Antony and Cleopatra is Shakespeare’s most luxuriant tragedy. The action sprawls around the Mediterranean world as it gives historical form to the mythical encounter between Venus (the embodiment of love) and Mars (the god of war). The play is structured upon a series of oppositions: between female and male, desire and duty, the bed and the battlefield, age and youth, and, above all, Egypt and Rome.
Henry Cockeram’s English Dictionary, published in the same year as Shakespeare’s First Folio, has an entry for Cleopatra: “an Egyptian Queen, she was first beloved of Julius Caesar; after, Marcus Anthonius was by her brought into such dotage that he aspired the Empire, which caused his destruction.” The idea that a great lawgiver or warrior could be destroyed by the lure of sexual desire was commonplace in the period. An earlier dictionary reminded the reader of how King Solomon in the Bible “exceeded all men in wisdom and knowledge” but “nevertheless was by dotage on women brought unto idolatry.” The primary definition of “dotage” was “to be mad or peevish, to play the fool (as old folks do).” To dote was to go against reason; to fall too far in love was to lose one’s wits. At the same time, the word was used with reference to old age: senility atrophies the powers of reason and makes an old person become a child again.
“Nay, but this dotage of our general’s / O’erflows the measure” says a Roman soldier in the very opening line. From the Roman point of view it is a monstrous embarrassment that one of the three men who rule their great empire should be disporting himself like an infatuated teenager. Perhaps he is indeed entering his dotage, approaching the second childhood of old age. From the Egyptian point of view, the power of desire is, on the contrary, something that transcends the petty world of tribal politics. Antony is torn between the two worlds: one moment he kisses Cleopatra and says “The nobleness of life / Is to do thus,” yet the next he says “These strong Egyptian fetters I must break / Or lose myself in dotage.”
Romanness meant controlling the passions within the restraint of reason, but in Egypt love is imagined as something that neither can nor should be controlled or measured. Its capacity is infinite. The love of Antony and Cleopatra “finds out new earth, new heaven.” And love’s medium is poetry: in this play Shakespeare gives his lyrical powers freer rein than ever before or after. Though the opening lines are spoken by a Roman, their style is loyal to Cleopatra: the sentence overflows the measure of the pentameter line, preparing the way for the liquid imagery of Egypt—with the fertile river Nile at its heart—that will overcome the measured rigidity of Rome.
Against the grain of the Renaissance idealization of the age of Augustus, Antony and Cleopatra depicts Octavius as a mealymouthed pragmatist. The play is concerned less with the seismic shift from republic to empire than with the transformation of Mark Antony from military leader to slave of sexual desire: “Take but good note, and you shall see in him / The triple pillar of the world transformed / Into a strumpet’s fool.” To Roman eyes, eros renders Antony undignified to the point of risibility, but the sweep of the play’s poetic language, down to its closing speech (“No grave upon the earth shall clip in it / A pair so famous”), celebrates the fame of the lovers, whose imagined erotic union in death is symbolic of cosmic harmony. Octavius himself has to admit that the dead Cleopatra looks as if “she would catch another Antony / In her strong toil of grace”: “toil” is sweatily sexual, but “grace” suggests that even the most Roman character of them all is now seeing Antony and Cleopatra as something other than self-deluding dotards. The aura of Cleopatra’s last speech is still hanging in the air; the power of the poetic language has been such that a sensitive listener will half-believe that Cleopatra has left her baser elements and become all “fire and air.” She is, as Charmian so superbly puts it, “A lass unparalleled”: just one of the girls, but also the unique queen and serpent, embodiment of the Nile’s fertility and the heat of life itself.
Although the “Life of Marcus Antonius” shows more than usual interest in the main female character, the historical structure of Plutarch’s narratives is always premised on the lives of his male heroes. Shakespeare’s play alters this focus to emphasize the death of the woman, not that of the warrior, as the climax of the story. The female perspective stands in opposition to the male voice that orders the march of history. In tone and language Antony and Cleopatra may be described as a “feminized” classical tragedy: Egyptian cookery, luxuriant daybeds, and a billiard-playing eunuch contrast with the rigors of Roman architecture and senatorial business.
At the end of the drama, young Octavius Caesar is left in sole charge of the empire. He will become Augustus, who was regarded as the embodiment of enlightened imperialism—a model for the ambitions of Shakespeare’s patron, King James. But all the poetry of the play has been on the Egyptian side. From Enobarbus’ entranced memory of the barge at Cydnus to the final enrobing for the serpent’s kiss of death, the language of Cleopatra works its magic upon the listener. Theater’s power to create illusion is of a piece with her seductive arts.
She is the consummate actress, able to change her mood on a whim, to keep all around her guessing as to whether she is in earnest or at play. Linguistically, she has a marvelous gift of combining a tone of lightness and wonderment with a sexily down-to-earth robustness (“O happy horse, to bear the weight of Antony!”). She is also the only woman in Shakespeare’s tragedies to have a wit comparable to that of comic heroines such as Rosalind in As You Like It and Portia in The Merchant of Venice. “Can Fulvia die?” she asks with feigned incredulity, playing on the double entendre where to die meant to have an orgasm (Roman wives, she implies, are frigid creatures). Cleopatra is a grown-up Juliet: utterly confident in her body, she relishes her own sexuality and is the dominant partner in the relationship. There is, however, a darker side to her powers. She uses both her sexual allure and her regal authority not only to seduce and to charm, but also to manipulate and to emasculate. She savages the messenger who brings news she does not want to hear. Her principal courtiers are women, Charmian and Iras. Plutarch complained that the affairs of Antony’s entire empire were determined by these two women of the bedchamber who frizzled Cleopatra’s hair and dressed her head. The only men in her entourage are a eunuch, Mardian, and a Greek, Alexas, whose name was synonymous with homoerotic desire.
Historically, Cleopatra’s allegiance was to the Greek as opposed to the Roman world. Her family, the Ptolemies, were Macedonian Greeks. Though some modern productions have played with notions of her blackness, imagining her as a kind of female Othello, Shakespeare’s contemporaries did not regard her as black. George Abbott, who was born within two years of Shakespeare, made the point explicitly in his Brief Description of the Whole World wherein is particularly described all the Monarchies, Empires, and Kingdoms of the same:
Although this country of Egypt doth stand in the self same climate that Mauritania doth, yet the inhabitants there are not black, but rather dun, or tawny. Of which colour Cleopatra was observed to be; who by inticement, so won the love of Julius Caesar, and Antony. And of that colour do those runagates (by devices make themselves to be) who go up and down the world under the name of Egyptians, being indeed but counterfeits and the refuse of rascality of many nations.
“Tawny” was an orange-brown color, associated with the sun, but clearly differentiated from the blackness of the Moors of Mauritania. It was the color of “gipsies,” who claimed to come from Egypt. Whereas lago insults Othello with racial abuse directed at his black features, the Romans insult Cleopatra by calling her a gipsy, associating her with a tribe famous for indolence, vagrancy, theft, fortune-telling and verbal wiles, magic, and counterfeiting—exactly the characteristic of Shakespeare’s representation of Cleopatra’s court.
Gipsies were often associated with beggars, and part of the paradox that is Cleopatra comes from the sense in which the opposite poles of regality and beggary meet in her. Antony begins his journey with the claim that “There’s beggary in the love that can be reckoned,” while Cleopatra ends hers by recognizing that the dungy earth is both “The beggar’s nurse and Caesar’s.” Refusing to demean herself by begging in supplication to Caesar, she welcomes the beggar-like Clown instead and purchases the asp that she will nurse at her breast. It seems that her main reason for refusing to surrender to Caesar is a refusal to undergo the shame of public display: “scald rhymers” will write ballads about her and
…The quick comedians
Extemporally will stage us and present
Our Alexandrian revels: Antony
Shall be brought drunken forth, and I shall see
Some squeaking Cleopatra boy my greatness
I’th’posture of a whore.
This is one of Shakespeare’s most daring self-allusions: he is the scald rhymer, his actors the quick comedians extemporally staging the revels. Antony has been “brought drunken forth” in the person of Richard Burbage, and the “squeaking Cleopatra” who speaks these lines—in the full knowledge that boy actors were sometimes described as the players’ whores—is Burbage’s cross-dressed apprentice, a young man in his late teens or at most his very early twenties (a sobering thought, given that Cleopatra is now considered the supreme Shakespearean role for a mature female actor).
We do not know what role, if any, Shakespeare wrote for himself in Antony and Cleopatra. Probably a small one. But there is no doubt as to which role corresponds most closely to his own point of view. Shakespeare was a realist as well as a romantic, a skilled politician as well as a supreme poet; he was equally capable of imagining Antony’s dramatic trajectory as a rise and as a fall. He was perpetually both inside and outside the action, both an emotionally involved participant in the world he created and a wryly detached commentator upon it. In the play, his own perspective is that of an Egyptian in Rome and a Roman in Egypt, as in earlier life his viewpoint had been that of a country outsider in London. So he invented a new character, the only major player in the story who is absent from the historical source: Enobarbus. Intelligent, funny, at once companionable and guardedly isolated, full of understanding and admiration for women but most comfortable among men (there is a homoerotic frisson to his bond with Menas and his rivalry with Agrippa), clinically analytical in his assessment of others but full of sorrow and shame when his reason overrides his loyalty and leads him to desert his friend and master, Enobarbus is as rewarding a role as any Shakespeare wrote. And it might just be the nearest thing anywhere in his complete works to a considered self-portrait.
PLOT: Following the assassination of Julius Caesar and the battle of Philippi, Mark Antony, Octavius Caesar, and Lepidus are the joint rulers of the known world. Antony, however, is captivated by Cleopatra, Queen of Egypt, and neglects his responsibilities to spend time with her in Alexandria. This scandal is the talk of Rome and creates a rift between Antony and young Octavius Caesar. News comes from Rome that Antony’s wife is dead. More urgently, the power of the triumvirate is being challenged by Pompey. Antony is forced to return to Rome and resume his responsibilities. When it is suggested that he should cement the alliance with Octavius by marrying his sister, Octavia, Antony agrees. Back in Egypt, the news of Antony’s marriage sends Cleopatra into a jealous tirade. On the brink of war, Antony and Octavius make peace with Pompey. Shortly afterward, however, Antony learns that not only has Octavius attacked Pompey after all, but he has also spoken scornfully of Antony in public and has had Lepidus imprisoned on dubious charges. Antony sends Octavia back to negotiate with her brother while he returns secretly to Alexandria. News arrives in Rome that Antony and Cleopatra have crowned themselves and their children kings and queens in Alexandria. Octavius declares war on Egypt. The Egyptian forces lose the sea-battle of Actium when Antony deserts the battle to follow Cleopatra’s fleeing ship. Antony is consumed with shame and despair. However, hearing that Octavius has offered to make a secret treaty with Cleopatra, he rouses himself for a second, victorious battle. On the eve of the third battle, Antony’s soldiers are nervous and fear bad omens. Even the faithful Enobarbus deserts him. The Egyptian fleet surrenders and Antony, in his fury, accuses Cleopatra of betraying him to Octavius. She retreats from his anger to her monument and sends a false report that she is dead. On hearing this, Antony attempts suicide and is brought to Cleopatra’s monument to die in her arms. Rather than be captured and enslaved by the Romans, Cleopatra also kills herself. With all his enemies eliminated, Octavius returns victorious to Rome.
MAJOR PARTS: (with percentage of lines/number of speeches/scenes on stage) Mark Antony (24%/ 202/22), Cleopatra (19%/204/16), Octavius Caesar (12%/98/14), Enobarbus (10%/113/12), Pompey (4%/41/3), Charmian (3%/63/10), Lepidus (2%/30/6), Menas (2%/35/3), Agrippa (2%/28/7), Dolabella (1%/23/3), Eros (1%/27/6), Scarrus (1%/12/4).
LINGUISTIC MEDIUM: 95% verse, 5% prose.
DATE: 1606–07. Perhaps performed at court Christmas 1606 or Christmas 1607. Registered for publication in May 1608 (though not actually published prior to the First Folio); it seems to have influenced a play by Barnabe Barnes that was performed and published in 1607.
SOURCES: Closely based on the “Life of Marcus Antonius” in Plutarch’s Lives of the Most Noble Grecians and Romanes, translated by Thomas North (1579); there are some exceptionally close verbal parallels. The main addition is the character of Enobarbus, who is only mentioned very briefly in Plutarch. Shakespeare also seems to have known Samuel Daniel’s Cleopatra (1594, a play written to be read rather than performed); Daniel, in turn, seems to have been influenced by Shakespeare when revising his play in 1607.
TEXT: The First Folio of 1623 is the only early text. Apparently set from a scribal transcript of Shakespeare’s manuscript, it is notably inconsistent in the spelling of proper names and has a plethora of minor errors but few major ones.
MARK ANTONY, a triumvir of Rome
An AMBASSADOR for Antony, a schoolmaster
CLEOPATRA, Queen of Egypt
SELEUCUS, Cleopatra’s treasurer
Octavius CAESAR, a triumvir of Rome
LEPIDUS, a triumvir of Rome
OCTAVIA, sister to Octavius Caesar and later wife of Antony
Sextus Pompeius (POMPEY), a rebel against the triumvirs
A SOOTHSAYER
SERVANTS of Pompey
A BOY SINGER
A CAPTAIN of Antony’s army
A CLOWN
Attendants, Eunuchs, Sentries, Guards, Soldiers and Servants
O’erflows the measure:2 those his goodly eyes,
That o’er the files and musters3 of the war
Have glowed like plated4 Mars, now bend, now turn
5 The office5 and devotion of their view
Upon a tawny6 front. His captain’s heart,
Which in the scuffles of great fights hath burst
The buckles on his breast, reneges8 all temper
And is become the bellows and the fan
10 To cool a gipsy’s10 lust.
Look where they come:
Take but good note, and you shall see in him
The triple12 pillar of the world transformed
Into a strumpet’s13 fool. Behold and see.
Fulvia21 perchance is angry, or who knows
If the scarce-bearded Caesar22 have not sent
His powerful mandate23 to you: ‘Do this, or this;
Take in24 that kingdom, and enfranchise that:
25 Perform’t, or else we damn thee.’
You must not stay here longer: your dismission28
Is come from Caesar, therefore hear it, Antony.
30 Where’s Fulvia’s process?30 — Caesar’s I would say. Both?
Call in the messengers. As I am Egypt’s queen,
Thou blushest, Antony, and that blood of thine
Is Caesar’s homager:33 else so thy cheek pays shame
When shrill-tongued Fulvia scolds.34 The messengers!
Of the ranged36 empire fall: here is my space.
Kingdoms are clay: our dungy37 earth alike
Feeds beast as man. The nobleness of life
Is to do thus: when such a mutual39 pair They embrace
40 And such a twain40 can do’t, in which I bind,
On41 pain of punishment, the world to weet
We stand up peerless.42
Why did he marry Fulvia and not44 love her?
45 I’ll seem45 the fool I am not. Antony
Will be himself.
Now, for the love of Love and her soft hours,
Let’s not confound49 the time with conference harsh;
50 There’s not a minute of our lives should stretch50
Without some pleasure now. What sport51 tonight?
Whom everything becomes,54 to chide, to laugh,
55 To weep, whose every passion fully strives
To make itself in thee fair and admired.
No57 messenger but thine, and all alone
Tonight we’ll wander through the streets and note
The qualities59 of people. Come, my queen,
60 Last night you did desire it.— Speak not to us. To the Messenger
He comes too short of that great property63
Which still64 should go with Antony.
That he approves66 the common liar who
Thus speaks of him at Rome; but I will hope
Of better deeds tomorrow. Rest you happy.68
A little I can read.
Than that which is to approach.
35 And fertile every wish, a million.
A Roman thought72 hath struck him. Enobarbus?
Where’s AIexas?
80 But soon that war had end, and the time’s state80
Made friends of them, jointing their force81 gainst Caesar,
Whose better issue82 in the war from Italy
Upon the first encounter,83 drave them.
Things that are past are done with me. ’Tis thus:
Who88 tells me true, though in his tale lie death,
I hear him as he flattered.
This is stiff91 news — hath with his Parthian force
Extended92 Asia: from Euphrates
His conquering banner shook, from Syria
To Lydia94 and to Ionia, whilst—
Name Cleopatra as she is called in Rome,
Rail99 thou in Fulvia’s phrase, and taunt my faults
100 With such full licence as both truth and malice
Have power to utter. O, then we bring forth weeds
When our quick102 minds lie still, and our ills told us
Is as our earing. Fare thee well awhile.
110 These strong Egyptian fetters I must break,
Or lose myself in dotage.—
What111 are you?
115 Her length of sickness, with what else more serious
Importeth116 thee to know, this bears. Gives him the letter
There’s a great spirit gone. Thus did I desire it:
What119 our contempts doth often hurl from us
120 We wish it ours again. The present pleasure,
By revolution low’ring,121 does become
The opposite of itself. She’s good, being gone.
The hand could123 pluck her back that shoved her on.
I must from this enchanting124 queen break off:
125 Ten thousand harms, more than the ills I know,
My idleness126 doth hatch.—
How now, Enobarbus?
Have notice what we purpose. I shall break
The cause of our expedience164 to the queen,
And get her leave to part.165 For not alone
The death of Fulvia, with more urgent touches,166
Do strongly speak to us, but the letters too
Of many our contriving168 friends in Rome
Petition169 us at home. Sextus Pompeius
170 Hath given170 the dare to Caesar and commands
The empire of the sea. Our slippery171 people,
Whose love is never linked to the deserver
Till his deserts are past, begin to throw173
Pompey the Great174 and all his dignities
175 Upon his son, who, high175 in name and power,
Higher than both in blood and life,176 stands up
For the main177 soldier, whose quality going on,
The178 sides o’th’world may danger. Much is breeding
Which, like the courser’s179 hair, hath yet but life
180 And not a serpent’s poison. Say180 our pleasure,
To such whose place is under us, requires
Our quick remove182 from hence.
I4 did not send you: if you find him sad,
5 Say I am dancing, if in mirth, report
That I am sudden sick. Quick, and return. [Exit Alexas]
You do not hold8 the method to enforce
The like9 from him.
In time we hate that which we often fear.
15 But here comes Antony.
It cannot be thus long:19 the sides of nature
20 Will not sustain it.
25 What, says the married woman25 you may go?
Would she had never given you leave to come.
Let her not say ’tis I that keep you here.
I have no power upon you: hers you are.
So mightily betrayed! Yet at the first
I saw the treasons planted.
35 Though you in swearing shake the thronèd gods —
Who have been false36 to Fulvia? Riotous madness,
To be entangled with those mouth-made37 vows
Which break themselves in swearing!38
But bid farewell and go: when you sued staying,41
Then was the time for words: no going then.
Eternity was in our43 lips and eyes,
Bliss in our brows bent:44 none our parts so poor
45 But was a45 race of heaven. They are so still,
Or thou, the greatest soldier of the world,
Art turned the greatest liar.
50 There were a heart50 in Egypt.
The strong necessity of time commands
Our services awhile, but my full heart
Remains in use54 with you. Our Italy
55 Shines o’er with civil swords;55 Sextus Pompeius
Makes his approaches to the port56 of Rome.
Equality57 of two domestic powers
Breed scrupulous faction: the hated,58 grown to strength,
Are newly grown to love: the condemned Pompey,
60 Rich in his father’s honour, creeps apace60
Into the hearts of such as have not thrived
Upon62 the present state, whose numbers threaten,
And quietness, grown sick of rest, would purge63
By any desperate change. My more particular,64
65 And that which most with you should safe65 my going,
Is Fulvia’s death.
It does from childishness. Can Fulvia die?
70 Look here, and at thy sovereign leisure read
The garboils71 she awaked: at the last, best,
See when and where she died.
Where be the sacred vials74 thou shouldst fill
75 With sorrowful water? Now I see, I see,
In Fulvia’s death how mine received shall be.
The78 purposes I bear, which are, or cease,
As you shall give th’advice.79 By the fire
80 That quickens Nilus’ slime, I go from hence
Thy soldier, servant, making peace or war
As thou affects.82
But let it be:84 I am quickly ill and well,
85 So Antony loves.85
And give true evidence87 to his love, which stands
An honourable trial.
90 I prithee turn aside and weep for her,
Then bid adieu to me, and say the tears
Belong to Egypt.92 Good now, play one scene
Of excellent dissembling,93 and let it look
Like perfect honour.
But this is not the best. Look, prithee, Charmian,
100 How this Herculean100 Roman does become
The carriage of his chafe.
Sir, you and I must part, but that’s not it:
105 Sir, you and I have loved, but there’s not it:
That you know well. Something it is I would:
O, my oblivion107 is a very Antony,
And I am all forgotten.108
110 Holds110 idleness your subject, I should take you
For idleness itself.
To bear such idleness so near the heart
As Cleopatra this. But, sir, forgive me,
115 Since my becomings115 kill me when they do not
Eye116 well to you. Your honour calls you hence:
Therefore be deaf to my unpitied folly,
And all the gods go with you. Upon your sword
Sit laurel119 victory, and smooth success
120 Be strewed before your feet.
Our122 separation so abides and flies
That thou, residing here, goes yet with me,
And I, hence fleeting, here remain with thee.
125 Away!
It is not Caesar’s natural vice to hate
Our great competitor.3 From Alexandria
This is the news: he fishes, drinks and wastes
5 The lamps of night in revel. Is5 not more manlike
Than Cleopatra, nor the Queen of Ptolemy6
More womanly than he. Hardly gave audience,7 or
Vouchsafed8 to think he had partners. You shall find there
A man who is th’abstract9 of all faults
10 That all men follow.
Evils enough to darken all his goodness:
His faults in him seem as the spots of heaven,13
More fiery by night’s blackness; hereditary
15 Rather than purchased,15 what he cannot change,
Than what he chooses.
Amiss to tumble18 on the bed of Ptolemy,
To give a kingdom for a mirth,19 to sit
20 And keep20 the turn of tippling with a slave,
To reel21 the streets at noon, and stand the buffet
With knaves that smell of sweat: say this becomes him —
As23 his composure must be rare indeed
Whom these things cannot blemish — yet must Antony
25 No way excuse his foils25 when we do bear
So great weight in his lightness. If he filled
His vacancy27 with his voluptuousness,
Full surfeits28 and the dryness of his bones
Call on him for’t. But to confound29 such time
30 That drums30 him from his31 sport, and speaks as loud
As his own state and ours, ’tis to be chid
As we rate32 boys, who, being mature in knowledge,
Pawn their experience to their present pleasure
And so rebel to34 judgement.
Most noble Caesar, shalt thou have report
How38 ’tis abroad. Pompey is strong at sea,
And it appears he is beloved of those
40 That only have feared40 Caesar: to the ports
The discontents41 repair, and men’s reports
Give him42 much wronged.
It hath been taught us from the primal state44
45 That he45 which is was wished until he were,
And the ebbed46 man, ne’er loved till ne’er worth love,
Comes deared47 by being lacked. This common body,
Like to a vagabond48 flag upon the stream,
Goes to and back, lackeying49 the varying tide,
50 To rot itself with motion.
Menecrates and Menas, famous52 pirates,
Make the sea serve them, which they ear53 and wound
With keels of every kind. Many hot inroads54
55 They make in Italy: the borders maritime55
Lack blood56 to think on’t, and flush youth revolt.
No vessel can peep forth but ’tis as soon
Taken58 as seen, for Pompey’s name strikes more
Than could his war resisted.
Leave thy lascivious wassails.61 When thou once
Was beaten from Modena,62 where thou slew’st
Hirtius and Pansa, consuls, at thy heel
Did famine follow, whom64 thou fought’st against —
65 Though daintily65 brought up — with patience more
Than savages could suffer. Thou didst drink
The stale67 of horses and the gilded puddle
Which beasts would cough at. Thy palate then did deign68
The roughest berry on the rudest69 hedge.
70 Yea, like the stag when snow the pasture sheets,70
The barks of trees thou browsèd.71 On the Alps,
It is reported thou didst eat strange flesh
Which some did die to look on: and all this —
It wounds thine honour that I speak it now —
75 Was borne so like a soldier, that thy cheek
So76 much as lanked not.
Drive him to Rome: ’tis time we twain79
80 Did show ourselves i’th’field,80 and to that end
Assemble we immediate council. Pompey
Thrives in our idleness.
I shall be furnished to inform you rightly
85 Both what by sea and land I can be able85
To front86 this present time.
It is my business too. Farewell.
90 Of stirs90 abroad, I shall beseech you, sir,
To let me be partaker.
I knew it for my bond.93
Give me to drink mandragora.4
My Antony is away.
In aught an eunuch has: ’tis well for thee
15 That, being unseminared,15 thy freer thoughts
May not fly forth of Egypt. Hast thou affections?16
20 But what in deed is honest20 to be done:
Yet have I fierce affections, and think
What Venus22 did with Mars.
Where think’st thou he is now? Stands he, or sits he?
25 Or does he walk? Or is he on his horse?
O happy horse, to bear the weight of Antony!
Do bravely,27 horse, for wot’st thou whom thou mov’st?
The demi-Atlas28 of this earth, the arm
And burgonet of men. He’s speaking now,
30 Or murmuring ‘Where’s my serpent of old Nile?’
For so he calls me. Now I feed myself
With most delicious poison. Think on me
That am with Phoebus’33 amorous pinches black
And wrinkled deep in time. Broad-fronted34 Caesar,
When thou wast here above the ground, I was
A morsel36 for a monarch, and great Pompey
Would stand and make37 his eyes grow in my brow:
There would he anchor his aspect,38 and die
With looking on his life.39
Yet, coming from him, that great med’cine42 hath
With his tinct43 gilded thee.
How goes it with my brave44 Mark Antony?
He kissed — the last of many doubled kisses —
This orient47 pearl. His speech sticks in my heart.
50 ‘Say the firm50 Roman to great Egypt sends
This treasure of an oyster, at whose foot,
To mend52 the petty present, I will piece
Her opulent throne with kingdoms. All the east,
Say thou, shall call her mistress.’ So he nodded,
55 And soberly did mount an arm-gaunt steed55
Who neighed so high56 that what I would have spoke
Was beastly dumbed57 by him.
60 Of hot and cold, he was nor sad nor60 merry.
Note him, good Charmian, ’tis the man;62 but note him.
He was not sad, for he would shine on those
That make64 their looks by his: he was not merry,
65 Which seemed to tell them his remembrance lay
In Egypt with his joy: but between both.
O heavenly mingle! Be’st thou sad or merry,
The violence68 of either thee becomes,
So does it no man else.— Met’st thou my posts?69
Why do you send so thick?71
When I forget to send to Antony
Shall die a beggar. Ink and paper, Charmian.
75 Welcome, my good Alexas. Did I, Charmian,
Ever love Caesar so?
Say ‘the brave Antony’.
If thou with Caesar paragon82 again
My man of men.
85 I sing but after you.
When I was green87 in judgement, cold in blood,
To say as I said then. But come, away,
Get me ink and paper.
90 He shall have every day a several greeting
Or I’ll unpeople Egypt!
The deeds of justest men.
That what4 they do delay, they not deny.
The thing we sue for.
Beg often our own harms, which the wise powers
Deny us for our good: so find we profit
10 By losing of our prayers.
The people love me, and the sea12 is mine;
My powers13 are crescent, and my auguring hope
Says it will come to th’full. Mark Antony
15 In Egypt sits at dinner,15 and will make
No wars without16 doors: Caesar gets money where
He loses hearts: Lepidus flatters both,
Of18 both is flattered, but he neither loves,
Nor either cares for him.
A mighty strength21 they carry.
25 Looking for25 Antony. But all the charms of love,
Salt26 Cleopatra, soften thy waned lip!
Let witchcraft join with beauty, lust with both,
Tie up the libertine in a field of feasts:
Keep his brain fuming:29 epicurean cooks
30 Sharpen with cloyless30 sauce his appetite
That31 sleep and feeding may prorogue his honour,
Even till a Lethe’d32 dullness—
How now, Varrius?
Mark Antony is every hour in Rome
35 Expected. Since he went from Egypt ’tis35
A space for further travel.
A better ear.38 Menas, I did not think
This amorous surfeiter would have donned his helm39
40 For such a petty war: his40 soldiership
Is twice the other twain. But let us rear41
The higher our opinion, that our stirring
Can from the lap43 of Egypt’s widow pluck
The ne’er lust-wearied Antony.
Caesar and Antony shall well greet together;46
His wife that’s dead47 did trespasses to Caesar:
His brother48 warred upon him, although I think
Not moved49 by Antony.
How lesser enmities may give way to greater.
Were’t not that we stand up against them all,
’Twere pregnant53 they should square between themselves,
For they have entertainèd54 cause enough
55 To draw their swords. But how the fear of us
May cement their divisions, and bind up
The petty difference, we yet not57 know.
Be’t as our gods will have’t! It58 only stands
Our lives upon to use our strongest hands.
60 Come, Menas.
And shall become you well, to entreat your captain
To soft and gentle speech.
5 To answer like himself:5 if Caesar move him,
Let Antony look6 over Caesar’s head
And speak as loud as Mars.7 By Jupiter,
Were I the wearer of Antonio’s beard,
I9 would not shave’t today!
Serves for the matter that is then born in’t.
But pray you stir no embers up. Here comes
The noble Antony.
20 Hark,20 Ventidius. They converse apart
That which combined23 us was most great, and let not
A leaner24 action rend us. What’s amiss,
25 May it be gently25 heard. When we debate
Our trivial difference loud, we do commit26
Murder in healing wounds. Then, noble partners,
The rather for28 I earnestly beseech,
Touch29 you the sourest points with sweetest terms,
30 Nor30 curstness grow to th’matter.
Were we before our armies, and to32 fight,
I should do thus.
40 Or being,40 concern you not.
If, or42 for nothing or a little, I
Should say myself offended, and with you
Chiefly i’th’world:44 more laughed at that I should
45 Once name you derogately45 when to sound your name
It not concerned me.46
What was’t to you?
50 Might be to you in Egypt: yet if you there
Did practise51 on my state, your being in Egypt
Might be my question.52
55 By what did here befall me. Your wife and brother
Made wars upon me, and their contestation56
Was theme for you:57 you were the word of war.
Did urge me59 in his act: I did inquire it,
60 And have my learning60 from some true reports
That drew61 their swords with you. Did he not rather
Discredit my authority with62 yours,
And make the wars alike against my stomach,63
Having64 alike your cause? Of this my letters
65 Before did satisfy you. If you’ll patch65 a quarrel,
As matter whole66 you have to make it with,
It must not be with this.
By laying defects of judgement to me, but
70 You patched up your excuses.
I72 know you could not lack, I am certain on’t,
Very necessity of this thought, that I,
Your partner in the cause gainst which he74 fought,
75 Could not with graceful75 eyes attend those wars
Which fronted76 mine own peace. As for my wife,
I77 would you had her spirit in such another:
The third o’th’world is yours, which with a snaffle78
You may pace79 easy, but not such a wife.
Made out of her impatience — which not wanted83
Shrewdness of policy84 too — I grieving grant
85 Did you too much disquiet. For that you must
But86 say I could not help it.
When rioting88 in Alexandria you
Did pocket up my letters, and with taunts
90 Did gibe90 my missive out of audience.
He fell upon me ere admitted,92 then.
Three kings I had newly93 feasted, and did want
Of what I was i’th’morning. But next day
95 I told95 him of myself, which was as much
As to have asked him pardon. Let this fellow
Be nothing97 of our strife: if we contend,
Out of our question98 wipe him.
100 The article100 of your oath, which you shall never
Have tongue to charge me with.
The honour is sacred which he talks on now,
105 Supposing105 that I lacked it. But, on, Caesar:
The article of my oath—
The which you both denied.
110 And then when poisoned hours had bound me up
From mine own knowledge.111 As nearly as I may,
I’ll play the penitent to you: but mine honesty
Shall113 not make poor my greatness, nor my power
Work without it. Truth is that Fulvia,
115 To have me out of Egypt, made wars here,
For which myself, the ignorant motive,116 do
So far ask pardon as befits mine honour
To stoop in such a case.
The griefs121 between ye, to forget them quite
Were to remember that the present need
Speaks to atone123 you.
The manner of his speech: for’t cannot be
We shall remain in friendship, our conditions134
135 So diff’ring in their acts. Yet if I knew
What hoop should hold us staunch,136 from edge to edge
O’th’world I would pursue it.
Admired Octavia: great Mark Antony
Is now a widower.
If Cleopatra heard you, your reproof144
145 Were well deserved of rashness.
Agrippa further speak.
To make you brothers and to knit your hearts
150 With an unslipping knot, take Antony
Octavia to his wife, whose beauty claims
No worse a husband than the best of men,
Whose153 virtue and whose general graces speak
That which none else can utter. By this marriage
155 All little jealousies155 which now seem great,
And all great fears which now import156 their dangers
Would then be nothing. Truths157 would be tales,
Where now half-tales be truths. Her love to both158
Would each to other, and all loves to both
160 Draw after her. Pardon what I have spoke,
For ’tis a studied, not a present161 thought,
By duty ruminated.
165 With what is spoke already.
If I would167 say, ‘Agrippa, be it so’,
To make this good?
170 His power unto170 Octavia.
To this good purpose that so fairly shows,172
Dream of impediment!173 Let me have thy hand.
Further this act of grace,174 and from this hour
175 The heart of brothers govern in our loves
And sway our great designs!
A sister I bequeath you, whom no brother
Did ever love so dearly. Let her live
180 To join our kingdoms and our hearts, and never180
Fly off our loves again!
For184 he hath laid strange courtesies and great
185 Of late upon me. I must thank him, only
Lest my remembrance186 suffer ill report:
At187 heel of that, defy him.
Of189 us must Pompey presently be sought,
190 Or else he seeks out us.
195 He is an absolute master.
Would197 we had spoke together! Haste we for it.
Yet, ere198 we put ourselves in arms, dispatch we
The business we have talked of.
And do invite you to my sister’s view,201
Whither straight I’ll lead you.
205 Not sickness should detain me.
The barge she sat in, like a burnished223 throne,
Burned224 on the water: the poop was beaten gold,
225 Purple the sails, and so perfumèd that
The winds were lovesick with them: the oars were silver,
Which to the tune of flutes kept stroke, and made
The water which they beat to follow faster,
As amorous of their strokes.229 For her own person,
230 It beggared all description: she did lie
In her pavilion, cloth-of-gold of tissue,231
O’er-picturing232 that Venus where we see
The fancy out-work nature: on each side her233
Stood pretty dimpled boys, like234 smiling Cupids,
235 With divers-coloured235 fans whose wind did seem
To glow236 the delicate cheeks which they did cool,
And what they undid did.
240 So many mermaids, tended her i’th’eyes,240
And made241 their bends adornings. At the helm
A seeming mermaid steers: the silken tackle242
Swell243 with the touches of those flower-soft hands
That yarely244 frame the office. From the barge
245 A strange invisible perfume hits the sense
Of the adjacent wharfs.246 The city cast
Her people out upon her, and Antony,
Enthroned i’th’market-place, did sit alone,
Whistling to th’air, which, but for vacancy,249
250 Had250 gone to gaze on Cleopatra too,
And made a gap in nature.
Invited her to supper: she replied
255 It should be better he became her guest,
Which she entreated. Our courteous Antony,
Whom ne’er the word of ‘No’ woman heard speak,
Being barbered258 ten times o’er, goes to the feast,
And for his ordinary,259 pays his heart
For what260 his eyes eat only.
She made great Caesar262 lay his sword to bed.
He ploughed her, and she cropped.263
Hop forty paces through the public street
And, having lost her breath, she spoke and panted,
That267 she did make defect perfection,
And, breathless, pour breath forth.
Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale271
Her infinite variety: other women cloy
The appetites they feed, but she makes hungry
Where most she satisfies. For vilest274 things
Become themselves in her, that the holy priests
Bless her when she is riggish.276
The heart of Antony, Octavia is
A blessèd lottery279 to him.
Good Enobarbus, make yourself my guest
Whilst you abide here.
Divide me from your bosom.
Before the gods my knee shall bow my prayers
5 To them for you.
Read7 not my blemishes in the world’s report:
I have not kept my square,8 but that to come
Shall all be done by th’rule.9 Goodnight, dear lady.
But yet hie you16 to Egypt again.
Caesar’s or mine?
20 Therefore, O Antony, stay not by his side:
Thy demon,21 that thy spirit which keeps thee, is
Noble, courageous, high unmatchable,
Where Caesar’s is not. But near him, thy angel23
Becomes afeared, as24 being o’erpowered: therefore
25 Make space enough between you.
If thou dost play with him at any game,
Thou art sure to lose, and of that natural luck
30 He beats thee gainst the odds. Thy lustre thickens30
When he shines by: I say again, thy spirit
Is all afraid to govern thee near him,
But, he33 away, ’tis noble.
35 Say to Ventidius I would speak with him:
He shall to Parthia. Be it art or hap,36
He hath spoken true: the very dice obey him,
And in our sports my better38 cunning faints
Under his chance. If we draw lots, he speeds:39
40 His cocks do win the battle still of mine
When it41 is all to nought, and his quails ever
Beat mine, inhooped,42 at odds. I will to Egypt:
And though I make this marriage for my peace,
I’th’east my pleasure lies.— O, come, Ventidius,
45 You must to Parthia: your commission’s ready,
Follow me and receive’t.
Your generals after.2
Will e’en4 but kiss Octavia, and we’ll follow.
Which will become you both, farewell.
As I conceive the journey, be at the Mount8
Before you, Lepidus.
My purposes do draw11 me much about:
You’ll win two days upon me.
Of us that trade2 in love.
As with a woman. Come, you’ll play with me, sir?
10 The actor10 may plead pardon. I’ll none now.
Give me mine angle:11 we’ll to th’river. There,
My music playing far off, I will betray12
Tawny-finned13 fishes: my bended hook shall pierce
Their slimy jaws, and, as I draw them up,
15 I’ll think them every one an Antony,
And say ‘Ah, ha! You’re caught!’
You wagered on your angling, when your diver18
Did hang a salt-fish19 on his hook, which he
20 With fervency20 drew up.
I Iaughed him out of patience, and that night
I laughed him into patience, and next morn,
Ere the ninth hour, I drunk him to his bed,
25 Then put my tires and mantles25 on him, whilst
I wore his sword Philippan.26—
O, from Italy
Ram27 thou thy fruitful tidings in mine ears,
That long time have been barren.
Thou kill’st thy mistress. But well and free,
If thou so yield32 him, there is gold, and here Offers gold
My bluest veins to kiss: a hand that kings Offers her hand
Have lipped,34 and trembled kissing.
But sirrah, mark, we use37
To say38 the dead are well: bring it to that,
The gold I give thee will I melt and pour
40 Down thy ill-uttering throat.
But there’s no goodness in thy face if Antony
Be free and healthful; so tart a favour44
45 To trumpet such good tidings! If not well,
Thou shouldst come like a Fury46 crowned with snakes,
Not like a formal47 man.
50 Yet if thou say Antony lives, ’tis well,50
Or51 friends with Caesar, or not captive to him,
I’ll set thee in a shower of gold52 and hail
Rich pearls upon thee.
The good precedence. Fie upon ‘But yet’!
‘But yet’ is as a jailer to bring forth
Some monstrous malefactor.64 Prithee friend,
65 Pour65 out the pack of matter to mine ear,
The good and bad together: he’s friends with Caesar,
In state of health thou say’st and, thou say’st, free.
He’s bound69 unto Octavia.
Hence, horrible villain, or I’ll spurn77 thine eyes
Like balls before me! I’ll unhair thy head!
Thou shalt be whipped with wire and stewed in brine,
80 Smarting in ling’ring pickle!80
I that do bring the news made not the match.
And make thy fortunes proud:84 the blow thou hadst
85 Shall make thy peace85 for moving me to rage,
And I will boot86 thee with what gift beside
Thy modesty can beg.
What mean you, madam? I have made no fault.
The man is innocent.
95 Melt Egypt95 into Nile, and kindly creatures
Turn all to serpents! Call the slave again.
Though I am mad,97 I will not bite him: call!
100 These hands do lack nobility that they strike
A meaner101 than myself, since I myself
Have given myself the cause.—
Come hither, sir.
Though it be honest, it is never good
To bring bad news: give to a gracious104 message
105 An host of tongues,105 but let ill tidings tell
Themselves when they be felt.
I cannot hate thee worser than I do
110 If thou again say ‘Yes.’
115 So115 half my Egypt were submerged and made
A cistern116 for scaled snakes! Go, get thee hence!
Hadst thou Narcissus117 in thy face, to me
Thou wouldst appear most ugly. He is married?
To punish me for what you make me do
Seems much unequal.123 He’s married to Octavia.
125 That art not what thou’rt sure of! Get thee hence,
The merchandise126 which thou hast brought from Rome
Are all too dear127 for me: lie they upon thy hand,
And be undone by ’em!
I faint! O Iras, Charmian! ’Tis no matter.
Go to the fellow, good Alexas, bid him
135 Report the feature135 of Octavia: her years,
Her inclination,136 let him not leave out
The colour of her hair. Bring me word quickly.
Let him138 for ever go.— Let him not, Charmian,
Though he be painted139 one way like a Gorgon,
140 The other way’s a Mars.— Bid you Alexas To Iras
Bring me word how tall she is.— Pity me, Charmian,
But do not speak to me. Lead me to my chamber.
And we shall talk before we fight.
That first we come to words, and therefore have we
5 Our written purposes5 before us sent,
Which, if thou hast considered, let us know
If ’twill tie up7 thy discontented sword
And carry back to Sicily much tall8 youth
That else9 must perish here.
The senators alone11 of this great world,
Chief factors12 for the gods: I do not know
Wherefore13 my father should revengers want,
Having a son and friends, since Julius Caesar,
15 Who at Philippi the good Brutus ghosted,15
There saw you labouring for him. What was’t
That moved17 pale Cassius to conspire? And what
Made the all-honoured, honest18 Roman, Brutus,
With the armed rest, courtiers19 of beauteous freedom,
20 To drench20 the Capitol, but that they would
Have one21 man but a man? And that is it
Hath made me rig my navy, at whose burden
The angered ocean foams, with which I meant
To scourge24 th’ingratitude that despiteful Rome
25 Cast on my noble father.
We’ll speak28 with thee at sea. At land thou know’st
How much we do o’er-count29 thee.
Thou dost o’er-count31 me of my father’s house:
But since the cuckoo32 builds not for himself,
Remain in’t as thou mayst.33
35 For this is from the present35 — how you take
The offers we have sent you.
What it is worth embraced.39
To try a larger fortune.
Of Sicily, Sardinia, and I must
Rid all the sea of pirates. Then to send
45 Measures of wheat to Rome: this ’greed upon
To part46 with unhacked edges, and bear back
Our targes47 undinted.
50 I came before you here a man prepared
To take this offer. But Mark Antony
Put me to some impatience, though I lose
The praise of53 it by telling. You must know
When Caesar and your brother were at blows,
55 Your mother came to Sicily and did find
Her welcome friendly.
And am well studied58 for a liberal thanks
Which I do owe you.
I did not think, sir, to have met you here.
That called me timelier63 than my purpose hither,
For I have gained by’t.
What counts67 harsh fortune casts upon my face,
But in68 my bosom shall she never come
To make my heart her vassal.
I crave our composition72 may be written
And sealed between us.73
Draw lots who shall begin.
Or last, your fine Egyptian cookery
80 Shall have the fame.80 I have heard that Julius Caesar
Grew81 fat with feasting there.
And I have heard, Apollodorus86 carried—
And well am like to do, for I perceive
Four feasts are toward.93
95 I never hated thee: I have seen thee fight,
When I have envied thy behaviour.96
I never loved you much, but I ha’ praised ye
When you have well deserved ten times as much
100 As I have said you did.
It nothing ill becomes102 thee.
Aboard my galley103 I invite you all.
Will you lead, lords?
By certain scales13 i’th’pyramid. They know,
By th’height, the lowness, or the mean,14 if dearth
15 Or foison15 follow. The higher Nilus swells,
The more it promises. As it ebbs, the seedsman
Upon the slime and ooze17 scatters his grain,
And shortly comes to harvest.
45 Do as I bid you.— Where’s this cup I called for?
Rise from thy stool.
Be jolly, lords. To the others
Keep off them, for you sink.
And, though thou think me poor, I am the man
60 Will give thee all the world.
Thou art, if thou dar’st be, the earthly Jove:
Whate’er the ocean pales64 or sky inclips
65 Is thine, if thou wilt ha’t.
Are in thy vessel. Let me cut the cable,68
And when we are put off,69 fall to their throats:
70 All there is thine.
And not have spoke on’t.72 In me ’tis villainy:
In thee’t had been good service. Thou must know,
’Tis74 not my profit that does lead mine honour:
75 Mine honour, it. Repent that e’er thy tongue
Hath so betrayed76 thine act: being done unknown,
I should have found it afterwards well done,
But must condemn it now. Desist,78 and drink. Joins the others
80 Who seeks and will not take when once ’tis offered,
Shall never find it more.
90 not?
That it might go on wheels!92
Here’s to Caesar!
It’s monstrous99 labour when I wash my brain
100 And it grow fouler.100
But I had rather fast from all103 four days
Than drink so much in one.
Shall we dance now the Egyptian Bacchanals106
And celebrate107 our drink?
110 Till that the conquering wine hath steeped our sense
In soft and delicate Lethe.111
Make battery to113 our ears with the loud music,
The while114 I’ll place you, then the boy shall sing.
115 The holding115 every man shall beat as loud
As his strong sides can volley.116
Come, thou monarch of the vine, Sings
Plumpy Bacchus118 with pink eyne!
In thy fats119 our cares be drowned,
120 With thy grapes our hairs be crowned.
Cup us121 till the world go round,
Cup us till the world go round!
Let me request you off:124 our graver business
125 Frowns at this levity. Gentle lords, let’s part:
You see we have burnt our cheeks.126 Strong Enobarb
Is weaker than the wine, and mine own tongue
Splits what it speaks: the wild disguise128 hath almost
Anticked129 us all. What needs more words? Goodnight.
130 Good Antony, your hand.
You have my father’s house. But what,134 we are friends?
135 Come down into the boat.
Menas, I’ll not on shore.
These drums, these trumpets, flutes! What!138
Let Neptune139 hear we bid a loud farewell
140 To these great fellows. Sound and be hanged! Sound out!
Pleased fortune does of Marcus Crassus’2 death
Make me revenger. Bear the king’s son’s body
Before our army: thy Pacorus,4 Orodes,
5 Pays this for Marcus Crassus.
Whilst yet with Parthian blood thy sword is warm,
The8 fugitive Parthians follow. Spur through Media,
Mesopotamia,9 and the shelters whither
10 The routed fly. So thy grand captain Antony
Shall set thee on triumphant11 chariots and
Put garlands on thy head.
I have done enough. A lower place,14 note well,
15 May make15 too great an act. For learn this, Silius:
Better to leave undone, than by our deed
Acquire too high a fame when him we serve’s away.
Caesar and Antony have ever won18
More in their officer than person. Sossius,
20 One of my place20 in Syria, his lieutenant,
For quick accumulation of renown,
Which he achieved by th’minute,22 lost his favour.
Who does i’th’wars more than his captain can,
Becomes his captain’s captain, and ambition —
25 The soldier’s virtue — rather makes choice of25 loss,
Than gain which darkens26 him.
I could do more to do Antonius good,
But ’twould offend him, and in his offence28
Should my performance29 perish.
Without the which a soldier and his sword
Grants scarce distinction. Thou wilt write to Antony?
That magical word of war, we have effected,
35 How with his banners and his well-paid ranks
The ne’er-yet-beaten horse36 of Parthia
We have jaded37 out o’th’field.
40 The weight40 we must convey with’s will permit,
We shall appear before him. On there, pass along!
The other three3 are sealing. Octavia weeps
To part from Rome, Caesar is sad, and Lepidus
5 Since Pompey’s feast as Menas says, is troubled
With the green sickness.6
Ho! Hearts, tongues, figures,17 scribes, bards, poets, cannot
Think, speak, cast,18 write, sing, number, ho,
His love to Antony. But as for Caesar,
20 Kneel down, kneel down and wonder!
This is to horse. Adieu, noble Agrippa.
Use27 me well in’t. Sister, prove such a wife
As28 my thoughts make thee, and as my farthest bond
Shall pass on thy approof. Most noble Antony,
30 Let not the piece30 of virtue which is set
Betwixt31 us as the cement of our love
To keep it builded, be the ram to batter
The fortress of it: for better might we
Have loved without this mean,34 if on both parts
35 This be not cherished.
Though you be therein curious,39 the least cause
40 For what you seem to fear. So the gods keep40 you,
And make the hearts of Romans serve your ends.
We will here part.
The elements44 be kind to thee, and make
45 Thy spirits all of comfort. Fare thee well.
And these the showers to bring it on. Be cheerful.
Her heart inform her tongue — the53 swan’s-down feather,
That stands upon the swell at full of tide,
55 And neither way inclines.
So is he, being a man.
When Antony found Julius Caesar dead,
He cried almost to roaring, and he wept
When at Philippi he found Brutus slain.
65 What willingly he did confound65 he wailed,
Believe’t, till I wept too.
You shall hear from me still:68 the time shall not
Outgo69 my thinking on you.
I’ll wrestle with you in my strength of love.
Look, here I have you, thus I let you go, Embraces him
And give you to the gods.
To thy fair way.
5 Herod of Jewry5 dare not look upon you
But when you are well pleased.
I’ll have: but how,8 when Antony is gone
Through whom I might command it?— Come thou near.
15 I looked her in the face, and saw her led
Between her brother and Mark Antony.
What majesty is in her gait?24 Remember,
25 If e’er thou look’dst on majesty.
Her motion and her station27 are as one.
She shows28 a body rather than a life,
A statue than a breather.29
I do perceive’t. There’s nothing in her yet:34
35 The fellow has good judgement.
Her hair, what colour?
As46 low as she would wish it.
Thou must not take my former sharpness ill.
I will employ49 thee back again: I find thee
50 Most fit for business. Go, make thee ready.
Our letters are prepared.
That so I harried54 him. Why, methinks, by him,
55 This creature’s no such thing.55
And serving you so long!
But ’tis no matter. Thou shalt bring him to me
Where I will write. All may be well enough.
That were excusable, that, and thousands more
Of semblable import3 — but he hath waged
New wars gainst Pompey, made4 his will, and read it
5 To public ear,
Spoke scantly6 of me, when perforce he could not
But pay me terms of honour: cold and sickly
He vented8 them, most narrow measure lent me:
When the best hint9 was given him, he not took’t,
10 Or did it from his teeth.10
Believe not all, or if you must believe,
Stomach13 not all. A more unhappy lady,
If this division chance,14 ne’er stood between,
15 Praying for both parts:
The good gods will mock me presently16
When I shall pray, ‘O, bless my lord and husband!’,
Undo18 that prayer, by crying out as loud,
‘O, bless my brother!’ Husband win, win brother,
20 Prays and destroys the prayer, no midway
’Twixt these extremes at all.
Let23 your best love draw to that point which seeks
Best to preserve it. If I lose mine honour,
25 I lose myself: better I were not yours
Than yours so branchless.26 But, as you requested,
Yourself shall go between’s. The meantime, lady,
I’ll raise the preparation28 of a war
Shall stain29 your brother. Make your soonest haste,
30 So30 your desires are yours.
The Jove of power make me most weak, most weak,
Your reconciler! Wars ’twixt you twain would be
As if the world should cleave,34 and that slain men
35 Should solder up the rift.
Turn your displeasure that way, for our37 faults
Can never be so equal that your love
Can equally move with them. Provide your going,39
40 Choose your own company, and command what40 cost
Your heart has mind to.
And throw11 between them all the food thou hast,
They’ll grind the one the other. Where’s Antony?
The rush14 that lies before him, cries, ‘Fool Lepidus!’
15 And threats15 the throat of that his officer
That murdered Pompey.
My lord desires you presently.19 My news
20 I might have told hereafter.
But let it be. Bring me to Antony.
In Alexandria. Here’s the manner of’t:
I’th’market-place, on a tribunal3 silvered,
Cleopatra and himself in chairs of gold
5 Were publicly enthroned: at the feet sat
Caesarion,6 whom they call my father’s son,
And all the unlawful issue7 that their lust
Since then hath made between them. Unto her
He gave the stablishment9 of Egypt, made her
10 Of lower Syria, Cyprus, Lydia,
Absolute queen.
His sons he there proclaimed the kings of kings:
15 Great Media, Parthia and Armenia
He gave to Alexander: to Ptolemy he assigned
Syria, Cilicia17 and Phoenicia. She
In th’habiliments18 of the goddess Isis
That day appeared, and oft before gave audience,
20 As ’tis reported, so.
Already, will their good thoughts call from him.23
25 His accusations.
Sextus Pompeius spoiled,28 we had not rated him
His part o’th’isle. Then does he say he lent me
30 Some shipping unrestored.30 Lastly, he frets
That Lepidus of the triumvirate
Should be deposed and, being,32 that we detain
All his revenue.
I have told him Lepidus was grown too cruel,
That he his high authority abused,
And did deserve his change. For38 what I have conquered,
I grant him part, but then in his Armenia
40 And other of his conquered kingdoms, I
Demand the like.
Like48 Caesar’s sister: the wife of Antony
Should have an army for an usher, and
50 The neighs of horse50 to tell of her approach
Long ere she did appear: the trees by th’way51
Should have borne men, and expectation fainted,
Longing for what it had not: nay, the dust
Should have ascended to the roof of heaven,
55 Raised by your populous troops.55 But you are come
A market-maid to Rome, and have prevented56
The ostentation57 of our love, which, left unshown,
Is often left unloved. We should have met you
By sea and land, supplying59 every stage
60 With an augmented greeting.
To come thus was I not constrained, but did it
On my free will. My lord Mark Antony,
Hearing that you prepared for war, acquainted
65 My grievèd ear withal,65 whereon, I begged
His pardon for66 return.
Being an abstract68 ’tween his lust and him.
And his affairs come to me on the wind.
Where is he now?
75 Hath nodded him to her. He hath given his empire
Up to a whore, who76 now are levying
The kings o’th’earth for war. He hath assembled
Bocchus, the King of Libya, Archelaus,
Of Cappadocia,79 Philadelphos, King
80 Of Paphlagonia,80 the Thracian king, Adallas,
King Malchus of Arabia, King of Pont,81
Herod of Jewry,82 Mithridates, King
Of Comagene,83 Polemon and Amyntas,
The Kings of Mede and Lycaonia,84
85 With a more larger list of sceptres.85
That have my heart parted betwixt two friends
That does afflict88 each other!
90 Your letters did withhold our breaking forth90
Till we perceived both how you were wrong led91
And we in negligent danger.92 Cheer your heart,
Be you not troubled with the time93 which drives
O’er your content these strong necessities,
95 But let determined95 things to destiny
Hold unbewailed their way. Welcome to Rome,
Nothing97 more dear to me. You are abused
Beyond the mark98 of thought, and the high gods,
To do you justice, makes his99 ministers
100 Of us and those that love you. Best of comfort,
And ever welcome to us.
Each heart in Rome does love and pity you.
105 Only th’adulterous Antony, most large105
In his abominations,106 turns you off
And gives his potent regiment107 to a trull
That noises it108 against us.
Be ever known to patience,111 my dear’st sister!
And say’st it is not fit.
Be there in person?
If we should serve9 with horse and mares together,
10 The horse10 were merely lost. The mares would bear
A soldier and his horse.
Take from his heart, take from his brain, from’s time
15 What should not then be spared. He is already
Traduced16 for levity, and ’tis said in Rome
That Photinus an eunuch and your maids
Manage this war.
20 That speak against us! A charge20 we bear i’th’war,
And as the president21 of my kingdom will
Appear there for22 a man. Speak not against it,
I will not stay behind.
25 Here comes the emperor.
That from Tarentum and Brundusium27
He could so quickly cut28 the Ionian Sea
And take in29 Toryne?— You have heard on’t, sweet?
Than by the negligent.
Which might have well becomed33 the best of men,
To taunt at slackness. Canidius, we
35 Will fight with him by sea.
Where Caesar fought with Pompey. But these offers,
Which serve not for his vantage, he shakes off,
And so should you.
45 Your mariners are muleteers,45 reapers, people
Ingrossed46 by swift impress. In Caesar’s fleet
Are those that often have gainst Pompey fought.
Their ships are yare,48 yours heavy: no disgrace
Shall fall49 you for refusing him at sea,
50 Being prepared for land.
The absolute53 soldiership you have by land,
Distract54 your army, which doth most consist
55 Of war-marked footmen,55 leave unexecuted
Your own renownèd knowledge, quite forgo
The way which promises assurance,57 and
Give up yourself merely to chance and hazard
From firm security.
And with the rest full-manned, from th’head63 of Actium
Beat th’approaching Caesar. But if we fail,
65 We then can do’t at land.—
Thy business?
Caesar has taken Toryne.
Strange that his power69 should be. Canidius,
70 Our nineteen legions thou shalt hold by land
And our twelve thousand horse. We’ll to our ship:
Away, my Thetis!72—
How now, worthy soldier?
Trust not to rotten planks.74 Do you misdoubt
75 This sword and these my wounds? Let th’Egyptians
And the Phoenicians76 go a-ducking: we
Have used77 to conquer standing on the earth
And fighting foot to foot.
Not in the power on’t. So our leader’s led,
And we are women’s men.83
85 The legions and the horse whole,85 do you not?
Publicola and Caelius are for sea,
But we keep whole by land. This speed of Caesar’s
Carries89 beyond belief.
His power91 went out in such distractions as
Beguiled92 all spies.
Each minute, some.
Till we have done at sea. Do not exceed4
5 The prescript5 of this scroll: our fortune lies Gives him a scroll
Upon this jump.6
In eye2 of Caesar’s battle, from which place
We may the number of the ships behold
And so proceed accordingly.
Th’Antoniad, the Egyptian admiral,2
With all their sixty,3 fly and turn the rudder:
To see’t mine eyes are blasted.4
All the whole synod of them!
With very ignorance.9 We have kissed away
10 Kingdoms and provinces.
Where death is sure. Yon13 ribaudred nag of Egypt —
Whom leprosy o’ertake!14 — i’th’midst o’th’fight
15 When vantage15 like a pair of twins appeared
Both16 as the same, or rather ours the elder,
The breeze17 upon her, like a cow in June,
Hoists sails and flies.18
20 Mine eyes did sicken at the sight and could not
Endure a further view.
The noble ruin of her magic, Antony,
Claps24 on his sea-wing and, like a doting mallard,
25 Leaving the fight in25 height, flies after her.
I never saw an action26 of such shame:
Experience, manhood, honour, ne’er before
Did violate so itself.
And sinks most lamentably. Had our general
Been what he knew himself,32 it had gone well.
O, he has given example for our flight
Most grossly34 by his own!
What further comes.
40 My legions and my horse: six kings already
Show me the way of yielding.
The wounded chance43 of Antony, though my reason
Sits in the wind against44 me.
It is ashamed to bear me. Friends, come hither.
I am so lated3 in the world that I
Have lost my way forever. I have a ship
5 Laden with gold: take that, divide it: fly
And make your peace with Caesar.
To run and show their shoulders. Friends, be gone:
10 I have myself resolved upon a course
Which has no need of you. Be gone.
My treasure’s in the harbour: take it. O,
I followed that13 I blush to look upon.
My very hairs do mutiny,14 for the white
15 Reprove the brown for rashness, and they them15
For fear and doting. Friends, be gone. You shall
Have letters from me to some friends that will
Sweep your way18 for you. Pray you look not sad
Nor make replies of loathness:19 take the hint
20 Which my despair20 proclaims. Let that be left
Which leaves itself. To the seaside straightway:
I will possess you22 of that ship and treasure.
Leave me, I pray, a little.23 Pray you now,
Nay do so, for indeed I have lost command:24
25 Therefore I pray you, I’ll see you by and by.
His sword37 e’en like a dancer while I struck
The lean and wrinkled Cassius, and ’twas I
That the mad39 Brutus ended: he alone
40 Dealt on lieutenantry,40 and no practice had
In the brave squares41 of war: yet now, no matter.
45 He’s unqualitied45 with very shame.
Her head’s declined,48 and death will seize her, but
Your comfort49 makes the rescue.
A most unnoble swerving.51
How I convey54 my shame out of thine eyes
55 By looking back what I have left behind
’Stroyed56 in dishonour.
Forgive my fearful sails! I little thought
You would have followed.
My heart was to thy rudder tied by th’strings61
And thou shouldst tow me after. O’er my spirit
Thy full supremacy thou knew’st, and that
Thy beck64 might from the bidding of the gods
65 Command me.
To the young man68 send humble treaties, dodge
And palter69 in the shifts of lowness, who
70 With half the bulk o’th’world played as I pleased,
Making and marring fortunes. You did know
How much you were my conqueror, and that
My sword,73 made weak by my affection, would
Obey it on all cause.74
All that is won and lost. Give me a kiss: They kiss
Even this repays me.
We sent our schoolmaster:79 is a come back?
80 Love, I am full of lead.80 Some wine
Within there and our viands!81 Fortune knows
We scorn her most when most she offers blows.
Know you him?
An argument4 that he is plucked, when hither
5 He sends so poor a pinion5 of his wing,
Which6 had superfluous kings for messengers
Not many moons gone by.
10 I was of late as petty10 to his ends
As is the morn-dew on the myrtle leaf11
To his grand sea.12
15 Requires15 to live in Egypt, which not granted,
He lessens his requests, and to thee sues16
To let him breathe17 between the heavens and earth,
A private man in Athens: this for him.
Next, Cleopatra does confess thy greatness,
20 Submits her to thy might, and of thee craves
The circle21 of the Ptolemies for her heirs,
Now hazarded22 to thy grace.
I have no ears to his request. The queen
25 Of25 audience nor desire shall fail, so she
From Egypt drive her all-disgraced friend26
Or take his life there. This if she perform,
She shall not sue unheard. So to them both.
To try thy eloquence now ’tis time. Dispatch.31 To Thidias
From32 Antony win Cleopatra. Promise,
And in our name,33 what she requires: add more,
From thine invention, offers. Women34 are not
35 In their best fortunes strong, but want will perjure
The ne’er touched vestal. Try thy cunning,36 Thidias:
Make37 thine own edict for thy pains, which we
Will answer38 as a law.
And what thou think’st his very action speaks41
In every power that moves.42
5 Lord of his reason. What though you fled
From that great face of war, whose several ranges6
Frighted each other? Why should he follow?
The itch of his affection8 should not then
Have nicked9 his captainship, at such a point,
10 When half to half the world opposed, he being
The meerèd question.11 ’Twas a shame no less
Than was his loss, to course12 your flying flags
And leave his navy gazing.13
Will yield us up.
To the boy Caesar send this grizzled head,
And he will fill thy wishes to the brim
With principalities.
Of youth upon him, from which the world should note
Something particular: his coin, ships, legions,
May be a coward’s, whose ministers28 would prevail
Under the service of a child as soon
30 As i’th’command of Caesar. I dare him therefore
To lay his gay caparisons31 apart
And answer me declined,32 sword against sword,
Ourselves alone.33 I’ll write it: follow me.
35 Unstate his happiness,35 and be staged to th’show
Against a sworder.36 I see men’s judgements are
A parcel of37 their fortunes, and things outward
Do draw the inward quality after them
To suffer all alike. That he should dream,
40 Knowing40 all measures, the full Caesar will
Answer41 his emptiness. Caesar, thou hast subdued
His judgement too.
45 Against the blown45 rose may they stop their nose
That kneeled unto the buds. Admit him, sir.
The loyalty well held to fools does make
Our faith49 mere folly. Yet he that can endure
50 To follow with allegiance a fall’n lord
Does conquer him that did his master conquer,
And earns a place i’th’story.52
Or58 needs not us. If Caesar please, our master
Will leap to be his friend: for59 us, you know,
60 Whose60 he is we are, and that is Caesar’s.
Thus then, thou most renowned: Caesar entreats
Not63 to consider in what case thou stand’st,
Further than he is Caesar.
As you did love, but as you feared him.
70 Does pity as constrainèd70 blemishes,
Not as deserved.
What is most right:73 mine honour was not yielded,
But conquered merely.74
I will ask Antony. Sir, sir, thou art so leaky
That we must leave thee to thy sinking, for
Thy dearest quit78 thee.
80 What you require80 of him? For he partly begs
To be desired81 to give. It much would please him
That of his fortunes you should make a staff
To lean upon. But it would warm his spirits
To hear from me you had left Antony
85 And put yourself under his85 shroud,
The universal landlord.
90 Say to great Caesar this in deputation:90
I kiss his conqu’ring hand: tell him I am prompt
To lay my crown at’s feet, and there to kneel:
Tell him from his all-obeying breath93 I hear
The doom94 of Egypt.
Wisdom and fortune combating together,
If97 that the former dare but what it can,
No chance may shake it. Give me grace to lay
My duty on your hand.
When he hath mused101 of taking kingdoms in —
Bestowed his lips on that unworthy place
As103 it rained kisses.
105 What art thou, fellow?105
The bidding of the fullest107 man and worthiest
To have command obeyed.
Authority melts from me of late. When I cried ‘Ho!’,
Like boys unto a muss,112 kings would start forth
And cry ‘Your will?’ Have you no ears? I am
Antony yet.— Take hence this jack114 and whip him.
Than with an old one dying.
Whip him. Were’t twenty of the greatest tributaries118
That do acknowledge Caesar, should I find them
120 So saucy120 with the hand of she here — what’s her name,
Since she was121 Cleopatra? Whip him, fellows,
Till like a boy you see him cringe122 his face
And whine aloud for mercy. Take him hence.
Bring him again. The jack of Caesar’s shall
Bear us an errand to him.
You were half blasted128 ere I knew you: ha?
Have I my pillow left unpressed in Rome,
130 Forborne130 the getting of a lawful race,
And by a gem of women, to be abused
By one that looks on feeders?132
135 But when we in our viciousness grow hard —
O, misery on’t! — the wise gods seel136 our eyes,
In our own filth drop our clear judgements, make us
Adore our errors, laugh at’s while we strut
To our confusion.139
Dead Caesar’s trencher:142 nay, you were a fragment
Of Gneius Pompey’s143, besides what hotter hours
Unregistered in vulgar fame144 you have
145 Luxuriously145 picked out. For I am sure,
Though you can guess what temperance146 should be,
You know not what it is.
150 And say ‘God quit you!’150 be familiar with
My playfellow, your hand, this kingly seal151
And plighter152 of high hearts! O, that I were
Upon the hill of Basan,153 to outroar
The hornèd herd! For I have savage cause,154
155 And to proclaim it civilly,155 were like
A haltered neck156 which does the hangman thank
For being yare157 about him.— Is he whipped?
Thou wast not made his daughter, and be thou sorry
To follow163 Caesar in his triumph, since
Thou hast been whipped for following him. Henceforth
165 The white hand165 of a lady fever thee,
Shake thou to look on’t. Get thee back to Caesar:
Tell him thy entertainment:167 look thou say
He makes me angry with him. For he seems
Proud and disdainful, harping on what I am,
170 Not what he knew I was. He makes me angry,
And at this time most easy ’tis to do’t,
When my good stars that were my former guides
Have empty left their orbs173 and shot their fires
Into th’abysm174 of hell. If he mislike
175 My speech and what is done, tell him he has
Hipparchus, my enfranchèd bondman,176 whom
He may at pleasure whip or hang or torture,
As he shall like to quit178 me. Urge it thou.
Hence with thy stripes! Be gone!
And it portends alone182 the fall of Antony.
185 With one that ties his points?185
From my cold heart let heaven engender hail
190 And poison it in the source, and the first stone
Drop in my neck:191 as it determines, so
Dissolve my life! The next Caesarion192 smite,
Till by degrees the memory of my womb,
Together with my brave Egyptians all,
195 By the discandying195 of this pelleted storm
Lie graveless, till the flies and gnats of Nile
Have buried197 them for prey!
Caesar sets down199 in Alexandria, where
200 I will oppose his fate.200 Our force by land
Hath nobly held, our severed navy too
Have knit again, and fleet,202 threat’ning most sea-like.
Where hast thou been, my heart? Dost thou hear, lady?
If from the field I shall return once more
205 To kiss these lips, I will appear in blood:205
I and my sword will earn our chronicle:206
There’s hope in’t yet.
210 And fight maliciously.210 For when mine hours
Were nice211 and lucky, men did ransom lives
Of me for jests. But now I’ll set my teeth
And send to darkness all that stop me. Come,
Let’s have one other gaudy214 night: call to me
215 All my sad215 captains: fill our bowls once more:
Let’s mock216 the midnight bell.
I had thought t’have held it poor,218 but since my lord
Is Antony again, I will be Cleopatra.
The wine peep through their scars. Come on, my queen,
There’s sap in’t yet.224 The next time I do fight
225 I’ll make death love me, for I will contend225
Even with his pestilent scythe.
Is to be frighted out of fear, and in that mood
The dove will peck the estridge;229 and I see still,
230 A diminution in our captain’s brain
Restores his heart.231 When valour preys on reason,
It eats the sword it fights with. I will seek
Some way to leave him.
To beat me out of Egypt. My messenger
He hath whipped with rods, dares me to personal combat,
Caesar to Antony. Let the old ruffian4 know
5 I have many other ways to die: meantime
Laugh at his challenge.
When one so great begins to rage, he’s hunted
Even to falling. Give him no breath,9 but now
10 Make boot10 of his distraction: never anger
Made good guard for itself.
Know that tomorrow the last of many battles
We mean to fight. Within our files14 there are,
15 Of those that served Mark Antony but late,15
Enough to fetch him in.16 See it done,
And feast the army. We have store17 to do’t
And they have earned the waste.18 Poor Antony!
5 He is twenty men to one.
By sea and land I’ll fight: or7 I will live,
Or bathe8 my dying honour in the blood
Shall make it live again. Woo’t9 thou fight well?
Call forth my household servants, let’s tonight
Be bounteous at our meal.— Give me thy hand:
Thou hast been rightly honest.14— So hast thou.—
15 Thou, and thou, and thou: you have served me well,
And kings have been your fellows.16
Out of the mind.
I wish I could be made so many men,
And all of you clapped up22 together in
An Antony, that I might do you service
So good as you have done.
Scant27 not my cups, and make as much of me
As when mine empire was your fellow too
And suffered29 my command.
Maybe it is the period33 of your duty.
Haply34 you shall not see me more, or if,
35 A mangled shadow. Perchance35 tomorrow
You’ll serve another master. I look on you
As one that takes his leave. Mine honest friends,
I turn you not away, but, like a master
Married to your good service, stay till death.
40 Tend me tonight two hours, I ask no more,
And the gods yield41 you for’t.
To give them this discomfort?43 Look, they weep,
And I, an ass, am onion-eyed.44 For shame,
45 Transform us not to women.
Now the47 witch take me if I meant it thus!
Grace48 grow where those drops fall! My hearty friends,
You take me in too dolorous49 a sense,
50 For I spake to you for your comfort,50 did desire you
To burn51 this night with torches: know, my hearts,
I hope well of tomorrow, and will lead you
Where rather I’ll expect victorious life
Than death and honour. Let’s to supper, come,
55 And drown consideration.55
Heard you of nothing strange about the streets?
10 Our navy thrive, I have an absolute10 hope
Our landmen will stand up.
Now leaves him.
Do hear what we do.
30 Let’s see how it will give off.30
Come, good fellow, put thine iron4 on.
5 If fortune be not ours today, it is
Because we brave6 her. Come.
What’s this for? Picks up a piece of armor
10 The armourer of my heart. False,10 false: this, this!
We shall thrive now. See’st thou, my good fellow?
Go, put on thy defences.14
He that unbuckles this, till we18 do please
To doff’t19 for our repose, shall hear a storm.
20 Thou fumblest, Eros, and my queen’s a squire20
More tight21 at this than thou: dispatch!— O love,
That thou couldst see my wars today, and knew’st22
The royal occupation,23 thou shouldst see
A workman24 in’t.—
Good morrow to thee! Welcome!
25 Thou look’st like him25 that knows a warlike charge:
To business that we love we rise betime26
And go to’t with delight.
Early though’t be, have on their riveted trim29
30 And at the port30 expect you.
This morning, like the spirit of a youth
35 That means to be of note,35 begins betimes.—
So, so. Come, give me that. This way, well said. To Cleopatra
Fare thee well, dame.37 Whate’er becomes of me,
This is a soldier’s kiss: rebukable Kisses her
And worthy shameful check39 it were, to stand
40 On more mechanic compliment.40 I’ll leave thee
Now, like a man of steel.— You that will41 fight,
Follow me close. I’ll bring you to’t.— Adieu.
45 He goes forth gallantly. That45 he and Caesar might
Determine46 this great war in single fight!
Then Antony — but now…Well, on.
To make me fight at land!
5 The kings that have revolted5 and the soldier
That has this morning left thee would have still
Followed thy heels.
10 One ever near thee: call for Enobarbus,
He shall not hear thee, or from Caesar’s camp
Say ‘I am none of thine.’
15 He is with Caesar.
He has not with him.
Detain no jot, I charge21 thee. Write to him —
I will subscribe22 — gentle adieus and greetings;
Say that I wish he never find more cause
To change a master. O, my fortunes have
25 Corrupted honest men! Dispatch.25— Enobarbus!
Our will is Antony be took2 alive:
Make it so known.
Prove this a prosp’rous day, the three-nooked6 world
Shall bear the olive7 freely.
10 Plant those that have revolted in the van10
That Antony may seem to spend his fury
Upon himself.
Affairs of Antony, there did dissuade14
15 Great Herod15 to incline himself to Caesar
And leave his master Antony. For this pains
Caesar hath hanged him. Canidius and the rest
That fell away18 have entertainment but
No honourable trust. I have done ill,
20 Of which I do accuse myself so sorely,
That I will joy no more.
Hath after thee sent all thy treasure, with
His bounty overplus.24 The messenger
25 Came on my guard,25 and at thy tent is now
Unloading of his mules.
I tell you true: best you safed29 the bringer
30 Out of the host.30 I must attend mine office
Or would have done’t myself. Your emperor
Continues still a Jove.
And feel I am so most.34 O Antony,
35 Thou mine of bounty, how wouldst thou have paid
My better service, when my turpitude36
Thou dost so crown with gold! This blows37 my heart.
If swift thought38 break it not, a swifter mean
Shall outstrike39 thought, but thought will do’t, I feel.
40 I fight against thee? No, I will go seek
Some ditch wherein to die: the foul’st41 best fits
My latter part of life.
Caesar himself has work,2 and our oppression
Exceeds what we expected.
5 Had we done so at first, we had droven5 them home
With clouts6 about their heads. A retreat sounds
But now ’tis made an H.9
Room for six scotches12 more.
For a fair victory.
And snatch16 ’em up, as we take hares behind!
’Tis sport to maul a runner.17
Once for thy sprightly comfort,19 and tenfold
20 For thy good valour. Come thee on.
And let the queen know of our gests.2 Tomorrow,
Before the sun shall see’s, we’ll spill the blood
That has today escaped. I thank you all,
5 For doughty-handed5 are you, and have fought
Not as6 you served the cause, but as’t had been
Each man’s like mine: you have shown all Hectors.7
Enter the city, clip8 your wives, your friends,
Tell them your feats, whilst they with joyful tears
10 Wash the congealment10 from your wounds, and kiss
The honoured gashes whole.11—
Give me thy hand. To Scarrus
To this great fairy12 I’ll commend thy acts,
Make her thanks bless thee.—
O thou day13 o’th’world, To Cleopatra
Chain14 mine armed neck, leap thou, attire and all,
15 Through proof of harness15 to my heart, and there
Ride on the pants triumphing!16 They embrace
O infinite virtue,18 com’st thou smiling from
The world’s great snare uncaught?
We have beat them to their beds. What, girl! Though grey
Do something22 mingle with our younger brown, yet ha’ we
A brain that nourishes our nerves23 and can
Get24 goal for goal of youth. Behold this man:
25 Commend25 unto his lips thy favouring hand. She offers Scarrus her hand
Kiss it, my warrior: he hath fought today
As if a god in hate of mankind had
Destroyed in such a shape.28
30 An armour all of gold: it was a king’s.
Like holy Phoebus’ car.32 Give me thy hand:
Through Alexandria make a jolly march,
Bear our hacked targets34 like the men that owe them.
35 Had our great palace the capacity
To camp36 this host, we all would sup together
And drink carouses37 to the next day’s fate
Which promises royal peril.38 Trumpeters,
With brazen39 din blast you the city’s ear,
40 Make mingle40 with rattling taborins,
That41 heaven and earth may strike their sounds together,
Applauding our approach. Trumpets sound
We must return to th’court of guard:2 the night
Is shiny3 and they say we shall embattle
By th’second hour i’th’morn.
10 When10 men revolted shall upon record
Bear hateful memory, poor Enobarbus did
Before thy face repent!
The poisonous damp of night16 disponge upon me,
That life, a very rebel17 to my will,
May hang no longer on me. Throw my heart
Against the flint19 and hardness of my fault,
20 Which, being dried with grief,20 will break to powder
And finish all foul thoughts. O Antony,
Nobler than my revolt is infamous,
Forgive me in thine own particular,23
But let the world rank24 me in register
25 A master-leaver and a fugitive.25
O Antony! O Antony! He sinks down and dies
May concern Caesar.
Was never yet for sleep.
Hark! The drums demurely37 wake the sleepers.
Let us bear him to th’court of guard:
He is of note:39 our hour is fully out.
He may recover yet.
We please them not by land.
5 We’d fight there too. But this it is: our foot5
Upon the hills adjoining to the city
Shall stay with us. Order for sea is given:
They have put8 forth the haven,
Where their appointment9 we may best discover,
10 And look on their endeavour.
Which, as I take’t, we shall,2 for his best force
Is forth to man his galleys. To the vales,3
And hold4 our best advantage.
I shall discover all. I’ll bring thee word
Straight, how ’tis like to go.
5 In Cleopatra’s sails their nests. The augurers5
Say they know not, they cannot tell, look grimly,
And dare not speak their knowledge. Antony
Is valiant and dejected, and by starts8
His fretted9 fortunes give him hope and fear
10 Of what he has and has not.
This foul Egyptian hath betrayèd me:
My fleet hath yielded to the foe, and yonder
They cast their caps up, and carouse together
15 Like friends long lost. Triple-turned whore!15 ’Tis thou
Hast sold me to this novice, and my heart
Makes only wars on thee. Bid them all fly:
For when I am revenged upon my charm,18
I have done all. Bid them all fly. Be gone!
20 O sun, thy uprise20 shall I see no more.
Fortune and Antony part here, even here
Do we shake hands. All come to this? The hearts
That spanieled23 me at heels, to whom I gave
Their wishes, do discandy,24 melt their sweets
25 On blossoming Caesar, and this pine25 is barked
That overtopped them all. Betrayed I am.
O this false soul of Egypt! This grave27 charm
Whose eye becked28 forth my wars and called them home,
Whose29 bosom was my crownet, my chief end,
30 Like a right gipsy30 hath at fast and loose
Beguiled31 me to the very heart of loss.
What, Eros, Eros!—
Ah, thou spell!32 Avaunt!
35 And blemish Caesar’s triumph.35 Let him take thee
And hoist thee up to the shouting plebeians.36
Follow his chariot like the greatest spot37
Of all thy sex. Most monster-like, be shown38
For39 poor’st diminutives, for dolts, and let
40 Patient40 Octavia plough thy visage up
With her preparèd41 nails!
’Tis well thou’rt gone
If it be well to live. But better ’twere
Thou fell’st into43 my fury, for one death
Might have prevented many. Eros, ho!
45 The shirt of Nessus45 is upon me. Teach me,
Alcides,46 thou mine ancestor, thy rage:
Let me lodge Lichas47 on the horns o’th’moon,
And with those hands that grasped the heaviest club48
Subdue my worthiest49 self. The witch shall die.
50 To the young Roman boy she hath sold me, and I fall
Under this plot. She dies for’t. Eros, ho!
Than Telamon2 for his shield: the boar of Thessaly
Was never so embossed.3
5 There lock yourself and send him word you are dead:
The soul and body rive6 not more in parting
Than greatness going off.7
Mardian, go tell him I have slain myself:
10 Say that the last I spoke was ‘Antony’,
And word it — prithee — piteously. Hence, Mardian,
And bring me how he takes my death. To th’monument!
A vapour sometime like a bear or lion,
5 A towered citadel, a pendent5 rock,
A forkèd mountain, or blue promontory6
With trees upon’t that nod unto the world
And mock8 our eyes with air. Thou hast seen these signs:
They are black vesper’s9 pageants.
The rack12 dislimns and makes it indistinct
As water is in water.
Even such a body: here I am Antony,
Yet cannot hold this visible shape, my knave.
I made these wars for Egypt,18 and the queen —
Whose heart I thought I had, for she had mine,
20 Which whilst it was mine had annexed unto’t
A million more, now lost — she, Eros, has
Packed22 cards with Caesar, and false-played my glory
Unto an enemy’s triumph.23
Nay, weep not, gentle Eros, there is left us
25 Ourselves to end ourselves.—
O, thy vile lady!
She has robbed26 me of my sword.
My mistress loved thee and her fortunes mingled28
With thine entirely.
She hath betrayed me and shall die the death.
And that she has discharged.33 What thou wouldst do
Is done unto thy hand:34 the last she spake
35 Was ‘Antony! Most noble Antony!’
Then in the midst a tearing groan did break
The name of Antony: it was divided37
Between her heart and lips: she rendered38 life,
Thy name so buried in her.
And we must sleep.— That43 thou depart’st hence safe To Mardian
Does pay thy labour richly. Go.— Exit Mardian
45 Off, pluck off! Eros unarms him
The seven-fold46 shield of Ajax cannot keep
The battery47 from my heart.— O, cleave, my sides!
Heart, once be stronger than thy continent,48
Crack thy frail case!— Apace,49 Eros, apace!—
50 No more a soldier: bruisèd pieces,50 go.
You have been nobly borne.— From51 me awhile.—
I will o’ertake thee, Cleopatra, and
Weep for my pardon.— So it must be, for now
All length54 is torture: since the torch is out,
55 Lie down and stray no further. Now all labour
Mars what it does: yea, very56 force entangles
Itself with strength. Seal57 then, and all is done.—
Eros!— I come, my queen.— Eros!— Stay58 for me:
Where souls59 do couch on flowers we’ll hand in hand
60 And with our sprightly port60 make the ghosts gaze.
Dido61 and her Aeneas shall want troops,
And all62 the haunt be ours.— Come, Eros, Eros!
65 I have lived in such dishonour that the gods
Detest my baseness. I, that with my sword
Quartered the world and o’er green Neptune’s back67
With ships made cities,68 condemn myself to lack
The courage of a woman, less noble mind
70 Than she which by her death our Caesar tells
‘I am conqueror of myself’. Thou art sworn, Eros,
That when the exigent72 should come, which now
Is come indeed, when I should see behind me
Th’inevitable prosecution74 of
75 Disgrace and horror, that on my command
Thou then wouldst kill me. Do’t: the time is come:
Thou strikest not me, ’tis Caesar thou defeat’st.
Put colour in thy cheek.
80 Shall I do that which all the Parthian darts80 —
Though enemy81 — lost aim, and could not?
Wouldst thou be windowed83 in great Rome and see
Thy master thus with pleached84 arms, bending down
85 His corrigible85 neck, his face subdued
To penetrative86 shame, whilst the wheeled seat
Of fortunate Caesar, drawn before him, branded
His baseness that ensued?88
Draw that thy honest91 sword which thou hast worn
Most useful for thy country.
95 To do this when I bade thee? Do it at once,
Or thy precedent96 services are all
But accidents unpurposed.97 Draw, and come.
Wherein the worship99 of the whole world lies.
The thing why thou hast drawn it.
105 My captain and my emperor, let me say,
Before I strike this bloody stroke, farewell.
Of Antony’s death.
Thou teachest me, O valiant Eros, what
I114 should and thou couldst not. My queen and Eros
115 Have by their brave instruction115 got upon me
A nobleness in record.116 But I will be
A bridegroom117 in my death and run into’t
As to a lover’s bed. Come then,— and, Eros,
Thy master dies thy scholar: to do thus Fails on his sword
120 I learned of thee.— How, not dead? Not dead?—
The guard, ho! O, dispatch me!121
Of what I have begun!
This sword but shown to Caesar with this tidings,
Shall enter134 me with him. Takes Antony’s sword
Sufficing139 strokes for death.
My mistress Cleopatra sent me to thee.
Of what hath come to pass, for when she saw —
Which never shall be found147 — you did suspect
She had disposed148 with Caesar, and that your rage
Would not be purged, she sent you word she was dead:
150 But, fearing since how150 it might work, hath sent
Me to proclaim the truth, and I am come,
I dread, too late.
155 Come, your lord calls!
’Tis the last service that I shall command you.
All your true followers out.
To grace162 it with your sorrows. Bid that welcome
Which comes to punish us, and we punish it,
Seeming to bear it lightly. Take me up:
165 I have led you oft, carry me now, good friends,
And have my thanks for all.
All strange and terrible events are welcome,
5 But comforts we despise. Our size of sorrow,
Proportioned to our cause, must be as great
As that which makes it.—
How now? Is he dead?
Look out o’th’other side your monument:
10 His guard have brought him thither.
Burn the great sphere12 thou mov’st in! Darkling stand
The varying shore o’th’world!13 O Antony,
Antony, Antony! Help, Charmian! Help, Iras, help!
15 Help, friends below! Let’s draw him hither.
Not Caesar’s valour hath o’erthrown Antony,
But Antony’s hath triumphed on itself.
20 Should conquer Antony, but woe ’tis so!
I here importune22 death awhile until
Of many thousand kisses the poor last
I lay upon thy lips.
Dear my lord, pardon: I dare not,
Lest I be taken. Not th’imperious show27
Of the full-fortuned Caesar ever shall
Be brooched29 with me. If knife, drugs, serpents have
30 Edge, sting, or operation,30 I am safe:
Your wife Octavia, with her modest eyes
And still conclusion,32 shall acquire no honour
Demuring33 upon me. But come, come, Antony.—
Help me, my women.— We must draw thee up.—
35 Assist, good friends. They begin lifting
Our strength is all gone into heaviness,38
That makes the weight. Had I great Juno’s39 power,
40 The strong-winged Mercury40 should fetch thee up
And set thee by Jove’s side. Yet come a little:
Wishers42 were ever fools. O, come, come, come.
And welcome, welcome! Die43 when thou hast lived,
Quicken44 with kissing: had my lips that power,
45 Thus would I wear them out. Kisses him
Give me some wine and let me speak a little.
50 That the false housewife50 Fortune break her wheel,
Provoked by my offence51—
Of Caesar seek your honour with your safety. O!
None56 about Caesar trust but Proculeius.
None about Caesar.
60 Lament nor sorrow at, but please your thoughts
In feeding them with those my former fortunes
Wherein I lived, the greatest prince o’th’world,
The noblest: and do now not basely die,
Not64 cowardly put off my helmet to
65 My countryman. A Roman by a Roman65
Valiantly vanquished. Now my spirit is going:
I can no more.
Hast thou no care of me? Shall I abide
70 In this dull world, which in thy absence is
No better than a sty?71— O, see, my women,
The crown o’th’earth doth melt.— My lord?— Antony dies
O, withered is the garland73 of the war,
The soldier’s pole74 is fall’n: young boys and girls
75 Are level now with men: the odds is gone75
And there is nothing left remarkable76
Beneath the visiting77 moon. She faints
By such poor passion86 as the maid that milks
And does the meanest chares.87 It were for me
To throw my sceptre88 at the injurious gods
To tell them that this world did equal theirs
90 Till they had stol’n our jewel. All’s but naught:
Patience is sottish,91 and impatience does
Become a dog that’s mad: then is it sin
To rush into the secret house of death
Ere death dare come to us? How do you, women?
95 What, what, good cheer! Why, how now, Charmian?
My noble girls? Ah, women, women! Look,
Our lamp97 is spent, it’s out.— Good sirs, take heart,
We’ll bury him, and then, what’s brave,98 what’s noble,
Let’s do’t after the high Roman fashion
100 And make death proud to take us. Come, away.
This case of that huge spirit now is cold.
Ah, women, women! Come, we have no friend
But resolution and the briefest end.103
Being so frustrate,2 tell him he mocks
The pauses3 that he makes.
Appear thus6 to us?
Mark Antony I served, who best was worthy
Best to be served: whilst he stood up and spoke
10 He was my master, and I wore10 my life
To spend upon his haters. If thou please
To take me to thee, as I was to him
I’ll be to Caesar: if thou pleasest not,
I yield thee up my life.
A greater crack.18 The round world
Should have shook lions into civil19 streets
20 And citizens to their dens.20 The death of Antony
Is not a single doom:21 in the name lay
A moiety22 of the world.
Not by a public minister of justice,
25 Nor by a hirèd knife, but that self25 hand
Which writ his honour in the acts it did
Hath, with the courage which the heart did lend it,
Splitted the heart. This is his sword: Shows sword
I robbed his wound of it. Behold it stained
30 With his most noble blood.
The gods rebuke me, but it is tidings
To wash the eyes of kings.
35 That nature must compel us to lament
Our most persisted36 deeds.
Did steer humanity:39 but you gods will give us
40 Some faults to make us men. Caesar is touched.
He needs must see himself.
I have followed thee to this, but we do launch44
45 Diseases in our bodies. I must perforce
Have shown46 to thee such a declining day
Or look on thine: we could not stall47 together
In the whole world. But yet let me lament,
With tears as sovereign49 as the blood of hearts
50 That thou my brother, my competitor50
In top51 of all design, my mate in empire,
Friend and companion in the front52 of war,
The arm of mine own body, and the heart53
Where mine his thoughts did kindle, that our stars,54
55 Unreconciliable, should divide55
Our equalness to this.— Hear me, good friends —
But I will tell you at some meeter season:57
The business of this man looks58 out of him:
We’ll hear him what he says.—
Whence are you?
Confined in all she has, her monument,
Of thy intents62 desires instruction,
That she preparedly may frame herself63
To th’way she’s forced to.
She soon shall know of us, by66 some of ours,
How honourable and how kindly we
Determine for her. For Caesar cannot lean68
To be ungentle.69
We purpose72 her no shame: give her what comforts
The quality73 of her passion shall require,
Lest, in her greatness, by some mortal stroke
75 She do defeat us. For her75 life in Rome
Would be eternal in our triumph. Go,
And with your speediest77 bring us what she says
And how you find of her.78
Where’s Dolabella
To second Proculeius?
How he’s employed: he shall in time be ready.
85 Go with me to my tent, where you shall see
How hardly86 I was drawn into this war,
How calm and gentle I proceeded still87
In all my writings.88 Go with me and see
What I can show in this.
A better life:2 ’tis paltry to be Caesar:
Not being Fortune, he’s but Fortune’s knave,3
A minister of her will: and it is great
5 To do that thing5 that ends all other deeds,
Which shackles6 accidents and bolts up change,
Which sleeps, and never palates7 more the dung,
The beggar’s8 nurse and Caesar’s.
10 And bids thee study on10 what fair demands
Thou mean’st11 to have him grant thee.
15 Did tell me of you, bade me trust you, but
I16 do not greatly care to be deceived
That have no use for trusting. If your master
Would have a queen his beggar, you must tell him
That majesty, to keep decorum, must
20 No less beg than a kingdom: if he please
To give me conquered Egypt for my son,
He gives me so much of mine own as I
Will kneel to him with thanks.
25 You’re fall’n into a princely hand, fear nothing.
Make26 your full reference freely to my lord,
Who is so full of grace27 that it flows over
On all that need. Let me report to him
Your sweet dependency,29 and you shall find
30 A conqueror that will pray in aid30 for kindness
Where he for grace is kneeled to.
I am his fortune’s vassal33 and I send him
The greatness he has got. I hourly learn
35 A doctrine35 of obedience, and would gladly
Look him i’th’face.
Have comfort, for I know your plight is pitied
Of him that caused it.—
40 You see how easily she may be surprised:40 To the Soldiers
Guard her till Caesar come.
Do not yourself such wrong, who are in this
Relieved,47 but not betrayed.
That rids our dogs of anguish?
Do not abuse my master’s bounty by
Th’undoing of yourself: let the world see
His nobleness well acted, which your death
Will never let come forth.54
Come hither, come! Come, come, and take a queen
Worthy many babes and beggars!
60 If idle60 talk will once be necessary,
I’ll not sleep neither. This mortal house61 I’ll ruin,
Do Caesar what he can. Know, sir, that I
Will not wait pinioned63 at your master’s court,
Nor once be chastised with the sober eye
65 Of dull Octavia. Shall they hoist me up
And show me to the shouting varletry66
Of censuring67 Rome? Rather a ditch in Egypt.
Be gentle grave unto me! Rather on Nilus’ mud
Lay me stark naked, and let the water-flies
70 Blow70 me into abhorring! Rather make71
My country’s high pyramides my gibbet
And hang me up in chains!
These thoughts of horror further than you shall
75 Find cause in Caesar.
What thou hast done thy master Caesar knows,
And he hath sent for78 thee. For the queen,
I’ll take her to my guard.
It shall content me best: be gentle to her.—
To Caesar I will speak what you shall please, To Cleopatra
If you’ll employ me to him.
You laugh when boys or women tell their dreams:
90 Is’t not your trick?90
O, such another sleep, that I might see
But such another man!
A sun and moon which kept their course and lighted
The little98 o’th’earth.
Crested101 the world: his voice was propertied
As all the tunèd spheres, and that to friends:102
But when he meant to quail103 and shake the orb,
He was as rattling thunder. For104 his bounty,
105 There was no winter in’t: an autumn it was
That grew the more by reaping. His delights106
Were dolphin-like: they showed his back above
The element they lived in. In his livery108
Walked crowns and crownets,109 realms and islands were
110 As plates110 dropped from his pocket.
As this I dreamt of?
But if there be nor ever were one such,
It’s past the size117 of dreaming. Nature wants stuff
To vie strange forms with fancy: yet118 t’imagine
An Antony were nature’s piece gainst fancy,
120 Condemning shadows quite.
Your loss is as yourself, great, and you bear it
As123 answering to the weight. Would I might never
O’ertake pursued success: but I do feel,
125 By the rebound of yours, a grief that smites
My very heart at root.
Know you what Caesar means to do with me?
I pray you rise. Rise, Egypt.
140 Will have it thus. My master and my lord
I must obey. She stands
The record of what injuries you did us,
Though written144 in our flesh, we shall remember
145 As things but done by chance.
I cannot project147 mine own cause so well
To make it clear, but do confess I have
Been laden with like frailties149 which before
150 Have often shamed our sex.
We will extenuate152 rather than enforce:
If you apply153 yourself to our intents,
Which towards you are most gentle, you shall find
155 A benefit in this change: but if you seek
To lay156 on me a cruelty by taking
Antony’s course, you shall bereave157 yourself
Of my good purposes, and put your children
To that destruction which I’ll guard them from
160 If thereon you rely. I’ll take my leave.
Your scutcheons162 and your signs of conquest, shall
Hang in what place you please. Here, my good lord. Gives him a paper
I am possessed of. ’Tis exactly valued,
Not167 petty things admitted.— Where’s Seleucus?
170 Upon his peril, that I have reserved
To myself nothing. Speak the truth, Seleucus.
I had rather seal my lips than to my peril
Speak that which is not.
Your wisdom in the deed.
180 How pomp is followed!180 Mine will now be yours
And should we shift estates,181 yours would be mine.
The ingratitude of this Seleucus does
Even make me wild.— O slave, of no more trust
Than love that’s hired!184 What, go’st thou back? Thou shalt Seleucus backs away
185 Go back, I warrant thee: but I’ll catch thine eyes
Though186 they had wings. Slave, soulless villain, dog!
O rarely187 base!
190 That thou, vouchsafing190 here to visit me,
Doing the honour of thy lordliness
To one so meek, that mine own servant should
Parcel193 the sum of my disgraces by
Addition of his envy. Say, good Caesar,
195 That I some lady195 trifles have reserved,
Immoment toys,196 things of such dignity
As we greet modern197 friends withal, and say
Some nobler token I have kept apart
For Livia199 and Octavia, to induce
200 Their mediation: must I be unfolded200
With one that I have bred?201 The gods! It smites me
Beneath the fall I have.— Prithee go hence, To Seleucus
Or I shall show the cinders203 of my spirits
Through th’ashes of my chance.204 Wert thou a man,
205 Thou wouldst have mercy on me.
For things that others do, and when we fall,
We answer others’ merits209 in our name,
Are therefore to be pitied.
Not what you have reserved, nor what acknowledged
Put we i’th’roll of conquest.213 Still be’t yours,
Bestow214 it at your pleasure, and believe
215 Caesar’s no merchant to make prize215 with you
Of things that merchants sold. Therefore be cheered:
Make217 not your thoughts your prisons. No, dear queen,
For we intend so to dispose218 you as
Yourself shall give us counsel. Feed, and sleep:
220 Our care and pity is so much upon you
That we remain your friend, and so, adieu.
225 Be noble to myself.— But, hark thee, Charmian. Whispers to Charmian
And we are for the dark.
I have spoke229 already and it is provided.
230 Go put230 it to the haste.
Which my love makes religion to obey —
I tell you this: Caesar through Syria
Intends his journey, and within three days
You with your children will he send before.239
240 Make your best use of this. I have performed
Your pleasure and my promise.
I shall remain your debtor.
245 Adieu, good queen, I must attend on Caesar.
Thou an Egyptian puppet247 shalt be shown
In Rome, as well as I. Mechanic slaves248
With greasy aprons, rules249 and hammers shall
250 Uplift us to the view. In their thick250 breaths,
Rank of251 gross diet, shall we be enclouded,
And forced to drink252 their vapour.
255 Will catch at us like strumpets,255 and scald rhymers
Ballad us256 out o’tune. The quick comedians
Extemporally257 will stage us and present
Our Alexandrian revels: Antony
Shall be brought drunken forth, and I shall see
260 Some260 squeaking Cleopatra boy my greatness
I’th’posture of a whore.
265 Are stronger than mine eyes.
To fool their preparation and to conquer
Their most absurd intents.—
Now, Charmian!
Show me,269 my women, like a queen: go fetch
270 My best attires.270 I am again for Cydnus
To meet Mark Antony.— Sirrah271 Iras, go.—
Now, noble Charmian, we’ll dispatch272 indeed,
And when thou hast done this chare,273 I’ll give thee leave
To play till doomsday. Bring our crown and all.
275 Wherefore’s this noise?
That will not be denied your highness’ presence.
He brings you figs.
280 What poor an280 instrument
May do a noble deed! He brings me liberty.
My resolution’s placed,282 and I have nothing
Of woman in me: now from head to foot
I am marble-constant:284 now the fleeting moon
290 No planet is of mine.
Hast thou the pretty worm288 of Nilus there
That kills and pains not?
Immortal longings317 in me. Now no more
The juice of Egypt’s grape shall moist this lip. The women dress her
Yare,319 yare, good Iras! Quick! Methinks I hear
320 Antony call: I see him rouse himself320
To praise my noble act.321 I hear him mock
The luck of Caesar, which the gods give men
To excuse their after wrath.323— Husband, I come!
Now to that name my courage prove my title!324
325 I am fire and air:325 my other elements
I give to baser life.— So, have you done?
Come then, and take the last warmth of my lips.
Farewell, kind Charmian. Iras, long farewell. Kisses them. Iras falls and dies
Have I the aspic329 in my lips? Dost fall?
330 If thou and nature can so gently part,
The stroke331 of death is as a lover’s pinch
Which hurts and is desired. Dost thou lie still?
If thus thou vanishest, thou tell’st the world
It is not worth leave-taking.334
The gods themselves do weep!
If she first meet the curlèd338 Antony,
He’ll make demand of her, and spend339 that kiss
340 Which is my heaven to have.— To an asp, which she applies to her breast Come, thou mortal340 wretch,
With thy sharp teeth this knot intrinsicate341
Of life at once untie: poor venomous fool342
Be angry, and dispatch. O, couldst thou speak,
That I might hear thee call great Caesar ass
345 Unpolicied!345
Dost thou not see my baby at my breast
That sucks the nurse asleep?
O Antony!— Nay, I will take thee too. Applies another asp to her arm
What353 should I stay—
355 Now boast thee, death, in thy possession lies
A lass unparalleled.— Downy windows,356 close,
And golden Phoebus never be beheld
Of358 eyes again so royal!— Your crown’s awry.
I’ll mend359 it, and then play—
O, come apace, dispatch! I partly feel thee.
Descended of so many royal kings.
370 Ah, soldier!
Touch their effects in this: thyself art coming
375 To see performed the dreaded act which thou
So sought’st to hinder.
That379 you did fear is done.
She levelled381 at our purposes and, being royal,
Took her own way. The manner of their deaths?
I do not see them bleed.
This was his basket.
This Charmian lived but now. She stood and spake.
390 I found her trimming up390 the diadem
On her dead mistress. Tremblingly she stood
And on the sudden dropped.
If they had swallowed poison, ’twould appear
395 By external swelling: but she looks like sleep,
As396 she would catch another Antony
In her strong toil397 of grace.
There is a vent399 of blood and something blown,
400 The like is on her arm.
Have slime upon them such as th’aspic leaves
Upon the caves of Nile.
405 That so she died, for her physician tells me
She hath pursued conclusions infinite406
Of easy ways to die. Take up her bed,
And bear her women from the monument.
She shall be buried by her Antony.
410 No grave upon the earth shall clip410 in it
A pair so famous: high411 events as these
Strike412 those that make them, and their story is
No less in pity than his glory which
Brought them to be lamented. Our army shall
415 ;In solemn show attend this funeral,
And then to Rome. Come, Dolabella, see
High order in this great solemnity. The Soldiers bearing the dead bodies
F = First Folio text of 1623
F2 = a correction introduced in the Second Folio text of 1632
F3 = a correction introduced in the Third Folio text of 1663–64
F4 = a correction introduced in the Fourth Folio text of 1685
Ed = a correction introduced by a later editor
SD = stage direction
SH = speech heading (i.e., speaker’s name)
List of parts = Ed
1.1.55 whose = F2. F = who
1.2.3 charge = Ed. F = change 35 fertile = Ed. F = fore-tell 45 workaday spelled worky day in F 53 Alexas = Ed. Printed as a speech heading in F 67 Saw…lord? = F2. F = Saue you, my Lord 102 minds = Ed. F = windes 106 SH SECOND MESSENGER = Ed. F = 1 Mes. 107 SH ANTONY = Ed. Not in F 145 travel spelled Trauaile in F 165 leave = Ed. F = loue 181 place…requires = F2. F = places…require
1.3.53 services = F2. F = Seruicles 95 blood no more = F. Ed. = blood. No more 97 by sword = F. F2 = by my sword
1.4.3 Our = Ed. F = One 8 Vouchsafed = Ed. F = vouchsafe 9 abstract = F2. F = abstracts 22 smell = F2. F = smels 47 deared = Ed. F = fear’d 49 lackeying = Ed. F = lacking 61 wassails = Ed. F = Vassailes 62 Modena = Ed. F = Medena 63 Hirtius = F4. F = Hirsius Pansa = F2. F = Pausa 81 we = F2. F = me
1.5.39 SD Antony = Ed. F = Caesar 57 dumbed = Ed. F = dumbe 69 man = F2. F = mans
2.1.20, 23, 45 SH MENAS = Ed. F = Mene 26 waned = Ed. F = wand 48 warred = F2. F = wan’d
2.2.128 soldier only. Speak = Ed. F = Souldier, onely speake 143 so = Ed. F = say 144, 250 Cleopatra spelled Cleopater in F reproof = Ed. F = proofe 192 Mount Misena = Ed. F = Mount-Mesena 210 digested = F2. F = disgested 220 Cydnus = F2. F = Sidnis 226 lovesick with them: the = Ed. F = Loue-sicke. With them the 232 Venus = Ed. F = Venns 236 glow = Ed. F = gloue 239 gentlewomen = F2. F = Gentlewoman 257 heard = Ed. F = hard 268 and, breathless, pour = Ed. F = and breathless powre 274 vilest = Ed. F = vildest
2.3.10 SH OCTAVIA = F2. Not in F 24 afeared = Ed. F = a feare 27 no…when = Ed. F = no more but: when 33 away = Ed. F = alway 35 Ventidius = F2. F = Ventigius (throughout)
2.4.8 at the Mount = F2. F = at Mount
2.5.3 SH ALL Omnes (Latin) in F 13 Tawny-finned = Ed. F = Tawney fine 125 art = F. Sometimes emended to act
2.6.18 Made…Roman = F2. F = Made all-honor’d, honest, Romaine 21 is = F2. F = his 34–5 For…take = Ed. F = (For this is from the present how you take) 48 SH CAESAR, ANTONY and LEPIDUS = Ed. F = Omnes 83 meanings = Ed. F = meaning 87 more of that = F3. F = more that 105 SH CAESAR, ANTONY and LEPIDUS = Ed. F = All
2.7.1 SH FIRST SERVANT = Ed. F = 1 o’their = Ed. F = o’th’their 3 SH SECOND SERVANT = Ed. F = 2 high-coloured = F2. F = high Conlord 8 leif = Ed. F = liue 70 there = F. Sometimes emended to then 116 SH BOY = Ed. Not in F 124 off: our = Ed. F = of our 128 Splits spelled Spleet’s in F 132 sir. Give’s = Ed. F = Sir, giues 134 father’s = F2. F = Father 137 SH MENAS = Ed. Not in F
3.1.6 SH SILIUS = Ed. F = Romaine (throughout scene)
3.2.17 figures = Ed. F = Figure 28 bond = Ed. F = Band 54 at full of = F3. F = at the full of 66 wept = Ed. F = weepe
3.4.8 them…me = Ed. F = then most narrow measure: lent me 9 took’t = Ed. F = look’t 26 yours = F2. F = your 33 Your = F2. F = You 35 solder spelled soader in F 41 has = F2. F = he’s
3.5.10 world, thou hast = Ed. F = would thou hadst 12 the one = Ed. Not in F
3.6.14 he there = Ed. F = hither kings of kings = Ed. F = King of Kings 31 triumvirate spelled Triumpherate in F 32 and, being, that = Ed. F = and being that, 68 abstract = F. Sometimes emended to obstruct 83 Comagene = Ed. F = Comageat
3.7.4 it is = F2. F = it it 23 SD Canidius = Ed. F = Camidias 27 Brundusium = F2. F = Brandusium 29 Toryne = F2. F = Troine 45 muleteers = F2. F = Militers 63 Actium = F2. F = Action 82 leader’s led spelled Leaders leade in F 86 SH CANIDIUS = Ed. F = Ven 97 in = Ed. F = with
3.10.0 SD Enter Enobarbus = Ed. F = Enter Enobarbus and Scarus 33 he = F2. F = his
3.11.7 SH ALL = Ed. F = Omnes 20 that = Ed. F = them 48 seize = F2. F = cease 62 tow = Ed. F = stowe 63 Thy = Ed. The = F
3.12.0 SD Dolabella = F2. F = Dollabello 16 lessens = F2. F = Lessons
3.13.31 caparisons = Ed. F = Comparisons 64 Caesar = F2. F = Cæsars 90 deputation = Ed. F = disputation 127 errand = Ed. F = arrant 192 Caesarion = Ed. F = Caesarian smite = Ed. F = smile 195 discandying = Ed. F = discandering 231 on = Ed. F = in
4.2.1 Domitius = Ed. F = Domitian 25 SH ALL = Ed. F = Omnes
4.3.4 SH FIRST SOLDIER = Ed. F = 1 5 SH SECOND SOLDIER = Ed. F = 2 8 SH THIRD SOLDIER = Ed. F = 1 12 SD hautboys spelled Hoboyes in F 26, 31 SH ALL = Ed. F = Omnes
4.4.9 SH ANTONY = Ed. Not in F 11 SH CLEOPATRA = Ed. Not in F la = Ed. F = law 19 doff’t spelled daft in F 31 SH CAPTAIN = Ed. F = Alex. 40–1 thee Now = Ed. F = thee. Now
4.5.1 SH SOLDIER = Ed. F = Eros. (and elsewhere throughout the scene)
4.6.10 van = Ed. F = Vant 17 Canidius = F2. F = Camindius 21 more = F2. F = mote
4.8.2 gests = Ed. F = guests 4 has = Ed. F = ha’s 20 My = F2. F = Mine
4.12.5 augurers = Ed. F = Auguries 23 spanieled = Ed. F = pannelled
4.14.5 towered = Ed. F = toward 12 dislimns = Ed. F = dislimes 22 Caesar = Ed. F = Caesars 25 vile spelled vilde in F 121 ho! = Ed. F = how? 125 SH SECOND GUARD = Ed. F = 2 (throughout scene) 131 SH THIRD GUARD = Ed. F = 3
4.15.85 e’en = Ed. F = in
5.1.0 SD Maecenas = Ed. F = Menas 4 SD Dercetus = Ed. F = Decretas (throughout scene) 34, 38 SH AGRIPPA = Ed. F = Dol. and Dola. 68 lean = Ed. F = leaue
5.2.18 queen = Ed. F = Queece 49 anguish = F. An inked space in F leads most editors to read as languish 66 varletry = F2. F = Varlotarie 98 o’th’earth = F. Ed = O, the earth 105 autumn = Ed. F = Anthony 125 smites = Ed. F = suites 256 Ballad = F2. F = Ballads 264 my = F2. F = mine 354 wild = F. Sometimes emended to vile 358 awry = Ed. F = away 359 SD Enter…in = Ed. F adds and Dolabella