ACTISCENEI。Alexandria。AroominCLEOPATRA’spalace。EnterDEMETRIUSandPHILOPHILONay，butthisdotageofourgeneral’sO’erflowsthemeasure：thosehisgoodlyeyes，Thato’erthefilesandmustersofthewarHaveglow’dlikeplatedMars，nowbend，nowturn，TheofficeanddevotionoftheirviewUponatawnyfront：hiscaptain’sheart，WhichinthescufflesofgreatfightshathburstThebucklesonhisbreast，renegesalltemper，AndisbecomethebellowsandthefanTocoolagipsy’slust。
Flourish。EnterANTONY，CLEOPATRA，herLadies，theTrain，withEunuchsfanningherLook，wheretheycome：
Takebutgoodnote，andyoushallseeinhim。
Thetriplepillaroftheworldtransform’dIntoastrumpet’sfool：beholdandsee。CLEOPATRAIfitbeloveindeed，tellmehowmuch。MARKANTONYThere’sbeggaryinthelovethatcanbereckon’d。CLEOPATRAI’llsetabournhowfartobebeloved。MARKANTONYThenmustthouneedsfindoutnewheaven，newearth。
EnteranAttendantAttendantNews，mygoodlord，fromRome。MARKANTONYGratesme：thesum。CLEOPATRANay，hearthem，Antony：
Fulviaperchanceisangry；or，whoknowsIfthescarce—beardedCaesarhavenotsentHispowerfulmandatetoyou，’Dothis，orthis；
Takeinthatkingdom，andenfranchisethat；
Perform’t，orelsewedamnthee。’MARKANTONYHow，mylove!CLEOPATRAPerchance!nay，andmostlike：
Youmustnotstayherelonger，yourdismissionIscomefromCaesar；thereforehearit，Antony。
Where’sFulvia’sprocess？Caesar’sIwouldsay？
both？
Callinthemessengers。AsIamEgypt’squeen，Thoublushest，Antony；andthatbloodofthineIsCaesar’shomager：elsesothycheekpaysshameWhenshrill—tonguedFulviascolds。Themessengers!MARKANTONYLetRomeinTibermelt，andthewidearchOftherangedempirefall!Hereismyspace。
Kingdomsareclay：ourdungyearthalikeFeedsbeastasman：thenoblenessoflifeIstodothus；whensuchamutualpairEmbracingAndsuchatwaincando’t，inwhichIbind，Onpainofpunishment，theworldtoweetWestanduppeerless。CLEOPATRAExcellentfalsehood!
WhydidhemarryFulvia，andnotloveher？
I’llseemthefoolIamnot；AntonyWillbehimself。MARKANTONYButstirr’dbyCleopatra。
Now，fortheloveofLoveandhersofthours，Let’snotconfoundthetimewithconferenceharsh：
There’snotaminuteofourlivesshouldstretchWithoutsomepleasurenow。Whatsporttonight？CLEOPATRAHeartheambassadors。MARKANTONYFie，wranglingqueen!
Whomeverythingbecomes，tochide，tolaugh，Toweep；whoseeverypassionfullystrivesTomakeitself，inthee，fairandadmired!
Nomessenger，butthine；andallaloneTo—nightwe’llwanderthroughthestreetsandnoteThequalitiesofpeople。Come，myqueen；
Lastnightyoudiddesireit：speaknottous。
ExeuntMARKANTONYandCLEOPATRAwiththeirtrainDEMETRIUSIsCaesarwithAntoniusprizedsoslight？PHILOSir，sometimes，whenheisnotAntony，HecomestooshortofthatgreatpropertyWhichstillshouldgowithAntony。DEMETRIUSIamfullsorryThatheapprovesthecommonliar，whoThusspeaksofhimatRome：butIwillhopeOfbetterdeedsto—morrow。Restyouhappy!
ExeuntSCENEII。Thesame。Anotherroom。EnterCHARMIAN，IRAS，ALEXAS，andaSoothsayerCHARMIANLordAlexas，sweetAlexas，mostanythingAlexas，almostmostabsoluteAlexas，where’sthesoothsayerthatyoupraisedsotothequeen？O，thatIknewthishusband，which，yousay，mustchargehishornswithgarlands!ALEXASSoothsayer!SoothsayerYourwill？CHARMIANIsthistheman？Is’tyou，sir，thatknowthings？SoothsayerInnature’sinfinitebookofsecrecyAlittleIcanread。ALEXASShowhimyourhand。
EnterDOMITIUSENOBARBUSDOMITIUSENOBARBUSBringinthebanquetquickly；wineenoughCleopatra’shealthtodrink。CHARMIANGoodsir，givemegoodfortune。SoothsayerImakenot，butforesee。CHARMIANPray，then，foreseemeone。SoothsayerYoushallbeyetfarfairerthanyouare。CHARMIANHemeansinflesh。IRASNo，youshallpaintwhenyouareold。CHARMIANWrinklesforbid!ALEXASVexnothisprescience；beattentive。CHARMIANHush!SoothsayerYoushallbemorebelovingthanbeloved。CHARMIANIhadratherheatmyliverwithdrinking。ALEXASNay，hearhim。CHARMIANGoodnow，someexcellentfortune!Letmebemarriedtothreekingsinaforenoon，andwidowthemall：
letmehaveachildatfifty，towhomHerodofJewrymaydohomage：findmetomarrymewithOctaviusCaesar，andcompanionmewithmymistress。SoothsayerYoushalloutlivetheladywhomyouserve。CHARMIANOexcellent!Ilovelonglifebetterthanfigs。SoothsayerYouhaveseenandprovedafairerformerfortuneThanthatwhichistoapproach。CHARMIANThenbelikemychildrenshallhavenonames：
prithee，howmanyboysandwenchesmustIhave？SoothsayerIfeveryofyourwisheshadawomb。
Andfertileeverywish，amillion。CHARMIANOut，fool!Iforgivetheeforawitch。ALEXASYouthinknonebutyoursheetsareprivytoyourwishes。CHARMIANNay，come，tellIrashers。ALEXASWe’llknowallourfortunes。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSMine，andmostofourfortunes，to—night，shallbe——drunktobed。IRASThere’sapalmpresageschastity，ifnothingelse。CHARMIANE’enastheo’erflowingNiluspresagethfamine。IRASGo，youwildbedfellow，youcannotsoothsay。CHARMIANNay，ifanoilypalmbenotafruitfulprognostication，Icannotscratchmineear。Prithee，tellherbutaworky—dayfortune。SoothsayerYourfortunesarealike。IRASButhow，buthow？givemeparticulars。SoothsayerIhavesaid。IRASAmInotaninchoffortunebetterthanshe？CHARMIANWell，ifyouwerebutaninchoffortunebetterthanI，wherewouldyouchooseit？IRASNotinmyhusband’snose。CHARMIANOurworserthoughtsheavensmend!Alexas，——come，hisfortune，hisfortune!O，lethimmarryawomanthatcannotgo，sweetIsis，Ibeseechthee!andletherdietoo，andgivehimaworse!andletworstfollowworse，tilltheworstofallfollowhimlaughingtohisgrave，fifty—foldacuckold!GoodIsis，hearmethisprayer，thoughthoudenymeamatterofmoreweight；goodIsis，Ibeseechthee!IRASAmen。Deargoddess，hearthatprayerofthepeople!
for，asitisaheartbreakingtoseeahandsomemanloose—wived，soitisadeadlysorrowtobeholdafoulknaveuncuckolded：therefore，dearIsis，keepdecorum，andfortunehimaccordingly!CHARMIANAmen。ALEXASLo，now，ifitlayintheirhandstomakemeacuckold，theywouldmakethemselveswhores，butthey’lddo’t!DOMITIUSENOBARBUSHush!herecomesAntony。CHARMIANNothe；thequeen。
EnterCLEOPATRACLEOPATRASawyoumylord？DOMITIUSENOBARBUSNo，lady。CLEOPATRAWashenothere？CHARMIANNo，madam。CLEOPATRAHewasdisposedtomirth；butonthesuddenARomanthoughthathstruckhim。Enobarbus!DOMITIUSENOBARBUSMadam？CLEOPATRASeekhim，andbringhimhither。
Where’sAlexas？ALEXASHere，atyourservice。Mylordapproaches。CLEOPATRAWewillnotlookuponhim：gowithus。
ExeuntEnterMARKANTONYwithaMessengerandAttendantsMessengerFulviathywifefirstcameintothefield。MARKANTONYAgainstmybrotherLucius？MessengerAy：
Butsoonthatwarhadend，andthetime’sstateMadefriendsofthem，joiningtheirforce’gainstCaesar；
Whosebetterissueinthewar，fromItaly，Uponthefirstencounter，dravethem。MARKANTONYWell，whatworst？MessengerThenatureofbadnewsinfectstheteller。MARKANTONYWhenitconcernsthefoolorcoward。On：
Thingsthatarepastaredonewithme。’Tisthus：
Whotellsmetrue，thoughinhistaleliedeath，Ihearhimasheflatter’d。MessengerLabienus——
Thisisstiffnews——hath，withhisParthianforce，ExtendedAsiafromEuphrates；
HisconqueringbannershookfromSyriaToLydiaandtoIonia；Whilst——MARKANTONYAntony，thouwouldstsay，——MessengerO，mylord!MARKANTONYSpeaktomehome，mincenotthegeneraltongue：
NameCleopatraassheiscall’dinRome；
RailthouinFulvia’sphrase；andtauntmyfaultsWithsuchfulllicenceasbothtruthandmaliceHavepowertoutter。O，thenwebringforthweeds，Whenourquickmindsliestill；andourillstoldusIsasourearing。Faretheewellawhile。MessengerAtyournoblepleasure。
ExitMARKANTONYFromSicyon，ho，thenews!Speakthere!FirstAttendantThemanfromSicyon，——istheresuchanone？SecondAttendantHestaysuponyourwill。MARKANTONYLethimappear。
ThesestrongEgyptianfettersImustbreak，Orlosemyselfindotage。
EnteranotherMessengerWhatareyou？SecondMessengerFulviathywifeisdead。MARKANTONYWherediedshe？SecondMessengerInSicyon：
Herlengthofsickness，withwhatelsemoreseriousImporteththeetoknow，thisbears。
GivesaletterMARKANTONYForbearme。
ExitSecondMessengerThere’sagreatspiritgone!ThusdidIdesireit：
Whatourcontemptdothoftenhurlfromus，Wewishitoursagain；thepresentpleasure，Byrevolutionlowering，doesbecomeTheoppositeofitself：she’sgood，beinggone；
Thehandcouldpluckherbackthatshovedheron。
Imustfromthisenchantingqueenbreakoff：
Tenthousandharms，morethantheillsIknow，Myidlenessdothhatch。Hownow!Enobarbus!
Re—enterDOMITIUSENOBARBUSDOMITIUSENOBARBUSWhat’syourpleasure，sir？MARKANTONYImustwithhastefromhence。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSWhy，then，wekillallourwomen：
weseehowmortalanunkindnessistothem；
iftheysufferourdeparture，death’stheword。MARKANTONYImustbegone。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSUnderacompellingoccasion，letwomendie；itwerepitytocastthemawayfornothing；though，betweenthemandagreatcause，theyshouldbeesteemednothing。Cleopatra，catchingbuttheleastnoiseofthis，diesinstantly；Ihaveseenherdietwentytimesuponfarpoorermoment：Idothinkthereismettleindeath，whichcommitssomelovingactuponher，shehathsuchacelerityindying。MARKANTONYSheiscunningpastman’sthought。
ExitALEXASDOMITIUSENOBARBUSAlack，sir，no；herpassionsaremadeofnothingbutthefinestpartofpurelove：wecannotcallherwindsandwaterssighsandtears；theyaregreaterstormsandtempeststhanalmanacscanreport：
thiscannotbecunninginher；ifitbe，shemakesashowerofrainaswellasJove。MARKANTONYWouldIhadneverseenher。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSO，sir，youhadthenleftunseenawonderfulpieceofwork；whichnottohavebeenblestwithalwouldhavediscreditedyourtravel。MARKANTONYFulviaisdead。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSSir？MARKANTONYFulviaisdead。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSFulvia!MARKANTONYDead。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSWhy，sir，givethegodsathankfulsacrifice。
Whenitpleaseththeirdeitiestotakethewifeofamanfromhim，itshowstomanthetailorsoftheearth；
comfortingtherein，thatwhenoldrobesarewornout，therearememberstomakenew。IftherewerenomorewomenbutFulvia，thenhadyouindeedacut，andthecasetobelamented：thisgriefiscrownedwithconsolation；youroldsmockbringsforthanewpetticoat：andindeedthetearsliveinanonionthatshouldwaterthissorrow。MARKANTONYThebusinessshehathbroachedinthestateCannotenduremyabsence。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSAndthebusinessyouhavebroachedherecannotbewithoutyou；especiallythatofCleopatra’s，whichwhollydependsonyourabode。MARKANTONYNomorelightanswers。LetourofficersHavenoticewhatwepurpose。IshallbreakThecauseofourexpediencetothequeen，Andgetherleavetopart。FornotaloneThedeathofFulvia，withmoreurgenttouches，Dostronglyspeaktous；buttheletterstooOfmanyourcontrivingfriendsinRomePetitionusathome：SextusPompeiusHathgiventhedaretoCaesar，andcommandsTheempireofthesea：ourslipperypeople，Whoseloveisneverlink’dtothedeserverTillhisdesertsarepast，begintothrowPompeytheGreatandallhisdignitiesUponhisson；who，highinnameandpower，Higherthanbothinbloodandlife，standsupForthemainsoldier：whosequality，goingon，Thesideso’theworldmaydanger：muchisbreeding，Which，likethecourser’shair，hathyetbutlife，Andnotaserpent’spoison。Say，ourpleasure，Tosuchwhoseplaceisunderus，requiresOurquickremovefromhence。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSIshalldo’t。
ExeuntSCENEIII。Thesame。Anotherroom。EnterCLEOPATRA，CHARMIAN，IRAS，andALEXASCLEOPATRAWhereishe？CHARMIANIdidnotseehimsince。CLEOPATRASeewhereheis，who’swithhim，whathedoes：
Ididnotsendyou：ifyoufindhimsad，SayIamdancing；ifinmirth，reportThatIamsuddensick：quick，andreturn。
ExitALEXASCHARMIANMadam，methinks，ifyoudidlovehimdearly，YoudonotholdthemethodtoenforceThelikefromhim。CLEOPATRAWhatshouldIdo，Idonot？CHARMIANIneachthinggivehimway，crosshimnothing。CLEOPATRAThouteachestlikeafool；thewaytolosehim。CHARMIANTempthimnotsotoofar；Iwish，forbear：
Intimewehatethatwhichweoftenfear。
ButherecomesAntony。
EnterMARKANTONYCLEOPATRAIamsickandsullen。MARKANTONYIamsorrytogivebreathingtomypurpose，——CLEOPATRAHelpmeaway，dearCharmian；Ishallfall：
Itcannotbethuslong，thesidesofnatureWillnotsustainit。MARKANTONYNow，mydearestqueen，——CLEOPATRAPrayyou，standfurtherfromme。MARKANTONYWhat’sthematter？CLEOPATRAIknow，bythatsameeye，there’ssomegoodnews。
Whatsaysthemarriedwoman？Youmaygo：
Wouldshehadnevergivenyouleavetocome!
Lethernotsay’tisIthatkeepyouhere：
Ihavenopoweruponyou；hersyouare。MARKANTONYThegodsbestknow，——CLEOPATRAO，neverwastherequeenSomightilybetray’d!yetatthefirstIsawthetreasonsplanted。MARKANTONYCleopatra，——CLEOPATRAWhyshouldIthinkyoucanbemineandtrue，Thoughyouinswearingshakethethronedgods，WhohavebeenfalsetoFulvia？Riotousmadness，Tobeentangledwiththosemouth—madevows，Whichbreakthemselvesinswearing!MARKANTONYMostsweetqueen，——CLEOPATRANay，prayyou，seeknocolourforyourgoing，Butbidfarewell，andgo：whenyousuedstaying，Thenwasthetimeforwords：nogoingthen；
Eternitywasinourlipsandeyes，Blissinourbrows’bent；noneourpartssopoor，Butwasaraceofheaven：theyaresostill，Orthou，thegreatestsoldieroftheworld，Artturn’dthegreatestliar。MARKANTONYHownow，lady!CLEOPATRAIwouldIhadthyinches；thoushouldstknowTherewereaheartinEgypt。MARKANTONYHearme，queen：
ThestrongnecessityoftimecommandsOurservicesawhile；butmyfullheartRemainsinusewithyou。OurItalyShineso’erwithcivilswords：SextusPompeiusMakeshisapproachestotheportofRome：
EqualityoftwodomesticpowersBreedscrupulousfaction：thehated，growntostrength，Arenewlygrowntolove：thecondemn’dPompey，Richinhisfather’shonour，creepsapace，IntotheheartsofsuchashavenotthrivedUponthepresentstate，whosenumbersthreaten；
Andquietness，grownsickofrest，wouldpurgeByanydesperatechange：mymoreparticular，Andthatwhichmostwithyoushouldsafemygoing，IsFulvia’sdeath。CLEOPATRAThoughagefromfollycouldnotgivemefreedom，Itdoesfromchildishness：canFulviadie？MARKANTONYShe’sdead，myqueen：
Lookhere，andatthysovereignleisurereadThegarboilssheawaked；atthelast，best：
Seewhenandwhereshedied。CLEOPATRAOmostfalselove!
WherebethesacredvialsthoushouldstfillWithsorrowfulwater？NowIsee，Isee，InFulvia’sdeath，howminereceivedshallbe。MARKANTONYQuarrelnomore，butbepreparedtoknowThepurposesIbear；whichare，orcease，Asyoushallgivetheadvice。BythefireThatquickensNilus’slime，IgofromhenceThysoldier，servant；makingpeaceorwarAsthouaffect’st。CLEOPATRACutmylace，Charmian，come；
Butletitbe：Iamquicklyill，andwell，SoAntonyloves。MARKANTONYMypreciousqueen，forbear；
Andgivetrueevidencetohislove，whichstandsAnhonourabletrial。CLEOPATRASoFulviatoldme。
Iprithee，turnasideandweepforher，Thenbidadieutome，andsaythetearsBelongtoEgypt：goodnow，playonesceneOfexcellentdissembling；andletitlookLifeperfecthonour。MARKANTONYYou’llheatmyblood：nomore。CLEOPATRAYoucandobetteryet；butthisismeetly。MARKANTONYNow，bymysword，——CLEOPATRAAndtarget。Stillhemends；
Butthisisnotthebest。Look，prithee，Charmian，HowthisHerculeanRomandoesbecomeThecarriageofhischafe。MARKANTONYI’llleaveyou，lady。CLEOPATRACourteouslord，oneword。
Sir，youandImustpart，butthat’snotit：
Sir，youandIhaveloved，butthere’snotit；
Thatyouknowwell：somethingitisIwould，O，myoblivionisaveryAntony，AndIamallforgotten。MARKANTONYButthatyourroyaltyHoldsidlenessyoursubject，IshouldtakeyouForidlenessitself。CLEOPATRA’TissweatinglabourTobearsuchidlenesssoneartheheartAsCleopatrathis。But，sir，forgiveme；
Sincemybecomingskillme，whentheydonotEyewelltoyou：yourhonourcallsyouhence；
Thereforebedeaftomyunpitiedfolly。
Andallthegodsgowithyou!uponyourswordSitlaurelvictory!andsmoothsuccessBestrew’dbeforeyourfeet!MARKANTONYLetusgo。Come；
Ourseparationsoabides，andflies，Thatthou，residinghere，go’styetwithme，AndI，hencefleeting，hereremainwiththee。
Away!
ExeuntSCENEIV。Rome。OCTAVIUSCAESAR’shouse。EnterOCTAVIUSCAESAR，readingaletter，LEPIDUS，andtheirTrainOCTAVIUSCAESARYoumaysee，Lepidus，andhenceforthknow，ItisnotCaesar’snaturalvicetohateOurgreatcompetitor：fromAlexandriaThisisthenews：hefishes，drinks，andwastesThelampsofnightinrevel；isnotmoreman—likeThanCleopatra；northequeenofPtolemyMorewomanlythanhe；hardlygaveaudience，orVouchsafedtothinkhehadpartners：youshallfindthereAmanwhoistheabstractofallfaultsThatallmenfollow。LEPIDUSImustnotthinkthereareEvilsenowtodarkenallhisgoodness：
Hisfaultsinhimseemasthespotsofheaven，Morefierybynight’sblackness；hereditary，Ratherthanpurchased；whathecannotchange，Thanwhathechooses。OCTAVIUSCAESARYouaretooindulgent。Letusgrant，itisnotAmisstotumbleonthebedofPtolemy；
Togiveakingdomforamirth；tositAndkeeptheturnoftipplingwithaslave；
Toreelthestreetsatnoon，andstandthebuffetWithknavesthatsmellofsweat：saythisbecomeshim，——
AshiscomposuremustberareindeedWhomthesethingscannotblemish，——yetmustAntonyNowayexcusehissoils，whenwedobearSogreatweightinhislightness。Ifhefill’dHisvacancywithhisvoluptuousness，Fullsurfeits，andthedrynessofhisbones，Callonhimfor’t：buttoconfoundsuchtime，Thatdrumshimfromhissport，andspeaksasloudAshisownstateandours，——’tistobechidAswerateboys，who，beingmatureinknowledge，Pawntheirexperiencetotheirpresentpleasure，Andsorebeltojudgment。
EnteraMessengerLEPIDUSHere’smorenews。MessengerThybiddingshavebeendone；andeveryhour，MostnobleCaesar，shaltthouhavereportHow’tisabroad。Pompeyisstrongatsea；
AnditappearsheisbelovedofthoseThatonlyhavefear’dCaesar：totheportsThediscontentsrepair，andmen’sreportsGivehimmuchwrong’d。OCTAVIUSCAESARIshouldhaveknownnoless。
Ithathbeentaughtusfromtheprimalstate，Thathewhichiswaswish’duntilhewere；
Andtheebb’dman，ne’erlovedtillne’erworthlove，Comesdear’dbybeinglack’d。Thiscommonbody，Liketoavagabondflaguponthestream，Goestoandback，lackeyingthevaryingtide，Torotitselfwithmotion。MessengerCaesar，Ibringtheeword，MenecratesandMenas，famouspirates，Maketheseaservethem，whichtheyearandwoundWithkeelsofeverykind：manyhotinroadsTheymakeinItaly；thebordersmaritimeLackbloodtothinkon’t，andflushyouthrevolt：
Novesselcanpeepforth，but’tisassoonTakenasseen；forPompey’snamestrikesmoreThancouldhiswarresisted。OCTAVIUSCAESARAntony，Leavethylasciviouswassails。WhenthouonceWastbeatenfromModena，wherethouslew’stHirtiusandPansa，consuls，atthyheelDidfaminefollow；whomthoufought’stagainst，Thoughdaintilybroughtup，withpatiencemoreThansavagescouldsuffer：thoudidstdrinkThestaleofhorses，andthegildedpuddleWhichbeastswouldcoughat：thypalatethendiddeignTheroughestberryontherudesthedge；
Yea，likethestag，whensnowthepasturesheets，Thebarksoftreesthoubrowsed’st；ontheAlpsItisreportedthoudidsteatstrangeflesh，Whichsomediddietolookon：andallthis——
ItwoundsthinehonourthatIspeakitnow——
Wasbornesolikeasoldier，thatthycheekSomuchaslank’dnot。LEPIDUS’Tispityofhim。OCTAVIUSCAESARLethisshamesquicklyDrivehimtoRome：’tistimewetwainDidshowourselvesi’thefield；andtothatendAssembleweimmediatecouncil：PompeyThrivesinouridleness。LEPIDUSTo—morrow，Caesar，Ishallbefurnish’dtoinformyourightlyBothwhatbyseaandlandIcanbeableTofrontthispresenttime。OCTAVIUSCAESARTillwhichencounter，Itismybusinesstoo。Farewell。LEPIDUSFarewell，mylord：whatyoushallknowmeantimeOfstirsabroad，Ishallbeseechyou，sir，Toletmebepartaker。OCTAVIUSCAESARDoubtnot，sir；
Iknewitformybond。
ExeuntSCENEV。Alexandria。CLEOPATRA’spalace。EnterCLEOPATRA，CHARMIAN，IRAS，andMARDIANCLEOPATRACharmian!CHARMIANMadam？CLEOPATRAHa，ha!
Givemetodrinkmandragora。CHARMIANWhy，madam？CLEOPATRAThatImightsleepoutthisgreatgapoftimeMyAntonyisaway。CHARMIANYouthinkofhimtoomuch。CLEOPATRAO，’tistreason!CHARMIANMadam，Itrust，notso。CLEOPATRAThou，eunuchMardian!MARDIANWhat’syourhighness’pleasure？CLEOPATRANotnowtoheartheesing；ItakenopleasureInaughtaneunuchhas：’tiswellforthee，That，beingunseminar’d，thyfreerthoughtsMaynotflyforthofEgypt。Hastthouaffections？MARDIANYes，graciousmadam。CLEOPATRAIndeed!MARDIANNotindeed，madam；forIcandonothingButwhatindeedishonesttobedone：
YethaveIfierceaffections，andthinkWhatVenusdidwithMars。CLEOPATRAOCharmian，Wherethink’stthouheisnow？Standshe，orsitshe？
Ordoeshewalk？orisheonhishorse？
Ohappyhorse，tobeartheweightofAntony!
Dobravely，horse!forwot’stthouwhomthoumovest？
Thedemi—Atlasofthisearth，thearmAndburgonetofmen。He’sspeakingnow，Ormurmuring’Where’smyserpentofoldNile？’
Forsohecallsme：nowIfeedmyselfWithmostdeliciouspoison。Thinkonme，ThatamwithPhoebus’amorouspinchesblack，Andwrinkleddeepintime？Broad—frontedCaesar，Whenthouwasthereabovetheground，IwasAmorselforamonarch：andgreatPompeyWouldstandandmakehiseyesgrowinmybrow；
TherewouldheanchorhisaspectanddieWithlookingonhislife。
EnterALEXAS，fromOCTAVIUSCAESARALEXASSovereignofEgypt，hail!CLEOPATRAHowmuchunlikeartthouMarkAntony!
Yet，comingfromhim，thatgreatmedicinehathWithhistinctgildedthee。
HowgoesitwithmybraveMarkAntony？ALEXASLastthinghedid，dearqueen，Hekiss’d，——thelastofmanydoubledkisses，——
Thisorientpearl。Hisspeechsticksinmyheart。CLEOPATRAMineearmustpluckitthence。ALEXAS’Goodfriend，’quothhe，’Say，thefirmRomantogreatEgyptsendsThistreasureofanoyster；atwhosefoot，Tomendthepettypresent，IwillpieceHeropulentthronewithkingdoms；alltheeast，Saythou，shallcallhermistress。’Sohenodded，Andsoberlydidmountanarm—gauntsteed，Whoneigh’dsohigh，thatwhatIwouldhavespokeWasbeastlydumb’dbyhim。CLEOPATRAWhat，washesadormerry？ALEXASLiketothetimeo’theyearbetweentheextremesOfhotandcold，hewasnorsadnormerry。CLEOPATRAOwell—divideddisposition!Notehim，NotehimgoodCharmian，’tistheman；butnotehim：
Hewasnotsad，forhewouldshineonthoseThatmaketheirlooksbyhis；hewasnotmerry，Whichseem’dtotellthemhisremembrancelayInEgyptwithhisjoy；butbetweenboth：
Oheavenlymingle!Be’stthousadormerry，Theviolenceofeithertheebecomes，Sodoesitnomanelse。Met’stthoumyposts？ALEXASAy，madam，twentyseveralmessengers：
Whydoyousendsothick？CLEOPATRAWho’sbornthatdayWhenIforgettosendtoAntony，Shalldieabeggar。Inkandpaper，Charmian。
Welcome，mygoodAlexas。DidI，Charmian，EverloveCaesarso？CHARMIANOthatbraveCaesar!CLEOPATRABechokedwithsuchanotheremphasis!
Say，thebraveAntony。CHARMIANThevaliantCaesar!CLEOPATRAByIsis，Iwillgivetheebloodyteeth，IfthouwithCaesarparagonagainMymanofmen。CHARMIANByyourmostgraciouspardon，Isingbutafteryou。CLEOPATRAMysaladdays，WhenIwasgreeninjudgment：coldinblood，TosayasIsaidthen!But，come，away；
Getmeinkandpaper：
Heshallhaveeverydayaseveralgreeting，OrI’llunpeopleEgypt。
ExeuntACTIISCENEI。Messina。POMPEY’shouse。EnterPOMPEY，MENECRATES，andMENAS，inwarlikemannerPOMPEYIfthegreatgodsbejust，theyshallassistThedeedsofjustestmen。MENECRATESKnow，worthyPompey，Thatwhattheydodelay，theynotdeny。POMPEYWhileswearesuitorstotheirthrone，decaysThethingwesuefor。MENECRATESWe，ignorantofourselves，Begoftenourownharms，whichthewisepowersDenyusforourgood；sofindweprofitBylosingofourprayers。POMPEYIshalldowell：
Thepeopleloveme，andtheseaismine；
Mypowersarecrescent，andmyauguringhopeSaysitwillcometothefull。MarkAntonyInEgyptsitsatdinner，andwillmakeNowarswithoutdoors：CaesargetsmoneywhereHeloseshearts：Lepidusflattersboth，Ofbothisflatter’d；butheneitherloves，Noreithercaresforhim。MENASCaesarandLepidusAreinthefield：amightystrengththeycarry。POMPEYWherehaveyouthis？’tisfalse。MENASFromSilvius，sir。POMPEYHedreams：IknowtheyareinRometogether，LookingforAntony。Butallthecharmsoflove，SaltCleopatra，softenthywanedlip!
Letwitchcraftjoinwithbeauty，lustwithboth!
Tieupthelibertineinafieldoffeasts，Keephisbrainfuming；EpicureancooksSharpenwithcloylesssaucehisappetite；
ThatsleepandfeedingmayproroguehishonourEventillaLethe’ddulness!
EnterVARRIUS
Hownow，Varrius!VARRIUSThisismostcertainthatIshalldeliver：
MarkAntonyiseveryhourinRomeExpected：sincehewentfromEgypt’tisAspaceforfurthertravel。POMPEYIcouldhavegivenlessmatterAbetterear。Menas，IdidnotthinkThisamoroussurfeiterwouldhavedonn’dhishelmForsuchapettywar：hissoldiershipIstwicetheothertwain：butletusrearThehigherouropinion，thatourstirringCanfromthelapofEgypt’swidowpluckThene’er—lust—weariedAntony。MENASIcannothopeCaesarandAntonyshallwellgreettogether：
Hiswifethat’sdeaddidtrespassestoCaesar；
Hisbrotherwarr’duponhim；although，Ithink，NotmovedbyAntony。POMPEYIknownot，Menas，Howlesserenmitiesmaygivewaytogreater。
Were’tnotthatwestandupagainstthemall，’Twerepregnanttheyshouldsquarebetweenthemselves；
FortheyhaveentertainedcauseenoughTodrawtheirswords：buthowthefearofusMaycementtheirdivisionsandbindupThepettydifference，weyetnotknow。
Be’tasourgodswillhave’t!ItonlystandsOurlivesupontouseourstrongesthands。
Come，Menas。
ExeuntSCENEII。Rome。ThehouseofLEPIDUS。EnterDOMITIUSENOBARBUSandLEPIDUSLEPIDUSGoodEnobarbus，’tisaworthydeed，Andshallbecomeyouwell，toentreatyourcaptainTosoftandgentlespeech。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSIshallentreathimToanswerlikehimself：ifCaesarmovehim，LetAntonylookoverCaesar’sheadAndspeakasloudasMars。ByJupiter，WereIthewearerofAntonius’beard，Iwouldnotshave’tto—day。LEPIDUS’TisnotatimeForprivatestomaching。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSEverytimeServesforthematterthatisthenbornin’t。LEPIDUSButsmalltogreatermattersmustgiveway。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSNotifthesmallcomefirst。LEPIDUSYourspeechispassion：
But，prayyou，stirnoembersup。HerecomesThenobleAntony。
EnterMARKANTONYandVENTIDIUSDOMITIUSENOBARBUSAndyonder，Caesar。
EnterOCTAVIUSCAESAR，MECAENAS，andAGRIPPAMARKANTONYIfwecomposewellhere，toParthia：
Hark，Ventidius。OCTAVIUSCAESARIdonotknow，Mecaenas；askAgrippa。LEPIDUSNoblefriends，Thatwhichcombineduswasmostgreat，andletnotAleaneractionrendus。What’samiss，Mayitbegentlyheard：whenwedebateOurtrivialdifferenceloud，wedocommitMurderinhealingwounds：then，noblepartners，Therather，forIearnestlybeseech，Touchyouthesourestpointswithsweetestterms，Norcurstnessgrowtothematter。MARKANTONY’Tisspokenwell。
Werewebeforeourarmies，andtofight。
Ishoulddothus。
FlourishOCTAVIUSCAESARWelcometoRome。MARKANTONYThankyou。OCTAVIUSCAESARSit。MARKANTONYSit，sir。OCTAVIUSCAESARNay，then。MARKANTONYIlearn，youtakethingsillwhicharenotso，Orbeing，concernyounot。OCTAVIUSCAESARImustbelaugh’dat，If，orfornothingoralittle，I
Shouldsaymyselfoffended，andwithyouChieflyi’theworld；morelaugh’dat，thatI
shouldOncenameyouderogately，whentosoundyournameItnotconcern’dme。MARKANTONYMybeinginEgypt，Caesar，Whatwas’ttoyou？OCTAVIUSCAESARNomorethanmyresidinghereatRomeMightbetoyouinEgypt：yet，ifyouthereDidpractiseonmystate，yourbeinginEgyptMightbemyquestion。MARKANTONYHowintendyou，practised？OCTAVIUSCAESARYoumaybepleasedtocatchatmineintentBywhatdidherebefalme。YourwifeandbrotherMadewarsuponme；andtheircontestationWasthemeforyou，youwerethewordofwar。MARKANTONYYoudomistakeyourbusiness；mybrotherneverDidurgemeinhisact：Ididinquireit；
Andhavemylearningfromsometruereports，Thatdrewtheirswordswithyou。DidhenotratherDiscreditmyauthoritywithyours；
Andmakethewarsalikeagainstmystomach，Havingalikeyourcause？OfthismylettersBeforedidsatisfyyou。Ifyou’llpatchaquarrel，Asmatterwholeyouhavenottomakeitwith，Itmustnotbewiththis。OCTAVIUSCAESARYoupraiseyourselfBylayingdefectsofjudgmenttome；butYoupatch’dupyourexcuses。MARKANTONYNotso，notso；
Iknowyoucouldnotlack，Iamcertainon’t，Verynecessityofthisthought，thatI，Yourpartnerinthecause’gainstwhichhefought，CouldnotwithgracefuleyesattendthosewarsWhichfrontedmineownpeace。Asformywife，Iwouldyouhadherspiritinsuchanother：
Thethirdo’theworldisyours；whichwithasnaffleYoumaypaceeasy，butnotsuchawife。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSWouldwehadallsuchwives，thatthemenmightgotowarswiththewomen!MARKANTONYSomuchuncurbable，hergarboils，CaesarMadeoutofherimpatience，whichnotwantedShrewdnessofpolicytoo，IgrievinggrantDidyoutoomuchdisquiet：forthatyoumustButsay，Icouldnothelpit。OCTAVIUSCAESARIwrotetoyouWhenriotinginAlexandria；youDidpocketupmyletters，andwithtauntsDidgibemymissiveoutofaudience。MARKANTONYSir，Hefelluponmeereadmitted：thenThreekingsIhadnewlyfeasted，anddidwantOfwhatIwasi’themorning：butnextdayItoldhimofmyself；whichwasasmuchAstohaveask’dhimpardon。LetthisfellowBenothingofourstrife；ifwecontend，Outofourquestionwipehim。OCTAVIUSCAESARYouhavebrokenThearticleofyouroath；whichyoushallneverHavetonguetochargemewith。LEPIDUSSoft，Caesar!MARKANTONYNo，Lepidus，lethimspeak：
Thehonourissacredwhichhetalksonnow，SupposingthatIlack’dit。But，on，Caesar；
Thearticleofmyoath。OCTAVIUSCAESARTolendmearmsandaidwhenIrequiredthem；
Thewhichyoubothdenied。MARKANTONYNeglected，rather；
Andthenwhenpoison’dhourshadboundmeupFrommineownknowledge。AsnearlyasImay，I’llplaythepenitenttoyou：butminehonestyShallnotmakepoormygreatness，normypowerWorkwithoutit。Truthis，thatFulvia，TohavemeoutofEgypt，madewarshere；
Forwhichmyself，theignorantmotive，doSofaraskpardonasbefitsminehonourTostoopinsuchacase。LEPIDUS’Tisnoblespoken。MECAENASIfitmightpleaseyou，toenforcenofurtherThegriefsbetweenye：toforgetthemquiteWeretorememberthatthepresentneedSpeakstoatoneyou。LEPIDUSWorthilyspoken，Mecaenas。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSOr，ifyouborrowoneanother’slovefortheinstant，youmay，whenyouhearnomorewordsofPompey，returnitagain：youshallhavetimetowrangleinwhenyouhavenothingelsetodo。MARKANTONYThouartasoldieronly：speaknomore。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSThattruthshouldbesilentIhadalmostforgot。MARKANTONYYouwrongthispresence；thereforespeaknomore。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSGoto，then；yourconsideratestone。OCTAVIUSCAESARIdonotmuchdislikethematter，butThemannerofhisspeech；for’tcannotbeWeshallremaininfriendship，ourconditionsSodifferingintheiracts。YetifIknewWhathoopshouldholdusstanch，fromedgetoedgeO’theworldIwouldpursueit。AGRIPPAGivemeleave，Caesar，——OCTAVIUSCAESARSpeak，Agrippa。AGRIPPAThouhastasisterbythemother’sside，AdmiredOctavia：greatMarkAntonyIsnowawidower。OCTAVIUSCAESARSaynotso，Agrippa：
IfCleopatraheardyou，yourreproofWerewelldeservedofrashness。MARKANTONYIamnotmarried，Caesar：letmehearAgrippafurtherspeak。AGRIPPAToholdyouinperpetualamity，Tomakeyoubrothers，andtoknityourheartsWithanunslippingknot，takeAntonyOctaviatohiswife；whosebeautyclaimsNoworseahusbandthanthebestofmen；
WhosevirtueandwhosegeneralgracesspeakThatwhichnoneelsecanutter。Bythismarriage，Alllittlejealousies，whichnowseemgreat，Andallgreatfears，whichnowimporttheirdangers，Wouldthenbenothing：truthswouldbetales，Wherenowhalftalesbetruths：herlovetobothWould，eachtootherandalllovestoboth，Drawafterher。PardonwhatIhavespoke；
For’tisastudied，notapresentthought，Bydutyruminated。MARKANTONYWillCaesarspeak？OCTAVIUSCAESARNottillhehearshowAntonyistouch’dWithwhatisspokealready。MARKANTONYWhatpowerisinAgrippa，IfIwouldsay，’Agrippa，beitso，’
Tomakethisgood？OCTAVIUSCAESARThepowerofCaesar，andHispoweruntoOctavia。MARKANTONYMayIneverTothisgoodpurpose，thatsofairlyshows，Dreamofimpediment!Letmehavethyhand：
Furtherthisactofgrace：andfromthishourTheheartofbrothersgoverninourlovesAndswayourgreatdesigns!OCTAVIUSCAESARThereismyhand。
AsisterIbequeathyou，whomnobrotherDideverlovesodearly：letherliveTojoinourkingdomsandourhearts；andneverFlyoffourlovesagain!LEPIDUSHappily，amen!MARKANTONYIdidnotthinktodrawmysword’gainstPompey；
ForhehathlaidstrangecourtesiesandgreatOflateuponme：Imustthankhimonly，Lestmyremembrancesufferillreport；
Atheelofthat，defyhim。LEPIDUSTimecallsupon’s：
OfusmustPompeypresentlybesought，Orelseheseeksoutus。MARKANTONYWherelieshe？OCTAVIUSCAESARAboutthemountMisenum。MARKANTONYWhatishisstrengthbyland？OCTAVIUSCAESARGreatandincreasing：butbyseaHeisanabsolutemaster。MARKANTONYSoisthefame。
Wouldwehadspoketogether!Hasteweforit：
Yet，ereweputourselvesinarms，dispatchweThebusinesswehavetalk’dof。OCTAVIUSCAESARWithmostgladness：
Anddoinviteyoutomysister’sview，WhitherstraightI’llleadyou。MARKANTONYLetus，Lepidus，Notlackyourcompany。LEPIDUSNobleAntony，Notsicknessshoulddetainme。
Flourish。ExeuntOCTAVIUSCAESAR，MARKANTONY，andLEPIDUSMECAENASWelcomefromEgypt，sir。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSHalftheheartofCaesar，worthyMecaenas!
Myhonourablefriend，Agrippa!AGRIPPAGoodEnobarbus!MECAENASWehavecausetobegladthatmattersaresowelldigested。Youstayedwellby’tinEgypt。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSAy，sir；wedidsleepdayoutofcountenance，andmadethenightlightwithdrinking。MECAENASEightwild—boarsroastedwholeatabreakfast，andbuttwelvepersonsthere；isthistrue？DOMITIUSENOBARBUSThiswasbutasaflybyaneagle：wehadmuchmoremonstrousmatteroffeast，whichworthilydeservednoting。MECAENASShe’samosttriumphantlady，ifreportbesquaretoher。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSWhenshefirstmetMarkAntony，shepurseduphisheart，upontheriverofCydnus。AGRIPPATheresheappearedindeed；ormyreporterdevisedwellforher。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSIwilltellyou。
Thebargeshesatin，likeaburnish’dthrone，Burn’donthewater：thepoopwasbeatengold；
Purplethesails，andsoperfumedthatThewindswerelove—sickwiththem；theoarsweresilver，Whichtothetuneoffluteskeptstroke，andmadeThewaterwhichtheybeattofollowfaster，Asamorousoftheirstrokes。Forherownperson，Itbeggar’dalldescription：shedidlieInherpavilion——cloth—of—goldoftissue——
O’er—picturingthatVenuswhereweseeThefancyoutworknature：oneachsideherStoodprettydimpledboys，likesmilingCupids，Withdivers—colour’dfans，whosewinddidseemToglowthedelicatecheekswhichtheydidcool，Andwhattheyundiddid。AGRIPPAO，rareforAntony!DOMITIUSENOBARBUSHergentlewomen，liketheNereides，Somanymermaids，tendedheri’theeyes，Andmadetheirbendsadornings：atthehelmAseemingmermaidsteers：thesilkentackleSwellwiththetouchesofthoseflower—softhands，Thatyarelyframetheoffice。FromthebargeAstrangeinvisibleperfumehitsthesenseOftheadjacentwharfs。ThecitycastHerpeopleoutuponher；andAntony，Enthronedi’themarket—place，didsitalone，Whistlingtotheair；which，butforvacancy，HadgonetogazeonCleopatratoo，Andmadeagapinnature。AGRIPPARareEgyptian!DOMITIUSENOBARBUSUponherlanding，Antonysenttoher，Invitedhertosupper：shereplied，Itshouldbebetterhebecameherguest；
Whichsheentreated：ourcourteousAntony，Whomne’erthewordof’No’womanheardspeak，Beingbarber’dtentimeso’er，goestothefeast，AndforhisordinarypayshisheartForwhathiseyeseatonly。AGRIPPARoyalwench!
ShemadegreatCaesarlayhisswordtobed：
Heplough’dher，andshecropp’d。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSIsawheronceHopfortypacesthroughthepublicstreet；
Andhavinglostherbreath，shespoke，andpanted，Thatshedidmakedefectperfection，And，breathless，powerbreatheforth。MECAENASNowAntonymustleaveherutterly。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSNever；hewillnot：
Agecannotwitherher，norcustomstaleHerinfinitevariety：otherwomencloyTheappetitestheyfeed：butshemakeshungryWheremostshesatisfies；forvilestthingsBecomethemselvesinher：thattheholypriestsBlessherwhensheisriggish。MECAENASIfbeauty，wisdom，modesty，cansettleTheheartofAntony，OctaviaisAblessedlotterytohim。AGRIPPALetusgo。
GoodEnobarbus，makeyourselfmyguestWhilstyouabidehere。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSHumbly，sir，Ithankyou。
ExeuntSCENEIII。Thesame。OCTAVIUSCAESAR’shouse。EnterMARKANTONY，OCTAVIUSCAESAR，OCTAVIAbetweenthem，andAttendantsMARKANTONYTheworldandmygreatofficewillsometimesDividemefromyourbosom。OCTAVIAAllwhichtimeBeforethegodsmykneeshallbowmyprayersTothemforyou。MARKANTONYGoodnight，sir。MyOctavia，Readnotmyblemishesintheworld’sreport：
Ihavenotkeptmysquare；butthattocomeShallallbedonebytherule。Goodnight，dearlady。
Goodnight，sir。OCTAVIUSCAESARGoodnight。
ExeuntOCTAVIUSCAESARandOCTAVIA
EnterSoothsayerMARKANTONYNow，sirrah；youdowishyourselfinEgypt？SoothsayerWouldIhadnevercomefromthence，noryouThither!MARKANTONYIfyoucan，yourreason？SoothsayerIseeitinMymotion，haveitnotinmytongue：butyetHieyoutoEgyptagain。MARKANTONYSaytome，Whosefortunesshallrisehigher，Caesar’sormine？SoothsayerCaesar’s。
Therefore，OAntony，staynotbyhisside：
Thydemon，that’sthyspiritwhichkeepsthee，isNoble，courageoushigh，unmatchable，WhereCaesar’sisnot；but，nearhim，thyangelBecomesafear，asbeingo’erpower’d：thereforeMakespaceenoughbetweenyou。MARKANTONYSpeakthisnomore。SoothsayerTononebutthee；nomore，butwhentothee。
Ifthoudostplaywithhimatanygame，Thouartsuretolose；and，ofthatnaturalluck，Hebeatsthee’gainsttheodds：thylustrethickens，Whenheshinesby：Isayagain，thyspiritIsallafraidtogoverntheenearhim；
But，heaway，’tisnoble。MARKANTONYGettheegone：
SaytoVentidiusIwouldspeakwithhim：
ExitSoothsayerHeshalltoParthia。Beitartorhap，Hehathspokentrue：theverydiceobeyhim；
AndinoursportsmybettercunningfaintsUnderhischance：ifwedrawlots，hespeeds；
Hiscocksdowinthebattlestillofmine，Whenitisalltonought；andhisquailseverBeatmine，inhoop’d，atodds。IwilltoEgypt：
AndthoughImakethismarriageformypeace，I’theeastmypleasurelies。
EnterVENTIDIUS
O，come，Ventidius，YoumusttoParthia：yourcommission’sready；
Followme，andreceive’t。
ExeuntSCENEIV。Thesame。Astreet。EnterLEPIDUS，MECAENAS，andAGRIPPALEPIDUSTroubleyourselvesnofurther：prayyou，hastenYourgeneralsafter。AGRIPPASir，MarkAntonyWille’enbutkissOctavia，andwe’llfollow。LEPIDUSTillIshallseeyouinyoursoldier’sdress，Whichwillbecomeyouboth，farewell。MECAENASWeshall，AsIconceivethejourney，beattheMountBeforeyou，Lepidus。LEPIDUSYourwayisshorter；
Mypurposesdodrawmemuchabout：
You’llwintwodaysuponme。MECAENASAGRIPPASir，goodsuccess!LEPIDUSFarewell。
ExeuntSCENEV。Alexandria。CLEOPATRA’spalace。EnterCLEOPATRA，CHARMIAN，IRAS，andALEXASCLEOPATRAGivemesomemusic；music，moodyfoodOfusthattradeinlove。AttendantsThemusic，ho!
EnterMARDIANCLEOPATRALetitalone；let’stobilliards：come，Charmian。CHARMIANMyarmissore；bestplaywithMardian。CLEOPATRAAswellawomanwithaneunuchplay’dAswithawoman。Come，you’llplaywithme，sir？MARDIANAswellasIcan，madam。CLEOPATRAAndwhengoodwillisshow’d，though’tcometooshort，Theactormaypleadpardon。I’llnonenow：
Givememineangle；we’lltotheriver：there，Mymusicplayingfaroff，IwillbetrayTawny—finn’dfishes；mybendedhookshallpierceTheirslimyjaws；and，asIdrawthemup，I’llthinkthemeveryoneanAntony，Andsay’Ah，ha!you’recaught。’CHARMIAN’TwasmerrywhenYouwager’donyourangling；whenyourdiverDidhangasalt—fishonhishook，whichheWithfervencydrewup。CLEOPATRAThattime，——Otimes!——
Ilaugh’dhimoutofpatience；andthatnightIlaugh’dhimintopatience；andnextmorn，Eretheninthhour，Idrunkhimtohisbed；
Thenputmytiresandmantlesonhim，whilstIworehisswordPhilippan。
EnteraMessengerO，fromItalyRamthouthyfruitfultidingsinmineears，Thatlongtimehavebeenbarren。MessengerMadam，madam，——CLEOPATRAAntoniusdead!——Ifthousayso，villain，Thoukill’stthymistress：butwellandfree，Ifthousoyieldhim，thereisgold，andhereMybluestveinstokiss；ahandthatkingsHavelipp’d，andtrembledkissing。MessengerFirst，madam，heiswell。CLEOPATRAWhy，there’smoregold。
But，sirrah，mark，weuseTosaythedeadarewell：bringittothat，ThegoldIgivetheewillImeltandpourDownthyill—utteringthroat。MessengerGoodmadam，hearme。CLEOPATRAWell，goto，Iwill；
Butthere’snogoodnessinthyface：ifAntonyBefreeandhealthful，——sotartafavourTotrumpetsuchgoodtidings!Ifnotwell，ThoushouldstcomelikeaFurycrown’dwithsnakes，Notlikeaformalman。MessengerWill’tpleaseyouhearme？CLEOPATRAIhaveamindtostriketheeerethouspeak’st：
YetifthousayAntonylives，iswell，OrfriendswithCaesar，ornotcaptivetohim，I’llsettheeinashowerofgold，andhailRichpearlsuponthee。MessengerMadam，he’swell。CLEOPATRAWellsaid。MessengerAndfriendswithCaesar。CLEOPATRAThou’rtanhonestman。MessengerCaesarandhearegreaterfriendsthanever。CLEOPATRAMaketheeafortunefromme。MessengerButyet，madam，——CLEOPATRAIdonotlike’Butyet，’itdoesallayThegoodprecedence；fieupon’Butyet’!
’Butyet’isasagaolertobringforthSomemonstrousmalefactor。Prithee，friend，Pouroutthepackofmattertomineear，Thegoodandbadtogether：he’sfriendswithCaesar：
Instateofhealththousay’st；andthousay’stfree。MessengerFree，madam!no；Imadenosuchreport：
He’sbounduntoOctavia。CLEOPATRAForwhatgoodturn？MessengerForthebestturni’thebed。CLEOPATRAIampale，Charmian。MessengerMadam，he’smarriedtoOctavia。CLEOPATRAThemostinfectiouspestilenceuponthee!
StrikeshimdownMessengerGoodmadam，patience。CLEOPATRAWhatsayyou？Hence，StrikeshimagainHorriblevillain!orI’llspurnthineeyesLikeballsbeforeme；I’llunhairthyhead：
ShehaleshimupanddownThoushaltbewhipp’dwithwire，andstew’dinbrine，Smartinginlingeringpickle。MessengerGraciousmadam，Ithatdobringthenewsmadenotthematch。CLEOPATRASay’tisnotso，aprovinceIwillgivethee，Andmakethyfortunesproud：theblowthouhadstShallmakethypeaceformovingmetorage；
AndIwillboottheewithwhatgiftbesideThymodestycanbeg。MessengerHe’smarried，madam。CLEOPATRARogue，thouhastlivedtoolong。
DrawsaknifeMessengerNay，thenI’llrun。
Whatmeanyou，madam？Ihavemadenofault。
ExitCHARMIANGoodmadam，keepyourselfwithinyourself：
Themanisinnocent。CLEOPATRASomeinnocents’scapenotthethunderbolt。
MeltEgyptintoNile!andkindlycreaturesTurnalltoserpents!Calltheslaveagain：
ThoughIammad，Iwillnotbitehim：call。CHARMIANHeisafeardtocome。CLEOPATRAIwillnothurthim。
ExitCHARMIAN
Thesehandsdolacknobility，thattheystrikeAmeanerthanmyself；sinceImyselfHavegivenmyselfthecause。
Re—enterCHARMIANandMessengerComehither，sir。
Thoughitbehonest，itisnevergoodTobringbadnews：givetoagraciousmessage。
Anhostoftongues；butletilltidingstellThemselveswhentheybefelt。MessengerIhavedonemyduty。CLEOPATRAIshemarried？
IcannothatetheeworserthanIdo，Ifthouagainsay’Yes。’MessengerHe’smarried，madam。CLEOPATRAThegodsconfoundthee!dostthouholdtherestill？MessengerShouldIlie，madam？CLEOPATRAO，Iwouldthoudidst，SohalfmyEgyptweresubmergedandmadeAcisternforscaledsnakes!Go，gettheehence：
HadstthouNarcissusinthyface，tomeThouwouldstappearmostugly。Heismarried？MessengerIcraveyourhighness’pardon。CLEOPATRAHeismarried？MessengerTakenooffencethatIwouldnotoffendyou：
Topunishmeforwhatyoumakemedo。
Seemsmuchunequal：he’smarriedtoOctavia。CLEOPATRAO，thathisfaultshouldmakeaknaveofthee，Thatartnotwhatthou’rtsureof!Gettheehence：
ThemerchandisewhichthouhastbroughtfromRomeArealltoodearforme：lietheyuponthyhand，Andbeundoneby’em!
ExitMessengerCHARMIANGoodyourhighness，patience。CLEOPATRAInpraisingAntony，IhavedispraisedCaesar。CHARMIANManytimes，madam。CLEOPATRAIampaidfor’tnow。
Leadmefromhence：
Ifaint：OIras，Charmian!’tisnomatter。
Gotothefellow，goodAlexas；bidhimReportthefeatureofOctavia，heryears，Herinclination，lethimnotleaveoutThecolourofherhair：bringmewordquickly。
ExitALEXAS
Lethimforevergo：——lethimnot——Charmian，ThoughhebepaintedonewaylikeaGorgon，Theotherway’saMars。BidyouAlexasToMARDIAN
Bringmewordhowtallsheis。Pityme，Charmian，Butdonotspeaktome。Leadmetomychamber。
ExeuntSCENEVI。NearMisenum。Flourish。EnterPOMPEYandMENASatonedoor，withdrumandtrumpet：atanother，OCTAVIUSCAESAR，MARKANTONY，LEPIDUS，DOMITIUS
ENOBARBUS，MECAENAS，withSoldiersmarchingPOMPEYYourhostagesIhave，sohaveyoumine；
Andweshalltalkbeforewefight。OCTAVIUSCAESARMostmeetThatfirstwecometowords；andthereforehaveweOurwrittenpurposesbeforeussent；
Which，ifthouhastconsider’d，letusknowIf’twilltieupthydiscontentedsword，AndcarrybacktoSicilymuchtallyouthThatelsemustperishhere。POMPEYToyouallthree，Thesenatorsaloneofthisgreatworld，Chieffactorsforthegods，IdonotknowWhereforemyfathershouldrevengerswant，Havingasonandfriends；sinceJuliusCaesar，WhoatPhilippithegoodBrutusghosted，Theresawyoulabouringforhim。Whatwas’tThatmovedpaleCassiustoconspire；andwhatMadetheall—honour’d，honestRoman，Brutus，Withthearm’drest，courtiersandbeauteousfreedom，TodrenchtheCapitol；butthattheywouldHaveonemanbutaman？AndthatisitHathmademerigmynavy；atwhoseburthenTheanger’doceanfoams；withwhichImeantToscourgetheingratitudethatdespitefulRomeCastonmynoblefather。OCTAVIUSCAESARTakeyourtime。MARKANTONYThoucanstnotfearus，Pompey，withthysails；
We’llspeakwiththeeatsea：atland，thouknow’stHowmuchwedoo’er—countthee。POMPEYAtland，indeed，Thoudosto’er—countmeofmyfather’shouse：
But，sincethecuckoobuildsnotforhimself，Remainin’tasthoumayst。LEPIDUSBepleasedtotellus——
Forthisisfromthepresent——howyoutakeTheofferswehavesentyou。OCTAVIUSCAESARThere’sthepoint。MARKANTONYWhichdonotbeentreatedto，butweighWhatitisworthembraced。OCTAVIUSCAESARAndwhatmayfollow，Totryalargerfortune。POMPEYYouhavemademeofferOfSicily，Sardinia；andImustRidalltheseaofpirates；then，tosendMeasuresofwheattoRome；this’greeduponTopartwithunhack’dedges，andbearbackOurtargesundinted。OCTAVIUSCAESARMARK
ANTONYLEPIDUSThat’souroffer。POMPEYKnow，then，IcamebeforeyouhereamanpreparedTotakethisoffer：butMarkAntonyPutmetosomeimpatience：thoughIloseThepraiseofitbytelling，youmustknow，WhenCaesarandyourbrotherwereatblows，YourmothercametoSicilyanddidfindHerwelcomefriendly。MARKANTONYIhaveheardit，Pompey；
AndamwellstudiedforaliberalthanksWhichIdooweyou。POMPEYLetmehaveyourhand：
Ididnotthink，sir，tohavemetyouhere。MARKANTONYThebedsi’theeastaresoft；andthankstoyou，Thatcall’dmetimelierthanmypurposehither；
ForIhavegain’dby’t。OCTAVIUSCAESARSinceIsawyoulast，Thereisachangeuponyou。POMPEYWell，IknownotWhatcountsharshfortunecastsuponmyface；
Butinmybosomshallshenevercome，Tomakemyhearthervassal。LEPIDUSWellmethere。POMPEYIhopeso，Lepidus。Thusweareagreed：
Icraveourcompositionmaybewritten，Andseal’dbetweenus。OCTAVIUSCAESARThat’sthenexttodo。POMPEYWe’llfeasteachothererewepart；andlet’sDrawlotswhoshallbegin。MARKANTONYThatwillI，Pompey。POMPEYNo，Antony，takethelot：but，firstOrlast，yourfineEgyptiancookeryShallhavethefame。IhaveheardthatJuliusCaesarGrewfatwithfeastingthere。MARKANTONYYouhaveheardmuch。POMPEYIhavefairmeanings，sir。MARKANTONYAndfairwordstothem。POMPEYThensomuchhaveIheard：
AndIhaveheard，Apollodoruscarried——DOMITIUSENOBARBUSNomoreofthat：hedidso。POMPEYWhat，Iprayyou？DOMITIUSENOBARBUSAcertainqueentoCaesarinamattress。POMPEYIknowtheenow：howfarestthou，soldier？DOMITIUSENOBARBUSWell；
Andwellamliketodo；for，Iperceive，Fourfeastsaretoward。POMPEYLetmeshakethyhand；
Ineverhatedthee：Ihaveseentheefight，WhenIhaveenviedthybehavior。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSSir，Ineverlovedyoumuch；butIha’praisedye，WhenyouhavewelldeservedtentimesasmuchAsIhavesaidyoudid。POMPEYEnjoythyplainness，Itnothingillbecomesthee。
AboardmygalleyIinviteyouall：
Willyoulead，lords？OCTAVIUSCAESARMARK
ANTONYLEPIDUSShowustheway，sir。POMPEYCome。
ExeuntallbutMENASandENOBARBUSMENAS[Aside]Thyfather，Pompey，wouldne’erhavemadethistreaty。——YouandIhaveknown，sir。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSAtsea，Ithink。MENASWehave，sir。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSYouhavedonewellbywater。MENASAndyoubyland。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSIwillpraiseanymanthatwillpraiseme；thoughitcannotbedeniedwhatIhavedonebyland。MENASNorwhatIhavedonebywater。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSYes，somethingyoucandenyforyourownsafety：youhavebeenagreatthiefbysea。MENASAndyoubyland。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSThereIdenymylandservice。Butgivemeyourhand，Menas：ifoureyeshadauthority，heretheymighttaketwothieveskissing。MENASAllmen’sfacesaretrue，whatsome’ertheirhandsare。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSButthereisneverafairwomanhasatrueface。MENASNoslander；theystealhearts。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSWecamehithertofightwithyou。MENASFormypart，Iamsorryitisturnedtoadrinking。
Pompeydoththisdaylaughawayhisfortune。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSIfhedo，sure，hecannotweep’tbackagain。MENASYou’vesaid，sir。WelookednotforMarkAntonyhere：prayyou，ishemarriedtoCleopatra？DOMITIUSENOBARBUSCaesar’ssisteriscalledOctavia。MENASTrue，sir；shewasthewifeofCaiusMarcellus。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSButsheisnowthewifeofMarcusAntonius。MENASPrayye，sir？DOMITIUSENOBARBUS’Tistrue。MENASThenisCaesarandheforeverknittogether。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSIfIwereboundtodivineofthisunity，Iwouldnotprophesyso。MENASIthinkthepolicyofthatpurposemademoreinthemarriagethantheloveoftheparties。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSIthinksotoo。Butyoushallfind，thebandthatseemstotietheirfriendshiptogetherwillbetheverystrangleroftheiramity：Octaviaisofaholy，cold，andstillconversation。MENASWhowouldnothavehiswifeso？DOMITIUSENOBARBUSNothethathimselfisnotso；whichisMarkAntony。
HewilltohisEgyptiandishagain：thenshallthesighsofOctaviablowthefireupinCaesar；
and，asIsaidbefore，thatwhichisthestrengthoftheiramityshallprovetheimmediateauthoroftheirvariance。Antonywillusehisaffectionwhereitis：
hemarriedbuthisoccasionhere。MENASAndthusitmaybe。Come，sir，willyouaboard？
Ihaveahealthforyou。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSIshalltakeit，sir：wehaveusedourthroatsinEgypt。MENASCome，let’saway。
ExeuntSCENEVII。OnboardPOMPEY’sgalley，offMisenum。Musicplays。EntertwoorthreeServantswithabanquetFirstServantHerethey’llbe，man。Someo’theirplantsareill—rootedalready：theleastwindi’theworldwillblowthemdown。SecondServantLepidusishigh—coloured。FirstServantTheyhavemadehimdrinkalms—drink。SecondServantAstheypinchoneanotherbythedisposition，hecriesout’Nomore；’reconcilesthemtohisentreaty，andhimselftothedrink。FirstServantButitraisesthegreaterwarbetweenhimandhisdiscretion。SecondServantWhy，thisistohaveanameingreatmen’sfellowship：IhadasliefhaveareedthatwilldomenoserviceasapartisanIcouldnotheave。FirstServantTobecalledintoahugesphere，andnottobeseentomovein’t，aretheholeswhereeyesshouldbe，whichpitifullydisasterthecheeks。
Asennetsounded。EnterOCTAVIUSCAESAR，MARKANTONY，LEPIDUS，POMPEY，AGRIPPA，MECAENAS，DOMITIUSENOBARBUS，MENAS，withothercaptainsMARKANTONY[ToOCTAVIUSCAESAR]Thusdothey，sir：
theytaketheflowo’theNileBycertainscalesi’thepyramid；theyknow，Bytheheight，thelowness，orthemean，ifdearthOrfoisonfollow：thehigherNilusswells，Themoreitpromises：asitebbs，theseedsmanUpontheslimeandoozescattershisgrain，Andshortlycomestoharvest。LEPIDUSYou’vestrangeserpentsthere。MARKANTONYAy，Lepidus。LEPIDUSYourserpentofEgyptisbrednowofyourmudbytheoperationofyoursun：soisyourcrocodile。MARKANTONYTheyareso。POMPEYSit，——andsomewine!AhealthtoLepidus!LEPIDUSIamnotsowellasIshouldbe，butI’llne’erout。DOMITIUSENOBARBUSNottillyouhaveslept；Ifearmeyou’llbeintillthen。LEPIDUSNay，certainly，IhaveheardthePtolemies’
pyramisesareverygoodlythings；withoutcontradiction，Ihaveheardthat。MENAS[AsidetoPOMPEY]Pompey，aword。POMPEY[AsidetoMENAS]Sayinmineear：
whatis’t？MENAS[AsidetoPOMPEY]Forsakethyseat，I
dobeseechthee，captain，Andhearmespeakaword。POMPEY[AsidetoMENAS]Forbearmetillanon。
ThiswineforLepidus!LEPIDUSWhatmannero’thingisyourcrocodile？MARKANTONYItisshaped，sir，likeitself；anditisasbroadasithathbreadth：itisjustsohighasitis，andmoveswithitsownorgans：itlivesbythatwhichnourishethit；andtheelementsonceoutofit，ittransmigrates。LEPIDUSWhatcolourisitof？MARKANTONYOfitowncolourtoo。LEPIDUS’Tisastrangeserpent。MARKANTONY’Tisso。Andthetearsofitarewet。OCTAVIUSCAESARWillthisdescriptionsatisfyhim？MARKANTONYWiththehealththatPompeygiveshim，elseheisaveryepicure。POMPEY[AsidetoMENAS]Gohang，sir，hang!Tellmeofthat？away!
DoasIbidyou。Where’sthiscupIcall’dfor？MENAS[AsidetoPOMPEY]Ifforthesakeofmeritthouwilthearme，Risefromthystool。POMPEY[AsidetoMENAS]Ithinkthou’rtmad。
Thematter？
Rises，andwalksasideMENASIhaveeverheldmycapofftothyfortunes。POMPEYThouhastservedmewithmuchfaith。What’selsetosay？
Bejolly，lords。MARKANTONYThesequick—sands，Lepidus，Keepoffthem，foryousink。MENASWiltthoubelordofalltheworld？POMPEYWhatsay’stthou？MENASWiltthoubelordofthewholeworld？
That’stwice。POMPEYHowshouldthatbe？MENASButentertainit，And，thoughthouthinkmepoor，IamthemanWillgivetheealltheworld。POMPEYHastthoudrunkwell？MENASNow，Pompey，Ihavekeptmefromthecup。
Thouart，ifthoudarestbe，theearthlyJove：
Whate’ertheoceanpales，orskyinclips，Isthine，ifthouwiltha’t。POMPEYShowmewhichway。MENASThesethreeworld—sharers，thesecompetitors，Areinthyvessel：letmecutthecable；
And，whenweareputoff，falltotheirthroats：
Allthereisthine。POMPEYAh，thisthoushouldsthavedone，Andnothavespokeon’t!Inme’tisvillany；
Inthee’thadbeengoodservice。Thoumustknow，’Tisnotmyprofitthatdoesleadminehonour；
