so?
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1320 155 Not he that himself is not so, which is
FTLN 1321 Mark Antony. He will to his Egyptian dish again.
FTLN 1322 Then shall the sighs of Octavia blow the fire up in
FTLN 1323 Caesar, and, as I said before, that which is the
FTLN 1324 strength of their amity shall prove the immediate
FTLN 1325 160 author of their variance. Antony will use his affection
FTLN 1326 where it is. He married but his occasion here.
MENAS FTLN 1327 And thus it may be. Come, sir, will you aboard?
FTLN 1328 I have a health for you.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1329 I shall take it, sir. We have used our throats
FTLN 1330 165 in Egypt.
MENAS FTLN 1331 Come, let’s away.
They exit.

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ACT 2. SC. 7
Scene 7
Music plays. Enter two or three Servants
with a banquet.
FIRST SERVANT FTLN 1332 Here they’ll be, man. Some o’ their
FTLN 1333 plants are ill-rooted already. The least wind i’ th’
FTLN 1334 world will blow them down.
SECOND SERVANT FTLN 1335 Lepidus is high-colored.
FIRST SERVANT FTLN 1336 5 They have made him drink alms-drink.
SECOND SERVANT FTLN 1337 As they pinch one another by the
FTLN 1338 disposition, he cries out “No more,” reconciles
FTLN 1339 them to his entreaty and himself to th’ drink.
FIRST SERVANT FTLN 1340 But it raises the greater war between
FTLN 1341 10 him and his discretion.
SECOND SERVANT FTLN 1342 Why, this it is to have a name in great
FTLN 1343 men’s fellowship. I had as lief have a reed that will
FTLN 1344 do me no service as a partisan I could not heave.
FIRST SERVANT FTLN 1345 To be called into a huge sphere, and not
FTLN 1346 15 to be seen to move in ’t, are the holes where eyes
FTLN 1347 should be, which pitifully disaster the cheeks.
A sennet sounded. Enter Caesar, Antony, Pompey,
Lepidus, Agrippa, Maecenas, Enobarbus, Menas, with
other Captains and a Boy.
ANTONY
FTLN 1348 Thus do they, sir: they take the flow o’ th’ Nile
FTLN 1349 By certain scales i’ th’ Pyramid; they know
FTLN 1350 By th’ height, the lowness, or the mean if dearth
FTLN 1351 20 Or foison follow. The higher Nilus swells,
FTLN 1352 The more it promises. As it ebbs, the seedsman
FTLN 1353 Upon the slime and ooze scatters his grain,
FTLN 1354 And shortly comes to harvest.
LEPIDUS FTLN 1355 You’ve strange serpents there?
ANTONY FTLN 1356 25 Ay, Lepidus.
LEPIDUS FTLN 1357 Your serpent of Egypt is bred now of your

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Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 2. SC. 7
FTLN 1358 mud by the operation of your sun; so is your
FTLN 1359 crocodile.
ANTONY FTLN 1360 They are so.
POMPEY
FTLN 1361 30 Sit, and some wine. A health to Lepidus!
LEPIDUS FTLN 1362 I am not so well as I should be, but I’ll ne’er
FTLN 1363 out.
ENOBARBUS , aside FTLN 1364 Not till you have slept. I fear me
FTLN 1365 you’ll be in till then.
LEPIDUS FTLN 1366 35 Nay, certainly, I have heard the Ptolemies’
FTLN 1367 pyramises are very goodly things. Without contradiction
FTLN 1368 I have heard that.
MENAS , aside to Pompey
FTLN 1369 Pompey, a word.
POMPEY , aside to Menas FTLN 1370 Say in mine ear what is ’t.
MENAS (whispers in ’s ear)
FTLN 1371 40 Forsake thy seat, I do beseech thee, captain,
FTLN 1372 And hear me speak a word.
POMPEY , aside to Menas
FTLN 1373 Forbear me till anon.—This wine for Lepidus!
LEPIDUS FTLN 1374 What manner o’ thing is your crocodile?
ANTONY FTLN 1375 It is shaped, sir, like itself, and it is as broad as
FTLN 1376 45 it hath breadth. It is just so high as it is, and moves
FTLN 1377 with it own organs. It lives by that which nourisheth
FTLN 1378 it, and the elements once out of it, it
FTLN 1379 transmigrates.
LEPIDUS FTLN 1380 What color is it of?
ANTONY FTLN 1381 50 Of it own color too.
LEPIDUS FTLN 1382’Tis a strange serpent.
ANTONY FTLN 1383’Tis so, and the tears of it are wet.
CAESAR , aside to Antony FTLN 1384 Will this description satisfy
FTLN 1385 him?
ANTONY FTLN 1386 55 With the health that Pompey gives him, else he
FTLN 1387 is a very epicure.

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Antony and Cleopatra
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POMPEY , aside to Menas
FTLN 1388 Go hang, sir, hang! Tell me of that? Away!
FTLN 1389 Do as I bid you.—Where’s this cup I called for?
MENAS , aside to Pompey
FTLN 1390 If for the sake of merit thou wilt hear me,
FTLN 1391 60 Rise from thy stool.
POMPEY FTLN 1392 I think th’ art mad!
He rises, and they walk aside.
FTLN 1393 The matter?
MENAS
FTLN 1394 I have ever held my cap off to thy fortunes.
POMPEY
FTLN 1395 Thou hast served me with much faith. What’s else
FTLN 1396 65 to say?—
FTLN 1397 Be jolly, lords.
ANTONY FTLN 1398 These quicksands, Lepidus,
FTLN 1399 Keep off them, for you sink.
MENAS , aside to Pompey
FTLN 1400 Wilt thou be lord of all the world?
POMPEY FTLN 1401 70 What sayst thou?
MENAS
FTLN 1402 Wilt thou be lord of the whole world? That’s twice.
POMPEY FTLN 1403 How should that be?
MENAS FTLN 1404 But entertain it,
FTLN 1405 And though thou think me poor, I am the man
FTLN 1406 75 Will give thee all the world.
POMPEY FTLN 1407 Hast thou drunk well?
MENAS
FTLN 1408 No, Pompey, I have kept me from the cup.
FTLN 1409 Thou art, if thou dar’st be, the earthly Jove.
FTLN 1410 Whate’er the ocean pales or sky inclips
FTLN 1411 80 Is thine, if thou wilt ha ’t.
POMPEY FTLN 1412 Show me which way.
MENAS
FTLN 1413 These three world-sharers, these competitors,
FTLN 1414 Are in thy vessel. Let me cut the cable,

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Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 2. SC. 7
FTLN 1415 And when we are put off, fall to their throats.
FTLN 1416 85 All there is thine.
POMPEY FTLN 1417 Ah, this thou shouldst have done
FTLN 1418 And not have spoke on ’t! In me ’tis villainy;
FTLN 1419 In thee ’t had been good service. Thou must know
FTLN 1420 ’Tis not my profit that does lead mine honor;
FTLN 1421 90 Mine honor, it. Repent that e’er thy tongue
FTLN 1422 Hath so betrayed thine act. Being done unknown,
FTLN 1423 I should have found it afterwards well done,
FTLN 1424 But must condemn it now. Desist and drink.
MENAS , aside FTLN 1425 For this
FTLN 1426 95 I’ll never follow thy palled fortunes more.
FTLN 1427 Who seeks and will not take when once ’tis offered
FTLN 1428 Shall never find it more.
POMPEY FTLN 1429 This health to Lepidus!
ANTONY , to Servant
FTLN 1430 Bear him ashore.—I’ll pledge it for him, Pompey.
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 1431 100 Here’s to thee, Menas.
MENAS FTLN 1432 Enobarbus, welcome.
POMPEY FTLN 1433 Fill till the cup be hid.
ENOBARBUS , pointing to the Servant carrying Lepidus
FTLN 1434 There’s a strong fellow, Menas.
MENAS FTLN 1435 Why?
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1436 105 He bears
FTLN 1437 The third part of the world, man. Seest not?
MENAS
FTLN 1438 The third part, then, is drunk. Would it were all,
FTLN 1439 That it might go on wheels.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1440 Drink thou. Increase the reels.
MENAS FTLN 1441 110 Come.
POMPEY
FTLN 1442 This is not yet an Alexandrian feast.
ANTONY
FTLN 1443 It ripens towards it. Strike the vessels, ho!
FTLN 1444 Here’s to Caesar.

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Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 2. SC. 7
CAESAR FTLN 1445 I could well forbear ’t.
FTLN 1446 115 It’s monstrous labor when I wash my brain
FTLN 1447 And it grows fouler.
ANTONY FTLN 1448 Be a child o’ th’ time.
CAESAR FTLN 1449 Possess it, I’ll make answer.
FTLN 1450 But I had rather fast from all, four days,
FTLN 1451 120 Than drink so much in one.
ENOBARBUS , to Antony FTLN 1452 Ha, my brave emperor,
FTLN 1453 Shall we dance now the Egyptian bacchanals
FTLN 1454 And celebrate our drink?
POMPEY FTLN 1455 Let’s ha ’t, good soldier.
ANTONY FTLN 1456 125 Come, let’s all take hands
FTLN 1457 Till that the conquering wine hath steeped our
FTLN 1458 sense
FTLN 1459 In soft and delicate Lethe.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1460 All take hands.
FTLN 1461 130 Make battery to our ears with the loud music,
FTLN 1462 The while I’ll place you; then the boy shall sing.
FTLN 1463 The holding every man shall beat as loud
FTLN 1464 As his strong sides can volley.
Music plays. Enobarbus places them hand in hand.
The Song.
BOY FTLN 1465 Come, thou monarch of the vine,
FTLN 1466 135 Plumpy Bacchus, with pink eyne.
FTLN 1467 In thy vats our cares be drowned.
FTLN 1468 With thy grapes our hairs be crowned.
ALL FTLN 1469 Cup us till the world go round,
FTLN 1470 Cup us till the world go round.
CAESAR
FTLN 1471 140 What would you more?—Pompey, goodnight.—
FTLN 1472 Good brother,
FTLN 1473 Let me request you off. Our graver business
FTLN 1474 Frowns at this levity.—Gentle lords, let’s part.
FTLN 1475 You see we have burnt our cheeks. Strong Enobarb
FTLN 1476 145 Is weaker than the wine, and mine own tongue

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ACT 2. SC. 7
FTLN 1477 Splits what it speaks. The wild disguise hath almost
FTLN 1478 Anticked us all. What needs more words?
FTLN 1479 Goodnight.
FTLN 1480 Good Antony, your hand.
POMPEY FTLN 1481 150 I’ll try you on the shore.
ANTONY FTLN 1482 And shall, sir. Give ’s your hand.
POMPEY
FTLN 1483 O, Antony, you have my father’s house.
FTLN 1484 But what? We are friends! Come down into the boat.
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 1485 Take heed you fall not.
All but Menas and Enobarbus exit.
FTLN 1486 155 Menas, I’ll not on shore.
MENAS
FTLN 1487 No, to my cabin. These drums, these trumpets,
FTLN 1488 flutes! What!
FTLN 1489 Let Neptune hear we bid a loud farewell
FTLN 1490 To these great fellows. Sound and be hanged. Sound
FTLN 1491 160 out! Sound a flourish, with drums.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1492 Hoo, says ’a! There’s my cap!
He throws his cap in the air.
MENAS FTLN 1493 Hoo! Noble captain, come.
They exit.

ACT 3
Scene 1
Enter Ventidius as it were in triumph, the dead body of
Pacorus borne before him; with Silius and Soldiers.
VENTIDIUS
FTLN 1494 Now, darting Parthia, art thou struck, and now
FTLN 1495 Pleased Fortune does of Marcus Crassus’ death
FTLN 1496 Make me revenger. Bear the King’s son’s body
FTLN 1497 Before our army. Thy Pacorus, Orodes,
FTLN 1498 5 Pays this for Marcus Crassus.
SILIUS FTLN 1499 Noble Ventidius,
FTLN 1500 Whilst yet with Parthian blood thy sword is warm,
FTLN 1501 The fugitive Parthians follow. Spur through Media,
FTLN 1502 Mesopotamia, and the shelters whither
FTLN 1503 10 The routed fly. So thy grand captain, Antony,
FTLN 1504 Shall set thee on triumphant chariots and
FTLN 1505 Put garlands on thy head.
VENTIDIUS FTLN 1506 O, Silius, Silius,
FTLN 1507 I have done enough. A lower place, note well,
FTLN 1508 15 May make too great an act. For learn this, Silius:
FTLN 1509 Better to leave undone than by our deed
FTLN 1510 Acquire too high a fame when him we serve ’s away.
FTLN 1511 Caesar and Antony have ever won
FTLN 1512 More in their officer than person. Sossius,
FTLN 1513 20 One of my place in Syria, his lieutenant,
FTLN 1514 For quick accumulation of renown,
FTLN 1515 Which he achieved by th’ minute, lost his favor.
115

117
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 1516 Who does i’ th’ wars more than his captain can
FTLN 1517 Becomes his captain’s captain; and ambition,
FTLN 1518 25 The soldier’s virtue, rather makes choice of loss
FTLN 1519 Than gain which darkens him.
FTLN 1520 I could do more to do Antonius good,
FTLN 1521 But ’twould offend him. And in his offense
FTLN 1522 Should my performance perish.
SILIUS FTLN 1523 30 Thou hast, Ventidius, that
FTLN 1524 Without the which a soldier and his sword
FTLN 1525 Grants scarce distinction. Thou wilt write to
FTLN 1526 Antony?
VENTIDIUS
FTLN 1527 I’ll humbly signify what in his name,
FTLN 1528 35 That magical word of war, we have effected;
FTLN 1529 How, with his banners and his well-paid ranks,
FTLN 1530 The ne’er-yet-beaten horse of Parthia
FTLN 1531 We have jaded out o’ th’ field.
SILIUS FTLN 1532 Where is he now?
VENTIDIUS
FTLN 1533 40 He purposeth to Athens, whither, with what haste
FTLN 1534 The weight we must convey with ’s will permit,
FTLN 1535 We shall appear before him.—On there, pass along!
They exit.
Scene 2
Enter Agrippa at one door, Enobarbus at another.
AGRIPPA FTLN 1536 What, are the brothers parted?
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 1537 They have dispatched with Pompey; he is gone.
FTLN 1538 The other three are sealing. Octavia weeps
FTLN 1539 To part from Rome. Caesar is sad, and Lepidus,
FTLN 1540 5 Since Pompey’s feast, as Menas says, is troubled
FTLN 1541 With the greensickness.

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Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 3. SC. 2
AGRIPPA FTLN 1542 ’Tis a noble Lepidus.
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 1543 A very fine one. O, how he loves Caesar!
AGRIPPA
FTLN 1544 Nay, but how dearly he adores Mark Antony!
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 1545 10 Caesar? Why, he’s the Jupiter of men.
AGRIPPA
FTLN 1546 What’s Antony? The god of Jupiter.
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 1547 Spake you of Caesar? How, the nonpareil!
AGRIPPA
FTLN 1548 O Antony, O thou Arabian bird!
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 1549 Would you praise Caesar, say “Caesar.” Go no
FTLN 1550 15 further.
AGRIPPA
FTLN 1551 Indeed, he plied them both with excellent praises.
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 1552 But he loves Caesar best, yet he loves Antony.
FTLN 1553 Hoo, hearts, tongues, figures, scribes, bards, poets,
FTLN 1554 cannot
FTLN 1555 20 Think, speak, cast, write, sing, number—hoo!—
FTLN 1556 His love to Antony. But as for Caesar,
FTLN 1557 Kneel down, kneel down, and wonder.
AGRIPPA FTLN 1558 Both he loves.
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 1559 They are his shards and he their beetle.
Trumpet within.
FTLN 1560 25 So,
FTLN 1561 This is to horse. Adieu, noble Agrippa.
AGRIPPA
FTLN 1562 Good fortune, worthy soldier, and farewell.
Enter Caesar, Antony, Lepidus, and Octavia.
ANTONY FTLN 1563 No further, sir.

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Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 3. SC. 2
CAESAR
FTLN 1564 You take from me a great part of myself.
FTLN 1565 30 Use me well in ’t.—Sister, prove such a wife
FTLN 1566 As my thoughts make thee, and as my farthest bond
FTLN 1567 Shall pass on thy approof.—Most noble Antony,
FTLN 1568 Let not the piece of virtue which is set
FTLN 1569 Betwixt us, as the cement of our love
FTLN 1570 35 To keep it builded, be the ram to batter
FTLN 1571 The fortress of it. For better might we
FTLN 1572 Have loved without this mean, if on both parts
FTLN 1573 This be not cherished.
ANTONY FTLN 1574 Make me not offended
FTLN 1575 40 In your distrust.
CAESAR FTLN 1576 I have said.
ANTONY FTLN 1577 You shall not find,
FTLN 1578 Though you be therein curious, the least cause
FTLN 1579 For what you seem to fear. So the gods keep you,
FTLN 1580 45 And make the hearts of Romans serve your ends.
FTLN 1581 We will here part.
CAESAR
FTLN 1582 Farewell, my dearest sister, fare thee well.
FTLN 1583 The elements be kind to thee and make
FTLN 1584 Thy spirits all of comfort. Fare thee well.
OCTAVIA FTLN 1585 50 My noble brother. She weeps.
ANTONY
FTLN 1586 The April’s in her eyes. It is love’s spring,
FTLN 1587 And these the showers to bring it on.—Be cheerful.
OCTAVIA , to Caesar
FTLN 1588 Sir, look well to my husband’s house, and—
CAESAR
FTLN 1589 What, Octavia?
OCTAVIA FTLN 1590 55 I’ll tell you in your ear.
Caesar and Octavia walk aside.
ANTONY
FTLN 1591 Her tongue will not obey her heart, nor can

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ACT 3. SC. 2
FTLN 1592 Her heart inform her tongue—the swan’s-down
FTLN 1593 feather
FTLN 1594 That stands upon the swell at the full of tide
FTLN 1595 60 And neither way inclines.
ENOBARBUS , aside to Agrippa FTLN 1596 Will Caesar weep?
AGRIPPA FTLN 1597 He has a cloud in ’s face.
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 1598 He were the worse for that were he a horse;
FTLN 1599 So is he being a man.
AGRIPPA FTLN 1600 65 Why, Enobarbus,
FTLN 1601 When Antony found Julius Caesar dead,
FTLN 1602 He cried almost to roaring. And he wept
FTLN 1603 When at Philippi he found Brutus slain.
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 1604 That year indeed he was troubled with a rheum.
FTLN 1605 70 What willingly he did confound he wailed,
FTLN 1606 Believe ’t, till I wept too.
CAESAR , coming forward with Octavia FTLN 1607 No, sweet Octavia,
FTLN 1608 You shall hear from me still. The time shall not
FTLN 1609 Outgo my thinking on you.
ANTONY FTLN 1610 75 Come, sir, come,
FTLN 1611 I’ll wrestle with you in my strength of love.
FTLN 1612 Look, here I have you, thus I let you go,
FTLN 1613 And give you to the gods.
CAESAR FTLN 1614 Adieu, be happy.
LEPIDUS , to Antony
FTLN 1615 80 Let all the number of the stars give light
FTLN 1616 To thy fair way.
CAESAR FTLN 1617 Farewell, farewell. Kisses Octavia.
ANTONY FTLN 1618 Farewell.
Trumpets sound. They exit.

125
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 3. SC. 3
Scene 3
Enter Cleopatra, Charmian, Iras, and Alexas.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1619 Where is the fellow?
ALEXAS FTLN 1620 Half afeard to come.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1621 Go to, go to.—Come hither, sir.
Enter the Messenger as before.
ALEXAS FTLN 1622 Good Majesty,
FTLN 1623 5 Herod of Jewry dare not look upon you
FTLN 1624 But when you are well pleased.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 1625 That Herod’s head
FTLN 1626 I’ll have! But how, when Antony is gone,
FTLN 1627 Through whom I might command it?—Come thou
FTLN 1628 10 near.
MESSENGER
FTLN 1629 Most gracious Majesty!
CLEOPATRA FTLN 1630 Did’st thou behold Octavia?
MESSENGER
FTLN 1631 Ay, dread queen.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 1632 Where?
MESSENGER FTLN 1633 15 Madam, in Rome.
FTLN 1634 I looked her in the face and saw her led
FTLN 1635 Between her brother and Mark Antony.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1636 Is she as tall as me?
MESSENGER FTLN 1637 She is not, madam.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1638 20 Didst hear her speak? Is she shrill-tongued or low?
MESSENGER
FTLN 1639 Madam, I heard her speak. She is low-voiced.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1640 That’s not so good. He cannot like her long.
CHARMIAN
FTLN 1641 Like her? O Isis, ’tis impossible!

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Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 3. SC. 3
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1642 I think so, Charmian: dull of tongue, and
FTLN 1643 25 dwarfish!—
FTLN 1644 What majesty is in her gait? Remember,
FTLN 1645 If e’er thou looked’st on majesty.
MESSENGER FTLN 1646 She creeps.
FTLN 1647 Her motion and her station are as one.
FTLN 1648 30 She shows a body rather than a life,
FTLN 1649 A statue than a breather.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 1650 Is this certain?
MESSENGER
FTLN 1651 Or I have no observance.
CHARMIAN FTLN 1652 Three in Egypt
FTLN 1653 35 Cannot make better note.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 1654 He’s very knowing.
FTLN 1655 I do perceive ’t. There’s nothing in her yet.
FTLN 1656 The fellow has good judgment.
CHARMIAN FTLN 1657 Excellent.
CLEOPATRA , to Messenger FTLN 1658 40 Guess at her years, I
FTLN 1659 prithee.
MESSENGER FTLN 1660 Madam, she was a widow.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 1661 Widow? Charmian, hark.
MESSENGER FTLN 1662 And I do think she’s thirty.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1663 45 Bear’st thou her face in mind? Is ’t long or round?
MESSENGER FTLN 1664 Round even to faultiness.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1665 For the most part, too, they are foolish that are so.
FTLN 1666 Her hair what color?
MESSENGER FTLN 1667 Brown, madam, and her forehead
FTLN 1668 50 As low as she would wish it.
CLEOPATRA , giving money FTLN 1669 There’s gold for thee.
FTLN 1670 Thou must not take my former sharpness ill.
FTLN 1671 I will employ thee back again. I find thee
FTLN 1672 Most fit for business. Go, make thee ready.
FTLN 1673 55 Our letters are prepared. Messenger exits.

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ACT 3. SC. 4
CHARMIAN FTLN 1674 A proper man.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1675 Indeed he is so. I repent me much
FTLN 1676 That so I harried him. Why, methinks, by him,
FTLN 1677 This creature’s no such thing.
CHARMIAN FTLN 1678 60 Nothing, madam.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1679 The man hath seen some majesty, and should know.
CHARMIAN
FTLN 1680 Hath he seen majesty? Isis else defend,
FTLN 1681 And serving you so long!
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1682 I have one thing more to ask him yet, good
FTLN 1683 65 Charmian,
FTLN 1684 But ’tis no matter. Thou shalt bring him to me
FTLN 1685 Where I will write. All may be well enough.
CHARMIAN FTLN 1686 I warrant you, madam.
They exit.
Scene 4
Enter Antony and Octavia.
ANTONY
FTLN 1687 Nay, nay, Octavia, not only that—
FTLN 1688 That were excusable, that and thousands more
FTLN 1689 Of semblable import—but he hath waged
FTLN 1690 New wars ’gainst Pompey; made his will and read it
FTLN 1691 5 To public ear;
FTLN 1692 Spoke scantly of me; when perforce he could not
FTLN 1693 But pay me terms of honor, cold and sickly
FTLN 1694 He vented them, most narrow measure lent me;
FTLN 1695 When the best hint was given him, he not took ’t,
FTLN 1696 10 Or did it from his teeth.
OCTAVIA FTLN 1697 O, my good lord,

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FTLN 1698 Believe not all, or if you must believe,
FTLN 1699 Stomach not all. A more unhappy lady,
FTLN 1700 If this division chance, ne’er stood between,
FTLN 1701 15 Praying for both parts.
FTLN 1702 The good gods will mock me presently
FTLN 1703 When I shall pray “O, bless my lord and husband!”
FTLN 1704 Undo that prayer by crying out as loud
FTLN 1705 “O, bless my brother!” Husband win, win brother
FTLN 1706 20 Prays and destroys the prayer; no midway
FTLN 1707 ’Twixt these extremes at all.
ANTONY FTLN 1708 Gentle Octavia,
FTLN 1709 Let your best love draw to that point which seeks
FTLN 1710 Best to preserve it. If I lose mine honor,
FTLN 1711 25 I lose myself; better I were not yours
FTLN 1712 Than yours so branchless. But, as you requested,
FTLN 1713 Yourself shall go between ’s. The meantime, lady,
FTLN 1714 I’ll raise the preparation of a war
FTLN 1715 Shall stain your brother. Make your soonest haste,
FTLN 1716 30 So your desires are yours.
OCTAVIA FTLN 1717 Thanks to my lord.
FTLN 1718 The Jove of power make me, most weak, most weak,
FTLN 1719 Your reconciler. Wars ’twixt you twain would be
FTLN 1720 As if the world should cleave, and that slain men
FTLN 1721 35 Should solder up the rift.
ANTONY
FTLN 1722 When it appears to you where this begins,
FTLN 1723 Turn your displeasure that way, for our faults
FTLN 1724 Can never be so equal that your love
FTLN 1725 Can equally move with them. Provide your going;
FTLN 1726 40 Choose your own company, and command what cost
FTLN 1727 Your heart has mind to.
They exit.

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Scene 5
Enter Enobarbus and Eros.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1728 How now, friend Eros?
EROS FTLN 1729 There’s strange news come, sir.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1730 What, man?
EROS FTLN 1731 Caesar and Lepidus have made wars upon
FTLN 1732 5 Pompey.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1733 This is old. What is the success?
EROS FTLN 1734 Caesar, having made use of him in the wars
FTLN 1735 ’gainst Pompey, presently denied him rivality,
FTLN 1736 would not let him partake in the glory of the action;
FTLN 1737 10 and, not resting here, accuses him of letters he had
FTLN 1738 formerly wrote to Pompey; upon his own appeal
FTLN 1739 seizes him. So the poor third is up, till death enlarge
FTLN 1740 his confine.
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 1741 Then, world, thou hast a pair of chaps, no more,
FTLN 1742 15 And throw between them all the food thou hast,
FTLN 1743 They’ll grind the one the other. Where’s Antony?
EROS
FTLN 1744 He’s walking in the garden, thus, and spurns
FTLN 1745 The rush that lies before him; cries “Fool Lepidus!”
FTLN 1746 And threats the throat of that his officer
FTLN 1747 20 That murdered Pompey.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1748 Our great navy’s rigged.
EROS
FTLN 1749 For Italy and Caesar. More, Domitius:
FTLN 1750 My lord desires you presently. My news
FTLN 1751 I might have told hereafter.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1752 25 ’Twill be naught,
FTLN 1753 But let it be. Bring me to Antony.
EROS FTLN 1754 Come, sir.
They exit.

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Scene 6
Enter Agrippa, Maecenas, and Caesar.
CAESAR
FTLN 1755 Contemning Rome, he has done all this and more
FTLN 1756 In Alexandria. Here’s the manner of ’t:
FTLN 1757 I’ th’ marketplace, on a tribunal silvered,
FTLN 1758 Cleopatra and himself in chairs of gold
FTLN 1759 5 Were publicly enthroned. At the feet sat
FTLN 1760 Caesarion, whom they call my father’s son,
FTLN 1761 And all the unlawful issue that their lust
FTLN 1762 Since then hath made between them. Unto her
FTLN 1763 He gave the stablishment of Egypt, made her
FTLN 1764 10 Of lower Syria, Cyprus, Lydia,
FTLN 1765 Absolute queen.
MAECENAS FTLN 1766 This in the public eye?
CAESAR
FTLN 1767 I’ th’ common showplace where they exercise.
FTLN 1768 His sons he there proclaimed the kings of kings.
FTLN 1769 15 Great Media, Parthia, and Armenia
FTLN 1770 He gave to Alexander; to Ptolemy he assigned
FTLN 1771 Syria, Cilicia, and Phoenicia. She
FTLN 1772 In th’ habiliments of the goddess Isis
FTLN 1773 That day appeared, and oft before gave audience,
FTLN 1774 20 As ’tis reported, so.
MAECENAS FTLN 1775 Let Rome be thus informed.
AGRIPPA
FTLN 1776 Who, queasy with his insolence already,
FTLN 1777 Will their good thoughts call from him.
CAESAR
FTLN 1778 The people knows it and have now received
FTLN 1779 25 His accusations.
AGRIPPA FTLN 1780 Who does he accuse?
CAESAR
FTLN 1781 Caesar, and that, having in Sicily
FTLN 1782 Sextus Pompeius spoiled, we had not rated him
FTLN 1783 His part o’ th’ isle. Then does he say he lent me

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FTLN 1784 30 Some shipping, unrestored. Lastly, he frets
FTLN 1785 That Lepidus of the triumvirate
FTLN 1786 Should be deposed and, being, that we detain
FTLN 1787 All his revenue.
AGRIPPA FTLN 1788 Sir, this should be answered.
CAESAR
FTLN 1789 35 ’Tis done already, and the messenger gone.
FTLN 1790 I have told him Lepidus was grown too cruel,
FTLN 1791 That he his high authority abused
FTLN 1792 And did deserve his change. For what I have
FTLN 1793 conquered,
FTLN 1794 40 I grant him part; but then in his Armenia
FTLN 1795 And other of his conquered kingdoms I
FTLN 1796 Demand the like.
MAECENAS FTLN 1797 He’ll never yield to that.
CAESAR
FTLN 1798 Nor must not then be yielded to in this.
Enter Octavia with her Train.
OCTAVIA
FTLN 1799 45 Hail, Caesar, and my lord! Hail, most dear Caesar.
CAESAR
FTLN 1800 That ever I should call thee castaway!
OCTAVIA
FTLN 1801 You have not called me so, nor have you cause.
CAESAR
FTLN 1802 Why have you stol’n upon us thus? You come not
FTLN 1803 Like Caesar’s sister. The wife of Antony
FTLN 1804 50 Should have an army for an usher and
FTLN 1805 The neighs of horse to tell of her approach
FTLN 1806 Long ere she did appear. The trees by th’ way
FTLN 1807 Should have borne men, and expectation fainted,
FTLN 1808 Longing for what it had not. Nay, the dust
FTLN 1809 55 Should have ascended to the roof of heaven,
FTLN 1810 Raised by your populous troops. But you are come
FTLN 1811 A market-maid to Rome, and have prevented

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FTLN 1812 The ostentation of our love, which, left unshown,
FTLN 1813 Is often left unloved. We should have met you
FTLN 1814 60 By sea and land, supplying every stage
FTLN 1815 With an augmented greeting.
OCTAVIA FTLN 1816 Good my lord,
FTLN 1817 To come thus was I not constrained, but did it
FTLN 1818 On my free will. My lord, Mark Antony,
FTLN 1819 65 Hearing that you prepared for war, acquainted
FTLN 1820 My grievèd ear withal, whereon I begged
FTLN 1821 His pardon for return.
CAESAR FTLN 1822 Which soon he granted,
FTLN 1823 Being an abstract ’tween his lust and him.
OCTAVIA
FTLN 1824 70 Do not say so, my lord.
CAESAR FTLN 1825 I have eyes upon him,
FTLN 1826 And his affairs come to me on the wind.
FTLN 1827 Where is he now?
OCTAVIA FTLN 1828 My lord, in Athens.
CAESAR
FTLN 1829 75 No, my most wrongèd sister. Cleopatra
FTLN 1830 Hath nodded him to her. He hath given his empire
FTLN 1831 Up to a whore, who now are levying
FTLN 1832 The kings o’ th’ Earth for war. He hath assembled
FTLN 1833 Bocchus, the King of Libya; Archelaus
FTLN 1834 80 Of Cappadocia; Philadelphos, King
FTLN 1835 Of Paphlagonia; the Thracian king, Adallas;
FTLN 1836 King Manchus of Arabia; King of Pont;
FTLN 1837 Herod of Jewry; Mithridates, King
FTLN 1838 Of Comagen; Polemon and Amyntas,
FTLN 1839 85 The Kings of Mede and Lycaonia,
FTLN 1840 With a more larger list of scepters.
OCTAVIA FTLN 1841 Ay me, most wretched,
FTLN 1842 That have my heart parted betwixt two friends
FTLN 1843 That does afflict each other!
CAESAR FTLN 1844 90 Welcome hither.
FTLN 1845 Your letters did withhold our breaking forth

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FTLN 1846 Till we perceived both how you were wrong led
FTLN 1847 And we in negligent danger. Cheer your heart.
FTLN 1848 Be you not troubled with the time, which drives
FTLN 1849 95 O’er your content these strong necessities,
FTLN 1850 But let determined things to destiny
FTLN 1851 Hold unbewailed their way. Welcome to Rome,
FTLN 1852 Nothing more dear to me. You are abused
FTLN 1853 Beyond the mark of thought, and the high gods,
FTLN 1854 100 To do you justice, makes his ministers
FTLN 1855 Of us and those that love you. Best of comfort,
FTLN 1856 And ever welcome to us.
AGRIPPA FTLN 1857 Welcome, lady.
MAECENAS FTLN 1858 Welcome, dear madam.
FTLN 1859 105 Each heart in Rome does love and pity you;
FTLN 1860 Only th’ adulterous Antony, most large
FTLN 1861 In his abominations, turns you off
FTLN 1862 And gives his potent regiment to a trull
FTLN 1863 That noises it against us.
OCTAVIA , to Caesar FTLN 1864 110 Is it so, sir?
CAESAR
FTLN 1865 Most certain. Sister, welcome. Pray you
FTLN 1866 Be ever known to patience. My dear’st sister!
They exit.
Scene 7
Enter Cleopatra and Enobarbus.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1867 I will be even with thee, doubt it not.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1868 But why, why, why?
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1869 Thou hast forspoke my being in these wars
FTLN 1870 And say’st it is not fit.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1871 5 Well, is it, is it?

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CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1872 Is ’t not denounced against us? Why should not we
FTLN 1873 Be there in person?
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1874 Well, I could reply:
FTLN 1875 If we should serve with horse and mares together,
FTLN 1876 10 The horse were merely lost. The mares would bear
FTLN 1877 A soldier and his horse.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 1878 What is ’t you say?
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 1879 Your presence needs must puzzle Antony,
FTLN 1880 Take from his heart, take from his brain, from ’s time
FTLN 1881 15 What should not then be spared. He is already
FTLN 1882 Traduced for levity, and ’tis said in Rome
FTLN 1883 That Photinus, an eunuch, and your maids
FTLN 1884 Manage this war.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 1885 Sink Rome, and their tongues rot
FTLN 1886 20 That speak against us! A charge we bear i’ th’ war,
FTLN 1887 And as the president of my kingdom will
FTLN 1888 Appear there for a man. Speak not against it.
FTLN 1889 I will not stay behind.
Enter Antony and Canidius.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1890 Nay, I have done.
FTLN 1891 25 Here comes the Emperor.
ANTONY FTLN 1892 Is it not strange, Canidius,
FTLN 1893 That from Tarentum and Brundusium
FTLN 1894 He could so quickly cut the Ionian Sea
FTLN 1895 And take in Toryne?—You have heard on ’t, sweet?
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1896 30 Celerity is never more admired
FTLN 1897 Than by the negligent.
ANTONY FTLN 1898 A good rebuke,
FTLN 1899 Which might have well becomed the best of men,
FTLN 1900 To taunt at slackness.—Canidius, we will fight
FTLN 1901 35 With him by sea.

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CLEOPATRA FTLN 1902 By sea, what else?
CANIDIUS FTLN 1903 Why will
FTLN 1904 My lord do so?
ANTONY FTLN 1905 For that he dares us to ’t.
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 1906 40 So hath my lord dared him to single fight.
CANIDIUS
FTLN 1907 Ay, and to wage this battle at Pharsalia,
FTLN 1908 Where Caesar fought with Pompey. But these offers,
FTLN 1909 Which serve not for his vantage, he shakes off,
FTLN 1910 And so should you.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1911 45 Your ships are not well manned,
FTLN 1912 Your mariners are muleteers, reapers, people
FTLN 1913 Engrossed by swift impress. In Caesar’s fleet
FTLN 1914 Are those that often have ’gainst Pompey fought.
FTLN 1915 Their ships are yare, yours heavy. No disgrace
FTLN 1916 50 Shall fall you for refusing him at sea,
FTLN 1917 Being prepared for land.
ANTONY FTLN 1918 By sea, by sea.
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 1919 Most worthy sir, you therein throw away
FTLN 1920 The absolute soldiership you have by land,
FTLN 1921 55 Distract your army, which doth most consist
FTLN 1922 Of war-marked footmen, leave unexecuted
FTLN 1923 Your own renownèd knowledge, quite forgo
FTLN 1924 The way which promises assurance, and
FTLN 1925 Give up yourself merely to chance and hazard
FTLN 1926 60 From firm security.
ANTONY FTLN 1927 I’ll fight at sea.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 1928 I have sixty sails, Caesar none better.
ANTONY
FTLN 1929 Our overplus of shipping will we burn,
FTLN 1930 And with the rest full-manned, from th’ head of
FTLN 1931 65 Actium

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FTLN 1932 Beat th’ approaching Caesar. But if we fail,
FTLN 1933 We then can do ’t at land.
Enter a Messenger.
FTLN 1934 Thy business?
MESSENGER
FTLN 1935 The news is true, my lord; he is descried.
FTLN 1936 70 Caesar has taken Toryne. He exits.
ANTONY
FTLN 1937 Can he be there in person? ’Tis impossible;
FTLN 1938 Strange that his power should be. Canidius,
FTLN 1939 Our nineteen legions thou shalt hold by land,
FTLN 1940 And our twelve thousand horse. We’ll to our ship.—
FTLN 1941 75 Away, my Thetis.
Enter a Soldier.
FTLN 1942 How now, worthy soldier?
SOLDIER
FTLN 1943 O noble emperor, do not fight by sea!
FTLN 1944 Trust not to rotten planks. Do you misdoubt
FTLN 1945 This sword and these my wounds? Let th’ Egyptians
FTLN 1946 80 And the Phoenicians go a-ducking. We
FTLN 1947 Have used to conquer standing on the earth
FTLN 1948 And fighting foot to foot.
ANTONY FTLN 1949 Well, well, away.
Antony, Cleopatra, and Enobarbus exit.
SOLDIER
FTLN 1950 By Hercules, I think I am i’ th’ right.
CANIDIUS
FTLN 1951 85 Soldier, thou art, but his whole action grows
FTLN 1952 Not in the power on ’t. So our leader’s led,
FTLN 1953 And we are women’s men.
SOLDIER FTLN 1954 You keep by land
FTLN 1955 The legions and the horse whole, do you not?
CANIDIUS
FTLN 1956 90 Marcus Octavius, Marcus Justeius,

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ACT 3. SC. 8
FTLN 1957 Publicola, and Caelius are for sea,
FTLN 1958 But we keep whole by land. This speed of Caesar’s
FTLN 1959 Carries beyond belief.
SOLDIER FTLN 1960 While he was yet in Rome,
FTLN 1961 95 His power went out in such distractions as
FTLN 1962 Beguiled all spies.
CANIDIUS FTLN 1963 Who’s his lieutenant, hear you?
SOLDIER
FTLN 1964 They say one Taurus.
CANIDIUS FTLN 1965 Well I know the man.
Enter a Messenger.
MESSENGER FTLN 1966 100 The Emperor calls Canidius.
CANIDIUS
FTLN 1967 With news the time’s in labor, and throws forth
FTLN 1968 Each minute some.
They exit.
Scene 8
Enter Caesar with his army, and Taurus, marching.
CAESAR FTLN 1969 Taurus!
TAURUS FTLN 1970 My lord?
CAESAR
FTLN 1971 Strike not by land, keep whole. Provoke not battle
FTLN 1972 Till we have done at sea. Do not exceed
FTLN 1973 5 The prescript of this scroll. Hands him a scroll.
FTLN 1974 Our fortune lies
FTLN 1975 Upon this jump.
They exit.

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ACT 3. SC. 10
Scene 9
Enter Antony and Enobarbus.
ANTONY
FTLN 1976 Set we our squadrons on yond side o’ th’ hill
FTLN 1977 In eye of Caesar’s battle, from which place
FTLN 1978 We may the number of the ships behold
FTLN 1979 And so proceed accordingly.
They exit.
Scene 10
Canidius marcheth with his land army one way
over the stage, and Taurus the lieutenant of Caesar
the other way. After their going in is heard the
noise of a sea fight.
Alarum. Enter Enobarbus.
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 1980 Naught, naught, all naught! I can behold no longer.
FTLN 1981 Th’ Antoniad, the Egyptian admiral,
FTLN 1982 With all their sixty, fly and turn the rudder.
FTLN 1983 To see ’t mine eyes are blasted.
Enter Scarus.
SCARUS FTLN 1984 5 Gods and goddesses,
FTLN 1985 All the whole synod of them!
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1986 What’s thy passion?
SCARUS
FTLN 1987 The greater cantle of the world is lost
FTLN 1988 With very ignorance. We have kissed away
FTLN 1989 10 Kingdoms and provinces.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1990 How appears the fight?
SCARUS
FTLN 1991 On our side, like the tokened pestilence,
FTLN 1992 Where death is sure. Yon ribaudred nag of Egypt,
FTLN 1993 Whom leprosy o’ertake, i’ th’ midst o’ th’ fight,
FTLN 1994 15 When vantage like a pair of twins appeared

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ACT 3. SC. 10
FTLN 1995 Both as the same—or, rather, ours the elder—
FTLN 1996 The breeze upon her like a cow in June,
FTLN 1997 Hoists sails and flies.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 1998 That I beheld.
FTLN 1999 20 Mine eyes did sicken at the sight and could not
FTLN 2000 Endure a further view.
SCARUS FTLN 2001 She once being loofed,
FTLN 2002 The noble ruin of her magic, Antony,
FTLN 2003 Claps on his sea-wing and, like a doting mallard,
FTLN 2004 25 Leaving the fight in height, flies after her.
FTLN 2005 I never saw an action of such shame.
FTLN 2006 Experience, manhood, honor ne’er before
FTLN 2007 Did violate so itself.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 2008 Alack, alack.
Enter Canidius.
CANIDIUS
FTLN 2009 30 Our fortune on the sea is out of breath
FTLN 2010 And sinks most lamentably. Had our general
FTLN 2011 Been what he knew himself, it had gone well.
FTLN 2012 O, he has given example for our flight
FTLN 2013 Most grossly by his own.
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 2014 35 Ay, are you thereabouts? Why then goodnight
FTLN 2015 indeed.
CANIDIUS FTLN 2016 Toward Peloponnesus are they fled.
SCARUS
FTLN 2017 ’Tis easy to ’t, and there I will attend
FTLN 2018 What further comes. He exits.
CANIDIUS FTLN 2019 40 To Caesar will I render
FTLN 2020 My legions and my horse. Six kings already
FTLN 2021 Show me the way of yielding. He exits.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 2022 I’ll yet follow
FTLN 2023 The wounded chance of Antony, though my reason
FTLN 2024 45 Sits in the wind against me.
He exits.

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Scene 11
Enter Antony with Attendants.
ANTONY
FTLN 2025 Hark, the land bids me tread no more upon ’t.
FTLN 2026 It is ashamed to bear me. Friends, come hither.
FTLN 2027 I am so lated in the world that I
FTLN 2028 Have lost my way forever. I have a ship
FTLN 2029 5 Laden with gold. Take that, divide it. Fly,
FTLN 2030 And make your peace with Caesar.
ALL FTLN 2031 Fly? Not we!
ANTONY
FTLN 2032 I have fled myself and have instructed cowards
FTLN 2033 To run and show their shoulders. Friends, begone.
FTLN 2034 10 I have myself resolved upon a course
FTLN 2035 Which has no need of you. Begone.
FTLN 2036 My treasure’s in the harbor; take it. O,
FTLN 2037 I followed that I blush to look upon!
FTLN 2038 My very hairs do mutiny, for the white
FTLN 2039 15 Reprove the brown for rashness, and they them
FTLN 2040 For fear and doting. Friends, begone. You shall
FTLN 2041 Have letters from me to some friends that will
FTLN 2042 Sweep your way for you. Pray you look not sad,
FTLN 2043 Nor make replies of loathness. Take the hint
FTLN 2044 20 Which my despair proclaims. Let that be left
FTLN 2045 Which leaves itself. To the seaside straightway!
FTLN 2046 I will possess you of that ship and treasure.
FTLN 2047 Leave me, I pray, a little—pray you, now,
FTLN 2048 Nay, do so—for indeed I have lost command.
FTLN 2049 25 Therefore I pray you—I’ll see you by and by.
Attendants move aside. Antony sits down.
Enter Cleopatra led by Charmian, Iras, and Eros.
EROS
FTLN 2050 Nay, gentle madam, to him, comfort him.

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IRAS FTLN 2051 Do, most dear queen.
CHARMIAN FTLN 2052 Do! Why, what else?
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2053 Let me sit down. O Juno! She sits down.
ANTONY FTLN 2054 30 No, no, no, no, no.
EROS FTLN 2055 See you here, sir?
ANTONY FTLN 2056 Oh fie, fie, fie!
CHARMIAN FTLN 2057 Madam.
IRAS FTLN 2058 Madam, O good empress!
EROS FTLN 2059 35 Sir, sir—
ANTONY
FTLN 2060 Yes, my lord, yes. He at Philippi kept
FTLN 2061 His sword e’en like a dancer, while I struck
FTLN 2062 The lean and wrinkled Cassius, and ’twas I
FTLN 2063 That the mad Brutus ended. He alone
FTLN 2064 40 Dealt on lieutenantry, and no practice had
FTLN 2065 In the brave squares of war, yet now—no matter.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 2066 Ah, stand by.
EROS FTLN 2067 The Queen, my lord, the Queen.
IRAS
FTLN 2068 Go to him, madam; speak to him.
FTLN 2069 45 He’s unqualitied with very shame.
CLEOPATRA , rising FTLN 2070 Well, then, sustain me. O!
EROS
FTLN 2071 Most noble sir, arise. The Queen approaches.
FTLN 2072 Her head’s declined, and death will seize her but
FTLN 2073 Your comfort makes the rescue.
ANTONY FTLN 2074 50 I have offended reputation,
FTLN 2075 A most unnoble swerving.
EROS FTLN 2076 Sir, the Queen.
ANTONY , rising
FTLN 2077 O, whither hast them led me, Egypt? See
FTLN 2078 How I convey my shame out of thine eyes,
FTLN 2079 55 By looking back what I have left behind
FTLN 2080 ’Stroyed in dishonor.

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CLEOPATRA FTLN 2081 O, my lord, my lord,
FTLN 2082 Forgive my fearful sails! I little thought
FTLN 2083 You would have followed.
ANTONY FTLN 2084 60 Egypt, thou knew’st too well
FTLN 2085 My heart was to thy rudder tied by th’ strings,
FTLN 2086 And thou shouldst tow me after. O’er my spirit
FTLN 2087 Thy full supremacy thou knew’st, and that
FTLN 2088 Thy beck might from the bidding of the gods
FTLN 2089 65 Command me.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2090 O, my pardon!
ANTONY FTLN 2091 Now I must
FTLN 2092 To the young man send humble treaties, dodge
FTLN 2093 And palter in the shifts of lowness, who
FTLN 2094 70 With half the bulk o’ th’ world played as I pleased,
FTLN 2095 Making and marring fortunes. You did know
FTLN 2096 How much you were my conqueror, and that
FTLN 2097 My sword, made weak by my affection, would
FTLN 2098 Obey it on all cause.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2099 75 Pardon, pardon!
ANTONY
FTLN 2100 Fall not a tear, I say; one of them rates
FTLN 2101 All that is won and lost. Give me a kiss. They kiss.
FTLN 2102 Even this repays me.—
FTLN 2103 We sent our schoolmaster. Is he come back?—
FTLN 2104 80 Love, I am full of lead.—Some wine
FTLN 2105 Within there, and our viands! Fortune knows
FTLN 2106 We scorn her most when most she offers blows.
They exit.
Scene 12
Enter Caesar, Agrippa, Thidias, and
Dolabella, with others.
CAESAR
FTLN 2107 Let him appear that’s come from Antony.
FTLN 2108 Know you him?

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DOLABELLA FTLN 2109 Caesar, ’tis his schoolmaster—
FTLN 2110 An argument that he is plucked, when hither
FTLN 2111 5 He sends so poor a pinion of his wing,
FTLN 2112 Which had superfluous kings for messengers
FTLN 2113 Not many moons gone by.
Enter Ambassador from Antony.
CAESAR FTLN 2114 Approach, and speak.
AMBASSADOR
FTLN 2115 Such as I am, I come from Antony.
FTLN 2116 10 I was of late as petty to his ends
FTLN 2117 As is the morn-dew on the myrtle leaf
FTLN 2118 To his grand sea.
CAESAR FTLN 2119 Be ’t so. Declare thine office.
AMBASSADOR
FTLN 2120 Lord of his fortunes he salutes thee, and
FTLN 2121 15 Requires to live in Egypt, which not granted,
FTLN 2122 He lessens his requests, and to thee sues
FTLN 2123 To let him breathe between the heavens and Earth,
FTLN 2124 A private man in Athens. This for him.
FTLN 2125 Next, Cleopatra does confess thy greatness,
FTLN 2126 20 Submits her to thy might, and of thee craves
FTLN 2127 The circle of the Ptolemies for her heirs,
FTLN 2128 Now hazarded to thy grace.
CAESAR FTLN 2129 For Antony,
FTLN 2130 I have no ears to his request. The Queen
FTLN 2131 25 Of audience nor desire shall fail, so she
FTLN 2132 From Egypt drive her all-disgracèd friend,
FTLN 2133 Or take his life there. This if she perform,
FTLN 2134 She shall not sue unheard. So to them both.
AMBASSADOR
FTLN 2135 Fortune pursue thee!
CAESAR FTLN 2136 30 Bring him through the bands.
Ambassador exits, with Attendants.
FTLN 2137 To Thidias. To try thy eloquence now ’tis time.
FTLN 2138 Dispatch.

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FTLN 2139 From Antony win Cleopatra. Promise,
FTLN 2140 And in our name, what she requires; add more,
FTLN 2141 35 From thine invention, offers. Women are not
FTLN 2142 In their best fortunes strong, but want will perjure
FTLN 2143 The ne’er-touched vestal. Try thy cunning, Thidias.
FTLN 2144 Make thine own edict for thy pains, which we
FTLN 2145 Will answer as a law.
THIDIAS FTLN 2146 40 Caesar, I go.
CAESAR
FTLN 2147 Observe how Antony becomes his flaw,
FTLN 2148 And what thou think’st his very action speaks
FTLN 2149 In every power that moves.
THIDIAS FTLN 2150 Caesar, I shall.
They exit.
Scene 13
Enter Cleopatra, Enobarbus, Charmian, and Iras.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 2151 What shall we do, Enobarbus?
ENOBARBUS FTLN 2152 Think, and die.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 2153 Is Antony or we in fault for this?
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 2154 Antony only, that would make his will
FTLN 2155 5 Lord of his reason. What though you fled
FTLN 2156 From that great face of war, whose several ranges
FTLN 2157 Frighted each other? Why should he follow?
FTLN 2158 The itch of his affection should not then
FTLN 2159 Have nicked his captainship, at such a point,
FTLN 2160 10 When half to half the world opposed, he being
FTLN 2161 The merèd question. ’Twas a shame no less
FTLN 2162 Than was his loss, to course your flying flags
FTLN 2163 And leave his navy gazing.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2164 Prithee, peace.

165
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Enter the Ambassador with Antony.
ANTONY FTLN 2165 15 Is that his answer?
AMBASSADOR FTLN 2166 Ay, my lord.
ANTONY
FTLN 2167 The Queen shall then have courtesy, so she
FTLN 2168 Will yield us up?
AMBASSADOR FTLN 2169 He says so.
ANTONY FTLN 2170 20 Let her know ’t.—
FTLN 2171 To the boy Caesar send this grizzled head,
FTLN 2172 And he will fill thy wishes to the brim
FTLN 2173 With principalities.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2174 That head, my lord?
ANTONY , to Ambassador
FTLN 2175 25 To him again. Tell him he wears the rose
FTLN 2176 Of youth upon him, from which the world should
FTLN 2177 note
FTLN 2178 Something particular: his coin, ships, legions
FTLN 2179 May be a coward’s, whose ministers would prevail
FTLN 2180 30 Under the service of a child as soon
FTLN 2181 As i’ th’ command of Caesar. I dare him therefore
FTLN 2182 To lay his gay caparisons apart
FTLN 2183 And answer me declined, sword against sword,
FTLN 2184 Ourselves alone. I’ll write it. Follow me.
Antony and Ambassador exit.
ENOBARBUS , aside
FTLN 2185 35 Yes, like enough, high-battled Caesar will
FTLN 2186 Unstate his happiness and be staged to th’ show
FTLN 2187 Against a sworder! I see men’s judgments are
FTLN 2188 A parcel of their fortunes, and things outward
FTLN 2189 Do draw the inward quality after them
FTLN 2190 40 To suffer all alike. That he should dream,
FTLN 2191 Knowing all measures, the full Caesar will
FTLN 2192 Answer his emptiness! Caesar, thou hast subdued
FTLN 2193 His judgment too.

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Enter a Servant.
SERVANT FTLN 2194 A messenger from Caesar.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 2195 45 What, no more ceremony? See, my women,
FTLN 2196 Against the blown rose may they stop their nose
FTLN 2197 That kneeled unto the buds.—Admit him, sir.
Servant exits.
ENOBARBUS , aside
FTLN 2198 Mine honesty and I begin to square.
FTLN 2199 The loyalty well held to fools does make
FTLN 2200 50 Our faith mere folly. Yet he that can endure
FTLN 2201 To follow with allegiance a fall’n lord
FTLN 2202 Does conquer him that did his master conquer,
FTLN 2203 And earns a place i’ th’ story.
Enter Thidias.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2204 Caesar’s will?
THIDIAS
FTLN 2205 55 Hear it apart.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2206 None but friends. Say boldly.
THIDIAS
FTLN 2207 So haply are they friends to Antony.
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 2208 He needs as many, sir, as Caesar has,
FTLN 2209 Or needs not us. If Caesar please, our master
FTLN 2210 60 Will leap to be his friend. For us, you know
FTLN 2211 Whose he is we are, and that is Caesar’s.
THIDIAS FTLN 2212 So.—
FTLN 2213 Thus then, thou most renowned: Caesar entreats
FTLN 2214 Not to consider in what case thou stand’st
FTLN 2215 65 Further than he is Caesar.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2216 Go on; right royal.
THIDIAS
FTLN 2217 He knows that you embrace not Antony
FTLN 2218 As you did love, but as you feared him.

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CLEOPATRA FTLN 2219 O!
THIDIAS
FTLN 2220 70 The scars upon your honor therefore he
FTLN 2221 Does pity as constrainèd blemishes,
FTLN 2222 Not as deserved.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2223 He is a god and knows
FTLN 2224 What is most right. Mine honor was not yielded,
FTLN 2225 75 But conquered merely.
ENOBARBUS , aside FTLN 2226 To be sure of that,
FTLN 2227 I will ask Antony. Sir, sir, thou art so leaky
FTLN 2228 That we must leave thee to thy sinking, for
FTLN 2229 Thy dearest quit thee. Enobarbus exits.
THIDIAS FTLN 2230 80 Shall I say to Caesar
FTLN 2231 What you require of him? For he partly begs
FTLN 2232 To be desired to give. It much would please him
FTLN 2233 That of his fortunes you should make a staff
FTLN 2234 To lean upon. But it would warm his spirits
FTLN 2235 85 To hear from me you had left Antony
FTLN 2236 And put yourself under his shroud,
FTLN 2237 The universal landlord.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2238 What’s your name?
THIDIAS
FTLN 2239 My name is Thidias.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2240 90 Most kind messenger,
FTLN 2241 Say to great Caesar this in deputation:
FTLN 2242 I kiss his conqu’ring hand. Tell him I am prompt
FTLN 2243 To lay my crown at ’s feet, and there to kneel.
FTLN 2244 Tell him, from his all-obeying breath I hear
FTLN 2245 95 The doom of Egypt.
THIDIAS FTLN 2246 ’Tis your noblest course.
FTLN 2247 Wisdom and fortune combating together,
FTLN 2248 If that the former dare but what it can,
FTLN 2249 No chance may shake it. Give me grace to lay
FTLN 2250 100 My duty on your hand.
She gives him her hand to kiss.

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ACT 3. SC. 13
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2251 Your Caesar’s father oft,
FTLN 2252 When he hath mused of taking kingdoms in,
FTLN 2253 Bestowed his lips on that unworthy place
FTLN 2254 As it rained kisses.
Enter Antony and Enobarbus.
ANTONY FTLN 2255 105 Favors? By Jove that thunders!
FTLN 2256 What art thou, fellow?
THIDIAS FTLN 2257 One that but performs
FTLN 2258 The bidding of the fullest man and worthiest
FTLN 2259 To have command obeyed.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 2260 110 You will be whipped.
ANTONY , calling for Servants
FTLN 2261 Approach there!—Ah, you kite!—Now, gods and
FTLN 2262 devils,
FTLN 2263 Authority melts from me. Of late when I cried “Ho!”
FTLN 2264 Like boys unto a muss kings would start forth
FTLN 2265 115 And cry “Your will?” Have you no ears? I am
FTLN 2266 Antony yet.
Enter Servants.
FTLN 2267 Take hence this jack and whip him.
ENOBARBUS , aside
FTLN 2268 ’Tis better playing with a lion’s whelp
FTLN 2269 Than with an old one dying.
ANTONY FTLN 2270 120 Moon and stars!
FTLN 2271 Whip him! Were ’t twenty of the greatest tributaries
FTLN 2272 That do acknowledge Caesar, should I find them
FTLN 2273 So saucy with the hand of she here—what’s her
FTLN 2274 name
FTLN 2275 125 Since she was Cleopatra? Whip him, fellows,
FTLN 2276 Till like a boy you see him cringe his face
FTLN 2277 And whine aloud for mercy. Take him hence.
THIDIAS
FTLN 2278 Mark Antony—

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ACT 3. SC. 13
ANTONY FTLN 2279 Tug him away. Being whipped,
FTLN 2280 130 Bring him again. This jack of Caesar’s shall
FTLN 2281 Bear us an errand to him.
Servants exit with Thidias.
FTLN 2282 To Cleopatra. You were half blasted ere I knew you.
FTLN 2283 Ha!
FTLN 2284 Have I my pillow left unpressed in Rome,
FTLN 2285 135 Forborne the getting of a lawful race,
FTLN 2286 And by a gem of women, to be abused
FTLN 2287 By one that looks on feeders?
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2288 Good my lord—
ANTONY FTLN 2289 You have been a boggler ever.
FTLN 2290 140 But when we in our viciousness grow hard—
FTLN 2291 O, misery on ’t!—the wise gods seel our eyes,
FTLN 2292 In our own filth drop our clear judgments, make us
FTLN 2293 Adore our errors, laugh at ’s while we strut
FTLN 2294 To our confusion.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2295 145 O, is ’t come to this?
ANTONY
FTLN 2296 I found you as a morsel cold upon
FTLN 2297 Dead Caesar’s trencher; nay, you were a fragment
FTLN 2298 Of Gneius Pompey’s, besides what hotter hours,
FTLN 2299 Unregistered in vulgar fame, you have
FTLN 2300 150 Luxuriously picked out. For I am sure,
FTLN 2301 Though you can guess what temperance should be,
FTLN 2302 You know not what it is.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2303 Wherefore is this?
ANTONY
FTLN 2304 To let a fellow that will take rewards
FTLN 2305 155 And say “God quit you!” be familiar with
FTLN 2306 My playfellow, your hand, this kingly seal
FTLN 2307 And plighter of high hearts! O, that I were
FTLN 2308 Upon the hill of Basan, to outroar
FTLN 2309 The hornèd herd! For I have savage cause,
FTLN 2310 160 And to proclaim it civilly were like

175
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ACT 3. SC. 13
FTLN 2311 A haltered neck which does the hangman thank
FTLN 2312 For being yare about him.
Enter a Servant with Thidias.
FTLN 2313 Is he whipped?
SERVANT FTLN 2314 Soundly, my lord.
ANTONY FTLN 2315 165 Cried he? And begged he pardon?
SERVANT FTLN 2316 He did ask favor.
ANTONY , to Thidias
FTLN 2317 If that thy father live, let him repent
FTLN 2318 Thou wast not made his daughter; and be thou sorry
FTLN 2319 To follow Caesar in his triumph, since
FTLN 2320 170 Thou hast been whipped for following him.
FTLN 2321 Henceforth
FTLN 2322 The white hand of a lady fever thee;
FTLN 2323 Shake thou to look on ’t. Get thee back to Caesar.
FTLN 2324 Tell him thy entertainment. Look thou say
FTLN 2325 175 He makes me angry with him; for he seems
FTLN 2326 Proud and disdainful, harping on what I am,
FTLN 2327 Not what he knew I was. He makes me angry,
FTLN 2328 And at this time most easy ’tis to do ’t,
FTLN 2329 When my good stars that were my former guides
FTLN 2330 180 Have empty left their orbs and shot their fires
FTLN 2331 Into th’ abysm of hell. If he mislike
FTLN 2332 My speech and what is done, tell him he has
FTLN 2333 Hipparchus, my enfranchèd bondman, whom
FTLN 2334 He may at pleasure whip, or hang, or torture,
FTLN 2335 185 As he shall like to quit me. Urge it thou.
FTLN 2336 Hence with thy stripes, begone! Thidias exits.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2337 Have you done yet?
ANTONY
FTLN 2338 Alack, our terrene moon is now eclipsed,
FTLN 2339 And it portends alone the fall of Antony.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2340 190 I must stay his time.

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ACT 3. SC. 13
ANTONY
FTLN 2341 To flatter Caesar, would you mingle eyes
FTLN 2342 With one that ties his points?
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2343 Not know me yet?
ANTONY
FTLN 2344 Coldhearted toward me?
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2345 195 Ah, dear, if I be so,
FTLN 2346 From my cold heart let heaven engender hail
FTLN 2347 And poison it in the source, and the first stone
FTLN 2348 Drop in my neck; as it determines, so
FTLN 2349 Dissolve my life! The next Caesarion smite,
FTLN 2350 200 Till by degrees the memory of my womb,
FTLN 2351 Together with my brave Egyptians all,
FTLN 2352 By the discandying of this pelleted storm
FTLN 2353 Lie graveless till the flies and gnats of Nile
FTLN 2354 Have buried them for prey!
ANTONY FTLN 2355 205 I am satisfied.
FTLN 2356 Caesar sits down in Alexandria, where
FTLN 2357 I will oppose his fate. Our force by land
FTLN 2358 Hath nobly held; our severed navy too
FTLN 2359 Have knit again, and fleet, threatening most sealike.
FTLN 2360 210 Where hast thou been, my heart? Dost thou hear,
FTLN 2361 lady?
FTLN 2362 If from the field I shall return once more
FTLN 2363 To kiss these lips, I will appear in blood.
FTLN 2364 I and my sword will earn our chronicle.
FTLN 2365 215 There’s hope in ’t yet.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2366 That’s my brave lord!
ANTONY
FTLN 2367 I will be treble-sinewed, -hearted, -breathed,
FTLN 2368 And fight maliciously; for when mine hours
FTLN 2369 Were nice and lucky, men did ransom lives
FTLN 2370 220 Of me for jests. But now I’ll set my teeth
FTLN 2371 And send to darkness all that stop me. Come,
FTLN 2372 Let’s have one other gaudy night. Call to me

179
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 3. SC. 13
FTLN 2373 All my sad captains. Fill our bowls once more.
FTLN 2374 Let’s mock the midnight bell.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2375 225 It is my birthday.
FTLN 2376 I had thought t’ have held it poor. But since my lord
FTLN 2377 Is Antony again, I will be Cleopatra.
ANTONY FTLN 2378 We will yet do well.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 2379 Call all his noble captains to my lord.
ANTONY
FTLN 2380 230 Do so; we’ll speak to them, and tonight I’ll force
FTLN 2381 The wine peep through their scars.—Come on, my
FTLN 2382 queen,
FTLN 2383 There’s sap in ’t yet. The next time I do fight
FTLN 2384 I’ll make Death love me, for I will contend
FTLN 2385 235 Even with his pestilent scythe.
All but Enobarbus exit.
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 2386 Now he’ll outstare the lightning. To be furious
FTLN 2387 Is to be frighted out of fear, and in that mood
FTLN 2388 The dove will peck the estridge; and I see still
FTLN 2389 A diminution in our captain’s brain
FTLN 2390 240 Restores his heart. When valor preys on reason,
FTLN 2391 It eats the sword it fights with. I will seek
FTLN 2392 Some way to leave him.
He exits.

ACT 4
Scene 1
Enter Caesar, Agrippa, and Maecenas, with his army,
Caesar reading a letter.
CAESAR
FTLN 2393 He calls me “boy,” and chides as he had power
FTLN 2394 To beat me out of Egypt. My messenger
FTLN 2395 He hath whipped with rods, dares me to personal
FTLN 2396 combat,
FTLN 2397 5 Caesar to Antony. Let the old ruffian know
FTLN 2398 I have many other ways to die; meantime
FTLN 2399 Laugh at his challenge.
MAECENAS FTLN 2400 Caesar must think,
FTLN 2401 When one so great begins to rage, he’s hunted
FTLN 2402 10 Even to falling. Give him no breath, but now
FTLN 2403 Make boot of his distraction. Never anger
FTLN 2404 Made good guard for itself.
CAESAR FTLN 2405 Let our best heads
FTLN 2406 Know that tomorrow the last of many battles
FTLN 2407 15 We mean to fight. Within our files there are,
FTLN 2408 Of those that served Mark Antony but late,
FTLN 2409 Enough to fetch him in. See it done,
FTLN 2410 And feast the army; we have store to do ’t,
FTLN 2411 And they have earned the waste. Poor Antony.
They exit.
183

185
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 4. SC. 2
Scene 2
Enter Antony, Cleopatra, Enobarbus, Charmian, Iras,
with others.
ANTONY
FTLN 2412 He will not fight with me, Domitius?
ENOBARBUS FTLN 2413 No.
ANTONY FTLN 2414 Why should he not?
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 2415 He thinks, being twenty times of better fortune,
FTLN 2416 5 He is twenty men to one.
ANTONY FTLN 2417 Tomorrow, soldier,
FTLN 2418 By sea and land I’ll fight. Or I will live
FTLN 2419 Or bathe my dying honor in the blood
FTLN 2420 Shall make it live again. Woo’t thou fight well?
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 2421 10 I’ll strike and cry “Take all.”
ANTONY FTLN 2422 Well said. Come on.
FTLN 2423 Call forth my household servants.
Enter three or four Servitors.
FTLN 2424 Let’s tonight
FTLN 2425 Be bounteous at our meal.—Give me thy hand;
FTLN 2426 15 Thou hast been rightly honest.—So hast thou,—
FTLN 2427 Thou,—and thou,—and thou. You have served me
FTLN 2428 well,
FTLN 2429 And kings have been your fellows.
CLEOPATRA , aside to Enobarbus FTLN 2430 What means this?
ENOBARBUS , aside to Cleopatra
FTLN 2431 20 ’Tis one of those odd tricks which sorrow shoots
FTLN 2432 Out of the mind.
ANTONY , to another Servitor FTLN 2433 And thou art honest too.
FTLN 2434 I wish I could be made so many men,
FTLN 2435 And all of you clapped up together in
FTLN 2436 25 An Antony, that I might do you service
FTLN 2437 So good as you have done.

187
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 4. SC. 2
ALL THE SERVITORS FTLN 2438 The gods forbid!
ANTONY
FTLN 2439 Well, my good fellows, wait on me tonight.
FTLN 2440 Scant not my cups, and make as much of me
FTLN 2441 30 As when mine empire was your fellow too
FTLN 2442 And suffered my command.
CLEOPATRA , aside to Enobarbus FTLN 2443 What does he mean?
ENOBARBUS , aside to Cleopatra
FTLN 2444 To make his followers weep.
ANTONY , to the Servitors FTLN 2445 Tend me tonight;
FTLN 2446 35 May be it is the period of your duty.
FTLN 2447 Haply you shall not see me more, or if,
FTLN 2448 A mangled shadow. Perchance tomorrow
FTLN 2449 You’ll serve another master. I look on you
FTLN 2450 As one that takes his leave. Mine honest friends,
FTLN 2451 40 I turn you not away, but, like a master
FTLN 2452 Married to your good service, stay till death.
FTLN 2453 Tend me tonight two hours—I ask no more—
FTLN 2454 And the gods yield you for ’t!
ENOBARBUS FTLN 2455 What mean you, sir,
FTLN 2456 45 To give them this discomfort? Look, they weep,
FTLN 2457 And I, an ass, am onion-eyed. For shame,
FTLN 2458 Transform us not to women.
ANTONY FTLN 2459 Ho, ho, ho!
FTLN 2460 Now the witch take me if I meant it thus!
FTLN 2461 50 Grace grow where those drops fall! My hearty
FTLN 2462 friends,
FTLN 2463 You take me in too dolorous a sense,
FTLN 2464 For I spake to you for your comfort, did desire you
FTLN 2465 To burn this night with torches. Know, my hearts,
FTLN 2466 55 I hope well of tomorrow, and will lead you
FTLN 2467 Where rather I’ll expect victorious life
FTLN 2468 Than death and honor. Let’s to supper, come,
FTLN 2469 And drown consideration.
They exit.

189
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 4. SC. 3
Scene 3
Enter a company of Soldiers.
FIRST SOLDIER
FTLN 2470 Brother, goodnight. Tomorrow is the day.
SECOND SOLDIER
FTLN 2471 It will determine one way. Fare you well.
FTLN 2472 Heard you of nothing strange about the streets?
FIRST SOLDIER FTLN 2473 Nothing. What news?
SECOND SOLDIER
FTLN 2474 5 Belike ’tis but a rumor. Goodnight to you.
FIRST SOLDIER FTLN 2475 Well, sir, goodnight.
They meet other Soldiers who are entering.
SECOND SOLDIER FTLN 2476 Soldiers, have careful watch.
THIRD SOLDIER FTLN 2477 And you. Goodnight, goodnight.
They place themselves in every corner of the stage.
SECOND SOLDIER FTLN 2478 Here we; and if tomorrow
FTLN 2479 10 Our navy thrive, I have an absolute hope
FTLN 2480 Our landmen will stand up.
FIRST SOLDIER FTLN 2481’Tis a brave army, and full of purpose.
Music of the hautboys is under the stage.
SECOND SOLDIER FTLN 2482 Peace. What noise?
FIRST SOLDIER FTLN 2483 List, list!
SECOND SOLDIER FTLN 2484 15 Hark!
FIRST SOLDIER FTLN 2485 Music i’ th’ air.
THIRD SOLDIER FTLN 2486 Under the earth.
FOURTH SOLDIER FTLN 2487 It signs well, does it not?
THIRD SOLDIER FTLN 2488 No.
FIRST SOLDIER FTLN 2489 20 Peace, I say. What should this mean?
SECOND SOLDIER
FTLN 2490 ’Tis the god Hercules, whom Antony loved,
FTLN 2491 Now leaves him.

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Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 4. SC. 4
FIRST SOLDIER FTLN 2492 Walk. Let’s see if other watchmen
FTLN 2493 Do hear what we do.
SECOND SOLDIER FTLN 2494 25 How now, masters? Speak together.
ALL FTLN 2495 How now? How now? Do you hear this?
FIRST SOLDIER FTLN 2496 Ay. Is ’t not strange?
THIRD SOLDIER FTLN 2497 Do you hear, masters? Do you hear?
FIRST SOLDIER
FTLN 2498 Follow the noise so far as we have quarter.
FTLN 2499 30 Let’s see how it will give off.
ALL FTLN 2500 Content. ’Tis strange.
They exit.
Scene 4
Enter Antony and Cleopatra, with
Charmian, and others.
ANTONY , calling
FTLN 2501 Eros! Mine armor, Eros!
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2502 Sleep a little.
ANTONY
FTLN 2503 No, my chuck.—Eros, come, mine armor, Eros.
Enter Eros, carrying armor.
FTLN 2504 Come, good fellow, put thine iron on.
FTLN 2505 5 If fortune be not ours today, it is
FTLN 2506 Because we brave her. Come.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2507 Nay, I’ll help too.
FTLN 2508 What’s this for?
ANTONY FTLN 2509 Ah, let be, let be! Thou art
FTLN 2510 10 The armorer of my heart. False, false. This, this!
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 2511 Sooth, la, I’ll help. Thus it must be.
ANTONY FTLN 2512 Well, well,
FTLN 2513 We shall thrive now.—Seest thou, my good fellow?
FTLN 2514 Go, put on thy defenses.

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Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 4. SC. 4
EROS FTLN 2515 15 Briefly, sir.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 2516 Is not this buckled well?
ANTONY FTLN 2517 Rarely, rarely.
FTLN 2518 He that unbuckles this, till we do please
FTLN 2519 To daff ’t for our repose, shall hear a storm.—
FTLN 2520 20 Thou fumblest, Eros, and my queen’s a squire
FTLN 2521 More tight at this than thou. Dispatch.—O love,
FTLN 2522 That thou couldst see my wars today, and knew’st
FTLN 2523 The royal occupation, thou shouldst see
FTLN 2524 A workman in ’t.
Enter an armed Soldier.
FTLN 2525 25 Good morrow to thee. Welcome.
FTLN 2526 Thou look’st like him that knows a warlike charge.
FTLN 2527 To business that we love we rise betime
FTLN 2528 And go to ’t with delight.
SOLDIER FTLN 2529 A thousand, sir,
FTLN 2530 30 Early though ’t be, have on their riveted trim
FTLN 2531 And at the port expect you. Shout. Trumpets flourish.
Enter Captains and Soldiers.
CAPTAIN
FTLN 2532 The morn is fair. Good morrow, general.
ALL
FTLN 2533 Good morrow, general.
ANTONY FTLN 2534 ’Tis well blown, lads.
FTLN 2535 35 This morning, like the spirit of a youth
FTLN 2536 That means to be of note, begins betimes.
FTLN 2537 So, so.—Come, give me that. This way.—Well said.—
FTLN 2538 Fare thee well, dame. He kisses her.
FTLN 2539 Whate’er becomes of me,
FTLN 2540 40 This is a soldier’s kiss. Rebukable
FTLN 2541 And worthy shameful check it were to stand
FTLN 2542 On more mechanic compliment. I’ll leave thee

195
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 4. SC. 5
FTLN 2543 Now like a man of steel.—You that will fight,
FTLN 2544 Follow me close. I’ll bring you to ’t.—Adieu.
Antony, Eros, Captains, and Soldiers exit.
CHARMIAN
FTLN 2545 45 Please you retire to your chamber?
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2546 Lead me.
FTLN 2547 He goes forth gallantly. That he and Caesar might
FTLN 2548 Determine this great war in single fight,
FTLN 2549 Then Antony—but now—. Well, on.
They exit.
Scene 5
Trumpets sound. Enter Antony and Eros, and a Soldier
who meets them.
SOLDIER
FTLN 2550 The gods make this a happy day to Antony.
ANTONY
FTLN 2551 Would thou and those thy scars had once prevailed
FTLN 2552 To make me fight at land.
SOLDIER FTLN 2553 Had’st thou done so,
FTLN 2554 5 The kings that have revolted and the soldier
FTLN 2555 That has this morning left thee would have still
FTLN 2556 Followed thy heels.
ANTONY FTLN 2557 Who’s gone this morning?
SOLDIER FTLN 2558 Who?
FTLN 2559 10 One ever near thee. Call for Enobarbus,
FTLN 2560 He shall not hear thee, or from Caesar’s camp
FTLN 2561 Say “I am none of thine.”
ANTONY FTLN 2562 What sayest thou?
SOLDIER FTLN 2563 Sir,
FTLN 2564 15 He is with Caesar.
EROS FTLN 2565 Sir, his chests and treasure
FTLN 2566 He has not with him.

197
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 4. SC. 6
ANTONY FTLN 2567 Is he gone?
SOLDIER FTLN 2568 Most certain.
ANTONY
FTLN 2569 20 Go, Eros, send his treasure after. Do it.
FTLN 2570 Detain no jot, I charge thee. Write to him—
FTLN 2571 I will subscribe—gentle adieus and greetings.
FTLN 2572 Say that I wish he never find more cause
FTLN 2573 To change a master. O, my fortunes have
FTLN 2574 25 Corrupted honest men. Dispatch.—Enobarbus!
They exit.
Scene 6
Flourish. Enter Agrippa, Caesar, with
Enobarbus and Dolabella.
CAESAR
FTLN 2575 Go forth, Agrippa, and begin the fight.
FTLN 2576 Our will is Antony be took alive;
FTLN 2577 Make it so known.
AGRIPPA FTLN 2578 Caesar, I shall. He exits.
CAESAR
FTLN 2579 5 The time of universal peace is near.
FTLN 2580 Prove this a prosp’rous day, the three-nooked world
FTLN 2581 Shall bear the olive freely.
Enter a Messenger.
MESSENGER FTLN 2582 Antony
FTLN 2583 Is come into the field.
CAESAR FTLN 2584 10 Go charge Agrippa
FTLN 2585 Plant those that have revolted in the vant
FTLN 2586 That Antony may seem to spend his fury
FTLN 2587 Upon himself. All but Enobarbus exit.
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 2588 Alexas did revolt and went to Jewry on

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FTLN 2589 15 Affairs of Antony, there did dissuade
FTLN 2590 Great Herod to incline himself to Caesar
FTLN 2591 And leave his master Antony. For this pains,
FTLN 2592 Caesar hath hanged him. Canidius and the rest
FTLN 2593 That fell away have entertainment but
FTLN 2594 20 No honorable trust. I have done ill,
FTLN 2595 Of which I do accuse myself so sorely
FTLN 2596 That I will joy no more.
Enter a Soldier of Caesar’s.
SOLDIER FTLN 2597 Enobarbus, Antony
FTLN 2598 Hath after thee sent all thy treasure, with
FTLN 2599 25 His bounty overplus. The messenger
FTLN 2600 Came on my guard, and at thy tent is now
FTLN 2601 Unloading of his mules.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 2602 I give it you.
SOLDIER FTLN 2603 Mock not, Enobarbus.
FTLN 2604 30 I tell you true. Best you safed the bringer
FTLN 2605 Out of the host. I must attend mine office
FTLN 2606 Or would have done ’t myself. Your emperor
FTLN 2607 Continues still a Jove. He exits.
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 2608 I am alone the villain of the Earth,
FTLN 2609 35 And feel I am so most. O Antony,
FTLN 2610 Thou mine of bounty, how wouldst thou have paid
FTLN 2611 My better service, when my turpitude
FTLN 2612 Thou dost so crown with gold! This blows my
FTLN 2613 heart.
FTLN 2614 40 If swift thought break it not, a swifter mean
FTLN 2615 Shall outstrike thought, but thought will do ’t, I feel.
FTLN 2616 I fight against thee? No. I will go seek
FTLN 2617 Some ditch wherein to die; the foul’st best fits
FTLN 2618 My latter part of life.
He exits.

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ACT 4. SC. 7
Scene 7
Alarum, Drums and Trumpets. Enter Agrippa,
with other of Caesar’s soldiers.
AGRIPPA
FTLN 2619 Retire! We have engaged ourselves too far.
FTLN 2620 Caesar himself has work, and our oppression
FTLN 2621 Exceeds what we expected. They exit.
Alarums. Enter Antony, and Scarus wounded.
SCARUS
FTLN 2622 O my brave emperor, this is fought indeed!
FTLN 2623 5 Had we done so at first, we had droven them home
FTLN 2624 With clouts about their heads.
ANTONY FTLN 2625 Thou bleed’st apace.
SCARUS
FTLN 2626 I had a wound here that was like a T,
FTLN 2627 But now ’tis made an H. Sound of retreat far off.
ANTONY FTLN 2628 10 They do retire.
SCARUS
FTLN 2629 We’ll beat ’em into bench-holes. I have yet
FTLN 2630 Room for six scotches more.
Enter Eros.
EROS
FTLN 2631 They are beaten, sir, and our advantage serves
FTLN 2632 For a fair victory.
SCARUS FTLN 2633 15 Let us score their backs
FTLN 2634 And snatch ’em up as we take hares, behind.
FTLN 2635 ’Tis sport to maul a runner.
ANTONY FTLN 2636 I will reward thee
FTLN 2637 Once for thy sprightly comfort and tenfold
FTLN 2638 20 For thy good valor. Come thee on.
SCARUS FTLN 2639 I’ll halt after.
They exit.

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Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 4. SC. 8
Scene 8
Alarum. Enter Antony again in a march;
Scarus, with others.
ANTONY
FTLN 2640 We have beat him to his camp. Run one before
FTLN 2641 And let the Queen know of our gests.
A Soldier exits.
FTLN 2642 Tomorrow
FTLN 2643 Before the sun shall see ’s, we’ll spill the blood
FTLN 2644 5 That has today escaped. I thank you all,
FTLN 2645 For doughty-handed are you, and have fought
FTLN 2646 Not as you served the cause, but as ’t had been
FTLN 2647 Each man’s like mine. You have shown all Hectors.
FTLN 2648 Enter the city. Clip your wives, your friends.
FTLN 2649 10 Tell them your feats, whilst they with joyful tears
FTLN 2650 Wash the congealment from your wounds and kiss
FTLN 2651 The honored gashes whole.
Enter Cleopatra.
To Scarus. FTLN 2652 Give me thy hand.
FTLN 2653 To this great fairy I’ll commend thy acts,
FTLN 2654 15 Make her thanks bless thee.—O, thou day o’ th’
FTLN 2655 world,
FTLN 2656 Chain mine armed neck. Leap thou, attire and all,
FTLN 2657 Through proof of harness to my heart, and there
FTLN 2658 Ride on the pants triumphing.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2659 20 Lord of lords!
FTLN 2660 O infinite virtue, com’st thou smiling from
FTLN 2661 The world’s great snare uncaught?
ANTONY FTLN 2662 Mine nightingale,
FTLN 2663 We have beat them to their beds. What, girl, though
FTLN 2664 25 gray
FTLN 2665 Do something mingle with our younger brown, yet
FTLN 2666 ha’ we

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Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 4. SC. 9
FTLN 2667 A brain that nourishes our nerves and can
FTLN 2668 Get goal for goal of youth. Behold this man.
FTLN 2669 30 Commend unto his lips thy favoring hand.—
FTLN 2670 Kiss it, my warrior. Scarus kisses her hand.
FTLN 2671 He hath fought today
FTLN 2672 As if a god in hate of mankind had
FTLN 2673 Destroyed in such a shape.
CLEOPATRA , to Scarus FTLN 2674 35 I’ll give thee, friend,
FTLN 2675 An armor all of gold. It was a king’s.
ANTONY
FTLN 2676 He has deserved it, were it carbuncled
FTLN 2677 Like holy Phoebus’ car. Give me thy hand.
FTLN 2678 Through Alexandria make a jolly march.
FTLN 2679 40 Bear our hacked targets like the men that owe
FTLN 2680 them.
FTLN 2681 Had our great palace the capacity
FTLN 2682 To camp this host, we all would sup together
FTLN 2683 And drink carouses to the next day’s fate,
FTLN 2684 45 Which promises royal peril.—Trumpeters,
FTLN 2685 With brazen din blast you the city’s ear.
FTLN 2686 Make mingle with our rattling taborins,
FTLN 2687 That heaven and Earth may strike their sounds
FTLN 2688 together,
FTLN 2689 50 Applauding our approach.
They exit.
Scene 9
Enter a Sentry and his company. Enobarbus follows.
SENTRY
FTLN 2690 If we be not relieved within this hour,
FTLN 2691 We must return to th’ court of guard. The night
FTLN 2692 Is shiny, and they say we shall embattle
FTLN 2693 By th’ second hour i’ th’ morn.

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FIRST WATCH FTLN 2694 5 This last day was a shrewd one to ’s.
ENOBARBUS FTLN 2695 O, bear me witness, night—
SECOND WATCH FTLN 2696 What man is this?
FIRST WATCH FTLN 2697 Stand close, and list him.
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 2698 Be witness to me, O thou blessèd moon,
FTLN 2699 10 When men revolted shall upon record
FTLN 2700 Bear hateful memory, poor Enobarbus did
FTLN 2701 Before thy face repent.
SENTRY FTLN 2702 Enobarbus?
SECOND WATCH FTLN 2703 Peace! Hark further.
ENOBARBUS
FTLN 2704 15 O sovereign mistress of true melancholy,
FTLN 2705 The poisonous damp of night dispunge upon me,
FTLN 2706 That life, a very rebel to my will,
FTLN 2707 May hang no longer on me. Throw my heart
FTLN 2708 Against the flint and hardness of my fault,
FTLN 2709 20 Which, being dried with grief, will break to powder
FTLN 2710 And finish all foul thoughts. O Antony,
FTLN 2711 Nobler than my revolt is infamous,
FTLN 2712 Forgive me in thine own particular,
FTLN 2713 But let the world rank me in register
FTLN 2714 25 A master-leaver and a fugitive.
FTLN 2715 O Antony! O Antony! He dies.
FIRST WATCH FTLN 2716 Let’s speak to him.
SENTRY FTLN 2717 Let’s hear him, for the things he speaks may
FTLN 2718 concern Caesar.
SECOND WATCH FTLN 2719 30 Let’s do so. But he sleeps.
SENTRY
FTLN 2720 Swoons rather, for so bad a prayer as his
FTLN 2721 Was never yet for sleep.
FIRST WATCH FTLN 2722 Go we to him.
SECOND WATCH FTLN 2723 Awake, sir, awake! Speak to us.
FIRST WATCH FTLN 2724 35 Hear you, sir?
SENTRY
FTLN 2725 The hand of death hath raught him. Drums afar off.

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Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 4. SC. 11
FTLN 2726 Hark, the drums
FTLN 2727 Demurely wake the sleepers. Let us bear him
FTLN 2728 To th’ court of guard; he is of note. Our hour
FTLN 2729 40 Is fully out.
SECOND WATCH FTLN 2730 Come on then. He may recover yet.
They exit, carrying Enobarbus’ body.
Scene 10
Enter Antony and Scarus, with their army.
ANTONY
FTLN 2731 Their preparation is today by sea;
FTLN 2732 We please them not by land.
SCARUS FTLN 2733 For both, my lord.
ANTONY
FTLN 2734 I would they’d fight i’ th’ fire or i’ th’ air;
FTLN 2735 5 We’d fight there too. But this it is: our foot
FTLN 2736 Upon the hills adjoining to the city
FTLN 2737 Shall stay with us—order for sea is given;
FTLN 2738 They have put forth the haven—
FTLN 2739 Where their appointment we may best discover
FTLN 2740 10 And look on their endeavor.
They exit.
Scene 11
Enter Caesar and his army.
CAESAR
FTLN 2741 But being charged, we will be still by land—
FTLN 2742 Which, as I take ’t, we shall, for his best force
FTLN 2743 Is forth to man his galleys. To the vales,
FTLN 2744 And hold our best advantage.
They exit.

211
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 4. SC. 12
Scene 12
Enter Antony and Scarus.
ANTONY
FTLN 2745 Yet they are not joined. Where yond pine does stand,
FTLN 2746 I shall discover all. I’ll bring thee word
FTLN 2747 Straight how ’tis like to go. He exits.
Alarum afar off, as at a sea fight.
SCARUS FTLN 2748 Swallows have built
FTLN 2749 5 In Cleopatra’s sails their nests. The augurs
FTLN 2750 Say they know not, they cannot tell, look grimly
FTLN 2751 And dare not speak their knowledge. Antony
FTLN 2752 Is valiant and dejected, and by starts
FTLN 2753 His fretted fortunes give him hope and fear
FTLN 2754 10 Of what he has and has not.
Enter Antony.
ANTONY FTLN 2755 All is lost!
FTLN 2756 This foul Egyptian hath betrayèd me.
FTLN 2757 My fleet hath yielded to the foe, and yonder
FTLN 2758 They cast their caps up and carouse together
FTLN 2759 15 Like friends long lost. Triple-turned whore! ’Tis thou
FTLN 2760 Hast sold me to this novice, and my heart
FTLN 2761 Makes only wars on thee. Bid them all fly—
FTLN 2762 For when I am revenged upon my charm,
FTLN 2763 I have done all. Bid them all fly. Begone!
Scarus exits.
FTLN 2764 20 O sun, thy uprise shall I see no more.
FTLN 2765 Fortune and Antony part here; even here
FTLN 2766 Do we shake hands. All come to this? The hearts
FTLN 2767 That spanieled me at heels, to whom I gave
FTLN 2768 Their wishes, do discandy, melt their sweets
FTLN 2769 25 On blossoming Caesar, and this pine is barked
FTLN 2770 That overtopped them all. Betrayed I am.
FTLN 2771 O, this false soul of Egypt! This grave charm,

213
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ACT 4. SC. 12
FTLN 2772 Whose eye becked forth my wars and called them
FTLN 2773 home,
FTLN 2774 30 Whose bosom was my crownet, my chief end,
FTLN 2775 Like a right gypsy hath at fast and loose
FTLN 2776 Beguiled me to the very heart of loss.—
FTLN 2777 What Eros, Eros!
Enter Cleopatra.
FTLN 2778 Ah, thou spell! Avaunt!
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 2779 35 Why is my lord enraged against his love?
ANTONY
FTLN 2780 Vanish, or I shall give thee thy deserving
FTLN 2781 And blemish Caesar’s triumph. Let him take thee
FTLN 2782 And hoist thee up to the shouting plebeians!
FTLN 2783 Follow his chariot, like the greatest spot
FTLN 2784 40 Of all thy sex; most monster-like be shown
FTLN 2785 For poor’st diminutives, for dolts, and let
FTLN 2786 Patient Octavia plow thy visage up
FTLN 2787 With her preparèd nails. Cleopatra exits.
FTLN 2788 ’Tis well th’ art gone,
FTLN 2789 45 If it be well to live. But better ’twere
FTLN 2790 Thou fell’st into my fury, for one death
FTLN 2791 Might have prevented many.—Eros, ho!—
FTLN 2792 The shirt of Nessus is upon me. Teach me,
FTLN 2793 Alcides, thou mine ancestor, thy rage.
FTLN 2794 50 Let me lodge Lichas on the horns o’ th’ moon,
FTLN 2795 And with those hands that grasped the heaviest
FTLN 2796 club
FTLN 2797 Subdue my worthiest self. The witch shall die.
FTLN 2798 To the young Roman boy she hath sold me, and I
FTLN 2799 55 fall
FTLN 2800 Under this plot. She dies for ’t.—Eros, ho!
He exits.

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Scene 13
Enter Cleopatra, Charmian, Iras, and Mardian.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 2801 Help me, my women! O, he’s more mad
FTLN 2802 Than Telamon for his shield; the boar of Thessaly
FTLN 2803 Was never so embossed.
CHARMIAN FTLN 2804 To th’ monument!
FTLN 2805 5 There lock yourself and send him word you are
FTLN 2806 dead.
FTLN 2807 The soul and body rive not more in parting
FTLN 2808 Than greatness going off.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2809 To th’ monument!—
FTLN 2810 10 Mardian, go tell him I have slain myself.
FTLN 2811 Say that the last I spoke was “Antony,”
FTLN 2812 And word it, prithee, piteously. Hence, Mardian,
FTLN 2813 And bring me how he takes my death.—To th’
FTLN 2814 monument!
They exit.
Scene 14
Enter Antony and Eros.
ANTONY
FTLN 2815 Eros, thou yet behold’st me?
EROS FTLN 2816 Ay, noble lord.
ANTONY
FTLN 2817 Sometime we see a cloud that’s dragonish,
FTLN 2818 A vapor sometime like a bear or lion,
FTLN 2819 5 A towered citadel, a pendent rock,
FTLN 2820 A forkèd mountain, or blue promontory
FTLN 2821 With trees upon ’t that nod unto the world
FTLN 2822 And mock our eyes with air. Thou hast seen these
FTLN 2823 signs.
FTLN 2824 10 They are black vesper’s pageants.
EROS FTLN 2825 Ay, my lord.

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Antony and Cleopatra
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ANTONY
FTLN 2826 That which is now a horse, even with a thought
FTLN 2827 The rack dislimns and makes it indistinct
FTLN 2828 As water is in water.
EROS FTLN 2829 15 It does, my lord.
ANTONY
FTLN 2830 My good knave Eros, now thy captain is
FTLN 2831 Even such a body. Here I am Antony,
FTLN 2832 Yet cannot hold this visible shape, my knave.
FTLN 2833 I made these wars for Egypt, and the Queen,
FTLN 2834 20 Whose heart I thought I had, for she had mine—
FTLN 2835 Which whilst it was mine had annexed unto ’t
FTLN 2836 A million more, now lost—she, Eros, has
FTLN 2837 Packed cards with Caesar and false-played my glory
FTLN 2838 Unto an enemy’s triumph.
FTLN 2839 25 Nay, weep not, gentle Eros. There is left us
FTLN 2840 Ourselves to end ourselves.
Enter Mardian.
FTLN 2841 O, thy vile lady!
FTLN 2842 She has robbed me of my sword.
MARDIAN FTLN 2843 No, Antony,
FTLN 2844 30 My mistress loved thee and her fortunes mingled
FTLN 2845 With thine entirely.
ANTONY FTLN 2846 Hence, saucy eunuch! Peace!
FTLN 2847 She hath betrayed me and shall die the death.
MARDIAN
FTLN 2848 Death of one person can be paid but once,
FTLN 2849 35 And that she has discharged. What thou wouldst do
FTLN 2850 Is done unto thy hand. The last she spake
FTLN 2851 Was “Antony, most noble Antony.”
FTLN 2852 Then in the midst a tearing groan did break
FTLN 2853 The name of Antony; it was divided
FTLN 2854 40 Between her heart and lips. She rendered life
FTLN 2855 Thy name so buried in her.

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ACT 4. SC. 14
ANTONY FTLN 2856 Dead, then?
MARDIAN FTLN 2857 Dead.
ANTONY
FTLN 2858 Unarm, Eros. The long day’s task is done,
FTLN 2859 45 And we must sleep.—That thou depart’st hence safe
FTLN 2860 Does pay thy labor richly. Go. Mardian exits.
FTLN 2861 Off, pluck off!
Eros begins to remove Antony’s armor.
FTLN 2862 The sevenfold shield of Ajax cannot keep
FTLN 2863 The battery from my heart. O, cleave, my sides!
FTLN 2864 50 Heart, once be stronger than thy continent;
FTLN 2865 Crack thy frail case. Apace, Eros, apace!
FTLN 2866 No more a soldier. Bruisèd pieces, go.
FTLN 2867 You have been nobly borne.—From me awhile.
Eros exits.
FTLN 2868 I will o’ertake thee, Cleopatra, and
FTLN 2869 55 Weep for my pardon. So it must be, for now
FTLN 2870 All length is torture. Since the torch is out,
FTLN 2871 Lie down and stray no farther. Now all labor
FTLN 2872 Mars what it does; yea, very force entangles
FTLN 2873 Itself with strength. Seal, then, and all is done.—
FTLN 2874 60 Eros!—I come, my queen.—Eros!—Stay for me.
FTLN 2875 Where souls do couch on flowers, we’ll hand in hand,
FTLN 2876 And with our sprightly port make the ghosts gaze.
FTLN 2877 Dido and her Aeneas shall want troops,
FTLN 2878 And all the haunt be ours.—Come, Eros, Eros!
Enter Eros.
EROS
FTLN 2879 65 What would my lord?
ANTONY FTLN 2880 Since Cleopatra died
FTLN 2881 I have lived in such dishonor that the gods
FTLN 2882 Detest my baseness. I, that with my sword
FTLN 2883 Quartered the world and o’er green Neptune’s back
FTLN 2884 70 With ships made cities, condemn myself to lack

221
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ACT 4. SC. 14
FTLN 2885 The courage of a woman—less noble mind
FTLN 2886 Than she which, by her death, our Caesar tells
FTLN 2887 “I am conqueror of myself.” Thou art sworn, Eros,
FTLN 2888 That when the exigent should come, which now
FTLN 2889 75 Is come indeed, when I should see behind me
FTLN 2890 Th’ inevitable prosecution of
FTLN 2891 Disgrace and horror, that on my command
FTLN 2892 Thou then wouldst kill me. Do ’t. The time is come.
FTLN 2893 Thou strik’st not me; ’tis Caesar thou defeat’st.
FTLN 2894 80 Put color in thy cheek.
EROS FTLN 2895 The gods withhold me!
FTLN 2896 Shall I do that which all the Parthian darts,
FTLN 2897 Though enemy, lost aim and could not?
ANTONY FTLN 2898 Eros,
FTLN 2899 85 Wouldst thou be windowed in great Rome and see
FTLN 2900 Thy master thus with pleached arms, bending down
FTLN 2901 His corrigible neck, his face subdued
FTLN 2902 To penetrative shame, whilst the wheeled seat
FTLN 2903 Of fortunate Caesar, drawn before him, branded
FTLN 2904 90 His baseness that ensued?
EROS FTLN 2905 I would not see ’t.
ANTONY
FTLN 2906 Come, then, for with a wound I must be cured.
FTLN 2907 Draw that thy honest sword, which thou hast worn
FTLN 2908 Most useful for thy country.
EROS FTLN 2909 95 O, sir, pardon me!
ANTONY
FTLN 2910 When I did make thee free, swor’st thou not then
FTLN 2911 To do this when I bade thee? Do it at once,
FTLN 2912 Or thy precedent services are all
FTLN 2913 But accidents unpurposed. Draw, and come.
EROS
FTLN 2914 100 Turn from me then that noble countenance
FTLN 2915 Wherein the worship of the whole world lies.
ANTONY FTLN 2916 Lo thee! He turns away.

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Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 4. SC. 14
EROS
FTLN 2917 My sword is drawn.
ANTONY FTLN 2918 Then let it do at once
FTLN 2919 105 The thing why thou hast drawn it.
EROS FTLN 2920 My dear master,
FTLN 2921 My captain, and my emperor, let me say,
FTLN 2922 Before I strike this bloody stroke, farewell.
ANTONY FTLN 2923’Tis said, man, and farewell.
EROS
FTLN 2924 110 Farewell, great chief. Shall I strike now?
ANTONY FTLN 2925 Now, Eros.
EROS
FTLN 2926 Why, there, then. Stabs himself.
FTLN 2927 Thus I do escape the sorrow
FTLN 2928 Of Antony’s death. Dies.
ANTONY FTLN 2929 115 Thrice nobler than myself,
FTLN 2930 Thou teachest me, O valiant Eros, what
FTLN 2931 I should and thou couldst not. My queen and Eros
FTLN 2932 Have by their brave instruction got upon me
FTLN 2933 A nobleness in record. But I will be
FTLN 2934 120 A bridegroom in my death and run into ’t
FTLN 2935 As to a lover’s bed. Come then, and, Eros,
FTLN 2936 Thy master dies thy scholar. To do thus
FTLN 2937 I learned of thee. He stabs himself. How, not dead?
FTLN 2938 Not dead?
FTLN 2939 125 The guard, ho! O, dispatch me!
Enter a company of the Guard, one of them named
Dercetus.
FIRST GUARD FTLN 2940 What’s the noise?
ANTONY
FTLN 2941 I have done my work ill, friends. O, make an end
FTLN 2942 Of what I have begun!
SECOND GUARD FTLN 2943 The star is fall’n.
FIRST GUARD
FTLN 2944 130 And time is at his period.

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Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 4. SC. 14
ALL FTLN 2945 Alas, and woe!
ANTONY FTLN 2946 Let him that loves me strike me dead.
FIRST GUARD FTLN 2947 Not I.
SECOND GUARD FTLN 2948 Nor I.
THIRD GUARD FTLN 2949 135 Nor anyone.
All but Antony and Dercetus exit.
DERCETUS
FTLN 2950 Thy death and fortunes bid thy followers fly.
He takes Antony’s sword.
FTLN 2951 This sword but shown to Caesar with this tidings
FTLN 2952 Shall enter me with him.
Enter Diomedes.
DIOMEDES FTLN 2953 Where’s Antony?
DERCETUS FTLN 2954 140 There, Diomed, there.
DIOMEDES FTLN 2955 Lives he? Wilt thou not answer, man?
Dercetus exits.
ANTONY
FTLN 2956 Art thou there, Diomed? Draw thy sword, and give me
FTLN 2957 Sufficing strokes for death.
DIOMEDES FTLN 2958 Most absolute lord,
FTLN 2959 145 My mistress Cleopatra sent me to thee.
ANTONY
FTLN 2960 When did she send thee?
DIOMEDES FTLN 2961 Now, my lord.
ANTONY FTLN 2962 Where is she?
DIOMEDES
FTLN 2963 Locked in her monument. She had a prophesying
FTLN 2964 150 fear
FTLN 2965 Of what hath come to pass. For when she saw—
FTLN 2966 Which never shall be found—you did suspect
FTLN 2967 She had disposed with Caesar, and that your rage
FTLN 2968 Would not be purged, she sent you word she was
FTLN 2969 155 dead;
FTLN 2970 But fearing since how it might work, hath sent

227
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 4. SC. 15
FTLN 2971 Me to proclaim the truth, and I am come,
FTLN 2972 I dread, too late.
ANTONY
FTLN 2973 Too late, good Diomed. Call my guard, I prithee.
DIOMEDES
FTLN 2974 160 What ho! The Emperor’s guard! The guard, what ho!
FTLN 2975 Come, your lord calls.
Enter four or five of the Guard of Antony.
ANTONY
FTLN 2976 Bear me, good friends, where Cleopatra bides.
FTLN 2977 ’Tis the last service that I shall command you.
FIRST GUARD
FTLN 2978 Woe, woe are we, sir, you may not live to wear
FTLN 2979 165 All your true followers out.
ALL FTLN 2980 Most heavy day!
ANTONY
FTLN 2981 Nay, good my fellows, do not please sharp fate
FTLN 2982 To grace it with your sorrows. Bid that welcome
FTLN 2983 Which comes to punish us, and we punish it,
FTLN 2984 170 Seeming to bear it lightly. Take me up.
FTLN 2985 I have led you oft; carry me now, good friends,
FTLN 2986 And have my thanks for all.
They exit bearing Antony and the body of Eros.
Scene 15
Enter Cleopatra and her maids aloft, with
Charmian and Iras.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 2987 O Charmian, I will never go from hence.
CHARMIAN
FTLN 2988 Be comforted, dear madam.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2989 No, I will not.
FTLN 2990 All strange and terrible events are welcome,

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ACT 4. SC. 15
FTLN 2991 5 But comforts we despise. Our size of sorrow,
FTLN 2992 Proportioned to our cause, must be as great
FTLN 2993 As that which makes it.
Enter Diomedes below.
FTLN 2994 How now? Is he dead?
DIOMEDES
FTLN 2995 His death’s upon him, but not dead.
FTLN 2996 10 Look out o’ th’ other side your monument.
FTLN 2997 His guard have brought him thither.
Enter Antony below, and the Guard bearing him.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 2998 O sun,
FTLN 2999 Burn the great sphere thou mov’st in. Darkling stand
FTLN 3000 The varying shore o’ th’ world! O Antony, Antony,
FTLN 3001 15 Antony! Help, Charmian! Help, Iras, help!
FTLN 3002 Help, friends below! Let’s draw him hither.
ANTONY FTLN 3003 Peace!
FTLN 3004 Not Caesar’s valor hath o’erthrown Antony,
FTLN 3005 But Antony’s hath triumphed on itself.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3006 20 So it should be that none but Antony
FTLN 3007 Should conquer Antony, but woe ’tis so!
ANTONY
FTLN 3008 I am dying, Egypt, dying. Only
FTLN 3009 I here importune death awhile until
FTLN 3010 Of many thousand kisses the poor last
FTLN 3011 25 I lay upon thy lips.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3012 I dare not, dear,
FTLN 3013 Dear my lord, pardon, I dare not,
FTLN 3014 Lest I be taken. Not th’ imperious show
FTLN 3015 Of the full-fortuned Caesar ever shall
FTLN 3016 30 Be brooched with me; if knife, drugs, serpents have
FTLN 3017 Edge, sting, or operation, I am safe.
FTLN 3018 Your wife Octavia, with her modest eyes

231
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 4. SC. 15
FTLN 3019 And still conclusion, shall acquire no honor
FTLN 3020 Demuring upon me. But come, come, Antony.—
FTLN 3021 35 Help me, my women!—We must draw thee up.—
FTLN 3022 Assist, good friends. They begin lifting him.
ANTONY FTLN 3023 O, quick, or I am gone.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3024 Here’s sport indeed. How heavy weighs my lord!
FTLN 3025 Our strength is all gone into heaviness;
FTLN 3026 40 That makes the weight. Had I great Juno’s power,
FTLN 3027 The strong-winged Mercury should fetch thee up
FTLN 3028 And set thee by Jove’s side. Yet come a little.
FTLN 3029 Wishers were ever fools. O, come, come, come!
They heave Antony aloft to Cleopatra.
FTLN 3030 And welcome, welcome! Die when thou hast lived;
FTLN 3031 45 Quicken with kissing. Had my lips that power,
FTLN 3032 Thus would I wear them out. She kisses him.
ALL FTLN 3033 A heavy sight!
ANTONY FTLN 3034 I am dying, Egypt, dying.
FTLN 3035 Give me some wine, and let me speak a little.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3036 50 No, let me speak, and let me rail so high
FTLN 3037 That the false huswife Fortune break her wheel,
FTLN 3038 Provoked by my offense.
ANTONY FTLN 3039 One word, sweet queen:
FTLN 3040 Of Caesar seek your honor with your safety—O!
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3041 55 They do not go together.
ANTONY FTLN 3042 Gentle, hear me.
FTLN 3043 None about Caesar trust but Proculeius.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3044 My resolution and my hands I’ll trust,
FTLN 3045 None about Caesar.
ANTONY
FTLN 3046 60 The miserable change now at my end
FTLN 3047 Lament nor sorrow at, but please your thoughts

233
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 4. SC. 15
FTLN 3048 In feeding them with those my former fortunes
FTLN 3049 Wherein I lived the greatest prince o’ th’ world,
FTLN 3050 The noblest, and do now not basely die,
FTLN 3051 65 Not cowardly put off my helmet to
FTLN 3052 My countryman—a Roman by a Roman
FTLN 3053 Valiantly vanquished. Now my spirit is going;
FTLN 3054 I can no more.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3055 Noblest of men, woo’t die?
FTLN 3056 70 Hast thou no care of me? Shall I abide
FTLN 3057 In this dull world, which in thy absence is
FTLN 3058 No better than a sty? O see, my women,
FTLN 3059 The crown o’ th’ Earth doth melt.—My lord!
Antony dies.
FTLN 3060 O, withered is the garland of the war;
FTLN 3061 75 The soldier’s pole is fall’n; young boys and girls
FTLN 3062 Are level now with men. The odds is gone,
FTLN 3063 And there is nothing left remarkable
FTLN 3064 Beneath the visiting moon.
CHARMIAN FTLN 3065 O, quietness, lady!
Cleopatra swoons.
IRAS FTLN 3066 80 She’s dead, too, our sovereign.
CHARMIAN FTLN 3067 Lady!
IRAS FTLN 3068 Madam!
CHARMIAN FTLN 3069 O madam, madam, madam!
IRAS FTLN 3070 Royal Egypt! Empress! Cleopatra stirs.
CHARMIAN FTLN 3071 85 Peace, peace, Iras!
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3072 No more but e’en a woman, and commanded
FTLN 3073 By such poor passion as the maid that milks
FTLN 3074 And does the meanest chares. It were for me
FTLN 3075 To throw my scepter at the injurious gods,
FTLN 3076 90 To tell them that this world did equal theirs
FTLN 3077 Till they had stolen our jewel. All’s but naught.
FTLN 3078 Patience is sottish, and impatience does
FTLN 3079 Become a dog that’s mad. Then is it sin

235
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 4. SC. 15
FTLN 3080 To rush into the secret house of death
FTLN 3081 95 Ere death dare come to us? How do you, women?
FTLN 3082 What, what, good cheer! Why, how now, Charmian?
FTLN 3083 My noble girls! Ah, women, women! Look,
FTLN 3084 Our lamp is spent; it’s out. Good sirs, take heart.
FTLN 3085 We’ll bury him; and then, what’s brave, what’s
FTLN 3086 100 noble,
FTLN 3087 Let’s do ’t after the high Roman fashion
FTLN 3088 And make death proud to take us. Come, away.
FTLN 3089 This case of that huge spirit now is cold.
FTLN 3090 Ah women, women! Come, we have no friend
FTLN 3091 105 But resolution and the briefest end.
They exit, bearing off Antony’s body.

ACT 5
Scene 1
Enter Caesar with Agrippa, Dolabella, Maecenas,
Gallus, and Proculeius, his council of war.
CAESAR , aside to Dolabella
FTLN 3092 Go to him, Dolabella, bid him yield.
FTLN 3093 Being so frustrate, tell him, he mocks
FTLN 3094 The pauses that he makes.
DOLABELLA FTLN 3095 Caesar, I shall.
Dolabella exits.
Enter Dercetus with the sword of Antony.
CAESAR
FTLN 3096 5 Wherefore is that? And what art thou that dar’st
FTLN 3097 Appear thus to us?
DERCETUS FTLN 3098 I am called Dercetus.
FTLN 3099 Mark Antony I served, who best was worthy
FTLN 3100 Best to be served. Whilst he stood up and spoke,
FTLN 3101 10 He was my master, and I wore my life
FTLN 3102 To spend upon his haters. If thou please
FTLN 3103 To take me to thee, as I was to him
FTLN 3104 I’ll be to Caesar; if thou pleasest not,
FTLN 3105 I yield thee up my life.
CAESAR FTLN 3106 15 What is ’t thou say’st?
DERCETUS
FTLN 3107 I say, O Caesar, Antony is dead.
239

241
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 5. SC. 1
CAESAR
FTLN 3108 The breaking of so great a thing should make
FTLN 3109 A greater crack. The round world
FTLN 3110 Should have shook lions into civil streets
FTLN 3111 20 And citizens to their dens. The death of Antony
FTLN 3112 Is not a single doom; in the name lay
FTLN 3113 A moiety of the world.
DERCETUS FTLN 3114 He is dead, Caesar,
FTLN 3115 Not by a public minister of justice,
FTLN 3116 25 Nor by a hirèd knife, but that self hand
FTLN 3117 Which writ his honor in the acts it did
FTLN 3118 Hath, with the courage which the heart did lend it,
FTLN 3119 Splitted the heart. This is his sword.
FTLN 3120 I robbed his wound of it. Behold it stained
FTLN 3121 30 With his most noble blood.
CAESAR FTLN 3122 Look you sad, friends?
FTLN 3123 The gods rebuke me, but it is tidings
FTLN 3124 To wash the eyes of kings.
AGRIPPA FTLN 3125 And strange it is
FTLN 3126 35 That nature must compel us to lament
FTLN 3127 Our most persisted deeds.
MAECENAS FTLN 3128 His taints and honors
FTLN 3129 Waged equal with him.
AGRIPPA FTLN 3130 A rarer spirit never
FTLN 3131 40 Did steer humanity, but you gods will give us
FTLN 3132 Some faults to make us men. Caesar is touched.
MAECENAS
FTLN 3133 When such a spacious mirror’s set before him,
FTLN 3134 He needs must see himself.
CAESAR FTLN 3135 O Antony,
FTLN 3136 45 I have followed thee to this, but we do lance
FTLN 3137 Diseases in our bodies. I must perforce
FTLN 3138 Have shown to thee such a declining day
FTLN 3139 Or look on thine. We could not stall together
FTLN 3140 In the whole world. But yet let me lament
FTLN 3141 50 With tears as sovereign as the blood of hearts

243
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 5. SC. 1
FTLN 3142 That thou my brother, my competitor
FTLN 3143 In top of all design, my mate in empire,
FTLN 3144 Friend and companion in the front of war,
FTLN 3145 The arm of mine own body, and the heart
FTLN 3146 55 Where mine his thoughts did kindle—that our stars
FTLN 3147 Unreconciliable should divide
FTLN 3148 Our equalness to this. Hear me, good friends—
Enter an Egyptian.
FTLN 3149 But I will tell you at some meeter season.
FTLN 3150 The business of this man looks out of him.
FTLN 3151 60 We’ll hear him what he says.—Whence are you?
EGYPTIAN
FTLN 3152 A poor Egyptian yet, the Queen my mistress,
FTLN 3153 Confined in all she has, her monument,
FTLN 3154 Of thy intents desires instruction,
FTLN 3155 That she preparedly may frame herself
FTLN 3156 65 To th’ way she’s forced to.
CAESAR FTLN 3157 Bid her have good heart.
FTLN 3158 She soon shall know of us, by some of ours,
FTLN 3159 How honorable and how kindly we
FTLN 3160 Determine for her. For Caesar cannot live
FTLN 3161 70 To be ungentle.
EGYPTIAN FTLN 3162 So the gods preserve thee. He exits.
CAESAR
FTLN 3163 Come hither, Proculeius. Go and say
FTLN 3164 We purpose her no shame. Give her what comforts
FTLN 3165 The quality of her passion shall require,
FTLN 3166 75 Lest, in her greatness, by some mortal stroke
FTLN 3167 She do defeat us, for her life in Rome
FTLN 3168 Would be eternal in our triumph. Go,
FTLN 3169 And with your speediest bring us what she says
FTLN 3170 And how you find of her.
PROCULEIUS FTLN 3171 80 Caesar, I shall.
Proculeius exits.

245
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 5. SC. 2
CAESAR
FTLN 3172 Gallus, go you along. Gallus exits.
FTLN 3173 Where’s Dolabella,
FTLN 3174 To second Proculeius?
ALL FTLN 3175 Dolabella!
CAESAR
FTLN 3176 85 Let him alone, for I remember now
FTLN 3177 How he’s employed. He shall in time be ready.
FTLN 3178 Go with me to my tent, where you shall see
FTLN 3179 How hardly I was drawn into this war,
FTLN 3180 How calm and gentle I proceeded still
FTLN 3181 90 In all my writings. Go with me and see
FTLN 3182 What I can show in this.
They exit.
Scene 2
Enter Cleopatra, Charmian, and Iras.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3183 My desolation does begin to make
FTLN 3184 A better life. ’Tis paltry to be Caesar;
FTLN 3185 Not being Fortune, he’s but Fortune’s knave,
FTLN 3186 A minister of her will. And it is great
FTLN 3187 5 To do that thing that ends all other deeds,
FTLN 3188 Which shackles accidents and bolts up change,
FTLN 3189 Which sleeps and never palates more the dung,
FTLN 3190 The beggar’s nurse, and Caesar’s.
Enter Proculeius.
PROCULEIUS
FTLN 3191 Caesar sends greeting to the Queen of Egypt,
FTLN 3192 10 And bids thee study on what fair demands
FTLN 3193 Thou mean’st to have him grant thee.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3194 What’s thy name?
PROCULEIUS
FTLN 3195 My name is Proculeius.

247
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 5. SC. 2
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3196 Antony
FTLN 3197 15 Did tell me of you, bade me trust you, but
FTLN 3198 I do not greatly care to be deceived
FTLN 3199 That have no use for trusting. If your master
FTLN 3200 Would have a queen his beggar, you must tell him
FTLN 3201 That majesty, to keep decorum, must
FTLN 3202 20 No less beg than a kingdom. If he please
FTLN 3203 To give me conquered Egypt for my son,
FTLN 3204 He gives me so much of mine own as I
FTLN 3205 Will kneel to him with thanks.
PROCULEIUS FTLN 3206 Be of good cheer.
FTLN 3207 25 You’re fall’n into a princely hand; fear nothing.
FTLN 3208 Make your full reference freely to my lord,
FTLN 3209 Who is so full of grace that it flows over
FTLN 3210 On all that need. Let me report to him
FTLN 3211 Your sweet dependency, and you shall find
FTLN 3212 30 A conqueror that will pray in aid for kindness
FTLN 3213 Where he for grace is kneeled to.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3214 Pray you tell him
FTLN 3215 I am his fortune’s vassal and I send him
FTLN 3216 The greatness he has got. I hourly learn
FTLN 3217 35 A doctrine of obedience, and would gladly
FTLN 3218 Look him i’ th’ face.
PROCULEIUS FTLN 3219 This I’ll report, dear lady.
FTLN 3220 Have comfort, for I know your plight is pitied
FTLN 3221 Of him that caused it.
Gallus and Soldiers enter and seize Cleopatra.
GALLUS
FTLN 3222 40 You see how easily she may be surprised.
FTLN 3223 Guard her till Caesar come.
IRAS FTLN 3224 Royal queen!
CHARMIAN
FTLN 3225 O, Cleopatra, thou art taken, queen!
CLEOPATRA , drawing a dagger
FTLN 3226 Quick, quick, good hands!

249
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 5. SC. 2
PROCULEIUS , seizing the dagger FTLN 3227 45 Hold, worthy lady, hold!
FTLN 3228 Do not yourself such wrong, who are in this
FTLN 3229 Relieved, but not betrayed.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3230 What, of death, too,
FTLN 3231 That rids our dogs of languish?
PROCULEIUS FTLN 3232 50 Cleopatra,
FTLN 3233 Do not abuse my master’s bounty by
FTLN 3234 Th’ undoing of yourself. Let the world see
FTLN 3235 His nobleness well acted, which your death
FTLN 3236 Will never let come forth.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3237 55 Where art thou, Death?
FTLN 3238 Come hither, come! Come, come, and take a queen
FTLN 3239 Worth many babes and beggars.
PROCULEIUS FTLN 3240 O, temperance, lady!
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3241 Sir, I will eat no meat; I’ll not drink, sir.
FTLN 3242 60 If idle talk will once be necessary—
FTLN 3243 I’ll not sleep neither. This mortal house I’ll ruin,
FTLN 3244 Do Caesar what he can. Know, sir, that I
FTLN 3245 Will not wait pinioned at your master’s court,
FTLN 3246 Nor once be chastised with the sober eye
FTLN 3247 65 Of dull Octavia. Shall they hoist me up
FTLN 3248 And show me to the shouting varletry
FTLN 3249 Of censuring Rome? Rather a ditch in Egypt
FTLN 3250 Be gentle grave unto me; rather on Nilus’ mud
FTLN 3251 Lay me stark naked, and let the waterflies
FTLN 3252 70 Blow me into abhorring; rather make
FTLN 3253 My country’s high pyramides my gibbet
FTLN 3254 And hang me up in chains!
PROCULEIUS FTLN 3255 You do extend
FTLN 3256 These thoughts of horror further than you shall
FTLN 3257 75 Find cause in Caesar.
Enter Dolabella.
DOLABELLA FTLN 3258 Proculeius,
FTLN 3259 What thou hast done thy master Caesar knows,

251
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 5. SC. 2
FTLN 3260 And he hath sent for thee. For the Queen,
FTLN 3261 I’ll take her to my guard.
PROCULEIUS FTLN 3262 80 So, Dolabella,
FTLN 3263 It shall content me best. Be gentle to her.
FTLN 3264 To Cleopatra. To Caesar I will speak what you
FTLN 3265 shall please,
FTLN 3266 If you’ll employ me to him.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3267 85 Say I would die.
Proculeius, Gallus, and Soldiers exit.
DOLABELLA
FTLN 3268 Most noble empress, you have heard of me.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3269 I cannot tell.
DOLABELLA FTLN 3270 Assuredly you know me.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3271 No matter, sir, what I have heard or known.
FTLN 3272 90 You laugh when boys or women tell their dreams;
FTLN 3273 Is ’t not your trick?
DOLABELLA FTLN 3274 I understand not, madam.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3275 I dreamt there was an emperor Antony.
FTLN 3276 O, such another sleep, that I might see
FTLN 3277 95 But such another man.
DOLABELLA FTLN 3278 If it might please you—
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3279 His face was as the heavens, and therein stuck
FTLN 3280 A sun and moon, which kept their course and
FTLN 3281 lighted
FTLN 3282 100 The little O, the Earth.
DOLABELLA FTLN 3283 Most sovereign creature—
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3284 His legs bestrid the ocean, his reared arm
FTLN 3285 Crested the world. His voice was propertied
FTLN 3286 As all the tunèd spheres, and that to friends;
FTLN 3287 105 But when he meant to quail and shake the orb,

253
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 5. SC. 2
FTLN 3288 He was as rattling thunder. For his bounty,
FTLN 3289 There was no winter in ’t; an autumn ’twas
FTLN 3290 That grew the more by reaping. His delights
FTLN 3291 Were dolphin-like; they showed his back above
FTLN 3292 110 The element they lived in. In his livery
FTLN 3293 Walked crowns and crownets; realms and islands
FTLN 3294 were
FTLN 3295 As plates dropped from his pocket.
DOLABELLA FTLN 3296 Cleopatra—
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3297 115 Think you there was, or might be, such a man
FTLN 3298 As this I dreamt of?
DOLABELLA FTLN 3299 Gentle madam, no.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3300 You lie up to the hearing of the gods!
FTLN 3301 But if there be nor ever were one such,
FTLN 3302 120 It’s past the size of dreaming. Nature wants stuff
FTLN 3303 To vie strange forms with fancy, yet t’ imagine
FTLN 3304 An Antony were nature’s piece ’gainst fancy,
FTLN 3305 Condemning shadows quite.
DOLABELLA FTLN 3306 Hear me, good madam.
FTLN 3307 125 Your loss is as yourself, great; and you bear it
FTLN 3308 As answering to the weight. Would I might never
FTLN 3309 O’ertake pursued success but I do feel,
FTLN 3310 By the rebound of yours, a grief that smites
FTLN 3311 My very heart at root.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3312 130 I thank you, sir.
FTLN 3313 Know you what Caesar means to do with me?
DOLABELLA
FTLN 3314 I am loath to tell you what I would you knew.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3315 Nay, pray you, sir.
DOLABELLA FTLN 3316 Though he be honorable—
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3317 135 He’ll lead me, then, in triumph.
DOLABELLA FTLN 3318 Madam, he will. I know ’t.

255
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 5. SC. 2
Flourish. Enter Caesar, Proculeius, Gallus, Maecenas,
and others of his train.
ALL FTLN 3319 Make way there! Caesar!
CAESAR FTLN 3320 Which is the Queen of Egypt?
DOLABELLA FTLN 3321 It is the Emperor, madam.
Cleopatra kneels.
CAESAR FTLN 3322 140 Arise. You shall not kneel.
FTLN 3323 I pray you, rise. Rise, Egypt.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3324 Sir, the gods
FTLN 3325 Will have it thus. My master and my lord
FTLN 3326 I must obey. She stands.
CAESAR FTLN 3327 145 Take to you no hard thoughts.
FTLN 3328 The record of what injuries you did us,
FTLN 3329 Though written in our flesh, we shall remember
FTLN 3330 As things but done by chance.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3331 Sole sir o’ th’ world,
FTLN 3332 150 I cannot project mine own cause so well
FTLN 3333 To make it clear, but do confess I have
FTLN 3334 Been laden with like frailties which before
FTLN 3335 Have often shamed our sex.
CAESAR FTLN 3336 Cleopatra, know
FTLN 3337 155 We will extenuate rather than enforce.
FTLN 3338 If you apply yourself to our intents,
FTLN 3339 Which towards you are most gentle, you shall find
FTLN 3340 A benefit in this change; but if you seek
FTLN 3341 To lay on me a cruelty by taking
FTLN 3342 160 Antony’s course, you shall bereave yourself
FTLN 3343 Of my good purposes, and put your children
FTLN 3344 To that destruction which I’ll guard them from
FTLN 3345 If thereon you rely. I’ll take my leave.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3346 And may through all the world. ’Tis yours, and we,
FTLN 3347 165 Your scutcheons and your signs of conquest, shall
FTLN 3348 Hang in what place you please. Here, my good lord.
She holds out a paper.

257
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 5. SC. 2
CAESAR
FTLN 3349 You shall advise me in all for Cleopatra.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3350 This is the brief of money, plate, and jewels
FTLN 3351 I am possessed of. ’Tis exactly valued,
FTLN 3352 170 Not petty things admitted.—Where’s Seleucus?
Enter Seleucus.
SELEUCUS FTLN 3353 Here, madam.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3354 This is my treasurer. Let him speak, my lord,
FTLN 3355 Upon his peril, that I have reserved
FTLN 3356 To myself nothing.—Speak the truth, Seleucus.
SELEUCUS
FTLN 3357 175 Madam, I had rather seel my lips
FTLN 3358 Than to my peril speak that which is not.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3359 What have I kept back?
SELEUCUS
FTLN 3360 Enough to purchase what you have made known.
CAESAR
FTLN 3361 Nay, blush not, Cleopatra. I approve
FTLN 3362 180 Your wisdom in the deed.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3363 See, Caesar, O, behold
FTLN 3364 How pomp is followed! Mine will now be yours,
FTLN 3365 And should we shift estates, yours would be mine.
FTLN 3366 The ingratitude of this Seleucus does
FTLN 3367 185 Even make me wild.—O slave, of no more trust
FTLN 3368 Than love that’s hired! What, goest thou back? Thou
FTLN 3369 shalt
FTLN 3370 Go back, I warrant thee! But I’ll catch thine eyes
FTLN 3371 Though they had wings. Slave, soulless villain, dog!
FTLN 3372 190 O rarely base!
CAESAR FTLN 3373 Good queen, let us entreat you—
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3374 O Caesar, what a wounding shame is this,
FTLN 3375 That thou vouchsafing here to visit me,

259
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 5. SC. 2
FTLN 3376 Doing the honor of thy lordliness
FTLN 3377 195 To one so meek, that mine own servant should
FTLN 3378 Parcel the sum of my disgraces by
FTLN 3379 Addition of his envy! Say, good Caesar,
FTLN 3380 That I some lady trifles have reserved,
FTLN 3381 Immoment toys, things of such dignity
FTLN 3382 200 As we greet modern friends withal, and say
FTLN 3383 Some nobler token I have kept apart
FTLN 3384 For Livia and Octavia, to induce
FTLN 3385 Their mediation, must I be unfolded
FTLN 3386 With one that I have bred? The gods! It smites me
FTLN 3387 205 Beneath the fall I have. To Seleucus. Prithee, go
FTLN 3388 hence,
FTLN 3389 Or I shall show the cinders of my spirits
FTLN 3390 Through th’ ashes of my chance. Wert thou a man,
FTLN 3391 Thou wouldst have mercy on me.
CAESAR FTLN 3392 210 Forbear, Seleucus.
Seleucus exits.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3393 Be it known that we, the greatest, are misthought
FTLN 3394 For things that others do; and when we fall,
FTLN 3395 We answer others’ merits in our name—
FTLN 3396 Are therefore to be pitied.
CAESAR FTLN 3397 215 Cleopatra,
FTLN 3398 Not what you have reserved nor what acknowledged
FTLN 3399 Put we i’ th’ roll of conquest. Still be ’t yours!
FTLN 3400 Bestow it at your pleasure, and believe
FTLN 3401 Caesar’s no merchant to make prize with you
FTLN 3402 220 Of things that merchants sold. Therefore be
FTLN 3403 cheered.
FTLN 3404 Make not your thoughts your prisons. No, dear
FTLN 3405 queen,
FTLN 3406 For we intend so to dispose you as
FTLN 3407 225 Yourself shall give us counsel. Feed and sleep.
FTLN 3408 Our care and pity is so much upon you
FTLN 3409 That we remain your friend. And so adieu.

261
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 5. SC. 2
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3410 My master and my lord!
CAESAR FTLN 3411 Not so. Adieu.
Flourish. Caesar and his train exit.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3412 230 He words me, girls, he words me, that I should not
FTLN 3413 Be noble to myself. But hark thee, Charmian.
She whispers to Charmian.
IRAS
FTLN 3414 Finish, good lady. The bright day is done,
FTLN 3415 And we are for the dark.
CLEOPATRA , to Charmian FTLN 3416 Hie thee again.
FTLN 3417 235 I have spoke already, and it is provided.
FTLN 3418 Go put it to the haste.
CHARMIAN FTLN 3419 Madam, I will.
Enter Dolabella.
DOLABELLA
FTLN 3420 Where’s the Queen?
CHARMIAN FTLN 3421 Behold, sir. She exits.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3422 240 Dolabella.
DOLABELLA
FTLN 3423 Madam, as thereto sworn by your command,
FTLN 3424 Which my love makes religion to obey,
FTLN 3425 I tell you this: Caesar through Syria
FTLN 3426 Intends his journey, and within three days
FTLN 3427 245 You with your children will he send before.
FTLN 3428 Make your best use of this. I have performed
FTLN 3429 Your pleasure and my promise.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3430 Dolabella,
FTLN 3431 I shall remain your debtor.
DOLABELLA FTLN 3432 250 I your servant.
FTLN 3433 Adieu, good queen. I must attend on Caesar.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3434 Farewell, and thanks. He exits.
FTLN 3435 Now, Iras, what think’st thou?

263
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ACT 5. SC. 2
FTLN 3436 Thou an Egyptian puppet shall be shown
FTLN 3437 255 In Rome as well as I. Mechanic slaves
FTLN 3438 With greasy aprons, rules, and hammers shall
FTLN 3439 Uplift us to the view. In their thick breaths,
FTLN 3440 Rank of gross diet, shall we be enclouded
FTLN 3441 And forced to drink their vapor.
IRAS FTLN 3442 260 The gods forbid!
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3443 Nay, ’tis most certain, Iras. Saucy lictors
FTLN 3444 Will catch at us like strumpets, and scald rhymers
FTLN 3445 Ballad us out o’ tune. The quick comedians
FTLN 3446 Extemporally will stage us and present
FTLN 3447 265 Our Alexandrian revels. Antony
FTLN 3448 Shall be brought drunken forth, and I shall see
FTLN 3449 Some squeaking Cleopatra boy my greatness
FTLN 3450 I’ th’ posture of a whore.
IRAS FTLN 3451 O the good gods!
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3452 270 Nay, that’s certain.
IRAS
FTLN 3453 I’ll never see ’t! For I am sure mine nails
FTLN 3454 Are stronger than mine eyes.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3455 Why, that’s the way
FTLN 3456 To fool their preparation and to conquer
FTLN 3457 275 Their most absurd intents.
Enter Charmian.
FTLN 3458 Now, Charmian!
FTLN 3459 Show me, my women, like a queen. Go fetch
FTLN 3460 My best attires. I am again for Cydnus
FTLN 3461 To meet Mark Antony. Sirrah Iras, go.—
FTLN 3462 280 Now, noble Charmian, we’ll dispatch indeed,
FTLN 3463 And when thou hast done this chare, I’ll give thee
FTLN 3464 leave
FTLN 3465 To play till Doomsday.—Bring our crown and all.
Iras exits. A noise within.
FTLN 3466 Wherefore’s this noise?

265
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Enter a Guardsman.
GUARDSMAN FTLN 3467 285 Here is a rural fellow
FTLN 3468 That will not be denied your Highness’ presence.
FTLN 3469 He brings you figs.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3470 Let him come in. Guardsman exits.
FTLN 3471 What poor an instrument
FTLN 3472 290 May do a noble deed! He brings me liberty.
FTLN 3473 My resolution’s placed, and I have nothing
FTLN 3474 Of woman in me. Now from head to foot
FTLN 3475 I am marble-constant. Now the fleeting moon
FTLN 3476 No planet is of mine.
Enter Guardsman and Countryman, with a basket.
GUARDSMAN FTLN 3477 295 This is the man.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3478 Avoid, and leave him. Guardsman exits.
FTLN 3479 Hast thou the pretty worm of Nilus there
FTLN 3480 That kills and pains not?
COUNTRYMAN FTLN 3481 Truly I have him, but I would not be
FTLN 3482 300 the party that should desire you to touch him, for
FTLN 3483 his biting is immortal. Those that do die of it do
FTLN 3484 seldom or never recover.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3485 Remember’st thou any that have died on ’t?
COUNTRYMAN FTLN 3486 Very many, men and women too. I
FTLN 3487 305 heard of one of them no longer than yesterday—a
FTLN 3488 very honest woman, but something given to lie, as a
FTLN 3489 woman should not do but in the way of honesty—
FTLN 3490 how she died of the biting of it, what pain she felt.
FTLN 3491 Truly, she makes a very good report o’ th’ worm.
FTLN 3492 310 But he that will believe all that they say shall never
FTLN 3493 be saved by half that they do. But this is most
FTLN 3494 falliable, the worm’s an odd worm.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3495 Get thee hence. Farewell.
COUNTRYMAN FTLN 3496 I wish you all joy of the worm.
He sets down the basket.

267
Antony and Cleopatra
ACT 5. SC. 2
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3497 315 Farewell.
COUNTRYMAN FTLN 3498 You must think this, look you, that the
FTLN 3499 worm will do his kind.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3500 Ay, ay, farewell.
COUNTRYMAN FTLN 3501 Look you, the worm is not to be trusted
FTLN 3502 320 but in the keeping of wise people, for indeed there
FTLN 3503 is no goodness in the worm.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3504 Take thou no care; it shall be heeded.
COUNTRYMAN FTLN 3505 Very good. Give it nothing, I pray you,
FTLN 3506 for it is not worth the feeding.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3507 325 Will it eat me?
COUNTRYMAN FTLN 3508 You must not think I am so simple but
FTLN 3509 I know the devil himself will not eat a woman. I
FTLN 3510 know that a woman is a dish for the gods if the devil
FTLN 3511 dress her not. But truly these same whoreson devils
FTLN 3512 330 do the gods great harm in their women, for in every
FTLN 3513 ten that they make, the devils mar five.
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3514 Well, get thee gone. Farewell.
COUNTRYMAN FTLN 3515 Yes, forsooth. I wish you joy o’ th’
FTLN 3516 worm. He exits.
Enter Iras bearing Cleopatra’s royal regalia.
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3517 335 Give me my robe. Put on my crown. I have
FTLN 3518 Immortal longings in me. Now no more
FTLN 3519 The juice of Egypt’s grape shall moist this lip.
Charmian and Iras begin to dress her.
FTLN 3520 Yare, yare, good Iras, quick. Methinks I hear
FTLN 3521 Antony call. I see him rouse himself
FTLN 3522 340 To praise my noble act. I hear him mock
FTLN 3523 The luck of Caesar, which the gods give men
FTLN 3524 To excuse their after wrath.—Husband, I come!
FTLN 3525 Now to that name my courage prove my title.
FTLN 3526 I am fire and air; my other elements
FTLN 3527 345 I give to baser life.—So, have you done?

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ACT 5. SC. 2
FTLN 3528 Come then, and take the last warmth of my lips.
FTLN 3529 Farewell, kind Charmian.—Iras, long farewell.
She kisses them. Iras falls and dies.
FTLN 3530 Have I the aspic in my lips? Dost fall?
FTLN 3531 If thou and nature can so gently part,
FTLN 3532 350 The stroke of death is as a lover’s pinch,
FTLN 3533 Which hurts and is desired. Dost thou lie still?
FTLN 3534 If thus thou vanishest, thou tell’st the world
FTLN 3535 It is not worth leave-taking.
CHARMIAN
FTLN 3536 Dissolve, thick cloud, and rain, that I may say
FTLN 3537 355 The gods themselves do weep!
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3538 This proves me base.
FTLN 3539 If she first meet the curlèd Antony,
FTLN 3540 He’ll make demand of her, and spend that kiss
FTLN 3541 Which is my heaven to have.—Come, thou mortal
FTLN 3542 360 wretch, She places an asp on her breast.
FTLN 3543 With thy sharp teeth this knot intrinsicate
FTLN 3544 Of life at once untie. Poor venomous fool,
FTLN 3545 Be angry and dispatch. O, couldst thou speak,
FTLN 3546 That I might hear thee call great Caesar ass
FTLN 3547 365 Unpolicied!
CHARMIAN FTLN 3548 O eastern star!
CLEOPATRA FTLN 3549 Peace, peace!
FTLN 3550 Dost thou not see my baby at my breast,
FTLN 3551 That sucks the nurse asleep?
CHARMIAN FTLN 3552 370 O, break! O, break!
CLEOPATRA
FTLN 3553 As sweet as balm, as soft as air, as gentle—
FTLN 3554 O Antony!—Nay, I will take thee too.
She places an asp on her arm.
FTLN 3555 What should I stay— Dies.
CHARMIAN FTLN 3556 In this wild world? So, fare thee well.
FTLN 3557 375 Now boast thee, Death, in thy possession lies
FTLN 3558 A lass unparalleled. Downy windows, close,
She closes Cleopatra’s eyes.

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FTLN 3559 And golden Phoebus, never be beheld
FTLN 3560 Of eyes again so royal. Your crown’s awry.
FTLN 3561 I’ll mend it, and then play—
Enter the Guard rustling in.
FIRST GUARD
FTLN 3562 380 Where’s the Queen?
CHARMIAN FTLN 3563 Speak softly. Wake her not.
FIRST GUARD
FTLN 3564 Caesar hath sent—
CHARMIAN FTLN 3565 Too slow a messenger.
She takes out an asp.
FTLN 3566 O, come apace, dispatch! I partly feel thee.
FIRST GUARD
FTLN 3567 385 Approach, ho! All’s not well. Caesar’s beguiled.
SECOND GUARD
FTLN 3568 There’s Dolabella sent from Caesar. Call him.
A Guardsman exits.
FIRST GUARD
FTLN 3569 What work is here, Charmian? Is this well done?
CHARMIAN
FTLN 3570 It is well done, and fitting for a princess
FTLN 3571 Descended of so many royal kings.
FTLN 3572 390 Ah, soldier! Charmian dies.
Enter Dolabella.
DOLABELLA
FTLN 3573 How goes it here?
SECOND GUARD FTLN 3574 All dead.
DOLABELLA FTLN 3575 Caesar, thy thoughts
FTLN 3576 Touch their effects in this. Thyself art coming
FTLN 3577 395 To see performed the dreaded act which thou
FTLN 3578 So sought’st to hinder.
Enter Caesar and all his train, marching.
ALL FTLN 3579 A way there, a way for Caesar!

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ACT 5. SC. 2
DOLABELLA
FTLN 3580 O sir, you are too sure an augurer:
FTLN 3581 That you did fear is done.
CAESAR FTLN 3582 400 Bravest at the last,
FTLN 3583 She leveled at our purposes and, being royal,
FTLN 3584 Took her own way. The manner of their deaths?
FTLN 3585 I do not see them bleed.
DOLABELLA FTLN 3586 Who was last with them?
FIRST GUARD
FTLN 3587 405 A simple countryman that brought her figs.
FTLN 3588 This was his basket.
CAESAR FTLN 3589 Poisoned, then.
FIRST GUARD FTLN 3590 O Caesar,
FTLN 3591 This Charmian lived but now; she stood and spake.
FTLN 3592 410 I found her trimming up the diadem
FTLN 3593 On her dead mistress; tremblingly she stood,
FTLN 3594 And on the sudden dropped.
CAESAR FTLN 3595 O, noble weakness!
FTLN 3596 If they had swallowed poison, ’twould appear
FTLN 3597 415 By external swelling; but she looks like sleep,
FTLN 3598 As she would catch another Antony
FTLN 3599 In her strong toil of grace.
DOLABELLA FTLN 3600 Here on her breast
FTLN 3601 There is a vent of blood, and something blown.
FTLN 3602 420 The like is on her arm.
FIRST GUARD
FTLN 3603 This is an aspic’s trail, and these fig leaves
FTLN 3604 Have slime upon them, such as th’ aspic leaves
FTLN 3605 Upon the caves of Nile.
CAESAR FTLN 3606 Most probable
FTLN 3607 425 That so she died, for her physician tells me
FTLN 3608 She hath pursued conclusions infinite
FTLN 3609 Of easy ways to die. Take up her bed,
FTLN 3610 And bear her women from the monument.
FTLN 3611 She shall be buried by her Antony.

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FTLN 3612 430 No grave upon the earth shall clip in it
FTLN 3613 A pair so famous. High events as these
FTLN 3614 Strike those that make them; and their story is
FTLN 3615 No less in pity than his glory which
FTLN 3616 Brought them to be lamented. Our army shall
FTLN 3617 435 In solemn show attend this funeral,
FTLN 3618 And then to Rome. Come, Dolabella, see
FTLN 3619 High order in this great solemnity.
They all exit, the Guards
bearing the dead bodies.