Act I, Scene 1
Alexandria. A room in CLEOPATRA’s palace.
[Enter DEMETRIUS and PHILO]
Philo. Nay, but this dotage of our general's
O'erflows the measure: those his goodly eyes,
That o'er the files and musters of the war
Have glow'd like plated Mars, now bend, now turn, 5
The office and devotion of their view
Upon a tawny front: his captain's heart,
Which in the scuffles of great fights hath burst
The buckles on his breast, reneges all temper,
And is become the bellows and the fan 10
To cool a gipsy's lust.
[Flourish. Enter ANTONY, CLEOPATRA, her Ladies,]
the Train, with Eunuchs fanning her]
Look, where they come:
Take but good note, and you shall see in him. 15
The triple pillar of the world transform'd
Into a strumpet's fool: behold and see.
Cleopatra. If it be love indeed, tell me how much.
Antony. There's beggary in the love that can be reckon'd.
Cleopatra. I'll set a bourn how far to be beloved. 20Antony. Then must thou needs find out new heaven, new earth.
[Enter an Attendant]
Attendant. News, my good lord, from Rome.
Antony. Grates me: the sum.
Cleopatra. Nay, hear them, Antony: 25
Fulvia perchance is angry; or, who knows
If the scarce-bearded Caesar have not sent
His powerful mandate to you, 'Do this, or this;
Take in that kingdom, and enfranchise that;
Perform 't, or else we damn thee.' 30Antony. How, my love!
Cleopatra. Perchance! nay, and most like:
You must not stay here longer, your dismission
Is come from Caesar; therefore hear it, Antony.
Where's Fulvia's process? Caesar's I would say? both? 35
Call in the messengers. As I am Egypt's queen,
Thou blushest, Antony; and that blood of thine
Is Caesar's homager: else so thy cheek pays shame
When shrill-tongued Fulvia scolds. The messengers!
Antony. Let Rome in Tiber melt, and the wide arch 40
Of the ranged empire fall! Here is my space.
Kingdoms are clay: our dungy earth alike
Feeds beast as man: the nobleness of life
Is to do thus; when such a mutual pair
[Embracing] 45
And such a twain can do't, in which I bind,
On pain of punishment, the world to weet
We stand up peerless.
Cleopatra. Excellent falsehood!
Why did he marry Fulvia, and not love her? 50
I'll seem the fool I am not; Antony
Will be himself.
Antony. But stirr'd by Cleopatra.
Now, for the love of Love and her soft hours,
Let's not confound the time with conference harsh: 55
There's not a minute of our lives should stretch
Without some pleasure now. What sport tonight?
Cleopatra. Hear the ambassadors.
Antony. Fie, wrangling queen!
Whom every thing becomes, to chide, to laugh, 60
To weep; whose every passion fully strives
To make itself, in thee, fair and admired!
No messenger, but thine; and all alone
To-night we'll wander through the streets and note
The qualities of people. Come, my queen; 65
Last night you did desire it: speak not to us.
[Exeunt MARK ANTONY and CLEOPATRA with]
their train]
Demetrius. Is Caesar with Antonius prized so slight?
Philo. Sir, sometimes, when he is not Antony, 70
He comes too short of that great property
Which still should go with Antony.
Demetrius. I am full sorry
That he approves the common liar, who
Thus speaks of him at Rome: but I will hope 75
Of better deeds to-morrow. Rest you happy!
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act I, Scene 2
The same. Another room.
[Enter CHARMIAN, IRAS, ALEXAS, and a Soothsayer]
Charmian. Lord Alexas, sweet Alexas, most any thing Alexas,
almost most absolute Alexas, where's the soothsayer 80
that you praised so to the queen? O, that I knew
this husband, which, you say, must charge his horns
with garlands!
Alexas. Soothsayer!
Soothsayer. Your will? 85Charmian. Is this the man? Is't you, sir, that know things?
Soothsayer. In nature's infinite book of secrecy
A little I can read.
Alexas. Show him your hand.
[Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]
Domitius Enobarus. Bring in the banquet quickly; wine enough
Cleopatra's health to drink.
Charmian. Good sir, give me good fortune.
Soothsayer. I make not, but foresee.
Charmian. Pray, then, foresee me one. 95Soothsayer. You shall be yet far fairer than you are.
Charmian. He means in flesh.
Iras. No, you shall paint when you are old.
Charmian. Wrinkles forbid!
Alexas. Vex not his prescience; be attentive. 100Charmian. Hush!
Soothsayer. You shall be more beloving than beloved.
Charmian. I had rather heat my liver with drinking.
Alexas. Nay, hear him.
Charmian. Good now, some excellent fortune! Let me be married 105
to three kings in a forenoon, and widow them all:
let me have a child at fifty, to whom Herod of Jewry
may do homage: find me to marry me with Octavius
Caesar, and companion me with my mistress.
Soothsayer. You shall outlive the lady whom you serve. 110Charmian. O excellent! I love long life better than figs.
Soothsayer. You have seen and proved a fairer former fortune
Than that which is to approach.
Charmian. Then belike my children shall have no names:
prithee, how many boys and wenches must I have? 115Soothsayer. If every of your wishes had a womb.
And fertile every wish, a million.
Charmian. Out, fool! I forgive thee for a witch.
Alexas. You think none but your sheets are privy to your wishes.
Charmian. Nay, come, tell Iras hers. 120Alexas. We'll know all our fortunes.
Domitius Enobarus. Mine, and most of our fortunes, to-night, shall
be—drunk to bed.
Iras. There's a palm presages chastity, if nothing else.
Charmian. E'en as the o'erflowing Nilus presageth famine. 125Iras. Go, you wild bedfellow, you cannot soothsay.
Charmian. Nay, if an oily palm be not a fruitful
prognostication, I cannot scratch mine ear. Prithee,
tell her but a worky-day fortune.
Soothsayer. Your fortunes are alike. 130Iras. But how, but how? give me particulars.
Soothsayer. I have said.
Iras. Am I not an inch of fortune better than she?
Charmian. Well, if you were but an inch of fortune better than
I, where would you choose it? 135Iras. Not in my husband's nose.
Charmian. Our worser thoughts heavens mend! Alexas,—come,
his fortune, his fortune! O, let him marry a woman
that cannot go, sweet Isis, I beseech thee! and let
her die too, and give him a worse! and let worst 140
follow worse, till the worst of all follow him
laughing to his grave, fifty-fold a cuckold! Good
Isis, hear me this prayer, though thou deny me a
matter of more weight; good Isis, I beseech thee!
Iras. Amen. Dear goddess, hear that prayer of the people! 145
for, as it is a heartbreaking to see a handsome man
loose-wived, so it is a deadly sorrow to behold a
foul knave uncuckolded: therefore, dear Isis, keep
decorum, and fortune him accordingly!
Charmian. Amen. 150Alexas. Lo, now, if it lay in their hands to make me a
cuckold, they would make themselves whores, but
they'ld do't!
Domitius Enobarus. Hush! here comes Antony.
Charmian. Not he; the queen. 155[Enter CLEOPATRA]
Cleopatra. Saw you my lord?
Domitius Enobarus. No, lady.
Cleopatra. Was he not here?
Charmian. No, madam. 160Cleopatra. He was disposed to mirth; but on the sudden
A Roman thought hath struck him. Enobarbus!
Domitius Enobarus. Madam?
Cleopatra. Seek him, and bring him hither.
Where's Alexas? 165Alexas. Here, at your service. My lord approaches.
Cleopatra. We will not look upon him: go with us.
[Exeunt]
[Enter MARK ANTONY with a Messenger and Attendants]
Messenger. Fulvia thy wife first came into the field. 170Antony. Against my brother Lucius?
Messenger. Ay:
But soon that war had end, and the time's state
Made friends of them, joining their force 'gainst Caesar;
Whose better issue in the war, from Italy, 175
Upon the first encounter, drave them.
Antony. Well, what worst?
Messenger. The nature of bad news infects the teller.
Antony. When it concerns the fool or coward. On:
Things that are past are done with me. 'Tis thus: 180
Who tells me true, though in his tale lie death,
I hear him as he flatter'd.
Messenger. Labienus—
This is stiff news—hath, with his Parthian force,
Extended Asia from Euphrates; 185
His conquering banner shook from Syria
To Lydia and to Ionia; Whilst—
Antony. Antony, thou wouldst say,—
Messenger. O, my lord!
Antony. Speak to me home, mince not the general tongue: 190
Name Cleopatra as she is call'd in Rome;
Rail thou in Fulvia's phrase; and taunt my faults
With such full licence as both truth and malice
Have power to utter. O, then we bring forth weeds,
When our quick minds lie still; and our ills told us 195
Is as our earing. Fare thee well awhile.
Messenger. At your noble pleasure.
[Exit]
Antony. From Sicyon, ho, the news! Speak there!
First Attendant. The man from Sicyon,—is there such an one? 200Second Attendant. He stays upon your will.
Antony. Let him appear.
These strong Egyptian fetters I must break,
Or lose myself in dotage.
[Enter another Messenger] 205
What are you?
Second Messenger. Fulvia thy wife is dead.
Antony. Where died she?
Second Messenger. In Sicyon:
Her length of sickness, with what else more serious 210
Importeth thee to know, this bears.
[Gives a letter]
Antony. Forbear me.
[Exit Second Messenger]
There's a great spirit gone! Thus did I desire it: 215
What our contempt doth often hurl from us,
We wish it ours again; the present pleasure,
By revolution lowering, does become
The opposite of itself: she's good, being gone;
The hand could pluck her back that shoved her on. 220
I must from this enchanting queen break off:
Ten thousand harms, more than the ills I know,
My idleness doth hatch. How now! Enobarbus!
[Re-enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]
Domitius Enobarus. What's your pleasure, sir? 225Antony. I must with haste from hence.
Domitius Enobarus. Why, then, we kill all our women:
we see how mortal an unkindness is to them;
if they suffer our departure, death's the word.
Antony. I must be gone. 230Domitius Enobarus. Under a compelling occasion, let women die; it were
pity to cast them away for nothing; though, between
them and a great cause, they should be esteemed
nothing. Cleopatra, catching but the least noise of
this, dies instantly; I have seen her die twenty 235
times upon far poorer moment: I do think there is
mettle in death, which commits some loving act upon
her, she hath such a celerity in dying.
Antony. She is cunning past man's thought.
[Exit ALEXAS]
Domitius Enobarus. Alack, sir, no; her passions are made of nothing but
the finest part of pure love: we cannot call her
winds and waters sighs and tears; they are greater
storms and tempests than almanacs can report: this
cannot be cunning in her; if it be, she makes a 245
shower of rain as well as Jove.
Antony. Would I had never seen her.
Domitius Enobarus. O, sir, you had then left unseen a wonderful piece
of work; which not to have been blest withal would
have discredited your travel. 250Antony. Fulvia is dead.
Domitius Enobarus. Sir?
Antony. Fulvia is dead.
Domitius Enobarus. Fulvia!
Antony. Dead. 255Domitius Enobarus. Why, sir, give the gods a thankful sacrifice. When
it pleaseth their deities to take the wife of a man
from him, it shows to man the tailors of the earth;
comforting therein, that when old robes are worn
out, there are members to make new. If there were 260
no more women but Fulvia, then had you indeed a cut,
and the case to be lamented: this grief is crowned
with consolation; your old smock brings forth a new
petticoat: and indeed the tears live in an onion
that should water this sorrow. 265Antony. The business she hath broached in the state
Cannot endure my absence.
Domitius Enobarus. And the business you have broached here cannot be
without you; especially that of Cleopatra's, which
wholly depends on your abode. 270Antony. No more light answers. Let our officers
Have notice what we purpose. I shall break
The cause of our expedience to the queen,
And get her leave to part. For not alone
The death of Fulvia, with more urgent touches, 275
Do strongly speak to us; but the letters too
Of many our contriving friends in Rome
Petition us at home: Sextus Pompeius
Hath given the dare to Caesar, and commands
The empire of the sea: our slippery people, 280
Whose love is never link'd to the deserver
Till his deserts are past, begin to throw
Pompey the Great and all his dignities
Upon his son; who, high in name and power,
Higher than both in blood and life, stands up 285
For the main soldier: whose quality, going on,
The sides o' the world may danger: much is breeding,
Which, like the courser's hair, hath yet but life,
And not a serpent's poison. Say, our pleasure,
To such whose place is under us, requires 290
Our quick remove from hence.
Domitius Enobarus. I shall do't.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act I, Scene 3
The same. Another room.
[Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and ALEXAS]
Cleopatra. Where is he? 295Charmian. I did not see him since.
Cleopatra. See where he is, who's with him, what he does:
I did not send you: if you find him sad,
Say I am dancing; if in mirth, report
That I am sudden sick: quick, and return. 300[Exit ALEXAS]
Charmian. Madam, methinks, if you did love him dearly,
You do not hold the method to enforce
The like from him.
Cleopatra. What should I do, I do not? 305Charmian. In each thing give him way, cross him nothing.
Cleopatra. Thou teachest like a fool; the way to lose him.
Charmian. Tempt him not so too far; I wish, forbear:
In time we hate that which we often fear.
But here comes Antony. 310[Enter MARK ANTONY]
Cleopatra. I am sick and sullen.
Antony. I am sorry to give breathing to my purpose,—
Cleopatra. Help me away, dear Charmian; I shall fall:
It cannot be thus long, the sides of nature 315
Will not sustain it.
Antony. Now, my dearest queen,—
Cleopatra. Pray you, stand further from me.
Antony. What's the matter?
Cleopatra. I know, by that same eye, there's some good news. 320
What says the married woman? 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.
Antony. The gods best know,— 325Cleopatra. O, never was there queen
So mightily betray'd! yet at the first
I saw the treasons planted.
Antony. Cleopatra,—
Cleopatra. Why should I think you can be mine and true, 330
Though you in swearing shake the throned gods,
Who have been false to Fulvia? Riotous madness,
To be entangled with those mouth-made vows,
Which break themselves in swearing!
Antony. Most sweet queen,— 335Cleopatra. Nay, pray you, seek no colour for your going,
But bid farewell, and go: when you sued staying,
Then was the time for words: no going then;
Eternity was in our lips and eyes,
Bliss in our brows' bent; none our parts so poor, 340
But was a race of heaven: they are so still,
Or thou, the greatest soldier of the world,
Art turn'd the greatest liar.
Antony. How now, lady!
Cleopatra. I would I had thy inches; thou shouldst know 345
There were a heart in Egypt.
Antony. Hear me, queen:
The strong necessity of time commands
Our services awhile; but my full heart
Remains in use with you. Our Italy 350
Shines o'er with civil swords: Sextus Pompeius
Makes his approaches to the port of Rome:
Equality of two domestic powers
Breed scrupulous faction: the hated, grown to strength,
Are newly grown to love: the condemn'd Pompey, 355
Rich in his father's honour, creeps apace,
Into the hearts of such as have not thrived
Upon the present state, whose numbers threaten;
And quietness, grown sick of rest, would purge
By any desperate change: my more particular, 360
And that which most with you should safe my going,
Is Fulvia's death.
Cleopatra. Though age from folly could not give me freedom,
It does from childishness: can Fulvia die?
Antony. She's dead, my queen: 365
Look here, and at thy sovereign leisure read
The garboils she awaked; at the last, best:
See when and where she died.
Cleopatra. O most false love!
Where be the sacred vials thou shouldst fill 370
With sorrowful water? Now I see, I see,
In Fulvia's death, how mine received shall be.
Antony. Quarrel no more, but be prepared to know
The purposes I bear; which are, or cease,
As you shall give the advice. By the fire 375
That quickens Nilus' slime, I go from hence
Thy soldier, servant; making peace or war
As thou affect'st.
Cleopatra. Cut my lace, Charmian, come;
But let it be: I am quickly ill, and well, 380
So Antony loves.
Antony. My precious queen, forbear;
And give true evidence to his love, which stands
An honourable trial.
Cleopatra. So Fulvia told me. 385
I prithee, turn aside and weep for her,
Then bid adieu to me, and say the tears
Belong to Egypt: good now, play one scene
Of excellent dissembling; and let it look
Life perfect honour. 390Antony. You'll heat my blood: no more.
Cleopatra. You can do better yet; but this is meetly.
Antony. Now, by my sword,—
Cleopatra. And target. Still he mends;
But this is not the best. Look, prithee, Charmian, 395
How this Herculean Roman does become
The carriage of his chafe.
Antony. I'll leave you, lady.
Cleopatra. Courteous lord, one word.
Sir, you and I must part, but that's not it: 400
Sir, you and I have loved, but there's not it;
That you know well: something it is I would,
O, my oblivion is a very Antony,
And I am all forgotten.
Antony. But that your royalty 405
Holds idleness your subject, I should take you
For idleness itself.
Cleopatra. 'Tis sweating labour
To bear such idleness so near the heart
As Cleopatra this. But, sir, forgive me; 410
Since my becomings kill me, when they do not
Eye 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 laurel victory! and smooth success 415
Be strew'd before your feet!
Antony. Let us go. Come;
Our separation so abides, and flies,
That thou, residing here, go'st yet with me,
And I, hence fleeting, here remain with thee. Away! 420[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act I, Scene 4
Rome. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s house.
[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, reading a letter, LEPIDUS,] [p]and their Train]
Octavius. You may see, Lepidus, and henceforth know,
It is not Caesar's natural vice to hate 425
Our great competitor: from Alexandria
This is the news: he fishes, drinks, and wastes
The lamps of night in revel; is not more man-like
Than Cleopatra; nor the queen of Ptolemy
More womanly than he; hardly gave audience, or 430
Vouchsafed to think he had partners: you shall find there
A man who is the abstract of all faults
That all men follow.
Lepidus. I must not think there are
Evils enow to darken all his goodness: 435
His faults in him seem as the spots of heaven,
More fiery by night's blackness; hereditary,
Rather than purchased; what he cannot change,
Than what he chooses.
Octavius. You are too indulgent. Let us grant, it is not 440
Amiss to tumble on the bed of Ptolemy;
To give a kingdom for a mirth; to sit
And keep the turn of tippling with a slave;
To reel the streets at noon, and stand the buffet
With knaves that smell of sweat: say this 445
becomes him,—
As his composure must be rare indeed
Whom these things cannot blemish,—yet must Antony
No way excuse his soils, when we do bear
So great weight in his lightness. If he fill'd 450
His vacancy with his voluptuousness,
Full surfeits, and the dryness of his bones,
Call on him for't: but to confound such time,
That drums him from his sport, and speaks as loud
As his own state and ours,—'tis to be chid 455
As we rate boys, who, being mature in knowledge,
Pawn their experience to their present pleasure,
And so rebel to judgment.
[Enter a Messenger]
Lepidus. Here's more news. 460Messenger. Thy biddings have been done; and every hour,
Most noble Caesar, shalt thou have report
How 'tis abroad. Pompey is strong at sea;
And it appears he is beloved of those
That only have fear'd Caesar: to the ports 465
The discontents repair, and men's reports
Give him much wrong'd.
Octavius. I should have known no less.
It hath been taught us from the primal state,
That he which is was wish'd until he were; 470
And the ebb'd man, ne'er loved till ne'er worth love,
Comes dear'd by being lack'd. This common body,
Like to a vagabond flag upon the stream,
Goes to and back, lackeying the varying tide,
To rot itself with motion. 475Messenger. Caesar, I bring thee word,
Menecrates and Menas, famous pirates,
Make the sea serve them, which they ear and wound
With keels of every kind: many hot inroads
They make in Italy; the borders maritime 480
Lack blood to think on't, and flush youth revolt:
No vessel can peep forth, but 'tis as soon
Taken as seen; for Pompey's name strikes more
Than could his war resisted.
Octavius. Antony, 485
Leave thy lascivious wassails. When thou once
Wast beaten from Modena, where thou slew'st
Hirtius and Pansa, consuls, at thy heel
Did famine follow; whom thou fought'st against,
Though daintily brought up, with patience more 490
Than savages could suffer: thou didst drink
The stale of horses, and the gilded puddle
Which beasts would cough at: thy palate then did deign
The roughest berry on the rudest hedge;
Yea, like the stag, when snow the pasture sheets, 495
The barks of trees thou browsed'st; 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—
Was borne so like a soldier, that thy cheek 500
So much as lank'd not.
Lepidus. 'Tis pity of him.
Octavius. Let his shames quickly
Drive him to Rome: 'tis time we twain
Did show ourselves i' the field; and to that end 505
Assemble we immediate council: Pompey
Thrives in our idleness.
Lepidus. To-morrow, Caesar,
I shall be furnish'd to inform you rightly
Both what by sea and land I can be able 510
To front this present time.
Octavius. Till which encounter,
It is my business too. Farewell.
Lepidus. Farewell, my lord: what you shall know meantime
Of stirs abroad, I shall beseech you, sir, 515
To let me be partaker.
Octavius. Doubt not, sir;
I knew it for my bond.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act I, Scene 5
Alexandria. CLEOPATRA’s palace.
[Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and MARDIAN]
Cleopatra. Charmian!
Charmian. Madam?
Cleopatra. Ha, ha!
Give me to drink mandragora.
Charmian. Why, madam? 525Cleopatra. That I might sleep out this great gap of time
My Antony is away.
Charmian. You think of him too much.
Cleopatra. O, 'tis treason!
Charmian. Madam, I trust, not so. 530Cleopatra. Thou, eunuch Mardian!
Mardian. What's your highness' pleasure?
Cleopatra. Not now to hear thee sing; I take no pleasure
In aught an eunuch has: 'tis well for thee,
That, being unseminar'd, thy freer thoughts 535
May not fly forth of Egypt. Hast thou affections?
Mardian. Yes, gracious madam.
Cleopatra. Indeed!
Mardian. Not in deed, madam; for I can do nothing
But what indeed is honest to be done: 540
Yet have I fierce affections, and think
What Venus did with Mars.
Cleopatra. O Charmian,
Where think'st thou he is now? Stands he, or sits he?
Or does he walk? or is he on his horse? 545
O happy horse, to bear the weight of Antony!
Do bravely, horse! for wot'st thou whom thou movest?
The demi-Atlas of this earth, the arm
And burgonet of men. He's speaking now,
Or murmuring 'Where's my serpent of old Nile?' 550
For so he calls me: now I feed myself
With most delicious poison. Think on me,
That am with Phoebus' amorous pinches black,
And wrinkled deep in time? Broad-fronted Caesar,
When thou wast here above the ground, I was 555
A morsel for a monarch: and great Pompey
Would stand and make his eyes grow in my brow;
There would he anchor his aspect and die
With looking on his life.
[Enter ALEXAS, from OCTAVIUS CAESAR]
Alexas. Sovereign of Egypt, hail!
Cleopatra. How much unlike art thou Mark Antony!
Yet, coming from him, that great medicine hath
With his tinct gilded thee.
How goes it with my brave Mark Antony? 565Alexas. Last thing he did, dear queen,
He kiss'd,—the last of many doubled kisses,—
This orient pearl. His speech sticks in my heart.
Cleopatra. Mine ear must pluck it thence.
Alexas. 'Good friend,' quoth he, 570
'Say, the firm Roman to great Egypt sends
This treasure of an oyster; at whose foot,
To mend the petty present, I will piece
Her opulent throne with kingdoms; all the east,
Say thou, shall call her mistress.' So he nodded, 575
And soberly did mount an arm-gaunt steed,
Who neigh'd so high, that what I would have spoke
Was beastly dumb'd by him.
Cleopatra. What, was he sad or merry?
Alexas. Like to the time o' the year between the extremes 580
Of hot and cold, he was nor sad nor merry.
Cleopatra. O well-divided disposition! Note him,
Note him good Charmian, 'tis the man; but note him:
He was not sad, for he would shine on those
That make their looks by his; he was not merry, 585
Which seem'd to tell them his remembrance lay
In Egypt with his joy; but between both:
O heavenly mingle! Be'st thou sad or merry,
The violence of either thee becomes,
So does it no man else. Met'st thou my posts? 590Alexas. Ay, madam, twenty several messengers:
Why do you send so thick?
Cleopatra. Who's born that day
When I forget to send to Antony,
Shall die a beggar. Ink and paper, Charmian. 595
Welcome, my good Alexas. Did I, Charmian,
Ever love Caesar so?
Charmian. O that brave Caesar!
Cleopatra. Be choked with such another emphasis!
Say, the brave Antony. 600Charmian. The valiant Caesar!
Cleopatra. By Isis, I will give thee bloody teeth,
If thou with Caesar paragon again
My man of men.
Charmian. By your most gracious pardon, 605
I sing but after you.
Cleopatra. My salad days,
When I was green in judgment: cold in blood,
To say as I said then! But, come, away;
Get me ink and paper: 610
He shall have every day a several greeting,
Or I'll unpeople Egypt.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act II, Scene 1
Messina. POMPEY’s house.
[Enter POMPEY, MENECRATES, and MENAS, in] [p]warlike manner]
Pompey. If the great gods be just, they shall assist
The deeds of justest men.
Menecrates. Know, worthy Pompey,
That what they do delay, they not deny.
Pompey. Whiles we are suitors to their throne, decays 620
The thing we sue for.
Menecrates. We, ignorant of ourselves,
Beg often our own harms, which the wise powers
Deny us for our good; so find we profit
By losing of our prayers. 625Pompey. I shall do well:
The people love me, and the sea is mine;
My powers are crescent, and my auguring hope
Says it will come to the full. Mark Antony
In Egypt sits at dinner, and will make 630
No wars without doors: Caesar gets money where
He loses hearts: Lepidus flatters both,
Of both is flatter'd; but he neither loves,
Nor either cares for him.
Menas. Caesar and Lepidus 635
Are in the field: a mighty strength they carry.
Pompey. Where have you this? 'tis false.
Menas. From Silvius, sir.
Pompey. He dreams: I know they are in Rome together,
Looking for Antony. But all the charms of love, 640
Salt 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; Epicurean cooks
Sharpen with cloyless sauce his appetite; 645
That sleep and feeding may prorogue his honour
Even till a Lethe'd dulness!
[Enter VARRIUS]
How now, Varrius!
Varrius. This is most certain that I shall deliver: 650
Mark Antony is every hour in Rome
Expected: since he went from Egypt 'tis
A space for further travel.
Pompey. I could have given less matter
A better ear. Menas, I did not think 655
This amorous surfeiter would have donn'd his helm
For such a petty war: his soldiership
Is twice the other twain: but let us rear
The higher our opinion, that our stirring
Can from the lap of Egypt's widow pluck 660
The ne'er-lust-wearied Antony.
Menas. I cannot hope
Caesar and Antony shall well greet together:
His wife that's dead did trespasses to Caesar;
His brother warr'd upon him; although, I think, 665
Not moved by Antony.
Pompey. I know not, Menas,
How lesser enmities may give way to greater.
Were't not that we stand up against them all,
'Twere pregnant they should square between 670
themselves;
For they have entertained cause enough
To draw their swords: but how the fear of us
May cement their divisions and bind up
The petty difference, we yet not know. 675
Be't as our gods will have't! It only stands
Our lives upon to use our strongest hands.
Come, Menas.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act II, Scene 2
Rome. The house of LEPIDUS.
[Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS and LEPIDUS]
Lepidus. Good Enobarbus, 'tis a worthy deed,
And shall become you well, to entreat your captain
To soft and gentle speech.
Domitius Enobarus. I shall entreat him
To answer like himself: if Caesar move him, 685
Let Antony look over Caesar's head
And speak as loud as Mars. By Jupiter,
Were I the wearer of Antonius' beard,
I would not shave't to-day.
Lepidus. 'Tis not a time 690
For private stomaching.
Domitius Enobarus. Every time
Serves for the matter that is then born in't.
Lepidus. But small to greater matters must give way.
Domitius Enobarus. Not if the small come first. 695Lepidus. Your speech is passion:
But, pray you, stir no embers up. Here comes
The noble Antony.
[Enter MARK ANTONY and VENTIDIUS]
Domitius Enobarus. And yonder, Caesar. 700[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, MECAENAS, and AGRIPPA]
Antony. If we compose well here, to Parthia:
Hark, Ventidius.
Octavius. I do not know,
Mecaenas; ask Agrippa. 705Lepidus. Noble friends,
That which combined us was most great, and let not
A leaner action rend us. What's amiss,
May it be gently heard: when we debate
Our trivial difference loud, we do commit 710
Murder in healing wounds: then, noble partners,
The rather, for I earnestly beseech,
Touch you the sourest points with sweetest terms,
Nor curstness grow to the matter.
Antony. 'Tis spoken well. 715
Were we before our armies, and to fight.
I should do thus.
[Flourish]
Octavius. Welcome to Rome.
Antony. Thank you. 720Octavius. Sit.
Antony. Sit, sir.
Octavius. Nay, then.
Antony. I learn, you take things ill which are not so,
Or being, concern you not. 725Octavius. I must be laugh'd at,
If, or for nothing or a little, I
Should say myself offended, and with you
Chiefly i' the world; more laugh'd at, that I should
Once name you derogately, when to sound your name 730
It not concern'd me.
Antony. My being in Egypt, Caesar,
What was't to you?
Octavius. No more than my residing here at Rome
Might be to you in Egypt: yet, if you there 735
Did practise on my state, your being in Egypt
Might be my question.
Antony. How intend you, practised?
Octavius. You may be pleased to catch at mine intent
By what did here befal me. Your wife and brother 740
Made wars upon me; and their contestation
Was theme for you, you were the word of war.
Antony. You do mistake your business; my brother never
Did urge me in his act: I did inquire it;
And have my learning from some true reports, 745
That drew their swords with you. Did he not rather
Discredit my authority with yours;
And make the wars alike against my stomach,
Having alike your cause? Of this my letters
Before did satisfy you. If you'll patch a quarrel, 750
As matter whole you have not to make it with,
It must not be with this.
Octavius. You praise yourself
By laying defects of judgment to me; but
You patch'd up your excuses. 755Antony. Not so, not so;
I know you could not lack, I am certain on't,
Very necessity of this thought, that I,
Your partner in the cause 'gainst which he fought,
Could not with graceful eyes attend those wars 760
Which fronted mine own peace. As for my wife,
I would you had her spirit in such another:
The third o' the world is yours; which with a snaffle
You may pace easy, but not such a wife.
Domitius Enobarus. Would we had all such wives, that the men might go 765
to wars with the women!
Antony. So much uncurbable, her garboils, Caesar
Made out of her impatience, which not wanted
Shrewdness of policy too, I grieving grant
Did you too much disquiet: for that you must 770
But say, I could not help it.
Octavius. I wrote to you
When rioting in Alexandria; you
Did pocket up my letters, and with taunts
Did gibe my missive out of audience. 775Antony. Sir,
He fell upon me ere admitted: then
Three kings I had newly feasted, and did want
Of what I was i' the morning: but next day
I told him of myself; which was as much 780
As to have ask'd him pardon. Let this fellow
Be nothing of our strife; if we contend,
Out of our question wipe him.
Octavius. You have broken
The article of your oath; which you shall never 785
Have tongue to charge me with.
Lepidus. Soft, Caesar!
Antony. No,
Lepidus, let him speak:
The honour is sacred which he talks on now, 790
Supposing that I lack'd it. But, on, Caesar;
The article of my oath.
Octavius. To lend me arms and aid when I required them;
The which you both denied.
Antony. Neglected, rather; 795
And then when poison'd hours had bound me up
From mine own knowledge. As nearly as I may,
I'll play the penitent to you: but mine honesty
Shall not make poor my greatness, nor my power
Work without it. Truth is, that Fulvia, 800
To have me out of Egypt, made wars here;
For which myself, the ignorant motive, do
So far ask pardon as befits mine honour
To stoop in such a case.
Lepidus. 'Tis noble spoken. 805Mecaenas. If it might please you, to enforce no further
The griefs between ye: to forget them quite
Were to remember that the present need
Speaks to atone you.
Lepidus. Worthily spoken, Mecaenas. 810Domitius Enobarus. Or, if you borrow one another's love for the
instant, you may, when you hear no more words of
Pompey, return it again: you shall have time to
wrangle in when you have nothing else to do.
Antony. Thou art a soldier only: speak no more. 815Domitius Enobarus. That truth should be silent I had almost forgot.
Antony. You wrong this presence; therefore speak no more.
Domitius Enobarus. Go to, then; your considerate stone.
Octavius. I do not much dislike the matter, but
The manner of his speech; for't cannot be 820
We shall remain in friendship, our conditions
So differing in their acts. Yet if I knew
What hoop should hold us stanch, from edge to edge
O' the world I would pursue it.
Agrippa. Give me leave, Caesar,— 825Octavius. Speak, Agrippa.
Agrippa. Thou hast a sister by the mother's side,
Admired Octavia: great Mark Antony
Is now a widower.
Octavius. Say not so, Agrippa: 830
If Cleopatra heard you, your reproof
Were well deserved of rashness.
Antony. I am not married, Caesar: let me hear
Agrippa further speak.
Agrippa. To hold you in perpetual amity, 835
To make you brothers, and to knit your hearts
With an unslipping knot, take Antony
Octavia to his wife; whose beauty claims
No worse a husband than the best of men;
Whose virtue and whose general graces speak 840
That which none else can utter. By this marriage,
All little jealousies, which now seem great,
And all great fears, which now import their dangers,
Would then be nothing: truths would be tales,
Where now half tales be truths: her love to both 845
Would, each to other and all loves to both,
Draw after her. Pardon what I have spoke;
For 'tis a studied, not a present thought,
By duty ruminated.
Antony. Will Caesar speak? 850Octavius. Not till he hears how Antony is touch'd
With what is spoke already.
Antony. What power is in Agrippa,
If I would say, 'Agrippa, be it so,'
To make this good? 855Octavius. The power of Caesar, and
His power unto Octavia.
Antony. May I never
To this good purpose, that so fairly shows,
Dream of impediment! Let me have thy hand: 860
Further this act of grace: and from this hour
The heart of brothers govern in our loves
And sway our great designs!
Octavius. There is my hand.
A sister I bequeath you, whom no brother 865
Did ever love so dearly: let her live
To join our kingdoms and our hearts; and never
Fly off our loves again!
Lepidus. Happily, amen!
Antony. I did not think to draw my sword 'gainst Pompey; 870
For he hath laid strange courtesies and great
Of late upon me: I must thank him only,
Lest my remembrance suffer ill report;
At heel of that, defy him.
Lepidus. Time calls upon's: 875
Of us must Pompey presently be sought,
Or else he seeks out us.
Antony. Where lies he?
Octavius. About the mount Misenum.
Antony. What is his strength by land? 880Octavius. Great and increasing: but by sea
He is an absolute master.
Antony. So is the fame.
Would we had spoke together! Haste we for it:
Yet, ere we put ourselves in arms, dispatch we 885
The business we have talk'd of.
Octavius. With most gladness:
And do invite you to my sister's view,
Whither straight I'll lead you.
Antony. Let us, Lepidus, 890
Not lack your company.
Lepidus. Noble Antony,
Not sickness should detain me.
[Flourish. Exeunt OCTAVIUS CAESAR, MARK ANTONY,]
and LEPIDUS] 895Mecaenas. Welcome from Egypt, sir.
Domitius Enobarus. Half the heart of Caesar, worthy Mecaenas! My
honourable friend, Agrippa!
Agrippa. Good Enobarbus!
Mecaenas. We have cause to be glad that matters are so well 900
digested. You stayed well by 't in Egypt.
Domitius Enobarus. Ay, sir; we did sleep day out of countenance, and
made the night light with drinking.
Mecaenas. Eight wild-boars roasted whole at a breakfast, and
but twelve persons there; is this true? 905Domitius Enobarus. This was but as a fly by an eagle: we had much more
monstrous matter of feast, which worthily deserved noting.
Mecaenas. She's a most triumphant lady, if report be square to
her.
Domitius Enobarus. When she first met Mark Antony, she pursed up 910
his heart, upon the river of Cydnus.
Agrippa. There she appeared indeed; or my reporter devised
well for her.
Domitius Enobarus. I will tell you.
The barge she sat in, like a burnish'd throne, 915
Burn'd on the water: the poop was beaten gold;
Purple the sails, and so perfumed that
The winds were love-sick with them; the oars were silver,
Which to the tune of flutes kept stroke, and made
The water which they beat to follow faster, 920
As amorous of their strokes. For her own person,
It beggar'd all description: she did lie
In her pavilion—cloth-of-gold of tissue—
O'er-picturing that Venus where we see
The fancy outwork nature: on each side her 925
Stood pretty dimpled boys, like smiling Cupids,
With divers-colour'd fans, whose wind did seem
To glow the delicate cheeks which they did cool,
And what they undid did.
Agrippa. O, rare for Antony! 930Domitius Enobarus. Her gentlewomen, like the Nereides,
So many mermaids, tended her i' the eyes,
And made their bends adornings: at the helm
A seeming mermaid steers: the silken tackle
Swell with the touches of those flower-soft hands, 935
That yarely frame the office. From the barge
A strange invisible perfume hits the sense
Of the adjacent wharfs. The city cast
Her people out upon her; and Antony,
Enthroned i' the market-place, did sit alone, 940
Whistling to the air; which, but for vacancy,
Had gone to gaze on Cleopatra too,
And made a gap in nature.
Agrippa. Rare Egyptian!
Domitius Enobarus. Upon her landing, Antony sent to her, 945
Invited her to supper: she replied,
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 barber'd ten times o'er, goes to the feast, 950
And for his ordinary pays his heart
For what his eyes eat only.
Agrippa. Royal wench!
She made great Caesar lay his sword to bed:
He plough'd her, and she cropp'd. 955Domitius Enobarus. I saw her once
Hop forty paces through the public street;
And having lost her breath, she spoke, and panted,
That she did make defect perfection,
And, breathless, power breathe forth. 960Mecaenas. Now Antony must leave her utterly.
Domitius Enobarus. Never; he will not:
Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale
Her infinite variety: other women cloy
The appetites they feed: but she makes hungry 965
Where most she satisfies; for vilest things
Become themselves in her: that the holy priests
Bless her when she is riggish.
Mecaenas. If beauty, wisdom, modesty, can settle
The heart of Antony, Octavia is 970
A blessed lottery to him.
Agrippa. Let us go.
Good Enobarbus, make yourself my guest
Whilst you abide here.
Domitius Enobarus. Humbly, sir, I thank you. 975[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act II, Scene 3
The same. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s house.
[Enter MARK ANTONY, OCTAVIUS CAESAR, OCTAVIA between] [p]them, and Attendants]
Antony. The world and my great office will sometimes
Divide me from your bosom. 980Octavia. All which time
Before the gods my knee shall bow my prayers
To them for you.
Antony. Good night, sir. My Octavia,
Read not my blemishes in the world's report: 985
I have not kept my square; but that to come
Shall all be done by the rule. Good night, dear lady.
Good night, sir.
Octavius. Good night.
[Exeunt OCTAVIUS CAESAR and OCTAVIA]
[Enter Soothsayer]
Antony. Now, sirrah; you do wish yourself in Egypt?
Soothsayer. Would I had never come from thence, nor you Thither!
Antony. If you can, your reason?
Soothsayer. I see it in 995
My motion, have it not in my tongue: but yet
Hie you to Egypt again.
Antony. Say to me,
Whose fortunes shall rise higher, Caesar's or mine?
Soothsayer. Caesar's. 1000
Therefore, O Antony, stay not by his side:
Thy demon, that's thy spirit which keeps thee, is
Noble, courageous high, unmatchable,
Where Caesar's is not; but, near him, thy angel
Becomes a fear, as being o'erpower'd: therefore 1005
Make space enough between you.
Antony. Speak this no more.
Soothsayer. To none but thee; no more, but when to thee.
If thou dost play with him at any game,
Thou art sure to lose; and, of that natural luck, 1010
He beats thee 'gainst the odds: thy lustre thickens,
When he shines by: I say again, thy spirit
Is all afraid to govern thee near him;
But, he away, 'tis noble.
Antony. Get thee gone: 1015
Say to Ventidius I would speak with him:
[Exit Soothsayer]
He shall to Parthia. Be it art or hap,
He hath spoken true: the very dice obey him;
And in our sports my better cunning faints 1020
Under his chance: if we draw lots, he speeds;
His cocks do win the battle still of mine,
When it is all to nought; and his quails ever
Beat mine, inhoop'd, at odds. I will to Egypt:
And though I make this marriage for my peace, 1025
I' the east my pleasure lies.
[Enter VENTIDIUS]
O, come, Ventidius,
You must to Parthia: your commission's ready;
Follow me, and receive't. 1030[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act II, Scene 4
The same. A street.
[Enter LEPIDUS, MECAENAS, and AGRIPPA]
Lepidus. Trouble yourselves no further: pray you, hasten
Your generals after.
Agrippa. Sir, Mark Antony 1035
Will e'en but kiss Octavia, and we'll follow.
Lepidus. Till I shall see you in your soldier's dress,
Which will become you both, farewell.
Mecaenas. We shall,
As I conceive the journey, be at the Mount 1040
Before you, Lepidus.
Lepidus. Your way is shorter;
My purposes do draw me much about:
You'll win two days upon me.
Mecaenas. [with Agrippa] Sir, good success! 1045Lepidus. Farewell.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act II, Scene 5
Alexandria. CLEOPATRA’s palace.
[Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and ALEXAS]
Cleopatra. Give me some music; music, moody food
Of us that trade in love. 1050Attendants. The music, ho!
[Enter MARDIAN]
Cleopatra. Let it alone; let's to billiards: come, Charmian.
Charmian. My arm is sore; best play with Mardian.
Cleopatra. As well a woman with an eunuch play'd 1055
As with a woman. Come, you'll play with me, sir?
Mardian. As well as I can, madam.
Cleopatra. And when good will is show'd, though't come
too short,
The actor may plead pardon. I'll none now: 1060
Give me mine angle; we'll to the river: there,
My music playing far off, I will betray
Tawny-finn'd fishes; my bended hook shall pierce
Their slimy jaws; and, as I draw them up,
I'll think them every one an Antony, 1065
And say 'Ah, ha! you're caught.'
Charmian. 'Twas merry when
You wager'd on your angling; when your diver
Did hang a salt-fish on his hook, which he
With fervency drew up. 1070Cleopatra. That time,—O times!—
I laugh'd him out of patience; and that night
I laugh'd him into patience; and next morn,
Ere the ninth hour, I drunk him to his bed;
Then put my tires and mantles on him, whilst 1075
I wore his sword Philippan.
[Enter a Messenger]
O, from Italy
Ram thou thy fruitful tidings in mine ears,
That long time have been barren. 1080Messenger. Madam, madam,—
Cleopatra. Antonius dead!—If thou say so, villain,
Thou kill'st thy mistress: but well and free,
If thou so yield him, there is gold, and here
My bluest veins to kiss; a hand that kings 1085
Have lipp'd, and trembled kissing.
Messenger. First, madam, he is well.
Cleopatra. Why, there's more gold.
But, sirrah, mark, we use
To say the dead are well: bring it to that, 1090
The gold I give thee will I melt and pour
Down thy ill-uttering throat.
Messenger. Good madam, hear me.
Cleopatra. Well, go to, I will;
But there's no goodness in thy face: if Antony 1095
Be free and healthful,—so tart a favour
To trumpet such good tidings! If not well,
Thou shouldst come like a Fury crown'd with snakes,
Not like a formal man.
Messenger. Will't please you hear me? 1100Cleopatra. I have a mind to strike thee ere thou speak'st:
Yet if thou say Antony lives, is well,
Or friends with Caesar, or not captive to him,
I'll set thee in a shower of gold, and hail
Rich pearls upon thee. 1105Messenger. Madam, he's well.
Cleopatra. Well said.
Messenger. And friends with Caesar.
Cleopatra. Thou'rt an honest man.
Messenger. Caesar and he are greater friends than ever. 1110Cleopatra. Make thee a fortune from me.
Messenger. But yet, madam,—
Cleopatra. I do not like 'But yet,' it does allay
The good precedence; fie upon 'But yet'!
'But yet' is as a gaoler to bring forth 1115
Some monstrous malefactor. Prithee, friend,
Pour 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.
Messenger. Free, madam! no; I made no such report: 1120
He's bound unto Octavia.
Cleopatra. For what good turn?
Messenger. For the best turn i' the bed.
Cleopatra. I am pale, Charmian.
Messenger. Madam, he's married to Octavia. 1125Cleopatra. The most infectious pestilence upon thee!
[Strikes him down]
Messenger. Good madam, patience.
Cleopatra. What say you? Hence,
[Strikes him again] 1130
Horrible villain! or I'll spurn thine eyes
Like balls before me; I'll unhair thy head:
[She hales him up and down]
Thou shalt be whipp'd with wire, and stew'd in brine,
Smarting in lingering pickle. 1135Messenger. Gracious madam,
I that do bring the news made not the match.
Cleopatra. Say 'tis not so, a province I will give thee,
And make thy fortunes proud: the blow thou hadst
Shall make thy peace for moving me to rage; 1140
And I will boot thee with what gift beside
Thy modesty can beg.
Messenger. He's married, madam.
Cleopatra. Rogue, thou hast lived too long.
[Draws a knife]
Messenger. Nay, then I'll run.
What mean you, madam? I have made no fault.
[Exit]
Charmian. Good madam, keep yourself within yourself:
The man is innocent. 1150Cleopatra. Some innocents 'scape not the thunderbolt.
Melt Egypt into Nile! and kindly creatures
Turn all to serpents! Call the slave again:
Though I am mad, I will not bite him: call.
Charmian. He is afeard to come. 1155Cleopatra. I will not hurt him.
[Exit CHARMIAN]
These hands do lack nobility, that they strike
A meaner than myself; since I myself
Have given myself the cause. 1160
[Re-enter CHARMIAN and Messenger]
Come hither, sir.
Though it be honest, it is never good
To bring bad news: give to a gracious message.
An host of tongues; but let ill tidings tell 1165
Themselves when they be felt.
Messenger. I have done my duty.
Cleopatra. Is he married?
I cannot hate thee worser than I do,
If thou again say 'Yes.' 1170Messenger. He's married, madam.
Cleopatra. The gods confound thee! dost thou hold there still?
Messenger. Should I lie, madam?
Cleopatra. O, I would thou didst,
So half my Egypt were submerged and made 1175
A cistern for scaled snakes! Go, get thee hence:
Hadst thou Narcissus in thy face, to me
Thou wouldst appear most ugly. He is married?
Messenger. I crave your highness' pardon.
Cleopatra. He is married? 1180Messenger. Take no offence that I would not offend you:
To punish me for what you make me do.
Seems much unequal: he's married to Octavia.
Cleopatra. O, that his fault should make a knave of thee,
That art not what thou'rt sure of! Get thee hence: 1185
The merchandise which thou hast brought from Rome
Are all too dear for me: lie they upon thy hand,
And be undone by 'em!
[Exit Messenger]
Charmian. Good your highness, patience. 1190Cleopatra. In praising Antony, I have dispraised Caesar.
Charmian. Many times, madam.
Cleopatra. I am paid for't now.
Lead me from hence:
I faint: O Iras, Charmian! 'tis no matter. 1195
Go to the fellow, good Alexas; bid him
Report the feature of Octavia, her years,
Her inclination, let him not leave out
The colour of her hair: bring me word quickly.
[Exit ALEXAS] 1200
Let him for ever go:—let him not—Charmian,
Though he be painted one way like a Gorgon,
The other way's a Mars. Bid you Alexas
[To MARDIAN]
Bring me word how tall she is. Pity me, Charmian, 1205
But do not speak to me. Lead me to my chamber.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act II, Scene 6
Near Misenum.
[Flourish. Enter POMPEY and MENAS at one door,] [p]with drum and trumpet: at another, OCTAVIUS CAESAR, [p]MARK ANTONY, LEPIDUS, DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS, MECAENAS, [p]with Soldiers marching]
Pompey. Your hostages I have, so have you mine;
And we shall talk before we fight.
Octavius. Most meet
That first we come to words; and therefore have we 1215
Our written purposes before us sent;
Which, if thou hast consider'd, let us know
If 'twill tie up thy discontented sword,
And carry back to Sicily much tall youth
That else must perish here. 1220Pompey. To you all three,
The senators alone of this great world,
Chief factors for the gods, I do not know
Wherefore my father should revengers want,
Having a son and friends; since Julius Caesar, 1225
Who at Philippi the good Brutus ghosted,
There saw you labouring for him. What was't
That moved pale Cassius to conspire; and what
Made the all-honour'd, honest Roman, Brutus,
With the arm'd rest, courtiers and beauteous freedom, 1230
To drench the Capitol; but that they would
Have one man but a man? And that is it
Hath made me rig my navy; at whose burthen
The anger'd ocean foams; with which I meant
To scourge the ingratitude that despiteful Rome 1235
Cast on my noble father.
Octavius. Take your time.
Antony. Thou canst not fear us, Pompey, with thy sails;
We'll speak with thee at sea: at land, thou know'st
How much we do o'er-count thee. 1240Pompey. At land, indeed,
Thou dost o'er-count me of my father's house:
But, since the cuckoo builds not for himself,
Remain in't as thou mayst.
Lepidus. Be pleased to tell us— 1245
For this is from the present—how you take
The offers we have sent you.
Octavius. There's the point.
Antony. Which do not be entreated to, but weigh
What it is worth embraced. 1250Octavius. And what may follow,
To try a larger fortune.
Pompey. You have made me offer
Of Sicily, Sardinia; and I must
Rid all the sea of pirates; then, to send 1255
Measures of wheat to Rome; this 'greed upon
To part with unhack'd edges, and bear back
Our targes undinted.
Octavius. [with Antony and Lepidus] That's our offer.
Pompey. Know, then, 1260
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 of it by telling, you must know,
When Caesar and your brother were at blows, 1265
Your mother came to Sicily and did find
Her welcome friendly.
Antony. I have heard it, Pompey;
And am well studied for a liberal thanks
Which I do owe you. 1270Pompey. Let me have your hand:
I did not think, sir, to have met you here.
Antony. The beds i' the east are soft; and thanks to you,
That call'd me timelier than my purpose hither;
For I have gain'd by 't. 1275Octavius. Since I saw you last,
There is a change upon you.
Pompey. Well, I know not
What counts harsh fortune casts upon my face;
But in my bosom shall she never come, 1280
To make my heart her vassal.
Lepidus. Well met here.
Pompey. I hope so, Lepidus. Thus we are agreed:
I crave our composition may be written,
And seal'd between us. 1285Octavius. That's the next to do.
Pompey. We'll feast each other ere we part; and let's
Draw lots who shall begin.
Antony. That will I, Pompey.
Pompey. No, Antony, take the lot: but, first 1290
Or last, your fine Egyptian cookery
Shall have the fame. I have heard that Julius Caesar
Grew fat with feasting there.
Antony. You have heard much.
Pompey. I have fair meanings, sir. 1295Antony. And fair words to them.
Pompey. Then so much have I heard:
And I have heard, Apollodorus carried—
Domitius Enobarus. No more of that: he did so.
Pompey. What, I pray you? 1300Domitius Enobarus. A certain queen to Caesar in a mattress.
Pompey. I know thee now: how farest thou, soldier?
Domitius Enobarus. Well;
And well am like to do; for, I perceive,
Four feasts are toward. 1305Pompey. Let me shake thy hand;
I never hated thee: I have seen thee fight,
When I have envied thy behavior.
Domitius Enobarus. Sir,
I never loved you much; but I ha' praised ye, 1310
When you have well deserved ten times as much
As I have said you did.
Pompey. Enjoy thy plainness,
It nothing ill becomes thee.
Aboard my galley I invite you all: 1315
Will you lead, lords?
Octavius. [with Antony and Lepidus]
Pompey. Come.
[Exeunt all but MENAS and ENOBARBUS]
Menas. [Aside] Thy father, Pompey, would ne'er have 1320
made this treaty.—You and I have known, sir.
Domitius Enobarus. At sea, I think.
Menas. We have, sir.
Domitius Enobarus. You have done well by water.
Menas. And you by land. 1325Domitius Enobarus. I will praise any man that will praise me; though it
cannot be denied what I have done by land.
Menas. Nor what I have done by water.
Domitius Enobarus. Yes, something you can deny for your own
safety: you have been a great thief by sea. 1330Menas. And you by land.
Domitius Enobarus. There I deny my land service. But give me your
hand, Menas: if our eyes had authority, here they
might take two thieves kissing.
Menas. All men's faces are true, whatsome'er their hands are. 1335Domitius Enobarus. But there is never a fair woman has a true face.
Menas. No slander; they steal hearts.
Domitius Enobarus. We came hither to fight with you.
Menas. For my part, I am sorry it is turned to a drinking.
Pompey doth this day laugh away his fortune. 1340Domitius Enobarus. If he do, sure, he cannot weep't back again.
Menas. You've said, sir. We looked not for Mark Antony
here: pray you, is he married to Cleopatra?
Domitius Enobarus. Caesar's sister is called Octavia.
Menas. True, sir; she was the wife of Caius Marcellus. 1345Domitius Enobarus. But she is now the wife of Marcus Antonius.
Menas. Pray ye, sir?
Domitius Enobarus. 'Tis true.
Menas. Then is Caesar and he for ever knit together.
Domitius Enobarus. If I were bound to divine of this unity, I would 1350
not prophesy so.
Menas. I think the policy of that purpose made more in the
marriage than the love of the parties.
Domitius Enobarus. I think so too. But you shall find, the band that
seems to tie their friendship together will be the 1355
very strangler of their amity: Octavia is of a
holy, cold, and still conversation.
Menas. Who would not have his wife so?
Domitius Enobarus. Not he that himself is not so; which is Mark Antony.
He will to his Egyptian dish again: then shall the 1360
sighs of Octavia blow the fire up in Caesar; and, as
I said before, that which is the strength of their
amity shall prove the immediate author of their
variance. Antony will use his affection where it is:
he married but his occasion here. 1365Menas. And thus it may be. Come, sir, will you aboard?
I have a health for you.
Domitius Enobarus. I shall take it, sir: we have used our throats in Egypt.
Menas. Come, let's away.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act II, Scene 7
On board POMPEY’s galley, off Misenum.
[Music plays. Enter two or three Servants with] [p]a banquet]
First Servant. Here they'll be, man. Some o' their plants are
ill-rooted already: the least wind i' the world
will blow them down. 1375Second Servant. Lepidus is high-coloured.
First Servant. They have made him drink alms-drink.
Second Servant. As they pinch one another by the disposition, he
cries out 'No more;' reconciles them to his
entreaty, and himself to the drink. 1380First Servant. But it raises the greater war between him and
his discretion.
Second Servant. Why, this is to have a name in great men's
fellowship: I had as lief have a reed that will do
me no service as a partisan I could not heave. 1385First Servant. To be called into a huge sphere, and not to be seen
to move in't, are the holes where eyes should be,
which pitifully disaster the cheeks.
[A sennet sounded. Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, MARK]
ANTONY, LEPIDUS, POMPEY, AGRIPPA, MECAENAS, 1390
DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS, MENAS, with other captains]
Antony. [To OCTAVIUS CAESAR] Thus do they, sir: they take
the flow o' the Nile
By certain scales i' the pyramid; they know,
By the height, the lowness, or the mean, if dearth 1395
Or foison follow: the higher Nilus swells,
The more it promises: as it ebbs, the seedsman
Upon the slime and ooze scatters his grain,
And shortly comes to harvest.
Lepidus. You've strange serpents there. 1400Antony. Ay, Lepidus.
Lepidus. Your serpent of Egypt is bred now of your mud by the
operation of your sun: so is your crocodile.
Antony. They are so.
Pompey. Sit,—and some wine! A health to Lepidus! 1405Lepidus. I am not so well as I should be, but I'll ne'er out.
Domitius Enobarus. Not till you have slept; I fear me you'll be in till then.
Lepidus. Nay, certainly, I have heard the Ptolemies'
pyramises are very goodly things; without
contradiction, I have heard that. 1410Menas. [Aside to POMPEY] Pompey, a word.
Pompey. [Aside to MENAS] Say in mine ear:
what is't?
Menas. [Aside to POMPEY] Forsake thy seat, I do beseech
thee, captain, 1415
And hear me speak a word.
Pompey. [Aside to MENAS] Forbear me till anon.
This wine for Lepidus!
Lepidus. What manner o' thing is your crocodile?
Antony. It is shaped, sir, like itself; and it is as broad 1420
as it hath breadth: it is just so high as it is,
and moves with its own organs: it lives by that
which nourisheth it; and the elements once out of
it, it transmigrates.
Lepidus. What colour is it of? 1425Antony. Of it own colour too.
Lepidus. 'Tis a strange serpent.
Antony. 'Tis so. And the tears of it are wet.
Octavius. Will this description satisfy him?
Antony. With the health that Pompey gives him, else he is a 1430
very epicure.
Pompey. [Aside to MENAS] Go hang, sir, hang! Tell me of
that? away!
Do as I bid you. Where's this cup I call'd for?
Menas. [Aside to POMPEY] If for the sake of merit thou 1435
wilt hear me,
Rise from thy stool.
Pompey. [Aside to MENAS] I think thou'rt mad.
The matter?
[Rises, and walks aside]
Menas. I have ever held my cap off to thy fortunes.
Pompey. Thou hast served me with much faith. What's else to say?
Be jolly, lords.
Antony. These quick-sands, Lepidus,
Keep off them, for you sink. 1445Menas. Wilt thou be lord of all the world?
Pompey. What say'st thou?
Menas. Wilt thou be lord of the whole world? That's twice.
Pompey. How should that be?
Menas. But entertain it, 1450
And, though thou think me poor, I am the man
Will give thee all the world.
Pompey. Hast thou drunk well?
Menas. Now, Pompey, I have kept me from the cup.
Thou art, if thou darest be, the earthly Jove: 1455
Whate'er the ocean pales, or sky inclips,
Is thine, if thou wilt ha't.
Pompey. Show me which way.
Menas. These three world-sharers, these competitors,
Are in thy vessel: let me cut the cable; 1460
And, when we are put off, fall to their throats:
All there is thine.
Pompey. Ah, this thou shouldst have done,
And not have spoke on't! In me 'tis villany;
In thee't had been good service. Thou must know, 1465
'Tis not my profit that does lead mine honour;
Mine honour, it. Repent that e'er thy tongue
Hath so betray'd thine act: being done unknown,
I should have found it afterwards well done;
But must condemn it now. Desist, and drink. 1470Menas. [Aside] For this,
I'll never follow thy pall'd fortunes more.
Who seeks, and will not take when once 'tis offer'd,
Shall never find it more.
Pompey. This health to Lepidus! 1475Antony. Bear him ashore. I'll pledge it for him, Pompey.
Domitius Enobarus. Here's to thee, Menas!
Menas. Enobarbus, welcome!
Pompey. Fill till the cup be hid.
Domitius Enobarus. There's a strong fellow, Menas. 1480[Pointing to the Attendant who carries off LEPIDUS]
Menas. Why?
Domitius Enobarus. A' bears the third part of the world, man; see'st
not?
Menas. The third part, then, is drunk: would it were all, 1485
That it might go on wheels!
Domitius Enobarus. Drink thou; increase the reels.
Menas. Come.
Pompey. This is not yet an Alexandrian feast.
Antony. It ripens towards it. Strike the vessels, ho? 1490
Here is to Caesar!
Octavius. I could well forbear't.
It's monstrous labour, when I wash my brain,
And it grows fouler.
Antony. Be a child o' the time. 1495Octavius. Possess it, I'll make answer:
But I had rather fast from all four days
Than drink so much in one.
Domitius Enobarus. Ha, my brave emperor!
[To MARK ANTONY] 1500
Shall we dance now the Egyptian Bacchanals,
And celebrate our drink?
Pompey. Let's ha't, good soldier.
Antony. Come, let's all take hands,
Till that the conquering wine hath steep'd our sense 1505
In soft and delicate Lethe.
Domitius Enobarus. All take hands.
Make battery to our ears with the loud music:
The while I'll place you: then the boy shall sing;
The holding every man shall bear as loud 1510
As his strong sides can volley.
[Music plays. DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS places them]
hand in hand]
THE SONG.
Come, thou monarch of the vine, 1515
Plumpy Bacchus with pink eyne!
In thy fats our cares be drown'd,
With thy grapes our hairs be crown'd:
Cup us, till the world go round,
Cup us, till the world go round! 1520Octavius. What would you more? Pompey, good night. Good brother,
Let me request you off: our graver business
Frowns at this levity. Gentle lords, let's part;
You see we have burnt our cheeks: strong Enobarb
Is weaker than the wine; and mine own tongue 1525
Splits what it speaks: the wild disguise hath almost
Antick'd us all. What needs more words? Good night.
Good Antony, your hand.
Pompey. I'll try you on the shore.
Antony. And shall, sir; give's your hand. 1530Pompey. O Antony,
You have my father's house,—But, what? we are friends.
Come, down into the boat.
Domitius Enobarus. Take heed you fall not.
[Exeunt all but DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS and MENAS] 1535
Menas, I'll not on shore.
Menas. No, to my cabin.
These drums! these trumpets, flutes! what!
Let Neptune hear we bid a loud farewell
To these great fellows: sound and be hang'd, sound out! 1540[Sound a flourish, with drums]
Domitius Enobarus. Ho! says a' There's my cap.
Menas. Ho! Noble captain, come.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 1
A plain in Syria.
[Enter VENTIDIUS as it were in triumph, with SILIUS,] [p]and other Romans, Officers, and Soldiers; the dead [p]body of PACORUS borne before him]
Ventidius. Now, darting Parthia, art thou struck; and now
Pleased fortune does of Marcus Crassus' death
Make me revenger. Bear the king's son's body 1550
Before our army. Thy Pacorus, Orodes,
Pays this for Marcus Crassus.
Silius. Noble Ventidius,
Whilst yet with Parthian blood thy sword is warm,
The fugitive Parthians follow; spur through Media, 1555
Mesopotamia, and the shelters whither
The routed fly: so thy grand captain Antony
Shall set thee on triumphant chariots and
Put garlands on thy head.
Ventidius. O Silius, Silius, 1560
I have done enough; a lower place, note well,
May make 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 won 1565
More in their officer than person: Sossius,
One of my place in Syria, his lieutenant,
For quick accumulation of renown,
Which he achieved by the minute, lost his favour.
Who does i' the wars more than his captain can 1570
Becomes his captain's captain: and ambition,
The soldier's virtue, rather makes choice of loss,
Than gain which darkens him.
I could do more to do Antonius good,
But 'twould offend him; and in his offence 1575
Should my performance perish.
Silius. Thou hast, Ventidius,
that
Without the which a soldier, and his sword,
Grants scarce distinction. Thou wilt write to Antony! 1580Ventidius. I'll humbly signify what in his name,
That magical word of war, we have effected;
How, with his banners and his well-paid ranks,
The ne'er-yet-beaten horse of Parthia
We have jaded out o' the field. 1585Silius. Where is he now?
Ventidius. He purposeth to Athens: whither, with what haste
The weight we must convey with's will permit,
We shall appear before him. On there; pass along!
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 2
Rome. An ante-chamber in OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s house.
[Enter AGRIPPA at one door, DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS] [p]at another]
Agrippa. What, are the brothers parted?
Domitius Enobarus. They have dispatch'd with Pompey, he is gone;
The other three are sealing. Octavia weeps 1595
To part from Rome; Caesar is sad; and Lepidus,
Since Pompey's feast, as Menas says, is troubled
With the green sickness.
Agrippa. 'Tis a noble Lepidus.
Domitius Enobarus. A very fine one: O, how he loves Caesar! 1600Agrippa. Nay, but how dearly he adores Mark Antony!
Domitius Enobarus. Caesar? Why, he's the Jupiter of men.
Agrippa. What's Antony? The god of Jupiter.
Domitius Enobarus. Spake you of Caesar? How! the non-pareil!
Agrippa. O Antony! O thou Arabian bird! 1605Domitius Enobarus. Would you praise Caesar, say 'Caesar:' go no further.
Agrippa. Indeed, he plied them both with excellent praises.
Domitius Enobarus. But he loves Caesar best; yet he loves Antony:
Ho! hearts, tongues, figures, scribes, bards,
poets, cannot 1610
Think, speak, cast, write, sing, number, ho!
His love to Antony. But as for Caesar,
Kneel down, kneel down, and wonder.
Agrippa. Both he loves.
Domitius Enobarus. They are his shards, and he their beetle. 1615
[Trumpets within]
So;
This is to horse. Adieu, noble Agrippa.
Agrippa. Good fortune, worthy soldier; and farewell.
[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, MARK ANTONY, LEPIDUS, and OCTAVIA]
Antony. No further, sir.
Octavius. You take from me a great part of myself;
Use me well in 't. Sister, prove such a wife
As my thoughts make thee, and as my farthest band
Shall pass on thy approof. Most noble Antony, 1625
Let not the piece of virtue, which is set
Betwixt us as the cement of our love,
To keep it builded, be the ram to batter
The fortress of it; for better might we
Have loved without this mean, if on both parts 1630
This be not cherish'd.
Antony. Make me not offended
In your distrust.
Octavius. I have said.
Antony. You shall not find, 1635
Though you be therein curious, the least cause
For what you seem to fear: so, the gods keep you,
And make the hearts of Romans serve your ends!
We will here part.
Octavius. Farewell, my dearest sister, fare thee well: 1640
The elements be kind to thee, and make
Thy spirits all of comfort! fare thee well.
Octavia. My noble brother!
Antony. The April 's in her eyes: it is love's spring,
And these the showers to bring it on. Be cheerful. 1645Octavia. Sir, look well to my husband's house; and—
Octavius. What, Octavia?
Octavia. I'll tell you in your ear.
Antony. Her tongue will not obey her heart, nor can
Her heart inform her tongue,—the swan's 1650
down-feather,
That stands upon the swell at full of tide,
And neither way inclines.
Domitius Enobarus. [Aside to AGRIPPA] Will Caesar weep?
Agrippa. [Aside to DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS] He has a cloud in 's face. 1655Domitius Enobarus. [Aside to AGRIPPA] He were the worse for that,
were he a horse;
So is he, being a man.
Agrippa. [Aside to DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS] Why, Enobarbus,
When Antony found Julius Caesar dead, 1660
He cried almost to roaring; and he wept
When at Philippi he found Brutus slain.
Domitius Enobarus. [Aside to AGRIPPA] That year, indeed, he was
troubled with a rheum;
What willingly he did confound he wail'd, 1665
Believe't, till I wept too.
Octavius. No, sweet Octavia,
You shall hear from me still; the time shall not
Out-go my thinking on you.
Antony. Come, sir, come; 1670
I'll wrestle with you in my strength of love:
Look, here I have you; thus I let you go,
And give you to the gods.
Octavius. Adieu; be happy!
Lepidus. Let all the number of the stars give light 1675
To thy fair way!
Octavius. Farewell, farewell!
[Kisses OCTAVIA]
Antony. Farewell!
[Trumpets sound. Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 3
Alexandria. CLEOPATRA’s palace.
[Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and ALEXAS]
Cleopatra. Where is the fellow?
Alexas. Half afeard to come.
Cleopatra. Go to, go to.
[Enter the Messenger as before] 1685
Come hither, sir.
Alexas. Good majesty,
Herod of Jewry dare not look upon you
But when you are well pleased.
Cleopatra. That Herod's head 1690
I'll have: but how, when Antony is gone
Through whom I might command it? Come thou near.
Messenger. Most gracious majesty,—
Cleopatra. Didst thou behold Octavia?
Messenger. Ay, dread queen. 1695Cleopatra. Where?
Messenger. Madam, in Rome;
I look'd her in the face, and saw her led
Between her brother and Mark Antony.
Cleopatra. Is she as tall as me? 1700Messenger. She is not, madam.
Cleopatra. Didst hear her speak? is she shrill-tongued or low?
Messenger. Madam, I heard her speak; she is low-voiced.
Cleopatra. That's not so good: he cannot like her long.
Charmian. Like her! O Isis! 'tis impossible. 1705Cleopatra. I think so, Charmian: dull of tongue, and dwarfish!
What majesty is in her gait? Remember,
If e'er thou look'dst on majesty.
Messenger. She creeps:
Her motion and her station are as one; 1710
She shows a body rather than a life,
A statue than a breather.
Cleopatra. Is this certain?
Messenger. Or I have no observance.
Charmian. Three in Egypt 1715
Cannot make better note.
Cleopatra. He's very knowing;
I do perceive't: there's nothing in her yet:
The fellow has good judgment.
Charmian. Excellent. 1720Cleopatra. Guess at her years, I prithee.
Messenger. Madam,
She was a widow,—
Cleopatra. Widow! Charmian, hark.
Messenger. And I do think she's thirty. 1725Cleopatra. Bear'st thou her face in mind? is't long or round?
Messenger. Round even to faultiness.
Cleopatra. For the most part, too, they are foolish that are so.
Her hair, what colour?
Messenger. Brown, madam: and her forehead 1730
As low as she would wish it.
Cleopatra. There's gold for thee.
Thou must not take my former sharpness ill:
I will employ thee back again; I find thee
Most fit for business: go make thee ready; 1735
Our letters are prepared.
[Exit Messenger]
Charmian. A proper man.
Cleopatra. Indeed, he is so: I repent me much
That so I harried him. Why, methinks, by him, 1740
This creature's no such thing.
Charmian. Nothing, madam.
Cleopatra. The man hath seen some majesty, and should know.
Charmian. Hath he seen majesty? Isis else defend,
And serving you so long! 1745Cleopatra. I have one thing more to ask him yet, good Charmian:
But 'tis no matter; thou shalt bring him to me
Where I will write. All may be well enough.
Charmian. I warrant you, madam.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 4
Athens. A room in MARK ANTONY’s house.
[Enter MARK ANTONY and OCTAVIA]
Antony. Nay, nay, Octavia, not only that,—
That were excusable, that, and thousands more
Of semblable import,—but he hath waged
New wars 'gainst Pompey; made his will, and read it 1755
To public ear:
Spoke scantly of me: when perforce he could not
But pay me terms of honour, cold and sickly
He vented them; most narrow measure lent me:
When the best hint was given him, he not took't, 1760
Or did it from his teeth.
Octavia. O my good lord,
Believe not all; or, if you must believe,
Stomach not all. A more unhappy lady,
If this division chance, ne'er stood between, 1765
Praying for both parts:
The good gods me presently,
When I shall pray, 'O bless my lord and husband!'
Undo that prayer, by crying out as loud,
'O, bless my brother!' Husband win, win brother, 1770
Prays, and destroys the prayer; no midway
'Twixt these extremes at all.
Antony. Gentle Octavia,
Let your best love draw to that point, which seeks
Best to preserve it: if I lose mine honour, 1775
I lose myself: better I were not yours
Than yours so branchless. But, as you requested,
Yourself shall go between 's: the mean time, lady,
I'll raise the preparation of a war
Shall stain your brother: make your soonest haste; 1780
So your desires are yours.
Octavia. Thanks to my lord.
The Jove of power make me most weak, most weak,
Your reconciler! Wars 'twixt you twain would be
As if the world should cleave, and that slain men 1785
Should solder up the rift.
Antony. When it appears to you where this begins,
Turn your displeasure that way: for our faults
Can never be so equal, that your love
Can equally move with them. Provide your going; 1790
Choose your own company, and command what cost
Your heart has mind to.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 5
The same. Another room.
[Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS and EROS, meeting]
Domitius Enobarus. How now, friend Eros! 1795Eros. There's strange news come, sir.
Domitius Enobarus. What, man?
Eros. Caesar and Lepidus have made wars upon Pompey.
Domitius Enobarus. This is old: what is the success?
Eros. Caesar, having made use of him in the wars 'gainst 1800
Pompey, presently denied him rivality; would not let
him partake in the glory of the action: and not
resting here, accuses him of letters he had formerly
wrote to Pompey; upon his own appeal, seizes him: so
the poor third is up, till death enlarge his confine. 1805Domitius Enobarus. Then, world, thou hast a pair of chaps, no more;
And throw between them all the food thou hast,
They'll grind the one the other. Where's Antony?
Eros. He's walking in the garden—thus; and spurns
The rush that lies before him; cries, 'Fool Lepidus!' 1810
And threats the throat of that his officer
That murder'd Pompey.
Domitius Enobarus. Our great navy's rigg'd.
Eros. For Italy and Caesar. More, Domitius;
My lord desires you presently: my news 1815
I might have told hereafter.
Domitius Enobarus. 'Twill be naught:
But let it be. Bring me to Antony.
Eros. Come, sir.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 6
Rome. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s house.
[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, AGRIPPA, and MECAENAS]
Octavius. Contemning Rome, he has done all this, and more,
In Alexandria: here's the manner of 't:
I' the market-place, on a tribunal silver'd,
Cleopatra and himself in chairs of gold 1825
Were publicly enthroned: at the feet sat
Caesarion, whom they call my father's son,
And all the unlawful issue that their lust
Since then hath made between them. Unto her
He gave the stablishment of Egypt; made her 1830
Of lower Syria, Cyprus, Lydia,
Absolute queen.
Mecaenas. This in the public eye?
Octavius. I' the common show-place, where they exercise.
His sons he there proclaim'd the kings of kings: 1835
Great Media, Parthia, and Armenia.
He gave to Alexander; to Ptolemy he assign'd
Syria, Cilicia, and Phoenicia: she
In the habiliments of the goddess Isis
That day appear'd; and oft before gave audience, 1840
As 'tis reported, so.
Mecaenas. Let Rome be thus Inform'd.
Agrippa. Who, queasy with his insolence
Already, will their good thoughts call from him.
Octavius. The people know it; and have now received 1845
His accusations.
Agrippa. Who does he accuse?
Octavius. Caesar: and that, having in Sicily
Sextus Pompeius spoil'd, we had not rated him
His part o' the isle: then does he say, he lent me 1850
Some shipping unrestored: lastly, he frets
That Lepidus of the triumvirate
Should be deposed; and, being, that we detain
All his revenue.
Agrippa. Sir, this should be answer'd. 1855Octavius. 'Tis done already, and the messenger gone.
I have told him, Lepidus was grown too cruel;
That he his high authority abused,
And did deserve his change: for what I have conquer'd,
I grant him part; but then, in his Armenia, 1860
And other of his conquer'd kingdoms, I
Demand the like.
Mecaenas. He'll never yield to that.
Octavius. Nor must not then be yielded to in this.
[Enter OCTAVIA with her train]
Octavia. Hail, Caesar, and my lord! hail, most dear Caesar!
Octavius. That ever I should call thee castaway!
Octavia. You have not call'd me so, nor have you cause.
Octavius. Why have you stol'n upon us thus! You come not
Like Caesar's sister: the wife of Antony 1870
Should have an army for an usher, and
The neighs of horse to tell of her approach
Long ere she did appear; the trees by the way
Should have borne men; and expectation fainted,
Longing for what it had not; nay, the dust 1875
Should have ascended to the roof of heaven,
Raised by your populous troops: but you are come
A market-maid to Rome; and have prevented
The ostentation of our love, which, left unshown,
Is often left unloved; we should have met you 1880
By sea and land; supplying every stage
With an augmented greeting.
Octavia. Good my lord,
To come thus was I not constrain'd, but did
On my free will. My lord, Mark Antony, 1885
Hearing that you prepared for war, acquainted
My grieved ear withal; whereon, I begg'd
His pardon for return.
Octavius. Which soon he granted,
Being an obstruct 'tween his lust and him. 1890Octavia. Do not say so, my lord.
Octavius. I have eyes upon him,
And his affairs come to me on the wind.
Where is he now?
Octavia. My lord, in Athens. 1895Octavius. No, my most wronged sister; Cleopatra
Hath nodded him to her. He hath given his empire
Up to a whore; who now are levying
The kings o' the earth for war; he hath assembled
Bocchus, the king of Libya; Archelaus, 1900
Of Cappadocia; Philadelphos, king
Of Paphlagonia; the Thracian king, Adallas;
King Malchus of Arabia; King of Pont;
Herod of Jewry; Mithridates, king
Of Comagene; Polemon and Amyntas, 1905
The kings of Mede and Lycaonia,
With a more larger list of sceptres.
Octavia. Ay me, most wretched,
That have my heart parted betwixt two friends
That do afflict each other! 1910Octavius. Welcome hither:
Your letters did withhold our breaking forth;
Till we perceived, both how you were wrong led,
And we in negligent danger. Cheer your heart;
Be you not troubled with the time, which drives 1915
O'er your content these strong necessities;
But let determined things to destiny
Hold unbewail'd their way. Welcome to Rome;
Nothing more dear to me. You are abused
Beyond the mark of thought: and the high gods, 1920
To do you justice, make them ministers
Of us and those that love you. Best of comfort;
And ever welcome to us.
Agrippa. Welcome, lady.
Mecaenas. Welcome, dear madam. 1925
Each heart in Rome does love and pity you:
Only the adulterous Antony, most large
In his abominations, turns you off;
And gives his potent regiment to a trull,
That noises it against us. 1930Octavia. Is it so, sir?
Octavius. Most certain. Sister, welcome: pray you,
Be ever known to patience: my dear'st sister!
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 7
Near Actium. MARK ANTONY’s camp.
[Enter CLEOPATRA and DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]
Cleopatra. I will be even with thee, doubt it not.
Domitius Enobarus. But why, why, why?
Cleopatra. Thou hast forspoke my being in these wars,
And say'st it is not fit.
Domitius Enobarus. Well, is it, is it? 1940Cleopatra. If not denounced against us, why should not we
Be there in person?
Domitius Enobarus. [Aside] Well, I could reply:
If we should serve with horse and mares together,
The horse were merely lost; the mares would bear 1945
A soldier and his horse.
Cleopatra. What is't you say?
Domitius Enobarus. Your presence needs must puzzle Antony;
Take from his heart, take from his brain,
from's time, 1950
What should not then be spared. He is already
Traduced for levity; and 'tis said in Rome
That Photinus an eunuch and your maids
Manage this war.
Cleopatra. Sink Rome, and their tongues rot 1955
That speak against us! A charge we bear i' the war,
And, as the president of my kingdom, will
Appear there for a man. Speak not against it:
I will not stay behind.
Domitius Enobarus. Nay, I have done. 1960
Here comes the emperor.
[Enter MARK ANTONY and CANIDIUS]
Antony. Is it not strange, Canidius,
That from Tarentum and Brundusium
He could so quickly cut the Ionian sea, 1965
And take in Toryne? You have heard on't, sweet?
Cleopatra. Celerity is never more admired
Than by the negligent.
Antony. A good rebuke,
Which might have well becomed the best of men, 1970
To taunt at slackness. Canidius, we
Will fight with him by sea.
Cleopatra. By sea! what else?
Canidius. Why will my lord do so?
Antony. For that he dares us to't. 1975Domitius Enobarus. So hath my lord dared him to single fight.
Canidius. Ay, and to wage this battle at Pharsalia.
Where Caesar fought with Pompey: but these offers,
Which serve not for his vantage, be shakes off;
And so should you. 1980Domitius Enobarus. Your ships are not well mann'd;
Your mariners are muleters, reapers, people
Ingross'd by swift impress; in Caesar's fleet
Are those that often have 'gainst Pompey fought:
Their ships are yare; yours, heavy: no disgrace 1985
Shall fall you for refusing him at sea,
Being prepared for land.
Antony. By sea, by sea.
Domitius Enobarus. Most worthy sir, you therein throw away
The absolute soldiership you have by land; 1990
Distract your army, which doth most consist
Of war-mark'd footmen; leave unexecuted
Your own renowned knowledge; quite forego
The way which promises assurance; and
Give up yourself merely to chance and hazard, 1995
From firm security.
Antony. I'll fight at sea.
Cleopatra. I have sixty sails, Caesar none better.
Antony. Our overplus of shipping will we burn;
And, with the rest full-mann'd, from the head of Actium 2000
Beat the approaching Caesar. But if we fail,
We then can do't at land.
[Enter a Messenger]
Thy business?
Messenger. The news is true, my lord; he is descried; 2005
Caesar has taken Toryne.
Antony. Can he be there in person? 'tis impossible;
Strange that power should be. Canidius,
Our nineteen legions thou shalt hold by land,
And our twelve thousand horse. We'll to our ship: 2010
Away, my Thetis!
[Enter a Soldier]
How now, worthy soldier?
Soldier. O noble emperor, do not fight by sea;
Trust not to rotten planks: do you misdoubt 2015
This sword and these my wounds? Let the Egyptians
And the Phoenicians go a-ducking; we
Have used to conquer, standing on the earth,
And fighting foot to foot.
Antony. Well, well: away! 2020[Exeunt MARK ANTONY, QUEEN CLEOPATRA, and DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]
Soldier. By Hercules, I think I am i' the right.
Canidius. Soldier, thou art: but his whole action grows
Not in the power on't: so our leader's led,
And we are women's men. 2025Soldier. You keep by land
The legions and the horse whole, do you not?
Canidius. Marcus Octavius, Marcus Justeius,
Publicola, and Caelius, are for sea:
But we keep whole by land. This speed of Caesar's 2030
Carries beyond belief.
Soldier. While he was yet in Rome,
His power went out in such distractions as
Beguiled all spies.
Canidius. Who's his lieutenant, hear you? 2035Soldier. They say, one Taurus.
Canidius. Well I know the man.
[Enter a Messenger]
Messenger. The emperor calls Canidius.
Canidius. With news the time's with labour, and throes forth, 2040
Each minute, some.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 8
A plain near Actium.
[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, and TAURUS, with his army, marching]
Octavius. Taurus!
Taurus. My lord? 2045Octavius. Strike not by land; keep whole: provoke not battle,
Till we have done at sea. Do not exceed
The prescript of this scroll: our fortune lies
Upon this jump.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 9
Another part of the plain.
[Enter MARK ANTONY and DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]
Antony. Set we our squadrons on yond side o' the hill,
In eye of Caesar's battle; from which place
We may the number of the ships behold,
And so proceed accordingly. 2055[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 10
Another part of the plain.
[CANIDIUS marcheth with his land army one way over] [p]the stage; and TAURUS, the lieutenant of OCTAVIUS [p]CAESAR, the other way. After their going in, is [p]heard the noise of a sea-fight]
[Alarum. Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]
Domitius Enobarus. Naught, naught all, naught! I can behold no longer:
The Antoniad, the Egyptian admiral,
With all their sixty, fly and turn the rudder:
To see't mine eyes are blasted. 2065[Enter SCARUS]
Scarus. Gods and goddesses,
All the whole synod of them!
Domitius Enobarus. What's thy passion!
Scarus. The greater cantle of the world is lost 2070
With very ignorance; we have kiss'd away
Kingdoms and provinces.
Domitius Enobarus. How appears the fight?
Scarus. On our side like the token'd pestilence,
Where death is sure. Yon ribaudred nag of Egypt,— 2075
Whom leprosy o'ertake!—i' the midst o' the fight,
When vantage like a pair of twins appear'd,
Both as the same, or rather ours the elder,
The breese upon her, like a cow in June,
Hoists sails and flies. 2080Domitius Enobarus. That I beheld:
Mine eyes did sicken at the sight, and could not
Endure a further view.
Scarus. She once being loof'd,
The noble ruin of her magic, Antony, 2085
Claps on his sea-wing, and, like a doting mallard,
Leaving the fight in height, flies after her:
I never saw an action of such shame;
Experience, manhood, honour, ne'er before
Did violate so itself. 2090Domitius Enobarus. Alack, alack!
[Enter CANIDIUS]
Canidius. Our fortune on the sea is out of breath,
And sinks most lamentably. Had our general
Been what he knew himself, it had gone well: 2095
O, he has given example for our flight,
Most grossly, by his own!
Domitius Enobarus. Ay, are you thereabouts?
Why, then, good night indeed.
Canidius. Toward Peloponnesus are they fled. 2100Scarus. 'Tis easy to't; and there I will attend
What further comes.
Canidius. To Caesar will I render
My legions and my horse: six kings already
Show me the way of yielding. 2105Domitius Enobarus. I'll yet follow
The wounded chance of Antony, though my reason
Sits in the wind against me.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 11
Alexandria. CLEOPATRA’s palace.
[Enter MARK ANTONY with Attendants]
Antony. Hark! the land bids me tread no more upon't;
It is ashamed to bear me! Friends, come hither:
I am so lated in the world, that I
Have lost my way for ever: I have a ship
Laden with gold; take that, divide it; fly, 2115
And make your peace with Caesar.
All. Fly! not we.
Antony. I have fled myself; and have instructed cowards
To run and show their shoulders. Friends, be gone;
I have myself resolved upon a course 2120
Which has no need of you; be gone:
My treasure's in the harbour, take it. O,
I follow'd that I blush to look upon:
My very hairs do mutiny; for the white
Reprove the brown for rashness, and they them 2125
For fear and doting. Friends, be gone: you shall
Have letters from me to some friends that will
Sweep your way for you. Pray you, look not sad,
Nor make replies of loathness: take the hint
Which my despair proclaims; let that be left 2130
Which leaves itself: to the sea-side straightway:
I will possess you of that ship and treasure.
Leave me, I pray, a little: pray you now:
Nay, do so; for, indeed, I have lost command,
Therefore I pray you: I'll see you by and by. 2135
[Sits down]
[Enter CLEOPATRA led by CHARMIAN and IRAS; EROS]
following]
Eros. Nay, gentle madam, to him, comfort him.
Iras. Do, most dear queen. 2140Charmian. Do! why: what else?
Cleopatra. Let me sit down. O Juno!
Antony. No, no, no, no, no.
Eros. See you here, sir?
Antony. O fie, fie, fie! 2145Charmian. Madam!
Iras. Madam, O good empress!
Eros. Sir, sir,—
Antony. Yes, my lord, yes; he at Philippi kept
His sword e'en like a dancer; while I struck 2150
The lean and wrinkled Cassius; and 'twas I
That the mad Brutus ended: he alone
Dealt on lieutenantry, and no practise had
In the brave squares of war: yet now—No matter.
Cleopatra. Ah, stand by. 2155Eros. The queen, my lord, the queen.
Iras. Go to him, madam, speak to him:
He is unqualitied with very shame.
Cleopatra. Well then, sustain him: O!
Eros. Most noble sir, arise; the queen approaches: 2160
Her head's declined, and death will seize her, but
Your comfort makes the rescue.
Antony. I have offended reputation,
A most unnoble swerving.
Eros. Sir, the queen. 2165Antony. O, whither hast thou led me, Egypt? See,
How I convey my shame out of thine eyes
By looking back what I have left behind
'Stroy'd in dishonour.
Cleopatra. O my lord, my lord, 2170
Forgive my fearful sails! I little thought
You would have follow'd.
Antony. Egypt, thou knew'st too well
My heart was to thy rudder tied by the strings,
And thou shouldst tow me after: o'er my spirit 2175
Thy full supremacy thou knew'st, and that
Thy beck might from the bidding of the gods
Command me.
Cleopatra. O, my pardon!
Antony. Now I must 2180
To the young man send humble treaties, dodge
And palter in the shifts of lowness; who
With half the bulk o' the world play'd as I pleased,
Making and marring fortunes. You did know
How much you were my conqueror; and that 2185
My sword, made weak by my affection, would
Obey it on all cause.
Cleopatra. Pardon, pardon!
Antony. Fall not a tear, I say; one of them rates
All that is won and lost: give me a kiss; 2190
Even this repays me. We sent our schoolmaster;
Is he come back? Love, I am full of lead.
Some wine, within there, and our viands! Fortune knows
We scorn her most when most she offers blows.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 12
Egypt. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s camp.
[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, DOLABELLA, THYREUS, with others]
Octavius. Let him appear that's come from Antony.
Know you him?
Dolabella. Caesar, 'tis his schoolmaster:
An argument that he is pluck'd, when hither 2200
He sends so poor a pinion off his wing,
Which had superfluous kings for messengers
Not many moons gone by.
[Enter EUPHRONIUS, ambassador from MARK ANTONY]
Octavius. Approach, and speak. 2205Euphronius. Such as I am, I come from Antony:
I was of late as petty to his ends
As is the morn-dew on the myrtle-leaf
To his grand sea.
Octavius. Be't so: declare thine office. 2210Euphronius. Lord of his fortunes he salutes thee, and
Requires to live in Egypt: which not granted,
He lessens his requests; and to thee sues
To let him breathe between the heavens and earth,
A private man in Athens: this for him. 2215
Next, Cleopatra does confess thy greatness;
Submits her to thy might; and of thee craves
The circle of the Ptolemies for her heirs,
Now hazarded to thy grace.
Octavius. For Antony, 2220
I have no ears to his request. The queen
Of audience nor desire shall fail, so she
From Egypt drive her all-disgraced friend,
Or take his life there: this if she perform,
She shall not sue unheard. So to them both. 2225Euphronius. Fortune pursue thee!
Octavius. Bring him through the bands.
[Exit EUPHRONIUS]
[To THYREUS] To try eloquence, now 'tis time: dispatch;]
From Antony win Cleopatra: promise, 2230
And in our name, what she requires; add more,
From thine invention, offers: women are not
In their best fortunes strong; but want will perjure
The ne'er touch'd vestal: try thy cunning, Thyreus;
Make thine own edict for thy pains, which we 2235
Will answer as a law.
Thyreus. Caesar, I go.
Octavius. Observe how Antony becomes his flaw,
And what thou think'st his very action speaks
In every power that moves. 2240Thyreus. Caesar, I shall.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 13
Alexandria. CLEOPATRA’s palace.
[Enter CLEOPATRA, DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS, CHARMIAN, and IRAS]
Cleopatra. What shall we do, Enobarbus?
Domitius Enobarus. Think, and die. 2245Cleopatra. Is Antony or we in fault for this?
Domitius Enobarus. Antony only, that would make his will
Lord of his reason. What though you fled
From that great face of war, whose several ranges
Frighted each other? why should he follow? 2250
The itch of his affection should not then
Have nick'd his captainship; at such a point,
When half to half the world opposed, he being
The meered question: 'twas a shame no less
Than was his loss, to course your flying flags, 2255
And leave his navy gazing.
Cleopatra. Prithee, peace.
[Enter MARK ANTONY with EUPHRONIUS, the Ambassador]
Antony. Is that his answer?
Euphronius. Ay, my lord. 2260Antony. The queen shall then have courtesy, so she
Will yield us up.
Euphronius. He says so.
Antony. Let her know't.
To the boy Caesar send this grizzled head, 2265
And he will fill thy wishes to the brim
With principalities.
Cleopatra. That head, my lord?
Antony. To him again: tell him he wears the rose
Of youth upon him; from which the world should note 2270
Something particular: his coin, ships, legions,
May be a coward's; whose ministers would prevail
Under the service of a child as soon
As i' the command of Caesar: I dare him therefore
To lay his gay comparisons apart, 2275
And answer me declined, sword against sword,
Ourselves alone. I'll write it: follow me.
[Exeunt MARK ANTONY and EUPHRONIUS]
Domitius Enobarus. [Aside] Yes, like enough, high-battled Caesar will
Unstate his happiness, and be staged to the show, 2280
Against a sworder! I see men's judgments are
A parcel of their fortunes; and things outward
Do draw the inward quality after them,
To suffer all alike. That he should dream,
Knowing all measures, the full Caesar will 2285
Answer his emptiness! Caesar, thou hast subdued
His judgment too.
[Enter an Attendant]
Attendant. A messenger from CAESAR.
Cleopatra. What, no more ceremony? See, my women! 2290
Against the blown rose may they stop their nose
That kneel'd unto the buds. Admit him, sir.
[Exit Attendant]
Domitius Enobarus. [Aside] Mine honesty and I begin to square.
The loyalty well held to fools does make 2295
Our faith mere folly: yet he that can endure
To follow with allegiance a fall'n lord
Does conquer him that did his master conquer
And earns a place i' the story.
[Enter THYREUS]
Cleopatra. Caesar's will?
Thyreus. Hear it apart.
Cleopatra. None but friends: say boldly.
Thyreus. So, haply, are they friends to Antony.
Domitius Enobarus. He needs as many, sir, as Caesar has; 2305
Or needs not us. If Caesar please, our master
Will leap to be his friend: for us, you know,
Whose he is we are, and that is, Caesar's.
Thyreus. So.
Thus then, thou most renown'd: Caesar entreats, 2310
Not to consider in what case thou stand'st,
Further than he is Caesar.
Cleopatra. Go on: right royal.
Thyreus. He knows that you embrace not Antony
As you did love, but as you fear'd him. 2315Cleopatra. O!
Thyreus. The scars upon your honour, therefore, he
Does pity, as constrained blemishes,
Not as deserved.
Cleopatra. He is a god, and knows 2320
What is most right: mine honour was not yielded,
But conquer'd merely.
Domitius Enobarus. [Aside] To be sure of that,
I will ask Antony. Sir, sir, thou art so leaky,
That we must leave thee to thy sinking, for 2325
Thy dearest quit thee.
[Exit]
Thyreus. Shall I say to Caesar
What you require of him? for he partly begs
To be desired to give. It much would please him, 2330
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,
And put yourself under his shrowd,
The universal landlord. 2335Cleopatra. What's your name?
Thyreus. My name is Thyreus.
Cleopatra. Most kind messenger,
Say to great Caesar this: in deputation
I kiss his conquering hand: tell him, I am prompt 2340
To lay my crown at 's feet, and there to kneel:
Tell him from his all-obeying breath I hear
The doom of Egypt.
Thyreus. 'Tis your noblest course.
Wisdom and fortune combating together, 2345
If that the former dare but what it can,
No chance may shake it. Give me grace to lay
My duty on your hand.
Cleopatra. Your Caesar's father oft,
When he hath mused of taking kingdoms in, 2350
Bestow'd his lips on that unworthy place,
As it rain'd kisses.
[Re-enter MARK ANTONY and DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]
Antony. Favours, by Jove that thunders!
What art thou, fellow? 2355Thyreus. One that but performs
The bidding of the fullest man, and worthiest
To have command obey'd.
Domitius Enobarus. [Aside] You will be whipp'd.
Antony. Approach, there! Ah, you kite! Now, gods 2360
and devils!
Authority melts from me: of late, when I cried 'Ho!'
Like boys unto a muss, kings would start forth,
And cry 'Your will?' Have you no ears? I am
Antony yet. 2365
[Enter Attendants]
Take hence this Jack, and whip him.
Domitius Enobarus. [Aside] 'Tis better playing with a lion's whelp
Than with an old one dying.
Antony. Moon and stars! 2370
Whip him. Were't twenty of the greatest tributaries
That do acknowledge Caesar, should I find them
So saucy with the hand of she here,—what's her name,
Since she was Cleopatra? Whip him, fellows,
Till, like a boy, you see him cringe his face, 2375
And whine aloud for mercy: take him hence.
Thyreus. Mark Antony!
Antony. Tug him away: being whipp'd,
Bring him again: this Jack of Caesar's shall
Bear us an errand to him. 2380
[Exeunt Attendants with THYREUS]
You were half blasted ere I knew you: ha!
Have I my pillow left unpress'd in Rome,
Forborne the getting of a lawful race,
And by a gem of women, to be abused 2385
By one that looks on feeders?
Cleopatra. Good my lord,—
Antony. You have been a boggler ever:
But when we in our viciousness grow hard—
O misery on't!—the wise gods seel our eyes; 2390
In our own filth drop our clear judgments; make us
Adore our errors; laugh at's, while we strut
To our confusion.
Cleopatra. O, is't come to this?
Antony. I found you as a morsel cold upon 2395
Dead Caesar's trencher; nay, you were a fragment
Of Cneius Pompey's; besides what hotter hours,
Unregister'd in vulgar fame, you have
Luxuriously pick'd out: for, I am sure,
Though you can guess what temperance should be, 2400
You know not what it is.
Cleopatra. Wherefore is this?
Antony. To let a fellow that will take rewards
And say 'God quit you!' be familiar with
My playfellow, your hand; this kingly seal 2405
And plighter of high hearts! O, that I were
Upon the hill of Basan, to outroar
The horned herd! for I have savage cause;
And to proclaim it civilly, were like
A halter'd neck which does the hangman thank 2410
For being yare about him.
[Re-enter Attendants with THYREUS]
Is he whipp'd?
First Attendant. Soundly, my lord.
Antony. Cried he? and begg'd a' pardon? 2415First Attendant. He did ask favour.
Antony. If that thy father live, let him repent
Thou wast not made his daughter; and be thou sorry
To follow Caesar in his triumph, since
Thou hast been whipp'd for following him: henceforth 2420
The white hand of a lady fever thee,
Shake thou to look on 't. Get thee back to Caesar,
Tell him thy entertainment: look, thou say
He makes me angry with him; for he seems
Proud and disdainful, harping on what I am, 2425
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 orbs, and shot their fires
Into the abysm of hell. If he mislike 2430
My speech and what is done, tell him he has
Hipparchus, my enfranched bondman, whom
He may at pleasure whip, or hang, or torture,
As he shall like, to quit me: urge it thou:
Hence with thy stripes, begone! 2435[Exit THYREUS]
Cleopatra. Have you done yet?
Antony. Alack, our terrene moon
Is now eclipsed; and it portends alone
The fall of Antony! 2440Cleopatra. I must stay his time.
Antony. To flatter Caesar, would you mingle eyes
With one that ties his points?
Cleopatra. Not know me yet?
Antony. Cold-hearted toward me? 2445Cleopatra. Ah, dear, if I be so,
From my cold heart let heaven engender hail,
And poison it in the source; and the first stone
Drop in my neck: as it determines, so
Dissolve my life! The next Caesarion smite! 2450
Till by degrees the memory of my womb,
Together with my brave Egyptians all,
By the discandying of this pelleted storm,
Lie graveless, till the flies and gnats of Nile
Have buried them for prey! 2455Antony. I am satisfied.
Caesar sits down in Alexandria; where
I will oppose his fate. Our force by land
Hath nobly held; our sever'd navy too
Have knit again, and fleet, threatening most sea-like. 2460
Where hast thou been, my heart? Dost thou hear, lady?
If from the field I shall return once more
To kiss these lips, I will appear in blood;
I and my sword will earn our chronicle:
There's hope in't yet. 2465Cleopatra. That's my brave lord!
Antony. I will be treble-sinew'd, hearted, breathed,
And fight maliciously: for when mine hours
Were nice and lucky, men did ransom lives
Of me for jests; but now I'll set my teeth, 2470
And send to darkness all that stop me. Come,
Let's have one other gaudy night: call to me
All my sad captains; fill our bowls once more;
Let's mock the midnight bell.
Cleopatra. It is my birth-day: 2475
I had thought to have held it poor: but, since my lord
Is Antony again, I will be Cleopatra.
Antony. We will yet do well.
Cleopatra. Call all his noble captains to my lord.
Antony. Do so, we'll speak to them; and to-night I'll force 2480
The wine peep through their scars. Come on, my queen;
There's sap in't yet. The next time I do fight,
I'll make death love me; for I will contend
Even with his pestilent scythe.
[Exeunt all but DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]
Domitius Enobarus. Now he'll outstare the lightning. To be furious,
Is to be frighted out of fear; and in that mood
The dove will peck the estridge; and I see still,
A diminution in our captain's brain
Restores his heart: when valour preys on reason, 2490
It eats the sword it fights with. I will seek
Some way to leave him.
[Exit]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 1
Before Alexandria. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s camp.
[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, AGRIPPA, and MECAENAS, with] [p]his Army; OCTAVIUS CAESAR reading a letter]
Octavius. He calls me boy; and chides, as he had power
To beat me out of Egypt; my messenger
He hath whipp'd with rods; dares me to personal combat,
Caesar to Antony: let the old ruffian know
I have many other ways to die; meantime 2500
Laugh at his challenge.
Mecaenas. Caesar must think,
When one so great begins to rage, he's hunted
Even to falling. Give him no breath, but now
Make boot of his distraction: never anger 2505
Made good guard for itself.
Octavius. Let our best heads
Know, that to-morrow the last of many battles
We mean to fight: within our files there are,
Of those that served Mark Antony but late, 2510
Enough to fetch him in. See it done:
And feast the army; we have store to do't,
And they have earn'd the waste. Poor Antony!
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 2
Alexandria. CLEOPATRA’s palace.
[Enter MARK ANTONY, CLEOPATRA, DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS,] [p]CHARMIAN, IRAS, ALEXAS, with others]
Antony. He will not fight with me, Domitius.
Domitius Enobarus. No.
Antony. Why should he not?
Domitius Enobarus. He thinks, being twenty times of better fortune, 2520
He is twenty men to one.
Antony. To-morrow, soldier,
By sea and land I'll fight: or I will live,
Or bathe my dying honour in the blood
Shall make it live again. Woo't thou fight well? 2525Domitius Enobarus. I'll strike, and cry 'Take all.'
Antony. Well said; come on.
Call forth my household servants: let's to-night
Be bounteous at our meal.
[Enter three or four Servitors] 2530
Give me thy hand,
Thou hast been rightly honest;—so hast thou;—
Thou,—and thou,—and thou:—you have served me well,
And kings have been your fellows.
Cleopatra. [Aside to DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS] What means this? 2535Domitius Enobarus. [Aside to CLEOPATRA] 'Tis one of those odd
tricks which sorrow shoots
Out of the mind.
Antony. And thou art honest too.
I wish I could be made so many men, 2540
And all of you clapp'd up together in
An Antony, that I might do you service
So good as you have done.
All. The gods forbid!
Antony. Well, my good fellows, wait on me to-night: 2545
Scant not my cups; and make as much of me
As when mine empire was your fellow too,
And suffer'd my command.
Cleopatra. [Aside to DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS] What does he mean?
Domitius Enobarus. [Aside to CLEOPATRA] To make his followers weep. 2550Antony. Tend me to-night;
May be it is the period of your duty:
Haply you shall not see me more; or if,
A mangled shadow: perchance to-morrow
You'll serve another master. I look on you 2555
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:
Tend me to-night two hours, I ask no more,
And the gods yield you for't! 2560Domitius Enobarus. What mean you, sir,
To give them this discomfort? Look, they weep;
And I, an ass, am onion-eyed: for shame,
Transform us not to women.
Antony. Ho, ho, ho! 2565
Now the witch take me, if I meant it thus!
Grace grow where those drops fall!
My hearty friends,
You take me in too dolorous a sense;
For I spake to you for your comfort; did desire you 2570
To burn this night with torches: know, my hearts,
I hope well of to-morrow; and will lead you
Where rather I'll expect victorious life
Than death and honour. Let's to supper, come,
And drown consideration. 2575[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 3
The same. Before the palace.
[Enter two Soldiers to their guard]
First Soldier. Brother, good night: to-morrow is the day.
Second Soldier. It will determine one way: fare you well.
Heard you of nothing strange about the streets? 2580First Soldier. Nothing. What news?
Second Soldier. Belike 'tis but a rumour. Good night to you.
First Soldier. Well, sir, good night.
[Enter two other Soldiers]
Second Soldier. Soldiers, have careful watch. 2585Third Soldier. And you. Good night, good night.
[They place themselves in every corner of the stage]
Fourth Soldier. Here we: and if to-morrow
Our navy thrive, I have an absolute hope
Our landmen will stand up. 2590Third Soldier. 'Tis a brave army,
And full of purpose.
[Music of the hautboys as under the stage]
Fourth Soldier. Peace! what noise?
First Soldier. List, list! 2595Second Soldier. Hark!
First Soldier. Music i' the air.
Third Soldier. Under the earth.
Fourth Soldier. It signs well, does it not?
Third Soldier. No. 2600First Soldier. Peace, I say!
What should this mean?
Second Soldier. 'Tis the god Hercules, whom Antony loved,
Now leaves him.
First Soldier. Walk; let's see if other watchmen 2605
Do hear what we do?
[They advance to another post]
Second Soldier. How now, masters!
All. [Speaking together] How now!
How now! do you hear this? 2610First Soldier. Ay; is't not strange?
Third Soldier. Do you hear, masters? do you hear?
First Soldier. Follow the noise so far as we have quarter;
Let's see how it will give off.
All. Content. 'Tis strange. 2615[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 4
The same. A room in the palace.
[Enter MARK ANTONY and CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, and] [p]others attending]
Antony. Eros! mine armour, Eros!
Cleopatra. Sleep a little. 2620Antony. No, my chuck. Eros, come; mine armour, Eros!
[Enter EROS with armour]
Come good fellow, put mine iron on:
If fortune be not ours to-day, it is
Because we brave her: come. 2625Cleopatra. Nay, I'll help too.
What's this for?
Antony. Ah, let be, let be! thou art
The armourer of my heart: false, false; this, this.
Cleopatra. Sooth, la, I'll help: thus it must be. 2630Antony. Well, well;
We shall thrive now. Seest thou, my good fellow?
Go put on thy defences.
Eros. Briefly, sir.
Cleopatra. Is not this buckled well? 2635Antony. Rarely, rarely:
He that unbuckles this, till we do please
To daff't for our repose, shall hear a storm.
Thou fumblest, Eros; and my queen's a squire
More tight at this than thou: dispatch. O love, 2640
That thou couldst see my wars to-day, and knew'st
The royal occupation! thou shouldst see
A workman in't.
[Enter an armed Soldier]
Good morrow to thee; welcome: 2645
Thou look'st like him that knows a warlike charge:
To business that we love we rise betime,
And go to't with delight.
Soldier. A thousand, sir,
Early though't be, have on their riveted trim, 2650
And at the port expect you.
[Shout. Trumpets flourish]
[Enter Captains and Soldiers]
Captain. The morn is fair. Good morrow, general.
All. Good morrow, general. 2655Antony. 'Tis well blown, lads:
This morning, like the spirit of a youth
That means to be of note, begins betimes.
So, so; come, give me that: this way; well said.
Fare thee well, dame, whate'er becomes of me: 2660
This is a soldier's kiss: rebukeable
[Kisses her]
And worthy shameful cheque it were, to stand
On more mechanic compliment; I'll leave thee
Now, like a man of steel. You that will fight, 2665
Follow me close; I'll bring you to't. Adieu.
[Exeunt MARK ANTONY, EROS, Captains, and Soldiers]
Charmian. Please you, retire to your chamber.
Cleopatra. Lead me.
He goes forth gallantly. That he and Caesar might 2670
Determine this great war in single fight!
Then Antony,—but now—Well, on.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 5
Alexandria. MARK ANTONY’s camp.
[Trumpets sound. Enter MARK ANTONY and EROS; a] [p]Soldier meeting them]
Soldier. The gods make this a happy day to Antony!
Antony. Would thou and those thy scars had once prevail'd
To make me fight at land!
Soldier. Hadst thou done so,
The kings that have revolted, and the soldier 2680
That has this morning left thee, would have still
Follow'd thy heels.
Antony. Who's gone this morning?
Soldier. Who!
One ever near thee: call for Enobarbus, 2685
He shall not hear thee; or from Caesar's camp
Say 'I am none of thine.'
Antony. What say'st thou?
Soldier. Sir,
He is with Caesar. 2690Eros. Sir, his chests and treasure
He has not with him.
Antony. Is he gone?
Soldier. Most certain.
Antony. Go, Eros, send his treasure after; do it; 2695
Detain no jot, I charge thee: write to him—
I will subscribe—gentle adieus and greetings;
Say that I wish he never find more cause
To change a master. O, my fortunes have
Corrupted honest men! Dispatch.—Enobarbus! 2700[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 6
Alexandria. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s camp.
[Flourish. Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, AGRIPPA, with] [p]DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS, and others]
Octavius. Go forth, Agrippa, and begin the fight:
Our will is Antony be took alive; 2705
Make it so known.
Agrippa. Caesar, I shall.
[Exit]
Octavius. The time of universal peace is near:
Prove this a prosperous day, the three-nook'd world 2710
Shall bear the olive freely.
[Enter a Messenger]
Messenger. Antony
Is come into the field.
Octavius. Go charge Agrippa 2715
Plant those that have revolted in the van,
That Antony may seem to spend his fury
Upon himself.
[Exeunt all but DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]
Domitius Enobarus. Alexas did revolt; and went to Jewry on 2720
Affairs of Antony; there did persuade
Great Herod to incline himself to Caesar,
And leave his master Antony: for this pains
Caesar hath hang'd him. Canidius and the rest
That fell away have entertainment, but 2725
No honourable trust. I have done ill;
Of which I do accuse myself so sorely,
That I will joy no more.
[Enter a Soldier of CAESAR's]
Soldier. Enobarbus, Antony 2730
Hath after thee sent all thy treasure, with
His bounty overplus: the messenger
Came on my guard; and at thy tent is now
Unloading of his mules.
Domitius Enobarus. I give it you. 2735Soldier. Mock not, Enobarbus.
I tell you true: best you safed the bringer
Out of the host; I must attend mine office,
Or would have done't myself. Your emperor
Continues still a Jove. 2740[Exit]
Domitius Enobarus. I am alone the villain of the earth,
And feel I am so most. O Antony,
Thou mine of bounty, how wouldst thou have paid
My better service, when my turpitude 2745
Thou dost so crown with gold! This blows my heart:
If swift thought break it not, a swifter mean
Shall outstrike thought: but thought will do't, I feel.
I fight against thee! No: I will go seek
Some ditch wherein to die; the foul'st best fits 2750
My latter part of life.
[Exit]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 7
Field of battle between the camps.
[Alarum. Drums and trumpets. Enter AGRIPPA] [p]and others]
Agrippa. Retire, we have engaged ourselves too far: 2755
Caesar himself has work, and our oppression
Exceeds what we expected.
[Exeunt]
[Alarums. Enter MARK ANTONY and SCARUS wounded]
Scarus. O my brave emperor, this is fought indeed! 2760
Had we done so at first, we had droven them home
With clouts about their heads.
Antony. Thou bleed'st apace.
Scarus. I had a wound here that was like a T,
But now 'tis made an H. 2765Antony. They do retire.
Scarus. We'll beat 'em into bench-holes: I have yet
Room for six scotches more.
[Enter EROS]
Eros. They are beaten, sir, and our advantage serves 2770
For a fair victory.
Scarus. Let us score their backs,
And snatch 'em up, as we take hares, behind:
'Tis sport to maul a runner.
Antony. I will reward thee 2775
Once for thy spritely comfort, and ten-fold
For thy good valour. Come thee on.
Scarus. I'll halt after.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 8
Under the walls of Alexandria.
[Alarum. Enter MARK ANTONY, in a march; SCARUS,] [p]with others]
Antony. We have beat him to his camp: run one before,
And let the queen know of our gests. To-morrow,
Before the sun shall see 's, we'll spill the blood
That has to-day escaped. I thank you all; 2785
For doughty-handed are you, and have fought
Not as you served the cause, but as 't had been
Each man's like mine; you have shown all Hectors.
Enter the city, clip your wives, your friends,
Tell them your feats; whilst they with joyful tears 2790
Wash the congealment from your wounds, and kiss
The honour'd gashes whole.
[To SCARUS]
Give me thy hand
[Enter CLEOPATRA, attended] 2795
To this great fairy I'll commend thy acts,
Make her thanks bless thee.
[To CLEOPATRA]
O thou day o' the world,
Chain mine arm'd neck; leap thou, attire and all, 2800
Through proof of harness to my heart, and there
Ride on the pants triumphing!
Cleopatra. Lord of lords!
O infinite virtue, comest thou smiling from
The world's great snare uncaught? 2805Antony. My nightingale,
We have beat them to their beds. What, girl!
though grey
Do something mingle with our younger brown, yet ha' we
A brain that nourishes our nerves, and can 2810
Get goal for goal of youth. Behold this man;
Commend unto his lips thy favouring hand:
Kiss it, my warrior: he hath fought to-day
As if a god, in hate of mankind, had
Destroy'd in such a shape. 2815Cleopatra. I'll give thee, friend,
An armour all of gold; it was a king's.
Antony. He has deserved it, were it carbuncled
Like holy Phoebus' car. Give me thy hand:
Through Alexandria make a jolly march; 2820
Bear our hack'd targets like the men that owe them:
Had our great palace the capacity
To camp this host, we all would sup together,
And drink carouses to the next day's fate,
Which promises royal peril. Trumpeters, 2825
With brazen din blast you the city's ear;
Make mingle with rattling tabourines;
That heaven and earth may strike their sounds together,
Applauding our approach.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 9
OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s camp.
[Sentinels at their post]
First Soldier. If we be not relieved within this hour,
We must return to the court of guard: the night
Is shiny; and they say we shall embattle
By the second hour i' the morn. 2835Second Soldier. This last day was
A shrewd one to's.
[Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]
Domitius Enobarus. O, bear me witness, night,—
Third Soldier. What man is this? 2840Second Soldier. Stand close, and list him.
Domitius Enobarus. Be witness to me, O thou blessed moon,
When men revolted shall upon record
Bear hateful memory, poor Enobarbus did
Before thy face repent! 2845First Soldier. Enobarbus!
Third Soldier. Peace!
Hark further.
Domitius Enobarus. O sovereign mistress of true melancholy,
The poisonous damp of night disponge upon me, 2850
That life, a very rebel to my will,
May hang no longer on me: throw my heart
Against the flint and hardness of my fault:
Which, being dried with grief, will break to powder,
And finish all foul thoughts. O Antony, 2855
Nobler than my revolt is infamous,
Forgive me in thine own particular;
But let the world rank me in register
A master-leaver and a fugitive:
O Antony! O Antony! 2860[Dies]
Second Soldier. Let's speak To him.
First Soldier. Let's hear him, for the things he speaks
May concern Caesar.
Third Soldier. Let's do so. But he sleeps. 2865First Soldier. Swoons rather; for so bad a prayer as his
Was never yet for sleep.
Second Soldier. Go we to him.
Third Soldier. Awake, sir, awake; speak to us.
Second Soldier. Hear you, sir? 2870First Soldier. The hand of death hath raught him.
[Drums afar off]
Hark! the drums
Demurely wake the sleepers. Let us bear him
To the court of guard; he is of note: our hour 2875
Is fully out.
Third Soldier. Come on, then;
He may recover yet.
[Exeunt with the body]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 10
Between the two camps.
[Enter MARK ANTONY and SCARUS, with their Army]
Antony. Their preparation is to-day by sea;
We please them not by land.
Scarus. For both, my lord.
Antony. I would they'ld fight i' the fire or i' the air;
We'ld fight there too. But this it is; our foot 2885
Upon the hills adjoining to the city
Shall stay with us: order for sea is given;
They have put forth the haven [—]
Where their appointment we may best discover,
And look on their endeavour. 2890[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 11
Another part of the same.
[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, and his Army]
Octavius. But being charged, we will be still by land,
Which, as I take't, we shall; for his best force
Is forth to man his galleys. To the vales, 2895
And hold our best advantage.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 12
Another part of the same.
[Enter MARK ANTONY and SCARUS]
Antony. Yet they are not join'd: where yond pine
does stand, 2900
I shall discover all: I'll bring thee word
Straight, how 'tis like to go.
[Exit]
Scarus. Swallows have built
In Cleopatra's sails their nests: the augurers 2905
Say they know not, they cannot tell; look grimly,
And dare not speak their knowledge. Antony
Is valiant, and dejected; and, by starts,
His fretted fortunes give him hope, and fear,
Of what he has, and has not. 2910[Alarum afar off, as at a sea-fight]
[Re-enter MARK ANTONY]
Antony. All is lost;
This foul Egyptian hath betrayed me:
My fleet hath yielded to the foe; and yonder 2915
They cast their caps up and carouse together
Like friends long lost. Triple-turn'd whore!
'tis thou
Hast sold me to this novice; and my heart
Makes only wars on thee. Bid them all fly; 2920
For when I am revenged upon my charm,
I have done all. Bid them all fly; begone.
[Exit SCARUS]
O sun, thy uprise shall I see no more:
Fortune and Antony part here; even here 2925
Do we shake hands. All come to this? The hearts
That spaniel'd me at heels, to whom I gave
Their wishes, do discandy, melt their sweets
On blossoming Caesar; and this pine is bark'd,
That overtopp'd them all. Betray'd I am: 2930
O this false soul of Egypt! this grave charm,—
Whose eye beck'd forth my wars, and call'd them home;
Whose bosom was my crownet, my chief end,—
Like a right gipsy, hath, at fast and loose,
Beguiled me to the very heart of loss. 2935
What, Eros, Eros!
[Enter CLEOPATRA]
Ah, thou spell! Avaunt!
Cleopatra. Why is my lord enraged against his love?
Antony. Vanish, or I shall give thee thy deserving, 2940
And blemish Caesar's triumph. Let him take thee,
And hoist thee up to the shouting plebeians:
Follow his chariot, like the greatest spot
Of all thy sex; most monster-like, be shown
For poor'st diminutives, for doits; and let 2945
Patient Octavia plough thy visage up
With her prepared nails.
[Exit CLEOPATRA]
'Tis well thou'rt gone,
If it be well to live; but better 'twere 2950
Thou fell'st into my fury, for one death
Might have prevented many. Eros, ho!
The shirt of Nessus is upon me: teach me,
Alcides, thou mine ancestor, thy rage:
Let me lodge Lichas on the horns o' the moon; 2955
And with those hands, that grasp'd the heaviest club,
Subdue my worthiest self. The witch shall die:
To the young Roman boy she hath sold me, and I fall
Under this plot; she dies for't. Eros, ho!
[Exit]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 13
Alexandria. Cleopatra’s palace.
[Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and MARDIAN]
Cleopatra. Help me, my women! O, he is more mad
Than Telamon for his shield; the boar of Thessaly
Was never so emboss'd.
Charmian. To the monument! 2965
There lock yourself, and send him word you are dead.
The soul and body rive not more in parting
Than greatness going off.
Cleopatra. To the monument!
Mardian, go tell him I have slain myself; 2970
Say, that the last I spoke was 'Antony,'
And word it, prithee, piteously: hence, Mardian,
And bring me how he takes my death.
To the monument!
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 14
The same. Another room.
[Enter MARK ANTONY and EROS]
Antony. Eros, thou yet behold'st me?
Eros. Ay, noble lord.
Antony. Sometimes we see a cloud that's dragonish;
A vapour sometime like a bear or lion, 2980
A tower'd citadel, a pendent rock,
A forked mountain, or blue promontory
With trees upon't, that nod unto the world,
And mock our eyes with air: thou hast seen
these signs; 2985
They are black vesper's pageants.
Eros. Ay, my lord,
Antony. That which is now a horse, even with a thought
The rack dislimns, and makes it indistinct,
As water is in water. 2990Eros. It does, my lord.
Antony. My good knave Eros, now thy captain is
Even such a body: here I am Antony:
Yet cannot hold this visible shape, my knave.
I made these wars for Egypt: and the queen,— 2995
Whose heart I thought I had, for she had mine;
Which whilst it was mine had annex'd unto't
A million more, now lost,—she, Eros, has
Pack'd cards with Caesar, and false-play'd my glory
Unto an enemy's triumph. 3000
Nay, weep not, gentle Eros; there is left us
Ourselves to end ourselves.
[Enter MARDIAN]
O! thy vile lady!
She has robb'd me of my sword. 3005Mardian. No, Antony;
My mistress loved thee, and her fortunes mingled
With thine entirely.
Antony. Hence, saucy eunuch; peace!
She hath betray'd me and shall die the death. 3010Mardian. Death of one person can be paid but once,
And that she has discharged: what thou wouldst do
Is done unto thy hand: the last she spake
Was 'Antony! most noble Antony!'
Then in the midst a tearing groan did break 3015
The name of Antony; it was divided
Between her heart and lips: she render'd life,
Thy name so buried in her.
Antony. Dead, then?
Mardian. Dead. 3020Antony. Unarm, Eros; the long day's task is done,
And we must sleep.
[To MARDIAN]
That thou depart'st hence safe,
Does pay thy labour richly; go. 3025
[Exit MARDIAN]
Off, pluck off:
The seven-fold shield of Ajax cannot keep
The battery from my heart. O, cleave, my sides!
Heart, once be stronger than thy continent, 3030
Crack thy frail case! Apace, Eros, apace.
No more a soldier: bruised pieces, go;
You have been nobly borne. From me awhile.
[Exit EROS]
I will o'ertake thee, Cleopatra, and 3035
Weep for my pardon. So it must be, for now
All length is torture: since the torch is out,
Lie down, and stray no farther: now all labour
Mars what it does; yea, very force entangles
Itself with strength: seal then, and all is done. 3040
Eros!—I come, my queen:—Eros!—Stay for me:
Where souls do couch on flowers, we'll hand in hand,
And with our sprightly port make the ghosts gaze:
Dido and her AEneas shall want troops,
And all the haunt be ours. Come, Eros, Eros! 3045[Re-enter EROS]
Eros. What would my lord?
Antony. Since Cleopatra died,
I have lived in such dishonour, that the gods
Detest my baseness. I, that with my sword 3050
Quarter'd the world, and o'er green Neptune's back
With ships made cities, condemn myself to lack
The courage of a woman; less noble mind
Than she which by her death our Caesar tells
'I am conqueror of myself.' Thou art sworn, Eros, 3055
That, when the exigent should come, which now
Is come indeed, when I should see behind me
The inevitable prosecution of
Disgrace and horror, that, on my command,
Thou then wouldst kill me: do't; the time is come: 3060
Thou strikest not me, 'tis Caesar thou defeat'st.
Put colour in thy cheek.
Eros. The gods withhold me!
Shall I do that which all the Parthian darts,
Though enemy, lost aim, and could not? 3065Antony. Eros,
Wouldst thou be window'd in great Rome and see
Thy master thus with pleach'd arms, bending down
His corrigible neck, his face subdued
To penetrative shame, whilst the wheel'd seat 3070
Of fortunate Caesar, drawn before him, branded
His baseness that ensued?
Eros. I would not see't.
Antony. Come, then; for with a wound I must be cured.
Draw that thy honest sword, which thou hast worn 3075
Most useful for thy country.
Eros. O, sir, pardon me!
Antony. When I did make thee free, sworest thou not then
To do this when I bade thee? Do it at once;
Or thy precedent services are all 3080
But accidents unpurposed. Draw, and come.
Eros. Turn from me, then, that noble countenance,
Wherein the worship of the whole world lies.
Antony. Lo thee!
[Turning from him]
Eros. My sword is drawn.
Antony. Then let it do at once
The thing why thou hast drawn it.
Eros. My dear master,
My captain, and my emperor, let me say, 3090
Before I strike this bloody stroke, farewell.
Antony. 'Tis said, man; and farewell.
Eros. Farewell, great chief. Shall I strike now?
Antony. Now, Eros.
Eros. Why, there then: thus I do escape the sorrow 3095
Of Antony's death.
[Kills himself]
Antony. Thrice-nobler than myself!
Thou teachest me, O valiant Eros, what
I should, and thou couldst not. My queen and Eros 3100
Have by their brave instruction got upon me
A nobleness in record: but I will be
A bridegroom 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 3105
[Falling on his sword]
I learn'd of thee. How! not dead? not dead?
The guard, ho! O, dispatch me!
[Enter DERCETAS and Guard]
First Guard. What's the noise? 3110Antony. I have done my work in, friends: O, make an end
Of what I have begun.
Second Guard. The star is fall'n.
First Guard. And time is at his period.
All. Alas, and woe! 3115Antony. Let him that loves me strike me dead.
First Guard. Not I.
Second Guard. Nor I.
Third Guard. Nor any one.
[Exeunt Guard]
Dercetas. Thy death and fortunes bid thy followers fly.
This sword but shown to Caesar, with this tidings,
Shall enter me with him.
[Enter DIOMEDES]
Diomedes. Where's Antony? 3125Dercetas. There, Diomed there.
Diomedes. Lives he?
Wilt thou not answer, man?
[Exit DERCETAS]
Antony. Art thou there, Diomed? Draw thy sword, and give me 3130
Sufficing strokes for death.
Diomedes. Most absolute lord,
My mistress Cleopatra sent me to thee.
Antony. When did she send thee?
Diomedes. Now, my lord. 3135Antony. Where is she?
Diomedes. Lock'd in her monument. She had a prophesying fear
Of what hath come to pass: for when she saw—
Which never shall be found—you did suspect
She had disposed with Caesar, and that your rage 3140
Would not be purged, she sent you word she was dead;
But, fearing since how it might work, hath sent
Me to proclaim the truth; and I am come,
I dread, too late.
Antony. Too late, good Diomed: call my guard, I prithee. 3145Diomedes. What, ho, the emperor's guard! The guard, what, ho!
Come, your lord calls!
[Enter four or five of the Guard of MARK ANTONY]
Antony. Bear me, good friends, where Cleopatra bides;
'Tis the last service that I shall command you. 3150First Guard. Woe, woe are we, sir, you may not live to wear
All your true followers out.
All. Most heavy day!
Antony. Nay, good my fellows, do not please sharp fate
To grace it with your sorrows: bid that welcome 3155
Which comes to punish us, and we punish it
Seeming to bear it lightly. Take me up:
I have led you oft: carry me now, good friends,
And have my thanks for all.
[Exeunt, bearing MARK ANTONY]
RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act IV, Scene 15
The same. A monument.
[Enter CLEOPATRA and her maids aloft, with] [p]CHARMIAN and IRAS]
Cleopatra. O Charmian, I will never go from hence.
Charmian. Be comforted, dear madam.
Cleopatra. No, I will not: 3165
All strange and terrible events are welcome,
But comforts we despise; our size of sorrow,
Proportion'd to our cause, must be as great
As that which makes it.
[Enter, below, DIOMEDES] 3170
How now! is he dead?
Diomedes. His death's upon him, but not dead.
Look out o' the other side your monument;
His guard have brought him thither.
[Enter, below, MARK ANTONY, borne by the Guard]
Cleopatra. O sun,
Burn the great sphere thou movest in!
darkling stand
The varying shore o' the world. O Antony,
Antony, Antony! Help, Charmian, help, Iras, help; 3180
Help, friends below; let's draw him hither.
Antony. Peace!
Not Caesar's valour hath o'erthrown Antony,
But Antony's hath triumph'd on itself.
Cleopatra. So it should be, that none but Antony 3185
Should conquer Antony; but woe 'tis so!
Antony. I am dying, Egypt, dying; only
I here importune death awhile, until
Of many thousand kisses the poor last
I lay up thy lips. 3190Cleopatra. I dare not, dear,—
Dear my lord, pardon,—I dare not,
Lest I be taken: not the imperious show
Of the full-fortuned Caesar ever shall
Be brooch'd with me; if knife, drugs, 3195
serpents, have
Edge, sting, or operation, I am safe:
Your wife Octavia, with her modest eyes
And still conclusion, shall acquire no honour
Demuring upon me. But come, come, Antony,— 3200
Help me, my women,—we must draw thee up:
Assist, good friends.
Antony. O, quick, or I am gone.
Cleopatra. Here's sport indeed! How heavy weighs my lord!
Our strength is all gone into heaviness, 3205
That makes the weight: had I great Juno's power,
The strong-wing'd Mercury should fetch thee up,
And set thee by Jove's side. Yet come a little,—
Wishes were ever fools,—O, come, come, come;
[They heave MARK ANTONY aloft to CLEOPATRA] 3210
And welcome, welcome! die where thou hast lived:
Quicken with kissing: had my lips that power,
Thus would I wear them out.
All. A heavy sight!
Antony. I am dying, Egypt, dying: 3215
Give me some wine, and let me speak a little.
Cleopatra. No, let me speak; and let me rail so high,
That the false housewife Fortune break her wheel,
Provoked by my offence.
Antony. One word, sweet queen: 3220
Of Caesar seek your honour, with your safety. O!
Cleopatra. They do not go together.
Antony. Gentle, hear me:
None about Caesar trust but Proculeius.
Cleopatra. My resolution and my hands I'll trust; 3225
None about Caesar.
Antony. The miserable change now at my end
Lament nor sorrow at; but please your thoughts
In feeding them with those my former fortunes
Wherein I lived, the greatest prince o' the world, 3230
The noblest; and do now not basely die,
Not cowardly put off my helmet to
My countryman,—a Roman by a Roman
Valiantly vanquish'd. Now my spirit is going;
I can no more. 3235Cleopatra. Noblest of men, woo't die?
Hast thou no care of me? shall I abide
In this dull world, which in thy absence is
No better than a sty? O, see, my women,
[MARK ANTONY dies] 3240
The crown o' the earth doth melt. My lord!
O, wither'd is the garland of the war,
The soldier's pole is fall'n: young boys and girls
Are level now with men; the odds is gone,
And there is nothing left remarkable 3245
Beneath the visiting moon.
[Faints]
Charmian. O, quietness, lady!
Iras. She is dead too, our sovereign.
Charmian. Lady! 3250Iras. Madam!
Charmian. O madam, madam, madam!
Iras. Royal Egypt, Empress!
Charmian. Peace, peace, Iras!
Cleopatra. No more, but e'en a woman, and commanded 3255
By such poor passion as the maid that milks
And does the meanest chares. It were for me
To throw my sceptre at the injurious gods;
To tell them that this world did equal theirs
Till they had stol'n our jewel. All's but naught; 3260
Patience is scottish, 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?
What, what! good cheer! Why, how now, Charmian! 3265
My noble girls! Ah, women, women, look,
Our lamp is spent, it's out! Good sirs, take heart:
We'll bury him; and then, what's brave,
what's noble,
Let's do it after the high Roman fashion, 3270
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.
[Exeunt; those above bearing off MARK ANTONY's body]
RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act V, Scene 1
Alexandria. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s camp.
[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, AGRIPPA, DOLABELLA, MECAENAS,] [p]GALLUS, PROCULEIUS, and others, his council of war]
Octavius. Go to him, Dolabella, bid him yield;
Being so frustrate, tell him he mocks
The pauses that he makes. 3280Dolabella. Caesar, I shall.
[Exit]
[Enter DERCETAS, with the sword of MARK ANTONY]
Octavius. Wherefore is that? and what art thou that darest
Appear thus to us? 3285Dercetas. I am call'd Dercetas;
Mark Antony I served, who best was worthy
Best to be served: whilst he stood up and spoke,
He was my master; and I wore my life
To spend upon his haters. If thou please 3290
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.
Octavius. What is't thou say'st?
Dercetas. I say, O Caesar, Antony is dead. 3295Octavius. The breaking of so great a thing should make
A greater crack: the round world
Should have shook lions into civil streets,
And citizens to their dens: the death of Antony
Is not a single doom; in the name lay 3300
A moiety of the world.
Dercetas. He is dead, Caesar:
Not by a public minister of justice,
Nor by a hired knife; but that self hand,
Which writ his honour in the acts it did, 3305
Hath, with the courage which the heart did lend it,
Splitted the heart. This is his sword;
I robb'd his wound of it; behold it stain'd
With his most noble blood.
Octavius. Look you sad, friends? 3310
The gods rebuke me, but it is tidings
To wash the eyes of kings.
Agrippa. And strange it is,
That nature must compel us to lament
Our most persisted deeds. 3315Mecaenas. His taints and honours
Waged equal with him.
Agrippa. A rarer spirit never
Did steer humanity: but you, gods, will give us
Some faults to make us men. Caesar is touch'd. 3320Mecaenas. When such a spacious mirror's set before him,
He needs must see himself.
Octavius. O Antony!
I have follow'd thee to this; but we do lance
Diseases in our bodies: I must perforce 3325
Have shown to thee such a declining day,
Or look on thine; we could not stall together
In the whole world: but yet let me lament,
With tears as sovereign as the blood of hearts,
That thou, my brother, my competitor 3330
In top of all design, my mate in empire,
Friend and companion in the front of war,
The arm of mine own body, and the heart
Where mine his thoughts did kindle,—that our stars,
Unreconciliable, should divide 3335
Our equalness to this. Hear me, good friends—
But I will tell you at some meeter season:
[Enter an Egyptian]
The business of this man looks out of him;
We'll hear him what he says. Whence are you? 3340Egyptian. A poor Egyptian yet. The queen my mistress,
Confined in all she has, her monument,
Of thy intents desires instruction,
That she preparedly may frame herself
To the way she's forced to. 3345Octavius. Bid her have good heart:
She soon shall know of us, by some of ours,
How honourable and how kindly we
Determine for her; for Caesar cannot live
To be ungentle. 3350Egyptian. So the gods preserve thee!
[Exit]
Octavius. Come hither, Proculeius. Go and say,
We purpose her no shame: give her what comforts
The quality of her passion shall require, 3355
Lest, in her greatness, by some mortal stroke
She do defeat us; for her life in Rome
Would be eternal in our triumph: go,
And with your speediest bring us what she says,
And how you find of her. 3360Proculeius. Caesar, I shall.
[Exit]
Octavius. Gallus, go you along.
[Exit GALLUS]
Where's Dolabella, 3365
To second Proculeius?
All. Dolabella!
Octavius. Let him alone, for I remember now
How he's employ'd: he shall in time be ready.
Go with me to my tent; where you shall see 3370
How hardly I was drawn into this war;
How calm and gentle I proceeded still
In all my writings: go with me, and see
What I can show in this.
[Exeunt]
RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act V, Scene 2
Alexandria. A room in the monument.
[Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, and IRAS]
Cleopatra. My desolation does begin to make
A better life. 'Tis paltry to be Caesar;
Not being Fortune, he's but Fortune's knave,
A minister of her will: and it is great 3380
To do that thing that ends all other deeds;
Which shackles accidents and bolts up change;
Which sleeps, and never palates more the dug,
The beggar's nurse and Caesar's.
[Enter, to the gates of the monument, PROCULEIUS,] 3385
GALLUS and Soldiers]
Proculeius. Caesar sends greeting to the Queen of Egypt;
And bids thee study on what fair demands
Thou mean'st to have him grant thee.
Cleopatra. What's thy name? 3390Proculeius. My name is Proculeius.
Cleopatra. Antony
Did tell me of you, bade me trust you; but
I do not greatly care to be deceived,
That have no use for trusting. If your master 3395
Would have a queen his beggar, you must tell him,
That majesty, to keep decorum, must
No less beg than a kingdom: if he please
To give me conquer'd Egypt for my son,
He gives me so much of mine own, as I 3400
Will kneel to him with thanks.
Proculeius. Be of good cheer;
You're fall'n into a princely hand, fear nothing:
Make your full reference freely to my lord,
Who is so full of grace, that it flows over 3405
On all that need: let me report to him
Your sweet dependency; and you shall find
A conqueror that will pray in aid for kindness,
Where he for grace is kneel'd to.
Cleopatra. Pray you, tell him 3410
I am his fortune's vassal, and I send him
The greatness he has got. I hourly learn
A doctrine of obedience; and would gladly
Look him i' the face.
Proculeius. This I'll report, dear lady. 3415
Have comfort, for I know your plight is pitied
Of him that caused it.
Gallus. You see how easily she may be surprised:
[Here PROCULEIUS and two of the Guard ascend the]
monument by a ladder placed against a window, and, 3420
having descended, come behind CLEOPATRA. Some of
the Guard unbar and open the gates]
[To PROCULEIUS and the Guard]
Guard her till Caesar come.
[Exit]
Iras. Royal queen!
Charmian. O Cleopatra! thou art taken, queen:
Cleopatra. Quick, quick, good hands.
[Drawing a dagger]
Proculeius. Hold, worthy lady, hold: 3430
[Seizes and disarms her]
Do not yourself such wrong, who are in this
Relieved, but not betray'd.
Cleopatra. What, of death too,
That rids our dogs of languish? 3435Proculeius. Cleopatra,
Do not abuse my master's bounty by
The undoing of yourself: let the world see
His nobleness well acted, which your death
Will never let come forth. 3440Cleopatra. Where art thou, death?
Come hither, come! come, come, and take a queen
Worthy many babes and beggars!
Proculeius. O, temperance, lady!
Cleopatra. Sir, I will eat no meat, I'll not drink, sir; 3445
If idle talk will once be necessary,
I'll not sleep neither: this mortal house I'll ruin,
Do Caesar what he can. Know, sir, that I
Will not wait pinion'd at your master's court;
Nor once be chastised with the sober eye 3450
Of dull Octavia. Shall they hoist me up
And show me to the shouting varletry
Of censuring Rome? Rather a ditch in Egypt
Be gentle grave unto me! rather on Nilus' mud
Lay me stark naked, and let the water-flies 3455
Blow me into abhorring! rather make
My country's high pyramides my gibbet,
And hang me up in chains!
Proculeius. You do extend
These thoughts of horror further than you shall 3460
Find cause in Caesar.
[Enter DOLABELLA]
Dolabella. Proculeius,
What thou hast done thy master Caesar knows,
And he hath sent for thee: for the queen, 3465
I'll take her to my guard.
Proculeius. So, Dolabella,
It shall content me best: be gentle to her.
[To CLEOPATRA]
To Caesar I will speak what you shall please, 3470
If you'll employ me to him.
Cleopatra. Say, I would die.
[Exeunt PROCULEIUS and Soldiers]
Dolabella. Most noble empress, you have heard of me?
Cleopatra. I cannot tell. 3475Dolabella. Assuredly you know me.
Cleopatra. No matter, sir, what I have heard or known.
You laugh when boys or women tell their dreams;
Is't not your trick?
Dolabella. I understand not, madam. 3480Cleopatra. I dream'd there was an Emperor Antony:
O, such another sleep, that I might see
But such another man!
Dolabella. If it might please ye,—
Cleopatra. His face was as the heavens; and therein stuck 3485
A sun and moon, which kept their course,
and lighted
The little O, the earth.
Dolabella. Most sovereign creature,—
Cleopatra. His legs bestrid the ocean: his rear'd arm 3490
Crested the world: his voice was propertied
As all the tuned spheres, and that to friends;
But when he meant to quail and shake the orb,
He was as rattling thunder. For his bounty,
There was no winter in't; an autumn 'twas 3495
That grew the more by reaping: his delights
Were dolphin-like; they show'd his back above
The element they lived in: in his livery
Walk'd crowns and crownets; realms and islands were
As plates dropp'd from his pocket. 3500Dolabella. Cleopatra!
Cleopatra. Think you there was, or might be, such a man
As this I dream'd of?
Dolabella. Gentle madam, no.
Cleopatra. You lie, up to the hearing of the gods. 3505
But, if there be, or ever were, one such,
It's past the size of dreaming: nature wants stuff
To vie strange forms with fancy; yet, to imagine
And Antony, were nature's piece 'gainst fancy,
Condemning shadows quite. 3510Dolabella. Hear me, good madam.
Your loss is as yourself, great; and you bear it
As answering to the weight: would I might never
O'ertake pursued success, but I do feel,
By the rebound of yours, a grief that smites 3515
My very heart at root.
Cleopatra. I thank you, sir,
Know you what Caesar means to do with me?
Dolabella. I am loath to tell you what I would you knew.
Cleopatra. Nay, pray you, sir,— 3520Dolabella. Though he be honourable,—
Cleopatra. He'll lead me, then, in triumph?
Dolabella. Madam, he will; I know't.
[Flourish, and shout within, 'Make way there:]
Octavius Caesar!'] 3525
[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, GALLUS, PROCULEIUS,]
MECAENAS, SELEUCUS, and others of his Train]
Octavius. Which is the Queen of Egypt?
Dolabella. It is the emperor, madam.
[CLEOPATRA kneels]
Octavius. Arise, you shall not kneel:
I pray you, rise; rise, Egypt.
Cleopatra. Sir, the gods
Will have it thus; my master and my lord
I must obey. 3535Octavius. Take to you no hard thoughts:
The record of what injuries you did us,
Though written in our flesh, we shall remember
As things but done by chance.
Cleopatra. Sole sir o' the world, 3540
I cannot project mine own cause so well
To make it clear; but do confess I have
Been laden with like frailties which before
Have often shamed our sex.
Octavius. Cleopatra, know, 3545
We will extenuate rather than enforce:
If you apply yourself to our intents,
Which towards you are most gentle, you shall find
A benefit in this change; but if you seek
To lay on me a cruelty, by taking 3550
Antony's course, you shall bereave yourself
Of my good purposes, and put your children
To that destruction which I'll guard them from,
If thereon you rely. I'll take my leave.
Cleopatra. And may, through all the world: 'tis yours; and we, 3555
Your scutcheons and your signs of conquest, shall
Hang in what place you please. Here, my good lord.
Octavius. You shall advise me in all for Cleopatra.
Cleopatra. This is the brief of money, plate, and jewels,
I am possess'd of: 'tis exactly valued; 3560
Not petty things admitted. Where's Seleucus?
Seleucus. Here, madam.
Cleopatra. This is my treasurer: let him speak, my lord,
Upon his peril, that I have reserved
To myself nothing. Speak the truth, Seleucus. 3565Seleucus. Madam,
I had rather seal my lips, than, to my peril,
Speak that which is not.
Cleopatra. What have I kept back?
Seleucus. Enough to purchase what you have made known. 3570Octavius. Nay, blush not, Cleopatra; I approve
Your wisdom in the deed.
Cleopatra. See, Caesar! O, behold,
How pomp is follow'd! mine will now be yours;
And, should we shift estates, yours would be mine. 3575
The ingratitude of this Seleucus does
Even make me wild: O slave, of no more trust
Than love that's hired! What, goest thou back? thou shalt
Go back, I warrant thee; but I'll catch thine eyes,
Though they had wings: slave, soulless villain, dog! 3580
O rarely base!
Octavius. Good queen, let us entreat you.
Cleopatra. O Caesar, what a wounding shame is this,
That thou, vouchsafing here to visit me,
Doing the honour of thy lordliness 3585
To one so meek, that mine own servant should
Parcel the sum of my disgraces by
Addition of his envy! Say, good Caesar,
That I some lady trifles have reserved,
Immoment toys, things of such dignity 3590
As we greet modern friends withal; and say,
Some nobler token I have kept apart
For Livia and Octavia, to induce
Their mediation; must I be unfolded
With one that I have bred? The gods! it smites me 3595
Beneath the fall I have.
[To SELEUCUS]
Prithee, go hence;
Or I shall show the cinders of my spirits
Through the ashes of my chance: wert thou a man, 3600
Thou wouldst have mercy on me.
Octavius. Forbear, Seleucus.
[Exit SELEUCUS]
Cleopatra. Be it known, that we, the greatest, are misthought
For things that others do; and, when we fall, 3605
We answer others' merits in our name,
Are therefore to be pitied.
Octavius. Cleopatra,
Not what you have reserved, nor what acknowledged,
Put we i' the roll of conquest: still be't yours, 3610
Bestow it at your pleasure; and believe,
Caesar's no merchant, to make prize with you
Of things that merchants sold. Therefore be cheer'd;
Make not your thoughts your prisons: no, dear queen;
For we intend so to dispose you as 3615
Yourself shall give us counsel. Feed, and sleep:
Our care and pity is so much upon you,
That we remain your friend; and so, adieu.
Cleopatra. My master, and my lord!
Octavius. Not so. Adieu. 3620[Flourish. Exeunt OCTAVIUS CAESAR and his train]
Cleopatra. He words me, girls, he words me, that I should not
Be noble to myself: but, hark thee, Charmian.
[Whispers CHARMIAN]
Iras. Finish, good lady; the bright day is done, 3625
And we are for the dark.
Cleopatra. Hie thee again:
I have spoke already, and it is provided;
Go put it to the haste.
Charmian. Madam, I will. 3630[Re-enter DOLABELLA]
Dolabella. Where is the queen?
Charmian. Behold, sir.
[Exit]
Cleopatra. Dolabella! 3635Dolabella. Madam, as thereto sworn by your command,
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: 3640
Make your best use of this: I have perform'd
Your pleasure and my promise.
Cleopatra. Dolabella,
I shall remain your debtor.
Dolabella. I your servant, 3645
Adieu, good queen; I must attend on Caesar.
Cleopatra. Farewell, and thanks.
[Exit DOLABELLA]
Now, Iras, what think'st thou?
Thou, an Egyptian puppet, shalt be shown 3650
In Rome, as well as I. mechanic slaves
With greasy aprons, rules, and hammers, shall
Uplift us to the view; in their thick breaths,
Rank of gross diet, shall be enclouded,
And forced to drink their vapour. 3655Iras. The gods forbid!
Cleopatra. Nay, 'tis most certain, Iras: saucy lictors
Will catch at us, like strumpets; and scald rhymers
Ballad us out o' tune: the quick comedians
Extemporally will stage us, and present 3660
Our Alexandrian revels; Antony
Shall be brought drunken forth, and I shall see
Some squeaking Cleopatra boy my greatness
I' the posture of a whore.
Iras. O the good gods! 3665Cleopatra. Nay, that's certain.
Iras. I'll never see 't; for, I am sure, my nails
Are stronger than mine eyes.
Cleopatra. Why, that's the way
To fool their preparation, and to conquer 3670
Their most absurd intents.
[Re-enter CHARMIAN]
Now, Charmian!
Show me, my women, like a queen: go fetch
My best attires: I am again for Cydnus, 3675
To meet Mark Antony: sirrah Iras, go.
Now, noble Charmian, we'll dispatch indeed;
And, when thou hast done this chare, I'll give thee leave
To play till doomsday. Bring our crown and all.
Wherefore's this noise? 3680[Exit IRAS. A noise within]
[Enter a Guardsman]
Guard. Here is a rural fellow
That will not be denied your highness presence:
He brings you figs. 3685Cleopatra. Let him come in.
[Exit Guardsman]
What poor an instrument
May do a noble deed! he brings me liberty.
My resolution's placed, and I have nothing 3690
Of woman in me: now from head to foot
I am marble-constant; now the fleeting moon
No planet is of mine.
[Re-enter Guardsman, with Clown bringing in a basket]
Guard. This is the man. 3695Cleopatra. Avoid, and leave him.
[Exit Guardsman]
Hast thou the pretty worm of Nilus there,
That kills and pains not?
Clown. Truly, I have him: but I would not be the party 3700
that should desire you to touch him, for his biting
is immortal; those that do die of it do seldom or
never recover.
Cleopatra. Rememberest thou any that have died on't?
Clown. Very many, men and women too. I heard of one of 3705
them no longer than yesterday: a very honest woman,
but something given to lie; as a woman should not
do, but in the way of honesty: how she died of the
biting of it, what pain she felt: truly, she makes
a very good report o' the worm; but he that will 3710
believe all that they say, shall never be saved by
half that they do: but this is most fallible, the
worm's an odd worm.
Cleopatra. Get thee hence; farewell.
Clown. I wish you all joy of the worm. 3715[Setting down his basket]
Cleopatra. Farewell.
Clown. You must think this, look you, that the worm will
do his kind.
Cleopatra. Ay, ay; farewell. 3720Clown. Look you, the worm is not to be trusted but in the
keeping of wise people; for, indeed, there is no
goodness in worm.
Cleopatra. Take thou no care; it shall be heeded.
Clown. Very good. Give it nothing, I pray you, for it is 3725
not worth the feeding.
Cleopatra. Will it eat me?
Clown. You must not think I am so simple but I know the
devil himself will not eat a woman: I know that a
woman is a dish for the gods, if the devil dress her 3730
not. But, truly, these same whoreson devils do the
gods great harm in their women; for in every ten
that they make, the devils mar five.
Cleopatra. Well, get thee gone; farewell.
Clown. Yes, forsooth: I wish you joy o' the worm. 3735[Exit]
[Re-enter IRAS with a robe, crown, &c]
Cleopatra. Give me my robe, put on my crown; I have
Immortal longings in me: now no more
The juice of Egypt's grape shall moist this lip: 3740
Yare, yare, good Iras; quick. Methinks I hear
Antony call; I see him rouse himself
To praise my noble act; I hear him mock
The luck of Caesar, which the gods give men
To excuse their after wrath: husband, I come: 3745
Now to that name my courage prove my title!
I am fire and air; 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. 3750
[Kisses them. IRAS falls and dies]
Have I the aspic in my lips? Dost fall?
If thou and nature can so gently part,
The stroke of death is as a lover's pinch,
Which hurts, and is desired. Dost thou lie still? 3755
If thus thou vanishest, thou tell'st the world
It is not worth leave-taking.
Charmian. Dissolve, thick cloud, and rain; that I may say,
The gods themselves do weep!
Cleopatra. This proves me base: 3760
If she first meet the curled Antony,
He'll make demand of her, and spend that kiss
Which is my heaven to have. Come, thou
mortal wretch,
[To an asp, which she applies to her breast] 3765
With thy sharp teeth this knot intrinsicate
Of life at once untie: poor venomous fool
Be angry, and dispatch. O, couldst thou speak,
That I might hear thee call great Caesar ass
Unpolicied! 3770Charmian. O eastern star!
Cleopatra. Peace, peace!
Dost thou not see my baby at my breast,
That sucks the nurse asleep?
Charmian. O, break! O, break! 3775Cleopatra. As sweet as balm, as soft as air, as gentle,—
O Antony!—Nay, I will take thee too.
[Applying another asp to her arm]
What should I stay—
[Dies]
Charmian. In this vile world? So, fare thee well.
Now boast thee, death, in thy possession lies
A lass unparallel'd. Downy windows, close;
And golden Phoebus never be beheld
Of eyes again so royal! Your crown's awry; 3785
I'll mend it, and then play.
[Enter the Guard, rushing in]
First Guard. Where is the queen?
Charmian. Speak softly, wake her not.
First Guard. Caesar hath sent— 3790Charmian. Too slow a messenger.
[Applies an asp]
O, come apace, dispatch! I partly feel thee.
First Guard. Approach, ho! All's not well: Caesar's beguiled.
Second Guard. There's Dolabella sent from Caesar; call him. 3795First Guard. What work is here! Charmian, is this well done?
Charmian. It is well done, and fitting for a princess
Descended of so many royal kings.
Ah, soldier!
[Dies]
[Re-enter DOLABELLA]
Dolabella. How goes it here?
Second Guard. All dead.
Dolabella. Caesar, thy thoughts
Touch their effects in this: thyself art coming 3805
To see perform'd the dreaded act which thou
So sought'st to hinder.
[Within 'A way there, a way for Caesar!']
[Re-enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR and all his train marching]
Dolabella. O sir, you are too sure an augurer; 3810
That you did fear is done.
Octavius. Bravest at the last,
She levell'd at our purposes, and, being royal,
Took her own way. The manner of their deaths?
I do not see them bleed. 3815Dolabella. Who was last with them?
First Guard. A simple countryman, that brought her figs:
This was his basket.
Octavius. Poison'd, then.
First Guard. O Caesar, 3820
This Charmian lived but now; she stood and spake:
I found her trimming up the diadem
On her dead mistress; tremblingly she stood
And on the sudden dropp'd.
Octavius. O noble weakness! 3825
If they had swallow'd poison, 'twould appear
By external swelling: but she looks like sleep,
As she would catch another Antony
In her strong toil of grace.
Dolabella. Here, on her breast, 3830
There is a vent of blood and something blown:
The like is on her arm.
First Guard. This is an aspic's trail: and these fig-leaves
Have slime upon them, such as the aspic leaves
Upon the caves of Nile. 3835Octavius. Most probable
That so she died; for her physician tells me
She hath pursued conclusions infinite
Of easy ways to die. Take up her bed;
And bear her women from the monument: 3840
She shall be buried by her Antony:
No grave upon the earth shall clip in it
A pair so famous. High events as these
Strike those that make them; and their story is
No less in pity than his glory which 3845
Brought them to be lamented. Our army shall
In solemn show attend this funeral;
And then to Rome. Come, Dolabella, see
High order in this great solemnity.
[Exeunt]
玛克·安东尼
奥克泰维斯·凯撒
伊米力斯·莱必多斯 罗马三执政
塞克斯特斯·庞贝厄斯
道密歇斯·爱诺巴勃斯
文提狄斯
爱洛斯
斯凯勒斯
德西塔斯
狄米特律斯
菲罗 安东尼部下将佐
茂西那斯
阿格立巴
道拉培拉
普洛丘里厄斯
赛琉斯
盖勒斯 凯撒部下将佐
茂那斯
茂尼克拉提斯
凡里厄斯 庞贝部下将佐
陶勒斯 凯撒副将
凯尼狄斯 安东尼副将
西里厄斯 文提狄斯属下裨将
尤弗洛涅斯 安东尼遣往凯撒处的使者
艾勒克萨斯
玛狄恩
塞琉克斯
狄俄墨得斯 克莉奥佩特拉的侍从
预言者
小丑
克莉奥佩特拉 埃及女王
奥克泰维娅 凯撒之妹，安东尼之妻
查米恩
伊拉丝 克莉奥佩特拉的侍女
将佐、兵士、使者及其他侍从等
地点
罗马帝国各部
第一幕
第一场 亚历山大里亚。克莉奥佩特拉宫中一室
狄米特律斯及菲罗上。
菲罗 嘿，咱们主帅这样迷恋，真太不成话啦。从前他指挥大军的时候，他的英勇的眼睛像全身盔甲的战神一样发出棱棱的威光，现在却如醉如痴地尽是盯在一张黄褐色的脸上。他的大将的雄心曾经在激烈的鏖战里涨断了胸前的扣带，现在却失掉一切常态，甘愿做一具风扇，搧凉一个吉卜赛女人的欲焰。瞧！他们来了。
喇叭奏花腔。安东尼及克莉奥佩特拉率侍从上；太监掌扇随侍。
菲罗 留心看着，你就可以知道他本来是这世界上三大柱石之一，现在已经变成一个娼妇的弄人了，瞧吧。
克莉奥佩特拉 要是那真的是爱，告诉我多么深。
安东尼 可以量深浅的爱是贫乏的。
克莉奥佩特拉 我要立一个界限，知道你能够爱我到怎么一个极度。
安东尼 那么你必须发现新的天地。
一侍从上。
侍从 禀将军，罗马有信来了。
安东尼 讨厌！简简单单告诉我什么事。
克莉奥佩特拉 不，听听他们怎么说吧，安东尼。富尔维娅也许在生气了；也许那乳臭未干的凯撒会降下一道尊严的谕令来，吩咐你说，“做这件事，做那件事；征服这个国家，清除那个国家；照我的话执行，否则就要处你一个违抗命令的罪名。”
安东尼 怎么会，我爱！
克莉奥佩特拉 也许！不，那是非常可能的；你不能再在这儿逗留了；凯撒已经把你免职；所以听听他们怎么说吧，安东尼。富尔维娅签发的传票呢？我应该说是凯撒的？还是他们两人的？叫那送信的人进来。我用埃及女王的身分起誓，你在脸红了，安东尼；你那满脸的热血是你对凯撒所表示的敬礼；否则就是因为长舌的富尔维娅把你骂得不好意思。叫那送信的人进来！
安东尼 让罗马融化在台伯河的流水里，让广袤的帝国的高大的拱门倒塌吧！这儿是我的生存的空间。纷纷列国，不过是一堆堆泥土；粪秽的大地养育着人类，也养育着禽兽；生命的光荣存在于一双心心相印的情侣的及时互爱和热烈拥抱之中；（拥抱克莉奥佩特拉）这儿是我的永远的归宿；我们要让全世界知道，我们是卓立无比的。
克莉奥佩特拉 巧妙的谎话！他既然不爱富尔维娅，为什么要跟她结婚呢？我还是假作痴呆吧；安东尼就会回复他的本色的。
安东尼 没有克莉奥佩特拉鼓起他的活力，安东尼就是一个毫无生气的人。可是看在爱神和她那温馨的时辰分上，让我们不要把大好的光阴在口角争吵之中蹉跎过去；从现在起，我们生命中的每一分钟，都要让它充满了欢乐。今晚我们怎样玩？
克莉奥佩特拉 接见罗马的使者。
安东尼 嗳哟，淘气的女王！你生气、你笑、你哭，都是那么可爱；每一种情绪在你的身上都充分表现出它的动人的姿态。我不要接见什么使者，只要和你在一起；今晚让我们两人到市街上去逛逛，察看察看民间的情况。来，我的女王；你昨晚就有这样一个愿望的。不要对我们说话。（安东尼、克莉奥佩特拉及侍从同下。）
狄米特律斯 安东尼会这样藐视凯撒吗？
菲罗 先生，有时候他不是安东尼，他的一言一动，都够不上安东尼所应该具有的伟大的品格。
狄米特律斯 那些在罗马造谣的小人，把他说得怎样怎样不堪，想不到他竟会证实他们的话；可是我希望他明天能够改变他的态度。再会！（各下。）
第二场 同前。另一室
查米恩、伊拉丝、艾勒克萨斯及一预言者上。
查米恩 艾勒克萨斯大人，可爱的艾勒克萨斯，什么都是顶好的艾勒克萨斯，顶顶顶好的艾勒克萨斯，你在娘娘面前竭力推荐的那个算命的呢？我倒很想知道我的未来的丈夫，你不是说他会在他的角上挂起花圈吗？
艾勒克萨斯 预言者！
预言者 您有什么吩咐？
查米恩 就是他吗？先生，你能够预知未来吗？
预言者 在造化的无穷尽的秘籍中，我曾经涉猎一二。
艾勒克萨斯 把你的手让他相相看。
爱诺巴勃斯上。
爱诺巴勃斯 筵席赶快送进去；为克莉奥佩特拉祝饮的酒要多一些。
查米恩 好先生，给我一些好运气。
预言者 我不能制造命运，只能预知休咎。
查米恩 那么请你替我算出一注好运气来。
预言者 你将来要比现在更美好。
查米恩 他的意思是说我的皮肤会变得白嫩一些。
伊拉丝 不，你老了可以搽粉的。
查米恩 千万不要长起皱纹来才好！
艾勒克萨斯 不要打扰他的预言；留心听着。
查米恩 嘘！
预言者 你将要爱别人甚于被别人所爱。
查米恩 那我倒宁愿让酒来燃烧我的这颗心。
艾勒克萨斯 不，听他说。
查米恩 好，现在可给我算出一些非常好的命运来吧！让我在一个上午嫁了三个国王，再让他们一个个死掉；让我在五十岁生了一个孩子，犹太的希律王都要向他鞠躬致敬；让我嫁给奥克泰维斯·凯撒，和娘娘做一个并肩的人。
预言者 你将要比你的女主人活得长久。
查米恩 啊，好极了！多活几天总是好的。
预言者 你的前半生的命运胜过后半生的命运。
查米恩 那么大概我的孩子们都是没出息的；请问我有几个儿子几个女儿？
预言者 要是你的每一个愿望都会怀胎受孕，你可以有一百万个儿女。
查米恩 啐，呆子！妖言惑众，恕你无罪。
艾勒克萨斯 你以为除了你的枕席以外，谁也不知道你在转些什么念头。
查米恩 来，来，替伊拉丝也算个命。
艾勒克萨斯 我们大家都要算个命。
爱诺巴勃斯 我知道我们今晚的命运，是喝得烂醉上床。
伊拉丝 从这一只手掌即使看不出别的什么来，至少可以看出一个贞洁的性格。
查米恩 正像从泛滥的尼罗河可以看出旱灾一样。
伊拉丝 去，你这浪蹄子，你又不会算命。
查米恩 嗳哟，要是一只滑腻的手掌不是多子的征兆，那么就是我的臂膊疯瘫了。请你为她算出一个平平常常的命运来。
预言者 你们的命运都差不多。
伊拉丝 怎么差不多？怎么差不多？说得具体些。
预言者 我已经说过了。
伊拉丝 难道我的命运一寸一分也没有胜过她的地方吗？
查米恩 好，要是你的命运比我胜过一分，你愿意在什么地方胜过我？
伊拉丝 不是在我丈夫的鼻子上。
查米恩 愿上天改变我们邪恶的思想！艾勒克萨斯，——来，他的命运，他的命运。啊！让他娶一个不能怀孕的女人，亲爱的爱昔斯①女神，我求求你；让他第一个妻子死了，再娶一个更坏的；让他娶了一个又一个，一个不如一个，直到最坏的一个满脸笑容地送他戴着五十顶绿头巾下了坟墓！好爱昔斯女神，你可以拒绝我其他更重要的请求，可是千万听从我这一个祷告；好爱昔斯，我求求你！
伊拉丝 阿门。亲爱的女神，俯听我们下民的祷告吧！因为正像看见一个漂亮的男人娶到一个淫荡的妻子，可以叫人心碎一样，看见一个奸恶的坏人有一个不偷汉子的老婆，也是会使人大失所望的；所以亲爱的爱昔斯，给他应得的命运吧！
查米恩 阿门。
艾勒克萨斯 瞧，瞧！要是她们有权力使我做一个忘八，就是叫她们当婊子，她们也会干的。
爱诺巴勃斯 嘘！安东尼来了。
查米恩 不是他，是娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉上。
克莉奥佩特拉 你们看见主上吗？
爱诺巴勃斯 没有，娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 他刚才不是在这儿吗？
查米恩 不在，娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 他本来高高兴兴的，忽然一下子又触动了他的思念罗马的心。爱诺巴勃斯！
爱诺巴勃斯 娘娘！
克莉奥佩特拉 你去找找他，把他带到这儿来。艾勒克萨斯呢？
艾勒克萨斯 有，娘娘有什么吩咐？主上来了。
安东尼偕一使者及侍从等上。
克莉奥佩特拉 我不要见他；跟我去。（克莉奥佩特拉、爱诺巴勃斯、艾勒克萨斯、伊拉丝、查米恩、预言者及侍从等同下。）
使者 你的妻子富尔维娅第一个上战场。
安东尼 向我的兄弟路歇斯开战吗？
使者 是，可是那次战事很快就结束了，当时形势的变化，使他们捐嫌修好，合力反抗凯撒的攻击；在初次交锋的时候，凯撒就得到胜利，把他们驱出了意大利境外。
安东尼 好，还有什么最坏的消息？
使者 人们因为不爱听恶消息，往往会连带憎恨那报告恶消息的人。
安东尼 只有愚人和懦夫才会这样。说吧；已经过去的事，我决不再介意。谁告诉我真话，即使他的话里藏着死亡，我也会像听人家恭维我一样听着他。
使者 拉卞纳斯——这是很刺耳的消息——已经带着他的帕提亚军队长驱直进，越过亚洲境界；沿着幼发拉底河岸，他的胜利的旌旗从叙利亚招展到吕底亚和爱奥尼亚；可是——
安东尼 可是安东尼却无所事事，你的意思是这样说。
使者 啊，将军！
安东尼 直捷痛快地把一般人怎么批评我的话告诉我，不要吞吞吐吐地怕什么忌讳；罗马人怎样称呼克莉奥佩特拉，你也怎样称呼她；富尔维娅怎样责骂我，你也怎样责骂我；尽管放胆指斥我的过失，无论它是情真罪当的，或者不过是恶意的讥弹。啊！只有这样才可以使我们反躬自省，平心静气地拔除我们内心的莠草，耕垦我们荒芜的德性。你且暂时退下。
使者 遵命。（下。）
安东尼 喂！从息些温来的人呢？
侍从甲 有没有从息些温来的人？
侍从乙 他在等候着您的旨意。
安东尼 叫他进来。我必须挣断这副坚强的埃及镣铐，否则我将在沉迷中丧失自己了。
另一使者上。
安东尼 你是什么人？
使者乙 你的妻子富尔维娅死了。
安东尼 她死在什么地方？
使者乙 在息些温。她的抱病的经过，还有其他更重要的事情，都在这封信里。（呈上书信。）
安东尼 下去。（使者乙下）一个伟大的灵魂去了！我曾经盼望她死；我们一时间的憎嫌，往往引起过后的追悔；眼前的欢愉冷淡了下来，便会变成悲哀；因为她死了，我才感念到她生前的好处；喜怒爱恶，都只在一转手之间。我必须割断情丝，离开这个迷人的女王；千万种我所意料不到的祸事已在我的怠惰之中萌蘖生长。喂！爱诺巴勃斯！
爱诺巴勃斯重上。
爱诺巴勃斯 主帅有什么吩咐？
安东尼 我必须赶快离开这儿。
爱诺巴勃斯 嗳哟，那么我们那些娘儿们一个个都要活不成啦。我们知道一件无情的举动会多么刺伤她们的心；要是她们见我们走了，她们一定会死的。
安东尼 我非去不可。
爱诺巴勃斯 要是果然有逼不得已的原因，那么就让她们死了吧；好端端把她们丢了，未免可惜，虽然在一个重大的理由之下，只好把她们置之不顾。克莉奥佩特拉只要略微听到了这一个风声，就会当场死去；我曾经看见她为了一点点的细事死过二十次。我想死神倒也是一个懂得怜香惜玉的多情种子，她总是死得那么容易。
安东尼 她的狡狯简直是不可思议的。
爱诺巴勃斯 唉！主帅，不，她的感情完全是从最纯洁微妙的爱心里提炼出来的。我们不能用风雨形容她的叹息和眼泪；它们是历书上从来没有记载过的狂风暴雨。这决不是她的狡狯，否则她就跟乔武一样有驱风召雨的神力了。
安东尼 但愿我从来没有看见她！
爱诺巴勃斯 啊，主帅，那您就要错过了一件神奇的杰作；失去这样的眼福，您的壮游也会大大地减色的。
安东尼 富尔维娅死了。
爱诺巴勃斯 主帅？
安东尼 富尔维娅死了。
爱诺巴勃斯 富尔维娅！
安东尼 死了。
爱诺巴勃斯 啊，主帅，快向天神举行一次感谢的献祭吧。旧衣服破了，裁缝会替人重做新的；一个妻子死了，天神也早给他另外注定一段姻缘。要是世上除了富尔维娅以外，再没有别的女人，那么您确是遭到了重大的打击，听见了这样的噩耗，也的确应该痛哭流涕；可是在这一段不幸之上，却有莫大的安慰；旧裙换了新裙，旧人换了新人；要是为了表示对于死者的恩情，必须洒几滴眼泪的话，尽可以借重洋葱的力量的。
安东尼 我不能不去料理料理她在国内的未了之事。
爱诺巴勃斯 您在这儿也有未了之事，不能抛开不管；尤其是克莉奥佩特拉的事情，她一刻也少不了您。
安东尼 不要一味打趣。把我的决心传谕我的部下。我要去向女王告知我们必须立刻出发的原因，请她放我们远走。因为不但富尔维娅的死讯和其他更迫切的动机在敦促我就道，而且我在罗马的许多同志也有信来恳求我急速回国。塞克斯特斯·庞贝厄斯已经向凯撒挑战，他的威力控制了海上的帝国；我们那些反复无常的民众——他们在一个人的生前从来不知道感激他的功德，一定要等他死了以后才会把他视若神明——已经开始把庞贝大王的一切尊荣加在他的儿子的身上；凭借着这样盛大的名誉和权力，再加上天赋高贵的血统和身世，他已经成为一个雄视一世的战士；要是让他的势力继续发展下去，全世界都会受到他的威胁。无数的变化正在酝酿之中，它们像初出卵的小蛇一样，虽然已经有了生命，它们的毒舌还不会伤人。你去通告我的手下将士，就说我命令他们准备立刻动身。
爱诺巴勃斯 我就去照您的话办。（各下。）
第三场 同前。另一室
克莉奥佩特拉、查米恩、伊拉丝及艾勒克萨斯上。
克莉奥佩特拉 他呢？
查米恩 我后来一直没看见他。
克莉奥佩特拉 瞧瞧他在什么地方，跟什么人在一起，在干些什么事。不要说是我叫你去的。要是你看见他在发恼，就说我在跳舞；要是他样子很高兴，就对他说我突然病了。快去快来。（艾勒克萨斯下。）
查米恩 娘娘，我想您要是真心爱他，这一种手段是不能取得他的好感的。
克莉奥佩特拉 我有什么应该做的事没有做过呢？
查米恩 您应该什么事都顺从他的意思，别跟他闹别扭。
克莉奥佩特拉 你是个傻瓜；听了你的教训，我就要永远失去他了。
查米恩 不要过分玩弄他；我希望您不要这样。人们对于他们所畏惧的人，日久之后，往往会心怀怒恨。可是安东尼来了。
安东尼上。
克莉奥佩特拉 我身子不舒服，心绪很恶劣。
安东尼 我觉得非常难于启口——
克莉奥佩特拉 搀我进去，亲爱的查米恩，我快要倒下来了；我这身子再也支持不住，恐怕不久于人世了。
安东尼 我的最亲爱的女王——
克莉奥佩特拉 请你站得离开我远一点。
安东尼 究竟为了什么事？
克莉奥佩特拉 就从你那双眼睛里，我知道一定有些好消息。那位明媒正娶的娘子怎么说？你去吧。但愿她从来没有允许你来！不要让她说是我把你羁留在这里；我作不了你的主，你是她的。
安东尼 天神知道——
克莉奥佩特拉 啊！从来不曾有过一个女王受到这样大的欺骗；可是我早就看出你是不怀好意的。
安东尼 克莉奥佩特拉——
克莉奥佩特拉 你已经不忠于富尔维娅，虽然你向神明旦旦而誓，为什么我要相信你会真心爱我呢？被这些随口毁弃的空口的盟誓所迷惑，简直是无可理喻的疯狂！
安东尼 最可爱的女王——
克莉奥佩特拉 不，请你不必找什么借口，你要去就去吧。当你要求我准许你留下的时候，才用得着你的花言巧语；那时候你是怎么也不想走的；我的嘴唇和眼睛里有永生的欢乐，我的弯弯的眉毛里有天堂的幸福；我身上的每一部分都带着天国的馨香。它们并没有变样，除非你这全世界最伟大的战士已经变成了最伟大的说谎者。
安东尼 嗳哟，爱人！
克莉奥佩特拉 我希望我也长得像你一样高，让你知道埃及女王也有一颗勇敢豪迈的心呢。
安东尼 听我说，女王：为了应付时局的需要，我不能不暂时离开这里，可是我的整个的心还是继续和你厮守在一起的。内乱的刀剑闪耀在我们意大利全境；塞克斯特斯·庞贝厄斯已经向罗马海口进发；国内两支势均力敌的军队，还在那儿彼此摩擦。不齿众口的人，只要培植起强大的势力，人心就会自然趋附他；被摈斥的庞贝仗着他父亲的威名，已经在不知不觉中取得那些现政局下失意分子的拥戴，他们人数众多，是罗马的心腹之患；蠢蠢思乱的人心，只要一旦起了什么剧烈的变化，就会造成不可收拾的混乱。关于我自己个人方面的，还有一个你可以放心让我走的理由，富尔维娅死了。
克莉奥佩特拉 年龄的增长虽然改不掉我的愚蠢，却能去掉我轻信人言的稚气。富尔维娅也会死吗？
安东尼 她死了，我的女王。瞧，请你有空读一读这封信，就知道她一手掀起了多少风波；我的好人儿，最后你还可以看到她死在死在什么时候、什么地方。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊，最负心的爱人！那应该盛满了你悲哀的泪珠的泪壶呢？现在我知道了，我知道了，富尔维娅死了，你是这个样子，将来我死了，我也推想得到你会怎样对待我。
安东尼 不要吵嘴了，静静地听我说明我的决意；要是你听了不以为然，我也可以放弃我的主张。凭着蒸晒尼罗河畔粘土的骄阳起誓，我现在离此他去，永远是你的兵士和仆人，或战或和，都遵照着你的意旨。
克莉奥佩特拉 解开我的衣带，查米恩，赶快；可是让它去吧，我是很容易害病，也很容易痊愈的。只消安东尼还懂得爱。
安东尼 我的宝贝女王，别说这种话，给我一个机会，试验试验我对你的真情吧。
克莉奥佩特拉 富尔维娅给了我一些教训。请你转过头去为她哀哭；然后再向我告别，就说那些眼泪是属于埃及女王的。好，扮演一幕绝妙的假戏，让它瞧上去活像真心的流露吧。
安东尼 你再说下去，我要恼了。
克莉奥佩特拉 你还可以表演得动人一些，可是这样也就不错了。
安东尼 凭着我的宝剑——
克莉奥佩特拉 和盾牌起誓。他越演越有精神了；可是这还不是他的登峰造极的境界。瞧，查米恩，这位罗马巨人的怒相有多么庄严。
安东尼 我要告辞了，陛下。
克莉奥佩特拉 多礼的将军，一句话。将军，你我既然必须分别——不，不是那么说；将军，你我曾经相爱过——不，也不是那么说；您知道——我想要说的是句什么话呀？唉！我的好记性正像安东尼一样，把什么都忘得干干净净了。
安东尼 倘不是为了你的高贵的地位，我就要说你是个无事嚼舌的女人。
克莉奥佩特拉 克莉奥佩特拉要是有那么好的闲情逸致，她也不会这样满腹悲哀了。可是，将军，原谅我吧；既然我的一举一动您都瞧不上眼，我也不知道怎样的行为才是适当的。您的荣誉在呼唤您去；所以不要听我的不足怜悯的痴心的哀求，愿所有的神明和您同在吧！愿胜利的桂冠悬在您的剑端，敌人到处俯伏在您的足下！
安东尼 我们去吧。来，我们虽然分离，实际上并没有分离；你住在这里，你的心却跟着我驰骋疆场；我离开了这里，我的心仍旧留下在你身边。走吧！（同下。）
第四场 罗马。凯撒府中一室
奥克泰维斯·凯撒、莱必多斯及侍从等上。
凯撒 你现在可以知道，莱必多斯，我不是因为气量狭隘，才这样痛恨我们这位伟大的同僚。从亚历山大里亚传来的消息，都说他每天钓钓鱼，喝喝酒，嬉游纵乐，彻夜不休，比克莉奥佩特拉更没有男人的气概，既不接见宾客使者，也不把他旧日的同僚放在心上；凡是众人所最容易犯的过失，都可以在他身上找到。
莱必多斯 他的一二缺陷，决不能掩盖住他的全部优点；他的过失就像天空中的星点一般，因为夜间的黑暗而格外显著；它们是与生俱来的，不是有意获得的；他这是连自己也无能为力，决不是存心如此。
凯撒 你太宽容了。即使我们承认淫乱了托勒密②王室的宫闱，为了一时的欢乐而牺牲了一个王国，和一个下贱的奴才对坐饮酒，踏着蹒跚的醉步白昼招摇过市，和那些满身汗臭的小人互相殴打，这种种恶劣的行为，都算不得他的过失；即使安东尼果然有那样希世的威仪，能够不因这些秽德而减色，我们也绝对不能宽恕他，因为他的轻举妄动，已经加重了我们肩头的负担。假如他因为闲散无事，用醇酒妇人销磨他的光阴，那么即使过度的淫乐煎枯了他的骨髓，也只是他自作自受，不干别人的事；可是在这样国家多难的时候，他还是沉迷不返，就像一个已经能够明白事理的孩子，因为贪图眼前的欢乐而忘记父兄的教诲一样，我们不能不对他严辞谴责。
一使者上。
莱必多斯 又有什么消息来了。
使者 尊贵的凯撒，你的命令已经遵照实行，每一小时你都可以听到外边的消息。庞贝在海上的势力非常强大，那些因为畏惧而臣服凯撒的人，似乎都对他表示衷心的爱戴；不满意现状的，一个个都到海边投奔他。一般人都说罗马亏待了他。
凯撒 我应该早就料到这一点。人类的常情教训我们，一个人未在位的时候，是为众人所钦佩的，等到他一旦在位，大家就对他失去了信仰；受尽冷眼的失势英雄，身败名裂以后，也会受到世人的爱慕。群众就像漂浮在水上的菖蒲，随着潮流的方向而进退，在盲目的行动之中湮灭腐烂。
使者 凯撒，我还要报告你一件消息。茂尼克拉提斯和茂那斯，两个著名的海盗，啸集了大小船只，横行海上，四出剽掠，屡次侵犯意大利的海疆；沿海居民望风胆裂，年轻力壮的相率入伙，协同作乱；凡是出口的船舶，才离海岸，就被他们邀截而去；因为他们只要一提起庞贝的名字，就可以所向无敌。
凯撒 安东尼，离开你的荒唐的淫乐吧！你从前杀死了赫息斯和潘萨两个执政、从摩地那被逐出亡的时候，饥荒到处追随着你，你虽然是一个娇生惯养的人，却用无比的毅力和环境苦斗，忍受山谷野人所不堪忍受的苦难；你喝的是马尿和畜类嗅到了也会恶心的污水；吃的是荒野中粗恶生涩的浆果，甚至于像失食的牡鹿一样，当白雪铺盖牧场的时候，啃着树皮充饥；在阿尔卑斯山上，据说你曾经吃过腐烂的尸体，有些人看见这种东西是会惊怖失色的。我现在提起这些往事，虽然好像有伤你的名誉，可是当时你的确用百折不挠的战士的精神忍受这一切，你的神采奕奕的脸上，并不因此而现出一些憔悴的痕迹。
莱必多斯 可惜他不能全始全终。
凯撒 但愿他自知惭愧，赶快回到罗马来。现在我们两人必须临阵应战，所以应该立刻召集将士，决定方略；庞贝的势力是会在我们的怠惰之中一天一天强大起来的。
莱必多斯 凯撒，明天我就可以确实告诉你我能够在海陆双方集合多少的军力，应付当前的变局。
凯撒 我也要去调度一下。那么明天见。
莱必多斯 明天见，阁下。要是你听见外面有什么变动，请通知我一声。
凯撒 当然当然，那是我的责任。（各下。）
第五场 亚历山大里亚。宫中一室
克莉奥佩特拉、查米恩、伊拉丝及玛狄恩上。
克莉奥佩特拉 查米恩！
查米恩 娘娘！
克莉奥佩特拉 唉唉！给我喝一些曼陀罗汁。
查米恩 为什么，娘娘？
克莉奥佩特拉 我的安东尼去了，让我把这一段长长的时间昏睡过去吧。
查米恩 您太想念他了。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊！胡说！
查米恩 娘娘，我不敢。
克莉奥佩特拉 你，太监玛狄恩！
玛狄恩 陛下有什么吩咐？
克莉奥佩特拉 我现在不想听你唱歌；我不喜欢一个太监能作的任何事：好在你净了身子，再也不会胡思乱想，让你的一颗心飞出埃及。你也有爱情吗？
玛狄恩 有的，娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 当真！
玛狄恩 当真不了的，娘娘，因为我干不来那些伤风败俗的行为；可是我也有强烈的爱情，我常常想起维纳斯和马斯所干的事。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊，查米恩！你想他现在是在什么地方？他是站着还是坐着？他在走吗？还是骑在马上？幸运的马啊，你能够把安东尼驮在你的身上！出力啊，马儿，你知道谁骑着你吗？他是撑持着半个世界的巨人，全人类的勇武的干城哩。他现在在说话了，也许他在低声微语，“我那古老的尼罗河畔的花蛇呢？”因为他是这样称呼我的。现在我在用最美味的毒药陶醉我自己。他在想念我吗，我这被福玻斯的热情的眼光烧灼得遍身黝黑、时间已经在我额上留下深深皱纹的人？阔面广顾的凯撒啊，当你大驾光临的时候，我还只是一个少不更事的女郎，伟大的庞贝老是把他的眼睛盯在我的脸上，好像永远舍不得离开一般。
艾勒克萨斯上。
艾勒克萨斯 埃及的女王，万岁！
克莉奥佩特拉 你和玛克·安东尼是多么不同！可是因为你是从他的地方来的，你的身上也带着几分他的光彩了。我的勇敢的玛克·安东尼怎样？
艾勒克萨斯 亲爱的女王，他在无数次的热吻以后，最后吻着这一颗东方的珍珠。他的话紧紧粘在我的心上。
克莉奥佩特拉 那就要靠我的耳朵来摘取了。
艾勒克萨斯 他说，“好朋友，你去说，那忠实的罗马人把这一颗蚌壳里的珍宝献给伟大的埃及女王；请她不要嫌这礼物的菲薄，因为我还要为她征服无数的王国，让它们在她富饶的王座之下臣服纳贡；你对她说，所有东方的国家，都要称她为它们的女王。”于是他点了点头，很庄严地骑上了一匹披甲的骏马；我虽然还想对他说话，可是那马儿的震耳的长嘶，把一切声音全都盖住了。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊！他是忧愁的还是快乐的？
艾勒克萨斯 就像在盛暑和严寒之间的季候一样，他既不忧愁也不快乐。
克莉奥佩特拉 多么平衡沉稳的性情！听着，听着，查米恩，这才是一个男子；可是听着。他并不忧愁，因为他必须把他的光辉照耀到那些仰望他的人的脸上；他并不快乐，那似乎告诉他们他的眷念是和他的欢乐一起留在埃及的；可是在这两者之间，啊，神圣的混合，无论你忧愁或快乐，那强烈的情绪都可以显出你的可爱，没有一个人能够比得上你。你碰见我的使者吗？
艾勒克萨斯 是，娘娘，我碰见二十个给您送信的人。为什么您这样接连不断地叫他们寄信去？
克莉奥佩特拉 谁要是在我忘记寄信给安东尼的那一天出世的，一定穷苦而死。查米恩，拿墨水和信纸来。欢迎，我的好艾勒克萨斯。查米恩，我曾经这样爱过凯撒吗？
查米恩 啊，那勇敢的凯撒！
克莉奥佩特拉 让另外一句感叹窒塞了你的咽喉吧！你应该说勇敢的安东尼。
查米恩 威武的凯撒！
克莉奥佩特拉 凭着爱昔斯女神起誓，你要是再把凯撒的名字和我的唯一的英雄相提并论，我要打得你满口出血了。
查米恩 请娘娘开恩恕罪，我不过把您说过的话照样说说罢了。
克莉奥佩特拉 那时候我年轻识浅，我的热情还没有煽起，所以才会说那样的话！可是来，我们进去吧；把墨水和信纸给我。他将要每天收到一封信，要不然我要把埃及全国的人都打发去为我送信。（同下。）
第二幕
第一场 墨西拿。庞贝府中一室
庞贝、茂尼克拉提斯及茂那斯同上。
庞贝 伟大的天神们假如是公平正直的，他们一定会帮助理直辞正的人。
茂尼克拉提斯 尊贵的庞贝，天神对于他们所眷顾的人，也许给他一时的留难，但决不会长久使他失望。
庞贝 当我们还在向他们神座之前祈求的时候，也许我们的希望已经毁灭了。
茂尼克拉提斯 我们昧于利害，往往所祈求的反而对我们自己有损无益；聪明的天神拒绝我们的祷告，正是玉成我们的善意；我们虽然所愿不遂，其实还是实受其利。
庞贝 我一定可以成功：人民这样爱戴我，海上的霸权已经操在我的手里；我的势力正像上弦月一样逐渐扩展，终有一天会变成一轮高悬中天的满月。玛克·安东尼正在埃及闲坐宴饮，懒得出外作战；凯撒搜括民财，弄得众怒沸腾；莱必多斯只知道两面讨好，他们两人也对他假意殷勤，可是他对他们两人既然并无好感，他们两人也不把他放在心上。
茂那斯 凯撒和莱必多斯已经上了战场；他们带着一支很强大的军队。
庞贝 你从什么地方听到这个消息？那是假的。
茂那斯 西尔维斯说的，主帅。
庞贝 他在做梦；我知道他们都在罗马等候着安东尼。淫荡的克莉奥佩特拉啊，但愿一切爱情的魔力柔润你的褪了色的朱唇！让妖术和美貌互相结合，再用淫欲加强它们的魅力！把这浪子围困在酒色阵里，让他的头脑终日昏迷；美味的烹调刺激他的食欲，醉饱酣眠销磨了他的雄心，直到长睡不醒的一天！
凡里厄斯上。
庞贝 啊，凡里厄斯！
凡里厄斯 我要报告一个非常确实的消息：玛克·安东尼快要到罗马了；他早已离开埃及，算起日子来应该早到了。
庞贝 我真不愿相信这句话。茂那斯，我想这位好色之徒未必会为了这样一场小小的战争而披起他的甲胄来。讲到他的将才，的确要比那两个人胜过一倍；要是我们这一次行动，居然能够把沉缅女色的安东尼从那埃及寡妇的怀中惊醒起来，那倒很可以抬高我们的身价。
茂那斯 我想凯撒和安东尼未必能够彼此相容；他的已故的妻子曾经得罪凯撒，他的兄弟也和凯撒动过刀兵，虽然我想不是出于安东尼的指使。
庞贝 茂那斯，我不知道他们大敌当前，会不会捐弃私人间的嫌怨。倘不是我向他们三人揭起了挑战的旗帜，他们大概就会自相火併的，因为他们彼此间的积恨，已经到了剑拔弩张的境地了；可是我们还要看看同仇敌忾的心理究竟能够把他们团结到什么程度。一切依照神明的意旨吧！我们的成败存亡，全看我们能不能运用坚强的手腕。来，茂那斯。（同下。）
第二场 罗马。莱必多斯府中一室
爱诺巴勃斯及莱必多斯上。
莱必多斯 好爱诺巴勃斯，你要是能够劝告你家主帅，请他在说话方面温和一些，那就是做了一件大大的好事了。
爱诺巴勃斯 我要请他按照他自己的本性说话；要是凯撒激恼了他，让安东尼向凯撒睥睨而视，发出像战神一样的怒吼吧。凭着朱庇特起誓，要是安东尼的胡子装在我的脸上，我今天决不愿意修剪。
莱必多斯 现在不是闹私人意气的时候。
爱诺巴勃斯 要是别人有意寻事，那就随时都可以闹起来的。
莱必多斯 可是我们现在有更重大的问题，应该抛弃小小的争执。
爱诺巴勃斯 要是小小的争执在前，重大的问题在后，那就不能这么说。
莱必多斯 你的话全然是感情用事；可是请你不要拨起火灰来。尊贵的安东尼来了。
安东尼及文提狄斯上。
爱诺巴勃斯 凯撒也打那边来了。
凯撒、茂西那斯及阿格立巴上。
安东尼 要是我们在这儿相安无事，你就到帕提亚去；听着，文提狄斯。
凯撒 我不知道，茂西那斯；问阿格立巴。
莱必多斯 尊贵的朋友们，非常重大的事故把我们联合在一起，让我们不要因为细微的小事而彼此参商。各人有什么不痛快的地方，不妨平心静气提出来谈谈；要是为了一点小小的意见而弄得面红耳赤，那就不单是见伤不救，简直是向病人行刺了。所以，尊贵的同僚们，请你们俯从我的诚恳的请求，用最友好的态度讨论你们最不愉快的各点，千万不要意气用事，处理当前的大事是主要的。
安东尼 说得有理。即使我们现在彼此以兵戎相见，也应该保持这样的精神。
凯撒 欢迎你回到罗马来！
安东尼 谢谢你。
凯撒 请坐。
安东尼 请坐。
凯撒 那么有僭了。
安东尼 听说你为了一些捕风捉影，或者和你毫不相干的事情，心里不大痛快。
凯撒 要是我无缘无故，或者为了一些小小的事情而生起气来，尤其是生你的气，那不是笑话了吗？要是你的名字根本用不着我提在嘴上，我却好端端把它诋毁，那不更是笑话了吗？
安东尼 凯撒，我在埃及跟你有什么相干？
凯撒 本来你在埃及，就跟我在罗马一样，大家都是各不相干的；可是假如你在那边图谋危害我的地位，那我就不能不把它当作一个与我有关的问题了。
安东尼 你说我图谋危害是什么意思？
凯撒 你只要看看我在这儿遭到些什么事情，就可以懂得我的意思。你的妻子和兄弟都向我宣战，他们用的都是你的名义。
安东尼 你完全弄错了；我的兄弟从来没有让我与闻他的行动。我曾经调查这件事情的经过，从几个和你交锋过的人的嘴里听到确实的报告。他不是把你我两人一律看待，同样向我们两人的权力挑战吗？我早就有信给你，向你解释过了。你要是有意寻事，应该找一个更充分的理由，这样的借口是不能成立的。
凯撒 你推托得倒很干净，可是太把我看得不明事理啦。
安东尼 那倒不是这样说；我相信你一定不会不想到，他既然把我们两人同时作为攻击的目标，我当然不会赞许他这一种作乱的行为。至于我的妻子，那么我希望你也有一位像她这样强悍的夫人：三分之一的世界在你的统治之下，你可以很容易地把它驾驱，可是你永远驯伏不了这样一个妻子。
爱诺巴勃斯 但愿我们都有这样的妻子，那么男人可以和女人临阵对垒了！
安东尼 凯撒，她的脾气实在太暴躁了，虽然她也是个精明强干的人；我很抱歉她给了你很大的烦扰，你必须原谅我没有力量控制她。
凯撒 你在亚历山大里亚喝酒作乐的时候，我有信写给你；你却把我的信置之不理，把我的使者一顿辱骂赶出去。
安东尼 阁下，这是他自己不懂礼节。我还没有叫他进来，他就莽莽撞撞走到我的面前；那时候我刚宴请过三个国王，不免有些酒后失态；可是第二天我就向他当面说明，那也等于向他道歉一样。让我们不要把这个人作为我们争论的题目吧；我们即使反目，也不要把他当作借口。
凯撒 你已经破坏盟约，我却始终信守。
莱必多斯 得啦，凯撒！
安东尼 不，莱必多斯，让他说吧；这是攸关我的荣誉的事，果然如他所说，我就是一个不讲信义的人了。说，凯撒，我怎么破坏了盟约。
凯撒 我们有约在先，当我需要你的助力的时候，你必须举兵相援，可是你却拒绝我的请求。
安东尼 那是我一时糊涂，疏忽了我的责任；我愿意向你竭诚道歉。我的诚实决不会减低我的威信；失去诚实，我的权力也就无法行施。那个时候我实在不知道富尔维娅为了希望我离开埃及，已经在这儿发动战事。在这一点上，我应该请你原谅。
莱必多斯 这才是英雄的口气。
茂西那斯 请你们两位不要记念旧恶，还是合力同心，应付当前的局势吧。
莱必多斯 说得有理，茂西那斯。
爱诺巴勃斯 或者你们可以暂时做一会儿好朋友，等到庞贝的名字不再被人提起以后，你们没有别的事情可做，不妨旧事重提，那时候尽你们去争吵好了。
安东尼 你是个武夫，不要胡说。
爱诺巴勃斯 老实人是应该闭口不言的，我倒几乎忘了。
安东尼 少说话，免得伤了在座众人的和气。
爱诺巴勃斯 好，好，我就做一块小心翼翼的石头。
凯撒 他的出言虽然莽撞，却有几分意思；因为我们的行动这样互相背驰，要维持长久的友谊是不可能的。不过要是我知道有什么方法可以加强我们的团结，那我即使踏遍天涯去访求也是愿意的。
阿格立巴 允许我说一句话，凯撒。
凯撒 说吧，阿格立巴。
阿格立巴 你有一个同母姊妹，贤名久播的奥克泰维娅；玛克·安东尼现在是一个鳏夫。
凯撒 不要这样说，阿格立巴；要是给克莉奥佩特拉听见了，少不了一顿骂。
安东尼 我没有妻室，凯撒；让我听听阿格立巴有些什么话说。
阿格立巴 为了保持你们永久的和好，使你们成为兄弟，把你们的心紧紧结合在一起，让安东尼娶奥克泰维娅做他的妻子吧；她的美貌配得上世间第一等英雄，她的贤德才智胜过任何人所能给她的誉扬。缔结了这一段姻缘以后，一切现在所看得十分重大的猜嫉疑虑，一切对于目前的危机所感到的严重的恐惧，都可以一扫而空；现在你们把无稽的传闻看得那样认真，到了那时候，真正的事实也都可以一笑置之了；她对于你们两人的爱，一定可以促进你们两人间的情谊。请你们恕我冒昧，提出了这样一个意见；这并不是我临时想起来的，我觉得自己责任所在，早就把这意思详细考虑过了。
安东尼 凯撒愿意表示他的意见吗？
凯撒 他必须先听听安东尼对于这番话有什么反应。
安东尼 要是我说，“阿格立巴，照你的话办吧，”阿格立巴有什么力量，可以使它成为事实呢？
凯撒 凯撒有这样的力量，他可以替奥克泰维娅作主。
安东尼 但愿这一件大好的美事没有一点阻碍，顺利达到了我们的愿望！把你的手给我；从现在起，让兄弟的友爱支配着我们远大的计划！
凯撒 这儿是我的手。我给了你一个妹妹，没有一个兄长爱他的妹妹像我爱她一样；让她联系我们的王国和我们的心，永远不要彼此离贰！
莱必多斯 但愿如此。阿门！
安东尼 我不想对庞贝作战，因为他最近对我礼意非常优渥，我必须先答谢他的盛情，免得被他批评我无礼；然后我再责问他兴师犯境的理由。
莱必多斯 时间不容我们犹豫；我们倘不立刻就去找庞贝，庞贝就要来找我们了。
安东尼 他驻屯在什么地方？
凯撒 在密西嫩山附近。
安东尼 他在陆地上的实力怎样？
凯撒 很强大，而且每天都在扩充；可是在海上他已经握有绝对的主权。
安尔尼 外边的传说正是这样。我们大家早一点商量商量就好了！事不宜迟；可是在我们穿上武装以前，先把刚才所说的事情办好吧。
凯撒 很好，我现在就带你到舍妹那儿去，介绍你们见见面。
安东尼 去吧；莱必多斯，你也必须陪我们去。
莱必多斯 尊贵的安东尼，即使有病我也要扶杖追随的。（喇叭奏花腔。凯撒、安东尼、莱必多斯同下。）
茂西那斯 欢迎你从埃及回来，朋友！
爱诺巴勃斯 凯撒的心腹，尊贵的茂西那斯！我的正直的朋友阿格立巴！
阿格立巴 好爱诺巴勃斯！
茂西那斯 事情这样圆满解决，真是可喜。你在埃及将养得很好。
爱诺巴勃斯 是的，老兄；我们白天睡得日月无光，夜里喝得天旋地转。
茂西那斯 听说十二个人吃一顿早餐，烤了八口整个的野猪，有这回事吗？
爱诺巴勃斯 这不过是大鹰旁边的一只苍蝇而已；我们还有更惊人的豪宴，那说来才叫人咋舌呢。
茂西那斯 她是一位非常豪华的女王，要是一般的传说没有把她夸张过分的话。
爱诺巴勃斯 她在昔特纳斯河上第一次遇见玛克·安东尼的时候，就把他的心捉住了。
阿格立巴 我也听见说他们在那里会面。
爱诺巴勃斯 让我告诉你们。她坐的那艘画舫就像一尊在水上燃烧的发光的宝座；舵楼是用黄金打成的；帆是紫色的，熏染着异香，逗引得风儿也为它们害起相思来了；桨是白银的，随着笛声的节奏在水面上下，使那被它们击动的痴心的水波加快了速度追随不舍。讲到她自己，那简直没有字眼可以形容；她斜卧在用金色的锦绸制成的天帐之下，比图画上巧夺天工的维纳斯女神还要娇艳万倍；在她的两旁站着好几个脸上浮着可爱的酒涡的小童，就像一群微笑的丘匹德一样，手里执着五彩的羽扇，那羽扇的风，本来是为了让她柔嫩的面颊凉快一些的，反而使她的脸色变得格外绯红了。
阿格立巴 啊！安东尼看见这样一位美人，真是几生有幸！
爱诺巴勃斯 她的侍女们像一群海上的鲛人神女，在她眼前奔走服侍，她们的周旋进退，都是那么婉娈多姿；一个作着鲛人装束的女郎掌着舵，她那如花的纤手矫捷地执行她的职务，沾沐芳泽的丝缆也都得意得心花怒放了。从这画舫之上散出一股奇妙扑鼻的芳香，弥漫在附近的两岸。倾城的仕女都出来瞻望她，只剩安东尼一个人高坐在市场上，向着空气吹啸；那空气倘不是因为填充空隙的缘故，也一定飞去观看克莉奥佩特拉，而在天地之间留下一个缺口了。
阿格立巴 希有的埃及人！
爱诺巴勃斯 她上了岸，安东尼就遣使请她晚餐；她回答说他是客人，应当让她自己尽东道之谊，请他进宫赴宴。我们这位娴习礼仪的安东尼是从来不曾在一个妇女面前说过一个“不”字的，整容十次方才前去；这一去不打紧，为了他眼睛所享受的盛餐，他把一颗心付了下来，作为一席之欢的代价了。
阿格立巴 了不得的女人！怪不得我们从前那位凯撒为了她竟放下刀枪，安置在她的床边：他耕耘，她便发出芽苗。
爱诺巴勃斯 我有一次看见她从市街上奔跳过去，一边喘息一边说话；那吁吁娇喘的神气，也是那么楚楚动人，在她破碎的语言里，自有一种天生的媚力。
茂西那斯 现在安东尼必须把她完全割舍了。
爱诺巴勃斯 不，他决不会丢弃她，年龄不能使她衰老，习惯也腐蚀不了她的变化无穷的伎俩；别的女人使人日久生厌，她却越是给人满足，越是使人饥渴；因为最丑恶的事物一到了她的身上，也会变成美好，即使她在卖弄风情的时候，神圣的祭司也不得不为她祝福。
茂西那斯 要是美貌、智慧和贤淑可以把安东尼的心安定下来，那么奥克泰维娅是他的一位很好的内助。
阿格立巴 我们走吧。好爱诺巴勃斯，当你在这儿停留的时候，请你做我的客人吧。
爱诺巴勃斯 多谢你的好意。（同下。）
第三场 同前。凯撒府中一室
凯撒、安东尼、奥克泰维娅（居二人之间）及侍从等上。
安东尼 这广大的世界和我的重要的职务，使我有时不能不离开你的怀抱。
奥克泰维娅 当你出去的时候，我将要长跪神前，为你祈祷。
安东尼 晚安，阁下！我的奥克泰维娅，不要从世间的传说之中诵读我的缺点；我过去诚然有行止不检的地方，可是从今以后，一定循规蹈矩。晚安，亲爱的女郎！
奥克泰维娅 晚安，将军！
凯撒 晚安！（凯撒、奥克泰维娅同下。）
预言者上。
安东尼 喂，我问你，你想不想回埃及去？
预言者 我希望我从来没有离开埃及，我更希望你从来没有到过埃及！
安东尼 你能够告诉我你的理由吗？
预言者 我心里明白，嘴里却说不出来。可是我看你还是赶快到埃及去吧。
安东尼 对我说，将来是凯撒的命运强，还是我的命运强？
预言者 凯撒的命运强。所以，安东尼啊！不要留在他的旁边吧。你的本命星是高贵勇敢、一往无敌的，可是一挨近凯撒的身边，它就黯然失色，好像被他掩去了光芒一般；所以你应该和他离得远一点儿才好。
安东尼 不要再提起这些话了。
预言者 这些话我只对你说；别人面前我可再也不提起。你无论跟他玩什么游戏，一定胜不过他，因为他有那种天赋的幸运，即使明明你比他本领高强，他也会把你击败。凡是他的光辉所在，你的光总是黯淡的。我再说一句，你在他旁边的时候，你的本命星就会惴惴不安，失去了主宰你的力量，可是他一走开，它又变得不可一世了。
安东尼 你去对文提狄斯说，我要跟他谈谈。（预言者下）他必须到帕提亚去。这家伙也许果然能够知道过去未来，也许给他偶然猜中，说的话倒很有道理。就是骰子也会听他的话；我们在游戏之中，虽然我的技术比他高明，总敌不过他的手风顺利；抽签的时候，总是他占便宜；无论斗鸡斗鹑，他都能够以弱胜强。我还是到埃及去；虽然为了息事宁人而缔结了这门婚事，可是我的快乐是在东方。
文提狄斯上。
安东尼 啊！来，文提狄斯，你必须到帕提亚去一次；你的委任文书已经办好了，跟我来拿吧。（同下。）
第四场 同前。街道
莱必多斯、茂西那斯及阿格立巴上。
莱必多斯 不劳远送，请两位催促你们的主帅早日就道。
阿格立巴 将军，等玛克·安东尼和奥克泰维娅温存一下，我们就会来的。
莱必多斯 那么等你们披上戎装以后，我再跟你们相见吧。
茂西那斯 照路程计算起来，莱必多斯，我们可以比你先到密西嫩山。
莱必多斯 你们的路程要短一些；我因为还有其他的任务，不能不多绕一些远路。你们大概比我先到两天。
茂西那斯
阿格立巴 将军，祝你成功！
莱必多斯 再会！（各下。）
第五场 亚历山大里亚。宫中一室
克莉奥佩特拉、查米恩、伊拉丝、艾勒克萨斯及侍从等上。
克莉奥佩特拉 给我奏一些音乐；对于我们这些以恋爱为职业的人，音乐是我们忧郁的食粮。
侍从 奏乐！
玛狄恩上。
克莉奥佩特拉 算了；我们打弹子吧。来，查米恩。
查米恩 我的手腕疼；您跟玛狄恩打吧。
克莉奥佩特拉 女人跟太监玩，就像女人跟女人玩一样。来，你愿意陪我玩玩吗？
玛狄恩 我愿意勉力奉陪，娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 心有余而力不足，那一片好意，总是值得嘉许的。我现在也不要打弹子了。替我把钓竿拿来，我们到河边去；你们在远远的地方奏着音乐，我就把钓竿放下去，诱那长着赭色鳍片的鱼儿上钩；我的弯弯的钓钩要钩住它们滑溜溜的嘴巴；当我拉起它们来的时候，我要把每一尾鱼当作一个安东尼，我要说，“啊哈！你可给我捉住啦！”
查米恩 那一次您跟他在一起钓鱼，你们还打赌哩；他不知道您已经叫一个人钻在水里，悄悄把一条腌鱼挂在他的钓钩上了，而他还当是什么好东西，拚命地往上提，想起来真是有趣得很。
克莉奥佩特拉 唉，提起那些话，真叫人不胜今昔之感！那时候我笑得他老羞成怒，可是一到晚上，我又笑得他回嗔作喜；第二天早晨我在九点钟以前就把他麻醉上床，替他穿上我的衣帽，我自己佩带了他那柄腓力比的宝剑。
一使者上。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊！从意大利来的；我的耳朵里久已不听见消息了，你有多少消息，一起把它们塞了进去吧。
使者 娘娘，娘娘——
克莉奥佩特拉 安东尼死了！你要是这样说，狗才，你就杀死你的女主人了；可是你要是说他平安无恙，这儿有的是金子，你还可以吻一吻这一只许多君王们曾经吻过的手；他们一面吻，一面还发抖呢。
使者 第一，娘娘，他是平安的。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊，我还要给你更多的金子。可是听着，我们常常说已死的人是平安的；要是你也是这个意思，我就要把那赏给你的金子熔化了，灌下你这报告凶讯的喉咙里去。
使者 好娘娘，听我说。
克莉奥佩特拉 好，好，我听你说；可是瞧你的相貌不像是个好人；安东尼要是平安无恙，不该让这样一张难看的面孔报告这样大好的消息；要是他有什么疾病灾难，你应该像一尊头上盘绕着毒蛇的凶神，不该仍旧装做人的样子。
使者 请您听我说下去吧。
克莉奥佩特拉 我很想在你没有开口以前先把你捶一顿；可是你要是说安东尼没有死，很平安，凯撒待他很好，没有把他监禁起来，我就把金子像暴雨一般淋在你头上，把珍珠像冰雹一样撒在你身上。
使者 娘娘，他很平安。
克莉奥佩特拉 说得好。
使者 他跟凯撒感情很好。
克莉奥佩特拉 你是个好人。
使者 凯撒和他的友谊已经比从前大大增进了。
克莉奥佩特拉 我要赏给你一大笔财产。
使者 可是，娘娘——
克莉奥佩特拉 我不爱听“可是”，它会推翻先前所说的那些好消息；呸，“可是”！“可是”就像一个狱卒，它会带上一个大奸巨恶的罪犯。朋友，请你把你所知道的消息，不管是好的坏的，一起灌进我的耳朵里吧。他跟凯撒很要好；他身体健康，你说；你还说他行动自由。
使者 自由，娘娘！不，我没有这样说；他已经被奥克泰维娅约束住了。
克莉奥佩特拉 什么约束？
使者 他们已经缔结了百年之好。
克莉奥佩特拉 查米恩，我的脸色发白了！
使者 娘娘，他跟奥克泰维娅结了婚啦。
克莉奥佩特拉 最恶毒的瘟疫染在你身上！（击使者倒地。）
使者 好娘娘，请息怒。
克莉奥佩特拉 你说什么？滚，（又击）可恶的狗才！否则我要把你的眼珠放在脚前踢出去；我要拔光你的头发；（将使者拉扯殴辱）我要用钢丝鞭打你，用盐水煮你，用酸醋慢慢地浸死你。
使者 好娘娘，我不过报告您这么一个消息，又不是我作的媒。
克莉奥佩特拉 说没有这样的事，我就赏给你一处封邑，让你安享富贵；你惹我生气，我已经打过了你，也不再计较了；你还有什么要求，只要向我说，我都可以答应你。
使者 他真的结了婚啦，娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 混蛋！你不要活命吗？（拔刀。）
使者 嗳哟，那我可要逃了。您这是什么意思，娘娘？我没有过失呀。（下。）
查米恩 好娘娘，定一定心吧；这人是没有罪的。
克莉奥佩特拉 天雷殛死的不一定是有罪的人。让埃及溶解在尼罗河里，让善良的人都变成蛇吧！叫那家伙进来；我虽然发疯，我还不会咬他。叫他进来。
查米恩 他不敢来。
克莉奥佩特拉 我不伤害他就是了。（查米恩下）这一双手太有失自己的尊严了，是我自己闯的祸，却去殴打一个比我卑微的人。
查米恩及使者重上。
克莉奥佩特拉 过来，先生。把坏消息告诉人家，即使诚实不虚，总不是一件好事；悦耳的喜讯不妨极口渲染，不幸的噩耗还是缄口不言，让那身受的人自己感到的好。
使者 我不过尽我的责任。
克莉奥佩特拉 他已经结了婚吗？你要是再说一声“是”，我就更恨你了。
使者 他已经结了婚了，娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 愿天神重罚你！你还是这么说吗？
使者 我应该说谎吗，娘娘？
克莉奥佩特拉 啊！我但愿你说谎，即使我的半个埃及完全陆沉，变成鳞蛇栖息的池沼。出去；要是你有美少年那耳喀索斯一般美好的姿容，在我的眼中你也是最丑陋的伧夫。他结了婚吗？
使者 求陛下恕罪。
克莉奥佩特拉 他结了婚吗？
使者 陛下不要见气，我也不过遵照您的命令行事，要是因此而受责，那真是太冤枉啦。他跟奥克泰维娅结了婚了。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊，他的过失现在都要叫你承担，虽然你所肯定的，又与你无关！滚出去；你从罗马带来的货色我接受不了；让它堆在你身上，把你压死！（使者下。）
查米恩 陛下息怒。
克莉奥佩特拉 我在赞美安东尼的时候，把凯撒诋毁得太过分了。
查米恩 您好多次都是这样，娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 现在我可受到报应啦。带我离开这里；我要晕倒了。啊，伊拉丝！查米恩！算了。好艾勒克萨斯，你去问问那家伙，奥克泰维娅容貌长得怎样，多大年纪，性格怎样；不要忘记问她的头发是什么颜色；问过了赶快回来告诉我。（艾勒克萨斯下）让他一去不回吧；不，查米恩！我还是望他回来，虽然他一边的面孔像个狰狞的怪物，另一边却像威武的战神。（向玛狄恩）你去叫艾勒克萨斯再问问她的身材有多高。可怜我，查米恩，可是不要对我说话。带我到我的寝室里去。（同下。）
第六场 密西嫩附近
喇叭奏花腔。鼓角前导，庞贝及茂那斯自一方上；凯撒、安东尼、莱必多斯、爱诺巴勃斯、茂西那斯率兵士等自另一方行进上。
庞贝 我已经得到你们的保证，你们也已经得到我的保证，在没有交战以前，让我们先来举行一次谈判。
凯撒 先礼后兵是最妥当的办法，所以我们已经把我们的目的预先用书面通知你了；你要是已经把它考虑过，请让我们知道那些条件能不能使你收起你的愤愤不平的剑，带领你的子弟们回到西西里去，免得白白在这里牺牲许多有用的青年。
庞贝 你们三位是当今宰制天下的元老，神明意旨的主要执行者，你们还记得裘力斯·凯撒的阴魂在腓利比向善良的勃鲁托斯作祟的时候，他看见你们怎样为他出力；我的父亲也是有儿子、有朋友的，为什么他就没有人替他复仇？脸色惨白的凯歇斯为什么要阴谋作乱？那正直无私、为众人所尊敬的罗马人勃鲁托斯，和他的武装的党徒们，那一群追求着可爱的自由的人，为什么要血溅圣殿？他们的目的不是希望有一个真正的英雄出来统治罗马吗？我现在兴起水上的雄师，驾着怒海的波涛而来，也就是为了这一个目的；凭着我的盛大的军力，我要痛惩无情的罗马，报复它对我尊贵的父亲负心的罪辜。
凯撒 什么事情都好慢慢商量。
安东尼 庞贝，你不能用你船只的强盛吓退我们；就是到海上见面，我们也决不怕你。在陆地上你知道我们的力量是远远胜过你的。
庞贝 不错，在陆地上你把我父亲的屋子也占去了；可是既然杜鹃不会自己筑巢，你就住下去吧。
莱必多斯 现在我们不必讲别的话，请告诉我们，你对于我们向你提出的条件觉得怎样？
凯撒 这是我们今天谈话的中心。
安东尼 我们并不一定要求你接受，请你自己熟权利害。
凯撒 要是这样的条件还不能使你满足，那么妄求非分的结果也是值得考虑的。
庞贝 你们允许把西西里和撒丁尼亚两岛让给我；我必须替你们扫除海盗，还要把多少小麦送到罗马；双方同意以后，就可以完盾全刃，各自回去。
凯 撒
安东尼
莱必多斯 这正是我们所提的条件。
庞贝 那么告诉你们吧，我到这儿来跟你们会见，本来是预备接受你们的条件的，可是看见了玛克·安东尼，却有点儿气愤不过。虽然一个人不该自己卖弄恩德，不过你要知道，凯撒和你兄弟交战的时候，你的母亲到西西里来，曾经受到殷勤的礼遇。
安东尼 我也听见说起过，庞贝；我早就想重重谢你。
庞贝 让我握你的手。将军，想不到我会在这儿碰见你。
安东尼 东方的枕褥是温暖的；幸亏你把我叫了起来，否则我还要在那边留恋下去，错过许多机会了。
凯撒 自从我上次看见你以后，你已经变了许多啦。
庞贝 喂，我不知道冷酷的命运在我的脸上留下了什么痕迹，可是我决不让她钻进我的胸中，使我的心成为她的臣仆。
莱必多斯 今天相遇，真是一件幸事。
庞贝 我也希望这样，莱必多斯。那么我们已经彼此同意了。为了表示郑重起见，我希望把我们的协定写下来，各人签署盖印。
凯撒 那是当然的手续。
庞贝 我们在分手以前，还要各人互相请一次客；让我们抽签决定哪一个人先请。
安东尼 我先来吧，庞贝。
庞贝 不，安东尼，你也得抽签；可是不管先请后请，你那很好的埃及式烹调是总要领教领教的。我听说裘力斯·凯撒在那边吃成了一个胖子。
安东尼 你倒听到不少事哪。
庞贝 我并无恶意，将军。
安东尼 那么你就好好地讲吧。
庞贝 这些我都是听来的。我还听见说，阿坡罗陀勒斯把一个——
爱诺巴勃斯 那话不用说了，是有这一回事。
庞贝 请问是怎么一回事？
爱诺巴勃斯 把一个女王裹在褥子里送到凯撒的地方。
庞贝 我现在记起你来了；你好，壮士？
爱诺巴勃斯 有酒有肉，怎么不好；看来我的口福不浅，眼前就要有四次宴会了。
庞贝 让我握握你的手；我从来没有对你怀恨。我曾经看见你打仗，很钦慕你的勇敢。
爱诺巴勃斯 将军，我对您一向没有多大好感，可是我不是没有称赞过您，虽然我给您的称赞，还不及您实际价值的十分之一。
庞贝 你的爽直正是你的好处。现在我要请各位赏光到敝船上去叙叙；请了，各位将军。
凯 撒
安东尼
莱必多斯 请你领路，将军。（除茂那斯、爱诺巴勃斯外皆下。）
茂那斯 庞贝，你的父亲是决不会签订这样的条约的。朋友，我们曾经有一面之雅。
爱诺巴勃斯 我想我在海上见过你。
茂那斯 正是，朋友。
爱诺巴勃斯 你在海上很了不得。
茂那斯 你在陆地上也不错。
爱诺巴勃斯 谁愿意恭维我的，我都愿意恭维他；虽然我在陆地上横行无敌，是一件无可否认的事。
茂那斯 我在水上横行无敌，也是不可否认的。
爱诺巴勃斯 为了你自己的安全，你还是否认了的好；你是一个海上的大盗。
茂那斯 你是一个陆地的暴徒。
爱诺巴勃斯 那么我就否认我的陆地上的功劳。可是把你的手给我，茂那斯；要是我们的眼睛可以替我们作见证，它们在这儿可以看见两个盗贼握手言欢。
茂那斯 人们的手尽管不老实，他们的脸总是老实的。
爱诺巴勃斯 可是没有一个美貌的女人有一张老实的脸。
茂那斯 不错，她们是会把男人的心偷走的。
爱诺巴勃斯 我们到这儿来，本来是要跟你们厮杀。
茂那斯 拿我自己说，打仗变成了喝酒，真是扫兴得很。庞贝今天把他的一份家私笑掉了。
爱诺巴勃斯 要是他真的把家私笑掉了，那可是再也哭不回来的。
茂那斯 你说得有理，朋友。我们没有想到会在这儿看见玛克·安东尼。请问他已经跟克莉奥佩特拉结了婚吗？
爱诺巴勃斯 凯撒的妹妹名叫奥克泰维娅。
茂那斯 不错，朋友；她本来是卡厄斯·玛瑟勒斯的妻子。
爱诺巴勃斯 可是她现在是玛克斯·安东尼厄斯的妻子了。
茂那斯 怎么？
爱诺巴勃斯 这句话是真的。
茂那斯 那么凯撒跟他永远联合在一起了。
爱诺巴勃斯 要是叫我预测这一个结合的将来，我可不敢发表这样乐观的论断。
茂那斯 我想这一门婚事，大概还是政策上的权宜，不是出于男女双方的爱恋。
爱诺巴勃斯 我也这样想；可是你不久就会发现联结他们友谊的这一条带子，结果反而勒毙了他们的感情。奥克泰维娅的性情是端庄而冷静的。
茂那斯 谁不愿意有这样一个妻子？
爱诺巴勃斯 玛克·安东尼自己不是这样一个人，所以他也不喜欢这样一个妻子。他一定会再到埃及去领略他的异味；那时候奥克泰维娅的叹息便会搧起凯撒心头的怒火，正像我刚才所说的，她现在是他们两人之间感情的联系，将来却会变成促动两人反目的原因。安东尼的心早已另有所属了，他在这儿结婚，只是一种应付环境的手段。
茂那斯 你的话也许会成为事实。来，朋友，上船去吧。我要请你喝杯酒呢。
爱诺巴勃斯 我一定领情；我们在埃及是喝惯了大口的酒的。
茂那斯 来，我们去吧。（同下。）
第七场 密西嫩附近海面庞贝大船上
音乐；两三仆人持酒食上。
仆甲 他们就要到这儿来啦，伙计。有几个人已经醉得站立不稳，一丝最轻微的风都可以把他们吹倒。
仆乙 莱必多斯喝得满脸通红。
仆甲 他们故意开他的玩笑，尽是哄他一杯一杯灌下去。
仆乙 他们自己却留着酒量，他只顾叫喊不喝了，不喝了；结果还是自己管不住自己。
仆甲 他岂不是失去了理智，开了自己的玩笑。
仆乙 混在大人物中间，给他们玩弄玩弄也是活该。叫我举一根掮不起的枪杆子，不如拈一根不中用的芦苇。
仆甲 高居于为众人所仰望的地位而毫无作为，正像眼眶里没有眼珠、只留下两个怪可怜的空洞的凹孔一样。
喇叭奏花腔。凯撒、安东尼、莱必多斯、庞贝、阿格立巴、茂西那斯、爱诺巴勃斯、茂那斯及其他将领等上。
安东尼 他们都是这样的，阁下。他们用金字塔做标准，测量尼罗河水位的高低，由此判断年岁的丰歉。尼罗河的河水越是高涨，收成越有把握；潮水退落以后，农夫就可以在烂泥上播种，不多几时就结实了。
莱必多斯 你们那边有很奇怪的蛇。
安东尼 是的，莱必多斯。
莱必多斯 你们埃及的蛇是生在烂泥里，晒着太阳光长大的；你们的鳄鱼也是一样。
安东尼 正是这样。
庞贝 请坐——酒来！我们干一杯祝莱必多斯健康！
莱必多斯 我身子不顶舒服，可是我决不示弱。
爱诺巴勃斯 除非等你睡去，他们决不会放过你的。
莱必多斯 嗯，的确，我听说托勒密王朝的金字塔造得很好；我听见人家都是这样一致公认。
茂那斯 庞贝，我要跟你说句话。
庞贝 就在我的耳边说；什么事？
茂那斯 主帅，请你离开你的坐位，听我对你说。
庞贝 等一等，我就来。这一杯酒祝莱必多斯健康！
莱必多斯 你们的鳄鱼是怎么一种东西？
安东尼 它的形状就像一条鳄鱼；它有鳄鱼那么大，也有鳄鱼那么高；它用它自己的肢体行动，靠着它所吃的东西活命；它的精力衰竭以后，它就死了。
莱必多斯 它的颜色是怎样的？
安东尼 也跟鳄鱼的颜色差不多。
莱必多斯 那是一种奇怪的蛇。
安东尼 可不是；而且它的眼泪是湿的。
凯撒 你这样说，他会信服么？
安东尼 有庞贝向他敬酒还有问题吗，否则他真是个穷奢极欲之人了。
庞贝 该死，该死！这算什么话？去！照我吩咐你的做去。我叫你们替我斟下的这杯酒呢？
茂那斯 要是你愿意听我说话，请你站起来。
庞贝 我想你在发疯了。什么事？（二人走至一旁。）
茂那斯 我一向都是忠心耿耿，为你的利益打算。
庞贝 你替我做事很忠实。还有什么话说？各位将军，大家痛痛快快乐一下。
安东尼 莱必多斯，留心你脚底下的浮沙，你要摔下来了。
茂那斯 你要做全世界的主人吗？
庞贝 你说什么？
茂那斯 你要做全世界的主人吗？再干一场。
庞贝 怎么做法？
茂那斯 你只要抱着这样的决心，虽然你看我是一个微贱的人，我能够把全世界交在你的手里。
庞贝 你喝醉了吗？
茂那斯 不，庞贝，我一口酒也没有沾唇。你要是有胆量，就可以做地上的君王；大洋环抱之内，苍天覆盖之下，都归你所有，只要你有这样的雄心。
庞贝 指点我一条路径。
茂那斯 这三个统治天下、鼎峙称雄的人物，现在都在你的船上；让我割断缆绳，把船开到海心，砍下他们的头颅，那么一切都是你的了。
庞贝 唉！这件事你应该自己去干，不该先来告诉我。我干了这事，人家要说我不顾信义；你去干了，却是为主尽忠。你必须知道，我不能把利益放在荣誉的前面，我的荣誉是比利益更重要的。你应该懊悔让你的舌头说出了你的计谋；要是趁我不知道的时候干了，我以后会觉得你这件事情干得很好，可是现在我必须斥责这样的行为。放弃了这一个念头，还是喝酒吧。
茂那斯 （旁白）从此以后，我再也不追随你这前途黯淡的命运了。放着这样大好机会当面错过，以后再找，还找得到吗？
庞贝 再敬莱必多斯一杯！
安东尼 把他抬上岸去。我来替他干了吧，庞贝。
爱诺巴勃斯 敬你一杯，茂那斯！
茂那斯 爱诺巴勃斯，太客气了！
庞贝 把酒满满地倒在杯子里，让它一直齐到杯口。
爱诺巴勃斯 茂那斯，那是一个很有力气的家伙。（指一负莱必多斯下场之侍从。）
茂那斯 为什么？
爱诺巴勃斯 你没看见他把三分之一的世界负在背上吗？
茂那斯 那么三分之一的世界已经喝醉了，但愿整个世界都喝得酩酊大醉，像车轮般旋转起来！
爱诺巴勃斯 你也喝，大家喝个痛快。
茂那斯 来。
庞贝 我们今天的聚会，比起亚历山大里亚的豪宴来，恐怕还是望尘莫及。
安东尼 也差不多了。来，碰杯！这一杯是敬凯撒的！
凯撒 我可喝不下去了；我这头脑越洗越糊涂。
安东尼 今天大家不醉勿归，不能让你例外。
凯撒 那么你先喝，我陪着你喝；可是与其在一天之内喝这么多的酒，我宁愿绝食整整四天。
爱诺巴勃斯 （向安东尼）哈！我的好皇帝；我们现在要不要跳起埃及酒神舞来，庆祝我们今天的欢宴？
庞贝 好壮士，让我们跳起来吧。
安东尼 来，我们大家手搀着手，一直跳到美酒浸透了我们的知觉，把我们送进了温柔的黑甜乡里。
爱诺巴勃斯 大家搀着手。当我替你们排队的时候，让音乐在我们的耳边高声弹奏；于是歌童唱起歌来，每一个人都要拉开喉咙和着他唱，唱得越响越好。（奏乐；爱诺巴勃斯同众人携手列队。）
歌
来，巴克科斯，酒国的仙王，
你两眼红红，胖胖皮囊！
替我们浇尽满腹牢骚，
替我们满头挂上葡萄：
喝，喝，喝一个天旋地转，
喝，喝，喝一个天旋地转！
凯撒 够了，够了。庞贝，晚安！好兄弟，我求求你，跟我回去吧；不要一味游戏，忘记了我们的正事。各位将军，我们分手吧；你们看我们的脸烧得这样红；强壮的爱诺巴勃斯喝得一点力气都没有了；我自己的舌头也有点结结巴巴；大家疯疯癫癫的，都变成一群傻瓜啦。不必多说了。晚安！好安东尼，让我搀着你。
庞贝 我一定要到岸上来陪你们乐一下。
安东尼 很好，庞贝。把你的手给我。
庞贝 啊，安东尼！你占住了我父亲的屋子，可是那有什么关系？我们还是朋友。来，我们下小船吧。
爱诺巴勃斯 留心不要跌在水里。（庞贝、凯撒、安东尼及侍从等下）茂那斯，我不想上岸去。
茂那斯 别去，到我舱里坐坐。这些鼓！这些喇叭、笛子！嘿！让海神听见我们向这些大人物高声道别吧；吹起来，他妈的！吹响一点！（喇叭奏花腔，间以鼓声。）
爱诺巴勃斯 嘿！他说的。瞧我的帽子。（掷帽。）
茂那斯 嘿！好家伙！来。（同下。）
第三幕
第一场 叙利亚一平原
文提狄斯率西里厄斯及其他罗马将校士卒奏凯上；兵士舁巴科勒斯尸体前行。
文提狄斯 横行无敌的帕提亚，你也有失败的一天；命运选定了我，叫我替已死的玛克斯·克拉苏复仇。把这王子的尸身在我们大军之前抬着走。奥洛第斯啊，你杀了我们的玛克斯·克拉苏，现在我们叫你的巴科勒斯抵了命啦。
西里厄斯 尊贵的文提狄斯，趁着帕提亚人的血在你的剑上还没有冷却的时候，继续追逐那些逃亡的敌人吧；驰骋你的铁骑，越过米太、美索不达米亚以及其他可以让溃败的帕提亚人栖身的地方；这样你的伟大的主帅安东尼就要使你高坐在凯旋的战车里，用花冠加在你的头上了。
文提狄斯 啊，西里厄斯，西里厄斯！这样已经很够了；一个地位在下的人，不应该立太大的功勋；因为，你要知道，西里厄斯，与其当长官不在的时候出力博得一个太高的名声，宁可把一件事情做到一半就歇手。凯撒和安东尼的赫赫功业，大部分是他们的部下替他们建立起来的，并不是靠他们自己的力量。我在叙利亚的一个同僚索歇斯，本来在他手下当副将的，就是因为太露锋芒而失去了他的欢心。在战场上，部下的军功如果超过主将，主将的威名就会被他所掩罩；凡是军人都有争强好胜的心理，他们宁愿吃一次败仗，也不愿让别人夺去了胜利的光荣。我本来还可以替安东尼多出一些力，可是那反而会使他恼怒，他一恼我的辛苦就白费了。
西里厄斯 文提狄斯，你真是深谋远虑；一个军人要是不能审察利害，那就跟他的剑没有分别了。你要写信去向安东尼报捷吗？
文提狄斯 我要很谦恭地告诉他，我们凭借他的先声夺人的威名，已经得到了怎样的战果；他的雄壮的旗帜和精神饱满的部队，怎样把百战百胜的帕提亚骑兵驱出了战场之外。
西里厄斯 他现在在什么地方？
文提狄斯 他预备到雅典去；我们现在就向雅典兼程前进，向他当面复命。来，弟兄们，走。（同下。）
第二场 罗马。凯撒府中一室
阿格立巴及爱诺巴勃斯自相对方向上。
阿格立巴 啊！那些好兄弟们都散开了吗？
爱诺巴勃斯 他们已经把庞贝打发走了；那三个人还在重申盟好。奥克泰维娅因为不忍远离罗马而哭泣；凯撒也是满面愁容；莱必多斯自从在庞贝那儿赴宴归来以后，就像茂那斯说的，他害着贫血症。
阿格立巴 莱必多斯是个好人。
爱诺巴勃斯 一个很好的人。啊，他多么爱凯撒！
阿格立巴 喂，可是他多么崇拜安东尼！
爱诺巴勃斯 凯撒？他才是人世的天神。
阿格立巴 安东尼吗？他是天神的领袖。
爱诺巴勃斯 你说起凯撒吗？嘿！盖世无双的英雄！
阿格立巴 啊，安东尼！千年一遇的凤凰！
爱诺巴勃斯 你要是想赞美凯撒，只要提起凯撒的名字就够了。
阿格立巴 真的，他对于他们两人都是恭维备至。
爱诺巴勃斯 可是他最爱凯撒；不过他也爱安东尼。嘿！他对于安东尼的友情，是思想所不能容、言语所不能尽、计数所不能量、文士所不能抒述、诗人所不能讴吟的。可是对于凯撒，他只有跪伏惊叹的份儿。
阿格立巴 他对于两个人一样的爱。
爱诺巴勃斯 他们是他的翅鞘，他是他们的甲虫。（内喇叭声）这是下马的信号。再会，尊贵的阿格立巴。
阿格立巴 愿你幸运，英勇的壮士，再会！
凯撒、安东尼、莱必多斯及奥克泰维娅上。
安东尼 请留步吧，阁下。
凯撒 你已经把大半个我带走；请你为了我的缘故好好看待她。妹妹，愿你尽力做一个好妻子，不要辜负了我的期望。最尊贵的安东尼，让这一个贤淑的女郎成为巩固我们两人友谊的胶泥，不要反而让她成为撞毁我们感情的堡垒的攻城车；因为我们要是不能同心爱护她，那么还是不要让她置身在我们两人之间的好。
安东尼 你要是不信任我，我可要生气啦。
凯撒 我的话已经说完了。
安东尼 无论你怎样放心不下，你决不会发现我有什么可以使你怀疑的地方。愿神明护持你，使罗马的人心都乐于为你效死！我们就在这儿分手吧。
凯撒 再会，我的最亲爱的妹妹，再会；愿你一路平安！再会！
奥克泰维娅 我的好哥哥！
安东尼 她的眼睛里有四月的风光；那是恋爱的春天，这些眼泪便是催花的时雨。别伤心了。
奥克泰维娅 哥哥，请你留心照料我的丈夫的屋子；还有——
凯撒 什么，奥克泰维娅？
奥克泰维娅 让我附着你的耳朵告诉你。
安东尼 她的舌头不会顺从她的心，她的心也不会顺从她的舌头；她好比大浪顶上一根天鹅的羽毛，不会向任何一方偏斜。
爱诺巴勃斯 （向阿格立巴旁白）凯撒会不会流起眼泪来？
阿格立巴 他的脸上已经堆起乌云了。
爱诺巴勃斯 假如他是一匹马，这样也会有损他的庄严；何况他是一个堂堂男子。
阿格立巴 嘿，爱诺巴勃斯，安东尼看见裘力斯·凯撒死了，也曾放声大哭；他在腓利比看见勃鲁托斯被人杀死，也曾伤心落泪呢。
爱诺巴勃斯 不错，那一年他害着重伤风，所以涕泗横流；不瞒你说，连我也被他逗得哭起来了。
凯撒 不，亲爱的奥克泰维娅，你一定可以随时得到我的音讯；我对你的想念是不会因为时间的久远而冷淡下去的。
安东尼 来，大哥，来，我要用我爱情的力量和你角力了。你看，我抱住了你；现在我又放开了你，把你交给神明照看。
凯撒 再会，祝你们快乐！
莱必多斯 让所有的星星吐放它们的光明，一路上照耀着你们！
凯撒 再会，再会！（吻奥克泰维娅。）
安东尼 再会！（喇叭声。各下。）
第三场 亚历山大里亚。宫中一室
克莉奥佩特拉、查米恩、伊拉丝及艾勒克萨斯上。
克莉奥佩特拉 那个人呢？
艾勒克萨斯 他有些害怕，不敢进来。
克莉奥佩特拉 什么话！
一使者上。
克莉奥佩特拉 过来，朋友。
艾勒克萨斯 陛下，您发怒的时候，犹太的希律王也不敢正眼看您的。
克莉奥佩特拉 我要那个希律王的头；可是安东尼去了，谁可以替我去干这一件事呢？走近些。
使者 最仁慈的陛下！
克莉奥佩特拉 你见过奥克泰维娅吗？
使者 见过，尊严的女王。
克莉奥佩特拉 什么地方？
使者 娘娘，在罗马；我看见她一手搀着她的哥哥，一手搀着安东尼；她的脸给我看得清清楚楚。
克莉奥佩特拉 她像我一样高吗？
使者 她没有您高，娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 听见她说话吗？她的声音是尖的，还是低的？
使者 娘娘，我听见她说话；她的声音是很低的。
克莉奥佩特拉 那就不大好。他不会长久喜欢她的。
查米恩 喜欢她！啊，爱昔斯女神！那是不可能的。
克莉奥佩特拉 我也这样想，查米恩；矮矮的个子，说话又不伶俐！她走路的姿态有没有威仪？想想看；要是你看见过真正的威仪姿态，就该知道怎样的姿态才算是有威仪的。
使者 她走路简直像爬；她的动和静简直没有区别；她是一个没有生命的形体，不会呼吸的雕像。
克莉奥佩特拉 真的吗？
使者 要是不真，我就是不生眼睛的。
查米恩 在埃及人中间，他一个人的观察力可以胜过三个人。
克莉奥佩特拉 我看他很懂事。我还不曾听到她有什么可取的地方。这家伙眼光很不错。
查米恩 好极了。
克莉奥佩特拉 你猜她有多大年纪？
使者 娘娘，她本来是一个寡妇——
克莉奥佩特拉 寡妇！查米恩，听着。
使者 我想她总有三十岁了。
克莉奥佩特拉 你还记得她的面孔吗？是长的还是圆的？
使者 圆的，太圆了。
克莉奥佩特拉 面孔滚圆的人，大多数是很笨的。她的头发是什么颜色？
使者 棕色的，娘娘；她的前额低到无可再低。
克莉奥佩特拉 这儿是赏给你的金子；我上次对你太凶了点儿，你可不要见怪。我仍旧要派你去替我探听消息；我知道你是个很可靠的人。你去端整行装；我的信件已经预备好了。（使者下。）
查米恩 一个很好的人。
克莉奥佩特拉 正是，我很后悔把他这样凌辱。听他说起来，那女人简直不算什么。
查米恩 不算什么，娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 这人不是不曾见过世面，应该识得好坏。
查米恩 见过世面？我的爱昔斯女神，他已侍候您多年了！
克莉奥佩特拉 我还有一件事要问他，好查米恩；可是没有什么要紧，你把他带到我写信的房间里来就是了。一切还有结果圆满的希望。查米恩 您放心吧，娘娘。（同下。）
第四场 雅典。安东尼府中一室
安东尼及奥克泰维娅上。
安东尼 不，不，奥克泰维娅，不单是那件事；那跟其他许多类似的事都还是情有可原的。可是他不该重新向庞贝宣战，还居然立下遗嘱，当众宣读；我的名字他提也不愿提起，当他不得不恭维我一番的时候，他就冷冷淡淡地用一两句话敷衍过去；他深怕对我过于宽厚；我向他讲好话，他满不放在心上，至多在牙缝里应酬一下。
奥克泰维娅 啊，我的主！传闻之辞，不可完全相信；即使确实，也不要过分介意。要是你们两人之间发生了冲突，我就是世上最不幸的女人，既要为你祈祷，又要为他祈祷；神明一定会嘲笑我，当我向他们祷告，“啊！保佑我的丈夫”以后，又接着向他们祷告，“啊！保佑我的哥哥！”希望丈夫得胜，只好让哥哥失败；希望哥哥得胜，只好让丈夫失败；在这两者之间，再没有一个折衷的两全之道。
安东尼 温柔的奥克泰维娅，让你的爱心替你决定你的最大的同情应该倾向在哪一方面。要是我失去了我的荣誉，就是失去了我自己；与其你有一个被人轻视的丈夫，还是不要嫁给我的好。可是你既然有这样的意思，那么就有劳你在我们两人之间斡旋斡旋吧；一方面我仍旧在这儿积极准备，万一不幸而彼此以兵戎相见，令兄的英名恐怕就要毁于一旦了。事不宜迟，你趁早动身吧。
奥克泰维娅 谢谢我的主。最有威力的天神把我造成了一个最柔弱的人，我这最柔弱的人却要来调停你们的争端！你们两人开了战，就像整个的世界分裂为二，只有无数战死者的尸骸才可以填平这一道裂痕。
安东尼 你明白了谁是造成这次争端的祸首以后，就用不着再回护他；我们的过失决不会恰恰相等，总可以分别出一个是非曲直来。预备你的行装；你爱带什么人同去，就带什么人同去；路上需要多少费用，尽管问我要好了。（同下。）
第五场 同前。另一室
爱诺巴勃斯及爱洛斯自相对方向上。
爱诺巴勃斯 啊，朋友爱洛斯！
爱洛斯 有了很奇怪的消息呢，朋友。
爱诺巴勃斯 什么消息？
爱洛斯 凯撒和莱必多斯已经向庞贝开战。
爱诺巴勃斯 这是老消息；结果怎么样？
爱洛斯 凯撒利用了莱必多斯向庞贝开战以后，就翻过脸来不承认他有同等的地位，不让他分享胜利的光荣；不但如此，还凭着他以前写给庞贝的信札，作为通敌的证据，把他拘捕起来；所以这个可怜的第三者已经完了，只有死才能给他自由。
爱诺巴勃斯 那么，世界啊，你现在只剩下两个人了；把你所有的食物丢给他们，他们也要磨拳擦掌，互相争夺的。安东尼在哪儿？
爱洛斯 他正在园里散步，一面走，一面恨恨地踢着脚下的草，嘴里嚷着，“傻瓜，莱必多斯！”还发誓说要把那暗杀庞贝的军官捉住了割断他的咽喉。
爱诺巴勃斯 我们伟大的舰队已经扬帆待发了。
爱洛斯 那日要开到意大利去声讨凯撒的。还有，道密歇斯，主帅叫你快去；我应该把我的消息慢慢告诉你的。
爱诺巴勃斯 那就失去新闻的价值了；可是不要管它，带我去见安东尼吧。
爱洛斯 来，朋友。（同下。）
第六场 罗马。凯撒府中一室
凯撒、阿格立巴及茂西那斯上。
凯撒 这件事，还有其他种种，都是他为了表示对于罗马的轻蔑而在亚历山大里亚干的；那情形是这样的：在市场上筑起了一座白银铺地的高坛，上面设着两个黄金的宝座，克莉奥佩特拉跟他两人公然升座；我的义父的儿子，他们替他取名为凯撒里昂的，还有他们两人通奸所生的一群儿女，都列坐在他们的脚下；于是他宣布以克莉奥佩特拉为埃及帝国的女皇，全权统辖下叙利亚、塞浦路斯和吕底亚各处领土。
茂西那斯 这是当着公众的面前举行的吗？
凯撒 就在公共聚集的场所，他们表演了这一幕把戏。他当场又把王号分封他的诸子：米太、帕提亚、亚美尼亚，他都给了亚历山大；叙利亚、西利西亚、腓尼基，他给了托勒密。那天她打扮成爱昔斯女神的样子；据说她以前接见群臣的时候，常常是这样装束的。
茂西那斯 让全罗马都知道这种事情吧。
阿格立巴 罗马人久已厌恶他的骄横，一定会对他完全失去好感。
凯撒 人民已经知道了；他们还听到了他的讨罪的檄告。
阿格立巴 他讨谁的罪？
凯撒 凯撒。他说我在西西里侵吞了塞克斯特斯·庞贝厄斯的领土以后，不曾把那岛上他所应得的一份分派给他；又说他借给我一些船只，我没有归还他；最后他责备我不该擅自褫夺莱必多斯的权位，推翻了三雄鼎峙的局面；他还说我们霸占他的全部的收入。
阿格立巴 主上，这倒是应该答复他的。
凯撒 我已经答复他，叫人带信给他了。我告诉他，莱必多斯最近变得非常横暴残虐，滥用他的大权作威作福，不能不有这一次的变动。凡是我所征服得来的利益，我都可以让他平均分享；可是在他的亚美尼亚和其他被征服的国家之中，我也向他要求同样的权利。
茂西那斯 他决不会答应那样的要求。
凯撒 我们也绝对不能对他让步。奥克泰维娅率侍从上。
奥克泰维娅 祝福，凯撒，我的主！祝福，最亲爱的凯撒！
凯撒 难道要我称你为被遗弃的女子吗！
奥克泰维娅 你没有这样叫过我，你也没有理由这样称呼我。
凯撒 你为什么一声不响地到来呢？你来得不像是凯撒的妹妹；安东尼的妻子应该有一大队人马做她的前驱，当她还在远远的地方的时候，一路上的马嘶声就已经在报告她到来的消息；路旁的树枝上都要满爬着人，因为不见所盼的人而焦心绝望；那络绎不断的马蹄扬起的灰尘，应该一直高达天顶。可是你却像一个市场上的女佣一般来到罗马，不曾预先通知我们，使我们来不及用盛大的仪式向你表示我们的欢迎；我们本该在海陆双方派人迎接，每到一处，都应该有人招待你的。
奥克泰维娅 我的好哥哥，我这样悄悄而来，并不是出于勉强，全然是我自己的意思。我的主安东尼听见你准备战争，把这不幸的消息告诉了我，所以我才请求他准许我回来一次。
凯撒 他很快就答应你了，因为你是使他不能享受风流乐趣的障碍。
奥克泰维娅 不要这样说，哥哥。
凯撒 我随时注意着他，他的一举一动，我这儿都有风闻。他现在在什么地方？
奥克泰维娅 在雅典。
凯撒 不，我的被人欺负的妹妹；克莉奥佩特拉已经招呼他到她那儿去了。他已经把他的帝国奉送给一个淫妇；他们现在正在召集各国的君长，准备进行一场大战。利比亚的国王鲍丘斯、卡巴多西亚的阿契劳斯、巴夫拉贡尼亚的国王菲拉德尔福斯、色雷斯王哀达拉斯、阿拉伯的玛尔丘斯王、本都的国王、犹太的希律、科麦真的国王密瑟里台提斯、米太王坡里蒙和利考尼亚王阿敏达斯，还有别的许多身居王位的人，都已经在他的邀请之下集合了。
奥克泰维娅 唉，我真不幸！我的一颗心分系在你们两人身上，你们两人却彼此相残！
凯撒 欢迎你回来！我们因为得到你的来信而暂缓发动，可是现在已经明白你怎样被人愚弄，我们倘再蹉跎观望，是一件多么危险的事，所以不能不迅速行动了。宽心吧，不要因为这些不可避免的局势扰乱了你的安宁而烦恼，让一切依照命运的安排达到它们最后的结局吧。欢迎你回到罗马来；我没有比你更亲爱的人了。你已经受到空前的侮辱，崇高的众神怜悯你的无辜，才叫我们和一切爱你的人奉行他们的旨意，替你报仇雪恨。愿你安心自乐，我们总是欢迎你的。
阿格立巴 欢迎，夫人！
茂西那斯 欢迎，好夫人！每一颗罗马的心都爱你、同情你；只有贪淫放纵的安东尼才会把你抛弃，让一个娼妓窃持大权，向我们无理挑衅。
奥克泰维娅 真的吗，哥哥？
凯撒 真的。妹妹，欢迎；请你安心忍耐，我的最亲爱的妹妹！（同下。）
第七场 阿克兴海岬附近安东尼营地
克莉奥佩特拉及爱诺巴勃斯上。
克莉奥佩特拉 我一定要跟你算账，你瞧着吧。
爱诺巴勃斯 可是为什么，为什么，为什么？
克莉奥佩特拉 在这次出征以前，你说我是女流之辈，战场上没有我的份儿。
爱诺巴勃斯 对啊，难道我说错了吗？
克莉奥佩特拉 为什么我不能御驾亲征，这不明明是讪谤我吗？
爱诺巴勃斯 （旁白）好，我可以回答你：要是我们把雄马雌马一起赶上战场，岂不要引得雄马撒野，雌马除了负上兵士，还要背上雄的呢。
克莉奥佩特拉 你说什么？
爱诺巴勃斯 安东尼看见了您，一定会心神不定；他在军情紧急的时候，怎么可以让您分散他的有限的精力和宝贵的时间？人家已经在批评他的行动轻率了，在罗马他们都说这一次的军事，都是一个名叫福的纳斯的太监和您的几个侍女们作的主张。
克莉奥佩特拉 让罗马沉下海里去，让那些诽谤我们的舌头一起烂掉！我是一国的君主，必须像一个男子一般负起主持战局的责任。不要反对我的决意；我不能留在后方。
爱诺巴勃斯 好，那么我不管。皇上来了。
安东尼及凯尼狄斯上。
安东尼 凯尼狄斯，他从大兰多和勃伦提斯出发，这么快就越过爱奥尼亚海，把妥林占领下来，不是很奇怪吗？你有没有听见这个消息，亲爱的？
克莉奥佩特拉 因循观望的人，最善于惊叹他人的敏捷。
安东尼 骂得痛快，真是警惰的良箴，这样的话出之于一个堂堂男子的口中，也可以毫无愧色。凯尼狄斯，我们要在海上和他决战。
克莉奥佩特拉 海上！不在海上还在什么地方？
凯尼狄斯 请问主上，为什么我们要在海上和他决战？
安东尼 因为他挑我在海上决战。
爱诺巴勃斯 可是您也曾经要求他单人决斗。
凯尼狄斯 您还要求他在法赛利亚，凯撒和庞贝交战的故址，和您一决胜负；可是他因为这些要求对他不利，一概拒绝了；他可以拒绝您，您也可以拒绝他的。
爱诺巴勃斯 我们的船只缺少得力的人手，那些水兵本来都是赶骡种地的乡民，在仓卒之中临时拉来充数的；凯撒的舰队里却都是屡次和庞贝交锋、能征惯战的将士；而且他们的船只很轻便，不比我们的那样笨重。您在陆地上已经准备着充分的实力，拒绝和他在海上决战，也不是一件丢脸的事。
安东尼 在海上，在海上。
爱诺巴勃斯 主上，您要是在海上决战，就是放弃了陆地上绝对可操胜算的机会，分散了您那些善战的步兵的兵力，埋没了您那赫赫有名的陆战的才略，牺牲了最稳当的上策，去冒毫无把握的危险。
安东尼 我决定在海上作战。
克莉奥佩特拉 我有六十艘船舶，凯撒的船不比我们多。
安东尼 我们把多余的船只一起烧掉，把士卒分配到需用的船上，就从阿克兴岬口出发，迎头痛击凯撒的舰队。要是我们失败了，还可以再从陆地上争回胜利。
一使者上。
安东尼 什么事？
使者 启禀主上，这消息是真的；有人已经看见他了；凯撒已经占领了妥林。
安东尼 他自己也到那边了吗？那是不可能的；他的本领果然神出鬼没。凯尼狄斯，我们在陆地上的十九个军团和一万二千匹战马，都归你节制。我自己要到船上指挥去：走吧，我的海中女神！
一兵士上。
安东尼 什么事，英勇的军人？
兵士 啊，皇上！不要在海上作战；不要相信那些朽烂的木板；难道您怀疑这一柄宝剑的威力，和我这满身的伤疤吗？让那些埃及人和腓尼基人去跳水吧；我们是久惯于立足地上、凭着膂力博取胜利的。
安东尼 好，好，去吧！（安东尼、克莉奥佩特拉及爱诺巴勃斯同下。）
兵士 凭着赫剌克勒斯起誓，我想我的话没有说错。
凯尼狄斯 你没有错，可是他的整个行动，已经不受他自己的驾驭了；我们的领袖是被人家牵着走的，我们都只是一些供妇女驱策的男子。
兵士 您是在陆地上负责保全人马实力的，是不是？
凯尼狄斯 玛克斯·奥克泰维斯、玛克斯·杰思退厄斯、泼勃力科拉、西里厄斯都要参加海战；留着我们保全陆地的实力。凯撒用兵这样神速，真是出人意外。
兵士 当他还在罗马的时候，他的军队的调动掩护得非常巧妙，没有一个间谍不给他瞒过了。
凯尼狄斯 你听说谁是他的副将吗？
兵士 他们说是一个名叫陶勒斯的人。
凯尼秋斯 这人我很熟悉。
一使者上。
使者 皇上叫凯尼狄斯进去。
凯尼狄斯 这样扰攘的时世，每一分钟都有新的消息产生。（同下。）
第八场 阿克兴附近一平原
凯撒、陶勒斯及将士等上。
凯撒 陶勒斯！
陶勒斯 主上？
凯撒 不要在陆地上攻击敌人；保全实力；在我们海上的战事没有完毕以前，避免一切挑衅的行为。遵照这一通密令上所规定的计策实行，不可妄动；我们的成败在此一举。（同下。）
安东尼及爱诺巴勃斯上。
安东尼 把我们的舰队集合在山的那一边，正对着凯撒的阵地；从那地方我们可以看清敌人船只的数目，决定我们应战的方略。（同下。）
凯尼狄斯率陆军上，由舞台一旁列队穿过；凯撒副将陶勒斯率其所部由另一旁穿过。两军入内后，内起海战声。号角声；爱诺巴勃斯重上。
爱诺巴勃斯 完了，完了，全完了！我再也瞧不下去了。埃及的旗舰“安东尼号”一碰到敌人，就带领了他们的六十艘船只全体转舵逃走；我的眼睛都看得要爆炸了。
斯凯勒斯上。
斯凯勒斯 天上所有的男神女神啊！
爱诺巴勃斯 你为什么有这样的感慨？
斯凯勒斯 大半个世界都在愚昧中失去了；我们已经用轻轻的一吻，断送了无数的王国州郡。
爱诺巴勃斯 战局怎么样？
斯凯勒斯 我们的一方面好像已经盖上了瘟疫的戳记似的，注定着死亡的命运。那匹不要脸的埃及雌马，但愿她浑身害起癞病来！正在双方鏖战，不分胜负，或者还是我们这方面略占上风的时候，她像一头被牛虻钉上了身的六月的母牛一样，扯起帆就逃跑了。
爱诺巴勃斯 那我也看见，我的眼睛里看得火星直爆，再也看不下去了。
斯凯勒斯 她刚刚拨转船头，那被她迷醉得英雄气短的安东尼也就无心恋成，像一只痴心的水凫一样，拍了拍翅膀飞着追上去。我从来没有见过这样可羞的行为，多年的经验、丈夫的气概、战士的荣誉，竟会这样扫地无余！
爱诺巴勃斯 唉！唉！
凯尼狄斯上。
凯尼狄斯 我们在海上的命运已经奄奄一息，无可挽回地没落下去了。我们的主帅倘不是这样糊涂，一定不会弄到这一个地步。啊！他自己都公然逃走了，兵士们看着这一个榜样，怎么不会众心涣散！
爱诺巴勃斯 你也这样想吗？那么真的什么都完了。
凯尼狄斯 他们都向伯罗奔尼撒逃走了。
斯凯勒斯 那条路很容易走，我也要到那边去等候复命。
凯尼狄斯 我要把我的军队马匹向凯撒献降；六个国王已经先我而投降了。
爱诺巴勃斯 我还是要追随安东尼的受伤的命运，虽然这是我的理智所反对的。（各下。）
第九场 亚历山大里亚。宫中一室
安东尼及众侍从上。
安东尼 听！土地在叫我不要践踏它，它怕我这不光荣的身体会使它蒙上难堪的耻辱。朋友们，过来；我在这世上盲目夜行，已经永远迷失了我的路。我有一艘满装黄金的大船，你们拿去分了，各自逃生，不要再跟凯撒作对了吧。
众侍从 逃走！不是我们干的事。
安东尼 我自己也在敌人之前逃走，替懦夫们立下一个转身避害的榜样。朋友们，去吧；我已经为自己决定了一个方针，今后无须借重你们了；去吧。我的金银财宝都在港里，你们尽管拿去。唉！我追随了一个我羞于看见的人；我的头发都在造反，白发埋怨黑发的粗心卤莽，黑发埋怨白发的胆小痴愚。朋友们，去吧；我可以写几封信，介绍你们投奔我的几个朋友。请你们不要怏怏不乐，也不要口出怨言，听从我在绝望之中的这一番指示；未了的事，听其自然；赶快到海边去吧；我就把那艘船和船上的财物送给你们。现在请你们暂时离开我；我已经不配命令你们，所以只好请求你们。我们等会儿再见吧。（坐下。）
查米恩及伊拉丝携克莉奥佩特拉手上，爱洛斯后随。
爱洛斯 好娘娘，上去呀，安慰安慰他。
伊拉丝 上去呀，好娘娘。
查米恩 不上去又怎么样呢？
克莉奥佩特拉 让我坐下来。天后朱诺啊！
安东尼 不，不，不，不，不。
爱洛斯 您看见吗，主上？
安东尼 啊，呸！呸！呸！
查米恩 娘娘！
伊拉丝 娘娘，啊，好娘娘！
爱洛斯 主上，主上！
安东尼 是的，阁下，是的。他在腓利比把他的剑摇来挥去，像在跳舞一般；是我杀死了那个形容瘦削、满脸皱纹的凯歇斯，结果了那发疯似的勃鲁托斯的生命；他却只会让人代劳，从来不曾亲临战阵。可是现在——算了。
克莉奥佩特拉 唉！扶我一下。
爱洛斯 主上，娘娘来了。
伊拉丝 上去，娘娘，对他说话；他惭愧得完全失了常态了。
克莉奥佩特拉 好，那么扶着我。啊！
爱洛斯 主上，起来，娘娘来了；她低下了头，您要是不给她一些安慰，她会悲哀而死的。
安东尼 我已经毁了自己的名誉，犯了一个最可耻的错误。
爱洛斯 主上，娘娘来了。
安东尼 啊！你把我带到什么地方去，埃及女王？瞧，我因为不愿从你的眼睛里看见我的耻辱，正在凭吊那已经化为一堆灰烬的我的雄图霸业呢。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊，我的主，我的主！原谅我因为胆怯而扬帆逃避；我没有想到你会跟了上来的。
安东尼 埃及的女王，你完全知道我的心是用绳子缚在你的舵上的，你一去就会把我拖着走；你知道你是我的灵魂的无上主宰，只要你向我一点头一招手，即使我奉有天神的使命，也会把它放弃了来听候你的差遣。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊，恕我！
安东尼 我曾经玩弄半个世界在我的手掌之上，操纵着无数人生杀予夺的大权，现在却必须俯首乞怜，用吞吞吐吐的口气向这小子献上屈辱的降表。你知道你已经多么彻头彻尾地征服了我，我的剑是绝对服从我的爱情的指挥的。
克莉奥佩特拉 怨我，怨我！
安东尼 不要掉下一滴泪来；你的一滴泪的价值，抵得上我所得而复失的一切。给我一吻吧；这就可以给我充分的补偿了。我们已经差那位教书先生去了；他回来了没有？爱人，我的灵魂像铅一样沉重。叫他们预备酒食！命运越是给我们打击，我们越是瞧不起她。（同下。）
第十场 埃及。凯撒营地
凯撒、道拉培拉、赛琉斯及余人等上。
凯撒 叫安东尼的使者进来。你们认识他吗？
道拉培拉 凯撒，那是他的教书先生；不多几月以前，多少的国王甘心为他奔走，现在他却差了这样一个卑微的人来，这就可以见得他的途穷日暮了。
尤弗洛涅斯上。
凯撒 过来，说明你的来意。
尤弗洛涅斯 我虽然只是一个地位卑微的人，却奉着安东尼的使命而来；不久以前，我在他的汪洋大海之中，不过等于一滴草叶上的露珠。
凯撒 好，你来有什么事？
尤弗洛涅斯 他说你是他的命运的主人，向你致最大的敬礼；他请求你准许他住在埃及，要是这一件事你不能允许他，他还有退一步的请求，愿你让他在天地之间有一个容身之处，在雅典做一个平民：这是他要我对你说的话。克莉奥佩特拉也承认你的伟大的权力，愿意听从你的支配；她恳求你慷慨开恩，准许她的后裔保存托勒密王朝的宝冕。
凯撒 对于安东尼，他的任何要求我一概置之不理。女王要是愿意来见我，或是向我有什么请求，我都可以答应，只要她能够把她那名誉扫地的朋友逐出埃及境外，或者就在当地结果他的性命；要是她做得到这一件事，她的要求一定可以得到我的垂听。你这样去回复他们两人吧。
尤弗洛涅斯 愿幸运追随你！
凯撒 带他通过我们的阵线。（尤弗洛涅斯下。向赛琉斯）现在是试验你的口才的时候了；快去替我从安东尼手里把克莉奥佩特拉夺来；无论她有什么要求，你都用我的名义答应她；另外你再可以照你的意思向她提出一些优厚的条件。女人在最幸福的环境里，也往往抵抗不了外界的诱惑；一旦到了困穷无告的时候，一尘不染的贞女也会失足堕落。尽量运用你的手段，赛琉斯；事成之后，随你需索什么酬报，我都决不吝惜。
赛琉斯 凯撒，我就去。
凯撒 注意安东尼在失势中的态度，从他的举动之间窥探他的意向。
赛琉斯 是，凯撒。（各下。）
第十一场 亚历山大里亚。宫中一室
克莉奥佩特拉、爱诺巴勃斯、查米恩及伊拉丝上。
克莉奥佩特拉 我们怎么办呢，爱诺巴勃斯？
爱诺巴勃斯 想一想，然后死去。
克莉奥佩特拉 这一回究竟是安东尼错还是我错？
爱诺巴勃斯 全是安东尼的错，他不该让他的情欲支配了他的理智。两军相接的时候，本来是惊心怵目的，即使您在战争的狰狞的面貌之前逃走了，为什么他要跟上来呢？当世界的两半互争雄长的紧急关头，他是全局所系的中心人物，怎么可以让儿女之私牵掣了他的大将的责任。在全军惶惑之中追随您的逃走的旗帜，这不但是他的无可挽回的损失，也是一个无法洗刷的耻辱。
克莉奥佩特拉 请你别说了。
安东尼及尤弗洛涅斯上。
安东尼 那就是他的答复吗？
尤弗洛涅斯 是，主上。
安东尼 那么女王可以得到他的恩典，只要她愿意把我交出？
尤弗洛涅斯 他正是这样说。
安东尼 让她知道他的意思。把这颗鬓发苍苍的头颅送给那凯撒小子，他就会满足你的愿望，赏给你许多采邑领土。
克莉奥佩特拉 哪一颗头颅，我的主？
安东尼 再去回复他。对他说，他现在年纪还轻，应该让世人看看他有什么与众不同的地方；也许他的货币、船只、军队，都只是属于一个懦夫所有；也许他的臣僚辅佐凯撒，正像辅佐一个无知的孺子一样。所以我要向他挑战，叫他不要依仗那些比我优越的条件，直截痛快地跟我来一次剑对剑的决斗。我就去写信，跟我来。（安东尼、尤弗洛涅斯同下。）
爱诺巴勃斯 （旁白）是的，战胜的凯撒会放弃他的幸福，和一个剑客比赛起匹夫之勇来！看来人们的理智也是他们命运中的一部分，一个人倒了楣，他的头脑也就跟着糊涂了。他居然梦想富有天下的凯撒肯来理会一个一无所有的安东尼！凯撒啊，你把他的理智也同时击败了。
一侍从上。
侍从 凯撒有一个使者来了。
克莉奥佩特拉 什么！一点礼貌都没有了吗？瞧，我的姑娘们；人家只会向一朵含苞未放的娇花屈膝，等到花残香消，他们就要掩鼻而过之了。让他进来，先生。（侍从下。）
爱诺巴勃斯 （旁白）我的良心开始跟我自己发生冲突了。我们的忠诚不过是愚蠢，因为只有愚人才会尽忠到底；可是谁要是死心塌地追随一个失势的主人，那么他的主人虽然被他的环境征服了，他却能够征服那种环境而不为所屈，这样的人是应该在历史上永远占据一个地位的。
赛琉斯上。
克莉奥佩特拉 凯撒有什么见教？
赛琉斯 请斥退左右。
克莉奥佩特拉 这儿都是朋友，你放心说吧。
赛琉斯 也许他们是安东尼的朋友。
爱诺巴勃斯 先生，他需要像凯撒一样多的朋友，否则他也用不着我们了。只要凯撒高兴，我们的主人十分愿意成为他的朋友；至于我们，那您知道，总是跟着他走的，他做了凯撒的朋友，我们自然也就是凯撒的人。
赛琉斯 好，那么，最有声誉的女王，凯撒请求你不要因为你目前的处境而介意，你只要想他是凯撒。
克莉奥佩特拉 说下去，尊贵的使者。
赛琉斯 他知道你投身在安东尼的怀抱里，不是因为爱他，只是因为惧怕他。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊！
赛琉斯 所以他对于你荣誉上所受的创伤是万分同情的，因为那只是被迫忍受的污辱，不是咎有应得的责罚。
克莉奥佩特拉 他是一位天神，他的判断是这样公正。我的荣誉并不是自己甘心屈服，全然是被人征服的。
爱诺巴勃斯 （旁白）我要去问问安东尼，究竟是不是这样。主上，主上，你已经是一艘千洞百孔的破船，我们必须离开你，让你沉下海里，因为你的最亲爱的人也把你丢弃了。（下。）
赛琉斯 我要不要回复凯撒，告诉他您对他有什么要求？因为他心里很希望您有求于他。要是您愿意把他的命运作为您的靠山，他一定会十分高兴的；可是他要是听见我说您已经离开了安东尼，把您自己完全置身于他的羽翼之下，尊奉他为全世界的主人，那才会叫他心满意足哩。
克莉奥佩特拉 你叫什么名字？
赛琉斯 我的名字是赛琉斯。
克莉奥佩特拉 最善良的使者，请你这样回答伟大的凯撒：我不能亲自吻他征服一切的手，已经请他的使者代致我的敬礼了；告诉他，我随时准备把我的王冠跪献在他的足下；告诉他，从他的举世慑服的诏语之中，我已经听见埃及所得到的判决了。
赛琉斯 这是您的最正当的方策。智慧和命运互相冲突的时候，要是智慧有胆量贯彻它的主张，没有意外的机会可以摇动它的。准许我敬吻您的手。
克莉奥佩特拉 你们凯撒的义父在世的时候，每次想到了征服国土的计划，往往把他的嘴唇放在这一个卑微的所在，雨也似的吻着它。
安东尼及爱诺巴勃斯上。
安东尼 凭着雷霆之威的乔武起誓，好大的恩典！喂，家伙，你是什么东西？
赛琉斯 我是奉着全世界最有威权、最值得服从的人的命令而来的使者。
爱诺巴勃斯 （旁白）你要挨一顿鞭子了。
安东尼 过来！啊，你这混蛋！天神和魔鬼啊！我已经一点权力都没有了吗？不久以前，我只要吆喝一声，国王们就会像一群孩子似的争先恐后问我有什么吩咐。你没有耳朵吗？我还是安东尼哩。
众侍从上。
安东尼 把这家伙抓出去抽一顿鞭子。
爱诺巴勃斯 （旁白）宁可和初生的幼狮嬉戏，不要玩弄一头濒死的老狮。
安东尼 天哪！把他用力鞭打。即使二十个向凯撒纳贡称臣的最大的国君，要是让我看见他们这样放肆地玩弄她的手——她，这个女人，她从前是克莉奥佩特拉，现在可叫什么名字？——狠狠地鞭打他，打得他像一个孩子一般捧住了脸哭着喊饶命；把他抓出去。
赛琉斯 玛克·安东尼——
安东尼 把他拖下去；抽过了鞭子以后，再把他带来见我；我要叫这凯撒手下的奴才替我传一个信给他。（侍从等拖赛琉斯下）在我没有认识你以前，你已经是一朵半谢的残花了；嘿！罗马的衾枕不曾留住我，多少名媛淑女我都不曾放在眼里，我不曾生下半个合法的儿女，难道结果反倒被一个向奴才们卖弄风情的女人欺骗了吗？
克莉奥佩特拉 我的好爷爷——
安东尼 你一向就是个水性杨花的人；可是，不幸啊！当我们沉溺在我们的罪恶中间的时候，聪明的天神就封住了我们的眼睛，把我们明白的理智丢弃在我们自己的污泥里，使我们崇拜我们的错误，看着我们一步步陷入迷途而暗笑。
克莉奥佩特拉 唉！竟会一至于此吗？
安东尼 当我遇见你的时候，你是已故的凯撒吃剩下来的残羹冷炙；你也曾做过克尼厄斯·庞贝口中的禁脔；此外不曾流传在世俗的口碑上的，还不知道有多少更荒淫无耻的经历；我相信，你虽然能够猜想得到贞节应该是怎样一种东西，可是你不知道它究竟是什么。
克莉奥佩特拉 你为什么要说这种话？
安东尼 让一个得了人家赏赐说一声“上帝保佑您”的家伙玩弄你那受过我的爱抚的手，那两心相印的神圣的见证！啊！我不能像一个绳子套在脖子上的囚徒一般，向行刑的人哀求早一点了结他的痛苦；我要到高山荒野之间大声咆哮，发泄我的疯狂的悲愤！
众侍从率赛琉斯重上。
安东尼 把他鞭打过了吗？
侍从甲 狠狠地鞭打过了，主上。
安东尼 他有没有哭喊饶命？
侍从甲 他求过情了。
安东尼 你的父亲要是还活在世上，让他怨恨你不是一个女儿；你应该后悔追随胜利的凯撒，因为你已经为了追随他而挨了一顿鞭打了；从此以后，愿你见了妇女的洁白的纤手，就会吓得浑身乱抖。滚回到凯撒跟前去，把你在这儿所受到的款待告诉他；记着，你必须对他说，他使我非常生气，因为他的态度太傲慢自大，看轻我现在失了势，却不想到我从前的地位。他使我生气；我的幸运的星辰已经离开了它们的轨道，把它们的火焰射进地狱的深渊里去了，一个倒运的人，是最容易被人激怒的。要是他不喜欢我所说的话和所干的事，你可以告诉他我有一个已经赎身的奴隶歇巴契斯在他那里，他为了向我报复起见，尽管鞭笞他、吊死他、用酷刑拷打他，都随他的便；你也可以在旁边怂恿他的。去，带着你满身的鞭痕滚吧！（赛琉斯下。）
克莉奥佩特拉 你的脾气发完了吗？
安东尼 唉！我们地上的明月已经晦暗了；它只是预兆着安东尼的没落。
克莉奥佩特拉 我必须等他安静下来。
安东尼 为了献媚凯撒的缘故，你竟会和一个服侍他穿衣束带的人眉来眼去吗？
克莉奥佩特拉 还没有知道我的心吗？
安东尼 不是心，是石头！
克莉奥佩特拉 啊！亲爱的，要是我果然这样，愿上天在我冷酷的心里酿成一阵有毒的冰雹，让第一块雹石落在我的头上，溶化了我的生命；然后让它打死凯撒里昂，再让我的孩子和我的勇敢的埃及人一个一个在这雹阵之下丧身；让他们死无葬身之地，充作尼罗河上蝇蚋的食料！
安东尼 我很满意你的表白。凯撒已经在亚历山大里亚安下营寨，我还要和他决一个最后的雌雄。我们陆上的军队很英勇地坚持不屈；我们溃散的海军也已经重新集合起来，恢复了原来的威风。我的雄心啊，你这一向都在哪里？你听见吗，爱人？要是我再从战场上回来吻这一双嘴唇，我将要遍身浴血出现在你的面前；凭着这一柄剑，我要创造历史上不朽的记录。希望还没有消失呢。
克莉奥佩特拉 这才是我的英勇的主！
安东尼 我要使出三倍的膂力，三倍的精神和勇气，做一个杀人不眨眼的魔王；因为当我命运顺利的时候，人们往往在谈笑之间邀取我的宽赦；可是现在我要咬紧牙齿，把每一个阻挡我去路的人送下地狱。来，让我们再痛痛快快乐它一晚；召集我的全体忧郁的将领，再一次把美酒注满在我们的杯里；让我们不要理会那午夜的钟声。
克莉奥佩特拉 今天是我的生日；我本来预备让它在无声无臭中过去，可是既然我的主仍旧是原来的安东尼，那么我也还是原来的克莉奥佩特拉。
安东尼 我们还可以挽回颓势。
克莉奥佩特拉 叫全体将领都来，主上要见见他们。
安东尼 叫他们来，我们要跟他们谈谈；今天晚上我要把美酒灌得从他们的伤疤里流出来。来，我的女王；我们还可以再接再厉。这一次我临阵作战，我要使死神爱我，即使对他的无情的镰刀，我也要作猛烈的抗争。（除爱诺巴勃斯外皆下。）
爱诺巴勃斯 现在他要用狰狞的怒目去压倒闪电的光芒了。过分的惊惶会使一个人忘怀了恐惧，不顾死活地蛮干下去；在这一种心情之下，鸽子也会向鸷鸟猛啄。我看我们主上已经失去了理智，所以才会恢复了勇气。有勇无谋，结果一定失败。我要找个机会离开他。（下。）
第四幕
第一场 亚历山大里亚城前。凯撒营地
凯撒上，读信；阿格立巴、茂西那斯及余人等上。
凯撒 他叫我小子，把我信口谩骂，好像他有力量把我赶出埃及似的；他还鞭打我的使者；要求我跟他单人决斗，凯撒对安东尼。让这老贼知道，我如果想死，方法还多着呢。尽管他挑战，我只是置之一笑。
茂西那斯 凯撒必须想到，一个伟大的人物开始咆哮的时候，就是势穷力迫、快要堕下陷阱的预兆。不要给他喘息的机会，利用他的狂暴焦躁的心理；一个发怒的人，总是疏于自卫的。
凯撒 让全营将士知道，明天我们将要作一次结束一切战争的决战。在我们队伍里面，有不少最近还在安东尼部下作战的人，凭着这些归降的将士，就可以把他诱进了圈套。你去传告我的命令：今晚大宴全军；我们现在食物山积，这都是弟兄们辛苦得来的成绩。可怜的安东尼！（同下。）
第二场 亚历山大里亚。宫中一室
安东尼、克莉奥佩特拉、爱诺巴勃斯、查米恩、伊拉丝、艾勒克萨斯及余人等上。
安东尼 他不肯跟我决斗，道密歇斯。
爱诺巴勃斯 喂。
安东尼 他为什么不肯？
爱诺巴勃斯 他以为他的命运胜过你二十倍，他一个人可以抵得上二十个人。
安东尼 明天，军人，我要在海上陆上同时作战；我倘不能胜利而生，也要用壮烈的战血洗刷我的濒死的荣誉。你愿意出力打仗吗？
爱诺巴勃斯 我愿意嚷着“牺牲一切”的口号，向敌人猛力冲杀。
安东尼 说得好；来。把我家里的仆人叫出来；今天晚上我们要饱餐一顿。
三四仆人上。
安东尼 把你的手给我，你一向是个很忠实的人；你也是；你，你，你，你们都是；你们曾经尽心侍候我，国王们曾经做过你们的同伴。
克莉奥佩特拉 这是什么意思？
爱诺巴勃斯 （向克莉奥佩特拉旁白）这是他在心里懊恼的时候想起来的一种古怪花样。
安东尼 你也是忠实的。我希望我自己能够化身为像你们这么多的人，你们大家都合成了一个安东尼，这样我就可以为你们尽力服务，正像你们现在为我尽力一样。
众仆 那我们怎么敢当！
安东尼 好，我的好朋友们，今天晚上你们还是来侍候我，不要少给我酒，仍旧像从前那样看待我，就像我的帝国也还跟你们一样服从我的命令那时候一般。
克莉奥佩特拉 （向爱诺巴勃斯旁白）他是什么意思？
爱诺巴勃斯 （向克莉奥佩特拉旁白）他要逗他的仆人们流泪。
安东尼 今夜你们来侍候我；也许这是你们最后一次为我服役了；也许你们从此不再看见我了；也许你们所看见的，只是我的血肉模糊的影子；也许明天你们便要服侍一个新的主人。我瞧着你们，就像自己将要和你们永别了一般。我的忠实的朋友们，我不是要抛弃你们，你们尽心竭力地跟随了我一辈子，我到死也不会把你们丢弃的。今晚你们再侍候我两小时，我不再有别的要求了；愿神明保佑你们！
爱诺巴勃斯 主上，您何必向他们说这种伤心的话呢？瞧，他们都哭啦；我这蠢才的眼睛里也有些热辣辣的。算了吧，不要叫我们全都变成娘儿们吧。
安东尼 哈哈哈！该死，我可不是这个意思。你们这些眼泪，表明你们都是有良心的。我的好朋友们，你们误会了我的意思了，我本意是要安慰你们，叫你们用火把照亮这一个晚上。告诉你们吧，我的好朋友们，我对于明天抱着很大的希望；我要领导你们胜利而生，不是光荣而死。让我们去饱餐一顿，来，把一切忧虑都浸没了。（同下。）
第三场 同前。宫门前
二兵士上，各赴岗位。
兵士甲 兄弟晚安；明天是决战的日子了。
兵士乙 胜败都在明天分晓；再见。你在街道上没有听见什么怪事吗？
兵士甲 没有。你知道什么消息？
兵士乙 多半是个谣言。晚安！
兵士甲 好，晚安！
另二兵士上。
兵士乙 弟兄们，留心警戒哪！
兵士丙 你也留心点儿。晚安，晚安！（兵士甲、兵士乙各就岗位。）
兵士丁 咱们是在这儿。（兵士丙、兵士丁各就岗位）要是明天咱们的海军能够得胜，我绝对相信咱们地上的弟兄们也一定会挺得住的。
兵士丙 咱们军队是一支充满了决心的勇敢的军队。（台下吹高音笛声。）
兵士丁 别说话！什么声音？
兵士甲 听，听！
兵士乙 听！
兵士甲 空中的乐声。
兵士丙 好像在地下。
兵士丁 这是好兆，是不是？
兵士丙 不。
兵士甲 静些！这是什么意思？
兵士乙 这是安东尼所崇拜的赫剌克勒斯，现在离开他了。
兵士甲 走；让我们问问别的守兵听没听见这种声音。（四兵士行至另一岗位前。）
兵士乙 喂，弟兄们！
众兵士 喂！喂！你们听见这个声音吗？
兵士甲 听见的；这不是很奇怪吗？
兵士丙 你们听见吗，弟兄们？你们听见吗？
兵士甲 跟着这声音走，一直走到我们的界线上为止；让我们听听它怎样消失下去。
众兵士 （共语）好的。——真是奇怪得很。（同下。）
第四场 同前。宫中一室
安东尼及克莉奥佩特拉上；查米恩及余人等随侍。
安东尼 爱洛斯！我的战铠，爱洛斯！
克莉奥佩特拉 睡一会儿吧。
安东尼 不，我的宝贝。爱洛斯，来；我的战铠，爱洛斯！
爱洛斯持铠上。
安东尼 来，好家伙，替我穿上这一身战铠；要是命运今天不照顾我们，那是因为我们向她挑战的缘故。来。
克莉奥佩特拉 让我也来帮帮你。这东西有什么用处？
安东尼 啊！别管它，别管它；你是为我的心坎披上铠甲的人。错了，错了；这一个，这一个。
克莉奥佩特拉 真的，嗳哟！我偏要帮你；它应该是这样的。
安东尼 好，好；现在我们一定可以成功。你看见吗，我的好家伙？你也去武装起来吧。
爱洛斯 快些，主上。
克莉奥佩特拉 这一个扣子不是扣得很好吗？
安东尼 好得很，好得很。在我没有解甲安息以前，谁要是解开这一个扣子的，一定会听见惊人的雷雨。你怎么这样笨手笨脚的，爱洛斯；我的女王倒是一个比你能干的侍从哩。快些。啊，亲爱的！要是你今天能够看见我在战场上驰骋，要是你也懂得这一种英雄的事业，你就会知道谁是能手。
一兵士武装上。
安东尼 早安；欢迎！你瞧上去像是一个善战的健儿；我们对于心爱的工作，总是一早起身，踊跃前趋的。
兵士 主帅，时候虽然还早，弟兄们都已经装束完备，在城门口等候着您了。（喧呼声；喇叭大鸣。）
众将佐兵士上。
将佐 今天天色很好。早安，主帅！
众兵士 早安，主帅！
安东尼 孩儿们，你们的喇叭吹得很好。今天的清晨像一个立志干一番轰轰烈烈的事业的少年，很早就踏上了它的征途。好，好；来，把那个给我。这一边；很好。再会，亲爱的，我此去存亡未卜，这是一个军人的吻。（吻克莉奥佩特拉）我不能浪费我的时间在无谓的温存里；我现在必须像一个钢铁铸成的男儿一般向你告别。凡是愿意作战的，都跟着我来。再会！（安东尼、爱洛斯及将士等同下。）
查米恩 请娘娘进去安息安息吧。
克莉奥佩特拉 你领着我。他勇敢地去了。要是他跟凯撒能够在一场单人的决斗里决定这一场大战的胜负，那可多好！那时候，安东尼——可是现在——好，去吧。（同下。）
第五场 亚历山大里亚。安东尼营地
喇叭声。安东尼及爱洛斯上；一兵士自对面上。
兵士 愿天神保佑安东尼今天大获全胜！
安东尼 我只恨当初你那满身的创瘢不曾使我听从你的话，在陆地上作战！
兵士 你早听了我的话，那许多倒戈的国王一定还追随在你的后面，今天早上也没有人会逃走了。
安东尼 谁今天逃走了？
兵士 谁！你的一个多年亲信的人。你要是喊爱诺巴勃斯的名字，他不会听见你；或许他会从凯撒的营里回答你，“我已经不是你的人了。”
安东尼 你说什么？
兵士 主帅，他已经跟随凯撒去了。
爱洛斯 他的箱笼财物都没带走。
安东尼 他去了吗？
兵士 确确实实地去了。
安东尼 去，爱洛斯，把他的钱财送还给他，不可有误；听着，什么都不要留下。写一封信给他，表示惜别欢送的意思，写好了让我在上面签一个名字；对他说，我希望他今后再也不会有同样充分的理由，使他感到更换一个主人的必要。唉！想不到我的衰落的命运，竟会使本来忠实的人也变起心来。快去。爱诺巴勃斯！（同下。）
第六场 亚历山大里亚城前。凯撒营地
喇叭奏花腔。凯撒率阿格立巴、爱诺巴勃斯及余人等同上。
凯撒 阿格立巴，你先带领一支人马出去，开始和敌人交锋。我们今天一定要把安东尼生擒活捉；你去传令全军知道。
阿格立巴 凯撒，遵命。（下。）
凯撒 全面和平的时候已经不远了；但愿今天一战成功，让这鼎足而三的世界不再受干戈的骚扰！
一使者上。
使者 安东尼已经在战场上了。
凯撒 去吩咐阿格立巴，叫那些投降过来的将士充当前锋，让安东尼向他自家的人发泄他的愤怒。（凯撒及侍从下。）
爱诺巴勃斯 艾勒克萨斯叛变了，他奉了安东尼的使命到犹太去，却劝诱希律王归附凯撒，舍弃他的主人安东尼；为了他这一个功劳，凯撒已经把他吊死。凯尼狄斯和其余叛离的将士虽然都蒙这里收留，可是谁也没有得到重用。我已经干了一件使我自己捶心痛恨的坏事，从此以后，再也不会有快乐的日子了。
一凯撒军中兵士上。
兵士 爱诺巴勃斯，安东尼已经把你所有的财物一起送来了，还有他给你的许多赏赐。那差来的人是从我守卫的地方入界的，现在正在你的帐里搬下那些送来的物件。
爱诺巴勃斯 那些东西都送给你吧。
兵士 不要取笑，爱诺巴勃斯。我说的是真话。你最好自己把那来人护送出营；我有职务在身。否则就送他走一程也没甚关系。你们的皇上到底还是一尊天神哩。（下。）
爱诺巴勃斯 我是这世上唯一的小人，最是卑鄙无耻。啊，安东尼！你慷慨的源泉，我这样反复变节，你尚且赐给我这许多黄金，要是我对你尽忠不贰，你将要给我怎样的赏赉呢！悔恨像一柄利剑刺进了我的心。如果悔恨之感不能马上刺破我这颗心，还有更加迅速的方法呢；不过我想光是悔恨也就足够了。我帮着敌人打你！不，我要去找一处最污浊的泥沟，了结我这卑劣的残生。（下。）
第七场 两军营地间的战场
号角声；鼓角齐奏声。阿格立巴及余人等上。
阿格立巴 退下去，我们已经过分深入敌军阵地了。凯撒自己正在指挥作战；我们所受的压力超过我们的预料。（同下。）
号角声；安东尼及斯凯勒斯负伤上。
斯凯勒斯 啊，我的英勇的皇上！这才是打仗！我们大家要是早一点这样出力，他们早就满头挂彩，给我们赶回老家去了。
安东尼 你的血流得很厉害呢。
斯凯勒斯 我这儿有一个伤口，本来像个丁字形，现在却已裂开来啦。
安东尼 他们败退下去了。
斯凯勒斯 我们要把他们追赶得入地无门；我身上还可以受六处伤哩。
爱洛斯上。
爱洛斯 主上，他们已经打败了；我们已经占了优势，这次一定可以大获全胜。
斯凯勒斯 让我们从背后痛击他们，就像捉兔子一般把他们一网罩住；打逃兵是一件最有趣不过的玩意儿。
安东尼 我要重赏你的鼓舞精神的谈笑，我还要把十倍的重赏酬劳你的勇敢。来。
斯凯勒斯 让我一跛一跛地跟着您走。（同下。）
第八场 亚历山大里亚城下
号角声。安东尼、斯凯勒斯率军队行进上。
安东尼 我们已经把他打回了自己的营地；先派一个人去向女王报告我们今天的战绩。明天在太阳没有看见我们以前，我们要叫那些今天逃脱性命的敌人一个个喋血沙场。谢谢各位，你们都是英勇的壮士，你们挺身作战，并不以为那是你们强制履行的义务，每一个人都把这次战争当作了自己切身的事情；你们谁都显出了赫克托一般的威武。进城去，拥抱你们的妻子朋友，告诉他们你们的战功，让他们用喜悦的眼泪洗净你们伤口的瘀血，吻愈了那光荣的创痕。（向斯凯勒斯）把你的手给我。
克莉奥佩特拉率扈从上。
安东尼 我要向这位伟大的女神夸扬你的勋劳，使她的感谢祝福你。你世上的光辉啊！你勾住我的裹着铁甲的颈项，连同你这一身盛装，穿过我的坚利的战铠，跳进我的心头，让我的喘息载着你凯旋回去吧！
克莉奥佩特拉 万君之君，你无限完美的英雄啊！你带着微笑从天罗地网之中脱身归来了吗？
安东尼 我的夜莺，我们已经把他们打退了。嘿，姑娘！虽然霜雪已经洒上我的少年的褐发，可是我还有一颗勃勃的雄心，它能够帮助我建立青春的志业。瞧这个人；让他的嘴唇沾到你手上的恩泽；吻着它，我的战士；他今天在战场上奋勇杀敌，就像一个痛恨人类的天神一样，没有人逃得过他的剑锋的诛戮。
克莉奥佩特拉 朋友，我要送给你一副纯金的战铠，它本来是归一个国王所有的。
安东尼 即使它像日轮一样灿烂夺目，他也可以受之无愧。把你的手给我。通过亚历山大里亚全城，我们的大军要列队前进，兴高采烈地显示我们的威容；我们要把剑痕累累的盾牌像我们的战士一样高高举起。要是我们广大的王宫能够容纳我们全军的将士，我们一定要全体欢宴一宵，为了预祝明天的大捷而痛饮。喇叭手，尽力吹响起来，让你们的喧声震聋了全城的耳朵；和着聒噪的鼓声，使天地之间充满了一片欢迎我们的呐喊。（同下。）
第九场 凯撒营地
哨兵各守岗位。
兵士甲 在这一小时以内，要是没有人来替我们，我们必须回到警备营去。今晚星月皎洁，他们说我们在清晨两点钟就要出发作战。
兵士乙 昨天的战事使我们受到极大的打击。
爱诺巴勃斯上。
爱诺巴勃斯 夜啊！请你做我的见证——
兵士丙 这是什么人？
兵士乙 躲一躲，听他说。
爱诺巴勃斯 请你做我的见证，神圣的月亮啊，变节的叛徒在历史上将要永远留下被人唾骂的污名，爱诺巴勃斯在你的面前忏悔他的错误了！
兵士甲 爱诺巴勃斯！
兵士丙 别说话！听下去。
爱诺巴勃斯 无上尊严的忧郁的女神啊，把黑夜的毒雾降在我的身上，让生命，我的意志的叛徒，脱离我的躯壳吧；把我这一颗为悲哀所煎枯的心投掷在我这冷酷坚硬的罪恶上，让它碎成粉末，结束了一切卑劣的思想吧。安东尼啊！你的高贵的精神，是我的下贱的行为所不能仰望的，原谅我对你个人所加的伤害，可是让世人记着我是一个叛徒的魁首。啊，安东尼！啊，安东尼！（死。）
兵士乙 让我们对他说话去。
兵士甲 我们还是听他说，也许他所说的话跟凯撒有关系。
兵士丙 让我们听着吧。可是他睡着了。
兵士甲 恐怕是晕过去了；照他的祷告听起来，不像是会一下子睡着了的。
兵士乙 我们走过去看看他。
兵士丙 醒来，将军，醒来！对我们说话呀。
兵士乙 你听见吗，将军？
兵士甲 死神的手已经抓住了他。（远处鼓声）听！庄严的鼓声在催唤睡着的人醒来。让我们把他抬到警备营去；他不是一个无名之辈。该换岗的时候了。
兵士丙 那么来；也许他还会苏醒转来。（众兵士舁爱诺巴勃斯尸下。）
第十场 两军营地之间
安东尼及斯凯勒斯率军队行进上。
安东尼 他们今天准备在海上作战；在陆地上他们已经认识了我们的厉害。
斯凯勒斯 主上，我们要在海陆两方面同样向他们显显颜色。
安东尼 我希望他们会在火里风里跟我们交战，我们也可以对付得了的。可是现在我们必须带领步兵，把守着城郊附近的山头；海战的命令已经发出，他们的战舰已经出港，我们凭着居高临下的优势，可以一览无余地观察他们的动静。（同下。）
凯撒率军队行进上。
凯撒 可是在敌人开始向我们进攻以后，我们仍旧要在陆地上继续作战，因为他的主力已经都去补充舰队了。到山谷里去，占个有利的地势！（同下。）
安东尼及斯凯勒斯重上。
安东尼 他们还没有集合起来。在那株松树矗立的地方，我可以望见一切；让我去看一看形势，立刻就来告诉你。（下。）
斯凯勒斯 燕子在克莉奥佩特拉的船上筑巢；那些算命的人都说不知道这是什么预兆；他们板起了冷冰冰的面孔，不敢说出他们的意见。安东尼很勇敢，可是有些郁郁不乐；他的多磨的命运使他有时充满了希望，有时充满了忧虑。（远处号角声，如在进行海战。）
安东尼重上。
安东尼 什么都完了！这无耻的埃及人葬送了我；我的舰队已经投降了敌人，他们正在那边高掷他们的帽子，欢天喜地地在一起喝酒，正像分散的朋友久别重逢一般。三翻四覆的淫妇！是你把我出卖给这个初出茅庐的小子，我的心现在只跟你一个人作战。吩咐他们大家散伙了吧；我只要向这迷人的妖妇报复了我的仇恨以后，我这一生也就可以告一段落了，叫他们大家散伙了吧；去。（斯凯勒斯下）太阳啊！我再也看不见你的升起了；命运和安东尼在这儿分了手；就在这儿让我们握手分别。一切到了这样的结局了吗？那些像狗一样追随我，从我手里得到他们愿望的满足的人，现在都掉转头来，把他们的甘言巧笑向势力强盛的凯撒献媚去了；剩着这一株凌霄独立的孤松，悲怅它的鳞摧甲落。我被出卖了。啊，这负心的埃及女人！这外表如此庄严的妖巫，她的眼睛能够指挥我的军队的进退，她的酥胸是我的荣冠、我的唯一的归宿，谁料她却像一个奸诈的吉卜赛人似的，凭着她的擒纵的手段，把我诱进了山穷水尽的垓心。喂，爱洛斯！爱洛斯！
克莉奥佩特拉上。
安东尼 啊！你这妖妇！走开！
克莉奥佩特拉 我的主怎么对他的爱人生气啦？
安东尼 不要让我看见你，否则我要给你咎有应得的惩罚，使凯撒的胜利大为减色了。让他捉了你去，在欢呼的民众之前把你高高举起；追随在他的战车的后面，给人们看看你是你们全体女性中最大的污点；让他们把你当作一头怪物，谁出了最低微的代价，就可以尽情饱览；让耐心的奥克泰维娅用她那准备已久的指爪抓破你的脸。（克莉奥佩特拉下）要是活着是一件好事，那么你固然是去了的好；可是你还不如死在我的盛怒之下，因为一死也许可以避免无数比死更难堪的痛苦。喂，爱洛斯！我祖上被害的毒衣已经披上了我的身子：阿尔锡第斯③，我的先祖，教给我你的愤怒；让我把那送毒衣来的人抛向天空，悬挂在月亮的尖角上。让我用这一双曾经握过最沉重的武器的手，征服我最英雄的自己。这妖妇必须死；她把我出卖给那罗马小子，我中了他们的毒计；她必须因此而受死。喂，爱洛斯！（下。）
第十一场 亚历山大里亚。宫中一室
克莉奥佩特拉、查米恩、伊拉丝及玛狄恩上。
克莉奥佩特拉 扶着我，我的姑娘们！啊！他比得不到铠甲的忒拉蒙④还要暴躁；从来不曾有一头被猎人穷追的野猪像他那样满口飞溅着白沫。
查米恩 到陵墓里去！把您自己锁在里面，叫人告诉他您已经死了。一个大人物失去了地位，是比灵魂脱离躯壳更痛苦的。
克莉奥佩特拉 到陵墓里去！玛狄恩，你去告诉他我已经自杀了；你说我最后一句话是“安东尼”；请你用非常凄恻的声音，念出这一个名字。去，玛狄恩，回来告诉我他听见了我的死讯有什么表示。到陵墓里去！（各下。）
第十二场 同前。另一室
安东尼及爱洛斯上。
安东尼 爱洛斯，你还看见我吗？
爱洛斯 看见的，主上。
安东尼 有时我们看见天上的云像一条蛟龙；有时雾气会化成一只熊、一头狮子的形状，有时像一座高耸的城堡、一座突兀的危崖、一堆雄峙的山峰，或是一道树木葱茏的青色海岬，俯瞰尘寰，用种种虚无的景色戏弄我们的眼睛。你曾经看见过这种现象，它们都是一些日暮的幻影。
爱洛斯 是，主上。
安东尼 现在瞧上去还像一匹马的，一转瞬间，浮云飞散了，它就像一滴水落在池里一样，分辨不出它的形状。
爱洛斯 正是这样，主上。
安东尼 爱洛斯，我的好小子，你的主帅也不过是这样一块浮云；现在我还是一个好好的安东尼，可是我却保不住自己的形体，我的小子。我为了埃及兴起一次次的战争；当我的心还属于我自己的时候，它曾经气吞百万之众，可是我让女王占有了它，我以为她的心也已经被我占有，现在我才知道她的心不是属于我的；她，爱洛斯，竟和凯撒暗中勾结，用诡计毁坏我的荣誉，使敌人得到了胜利。不，不要哭，善良的爱洛斯；我们还留着我们自己，可以替自己找个结局呢。
玛狄恩上。
安东尼 啊，你那万恶的女主人！她已把我的权柄偷去了。
玛狄恩 不，安东尼，我那娘娘是爱你的；她的命运和你的命运完全结合在一起。
安东尼 滚开，放肆的阉人；闭住你的嘴！她欺骗了我，我不能饶她活命。
玛狄恩 人只能死一次，一死也就一了百了。你所要干的事，她早已替你干好；她最后所说的一句话是“安东尼！最尊贵的安东尼！”在一声惨痛的呻吟之中，她喊出了安东尼的名字，一半在她的嘴唇上，一半还留在她的心里。她的呼吸停止了，你的名字也就埋葬在她的胸中。
安东尼 那么她死了吗？
玛狄恩 死了。
安东尼 把战铠脱下吧，爱洛斯；永昼的工作已经完毕，我们现在该去睡了。（向玛狄恩）你送来这样的消息，还让你留着活命回去，已是给你最大的酬劳了；去。（玛狄恩下）脱下来；埃阿斯的七层的盾牌，也挡不住我心头所受的打击。啊，碎裂了吧，我的胸膛！心啊，使出你所有的力量来，把你这脆弱的胸膛爆破了吧！赶快，爱洛斯，赶快。我不再是一个军人了；残破的甲片啊，去吧；你们从前也是立过功劳的。暂时离开我一会儿。（爱洛斯下）我要追上你，克莉奥佩特拉，流着泪请求你宽恕。我非这样做不可，因为再活下去只有痛苦。火炬既然已经熄灭，还是静静地躺下来，不要深入迷途了。一切的辛勤徒然毁坏了自己所成就的事业；纵然有盖世的威力，免不了英雄末路的悲哀；从此一切撒手，也可以省下多少麻烦。爱洛斯！——我来了，我的女王！——爱洛斯！——等一等我。在灵魂们偃息在花朵上的乐园之内，我们将要携手相亲，用我们活泼泼的神情引起幽灵们的注目；狄多和她的埃涅阿斯将要失去追随的一群，到处都是我们遨游的地方。来，爱洛斯！爱洛斯！
爱洛斯重上。
爱洛斯 主上有什么吩咐？
安东尼 克莉奥佩特拉死了，我却还在这样重大的耻辱之中偷生人世，天神都在憎恶我的卑劣了。我曾经用我的剑宰割世界，驾着无敌的战舰建立海上的城市；可是她已经用一死告诉我们的凯撒，“我是我自己的征服者”了，我难道连一个女人的志气也没有吗？爱洛斯，你我曾经有约在先，到了形势危急的关头，当我看见我自己将要在敌人手里遭受无可避免的凌辱的时候，我一发出命令，你就必须立刻把我杀死；现在这个时刻已经到了，履行你的义务吧。其实你并不是杀死我，而是击败了凯撒。不要吓得这样脸色发白。
爱洛斯 天神阻止我！帕提亚人充满敌意的矢镝不曾射中您的身体，难道我却必须下这样的毒手吗？
安东尼 爱洛斯，你愿意坐在罗马的窗前，看着你的主人交叉着两臂，俯下了他的伏罪的颈项，带着满面的羞惭走过，他的前面的车子上坐着幸运的凯撒，把卑辱的烙印加在他的俘虏的身上吗？
爱洛斯 我不愿看见这种事情。
安东尼 那么来，我必须忍受些微的痛苦，解脱终身的耻辱。把你那柄曾经为国家立过功劳的剑拔出来吧。
爱洛斯 啊，主上！原谅我！
安东尼 我当初使你获得自由的时候，你不是曾经向我发誓，我叫你怎样做你就怎样做吗？赶快动手，否则你过去的勤劳，都是毫无目的的了。拔出剑来，来。
爱洛斯 那么请您转过脸去，让我看不见那为全世界所崇拜瞻仰的容颜。
安东尼 你瞧！（转身背爱洛斯。）
爱洛斯 我的剑已经拔出了。
安东尼 那么让它赶快执行它的工作吧。
爱洛斯 我的亲爱的主人，我的元帅，我的皇上，在我没有刺这残酷的一剑以前，允许我向您道别。
安东尼 很好，朋友，再会吧。
爱洛斯 再会吧，伟大的主帅！我现在就动手吗？
安东尼 现在，爱洛斯。
爱洛斯 那么好，我这样免去了安东尼的死所给我的悲哀了。（自杀。）
安东尼 比我三倍勇敢的义士！壮烈的爱洛斯啊，你把我所应该做而你所不能做的事教会我了。我的女王和爱洛斯已经用他们英勇的示范占了我的先着；可是我要像一个新郎似的奔赴死亡，正像登上恋人的卧床一样。来；爱洛斯，你的主人临死时候却是你的学生，你教给我怎样死法。（伏剑倒地）怎么！没有死？没有死？喂，卫士！啊！帮我快一点死去！
德西塔斯及众卫士上。
卫士甲 什么声音？
安东尼 朋友们，我把事情干坏了；啊！请你们替我完成我的工作吧。
卫士乙 大星殒落了！
卫士甲 时间已经终止它的运行了！
众卫士 唉，伤心！
安东尼 哪一个爱我的，把我杀死了吧。
卫士甲 我不能下这样的手。
卫士乙 我也不能。
卫士丙 谁也下不了这样的手。（众卫士下。）
德西塔斯 你手下的人看见你国破身亡，全都走散了。我只要把这柄剑拿去献给凯撒，再把这样的消息告诉他，就可以成为我的进身之阶。
狄俄墨得斯上。
狄俄墨得斯 安东尼在什么地方？
德西塔斯 那边，狄俄墨得斯，那边。
狄俄墨得斯 他活着吗？你怎么不回答我，朋友？（德西塔斯下。）
安东尼 是你吗，狄俄墨得斯？拔出你的剑来，把我刺死了吧。
狄俄墨得斯 最尊严的主上，我们娘娘克莉奥佩特拉叫我来看你。
安东尼 她什么时候叫你来的？
狄俄墨得斯 现在，我的主。
安东尼 她在什么地方？
狄俄墨得斯 关闭在陵墓里。她早就害怕会有这种事情发生；她因为看见您疑心她和凯撒有勾结——其实是完全没有这一回事的——没有法子平息您的恼怒，所以才叫人来告诉您她死了；可是她又怕这一个消息会引起不幸的结果，所以又叫我来向您说明事实的真相；我怕我来得太迟了。
安东尼 太迟了，好狄俄墨得斯。请你叫我的卫士来。
狄俄墨得斯 喂，喂！皇上的卫士呢？喂，卫士们！来，你们的主帅叫你们哪！
安东尼的卫士四五人上。
安东尼 好朋友们，把我抬到克莉奥佩特拉的所在去；这是我最后命令你们做的事了。
卫士甲 唉，唉！主上，您手下还有几个人是始终跟随着您的。
众卫士 最不幸的日子！
安东尼 不，我的好朋友们，不要用你们的悲哀使冷酷的命运在暗中窃笑；我们应该用处之泰然的态度，报复命运加于我们的凌辱。把我抬起来；一向总是我带领着你们，现在我却要劳你们抬着我走了，谢谢你们。（众舁安东尼同下。）
第十三场 同前。陵墓
克莉奥佩特拉率查米恩、伊拉丝及侍女等于高处上。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊，查米恩！我一辈子不再离开这里了。
查米恩 不要伤心，好娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 不，我怎么不伤心？一切奇怪可怕的事情都是受欢迎的，我就是不要安慰；我们的不幸有多么大，我们的悲哀也该有多么大。
狄俄墨得斯于下方上。
克莉奥佩特拉 怎么！他死了吗？
狄俄墨得斯 死神的手已经降在他身上，可是他还没有死。从陵墓的那一边望出去，您就可以看见他的卫士正在把他抬到这儿来啦。
卫士等舁安东尼于下方上。
克莉奥佩特拉 太阳啊，把你广大的天宇烧毁吧！人间的巨星已经消失它的光芒了。啊，安东尼，安东尼，安东尼！帮帮我，查米恩，帮帮我，伊拉丝，帮帮我；下面的各位朋友！大家帮帮忙，把他抬到这儿来。
安东尼 静些！不是凯撒的勇敢推倒了安东尼，是安东尼战胜了他自己。
克莉奥佩特拉 是的，只有安东尼能够征服安东尼；可是苦啊！
安东尼 我要死了，女王，我要死了；我只请求死神宽假片刻的时间，让我把最后的一吻放在你的唇上。
克莉奥佩特拉 我不敢，亲爱的——我的亲爱的主，恕我——我不敢，我怕他们把我捉去。我决不让全胜而归的凯撒把我作为向人夸耀的战利品；要是刀剑有锋刃，药物有灵，毒蛇有刺，我决不会落在他们的手里；你那眼光温柔、神气冷静的妻子奥克泰维娅永远没有机会在我的面前表现她的端庄贤淑。可是来，来，安东尼——帮助我，我的姑娘们——我们必须把你抬上来。帮帮忙，好朋友们。
安东尼 啊！快些，否则我要去了。
克莉奥佩特拉 嗳哟！我的主是多么的重！我们的力量都已变成重量了，所以才如此沉重。要是我有天后朱诺的神力，我一定要叫羽翼坚劲的麦鸠利负着你上来，把你放在乔武的身旁。可是只有呆子才存着这种无聊的愿望。上来点儿了。啊！来，来，来；（众举安东尼上至克莉奥佩特拉前）欢迎，欢迎！死在你曾经生活过的地方；要是我的嘴唇能够给你生命，我愿意把它吻到枯焦。
众人 伤心的景象！
安东尼 我要死了，女王，我要死了；给我喝一点酒，让我再说几句话。
克莉奥佩特拉 不，让我说；让我高声咒骂那司命运的婆子，恼得她摔破她的轮子。
安东尼 一句话，亲爱的女王。你可以要求凯撒保护你生命的安全，可是不要让他玷污了你的荣誉。啊！
克莉奥佩特拉 生命和荣誉是不能两全的。
安东尼 亲爱的，听我说；凯撒左右的人，除了普洛丘里厄斯以外，你谁也不要相信。
克莉奥佩特拉 我不相信凯撒左右的人；我只相信自己的决心和自己的手。
安东尼 我的恶运已经到达它的终点，不要哀哭也不要悲伤；当你思念我的时候，请你想到我往日的光荣；你应该安慰你自己，因为我曾经是全世界最伟大、最高贵的君王，因为我现在堂堂而死，并没有懦怯地向我的同国之人抛下我的战盔；我是一个罗马人，英勇地死在一个罗马人的手里。现在我的灵魂要离我而去；我不能再说下去了。
克莉奥佩特拉 最高贵的人，你死了吗？你把我抛弃不顾了吗？这寂寞的世上没有了你，就像个猪圈一样，叫我怎么活下去呢？啊！瞧，我的姑娘们，（安东尼死）大地消失它的冠冕了！我的主！啊！战士的花圈枯萎了，军人的大纛摧倒了；剩下在这世上的，现在只有一群无知的儿女；杰出的英雄已经不在人间，月光照射之下，再也没有值得注目的人物了。（晕倒。）
查米恩 啊，安静些，娘娘！
伊拉丝 她也死了，我们的女王！
查米恩 娘娘！
伊拉丝 娘娘！
查米恩 啊，娘娘，娘娘，娘娘！
伊拉丝 陛下！陛下！
查米恩 静，静，伊拉丝！
克莉奥佩特拉 什么都没有了，我只是一个平凡的女人，平凡的感情支配着我，正像支配着一个挤牛奶、做贱工的婢女一样。我应该向不仁的神明怒掷我的御杖，告诉他们当他们没有偷去我们的珍宝的时候，我们这世界是可以和他们的天国互相媲美的。如今一切都只是空虚无聊；忍着像傻瓜，不忍着又像疯狗。那么在死神还不敢侵犯我们以前，就奔进了幽秘的死窟，是不是罪恶呢？怎么啦，我的姑娘们？唉，唉！高兴点儿吧！嗳哟，怎么啦，查米恩！我的好孩子们！啊，姑娘们，姑娘们，瞧！我们的灯熄了，它暗下去了，各位好朋友，提起勇气来；——我们要埋葬他，一切依照最庄严、最高贵的罗马的仪式，让死神乐于带我们同去。来，走吧；容纳着那样一颗伟大的灵魂的躯壳现在已经冰冷了；啊，姑娘们，姑娘们！我们没有朋友，只有视死如归的决心。（同下；安东尼尸身由上方舁下。）
第五幕
第一场 亚历山大里亚。凯撒营地
凯撒、阿格立巴、道拉培拉、茂西那斯、盖勒斯、普洛丘里厄斯及余人等上。
凯撒 道拉培拉，你去对他说，叫他赶快投降；他已经屡战屡败，不必再出丑了。
道拉培拉 凯撒，遵命。（下。）
德西塔斯持安东尼佩剑上。
凯撒 为什么拿了这柄剑来？你是什么人，这样大胆，竟敢闯到我们的面前？
德西塔斯 我的名字叫做德西塔斯；我是安东尼手下的人，当他叱咤风云的时候，他是我的最好的主人，我愿意为了刈除他的敌人而捐弃我的生命。要是现在你肯收容我，我也会像尽忠于他一样尽忠于你；不然的话，就请你把我杀死。
凯撕 你说什么？
德西塔斯 我说，凯撒啊，安东尼死了。
凯撒 这样一个重大的消息，应该用雷鸣一样的巨声爆发出来；地球受到这样的震动，山林中的猛狮都要奔到市街上，城市里的居民反而藏匿在野兽的巢穴里。安东尼的死不是一个人的没落，半个世界也跟着他的名字同归于尽了。
德西塔斯 他死了，凯撒；执法的官吏没有把他宣判死刑，受人雇佣的刺客也没有把他加害，是他那曾经创造了许多丰功伟绩、留下不朽的光荣的手，凭着他的心所借给它的勇气，亲自用剑贯穿了他的心胸。这就是我从他的伤口拔下来的剑，瞧它上面沾着他的最高贵的血液。
凯撒 你们都现出悲哀的脸色吗，朋友们？天神在责备我，可是这样的消息是可以使君王们眼睛里洋溢着热泪的。
阿格立巴 真是不可思议，我们的天性使我们不能不悔恨我们抱着最坚强的决意所进行的行动。
茂西那斯 他的毁誉在他身上是难分高下的。
阿格立巴 从未有过这样罕见的人才操纵过人类的命运；可是神啊，你们一定要给我们一些缺点，才使我们成为人类。凯撒受到感动了。
茂西那斯 当这样一面广大的镜子放在他面前的时候，他不能不看见他自己。
凯撒 安东尼啊！我已经追逼得你到了这样一个结局；我们的血脉里都注射着致命的毒液，今天倘不是我看见你的没落，就得让你看见我的死亡；在这整个世界之上，我们是无法并立的。可是让我用真诚的血泪哀恸你——你、我的同伴、我的一切事业的竞争者、我的帝国的分治者、战阵上的朋友和同志、我的身体的股肱、激发我的思想的心灵，我要向你发出由衷的哀悼，因为我们那不可调和的命运，引导我们到了这样分裂的路上。听我说，好朋友们——
一埃及人上。
凯撒 我再慢慢告诉你们吧。这家伙脸上的神气，好像要来报告什么重要的事情似的；我们要听听他有什么话说。你是哪儿来的？
埃及人 我是一个卑微的埃及人。我家女王幽居在她的陵墓里，这是现在唯一属于她所有的地方，她想要知道你预备把她怎样处置，好让她自己有个准备。
凯撒 请她宽心吧；我们不久就要派人去问候她，她就可以知道我们已经决定了给她怎样尊崇而优厚的待遇；因为凯撒决不是一个冷酷无情的人。
埃及人 愿神明保佑你！（下。）
凯撒 过来，普洛丘里厄斯。你去对她说，我们一点没有羞辱她的意思；好好安慰安慰她，免得她自寻短见，反倒使我们落一场空；因为我们要是能够把她活活地带回罗马去，那才是我们永久的胜利。去，尽快回来，把她所说的话和你所看见的她的情形告诉我。
普洛丘里厄斯 凯撒，我就去。（下。）
凯撒 盖勒斯，你也跟他一道去。（盖勒斯下）道拉培拉呢？我要叫他帮助普洛丘里厄斯传达我的旨意。
阿格立巴
茂西那斯 道拉培拉！
凯撒 让他去吧，我现在想起了我刚才叫他干一件事去的；他大概就会来。跟我到我的帐里来，我要让你们看看我是多么不愿意牵进这一场战争中间；虽然在戎马倥偬的当儿，我在给他的信中仍然是多么心平气和。跟我来，看看我在信中对他是怎样的态度。（同下。）
第二场 同前。陵墓
克莉奥佩特拉、查米恩及伊拉丝于高处上。
克莉奥佩特拉 我的孤寂已经开始使我得到了一个更好的生活。做凯撒这样一个人是一件无聊的事；他既然不是命运，他就不过是命运的奴仆，执行着她的意志。干那件结束一切行动的行动，从此不受灾祸变故的侵犯，酣然睡去，不必再吮吸那同样滋养着乞丐和凯撒的乳头，那才是最有意义的。
普洛丘里厄斯、盖勒斯及兵士等自下方上。
普洛丘里厄斯 凯撒问候埃及的女王；请你考虑考虑你有些什么要求准备向他提出。
克莉奥佩特拉 你叫什么名字？
普洛丘里厄斯 我的名字是普洛丘里厄斯。
克莉奥佩特拉 安东尼曾经向我提起过你，说你是一个可以信托的人；可是我现在已经用不着信托什么人，也不怕被人欺骗了。你家主人倘然想要有一个女王向他乞讨布施，你必须告诉他，女王是有女王的身分的，她要是向人乞讨，至少也得乞讨一个王国；要是他愿意把他所征服的埃及送给我的儿子，那么为了他把原来属于我自己的东西仍旧赏赐给我的偌大恩惠，我一定满心感激地向他长跪拜谢的。
普洛丘里厄斯 安心吧，您是落在一个宽宏大度的人的手里，什么都不用担忧。您要是有什么意见，尽管向我的主上提出；一切困穷无告的人，都可以沾沐他的深恩厚泽。让我回去向他报告您的臣服的诚意，您就可以知道他是一个多么仁慈的征服者。
克莉奥佩特拉 请你告诉他，我是他的命运的奴仆，我向他献呈他所应得的敬礼。每一小时我都在学习着服从的教训，希望他能够允许我瞻仰他的威容。
普洛丘里厄斯 我愿意照您的话回去报告，好娘娘。宽心吧，因为我知道那造成您目前这一种处境的人，对于您的遭遇是非常同情的。
盖勒斯 你们瞧，把她捉住是一件多么容易的事。（普洛丘里厄斯及二卫士登梯升墓至克莉奥佩特拉后。一部分卫士拔栓开各墓门，发现底层墓室。向普洛丘里厄斯及各卫士）把她好生看守，等凯撒到来发落。（下。）
伊拉丝 娘娘！
查米恩 啊，克莉奥佩特拉！你给他们捉住啦，娘娘！
克莉奥佩特拉 快，快，我的好手。（拔出匕首。）
普洛丘里厄斯 住手，娘娘，住手！（捉住克莉奥佩特拉手，将匕首夺下）不要干这种对不起您自己的事；您现在并没有被人陷害，却已经得到了解放。
克莉奥佩特拉 什么，死可以替受伤的病犬解除痛苦，难道我却连死的权利也被剥夺了吗？
普洛丘里厄斯 克莉奥佩特拉，不要毁灭你自己，辜负了我们主上的一片好心；让人们看看他的行事是多么高尚正大吧，要是你死了，他的美德岂不白白埋没了吗？
克莉奥佩特拉 死神啊，你在哪儿？来呀，来！来，来，把一个女王带了去吧，她的价值是抵得上许多婴孩和乞丐的！
普洛丘里厄斯 啊！忍耐点儿，娘娘！
克莉奥佩特拉 先生，我要不食不饮；宁可用闲谈销磨长夜，也不愿睡觉。不管凯撒使出什么手段来，我要摧残这一个易腐的皮囊。你要知道，先生，我并不愿意带着镣铐，在你家主人的庭前做一个待命的囚人，或是受那阴沉的奥克泰维娅的冷眼的嗔视。难道我要让他们把我悬吊起来，受那敌意的罗马的下贱民众的鼓噪怒骂吗？我宁愿葬身在埃及的沟壑里；我宁愿赤裸了身体，躺在尼罗河的湿泥上，让水蝇在我身上下卵，使我生蛆而腐烂；我宁愿铁链套在我的颈上，让高高的金字塔作为我的绞架！
普洛丘里厄斯 您想得太可怕了，凯撒决不会这样对待您的。
道拉培拉上。
道拉培拉 普洛丘里厄斯，你所做的事，你的主人凯撒已经知道了，他叫你去；女王归我看守。
普洛丘里厄斯 道拉培拉，那再好没有了；对她客气点儿。（向克莉奥佩特拉）您要是有什么话要对凯撒说，我可以替您转达。
克莉奥佩特拉 你去说，我要死。（普洛丘里厄斯及兵士等下。）
道拉培拉 最尊贵的女王，您有没有听见过我的名字？
克莉奥佩特拉 我不知道。
道拉培拉 您一定知道我的。
克莉奥佩特拉 先生，我听见什么、知道什么，都没有关系。当孩子和女人们把他们的梦讲给你听的时候，你不是要笑的吗？
道拉培拉 我不懂您的意思，娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 我梦见有一个安东尼皇帝；啊！但愿我再有这样一次睡眠，让我再看见这样一个人！
道拉培拉 请您听我说——
克莉奥佩特拉 他的脸就像青天一样，上面有两轮循环运转的日月，照耀着这一个小小的圆球。
道拉培拉 最尊贵的女王——
克莉奥佩特拉 他的两足横跨海洋；他的高举的胳臂罩临大地；他在对朋友说话的时候，他的声音有如谐和的天乐，可是当他发怒的时候，就会像雷霆一样震撼整个宇宙。他的慷慨是没有冬天的，那是一个收获不尽的丰年；他的欢悦有如长鲸泳浮于碧海之中；戴着王冠宝冕的君主在他左右追随服役，国土和岛屿是一枚枚从他衣袋里掉下来的金钱。
道拉培拉 克莉奥佩特拉——
克莉奥佩特拉 你想过去将来，会不会有像我梦见的这样一个人？
道拉培拉 好娘娘，这样的人是没有的。
克莉奥佩特拉 你说的全然是欺罔神听的谎话。然而世上要是果然有这样一个人，他的伟大一定超过任何梦想；造化虽然不能抗衡想像的瑰奇，可是凭着想像描画出一个安东尼来，那幻影是无论如何要在实体之前黯然失色的。
道拉培拉 听我说，好娘娘。您遭到这样重大的不幸，您的坚忍的毅力是和您的悲哀相称的。要是您的痛苦不曾在我心头引起同情的反响，但愿我永远没有功成名遂的一天。
克莉奥佩特拉 谢谢你，先生。你知道凯撒预备把我怎样处置吗？
道拉培拉 我不愿告诉您我所希望您知道的事。
克莉奥佩特拉 不，先生，请你说——
道拉培拉 他虽然是一个可尊敬的人——
克莉奥佩特拉 他要把我当作一个俘虏带回去夸耀他的凯旋吗？
道拉培拉 娘娘，他会这样干的；我知道他的为人。（内呼声：“让开！凯撒来了！”）
凯撒、盖勒斯、普洛丘里厄斯、茂西那斯、塞琉克斯及侍从等上。
凯撒 哪一位是埃及的女王？
道拉培拉 娘娘，这位便是皇上。（克莉奥佩特拉跪。）
凯撒 起来，你不用下跪。请起来吧，埃及的女王。
克莉奥佩特拉 陛下，这是神明的意思；我必须服从我的主人。
凯撒 一切不必介意；你加于我们的伤害，虽然铭刻在我们的肌肤之上，可是我们将要使它在我们的记忆中成为偶然的事件。
克莉奥佩特拉 全世界唯一的主人，我没有话可以替我自己辩白，可是我承认我也像一般女人一样，在我的身上具备着许多可耻的女性的弱点。
凯撒 克莉奥佩特拉，你要知道，我们对于你总是一切宽大的，决不用苛刻的手段使你难堪，只要你顺从我的意志，你就会知道这一次的变化是对你有益的。可是假如你想效法安东尼的例子，使我蒙上残暴的恶名，那么你将要失去我的善意，你的孩子们都将不免一死，否则我是很愿意保障他们的安全的。我走了。
克莉奥佩特拉 愿全世界都信任您的广大的权力；整个大地都是属于您的；我们是您的胜利的标帜，您可以把我们随便悬挂在什么地方。这儿，我的主。
凯撒 你必须帮助我考虑怎样处置克莉奥佩特拉的办法。
克莉奥佩特拉 （呈手卷）这是登记着我所有的金钱珠宝的清单，一切都按照正确的估计载明价值，不值钱的琐细的东西不在其内。塞琉克斯呢？
塞琉克斯 有，娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 这是我的司库；我的主，请您问问他，我有没有为我自己留下什么；要是他所言不实，请治他以应得之罪。老实说吧，塞琉克斯。
塞琉克斯 娘娘，我宁愿闭住我的嘴唇，不愿说一句和事实不符的话。
克莉奥佩特拉 我藏起了什么？
塞琉克斯 您所藏起的珍宝的价值，可以抵得过您所呈献出来的一切。
凯撒 不必脸红，克莉奥佩特拉，我佩服你这件事干得聪明。
克莉奥佩特拉 瞧！凯撒！啊，瞧，有权有势的人多么被人趋附；我的人现在都变成您的人啦；要是我们易地相处，您的人也会变成我的人的。这个塞琉克斯如此没有良心，真叫人切齿痛恨。啊，奴才！你这跟买卖的爱情一样靠不住的家伙！什么！你想逃走吗？好，凭你躲到哪儿去，我要抓住你的眼珠，即使它们会长出翅膀飞走。奴才，没有灵魂的恶人，狗！啊，卑鄙不堪的东西！
凯撒 好女王，看在我的脸上，请息怒吧。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊，凯撒！今天多蒙你降尊纡贵，辱临我这柔弱无用的人，谁知道我自己的仆人竟会存着这样狠毒的居心，当面给人如此难堪的羞辱！好凯撒，假如说，我替自己保留了一些女人家的玩意儿，一些不重要的小东西，像我们平常送给泛泛之交的那一类饰物；假如说，我还另外藏起一些预备送给莉维娅和奥克泰维娅的比较值钱的纪念品，因为希望她们替我说两句好话；是不是我必须向一个被我豢养的人禀报明白？神啊！这是一个比国破家亡更痛心的打击。（向塞琉克斯）请你离开这里，否则我要从命运的冷灰里，燃起我的愤怒的余烬了。你倘是一个人，你应该同情我的。
凯撒 走开，塞琉克斯。（塞琉克斯下。）
克莉奥佩特拉 我们掌握大权的时候，往往因为别人的过失而担负世间的指责；可是我们失势以后，却谁也不把别人的功德归在我们身上，而对我们表示善意的同情。
凯撒 克莉奥佩特拉，不论是你所私藏的或是献纳的珍宝，我都没有把它们作为战利品而加以没收的意思；它们永远是属于你的，你可以把它们随意处分。相信我，凯撒不是一个唯利是图的商人，会跟人家争夺一些商人手里的货品，所以你安心吧，不要把你自己拘囚在你的忧思之中；不要这样，亲爱的女王，因为我们在决定把你怎样处置以前，还要先征求你自己的意见。吃得饱饱的，睡得好好的；我们对你非常关切而同情，你应该始终把我当作你的朋友。好，再见。
克莉奥佩特拉 我的主人和君王！
凯撒 不要这样。再见。（喇叭奏花腔。凯撒率侍从下。）
克莉奥佩特拉 他用好听的话骗我，姑娘们，他用好听的话骗我，使我不能做一个光明正大的人。可是你听我说，查米恩。（向查米恩耳语。）
伊拉丝 完了，好娘娘；光明的白昼已经过去，黑暗是我们的份了。
克莉奥佩特拉 你赶快再去一次；我已经说过，那东西早预备好了；你去催促一下。
查米恩 娘娘，我就去。
道拉培拉重上。
道拉培拉 女王在什么地方？
查米恩 瞧，先生。（下。）
克莉奥佩特拉 道拉培拉！
道拉培拉 娘娘，我已经宣誓向您掬献我的忠诚，所以我要来禀告您这一个消息：凯撒准备取道叙利亚回国，在这三天之内，他要先把您和您的孩子们遣送就道。请您自己决定应付的办法，我总算已经履行您的旨意和我的诺言了。
克莉奥佩特拉 道拉培拉，我永远感激你的恩德。
道拉培拉 我是您的永远的仆人。再会，好女王；我必须侍候凯撒去。
克莉奥佩特拉 再会，谢谢你。（道拉培拉下）伊拉丝，你看怎么样？你，一个埃及的木偶人，将要在罗马被众人观览，正像我一样；那些操着百工贱役的奴才们，披着油腻的围裙，拿着木尺斧锤，将要把我们高举起来，让大家都能看见；他们浓重腥臭的呼吸将要包围着我们，使我们不得不咽下他们那股难闻的气息。
伊拉丝 天神保佑不要有这样的事！
克莉奥佩特拉 不，那是免不了的，伊拉丝。放肆的卫士们将要追逐我们像追逐娼妓一样；歌功颂德的诗人们将要用荒腔走韵的谣曲吟咏我们；俏皮的喜剧伶人们将要把我们编成即兴的戏剧，扮演我们亚历山大里亚的欢宴。安东尼将要以一个醉汉的姿态登场，而我将要看见一个逼尖了喉音的男童穿着克莉奥佩特拉的冠服卖弄着淫妇的风情。
伊拉丝 神啊！
克莉奥佩特拉 那是免不了的。
伊拉丝 我决不让我的眼睛看见这种事情；因为我相信我的指爪比我的眼睛更强。
克莉奥佩特拉 那才是一个有志气的办法，叫他们白白准备了一场，让他们看不见他们荒谬的梦想的实现。
查米恩重上。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊，查米恩，来，我的姑娘们，替我穿上女王的装束；去把我最华丽的衣裳拿来；我要再到昔特纳斯河去和玛克·安东尼相会。伊拉丝，去。现在，好查米恩，我们必须快点；等你侍候我穿扮完毕以后，我就放你一直玩到世界的末日。把我的王冠和一切全都拿来。（伊拉丝下；内喧声）为什么有这种声音？
一卫士上。
卫士 有一个乡下人一定要求见陛下；他给您送无花果来了。
克莉奥佩特拉 让他进来。（卫士下）一件高贵的行动，却会完成在一个卑微的人的手里！他给我送自由来了。我的决心已经打定，我的全身不再有一点女人的柔弱；现在我从头到脚，都像大理石一般坚定；现在我的心情再也不像月亮一般变幻无常了。
卫士率小丑持篮重上。
卫士 就是这个人。
克莉奥佩特拉 出去，把他留在这儿。（卫士下）你有没有把那能够致人于死命而毫无痛苦的那种尼罗河里的可爱的虫儿捉来？
小丑 不瞒您说，捉是捉来了；可是我希望您千万不要碰它，因为它咬起人来谁都没有命的，给它咬死的人，难得有活过来的，简直没有一个人活得过来。
克莉奥佩特拉 你记得有什么人给它咬死吗？
小丑 多得很哪，男的女的全有。昨天我还听见有一个人这样死了；是一个很老实的女人，可是她也会撒几句谎，一个老实的女人是可以撒几句谎的，她就是给它咬死的，死得才惨哩。不瞒您说，她把这条虫儿怎样咬她的情形活灵活现地全讲给人家听啦；不过她们的话也不是完全可以相信的。总而言之，这是一条古怪的虫，这可是没有错儿的。
克莉奥佩特拉 你去吧；再会！
小丑 但愿这条虫儿给您极大的快乐！（将篮放下。）
克莉奥佩特拉 再会！
小丑 您可要记着，这条虫儿也是一样会咬人的。
克莉奥佩特拉 好，好，再会！
小丑 你还要留心，千万别把这条虫儿交在一个笨头笨脑的人手里；因为这是一条不怀好意的虫。
克莉奥佩特拉 你不必担忧，我们留心着就是了。
小丑 很好。请您不用给它吃什么东西，因为它是不值得养活的。
克莉奥佩特拉 它会不会吃我？
小丑 您不要以为我是那么蠢，我也知道就是魔鬼也不会吃女人的，我知道女人是天神的爱宠，要是魔鬼没有把她弄坏。可是不瞒您说，这些婊子生的魔鬼老爱跟天神捣蛋，天神造下来的女人，十个中间倒有五个是给魔鬼弄坏了的。
克莉奥佩特拉 好，你去吧；再会！
小丑 是，是；我希望这条虫儿给您快乐！（下。）
伊拉丝捧冠服等上。
克莉奥佩特拉 把我的衣服给我，替我把王冠戴上；我心里怀着永生的渴望；埃及葡萄的芳酿从此再也不会沾润我的嘴唇。快点，快点，好伊拉丝；赶快。我仿佛听见安东尼的呼唤；我看见他站起来，夸奖我的壮烈的行动；我听见他在嘲笑凯撒的幸运；我的夫，我来了。但愿我的勇气为我证明我可以做你的妻子而无愧！我是火，我是风；我身上其余的原素，让它们随着污浊的皮囊同归于腐朽吧。你们好了吗？那么来，接受我嘴唇上最后的温暖。再会，善良的查米恩、伊拉丝，永别了！（吻查米恩、伊拉丝，伊拉丝倒地死）难道我的嘴唇上也有毒蛇的汁液吗？你倒下了吗？要是你这样轻轻地就和生命分离，那么死神的刺击正像情人手下的一捻，虽然疼痛，却是心愿的。你静静地躺着不动了吗？要是你就这样死了，你分明告诉世人，死生之际，连告别的形式也是多事的。
查米恩 溶解吧，密密的乌云，化成雨点落下来吧；这样我就可以说，天神也伤心得流起眼泪来了。
克莉奥佩特拉 我不应该这样卑劣地留恋着人间；要是她先遇见了鬈发的安东尼，他一定会向她问起我；她将要得到他的第一个吻，夺去我天堂中无上的快乐。来，你杀人的毒物，（自篮中取小蛇置胸前）用你的利齿咬断这一个生命的葛藤吧；可怜的蠢东西，张开你的怒口，赶快完成你的使命。啊！但愿你能够说话，让我听你称那伟大的凯撒为一头无谋的驴子。
查米恩 东方的明星啊！
克莉奥佩特拉 静，静！你没有见我的婴孩在我的胸前吮吸乳汁，使我安然睡去吗？
查米恩 啊，我的心碎了！啊，我的心碎了！
克莉奥佩特拉 像香膏一样甜蜜，像微风一样温柔——啊，安东尼！——让我把你也拿起来。（取另一蛇置臂上）我还有什么留恋呢——（死。）
查米恩 在这万恶的世间？再会吧！现在，死神，你可以夸耀了，一个绝世的佳人已经为你所占有。软绵绵的窗户啊，关上了吧；闪耀着金光的福玻斯再也看不见这样一双华贵的眼睛！你的王冠歪了，让我替你戴正，然后我也可以玩去了。
众卫士疾趋上。
卫士甲 女王在什么地方？
查米恩 说话轻一些，不要惊醒她。
卫士甲 凯撒已经差了人来——
查米恩 来得太迟了。（取一蛇置胸前）啊！快点，快点；我已经有点觉得了。
卫士甲 喂，过来！事情不大对；凯撒受了骗啦。
卫士乙 凯撒差来的道拉培拉就在外边；叫他来。
卫士甲 这儿出了什么事啦！查米恩，这算是你们干的好事吗？
查米恩 干得很好，一个世代冠冕的王家之女是应该堂堂而死的。啊，军人！（死。）
道拉培拉上。
道拉培拉 这儿发生了什么事啦？
卫士乙 都死了。
道拉培拉 凯撒，你也曾想到她们会采取这种惊人的行动，虽然你想竭力阻止她们，她们毕竟做出来给你看了。（内呼声，“让开！凯撒来了！”）
凯撒率全体扈从重上。
道拉培拉 啊！主上，您真是未卜先知；您的担忧果然成为事实了。
凯撒 她最后终究显出了无比的勇敢；她推翻了我们的计划，为了她自身的尊严，决定了她自己应该走的路。她们是怎样死的？我没有看见她们流血。
道拉培拉 什么人最后跟她们在一起？
卫士甲 一个送无花果来的愚蠢的乡人；这就是他的篮子。
凯撒 那么一定是服了毒啦。
卫士甲 啊，凯撒！这查米恩刚才还活着；她还站着说话；我看见她在替她已死的女王整饬那头上的宝冠；她的身子发抖，她站立不稳，于是就突然倒在地上。
凯撒 啊，英勇的柔弱！她们要是服了毒药，她们的身体一定会发肿；可是瞧她好像睡去一般，似乎在她温柔而有力的最后挣扎之中，她要捉住另外一个安东尼的样子。
道拉培拉 这儿在她的胸前有一道血痕，还有一个小小的裂口；在她的臂上也是这样。
卫士甲 这是蛇咬过的痕迹；这些无花果叶上还有粘土，正像在尼罗河沿岸那些蛇洞边所长的叶子一样。
凯撒 她多半是这样死去的；因为她的侍医告诉我，她曾经访求无数易死的秘方。抬起她的眠床来；把她的侍女抬下陵墓。她将要和她的安东尼同穴而葬；世上再也不会有第二座坟墓怀抱着这样一双著名的情侣。像这样重大的事件，亲手造成的人也不能不深深感动；他们这一段悲惨的历史，成就了一个人的光荣，可是也赢得了世间无限的同情。我们的军队将要用隆重庄严的仪式参加他们的葬礼，然后再回到罗马去。来，道拉培拉，我们对于这一次饰终盛典，必须保持非常整肃的秩序。（同下。）
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
注释
爱昔斯（Isis），埃及神话中司丰饶蕃殖的女神。
托勒密（Ptolemy），公元前三世纪至公元前一世纪埃及王室的名字。
即赫剌克勒斯。
即埃阿斯。
Alexandria. A room in CLEOPATRA’s palace.
[Enter DEMETRIUS and PHILO]
Philo. Nay, but this dotage of our general's
O'erflows the measure: those his goodly eyes,
That o'er the files and musters of the war
Have glow'd like plated Mars, now bend, now turn, 5
The office and devotion of their view
Upon a tawny front: his captain's heart,
Which in the scuffles of great fights hath burst
The buckles on his breast, reneges all temper,
And is become the bellows and the fan 10
To cool a gipsy's lust.
[Flourish. Enter ANTONY, CLEOPATRA, her Ladies,]
the Train, with Eunuchs fanning her]
Look, where they come:
Take but good note, and you shall see in him. 15
The triple pillar of the world transform'd
Into a strumpet's fool: behold and see.
Cleopatra. If it be love indeed, tell me how much.
Antony. There's beggary in the love that can be reckon'd.
Cleopatra. I'll set a bourn how far to be beloved. 20Antony. Then must thou needs find out new heaven, new earth.
[Enter an Attendant]
Attendant. News, my good lord, from Rome.
Antony. Grates me: the sum.
Cleopatra. Nay, hear them, Antony: 25
Fulvia perchance is angry; or, who knows
If the scarce-bearded Caesar have not sent
His powerful mandate to you, 'Do this, or this;
Take in that kingdom, and enfranchise that;
Perform 't, or else we damn thee.' 30Antony. How, my love!
Cleopatra. Perchance! nay, and most like:
You must not stay here longer, your dismission
Is come from Caesar; therefore hear it, Antony.
Where's Fulvia's process? Caesar's I would say? both? 35
Call in the messengers. As I am Egypt's queen,
Thou blushest, Antony; and that blood of thine
Is Caesar's homager: else so thy cheek pays shame
When shrill-tongued Fulvia scolds. The messengers!
Antony. Let Rome in Tiber melt, and the wide arch 40
Of the ranged empire fall! Here is my space.
Kingdoms are clay: our dungy earth alike
Feeds beast as man: the nobleness of life
Is to do thus; when such a mutual pair
[Embracing] 45
And such a twain can do't, in which I bind,
On pain of punishment, the world to weet
We stand up peerless.
Cleopatra. Excellent falsehood!
Why did he marry Fulvia, and not love her? 50
I'll seem the fool I am not; Antony
Will be himself.
Antony. But stirr'd by Cleopatra.
Now, for the love of Love and her soft hours,
Let's not confound the time with conference harsh: 55
There's not a minute of our lives should stretch
Without some pleasure now. What sport tonight?
Cleopatra. Hear the ambassadors.
Antony. Fie, wrangling queen!
Whom every thing becomes, to chide, to laugh, 60
To weep; whose every passion fully strives
To make itself, in thee, fair and admired!
No messenger, but thine; and all alone
To-night we'll wander through the streets and note
The qualities of people. Come, my queen; 65
Last night you did desire it: speak not to us.
[Exeunt MARK ANTONY and CLEOPATRA with]
their train]
Demetrius. Is Caesar with Antonius prized so slight?
Philo. Sir, sometimes, when he is not Antony, 70
He comes too short of that great property
Which still should go with Antony.
Demetrius. I am full sorry
That he approves the common liar, who
Thus speaks of him at Rome: but I will hope 75
Of better deeds to-morrow. Rest you happy!
[Exeunt]
RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act I, Scene 2
The same. Another room.
[Enter CHARMIAN, IRAS, ALEXAS, and a Soothsayer]
Charmian. Lord Alexas, sweet Alexas, most any thing Alexas,
almost most absolute Alexas, where's the soothsayer 80
that you praised so to the queen? O, that I knew
this husband, which, you say, must charge his horns
with garlands!
Alexas. Soothsayer!
Soothsayer. Your will? 85Charmian. Is this the man? Is't you, sir, that know things?
Soothsayer. In nature's infinite book of secrecy
A little I can read.
Alexas. Show him your hand.
[Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]
Domitius Enobarus. Bring in the banquet quickly; wine enough
Cleopatra's health to drink.
Charmian. Good sir, give me good fortune.
Soothsayer. I make not, but foresee.
Charmian. Pray, then, foresee me one. 95Soothsayer. You shall be yet far fairer than you are.
Charmian. He means in flesh.
Iras. No, you shall paint when you are old.
Charmian. Wrinkles forbid!
Alexas. Vex not his prescience; be attentive. 100Charmian. Hush!
Soothsayer. You shall be more beloving than beloved.
Charmian. I had rather heat my liver with drinking.
Alexas. Nay, hear him.
Charmian. Good now, some excellent fortune! Let me be married 105
to three kings in a forenoon, and widow them all:
let me have a child at fifty, to whom Herod of Jewry
may do homage: find me to marry me with Octavius
Caesar, and companion me with my mistress.
Soothsayer. You shall outlive the lady whom you serve. 110Charmian. O excellent! I love long life better than figs.
Soothsayer. You have seen and proved a fairer former fortune
Than that which is to approach.
Charmian. Then belike my children shall have no names:
prithee, how many boys and wenches must I have? 115Soothsayer. If every of your wishes had a womb.
And fertile every wish, a million.
Charmian. Out, fool! I forgive thee for a witch.
Alexas. You think none but your sheets are privy to your wishes.
Charmian. Nay, come, tell Iras hers. 120Alexas. We'll know all our fortunes.
Domitius Enobarus. Mine, and most of our fortunes, to-night, shall
be—drunk to bed.
Iras. There's a palm presages chastity, if nothing else.
Charmian. E'en as the o'erflowing Nilus presageth famine. 125Iras. Go, you wild bedfellow, you cannot soothsay.
Charmian. Nay, if an oily palm be not a fruitful
prognostication, I cannot scratch mine ear. Prithee,
tell her but a worky-day fortune.
Soothsayer. Your fortunes are alike. 130Iras. But how, but how? give me particulars.
Soothsayer. I have said.
Iras. Am I not an inch of fortune better than she?
Charmian. Well, if you were but an inch of fortune better than
I, where would you choose it? 135Iras. Not in my husband's nose.
Charmian. Our worser thoughts heavens mend! Alexas,—come,
his fortune, his fortune! O, let him marry a woman
that cannot go, sweet Isis, I beseech thee! and let
her die too, and give him a worse! and let worst 140
follow worse, till the worst of all follow him
laughing to his grave, fifty-fold a cuckold! Good
Isis, hear me this prayer, though thou deny me a
matter of more weight; good Isis, I beseech thee!
Iras. Amen. Dear goddess, hear that prayer of the people! 145
for, as it is a heartbreaking to see a handsome man
loose-wived, so it is a deadly sorrow to behold a
foul knave uncuckolded: therefore, dear Isis, keep
decorum, and fortune him accordingly!
Charmian. Amen. 150Alexas. Lo, now, if it lay in their hands to make me a
cuckold, they would make themselves whores, but
they'ld do't!
Domitius Enobarus. Hush! here comes Antony.
Charmian. Not he; the queen. 155[Enter CLEOPATRA]
Cleopatra. Saw you my lord?
Domitius Enobarus. No, lady.
Cleopatra. Was he not here?
Charmian. No, madam. 160Cleopatra. He was disposed to mirth; but on the sudden
A Roman thought hath struck him. Enobarbus!
Domitius Enobarus. Madam?
Cleopatra. Seek him, and bring him hither.
Where's Alexas? 165Alexas. Here, at your service. My lord approaches.
Cleopatra. We will not look upon him: go with us.
[Exeunt]
[Enter MARK ANTONY with a Messenger and Attendants]
Messenger. Fulvia thy wife first came into the field. 170Antony. Against my brother Lucius?
Messenger. Ay:
But soon that war had end, and the time's state
Made friends of them, joining their force 'gainst Caesar;
Whose better issue in the war, from Italy, 175
Upon the first encounter, drave them.
Antony. Well, what worst?
Messenger. The nature of bad news infects the teller.
Antony. When it concerns the fool or coward. On:
Things that are past are done with me. 'Tis thus: 180
Who tells me true, though in his tale lie death,
I hear him as he flatter'd.
Messenger. Labienus—
This is stiff news—hath, with his Parthian force,
Extended Asia from Euphrates; 185
His conquering banner shook from Syria
To Lydia and to Ionia; Whilst—
Antony. Antony, thou wouldst say,—
Messenger. O, my lord!
Antony. Speak to me home, mince not the general tongue: 190
Name Cleopatra as she is call'd in Rome;
Rail thou in Fulvia's phrase; and taunt my faults
With such full licence as both truth and malice
Have power to utter. O, then we bring forth weeds,
When our quick minds lie still; and our ills told us 195
Is as our earing. Fare thee well awhile.
Messenger. At your noble pleasure.
[Exit]
Antony. From Sicyon, ho, the news! Speak there!
First Attendant. The man from Sicyon,—is there such an one? 200Second Attendant. He stays upon your will.
Antony. Let him appear.
These strong Egyptian fetters I must break,
Or lose myself in dotage.
[Enter another Messenger] 205
What are you?
Second Messenger. Fulvia thy wife is dead.
Antony. Where died she?
Second Messenger. In Sicyon:
Her length of sickness, with what else more serious 210
Importeth thee to know, this bears.
[Gives a letter]
Antony. Forbear me.
[Exit Second Messenger]
There's a great spirit gone! Thus did I desire it: 215
What our contempt doth often hurl from us,
We wish it ours again; the present pleasure,
By revolution lowering, does become
The opposite of itself: she's good, being gone;
The hand could pluck her back that shoved her on. 220
I must from this enchanting queen break off:
Ten thousand harms, more than the ills I know,
My idleness doth hatch. How now! Enobarbus!
[Re-enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]
Domitius Enobarus. What's your pleasure, sir? 225Antony. I must with haste from hence.
Domitius Enobarus. Why, then, we kill all our women:
we see how mortal an unkindness is to them;
if they suffer our departure, death's the word.
Antony. I must be gone. 230Domitius Enobarus. Under a compelling occasion, let women die; it were
pity to cast them away for nothing; though, between
them and a great cause, they should be esteemed
nothing. Cleopatra, catching but the least noise of
this, dies instantly; I have seen her die twenty 235
times upon far poorer moment: I do think there is
mettle in death, which commits some loving act upon
her, she hath such a celerity in dying.
Antony. She is cunning past man's thought.
[Exit ALEXAS]
Domitius Enobarus. Alack, sir, no; her passions are made of nothing but
the finest part of pure love: we cannot call her
winds and waters sighs and tears; they are greater
storms and tempests than almanacs can report: this
cannot be cunning in her; if it be, she makes a 245
shower of rain as well as Jove.
Antony. Would I had never seen her.
Domitius Enobarus. O, sir, you had then left unseen a wonderful piece
of work; which not to have been blest withal would
have discredited your travel. 250Antony. Fulvia is dead.
Domitius Enobarus. Sir?
Antony. Fulvia is dead.
Domitius Enobarus. Fulvia!
Antony. Dead. 255Domitius Enobarus. Why, sir, give the gods a thankful sacrifice. When
it pleaseth their deities to take the wife of a man
from him, it shows to man the tailors of the earth;
comforting therein, that when old robes are worn
out, there are members to make new. If there were 260
no more women but Fulvia, then had you indeed a cut,
and the case to be lamented: this grief is crowned
with consolation; your old smock brings forth a new
petticoat: and indeed the tears live in an onion
that should water this sorrow. 265Antony. The business she hath broached in the state
Cannot endure my absence.
Domitius Enobarus. And the business you have broached here cannot be
without you; especially that of Cleopatra's, which
wholly depends on your abode. 270Antony. No more light answers. Let our officers
Have notice what we purpose. I shall break
The cause of our expedience to the queen,
And get her leave to part. For not alone
The death of Fulvia, with more urgent touches, 275
Do strongly speak to us; but the letters too
Of many our contriving friends in Rome
Petition us at home: Sextus Pompeius
Hath given the dare to Caesar, and commands
The empire of the sea: our slippery people, 280
Whose love is never link'd to the deserver
Till his deserts are past, begin to throw
Pompey the Great and all his dignities
Upon his son; who, high in name and power,
Higher than both in blood and life, stands up 285
For the main soldier: whose quality, going on,
The sides o' the world may danger: much is breeding,
Which, like the courser's hair, hath yet but life,
And not a serpent's poison. Say, our pleasure,
To such whose place is under us, requires 290
Our quick remove from hence.
Domitius Enobarus. I shall do't.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act I, Scene 3
The same. Another room.
[Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and ALEXAS]
Cleopatra. Where is he? 295Charmian. I did not see him since.
Cleopatra. See where he is, who's with him, what he does:
I did not send you: if you find him sad,
Say I am dancing; if in mirth, report
That I am sudden sick: quick, and return. 300[Exit ALEXAS]
Charmian. Madam, methinks, if you did love him dearly,
You do not hold the method to enforce
The like from him.
Cleopatra. What should I do, I do not? 305Charmian. In each thing give him way, cross him nothing.
Cleopatra. Thou teachest like a fool; the way to lose him.
Charmian. Tempt him not so too far; I wish, forbear:
In time we hate that which we often fear.
But here comes Antony. 310[Enter MARK ANTONY]
Cleopatra. I am sick and sullen.
Antony. I am sorry to give breathing to my purpose,—
Cleopatra. Help me away, dear Charmian; I shall fall:
It cannot be thus long, the sides of nature 315
Will not sustain it.
Antony. Now, my dearest queen,—
Cleopatra. Pray you, stand further from me.
Antony. What's the matter?
Cleopatra. I know, by that same eye, there's some good news. 320
What says the married woman? 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.
Antony. The gods best know,— 325Cleopatra. O, never was there queen
So mightily betray'd! yet at the first
I saw the treasons planted.
Antony. Cleopatra,—
Cleopatra. Why should I think you can be mine and true, 330
Though you in swearing shake the throned gods,
Who have been false to Fulvia? Riotous madness,
To be entangled with those mouth-made vows,
Which break themselves in swearing!
Antony. Most sweet queen,— 335Cleopatra. Nay, pray you, seek no colour for your going,
But bid farewell, and go: when you sued staying,
Then was the time for words: no going then;
Eternity was in our lips and eyes,
Bliss in our brows' bent; none our parts so poor, 340
But was a race of heaven: they are so still,
Or thou, the greatest soldier of the world,
Art turn'd the greatest liar.
Antony. How now, lady!
Cleopatra. I would I had thy inches; thou shouldst know 345
There were a heart in Egypt.
Antony. Hear me, queen:
The strong necessity of time commands
Our services awhile; but my full heart
Remains in use with you. Our Italy 350
Shines o'er with civil swords: Sextus Pompeius
Makes his approaches to the port of Rome:
Equality of two domestic powers
Breed scrupulous faction: the hated, grown to strength,
Are newly grown to love: the condemn'd Pompey, 355
Rich in his father's honour, creeps apace,
Into the hearts of such as have not thrived
Upon the present state, whose numbers threaten;
And quietness, grown sick of rest, would purge
By any desperate change: my more particular, 360
And that which most with you should safe my going,
Is Fulvia's death.
Cleopatra. Though age from folly could not give me freedom,
It does from childishness: can Fulvia die?
Antony. She's dead, my queen: 365
Look here, and at thy sovereign leisure read
The garboils she awaked; at the last, best:
See when and where she died.
Cleopatra. O most false love!
Where be the sacred vials thou shouldst fill 370
With sorrowful water? Now I see, I see,
In Fulvia's death, how mine received shall be.
Antony. Quarrel no more, but be prepared to know
The purposes I bear; which are, or cease,
As you shall give the advice. By the fire 375
That quickens Nilus' slime, I go from hence
Thy soldier, servant; making peace or war
As thou affect'st.
Cleopatra. Cut my lace, Charmian, come;
But let it be: I am quickly ill, and well, 380
So Antony loves.
Antony. My precious queen, forbear;
And give true evidence to his love, which stands
An honourable trial.
Cleopatra. So Fulvia told me. 385
I prithee, turn aside and weep for her,
Then bid adieu to me, and say the tears
Belong to Egypt: good now, play one scene
Of excellent dissembling; and let it look
Life perfect honour. 390Antony. You'll heat my blood: no more.
Cleopatra. You can do better yet; but this is meetly.
Antony. Now, by my sword,—
Cleopatra. And target. Still he mends;
But this is not the best. Look, prithee, Charmian, 395
How this Herculean Roman does become
The carriage of his chafe.
Antony. I'll leave you, lady.
Cleopatra. Courteous lord, one word.
Sir, you and I must part, but that's not it: 400
Sir, you and I have loved, but there's not it;
That you know well: something it is I would,
O, my oblivion is a very Antony,
And I am all forgotten.
Antony. But that your royalty 405
Holds idleness your subject, I should take you
For idleness itself.
Cleopatra. 'Tis sweating labour
To bear such idleness so near the heart
As Cleopatra this. But, sir, forgive me; 410
Since my becomings kill me, when they do not
Eye 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 laurel victory! and smooth success 415
Be strew'd before your feet!
Antony. Let us go. Come;
Our separation so abides, and flies,
That thou, residing here, go'st yet with me,
And I, hence fleeting, here remain with thee. Away! 420[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act I, Scene 4
Rome. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s house.
[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, reading a letter, LEPIDUS,] [p]and their Train]
Octavius. You may see, Lepidus, and henceforth know,
It is not Caesar's natural vice to hate 425
Our great competitor: from Alexandria
This is the news: he fishes, drinks, and wastes
The lamps of night in revel; is not more man-like
Than Cleopatra; nor the queen of Ptolemy
More womanly than he; hardly gave audience, or 430
Vouchsafed to think he had partners: you shall find there
A man who is the abstract of all faults
That all men follow.
Lepidus. I must not think there are
Evils enow to darken all his goodness: 435
His faults in him seem as the spots of heaven,
More fiery by night's blackness; hereditary,
Rather than purchased; what he cannot change,
Than what he chooses.
Octavius. You are too indulgent. Let us grant, it is not 440
Amiss to tumble on the bed of Ptolemy;
To give a kingdom for a mirth; to sit
And keep the turn of tippling with a slave;
To reel the streets at noon, and stand the buffet
With knaves that smell of sweat: say this 445
becomes him,—
As his composure must be rare indeed
Whom these things cannot blemish,—yet must Antony
No way excuse his soils, when we do bear
So great weight in his lightness. If he fill'd 450
His vacancy with his voluptuousness,
Full surfeits, and the dryness of his bones,
Call on him for't: but to confound such time,
That drums him from his sport, and speaks as loud
As his own state and ours,—'tis to be chid 455
As we rate boys, who, being mature in knowledge,
Pawn their experience to their present pleasure,
And so rebel to judgment.
[Enter a Messenger]
Lepidus. Here's more news. 460Messenger. Thy biddings have been done; and every hour,
Most noble Caesar, shalt thou have report
How 'tis abroad. Pompey is strong at sea;
And it appears he is beloved of those
That only have fear'd Caesar: to the ports 465
The discontents repair, and men's reports
Give him much wrong'd.
Octavius. I should have known no less.
It hath been taught us from the primal state,
That he which is was wish'd until he were; 470
And the ebb'd man, ne'er loved till ne'er worth love,
Comes dear'd by being lack'd. This common body,
Like to a vagabond flag upon the stream,
Goes to and back, lackeying the varying tide,
To rot itself with motion. 475Messenger. Caesar, I bring thee word,
Menecrates and Menas, famous pirates,
Make the sea serve them, which they ear and wound
With keels of every kind: many hot inroads
They make in Italy; the borders maritime 480
Lack blood to think on't, and flush youth revolt:
No vessel can peep forth, but 'tis as soon
Taken as seen; for Pompey's name strikes more
Than could his war resisted.
Octavius. Antony, 485
Leave thy lascivious wassails. When thou once
Wast beaten from Modena, where thou slew'st
Hirtius and Pansa, consuls, at thy heel
Did famine follow; whom thou fought'st against,
Though daintily brought up, with patience more 490
Than savages could suffer: thou didst drink
The stale of horses, and the gilded puddle
Which beasts would cough at: thy palate then did deign
The roughest berry on the rudest hedge;
Yea, like the stag, when snow the pasture sheets, 495
The barks of trees thou browsed'st; 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—
Was borne so like a soldier, that thy cheek 500
So much as lank'd not.
Lepidus. 'Tis pity of him.
Octavius. Let his shames quickly
Drive him to Rome: 'tis time we twain
Did show ourselves i' the field; and to that end 505
Assemble we immediate council: Pompey
Thrives in our idleness.
Lepidus. To-morrow, Caesar,
I shall be furnish'd to inform you rightly
Both what by sea and land I can be able 510
To front this present time.
Octavius. Till which encounter,
It is my business too. Farewell.
Lepidus. Farewell, my lord: what you shall know meantime
Of stirs abroad, I shall beseech you, sir, 515
To let me be partaker.
Octavius. Doubt not, sir;
I knew it for my bond.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act I, Scene 5
Alexandria. CLEOPATRA’s palace.
[Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and MARDIAN]
Cleopatra. Charmian!
Charmian. Madam?
Cleopatra. Ha, ha!
Give me to drink mandragora.
Charmian. Why, madam? 525Cleopatra. That I might sleep out this great gap of time
My Antony is away.
Charmian. You think of him too much.
Cleopatra. O, 'tis treason!
Charmian. Madam, I trust, not so. 530Cleopatra. Thou, eunuch Mardian!
Mardian. What's your highness' pleasure?
Cleopatra. Not now to hear thee sing; I take no pleasure
In aught an eunuch has: 'tis well for thee,
That, being unseminar'd, thy freer thoughts 535
May not fly forth of Egypt. Hast thou affections?
Mardian. Yes, gracious madam.
Cleopatra. Indeed!
Mardian. Not in deed, madam; for I can do nothing
But what indeed is honest to be done: 540
Yet have I fierce affections, and think
What Venus did with Mars.
Cleopatra. O Charmian,
Where think'st thou he is now? Stands he, or sits he?
Or does he walk? or is he on his horse? 545
O happy horse, to bear the weight of Antony!
Do bravely, horse! for wot'st thou whom thou movest?
The demi-Atlas of this earth, the arm
And burgonet of men. He's speaking now,
Or murmuring 'Where's my serpent of old Nile?' 550
For so he calls me: now I feed myself
With most delicious poison. Think on me,
That am with Phoebus' amorous pinches black,
And wrinkled deep in time? Broad-fronted Caesar,
When thou wast here above the ground, I was 555
A morsel for a monarch: and great Pompey
Would stand and make his eyes grow in my brow;
There would he anchor his aspect and die
With looking on his life.
[Enter ALEXAS, from OCTAVIUS CAESAR]
Alexas. Sovereign of Egypt, hail!
Cleopatra. How much unlike art thou Mark Antony!
Yet, coming from him, that great medicine hath
With his tinct gilded thee.
How goes it with my brave Mark Antony? 565Alexas. Last thing he did, dear queen,
He kiss'd,—the last of many doubled kisses,—
This orient pearl. His speech sticks in my heart.
Cleopatra. Mine ear must pluck it thence.
Alexas. 'Good friend,' quoth he, 570
'Say, the firm Roman to great Egypt sends
This treasure of an oyster; at whose foot,
To mend the petty present, I will piece
Her opulent throne with kingdoms; all the east,
Say thou, shall call her mistress.' So he nodded, 575
And soberly did mount an arm-gaunt steed,
Who neigh'd so high, that what I would have spoke
Was beastly dumb'd by him.
Cleopatra. What, was he sad or merry?
Alexas. Like to the time o' the year between the extremes 580
Of hot and cold, he was nor sad nor merry.
Cleopatra. O well-divided disposition! Note him,
Note him good Charmian, 'tis the man; but note him:
He was not sad, for he would shine on those
That make their looks by his; he was not merry, 585
Which seem'd to tell them his remembrance lay
In Egypt with his joy; but between both:
O heavenly mingle! Be'st thou sad or merry,
The violence of either thee becomes,
So does it no man else. Met'st thou my posts? 590Alexas. Ay, madam, twenty several messengers:
Why do you send so thick?
Cleopatra. Who's born that day
When I forget to send to Antony,
Shall die a beggar. Ink and paper, Charmian. 595
Welcome, my good Alexas. Did I, Charmian,
Ever love Caesar so?
Charmian. O that brave Caesar!
Cleopatra. Be choked with such another emphasis!
Say, the brave Antony. 600Charmian. The valiant Caesar!
Cleopatra. By Isis, I will give thee bloody teeth,
If thou with Caesar paragon again
My man of men.
Charmian. By your most gracious pardon, 605
I sing but after you.
Cleopatra. My salad days,
When I was green in judgment: cold in blood,
To say as I said then! But, come, away;
Get me ink and paper: 610
He shall have every day a several greeting,
Or I'll unpeople Egypt.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act II, Scene 1
Messina. POMPEY’s house.
[Enter POMPEY, MENECRATES, and MENAS, in] [p]warlike manner]
Pompey. If the great gods be just, they shall assist
The deeds of justest men.
Menecrates. Know, worthy Pompey,
That what they do delay, they not deny.
Pompey. Whiles we are suitors to their throne, decays 620
The thing we sue for.
Menecrates. We, ignorant of ourselves,
Beg often our own harms, which the wise powers
Deny us for our good; so find we profit
By losing of our prayers. 625Pompey. I shall do well:
The people love me, and the sea is mine;
My powers are crescent, and my auguring hope
Says it will come to the full. Mark Antony
In Egypt sits at dinner, and will make 630
No wars without doors: Caesar gets money where
He loses hearts: Lepidus flatters both,
Of both is flatter'd; but he neither loves,
Nor either cares for him.
Menas. Caesar and Lepidus 635
Are in the field: a mighty strength they carry.
Pompey. Where have you this? 'tis false.
Menas. From Silvius, sir.
Pompey. He dreams: I know they are in Rome together,
Looking for Antony. But all the charms of love, 640
Salt 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; Epicurean cooks
Sharpen with cloyless sauce his appetite; 645
That sleep and feeding may prorogue his honour
Even till a Lethe'd dulness!
[Enter VARRIUS]
How now, Varrius!
Varrius. This is most certain that I shall deliver: 650
Mark Antony is every hour in Rome
Expected: since he went from Egypt 'tis
A space for further travel.
Pompey. I could have given less matter
A better ear. Menas, I did not think 655
This amorous surfeiter would have donn'd his helm
For such a petty war: his soldiership
Is twice the other twain: but let us rear
The higher our opinion, that our stirring
Can from the lap of Egypt's widow pluck 660
The ne'er-lust-wearied Antony.
Menas. I cannot hope
Caesar and Antony shall well greet together:
His wife that's dead did trespasses to Caesar;
His brother warr'd upon him; although, I think, 665
Not moved by Antony.
Pompey. I know not, Menas,
How lesser enmities may give way to greater.
Were't not that we stand up against them all,
'Twere pregnant they should square between 670
themselves;
For they have entertained cause enough
To draw their swords: but how the fear of us
May cement their divisions and bind up
The petty difference, we yet not know. 675
Be't as our gods will have't! It only stands
Our lives upon to use our strongest hands.
Come, Menas.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act II, Scene 2
Rome. The house of LEPIDUS.
[Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS and LEPIDUS]
Lepidus. Good Enobarbus, 'tis a worthy deed,
And shall become you well, to entreat your captain
To soft and gentle speech.
Domitius Enobarus. I shall entreat him
To answer like himself: if Caesar move him, 685
Let Antony look over Caesar's head
And speak as loud as Mars. By Jupiter,
Were I the wearer of Antonius' beard,
I would not shave't to-day.
Lepidus. 'Tis not a time 690
For private stomaching.
Domitius Enobarus. Every time
Serves for the matter that is then born in't.
Lepidus. But small to greater matters must give way.
Domitius Enobarus. Not if the small come first. 695Lepidus. Your speech is passion:
But, pray you, stir no embers up. Here comes
The noble Antony.
[Enter MARK ANTONY and VENTIDIUS]
Domitius Enobarus. And yonder, Caesar. 700[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, MECAENAS, and AGRIPPA]
Antony. If we compose well here, to Parthia:
Hark, Ventidius.
Octavius. I do not know,
Mecaenas; ask Agrippa. 705Lepidus. Noble friends,
That which combined us was most great, and let not
A leaner action rend us. What's amiss,
May it be gently heard: when we debate
Our trivial difference loud, we do commit 710
Murder in healing wounds: then, noble partners,
The rather, for I earnestly beseech,
Touch you the sourest points with sweetest terms,
Nor curstness grow to the matter.
Antony. 'Tis spoken well. 715
Were we before our armies, and to fight.
I should do thus.
[Flourish]
Octavius. Welcome to Rome.
Antony. Thank you. 720Octavius. Sit.
Antony. Sit, sir.
Octavius. Nay, then.
Antony. I learn, you take things ill which are not so,
Or being, concern you not. 725Octavius. I must be laugh'd at,
If, or for nothing or a little, I
Should say myself offended, and with you
Chiefly i' the world; more laugh'd at, that I should
Once name you derogately, when to sound your name 730
It not concern'd me.
Antony. My being in Egypt, Caesar,
What was't to you?
Octavius. No more than my residing here at Rome
Might be to you in Egypt: yet, if you there 735
Did practise on my state, your being in Egypt
Might be my question.
Antony. How intend you, practised?
Octavius. You may be pleased to catch at mine intent
By what did here befal me. Your wife and brother 740
Made wars upon me; and their contestation
Was theme for you, you were the word of war.
Antony. You do mistake your business; my brother never
Did urge me in his act: I did inquire it;
And have my learning from some true reports, 745
That drew their swords with you. Did he not rather
Discredit my authority with yours;
And make the wars alike against my stomach,
Having alike your cause? Of this my letters
Before did satisfy you. If you'll patch a quarrel, 750
As matter whole you have not to make it with,
It must not be with this.
Octavius. You praise yourself
By laying defects of judgment to me; but
You patch'd up your excuses. 755Antony. Not so, not so;
I know you could not lack, I am certain on't,
Very necessity of this thought, that I,
Your partner in the cause 'gainst which he fought,
Could not with graceful eyes attend those wars 760
Which fronted mine own peace. As for my wife,
I would you had her spirit in such another:
The third o' the world is yours; which with a snaffle
You may pace easy, but not such a wife.
Domitius Enobarus. Would we had all such wives, that the men might go 765
to wars with the women!
Antony. So much uncurbable, her garboils, Caesar
Made out of her impatience, which not wanted
Shrewdness of policy too, I grieving grant
Did you too much disquiet: for that you must 770
But say, I could not help it.
Octavius. I wrote to you
When rioting in Alexandria; you
Did pocket up my letters, and with taunts
Did gibe my missive out of audience. 775Antony. Sir,
He fell upon me ere admitted: then
Three kings I had newly feasted, and did want
Of what I was i' the morning: but next day
I told him of myself; which was as much 780
As to have ask'd him pardon. Let this fellow
Be nothing of our strife; if we contend,
Out of our question wipe him.
Octavius. You have broken
The article of your oath; which you shall never 785
Have tongue to charge me with.
Lepidus. Soft, Caesar!
Antony. No,
Lepidus, let him speak:
The honour is sacred which he talks on now, 790
Supposing that I lack'd it. But, on, Caesar;
The article of my oath.
Octavius. To lend me arms and aid when I required them;
The which you both denied.
Antony. Neglected, rather; 795
And then when poison'd hours had bound me up
From mine own knowledge. As nearly as I may,
I'll play the penitent to you: but mine honesty
Shall not make poor my greatness, nor my power
Work without it. Truth is, that Fulvia, 800
To have me out of Egypt, made wars here;
For which myself, the ignorant motive, do
So far ask pardon as befits mine honour
To stoop in such a case.
Lepidus. 'Tis noble spoken. 805Mecaenas. If it might please you, to enforce no further
The griefs between ye: to forget them quite
Were to remember that the present need
Speaks to atone you.
Lepidus. Worthily spoken, Mecaenas. 810Domitius Enobarus. Or, if you borrow one another's love for the
instant, you may, when you hear no more words of
Pompey, return it again: you shall have time to
wrangle in when you have nothing else to do.
Antony. Thou art a soldier only: speak no more. 815Domitius Enobarus. That truth should be silent I had almost forgot.
Antony. You wrong this presence; therefore speak no more.
Domitius Enobarus. Go to, then; your considerate stone.
Octavius. I do not much dislike the matter, but
The manner of his speech; for't cannot be 820
We shall remain in friendship, our conditions
So differing in their acts. Yet if I knew
What hoop should hold us stanch, from edge to edge
O' the world I would pursue it.
Agrippa. Give me leave, Caesar,— 825Octavius. Speak, Agrippa.
Agrippa. Thou hast a sister by the mother's side,
Admired Octavia: great Mark Antony
Is now a widower.
Octavius. Say not so, Agrippa: 830
If Cleopatra heard you, your reproof
Were well deserved of rashness.
Antony. I am not married, Caesar: let me hear
Agrippa further speak.
Agrippa. To hold you in perpetual amity, 835
To make you brothers, and to knit your hearts
With an unslipping knot, take Antony
Octavia to his wife; whose beauty claims
No worse a husband than the best of men;
Whose virtue and whose general graces speak 840
That which none else can utter. By this marriage,
All little jealousies, which now seem great,
And all great fears, which now import their dangers,
Would then be nothing: truths would be tales,
Where now half tales be truths: her love to both 845
Would, each to other and all loves to both,
Draw after her. Pardon what I have spoke;
For 'tis a studied, not a present thought,
By duty ruminated.
Antony. Will Caesar speak? 850Octavius. Not till he hears how Antony is touch'd
With what is spoke already.
Antony. What power is in Agrippa,
If I would say, 'Agrippa, be it so,'
To make this good? 855Octavius. The power of Caesar, and
His power unto Octavia.
Antony. May I never
To this good purpose, that so fairly shows,
Dream of impediment! Let me have thy hand: 860
Further this act of grace: and from this hour
The heart of brothers govern in our loves
And sway our great designs!
Octavius. There is my hand.
A sister I bequeath you, whom no brother 865
Did ever love so dearly: let her live
To join our kingdoms and our hearts; and never
Fly off our loves again!
Lepidus. Happily, amen!
Antony. I did not think to draw my sword 'gainst Pompey; 870
For he hath laid strange courtesies and great
Of late upon me: I must thank him only,
Lest my remembrance suffer ill report;
At heel of that, defy him.
Lepidus. Time calls upon's: 875
Of us must Pompey presently be sought,
Or else he seeks out us.
Antony. Where lies he?
Octavius. About the mount Misenum.
Antony. What is his strength by land? 880Octavius. Great and increasing: but by sea
He is an absolute master.
Antony. So is the fame.
Would we had spoke together! Haste we for it:
Yet, ere we put ourselves in arms, dispatch we 885
The business we have talk'd of.
Octavius. With most gladness:
And do invite you to my sister's view,
Whither straight I'll lead you.
Antony. Let us, Lepidus, 890
Not lack your company.
Lepidus. Noble Antony,
Not sickness should detain me.
[Flourish. Exeunt OCTAVIUS CAESAR, MARK ANTONY,]
and LEPIDUS] 895Mecaenas. Welcome from Egypt, sir.
Domitius Enobarus. Half the heart of Caesar, worthy Mecaenas! My
honourable friend, Agrippa!
Agrippa. Good Enobarbus!
Mecaenas. We have cause to be glad that matters are so well 900
digested. You stayed well by 't in Egypt.
Domitius Enobarus. Ay, sir; we did sleep day out of countenance, and
made the night light with drinking.
Mecaenas. Eight wild-boars roasted whole at a breakfast, and
but twelve persons there; is this true? 905Domitius Enobarus. This was but as a fly by an eagle: we had much more
monstrous matter of feast, which worthily deserved noting.
Mecaenas. She's a most triumphant lady, if report be square to
her.
Domitius Enobarus. When she first met Mark Antony, she pursed up 910
his heart, upon the river of Cydnus.
Agrippa. There she appeared indeed; or my reporter devised
well for her.
Domitius Enobarus. I will tell you.
The barge she sat in, like a burnish'd throne, 915
Burn'd on the water: the poop was beaten gold;
Purple the sails, and so perfumed that
The winds were love-sick with them; the oars were silver,
Which to the tune of flutes kept stroke, and made
The water which they beat to follow faster, 920
As amorous of their strokes. For her own person,
It beggar'd all description: she did lie
In her pavilion—cloth-of-gold of tissue—
O'er-picturing that Venus where we see
The fancy outwork nature: on each side her 925
Stood pretty dimpled boys, like smiling Cupids,
With divers-colour'd fans, whose wind did seem
To glow the delicate cheeks which they did cool,
And what they undid did.
Agrippa. O, rare for Antony! 930Domitius Enobarus. Her gentlewomen, like the Nereides,
So many mermaids, tended her i' the eyes,
And made their bends adornings: at the helm
A seeming mermaid steers: the silken tackle
Swell with the touches of those flower-soft hands, 935
That yarely frame the office. From the barge
A strange invisible perfume hits the sense
Of the adjacent wharfs. The city cast
Her people out upon her; and Antony,
Enthroned i' the market-place, did sit alone, 940
Whistling to the air; which, but for vacancy,
Had gone to gaze on Cleopatra too,
And made a gap in nature.
Agrippa. Rare Egyptian!
Domitius Enobarus. Upon her landing, Antony sent to her, 945
Invited her to supper: she replied,
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 barber'd ten times o'er, goes to the feast, 950
And for his ordinary pays his heart
For what his eyes eat only.
Agrippa. Royal wench!
She made great Caesar lay his sword to bed:
He plough'd her, and she cropp'd. 955Domitius Enobarus. I saw her once
Hop forty paces through the public street;
And having lost her breath, she spoke, and panted,
That she did make defect perfection,
And, breathless, power breathe forth. 960Mecaenas. Now Antony must leave her utterly.
Domitius Enobarus. Never; he will not:
Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale
Her infinite variety: other women cloy
The appetites they feed: but she makes hungry 965
Where most she satisfies; for vilest things
Become themselves in her: that the holy priests
Bless her when she is riggish.
Mecaenas. If beauty, wisdom, modesty, can settle
The heart of Antony, Octavia is 970
A blessed lottery to him.
Agrippa. Let us go.
Good Enobarbus, make yourself my guest
Whilst you abide here.
Domitius Enobarus. Humbly, sir, I thank you. 975[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act II, Scene 3
The same. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s house.
[Enter MARK ANTONY, OCTAVIUS CAESAR, OCTAVIA between] [p]them, and Attendants]
Antony. The world and my great office will sometimes
Divide me from your bosom. 980Octavia. All which time
Before the gods my knee shall bow my prayers
To them for you.
Antony. Good night, sir. My Octavia,
Read not my blemishes in the world's report: 985
I have not kept my square; but that to come
Shall all be done by the rule. Good night, dear lady.
Good night, sir.
Octavius. Good night.
[Exeunt OCTAVIUS CAESAR and OCTAVIA]
[Enter Soothsayer]
Antony. Now, sirrah; you do wish yourself in Egypt?
Soothsayer. Would I had never come from thence, nor you Thither!
Antony. If you can, your reason?
Soothsayer. I see it in 995
My motion, have it not in my tongue: but yet
Hie you to Egypt again.
Antony. Say to me,
Whose fortunes shall rise higher, Caesar's or mine?
Soothsayer. Caesar's. 1000
Therefore, O Antony, stay not by his side:
Thy demon, that's thy spirit which keeps thee, is
Noble, courageous high, unmatchable,
Where Caesar's is not; but, near him, thy angel
Becomes a fear, as being o'erpower'd: therefore 1005
Make space enough between you.
Antony. Speak this no more.
Soothsayer. To none but thee; no more, but when to thee.
If thou dost play with him at any game,
Thou art sure to lose; and, of that natural luck, 1010
He beats thee 'gainst the odds: thy lustre thickens,
When he shines by: I say again, thy spirit
Is all afraid to govern thee near him;
But, he away, 'tis noble.
Antony. Get thee gone: 1015
Say to Ventidius I would speak with him:
[Exit Soothsayer]
He shall to Parthia. Be it art or hap,
He hath spoken true: the very dice obey him;
And in our sports my better cunning faints 1020
Under his chance: if we draw lots, he speeds;
His cocks do win the battle still of mine,
When it is all to nought; and his quails ever
Beat mine, inhoop'd, at odds. I will to Egypt:
And though I make this marriage for my peace, 1025
I' the east my pleasure lies.
[Enter VENTIDIUS]
O, come, Ventidius,
You must to Parthia: your commission's ready;
Follow me, and receive't. 1030[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act II, Scene 4
The same. A street.
[Enter LEPIDUS, MECAENAS, and AGRIPPA]
Lepidus. Trouble yourselves no further: pray you, hasten
Your generals after.
Agrippa. Sir, Mark Antony 1035
Will e'en but kiss Octavia, and we'll follow.
Lepidus. Till I shall see you in your soldier's dress,
Which will become you both, farewell.
Mecaenas. We shall,
As I conceive the journey, be at the Mount 1040
Before you, Lepidus.
Lepidus. Your way is shorter;
My purposes do draw me much about:
You'll win two days upon me.
Mecaenas. [with Agrippa] Sir, good success! 1045Lepidus. Farewell.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act II, Scene 5
Alexandria. CLEOPATRA’s palace.
[Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and ALEXAS]
Cleopatra. Give me some music; music, moody food
Of us that trade in love. 1050Attendants. The music, ho!
[Enter MARDIAN]
Cleopatra. Let it alone; let's to billiards: come, Charmian.
Charmian. My arm is sore; best play with Mardian.
Cleopatra. As well a woman with an eunuch play'd 1055
As with a woman. Come, you'll play with me, sir?
Mardian. As well as I can, madam.
Cleopatra. And when good will is show'd, though't come
too short,
The actor may plead pardon. I'll none now: 1060
Give me mine angle; we'll to the river: there,
My music playing far off, I will betray
Tawny-finn'd fishes; my bended hook shall pierce
Their slimy jaws; and, as I draw them up,
I'll think them every one an Antony, 1065
And say 'Ah, ha! you're caught.'
Charmian. 'Twas merry when
You wager'd on your angling; when your diver
Did hang a salt-fish on his hook, which he
With fervency drew up. 1070Cleopatra. That time,—O times!—
I laugh'd him out of patience; and that night
I laugh'd him into patience; and next morn,
Ere the ninth hour, I drunk him to his bed;
Then put my tires and mantles on him, whilst 1075
I wore his sword Philippan.
[Enter a Messenger]
O, from Italy
Ram thou thy fruitful tidings in mine ears,
That long time have been barren. 1080Messenger. Madam, madam,—
Cleopatra. Antonius dead!—If thou say so, villain,
Thou kill'st thy mistress: but well and free,
If thou so yield him, there is gold, and here
My bluest veins to kiss; a hand that kings 1085
Have lipp'd, and trembled kissing.
Messenger. First, madam, he is well.
Cleopatra. Why, there's more gold.
But, sirrah, mark, we use
To say the dead are well: bring it to that, 1090
The gold I give thee will I melt and pour
Down thy ill-uttering throat.
Messenger. Good madam, hear me.
Cleopatra. Well, go to, I will;
But there's no goodness in thy face: if Antony 1095
Be free and healthful,—so tart a favour
To trumpet such good tidings! If not well,
Thou shouldst come like a Fury crown'd with snakes,
Not like a formal man.
Messenger. Will't please you hear me? 1100Cleopatra. I have a mind to strike thee ere thou speak'st:
Yet if thou say Antony lives, is well,
Or friends with Caesar, or not captive to him,
I'll set thee in a shower of gold, and hail
Rich pearls upon thee. 1105Messenger. Madam, he's well.
Cleopatra. Well said.
Messenger. And friends with Caesar.
Cleopatra. Thou'rt an honest man.
Messenger. Caesar and he are greater friends than ever. 1110Cleopatra. Make thee a fortune from me.
Messenger. But yet, madam,—
Cleopatra. I do not like 'But yet,' it does allay
The good precedence; fie upon 'But yet'!
'But yet' is as a gaoler to bring forth 1115
Some monstrous malefactor. Prithee, friend,
Pour 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.
Messenger. Free, madam! no; I made no such report: 1120
He's bound unto Octavia.
Cleopatra. For what good turn?
Messenger. For the best turn i' the bed.
Cleopatra. I am pale, Charmian.
Messenger. Madam, he's married to Octavia. 1125Cleopatra. The most infectious pestilence upon thee!
[Strikes him down]
Messenger. Good madam, patience.
Cleopatra. What say you? Hence,
[Strikes him again] 1130
Horrible villain! or I'll spurn thine eyes
Like balls before me; I'll unhair thy head:
[She hales him up and down]
Thou shalt be whipp'd with wire, and stew'd in brine,
Smarting in lingering pickle. 1135Messenger. Gracious madam,
I that do bring the news made not the match.
Cleopatra. Say 'tis not so, a province I will give thee,
And make thy fortunes proud: the blow thou hadst
Shall make thy peace for moving me to rage; 1140
And I will boot thee with what gift beside
Thy modesty can beg.
Messenger. He's married, madam.
Cleopatra. Rogue, thou hast lived too long.
[Draws a knife]
Messenger. Nay, then I'll run.
What mean you, madam? I have made no fault.
[Exit]
Charmian. Good madam, keep yourself within yourself:
The man is innocent. 1150Cleopatra. Some innocents 'scape not the thunderbolt.
Melt Egypt into Nile! and kindly creatures
Turn all to serpents! Call the slave again:
Though I am mad, I will not bite him: call.
Charmian. He is afeard to come. 1155Cleopatra. I will not hurt him.
[Exit CHARMIAN]
These hands do lack nobility, that they strike
A meaner than myself; since I myself
Have given myself the cause. 1160
[Re-enter CHARMIAN and Messenger]
Come hither, sir.
Though it be honest, it is never good
To bring bad news: give to a gracious message.
An host of tongues; but let ill tidings tell 1165
Themselves when they be felt.
Messenger. I have done my duty.
Cleopatra. Is he married?
I cannot hate thee worser than I do,
If thou again say 'Yes.' 1170Messenger. He's married, madam.
Cleopatra. The gods confound thee! dost thou hold there still?
Messenger. Should I lie, madam?
Cleopatra. O, I would thou didst,
So half my Egypt were submerged and made 1175
A cistern for scaled snakes! Go, get thee hence:
Hadst thou Narcissus in thy face, to me
Thou wouldst appear most ugly. He is married?
Messenger. I crave your highness' pardon.
Cleopatra. He is married? 1180Messenger. Take no offence that I would not offend you:
To punish me for what you make me do.
Seems much unequal: he's married to Octavia.
Cleopatra. O, that his fault should make a knave of thee,
That art not what thou'rt sure of! Get thee hence: 1185
The merchandise which thou hast brought from Rome
Are all too dear for me: lie they upon thy hand,
And be undone by 'em!
[Exit Messenger]
Charmian. Good your highness, patience. 1190Cleopatra. In praising Antony, I have dispraised Caesar.
Charmian. Many times, madam.
Cleopatra. I am paid for't now.
Lead me from hence:
I faint: O Iras, Charmian! 'tis no matter. 1195
Go to the fellow, good Alexas; bid him
Report the feature of Octavia, her years,
Her inclination, let him not leave out
The colour of her hair: bring me word quickly.
[Exit ALEXAS] 1200
Let him for ever go:—let him not—Charmian,
Though he be painted one way like a Gorgon,
The other way's a Mars. Bid you Alexas
[To MARDIAN]
Bring me word how tall she is. Pity me, Charmian, 1205
But do not speak to me. Lead me to my chamber.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act II, Scene 6
Near Misenum.
[Flourish. Enter POMPEY and MENAS at one door,] [p]with drum and trumpet: at another, OCTAVIUS CAESAR, [p]MARK ANTONY, LEPIDUS, DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS, MECAENAS, [p]with Soldiers marching]
Pompey. Your hostages I have, so have you mine;
And we shall talk before we fight.
Octavius. Most meet
That first we come to words; and therefore have we 1215
Our written purposes before us sent;
Which, if thou hast consider'd, let us know
If 'twill tie up thy discontented sword,
And carry back to Sicily much tall youth
That else must perish here. 1220Pompey. To you all three,
The senators alone of this great world,
Chief factors for the gods, I do not know
Wherefore my father should revengers want,
Having a son and friends; since Julius Caesar, 1225
Who at Philippi the good Brutus ghosted,
There saw you labouring for him. What was't
That moved pale Cassius to conspire; and what
Made the all-honour'd, honest Roman, Brutus,
With the arm'd rest, courtiers and beauteous freedom, 1230
To drench the Capitol; but that they would
Have one man but a man? And that is it
Hath made me rig my navy; at whose burthen
The anger'd ocean foams; with which I meant
To scourge the ingratitude that despiteful Rome 1235
Cast on my noble father.
Octavius. Take your time.
Antony. Thou canst not fear us, Pompey, with thy sails;
We'll speak with thee at sea: at land, thou know'st
How much we do o'er-count thee. 1240Pompey. At land, indeed,
Thou dost o'er-count me of my father's house:
But, since the cuckoo builds not for himself,
Remain in't as thou mayst.
Lepidus. Be pleased to tell us— 1245
For this is from the present—how you take
The offers we have sent you.
Octavius. There's the point.
Antony. Which do not be entreated to, but weigh
What it is worth embraced. 1250Octavius. And what may follow,
To try a larger fortune.
Pompey. You have made me offer
Of Sicily, Sardinia; and I must
Rid all the sea of pirates; then, to send 1255
Measures of wheat to Rome; this 'greed upon
To part with unhack'd edges, and bear back
Our targes undinted.
Octavius. [with Antony and Lepidus] That's our offer.
Pompey. Know, then, 1260
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 of it by telling, you must know,
When Caesar and your brother were at blows, 1265
Your mother came to Sicily and did find
Her welcome friendly.
Antony. I have heard it, Pompey;
And am well studied for a liberal thanks
Which I do owe you. 1270Pompey. Let me have your hand:
I did not think, sir, to have met you here.
Antony. The beds i' the east are soft; and thanks to you,
That call'd me timelier than my purpose hither;
For I have gain'd by 't. 1275Octavius. Since I saw you last,
There is a change upon you.
Pompey. Well, I know not
What counts harsh fortune casts upon my face;
But in my bosom shall she never come, 1280
To make my heart her vassal.
Lepidus. Well met here.
Pompey. I hope so, Lepidus. Thus we are agreed:
I crave our composition may be written,
And seal'd between us. 1285Octavius. That's the next to do.
Pompey. We'll feast each other ere we part; and let's
Draw lots who shall begin.
Antony. That will I, Pompey.
Pompey. No, Antony, take the lot: but, first 1290
Or last, your fine Egyptian cookery
Shall have the fame. I have heard that Julius Caesar
Grew fat with feasting there.
Antony. You have heard much.
Pompey. I have fair meanings, sir. 1295Antony. And fair words to them.
Pompey. Then so much have I heard:
And I have heard, Apollodorus carried—
Domitius Enobarus. No more of that: he did so.
Pompey. What, I pray you? 1300Domitius Enobarus. A certain queen to Caesar in a mattress.
Pompey. I know thee now: how farest thou, soldier?
Domitius Enobarus. Well;
And well am like to do; for, I perceive,
Four feasts are toward. 1305Pompey. Let me shake thy hand;
I never hated thee: I have seen thee fight,
When I have envied thy behavior.
Domitius Enobarus. Sir,
I never loved you much; but I ha' praised ye, 1310
When you have well deserved ten times as much
As I have said you did.
Pompey. Enjoy thy plainness,
It nothing ill becomes thee.
Aboard my galley I invite you all: 1315
Will you lead, lords?
Octavius. [with Antony and Lepidus]
Pompey. Come.
[Exeunt all but MENAS and ENOBARBUS]
Menas. [Aside] Thy father, Pompey, would ne'er have 1320
made this treaty.—You and I have known, sir.
Domitius Enobarus. At sea, I think.
Menas. We have, sir.
Domitius Enobarus. You have done well by water.
Menas. And you by land. 1325Domitius Enobarus. I will praise any man that will praise me; though it
cannot be denied what I have done by land.
Menas. Nor what I have done by water.
Domitius Enobarus. Yes, something you can deny for your own
safety: you have been a great thief by sea. 1330Menas. And you by land.
Domitius Enobarus. There I deny my land service. But give me your
hand, Menas: if our eyes had authority, here they
might take two thieves kissing.
Menas. All men's faces are true, whatsome'er their hands are. 1335Domitius Enobarus. But there is never a fair woman has a true face.
Menas. No slander; they steal hearts.
Domitius Enobarus. We came hither to fight with you.
Menas. For my part, I am sorry it is turned to a drinking.
Pompey doth this day laugh away his fortune. 1340Domitius Enobarus. If he do, sure, he cannot weep't back again.
Menas. You've said, sir. We looked not for Mark Antony
here: pray you, is he married to Cleopatra?
Domitius Enobarus. Caesar's sister is called Octavia.
Menas. True, sir; she was the wife of Caius Marcellus. 1345Domitius Enobarus. But she is now the wife of Marcus Antonius.
Menas. Pray ye, sir?
Domitius Enobarus. 'Tis true.
Menas. Then is Caesar and he for ever knit together.
Domitius Enobarus. If I were bound to divine of this unity, I would 1350
not prophesy so.
Menas. I think the policy of that purpose made more in the
marriage than the love of the parties.
Domitius Enobarus. I think so too. But you shall find, the band that
seems to tie their friendship together will be the 1355
very strangler of their amity: Octavia is of a
holy, cold, and still conversation.
Menas. Who would not have his wife so?
Domitius Enobarus. Not he that himself is not so; which is Mark Antony.
He will to his Egyptian dish again: then shall the 1360
sighs of Octavia blow the fire up in Caesar; and, as
I said before, that which is the strength of their
amity shall prove the immediate author of their
variance. Antony will use his affection where it is:
he married but his occasion here. 1365Menas. And thus it may be. Come, sir, will you aboard?
I have a health for you.
Domitius Enobarus. I shall take it, sir: we have used our throats in Egypt.
Menas. Come, let's away.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act II, Scene 7
On board POMPEY’s galley, off Misenum.
[Music plays. Enter two or three Servants with] [p]a banquet]
First Servant. Here they'll be, man. Some o' their plants are
ill-rooted already: the least wind i' the world
will blow them down. 1375Second Servant. Lepidus is high-coloured.
First Servant. They have made him drink alms-drink.
Second Servant. As they pinch one another by the disposition, he
cries out 'No more;' reconciles them to his
entreaty, and himself to the drink. 1380First Servant. But it raises the greater war between him and
his discretion.
Second Servant. Why, this is to have a name in great men's
fellowship: I had as lief have a reed that will do
me no service as a partisan I could not heave. 1385First Servant. To be called into a huge sphere, and not to be seen
to move in't, are the holes where eyes should be,
which pitifully disaster the cheeks.
[A sennet sounded. Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, MARK]
ANTONY, LEPIDUS, POMPEY, AGRIPPA, MECAENAS, 1390
DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS, MENAS, with other captains]
Antony. [To OCTAVIUS CAESAR] Thus do they, sir: they take
the flow o' the Nile
By certain scales i' the pyramid; they know,
By the height, the lowness, or the mean, if dearth 1395
Or foison follow: the higher Nilus swells,
The more it promises: as it ebbs, the seedsman
Upon the slime and ooze scatters his grain,
And shortly comes to harvest.
Lepidus. You've strange serpents there. 1400Antony. Ay, Lepidus.
Lepidus. Your serpent of Egypt is bred now of your mud by the
operation of your sun: so is your crocodile.
Antony. They are so.
Pompey. Sit,—and some wine! A health to Lepidus! 1405Lepidus. I am not so well as I should be, but I'll ne'er out.
Domitius Enobarus. Not till you have slept; I fear me you'll be in till then.
Lepidus. Nay, certainly, I have heard the Ptolemies'
pyramises are very goodly things; without
contradiction, I have heard that. 1410Menas. [Aside to POMPEY] Pompey, a word.
Pompey. [Aside to MENAS] Say in mine ear:
what is't?
Menas. [Aside to POMPEY] Forsake thy seat, I do beseech
thee, captain, 1415
And hear me speak a word.
Pompey. [Aside to MENAS] Forbear me till anon.
This wine for Lepidus!
Lepidus. What manner o' thing is your crocodile?
Antony. It is shaped, sir, like itself; and it is as broad 1420
as it hath breadth: it is just so high as it is,
and moves with its own organs: it lives by that
which nourisheth it; and the elements once out of
it, it transmigrates.
Lepidus. What colour is it of? 1425Antony. Of it own colour too.
Lepidus. 'Tis a strange serpent.
Antony. 'Tis so. And the tears of it are wet.
Octavius. Will this description satisfy him?
Antony. With the health that Pompey gives him, else he is a 1430
very epicure.
Pompey. [Aside to MENAS] Go hang, sir, hang! Tell me of
that? away!
Do as I bid you. Where's this cup I call'd for?
Menas. [Aside to POMPEY] If for the sake of merit thou 1435
wilt hear me,
Rise from thy stool.
Pompey. [Aside to MENAS] I think thou'rt mad.
The matter?
[Rises, and walks aside]
Menas. I have ever held my cap off to thy fortunes.
Pompey. Thou hast served me with much faith. What's else to say?
Be jolly, lords.
Antony. These quick-sands, Lepidus,
Keep off them, for you sink. 1445Menas. Wilt thou be lord of all the world?
Pompey. What say'st thou?
Menas. Wilt thou be lord of the whole world? That's twice.
Pompey. How should that be?
Menas. But entertain it, 1450
And, though thou think me poor, I am the man
Will give thee all the world.
Pompey. Hast thou drunk well?
Menas. Now, Pompey, I have kept me from the cup.
Thou art, if thou darest be, the earthly Jove: 1455
Whate'er the ocean pales, or sky inclips,
Is thine, if thou wilt ha't.
Pompey. Show me which way.
Menas. These three world-sharers, these competitors,
Are in thy vessel: let me cut the cable; 1460
And, when we are put off, fall to their throats:
All there is thine.
Pompey. Ah, this thou shouldst have done,
And not have spoke on't! In me 'tis villany;
In thee't had been good service. Thou must know, 1465
'Tis not my profit that does lead mine honour;
Mine honour, it. Repent that e'er thy tongue
Hath so betray'd thine act: being done unknown,
I should have found it afterwards well done;
But must condemn it now. Desist, and drink. 1470Menas. [Aside] For this,
I'll never follow thy pall'd fortunes more.
Who seeks, and will not take when once 'tis offer'd,
Shall never find it more.
Pompey. This health to Lepidus! 1475Antony. Bear him ashore. I'll pledge it for him, Pompey.
Domitius Enobarus. Here's to thee, Menas!
Menas. Enobarbus, welcome!
Pompey. Fill till the cup be hid.
Domitius Enobarus. There's a strong fellow, Menas. 1480[Pointing to the Attendant who carries off LEPIDUS]
Menas. Why?
Domitius Enobarus. A' bears the third part of the world, man; see'st
not?
Menas. The third part, then, is drunk: would it were all, 1485
That it might go on wheels!
Domitius Enobarus. Drink thou; increase the reels.
Menas. Come.
Pompey. This is not yet an Alexandrian feast.
Antony. It ripens towards it. Strike the vessels, ho? 1490
Here is to Caesar!
Octavius. I could well forbear't.
It's monstrous labour, when I wash my brain,
And it grows fouler.
Antony. Be a child o' the time. 1495Octavius. Possess it, I'll make answer:
But I had rather fast from all four days
Than drink so much in one.
Domitius Enobarus. Ha, my brave emperor!
[To MARK ANTONY] 1500
Shall we dance now the Egyptian Bacchanals,
And celebrate our drink?
Pompey. Let's ha't, good soldier.
Antony. Come, let's all take hands,
Till that the conquering wine hath steep'd our sense 1505
In soft and delicate Lethe.
Domitius Enobarus. All take hands.
Make battery to our ears with the loud music:
The while I'll place you: then the boy shall sing;
The holding every man shall bear as loud 1510
As his strong sides can volley.
[Music plays. DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS places them]
hand in hand]
THE SONG.
Come, thou monarch of the vine, 1515
Plumpy Bacchus with pink eyne!
In thy fats our cares be drown'd,
With thy grapes our hairs be crown'd:
Cup us, till the world go round,
Cup us, till the world go round! 1520Octavius. What would you more? Pompey, good night. Good brother,
Let me request you off: our graver business
Frowns at this levity. Gentle lords, let's part;
You see we have burnt our cheeks: strong Enobarb
Is weaker than the wine; and mine own tongue 1525
Splits what it speaks: the wild disguise hath almost
Antick'd us all. What needs more words? Good night.
Good Antony, your hand.
Pompey. I'll try you on the shore.
Antony. And shall, sir; give's your hand. 1530Pompey. O Antony,
You have my father's house,—But, what? we are friends.
Come, down into the boat.
Domitius Enobarus. Take heed you fall not.
[Exeunt all but DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS and MENAS] 1535
Menas, I'll not on shore.
Menas. No, to my cabin.
These drums! these trumpets, flutes! what!
Let Neptune hear we bid a loud farewell
To these great fellows: sound and be hang'd, sound out! 1540[Sound a flourish, with drums]
Domitius Enobarus. Ho! says a' There's my cap.
Menas. Ho! Noble captain, come.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 1
A plain in Syria.
[Enter VENTIDIUS as it were in triumph, with SILIUS,] [p]and other Romans, Officers, and Soldiers; the dead [p]body of PACORUS borne before him]
Ventidius. Now, darting Parthia, art thou struck; and now
Pleased fortune does of Marcus Crassus' death
Make me revenger. Bear the king's son's body 1550
Before our army. Thy Pacorus, Orodes,
Pays this for Marcus Crassus.
Silius. Noble Ventidius,
Whilst yet with Parthian blood thy sword is warm,
The fugitive Parthians follow; spur through Media, 1555
Mesopotamia, and the shelters whither
The routed fly: so thy grand captain Antony
Shall set thee on triumphant chariots and
Put garlands on thy head.
Ventidius. O Silius, Silius, 1560
I have done enough; a lower place, note well,
May make 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 won 1565
More in their officer than person: Sossius,
One of my place in Syria, his lieutenant,
For quick accumulation of renown,
Which he achieved by the minute, lost his favour.
Who does i' the wars more than his captain can 1570
Becomes his captain's captain: and ambition,
The soldier's virtue, rather makes choice of loss,
Than gain which darkens him.
I could do more to do Antonius good,
But 'twould offend him; and in his offence 1575
Should my performance perish.
Silius. Thou hast, Ventidius,
that
Without the which a soldier, and his sword,
Grants scarce distinction. Thou wilt write to Antony! 1580Ventidius. I'll humbly signify what in his name,
That magical word of war, we have effected;
How, with his banners and his well-paid ranks,
The ne'er-yet-beaten horse of Parthia
We have jaded out o' the field. 1585Silius. Where is he now?
Ventidius. He purposeth to Athens: whither, with what haste
The weight we must convey with's will permit,
We shall appear before him. On there; pass along!
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 2
Rome. An ante-chamber in OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s house.
[Enter AGRIPPA at one door, DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS] [p]at another]
Agrippa. What, are the brothers parted?
Domitius Enobarus. They have dispatch'd with Pompey, he is gone;
The other three are sealing. Octavia weeps 1595
To part from Rome; Caesar is sad; and Lepidus,
Since Pompey's feast, as Menas says, is troubled
With the green sickness.
Agrippa. 'Tis a noble Lepidus.
Domitius Enobarus. A very fine one: O, how he loves Caesar! 1600Agrippa. Nay, but how dearly he adores Mark Antony!
Domitius Enobarus. Caesar? Why, he's the Jupiter of men.
Agrippa. What's Antony? The god of Jupiter.
Domitius Enobarus. Spake you of Caesar? How! the non-pareil!
Agrippa. O Antony! O thou Arabian bird! 1605Domitius Enobarus. Would you praise Caesar, say 'Caesar:' go no further.
Agrippa. Indeed, he plied them both with excellent praises.
Domitius Enobarus. But he loves Caesar best; yet he loves Antony:
Ho! hearts, tongues, figures, scribes, bards,
poets, cannot 1610
Think, speak, cast, write, sing, number, ho!
His love to Antony. But as for Caesar,
Kneel down, kneel down, and wonder.
Agrippa. Both he loves.
Domitius Enobarus. They are his shards, and he their beetle. 1615
[Trumpets within]
So;
This is to horse. Adieu, noble Agrippa.
Agrippa. Good fortune, worthy soldier; and farewell.
[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, MARK ANTONY, LEPIDUS, and OCTAVIA]
Antony. No further, sir.
Octavius. You take from me a great part of myself;
Use me well in 't. Sister, prove such a wife
As my thoughts make thee, and as my farthest band
Shall pass on thy approof. Most noble Antony, 1625
Let not the piece of virtue, which is set
Betwixt us as the cement of our love,
To keep it builded, be the ram to batter
The fortress of it; for better might we
Have loved without this mean, if on both parts 1630
This be not cherish'd.
Antony. Make me not offended
In your distrust.
Octavius. I have said.
Antony. You shall not find, 1635
Though you be therein curious, the least cause
For what you seem to fear: so, the gods keep you,
And make the hearts of Romans serve your ends!
We will here part.
Octavius. Farewell, my dearest sister, fare thee well: 1640
The elements be kind to thee, and make
Thy spirits all of comfort! fare thee well.
Octavia. My noble brother!
Antony. The April 's in her eyes: it is love's spring,
And these the showers to bring it on. Be cheerful. 1645Octavia. Sir, look well to my husband's house; and—
Octavius. What, Octavia?
Octavia. I'll tell you in your ear.
Antony. Her tongue will not obey her heart, nor can
Her heart inform her tongue,—the swan's 1650
down-feather,
That stands upon the swell at full of tide,
And neither way inclines.
Domitius Enobarus. [Aside to AGRIPPA] Will Caesar weep?
Agrippa. [Aside to DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS] He has a cloud in 's face. 1655Domitius Enobarus. [Aside to AGRIPPA] He were the worse for that,
were he a horse;
So is he, being a man.
Agrippa. [Aside to DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS] Why, Enobarbus,
When Antony found Julius Caesar dead, 1660
He cried almost to roaring; and he wept
When at Philippi he found Brutus slain.
Domitius Enobarus. [Aside to AGRIPPA] That year, indeed, he was
troubled with a rheum;
What willingly he did confound he wail'd, 1665
Believe't, till I wept too.
Octavius. No, sweet Octavia,
You shall hear from me still; the time shall not
Out-go my thinking on you.
Antony. Come, sir, come; 1670
I'll wrestle with you in my strength of love:
Look, here I have you; thus I let you go,
And give you to the gods.
Octavius. Adieu; be happy!
Lepidus. Let all the number of the stars give light 1675
To thy fair way!
Octavius. Farewell, farewell!
[Kisses OCTAVIA]
Antony. Farewell!
[Trumpets sound. Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 3
Alexandria. CLEOPATRA’s palace.
[Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and ALEXAS]
Cleopatra. Where is the fellow?
Alexas. Half afeard to come.
Cleopatra. Go to, go to.
[Enter the Messenger as before] 1685
Come hither, sir.
Alexas. Good majesty,
Herod of Jewry dare not look upon you
But when you are well pleased.
Cleopatra. That Herod's head 1690
I'll have: but how, when Antony is gone
Through whom I might command it? Come thou near.
Messenger. Most gracious majesty,—
Cleopatra. Didst thou behold Octavia?
Messenger. Ay, dread queen. 1695Cleopatra. Where?
Messenger. Madam, in Rome;
I look'd her in the face, and saw her led
Between her brother and Mark Antony.
Cleopatra. Is she as tall as me? 1700Messenger. She is not, madam.
Cleopatra. Didst hear her speak? is she shrill-tongued or low?
Messenger. Madam, I heard her speak; she is low-voiced.
Cleopatra. That's not so good: he cannot like her long.
Charmian. Like her! O Isis! 'tis impossible. 1705Cleopatra. I think so, Charmian: dull of tongue, and dwarfish!
What majesty is in her gait? Remember,
If e'er thou look'dst on majesty.
Messenger. She creeps:
Her motion and her station are as one; 1710
She shows a body rather than a life,
A statue than a breather.
Cleopatra. Is this certain?
Messenger. Or I have no observance.
Charmian. Three in Egypt 1715
Cannot make better note.
Cleopatra. He's very knowing;
I do perceive't: there's nothing in her yet:
The fellow has good judgment.
Charmian. Excellent. 1720Cleopatra. Guess at her years, I prithee.
Messenger. Madam,
She was a widow,—
Cleopatra. Widow! Charmian, hark.
Messenger. And I do think she's thirty. 1725Cleopatra. Bear'st thou her face in mind? is't long or round?
Messenger. Round even to faultiness.
Cleopatra. For the most part, too, they are foolish that are so.
Her hair, what colour?
Messenger. Brown, madam: and her forehead 1730
As low as she would wish it.
Cleopatra. There's gold for thee.
Thou must not take my former sharpness ill:
I will employ thee back again; I find thee
Most fit for business: go make thee ready; 1735
Our letters are prepared.
[Exit Messenger]
Charmian. A proper man.
Cleopatra. Indeed, he is so: I repent me much
That so I harried him. Why, methinks, by him, 1740
This creature's no such thing.
Charmian. Nothing, madam.
Cleopatra. The man hath seen some majesty, and should know.
Charmian. Hath he seen majesty? Isis else defend,
And serving you so long! 1745Cleopatra. I have one thing more to ask him yet, good Charmian:
But 'tis no matter; thou shalt bring him to me
Where I will write. All may be well enough.
Charmian. I warrant you, madam.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 4
Athens. A room in MARK ANTONY’s house.
[Enter MARK ANTONY and OCTAVIA]
Antony. Nay, nay, Octavia, not only that,—
That were excusable, that, and thousands more
Of semblable import,—but he hath waged
New wars 'gainst Pompey; made his will, and read it 1755
To public ear:
Spoke scantly of me: when perforce he could not
But pay me terms of honour, cold and sickly
He vented them; most narrow measure lent me:
When the best hint was given him, he not took't, 1760
Or did it from his teeth.
Octavia. O my good lord,
Believe not all; or, if you must believe,
Stomach not all. A more unhappy lady,
If this division chance, ne'er stood between, 1765
Praying for both parts:
The good gods me presently,
When I shall pray, 'O bless my lord and husband!'
Undo that prayer, by crying out as loud,
'O, bless my brother!' Husband win, win brother, 1770
Prays, and destroys the prayer; no midway
'Twixt these extremes at all.
Antony. Gentle Octavia,
Let your best love draw to that point, which seeks
Best to preserve it: if I lose mine honour, 1775
I lose myself: better I were not yours
Than yours so branchless. But, as you requested,
Yourself shall go between 's: the mean time, lady,
I'll raise the preparation of a war
Shall stain your brother: make your soonest haste; 1780
So your desires are yours.
Octavia. Thanks to my lord.
The Jove of power make me most weak, most weak,
Your reconciler! Wars 'twixt you twain would be
As if the world should cleave, and that slain men 1785
Should solder up the rift.
Antony. When it appears to you where this begins,
Turn your displeasure that way: for our faults
Can never be so equal, that your love
Can equally move with them. Provide your going; 1790
Choose your own company, and command what cost
Your heart has mind to.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 5
The same. Another room.
[Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS and EROS, meeting]
Domitius Enobarus. How now, friend Eros! 1795Eros. There's strange news come, sir.
Domitius Enobarus. What, man?
Eros. Caesar and Lepidus have made wars upon Pompey.
Domitius Enobarus. This is old: what is the success?
Eros. Caesar, having made use of him in the wars 'gainst 1800
Pompey, presently denied him rivality; would not let
him partake in the glory of the action: and not
resting here, accuses him of letters he had formerly
wrote to Pompey; upon his own appeal, seizes him: so
the poor third is up, till death enlarge his confine. 1805Domitius Enobarus. Then, world, thou hast a pair of chaps, no more;
And throw between them all the food thou hast,
They'll grind the one the other. Where's Antony?
Eros. He's walking in the garden—thus; and spurns
The rush that lies before him; cries, 'Fool Lepidus!' 1810
And threats the throat of that his officer
That murder'd Pompey.
Domitius Enobarus. Our great navy's rigg'd.
Eros. For Italy and Caesar. More, Domitius;
My lord desires you presently: my news 1815
I might have told hereafter.
Domitius Enobarus. 'Twill be naught:
But let it be. Bring me to Antony.
Eros. Come, sir.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 6
Rome. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s house.
[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, AGRIPPA, and MECAENAS]
Octavius. Contemning Rome, he has done all this, and more,
In Alexandria: here's the manner of 't:
I' the market-place, on a tribunal silver'd,
Cleopatra and himself in chairs of gold 1825
Were publicly enthroned: at the feet sat
Caesarion, whom they call my father's son,
And all the unlawful issue that their lust
Since then hath made between them. Unto her
He gave the stablishment of Egypt; made her 1830
Of lower Syria, Cyprus, Lydia,
Absolute queen.
Mecaenas. This in the public eye?
Octavius. I' the common show-place, where they exercise.
His sons he there proclaim'd the kings of kings: 1835
Great Media, Parthia, and Armenia.
He gave to Alexander; to Ptolemy he assign'd
Syria, Cilicia, and Phoenicia: she
In the habiliments of the goddess Isis
That day appear'd; and oft before gave audience, 1840
As 'tis reported, so.
Mecaenas. Let Rome be thus Inform'd.
Agrippa. Who, queasy with his insolence
Already, will their good thoughts call from him.
Octavius. The people know it; and have now received 1845
His accusations.
Agrippa. Who does he accuse?
Octavius. Caesar: and that, having in Sicily
Sextus Pompeius spoil'd, we had not rated him
His part o' the isle: then does he say, he lent me 1850
Some shipping unrestored: lastly, he frets
That Lepidus of the triumvirate
Should be deposed; and, being, that we detain
All his revenue.
Agrippa. Sir, this should be answer'd. 1855Octavius. 'Tis done already, and the messenger gone.
I have told him, Lepidus was grown too cruel;
That he his high authority abused,
And did deserve his change: for what I have conquer'd,
I grant him part; but then, in his Armenia, 1860
And other of his conquer'd kingdoms, I
Demand the like.
Mecaenas. He'll never yield to that.
Octavius. Nor must not then be yielded to in this.
[Enter OCTAVIA with her train]
Octavia. Hail, Caesar, and my lord! hail, most dear Caesar!
Octavius. That ever I should call thee castaway!
Octavia. You have not call'd me so, nor have you cause.
Octavius. Why have you stol'n upon us thus! You come not
Like Caesar's sister: the wife of Antony 1870
Should have an army for an usher, and
The neighs of horse to tell of her approach
Long ere she did appear; the trees by the way
Should have borne men; and expectation fainted,
Longing for what it had not; nay, the dust 1875
Should have ascended to the roof of heaven,
Raised by your populous troops: but you are come
A market-maid to Rome; and have prevented
The ostentation of our love, which, left unshown,
Is often left unloved; we should have met you 1880
By sea and land; supplying every stage
With an augmented greeting.
Octavia. Good my lord,
To come thus was I not constrain'd, but did
On my free will. My lord, Mark Antony, 1885
Hearing that you prepared for war, acquainted
My grieved ear withal; whereon, I begg'd
His pardon for return.
Octavius. Which soon he granted,
Being an obstruct 'tween his lust and him. 1890Octavia. Do not say so, my lord.
Octavius. I have eyes upon him,
And his affairs come to me on the wind.
Where is he now?
Octavia. My lord, in Athens. 1895Octavius. No, my most wronged sister; Cleopatra
Hath nodded him to her. He hath given his empire
Up to a whore; who now are levying
The kings o' the earth for war; he hath assembled
Bocchus, the king of Libya; Archelaus, 1900
Of Cappadocia; Philadelphos, king
Of Paphlagonia; the Thracian king, Adallas;
King Malchus of Arabia; King of Pont;
Herod of Jewry; Mithridates, king
Of Comagene; Polemon and Amyntas, 1905
The kings of Mede and Lycaonia,
With a more larger list of sceptres.
Octavia. Ay me, most wretched,
That have my heart parted betwixt two friends
That do afflict each other! 1910Octavius. Welcome hither:
Your letters did withhold our breaking forth;
Till we perceived, both how you were wrong led,
And we in negligent danger. Cheer your heart;
Be you not troubled with the time, which drives 1915
O'er your content these strong necessities;
But let determined things to destiny
Hold unbewail'd their way. Welcome to Rome;
Nothing more dear to me. You are abused
Beyond the mark of thought: and the high gods, 1920
To do you justice, make them ministers
Of us and those that love you. Best of comfort;
And ever welcome to us.
Agrippa. Welcome, lady.
Mecaenas. Welcome, dear madam. 1925
Each heart in Rome does love and pity you:
Only the adulterous Antony, most large
In his abominations, turns you off;
And gives his potent regiment to a trull,
That noises it against us. 1930Octavia. Is it so, sir?
Octavius. Most certain. Sister, welcome: pray you,
Be ever known to patience: my dear'st sister!
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 7
Near Actium. MARK ANTONY’s camp.
[Enter CLEOPATRA and DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]
Cleopatra. I will be even with thee, doubt it not.
Domitius Enobarus. But why, why, why?
Cleopatra. Thou hast forspoke my being in these wars,
And say'st it is not fit.
Domitius Enobarus. Well, is it, is it? 1940Cleopatra. If not denounced against us, why should not we
Be there in person?
Domitius Enobarus. [Aside] Well, I could reply:
If we should serve with horse and mares together,
The horse were merely lost; the mares would bear 1945
A soldier and his horse.
Cleopatra. What is't you say?
Domitius Enobarus. Your presence needs must puzzle Antony;
Take from his heart, take from his brain,
from's time, 1950
What should not then be spared. He is already
Traduced for levity; and 'tis said in Rome
That Photinus an eunuch and your maids
Manage this war.
Cleopatra. Sink Rome, and their tongues rot 1955
That speak against us! A charge we bear i' the war,
And, as the president of my kingdom, will
Appear there for a man. Speak not against it:
I will not stay behind.
Domitius Enobarus. Nay, I have done. 1960
Here comes the emperor.
[Enter MARK ANTONY and CANIDIUS]
Antony. Is it not strange, Canidius,
That from Tarentum and Brundusium
He could so quickly cut the Ionian sea, 1965
And take in Toryne? You have heard on't, sweet?
Cleopatra. Celerity is never more admired
Than by the negligent.
Antony. A good rebuke,
Which might have well becomed the best of men, 1970
To taunt at slackness. Canidius, we
Will fight with him by sea.
Cleopatra. By sea! what else?
Canidius. Why will my lord do so?
Antony. For that he dares us to't. 1975Domitius Enobarus. So hath my lord dared him to single fight.
Canidius. Ay, and to wage this battle at Pharsalia.
Where Caesar fought with Pompey: but these offers,
Which serve not for his vantage, be shakes off;
And so should you. 1980Domitius Enobarus. Your ships are not well mann'd;
Your mariners are muleters, reapers, people
Ingross'd by swift impress; in Caesar's fleet
Are those that often have 'gainst Pompey fought:
Their ships are yare; yours, heavy: no disgrace 1985
Shall fall you for refusing him at sea,
Being prepared for land.
Antony. By sea, by sea.
Domitius Enobarus. Most worthy sir, you therein throw away
The absolute soldiership you have by land; 1990
Distract your army, which doth most consist
Of war-mark'd footmen; leave unexecuted
Your own renowned knowledge; quite forego
The way which promises assurance; and
Give up yourself merely to chance and hazard, 1995
From firm security.
Antony. I'll fight at sea.
Cleopatra. I have sixty sails, Caesar none better.
Antony. Our overplus of shipping will we burn;
And, with the rest full-mann'd, from the head of Actium 2000
Beat the approaching Caesar. But if we fail,
We then can do't at land.
[Enter a Messenger]
Thy business?
Messenger. The news is true, my lord; he is descried; 2005
Caesar has taken Toryne.
Antony. Can he be there in person? 'tis impossible;
Strange that power should be. Canidius,
Our nineteen legions thou shalt hold by land,
And our twelve thousand horse. We'll to our ship: 2010
Away, my Thetis!
[Enter a Soldier]
How now, worthy soldier?
Soldier. O noble emperor, do not fight by sea;
Trust not to rotten planks: do you misdoubt 2015
This sword and these my wounds? Let the Egyptians
And the Phoenicians go a-ducking; we
Have used to conquer, standing on the earth,
And fighting foot to foot.
Antony. Well, well: away! 2020[Exeunt MARK ANTONY, QUEEN CLEOPATRA, and DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]
Soldier. By Hercules, I think I am i' the right.
Canidius. Soldier, thou art: but his whole action grows
Not in the power on't: so our leader's led,
And we are women's men. 2025Soldier. You keep by land
The legions and the horse whole, do you not?
Canidius. Marcus Octavius, Marcus Justeius,
Publicola, and Caelius, are for sea:
But we keep whole by land. This speed of Caesar's 2030
Carries beyond belief.
Soldier. While he was yet in Rome,
His power went out in such distractions as
Beguiled all spies.
Canidius. Who's his lieutenant, hear you? 2035Soldier. They say, one Taurus.
Canidius. Well I know the man.
[Enter a Messenger]
Messenger. The emperor calls Canidius.
Canidius. With news the time's with labour, and throes forth, 2040
Each minute, some.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 8
A plain near Actium.
[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, and TAURUS, with his army, marching]
Octavius. Taurus!
Taurus. My lord? 2045Octavius. Strike not by land; keep whole: provoke not battle,
Till we have done at sea. Do not exceed
The prescript of this scroll: our fortune lies
Upon this jump.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 9
Another part of the plain.
[Enter MARK ANTONY and DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]
Antony. Set we our squadrons on yond side o' the hill,
In eye of Caesar's battle; from which place
We may the number of the ships behold,
And so proceed accordingly. 2055[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 10
Another part of the plain.
[CANIDIUS marcheth with his land army one way over] [p]the stage; and TAURUS, the lieutenant of OCTAVIUS [p]CAESAR, the other way. After their going in, is [p]heard the noise of a sea-fight]
[Alarum. Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]
Domitius Enobarus. Naught, naught all, naught! I can behold no longer:
The Antoniad, the Egyptian admiral,
With all their sixty, fly and turn the rudder:
To see't mine eyes are blasted. 2065[Enter SCARUS]
Scarus. Gods and goddesses,
All the whole synod of them!
Domitius Enobarus. What's thy passion!
Scarus. The greater cantle of the world is lost 2070
With very ignorance; we have kiss'd away
Kingdoms and provinces.
Domitius Enobarus. How appears the fight?
Scarus. On our side like the token'd pestilence,
Where death is sure. Yon ribaudred nag of Egypt,— 2075
Whom leprosy o'ertake!—i' the midst o' the fight,
When vantage like a pair of twins appear'd,
Both as the same, or rather ours the elder,
The breese upon her, like a cow in June,
Hoists sails and flies. 2080Domitius Enobarus. That I beheld:
Mine eyes did sicken at the sight, and could not
Endure a further view.
Scarus. She once being loof'd,
The noble ruin of her magic, Antony, 2085
Claps on his sea-wing, and, like a doting mallard,
Leaving the fight in height, flies after her:
I never saw an action of such shame;
Experience, manhood, honour, ne'er before
Did violate so itself. 2090Domitius Enobarus. Alack, alack!
[Enter CANIDIUS]
Canidius. Our fortune on the sea is out of breath,
And sinks most lamentably. Had our general
Been what he knew himself, it had gone well: 2095
O, he has given example for our flight,
Most grossly, by his own!
Domitius Enobarus. Ay, are you thereabouts?
Why, then, good night indeed.
Canidius. Toward Peloponnesus are they fled. 2100Scarus. 'Tis easy to't; and there I will attend
What further comes.
Canidius. To Caesar will I render
My legions and my horse: six kings already
Show me the way of yielding. 2105Domitius Enobarus. I'll yet follow
The wounded chance of Antony, though my reason
Sits in the wind against me.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 11
Alexandria. CLEOPATRA’s palace.
[Enter MARK ANTONY with Attendants]
Antony. Hark! the land bids me tread no more upon't;
It is ashamed to bear me! Friends, come hither:
I am so lated in the world, that I
Have lost my way for ever: I have a ship
Laden with gold; take that, divide it; fly, 2115
And make your peace with Caesar.
All. Fly! not we.
Antony. I have fled myself; and have instructed cowards
To run and show their shoulders. Friends, be gone;
I have myself resolved upon a course 2120
Which has no need of you; be gone:
My treasure's in the harbour, take it. O,
I follow'd that I blush to look upon:
My very hairs do mutiny; for the white
Reprove the brown for rashness, and they them 2125
For fear and doting. Friends, be gone: you shall
Have letters from me to some friends that will
Sweep your way for you. Pray you, look not sad,
Nor make replies of loathness: take the hint
Which my despair proclaims; let that be left 2130
Which leaves itself: to the sea-side straightway:
I will possess you of that ship and treasure.
Leave me, I pray, a little: pray you now:
Nay, do so; for, indeed, I have lost command,
Therefore I pray you: I'll see you by and by. 2135
[Sits down]
[Enter CLEOPATRA led by CHARMIAN and IRAS; EROS]
following]
Eros. Nay, gentle madam, to him, comfort him.
Iras. Do, most dear queen. 2140Charmian. Do! why: what else?
Cleopatra. Let me sit down. O Juno!
Antony. No, no, no, no, no.
Eros. See you here, sir?
Antony. O fie, fie, fie! 2145Charmian. Madam!
Iras. Madam, O good empress!
Eros. Sir, sir,—
Antony. Yes, my lord, yes; he at Philippi kept
His sword e'en like a dancer; while I struck 2150
The lean and wrinkled Cassius; and 'twas I
That the mad Brutus ended: he alone
Dealt on lieutenantry, and no practise had
In the brave squares of war: yet now—No matter.
Cleopatra. Ah, stand by. 2155Eros. The queen, my lord, the queen.
Iras. Go to him, madam, speak to him:
He is unqualitied with very shame.
Cleopatra. Well then, sustain him: O!
Eros. Most noble sir, arise; the queen approaches: 2160
Her head's declined, and death will seize her, but
Your comfort makes the rescue.
Antony. I have offended reputation,
A most unnoble swerving.
Eros. Sir, the queen. 2165Antony. O, whither hast thou led me, Egypt? See,
How I convey my shame out of thine eyes
By looking back what I have left behind
'Stroy'd in dishonour.
Cleopatra. O my lord, my lord, 2170
Forgive my fearful sails! I little thought
You would have follow'd.
Antony. Egypt, thou knew'st too well
My heart was to thy rudder tied by the strings,
And thou shouldst tow me after: o'er my spirit 2175
Thy full supremacy thou knew'st, and that
Thy beck might from the bidding of the gods
Command me.
Cleopatra. O, my pardon!
Antony. Now I must 2180
To the young man send humble treaties, dodge
And palter in the shifts of lowness; who
With half the bulk o' the world play'd as I pleased,
Making and marring fortunes. You did know
How much you were my conqueror; and that 2185
My sword, made weak by my affection, would
Obey it on all cause.
Cleopatra. Pardon, pardon!
Antony. Fall not a tear, I say; one of them rates
All that is won and lost: give me a kiss; 2190
Even this repays me. We sent our schoolmaster;
Is he come back? Love, I am full of lead.
Some wine, within there, and our viands! Fortune knows
We scorn her most when most she offers blows.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 12
Egypt. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s camp.
[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, DOLABELLA, THYREUS, with others]
Octavius. Let him appear that's come from Antony.
Know you him?
Dolabella. Caesar, 'tis his schoolmaster:
An argument that he is pluck'd, when hither 2200
He sends so poor a pinion off his wing,
Which had superfluous kings for messengers
Not many moons gone by.
[Enter EUPHRONIUS, ambassador from MARK ANTONY]
Octavius. Approach, and speak. 2205Euphronius. Such as I am, I come from Antony:
I was of late as petty to his ends
As is the morn-dew on the myrtle-leaf
To his grand sea.
Octavius. Be't so: declare thine office. 2210Euphronius. Lord of his fortunes he salutes thee, and
Requires to live in Egypt: which not granted,
He lessens his requests; and to thee sues
To let him breathe between the heavens and earth,
A private man in Athens: this for him. 2215
Next, Cleopatra does confess thy greatness;
Submits her to thy might; and of thee craves
The circle of the Ptolemies for her heirs,
Now hazarded to thy grace.
Octavius. For Antony, 2220
I have no ears to his request. The queen
Of audience nor desire shall fail, so she
From Egypt drive her all-disgraced friend,
Or take his life there: this if she perform,
She shall not sue unheard. So to them both. 2225Euphronius. Fortune pursue thee!
Octavius. Bring him through the bands.
[Exit EUPHRONIUS]
[To THYREUS] To try eloquence, now 'tis time: dispatch;]
From Antony win Cleopatra: promise, 2230
And in our name, what she requires; add more,
From thine invention, offers: women are not
In their best fortunes strong; but want will perjure
The ne'er touch'd vestal: try thy cunning, Thyreus;
Make thine own edict for thy pains, which we 2235
Will answer as a law.
Thyreus. Caesar, I go.
Octavius. Observe how Antony becomes his flaw,
And what thou think'st his very action speaks
In every power that moves. 2240Thyreus. Caesar, I shall.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act III, Scene 13
Alexandria. CLEOPATRA’s palace.
[Enter CLEOPATRA, DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS, CHARMIAN, and IRAS]
Cleopatra. What shall we do, Enobarbus?
Domitius Enobarus. Think, and die. 2245Cleopatra. Is Antony or we in fault for this?
Domitius Enobarus. Antony only, that would make his will
Lord of his reason. What though you fled
From that great face of war, whose several ranges
Frighted each other? why should he follow? 2250
The itch of his affection should not then
Have nick'd his captainship; at such a point,
When half to half the world opposed, he being
The meered question: 'twas a shame no less
Than was his loss, to course your flying flags, 2255
And leave his navy gazing.
Cleopatra. Prithee, peace.
[Enter MARK ANTONY with EUPHRONIUS, the Ambassador]
Antony. Is that his answer?
Euphronius. Ay, my lord. 2260Antony. The queen shall then have courtesy, so she
Will yield us up.
Euphronius. He says so.
Antony. Let her know't.
To the boy Caesar send this grizzled head, 2265
And he will fill thy wishes to the brim
With principalities.
Cleopatra. That head, my lord?
Antony. To him again: tell him he wears the rose
Of youth upon him; from which the world should note 2270
Something particular: his coin, ships, legions,
May be a coward's; whose ministers would prevail
Under the service of a child as soon
As i' the command of Caesar: I dare him therefore
To lay his gay comparisons apart, 2275
And answer me declined, sword against sword,
Ourselves alone. I'll write it: follow me.
[Exeunt MARK ANTONY and EUPHRONIUS]
Domitius Enobarus. [Aside] Yes, like enough, high-battled Caesar will
Unstate his happiness, and be staged to the show, 2280
Against a sworder! I see men's judgments are
A parcel of their fortunes; and things outward
Do draw the inward quality after them,
To suffer all alike. That he should dream,
Knowing all measures, the full Caesar will 2285
Answer his emptiness! Caesar, thou hast subdued
His judgment too.
[Enter an Attendant]
Attendant. A messenger from CAESAR.
Cleopatra. What, no more ceremony? See, my women! 2290
Against the blown rose may they stop their nose
That kneel'd unto the buds. Admit him, sir.
[Exit Attendant]
Domitius Enobarus. [Aside] Mine honesty and I begin to square.
The loyalty well held to fools does make 2295
Our faith mere folly: yet he that can endure
To follow with allegiance a fall'n lord
Does conquer him that did his master conquer
And earns a place i' the story.
[Enter THYREUS]
Cleopatra. Caesar's will?
Thyreus. Hear it apart.
Cleopatra. None but friends: say boldly.
Thyreus. So, haply, are they friends to Antony.
Domitius Enobarus. He needs as many, sir, as Caesar has; 2305
Or needs not us. If Caesar please, our master
Will leap to be his friend: for us, you know,
Whose he is we are, and that is, Caesar's.
Thyreus. So.
Thus then, thou most renown'd: Caesar entreats, 2310
Not to consider in what case thou stand'st,
Further than he is Caesar.
Cleopatra. Go on: right royal.
Thyreus. He knows that you embrace not Antony
As you did love, but as you fear'd him. 2315Cleopatra. O!
Thyreus. The scars upon your honour, therefore, he
Does pity, as constrained blemishes,
Not as deserved.
Cleopatra. He is a god, and knows 2320
What is most right: mine honour was not yielded,
But conquer'd merely.
Domitius Enobarus. [Aside] To be sure of that,
I will ask Antony. Sir, sir, thou art so leaky,
That we must leave thee to thy sinking, for 2325
Thy dearest quit thee.
[Exit]
Thyreus. Shall I say to Caesar
What you require of him? for he partly begs
To be desired to give. It much would please him, 2330
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,
And put yourself under his shrowd,
The universal landlord. 2335Cleopatra. What's your name?
Thyreus. My name is Thyreus.
Cleopatra. Most kind messenger,
Say to great Caesar this: in deputation
I kiss his conquering hand: tell him, I am prompt 2340
To lay my crown at 's feet, and there to kneel:
Tell him from his all-obeying breath I hear
The doom of Egypt.
Thyreus. 'Tis your noblest course.
Wisdom and fortune combating together, 2345
If that the former dare but what it can,
No chance may shake it. Give me grace to lay
My duty on your hand.
Cleopatra. Your Caesar's father oft,
When he hath mused of taking kingdoms in, 2350
Bestow'd his lips on that unworthy place,
As it rain'd kisses.
[Re-enter MARK ANTONY and DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]
Antony. Favours, by Jove that thunders!
What art thou, fellow? 2355Thyreus. One that but performs
The bidding of the fullest man, and worthiest
To have command obey'd.
Domitius Enobarus. [Aside] You will be whipp'd.
Antony. Approach, there! Ah, you kite! Now, gods 2360
and devils!
Authority melts from me: of late, when I cried 'Ho!'
Like boys unto a muss, kings would start forth,
And cry 'Your will?' Have you no ears? I am
Antony yet. 2365
[Enter Attendants]
Take hence this Jack, and whip him.
Domitius Enobarus. [Aside] 'Tis better playing with a lion's whelp
Than with an old one dying.
Antony. Moon and stars! 2370
Whip him. Were't twenty of the greatest tributaries
That do acknowledge Caesar, should I find them
So saucy with the hand of she here,—what's her name,
Since she was Cleopatra? Whip him, fellows,
Till, like a boy, you see him cringe his face, 2375
And whine aloud for mercy: take him hence.
Thyreus. Mark Antony!
Antony. Tug him away: being whipp'd,
Bring him again: this Jack of Caesar's shall
Bear us an errand to him. 2380
[Exeunt Attendants with THYREUS]
You were half blasted ere I knew you: ha!
Have I my pillow left unpress'd in Rome,
Forborne the getting of a lawful race,
And by a gem of women, to be abused 2385
By one that looks on feeders?
Cleopatra. Good my lord,—
Antony. You have been a boggler ever:
But when we in our viciousness grow hard—
O misery on't!—the wise gods seel our eyes; 2390
In our own filth drop our clear judgments; make us
Adore our errors; laugh at's, while we strut
To our confusion.
Cleopatra. O, is't come to this?
Antony. I found you as a morsel cold upon 2395
Dead Caesar's trencher; nay, you were a fragment
Of Cneius Pompey's; besides what hotter hours,
Unregister'd in vulgar fame, you have
Luxuriously pick'd out: for, I am sure,
Though you can guess what temperance should be, 2400
You know not what it is.
Cleopatra. Wherefore is this?
Antony. To let a fellow that will take rewards
And say 'God quit you!' be familiar with
My playfellow, your hand; this kingly seal 2405
And plighter of high hearts! O, that I were
Upon the hill of Basan, to outroar
The horned herd! for I have savage cause;
And to proclaim it civilly, were like
A halter'd neck which does the hangman thank 2410
For being yare about him.
[Re-enter Attendants with THYREUS]
Is he whipp'd?
First Attendant. Soundly, my lord.
Antony. Cried he? and begg'd a' pardon? 2415First Attendant. He did ask favour.
Antony. If that thy father live, let him repent
Thou wast not made his daughter; and be thou sorry
To follow Caesar in his triumph, since
Thou hast been whipp'd for following him: henceforth 2420
The white hand of a lady fever thee,
Shake thou to look on 't. Get thee back to Caesar,
Tell him thy entertainment: look, thou say
He makes me angry with him; for he seems
Proud and disdainful, harping on what I am, 2425
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 orbs, and shot their fires
Into the abysm of hell. If he mislike 2430
My speech and what is done, tell him he has
Hipparchus, my enfranched bondman, whom
He may at pleasure whip, or hang, or torture,
As he shall like, to quit me: urge it thou:
Hence with thy stripes, begone! 2435[Exit THYREUS]
Cleopatra. Have you done yet?
Antony. Alack, our terrene moon
Is now eclipsed; and it portends alone
The fall of Antony! 2440Cleopatra. I must stay his time.
Antony. To flatter Caesar, would you mingle eyes
With one that ties his points?
Cleopatra. Not know me yet?
Antony. Cold-hearted toward me? 2445Cleopatra. Ah, dear, if I be so,
From my cold heart let heaven engender hail,
And poison it in the source; and the first stone
Drop in my neck: as it determines, so
Dissolve my life! The next Caesarion smite! 2450
Till by degrees the memory of my womb,
Together with my brave Egyptians all,
By the discandying of this pelleted storm,
Lie graveless, till the flies and gnats of Nile
Have buried them for prey! 2455Antony. I am satisfied.
Caesar sits down in Alexandria; where
I will oppose his fate. Our force by land
Hath nobly held; our sever'd navy too
Have knit again, and fleet, threatening most sea-like. 2460
Where hast thou been, my heart? Dost thou hear, lady?
If from the field I shall return once more
To kiss these lips, I will appear in blood;
I and my sword will earn our chronicle:
There's hope in't yet. 2465Cleopatra. That's my brave lord!
Antony. I will be treble-sinew'd, hearted, breathed,
And fight maliciously: for when mine hours
Were nice and lucky, men did ransom lives
Of me for jests; but now I'll set my teeth, 2470
And send to darkness all that stop me. Come,
Let's have one other gaudy night: call to me
All my sad captains; fill our bowls once more;
Let's mock the midnight bell.
Cleopatra. It is my birth-day: 2475
I had thought to have held it poor: but, since my lord
Is Antony again, I will be Cleopatra.
Antony. We will yet do well.
Cleopatra. Call all his noble captains to my lord.
Antony. Do so, we'll speak to them; and to-night I'll force 2480
The wine peep through their scars. Come on, my queen;
There's sap in't yet. The next time I do fight,
I'll make death love me; for I will contend
Even with his pestilent scythe.
[Exeunt all but DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]
Domitius Enobarus. Now he'll outstare the lightning. To be furious,
Is to be frighted out of fear; and in that mood
The dove will peck the estridge; and I see still,
A diminution in our captain's brain
Restores his heart: when valour preys on reason, 2490
It eats the sword it fights with. I will seek
Some way to leave him.
[Exit]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 1
Before Alexandria. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s camp.
[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, AGRIPPA, and MECAENAS, with] [p]his Army; OCTAVIUS CAESAR reading a letter]
Octavius. He calls me boy; and chides, as he had power
To beat me out of Egypt; my messenger
He hath whipp'd with rods; dares me to personal combat,
Caesar to Antony: let the old ruffian know
I have many other ways to die; meantime 2500
Laugh at his challenge.
Mecaenas. Caesar must think,
When one so great begins to rage, he's hunted
Even to falling. Give him no breath, but now
Make boot of his distraction: never anger 2505
Made good guard for itself.
Octavius. Let our best heads
Know, that to-morrow the last of many battles
We mean to fight: within our files there are,
Of those that served Mark Antony but late, 2510
Enough to fetch him in. See it done:
And feast the army; we have store to do't,
And they have earn'd the waste. Poor Antony!
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 2
Alexandria. CLEOPATRA’s palace.
[Enter MARK ANTONY, CLEOPATRA, DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS,] [p]CHARMIAN, IRAS, ALEXAS, with others]
Antony. He will not fight with me, Domitius.
Domitius Enobarus. No.
Antony. Why should he not?
Domitius Enobarus. He thinks, being twenty times of better fortune, 2520
He is twenty men to one.
Antony. To-morrow, soldier,
By sea and land I'll fight: or I will live,
Or bathe my dying honour in the blood
Shall make it live again. Woo't thou fight well? 2525Domitius Enobarus. I'll strike, and cry 'Take all.'
Antony. Well said; come on.
Call forth my household servants: let's to-night
Be bounteous at our meal.
[Enter three or four Servitors] 2530
Give me thy hand,
Thou hast been rightly honest;—so hast thou;—
Thou,—and thou,—and thou:—you have served me well,
And kings have been your fellows.
Cleopatra. [Aside to DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS] What means this? 2535Domitius Enobarus. [Aside to CLEOPATRA] 'Tis one of those odd
tricks which sorrow shoots
Out of the mind.
Antony. And thou art honest too.
I wish I could be made so many men, 2540
And all of you clapp'd up together in
An Antony, that I might do you service
So good as you have done.
All. The gods forbid!
Antony. Well, my good fellows, wait on me to-night: 2545
Scant not my cups; and make as much of me
As when mine empire was your fellow too,
And suffer'd my command.
Cleopatra. [Aside to DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS] What does he mean?
Domitius Enobarus. [Aside to CLEOPATRA] To make his followers weep. 2550Antony. Tend me to-night;
May be it is the period of your duty:
Haply you shall not see me more; or if,
A mangled shadow: perchance to-morrow
You'll serve another master. I look on you 2555
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:
Tend me to-night two hours, I ask no more,
And the gods yield you for't! 2560Domitius Enobarus. What mean you, sir,
To give them this discomfort? Look, they weep;
And I, an ass, am onion-eyed: for shame,
Transform us not to women.
Antony. Ho, ho, ho! 2565
Now the witch take me, if I meant it thus!
Grace grow where those drops fall!
My hearty friends,
You take me in too dolorous a sense;
For I spake to you for your comfort; did desire you 2570
To burn this night with torches: know, my hearts,
I hope well of to-morrow; and will lead you
Where rather I'll expect victorious life
Than death and honour. Let's to supper, come,
And drown consideration. 2575[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 3
The same. Before the palace.
[Enter two Soldiers to their guard]
First Soldier. Brother, good night: to-morrow is the day.
Second Soldier. It will determine one way: fare you well.
Heard you of nothing strange about the streets? 2580First Soldier. Nothing. What news?
Second Soldier. Belike 'tis but a rumour. Good night to you.
First Soldier. Well, sir, good night.
[Enter two other Soldiers]
Second Soldier. Soldiers, have careful watch. 2585Third Soldier. And you. Good night, good night.
[They place themselves in every corner of the stage]
Fourth Soldier. Here we: and if to-morrow
Our navy thrive, I have an absolute hope
Our landmen will stand up. 2590Third Soldier. 'Tis a brave army,
And full of purpose.
[Music of the hautboys as under the stage]
Fourth Soldier. Peace! what noise?
First Soldier. List, list! 2595Second Soldier. Hark!
First Soldier. Music i' the air.
Third Soldier. Under the earth.
Fourth Soldier. It signs well, does it not?
Third Soldier. No. 2600First Soldier. Peace, I say!
What should this mean?
Second Soldier. 'Tis the god Hercules, whom Antony loved,
Now leaves him.
First Soldier. Walk; let's see if other watchmen 2605
Do hear what we do?
[They advance to another post]
Second Soldier. How now, masters!
All. [Speaking together] How now!
How now! do you hear this? 2610First Soldier. Ay; is't not strange?
Third Soldier. Do you hear, masters? do you hear?
First Soldier. Follow the noise so far as we have quarter;
Let's see how it will give off.
All. Content. 'Tis strange. 2615[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 4
The same. A room in the palace.
[Enter MARK ANTONY and CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, and] [p]others attending]
Antony. Eros! mine armour, Eros!
Cleopatra. Sleep a little. 2620Antony. No, my chuck. Eros, come; mine armour, Eros!
[Enter EROS with armour]
Come good fellow, put mine iron on:
If fortune be not ours to-day, it is
Because we brave her: come. 2625Cleopatra. Nay, I'll help too.
What's this for?
Antony. Ah, let be, let be! thou art
The armourer of my heart: false, false; this, this.
Cleopatra. Sooth, la, I'll help: thus it must be. 2630Antony. Well, well;
We shall thrive now. Seest thou, my good fellow?
Go put on thy defences.
Eros. Briefly, sir.
Cleopatra. Is not this buckled well? 2635Antony. Rarely, rarely:
He that unbuckles this, till we do please
To daff't for our repose, shall hear a storm.
Thou fumblest, Eros; and my queen's a squire
More tight at this than thou: dispatch. O love, 2640
That thou couldst see my wars to-day, and knew'st
The royal occupation! thou shouldst see
A workman in't.
[Enter an armed Soldier]
Good morrow to thee; welcome: 2645
Thou look'st like him that knows a warlike charge:
To business that we love we rise betime,
And go to't with delight.
Soldier. A thousand, sir,
Early though't be, have on their riveted trim, 2650
And at the port expect you.
[Shout. Trumpets flourish]
[Enter Captains and Soldiers]
Captain. The morn is fair. Good morrow, general.
All. Good morrow, general. 2655Antony. 'Tis well blown, lads:
This morning, like the spirit of a youth
That means to be of note, begins betimes.
So, so; come, give me that: this way; well said.
Fare thee well, dame, whate'er becomes of me: 2660
This is a soldier's kiss: rebukeable
[Kisses her]
And worthy shameful cheque it were, to stand
On more mechanic compliment; I'll leave thee
Now, like a man of steel. You that will fight, 2665
Follow me close; I'll bring you to't. Adieu.
[Exeunt MARK ANTONY, EROS, Captains, and Soldiers]
Charmian. Please you, retire to your chamber.
Cleopatra. Lead me.
He goes forth gallantly. That he and Caesar might 2670
Determine this great war in single fight!
Then Antony,—but now—Well, on.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 5
Alexandria. MARK ANTONY’s camp.
[Trumpets sound. Enter MARK ANTONY and EROS; a] [p]Soldier meeting them]
Soldier. The gods make this a happy day to Antony!
Antony. Would thou and those thy scars had once prevail'd
To make me fight at land!
Soldier. Hadst thou done so,
The kings that have revolted, and the soldier 2680
That has this morning left thee, would have still
Follow'd thy heels.
Antony. Who's gone this morning?
Soldier. Who!
One ever near thee: call for Enobarbus, 2685
He shall not hear thee; or from Caesar's camp
Say 'I am none of thine.'
Antony. What say'st thou?
Soldier. Sir,
He is with Caesar. 2690Eros. Sir, his chests and treasure
He has not with him.
Antony. Is he gone?
Soldier. Most certain.
Antony. Go, Eros, send his treasure after; do it; 2695
Detain no jot, I charge thee: write to him—
I will subscribe—gentle adieus and greetings;
Say that I wish he never find more cause
To change a master. O, my fortunes have
Corrupted honest men! Dispatch.—Enobarbus! 2700[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 6
Alexandria. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s camp.
[Flourish. Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, AGRIPPA, with] [p]DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS, and others]
Octavius. Go forth, Agrippa, and begin the fight:
Our will is Antony be took alive; 2705
Make it so known.
Agrippa. Caesar, I shall.
[Exit]
Octavius. The time of universal peace is near:
Prove this a prosperous day, the three-nook'd world 2710
Shall bear the olive freely.
[Enter a Messenger]
Messenger. Antony
Is come into the field.
Octavius. Go charge Agrippa 2715
Plant those that have revolted in the van,
That Antony may seem to spend his fury
Upon himself.
[Exeunt all but DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]
Domitius Enobarus. Alexas did revolt; and went to Jewry on 2720
Affairs of Antony; there did persuade
Great Herod to incline himself to Caesar,
And leave his master Antony: for this pains
Caesar hath hang'd him. Canidius and the rest
That fell away have entertainment, but 2725
No honourable trust. I have done ill;
Of which I do accuse myself so sorely,
That I will joy no more.
[Enter a Soldier of CAESAR's]
Soldier. Enobarbus, Antony 2730
Hath after thee sent all thy treasure, with
His bounty overplus: the messenger
Came on my guard; and at thy tent is now
Unloading of his mules.
Domitius Enobarus. I give it you. 2735Soldier. Mock not, Enobarbus.
I tell you true: best you safed the bringer
Out of the host; I must attend mine office,
Or would have done't myself. Your emperor
Continues still a Jove. 2740[Exit]
Domitius Enobarus. I am alone the villain of the earth,
And feel I am so most. O Antony,
Thou mine of bounty, how wouldst thou have paid
My better service, when my turpitude 2745
Thou dost so crown with gold! This blows my heart:
If swift thought break it not, a swifter mean
Shall outstrike thought: but thought will do't, I feel.
I fight against thee! No: I will go seek
Some ditch wherein to die; the foul'st best fits 2750
My latter part of life.
[Exit]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 7
Field of battle between the camps.
[Alarum. Drums and trumpets. Enter AGRIPPA] [p]and others]
Agrippa. Retire, we have engaged ourselves too far: 2755
Caesar himself has work, and our oppression
Exceeds what we expected.
[Exeunt]
[Alarums. Enter MARK ANTONY and SCARUS wounded]
Scarus. O my brave emperor, this is fought indeed! 2760
Had we done so at first, we had droven them home
With clouts about their heads.
Antony. Thou bleed'st apace.
Scarus. I had a wound here that was like a T,
But now 'tis made an H. 2765Antony. They do retire.
Scarus. We'll beat 'em into bench-holes: I have yet
Room for six scotches more.
[Enter EROS]
Eros. They are beaten, sir, and our advantage serves 2770
For a fair victory.
Scarus. Let us score their backs,
And snatch 'em up, as we take hares, behind:
'Tis sport to maul a runner.
Antony. I will reward thee 2775
Once for thy spritely comfort, and ten-fold
For thy good valour. Come thee on.
Scarus. I'll halt after.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 8
Under the walls of Alexandria.
[Alarum. Enter MARK ANTONY, in a march; SCARUS,] [p]with others]
Antony. We have beat him to his camp: run one before,
And let the queen know of our gests. To-morrow,
Before the sun shall see 's, we'll spill the blood
That has to-day escaped. I thank you all; 2785
For doughty-handed are you, and have fought
Not as you served the cause, but as 't had been
Each man's like mine; you have shown all Hectors.
Enter the city, clip your wives, your friends,
Tell them your feats; whilst they with joyful tears 2790
Wash the congealment from your wounds, and kiss
The honour'd gashes whole.
[To SCARUS]
Give me thy hand
[Enter CLEOPATRA, attended] 2795
To this great fairy I'll commend thy acts,
Make her thanks bless thee.
[To CLEOPATRA]
O thou day o' the world,
Chain mine arm'd neck; leap thou, attire and all, 2800
Through proof of harness to my heart, and there
Ride on the pants triumphing!
Cleopatra. Lord of lords!
O infinite virtue, comest thou smiling from
The world's great snare uncaught? 2805Antony. My nightingale,
We have beat them to their beds. What, girl!
though grey
Do something mingle with our younger brown, yet ha' we
A brain that nourishes our nerves, and can 2810
Get goal for goal of youth. Behold this man;
Commend unto his lips thy favouring hand:
Kiss it, my warrior: he hath fought to-day
As if a god, in hate of mankind, had
Destroy'd in such a shape. 2815Cleopatra. I'll give thee, friend,
An armour all of gold; it was a king's.
Antony. He has deserved it, were it carbuncled
Like holy Phoebus' car. Give me thy hand:
Through Alexandria make a jolly march; 2820
Bear our hack'd targets like the men that owe them:
Had our great palace the capacity
To camp this host, we all would sup together,
And drink carouses to the next day's fate,
Which promises royal peril. Trumpeters, 2825
With brazen din blast you the city's ear;
Make mingle with rattling tabourines;
That heaven and earth may strike their sounds together,
Applauding our approach.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 9
OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s camp.
[Sentinels at their post]
First Soldier. If we be not relieved within this hour,
We must return to the court of guard: the night
Is shiny; and they say we shall embattle
By the second hour i' the morn. 2835Second Soldier. This last day was
A shrewd one to's.
[Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]
Domitius Enobarus. O, bear me witness, night,—
Third Soldier. What man is this? 2840Second Soldier. Stand close, and list him.
Domitius Enobarus. Be witness to me, O thou blessed moon,
When men revolted shall upon record
Bear hateful memory, poor Enobarbus did
Before thy face repent! 2845First Soldier. Enobarbus!
Third Soldier. Peace!
Hark further.
Domitius Enobarus. O sovereign mistress of true melancholy,
The poisonous damp of night disponge upon me, 2850
That life, a very rebel to my will,
May hang no longer on me: throw my heart
Against the flint and hardness of my fault:
Which, being dried with grief, will break to powder,
And finish all foul thoughts. O Antony, 2855
Nobler than my revolt is infamous,
Forgive me in thine own particular;
But let the world rank me in register
A master-leaver and a fugitive:
O Antony! O Antony! 2860[Dies]
Second Soldier. Let's speak To him.
First Soldier. Let's hear him, for the things he speaks
May concern Caesar.
Third Soldier. Let's do so. But he sleeps. 2865First Soldier. Swoons rather; for so bad a prayer as his
Was never yet for sleep.
Second Soldier. Go we to him.
Third Soldier. Awake, sir, awake; speak to us.
Second Soldier. Hear you, sir? 2870First Soldier. The hand of death hath raught him.
[Drums afar off]
Hark! the drums
Demurely wake the sleepers. Let us bear him
To the court of guard; he is of note: our hour 2875
Is fully out.
Third Soldier. Come on, then;
He may recover yet.
[Exeunt with the body]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 10
Between the two camps.
[Enter MARK ANTONY and SCARUS, with their Army]
Antony. Their preparation is to-day by sea;
We please them not by land.
Scarus. For both, my lord.
Antony. I would they'ld fight i' the fire or i' the air;
We'ld fight there too. But this it is; our foot 2885
Upon the hills adjoining to the city
Shall stay with us: order for sea is given;
They have put forth the haven [—]
Where their appointment we may best discover,
And look on their endeavour. 2890[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 11
Another part of the same.
[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, and his Army]
Octavius. But being charged, we will be still by land,
Which, as I take't, we shall; for his best force
Is forth to man his galleys. To the vales, 2895
And hold our best advantage.
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 12
Another part of the same.
[Enter MARK ANTONY and SCARUS]
Antony. Yet they are not join'd: where yond pine
does stand, 2900
I shall discover all: I'll bring thee word
Straight, how 'tis like to go.
[Exit]
Scarus. Swallows have built
In Cleopatra's sails their nests: the augurers 2905
Say they know not, they cannot tell; look grimly,
And dare not speak their knowledge. Antony
Is valiant, and dejected; and, by starts,
His fretted fortunes give him hope, and fear,
Of what he has, and has not. 2910[Alarum afar off, as at a sea-fight]
[Re-enter MARK ANTONY]
Antony. All is lost;
This foul Egyptian hath betrayed me:
My fleet hath yielded to the foe; and yonder 2915
They cast their caps up and carouse together
Like friends long lost. Triple-turn'd whore!
'tis thou
Hast sold me to this novice; and my heart
Makes only wars on thee. Bid them all fly; 2920
For when I am revenged upon my charm,
I have done all. Bid them all fly; begone.
[Exit SCARUS]
O sun, thy uprise shall I see no more:
Fortune and Antony part here; even here 2925
Do we shake hands. All come to this? The hearts
That spaniel'd me at heels, to whom I gave
Their wishes, do discandy, melt their sweets
On blossoming Caesar; and this pine is bark'd,
That overtopp'd them all. Betray'd I am: 2930
O this false soul of Egypt! this grave charm,—
Whose eye beck'd forth my wars, and call'd them home;
Whose bosom was my crownet, my chief end,—
Like a right gipsy, hath, at fast and loose,
Beguiled me to the very heart of loss. 2935
What, Eros, Eros!
[Enter CLEOPATRA]
Ah, thou spell! Avaunt!
Cleopatra. Why is my lord enraged against his love?
Antony. Vanish, or I shall give thee thy deserving, 2940
And blemish Caesar's triumph. Let him take thee,
And hoist thee up to the shouting plebeians:
Follow his chariot, like the greatest spot
Of all thy sex; most monster-like, be shown
For poor'st diminutives, for doits; and let 2945
Patient Octavia plough thy visage up
With her prepared nails.
[Exit CLEOPATRA]
'Tis well thou'rt gone,
If it be well to live; but better 'twere 2950
Thou fell'st into my fury, for one death
Might have prevented many. Eros, ho!
The shirt of Nessus is upon me: teach me,
Alcides, thou mine ancestor, thy rage:
Let me lodge Lichas on the horns o' the moon; 2955
And with those hands, that grasp'd the heaviest club,
Subdue my worthiest self. The witch shall die:
To the young Roman boy she hath sold me, and I fall
Under this plot; she dies for't. Eros, ho!
[Exit]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 13
Alexandria. Cleopatra’s palace.
[Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and MARDIAN]
Cleopatra. Help me, my women! O, he is more mad
Than Telamon for his shield; the boar of Thessaly
Was never so emboss'd.
Charmian. To the monument! 2965
There lock yourself, and send him word you are dead.
The soul and body rive not more in parting
Than greatness going off.
Cleopatra. To the monument!
Mardian, go tell him I have slain myself; 2970
Say, that the last I spoke was 'Antony,'
And word it, prithee, piteously: hence, Mardian,
And bring me how he takes my death.
To the monument!
[Exeunt]
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previous scene Act IV, Scene 14
The same. Another room.
[Enter MARK ANTONY and EROS]
Antony. Eros, thou yet behold'st me?
Eros. Ay, noble lord.
Antony. Sometimes we see a cloud that's dragonish;
A vapour sometime like a bear or lion, 2980
A tower'd citadel, a pendent rock,
A forked mountain, or blue promontory
With trees upon't, that nod unto the world,
And mock our eyes with air: thou hast seen
these signs; 2985
They are black vesper's pageants.
Eros. Ay, my lord,
Antony. That which is now a horse, even with a thought
The rack dislimns, and makes it indistinct,
As water is in water. 2990Eros. It does, my lord.
Antony. My good knave Eros, now thy captain is
Even such a body: here I am Antony:
Yet cannot hold this visible shape, my knave.
I made these wars for Egypt: and the queen,— 2995
Whose heart I thought I had, for she had mine;
Which whilst it was mine had annex'd unto't
A million more, now lost,—she, Eros, has
Pack'd cards with Caesar, and false-play'd my glory
Unto an enemy's triumph. 3000
Nay, weep not, gentle Eros; there is left us
Ourselves to end ourselves.
[Enter MARDIAN]
O! thy vile lady!
She has robb'd me of my sword. 3005Mardian. No, Antony;
My mistress loved thee, and her fortunes mingled
With thine entirely.
Antony. Hence, saucy eunuch; peace!
She hath betray'd me and shall die the death. 3010Mardian. Death of one person can be paid but once,
And that she has discharged: what thou wouldst do
Is done unto thy hand: the last she spake
Was 'Antony! most noble Antony!'
Then in the midst a tearing groan did break 3015
The name of Antony; it was divided
Between her heart and lips: she render'd life,
Thy name so buried in her.
Antony. Dead, then?
Mardian. Dead. 3020Antony. Unarm, Eros; the long day's task is done,
And we must sleep.
[To MARDIAN]
That thou depart'st hence safe,
Does pay thy labour richly; go. 3025
[Exit MARDIAN]
Off, pluck off:
The seven-fold shield of Ajax cannot keep
The battery from my heart. O, cleave, my sides!
Heart, once be stronger than thy continent, 3030
Crack thy frail case! Apace, Eros, apace.
No more a soldier: bruised pieces, go;
You have been nobly borne. From me awhile.
[Exit EROS]
I will o'ertake thee, Cleopatra, and 3035
Weep for my pardon. So it must be, for now
All length is torture: since the torch is out,
Lie down, and stray no farther: now all labour
Mars what it does; yea, very force entangles
Itself with strength: seal then, and all is done. 3040
Eros!—I come, my queen:—Eros!—Stay for me:
Where souls do couch on flowers, we'll hand in hand,
And with our sprightly port make the ghosts gaze:
Dido and her AEneas shall want troops,
And all the haunt be ours. Come, Eros, Eros! 3045[Re-enter EROS]
Eros. What would my lord?
Antony. Since Cleopatra died,
I have lived in such dishonour, that the gods
Detest my baseness. I, that with my sword 3050
Quarter'd the world, and o'er green Neptune's back
With ships made cities, condemn myself to lack
The courage of a woman; less noble mind
Than she which by her death our Caesar tells
'I am conqueror of myself.' Thou art sworn, Eros, 3055
That, when the exigent should come, which now
Is come indeed, when I should see behind me
The inevitable prosecution of
Disgrace and horror, that, on my command,
Thou then wouldst kill me: do't; the time is come: 3060
Thou strikest not me, 'tis Caesar thou defeat'st.
Put colour in thy cheek.
Eros. The gods withhold me!
Shall I do that which all the Parthian darts,
Though enemy, lost aim, and could not? 3065Antony. Eros,
Wouldst thou be window'd in great Rome and see
Thy master thus with pleach'd arms, bending down
His corrigible neck, his face subdued
To penetrative shame, whilst the wheel'd seat 3070
Of fortunate Caesar, drawn before him, branded
His baseness that ensued?
Eros. I would not see't.
Antony. Come, then; for with a wound I must be cured.
Draw that thy honest sword, which thou hast worn 3075
Most useful for thy country.
Eros. O, sir, pardon me!
Antony. When I did make thee free, sworest thou not then
To do this when I bade thee? Do it at once;
Or thy precedent services are all 3080
But accidents unpurposed. Draw, and come.
Eros. Turn from me, then, that noble countenance,
Wherein the worship of the whole world lies.
Antony. Lo thee!
[Turning from him]
Eros. My sword is drawn.
Antony. Then let it do at once
The thing why thou hast drawn it.
Eros. My dear master,
My captain, and my emperor, let me say, 3090
Before I strike this bloody stroke, farewell.
Antony. 'Tis said, man; and farewell.
Eros. Farewell, great chief. Shall I strike now?
Antony. Now, Eros.
Eros. Why, there then: thus I do escape the sorrow 3095
Of Antony's death.
[Kills himself]
Antony. Thrice-nobler than myself!
Thou teachest me, O valiant Eros, what
I should, and thou couldst not. My queen and Eros 3100
Have by their brave instruction got upon me
A nobleness in record: but I will be
A bridegroom 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 3105
[Falling on his sword]
I learn'd of thee. How! not dead? not dead?
The guard, ho! O, dispatch me!
[Enter DERCETAS and Guard]
First Guard. What's the noise? 3110Antony. I have done my work in, friends: O, make an end
Of what I have begun.
Second Guard. The star is fall'n.
First Guard. And time is at his period.
All. Alas, and woe! 3115Antony. Let him that loves me strike me dead.
First Guard. Not I.
Second Guard. Nor I.
Third Guard. Nor any one.
[Exeunt Guard]
Dercetas. Thy death and fortunes bid thy followers fly.
This sword but shown to Caesar, with this tidings,
Shall enter me with him.
[Enter DIOMEDES]
Diomedes. Where's Antony? 3125Dercetas. There, Diomed there.
Diomedes. Lives he?
Wilt thou not answer, man?
[Exit DERCETAS]
Antony. Art thou there, Diomed? Draw thy sword, and give me 3130
Sufficing strokes for death.
Diomedes. Most absolute lord,
My mistress Cleopatra sent me to thee.
Antony. When did she send thee?
Diomedes. Now, my lord. 3135Antony. Where is she?
Diomedes. Lock'd in her monument. She had a prophesying fear
Of what hath come to pass: for when she saw—
Which never shall be found—you did suspect
She had disposed with Caesar, and that your rage 3140
Would not be purged, she sent you word she was dead;
But, fearing since how it might work, hath sent
Me to proclaim the truth; and I am come,
I dread, too late.
Antony. Too late, good Diomed: call my guard, I prithee. 3145Diomedes. What, ho, the emperor's guard! The guard, what, ho!
Come, your lord calls!
[Enter four or five of the Guard of MARK ANTONY]
Antony. Bear me, good friends, where Cleopatra bides;
'Tis the last service that I shall command you. 3150First Guard. Woe, woe are we, sir, you may not live to wear
All your true followers out.
All. Most heavy day!
Antony. Nay, good my fellows, do not please sharp fate
To grace it with your sorrows: bid that welcome 3155
Which comes to punish us, and we punish it
Seeming to bear it lightly. Take me up:
I have led you oft: carry me now, good friends,
And have my thanks for all.
[Exeunt, bearing MARK ANTONY]
RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act IV, Scene 15
The same. A monument.
[Enter CLEOPATRA and her maids aloft, with] [p]CHARMIAN and IRAS]
Cleopatra. O Charmian, I will never go from hence.
Charmian. Be comforted, dear madam.
Cleopatra. No, I will not: 3165
All strange and terrible events are welcome,
But comforts we despise; our size of sorrow,
Proportion'd to our cause, must be as great
As that which makes it.
[Enter, below, DIOMEDES] 3170
How now! is he dead?
Diomedes. His death's upon him, but not dead.
Look out o' the other side your monument;
His guard have brought him thither.
[Enter, below, MARK ANTONY, borne by the Guard]
Cleopatra. O sun,
Burn the great sphere thou movest in!
darkling stand
The varying shore o' the world. O Antony,
Antony, Antony! Help, Charmian, help, Iras, help; 3180
Help, friends below; let's draw him hither.
Antony. Peace!
Not Caesar's valour hath o'erthrown Antony,
But Antony's hath triumph'd on itself.
Cleopatra. So it should be, that none but Antony 3185
Should conquer Antony; but woe 'tis so!
Antony. I am dying, Egypt, dying; only
I here importune death awhile, until
Of many thousand kisses the poor last
I lay up thy lips. 3190Cleopatra. I dare not, dear,—
Dear my lord, pardon,—I dare not,
Lest I be taken: not the imperious show
Of the full-fortuned Caesar ever shall
Be brooch'd with me; if knife, drugs, 3195
serpents, have
Edge, sting, or operation, I am safe:
Your wife Octavia, with her modest eyes
And still conclusion, shall acquire no honour
Demuring upon me. But come, come, Antony,— 3200
Help me, my women,—we must draw thee up:
Assist, good friends.
Antony. O, quick, or I am gone.
Cleopatra. Here's sport indeed! How heavy weighs my lord!
Our strength is all gone into heaviness, 3205
That makes the weight: had I great Juno's power,
The strong-wing'd Mercury should fetch thee up,
And set thee by Jove's side. Yet come a little,—
Wishes were ever fools,—O, come, come, come;
[They heave MARK ANTONY aloft to CLEOPATRA] 3210
And welcome, welcome! die where thou hast lived:
Quicken with kissing: had my lips that power,
Thus would I wear them out.
All. A heavy sight!
Antony. I am dying, Egypt, dying: 3215
Give me some wine, and let me speak a little.
Cleopatra. No, let me speak; and let me rail so high,
That the false housewife Fortune break her wheel,
Provoked by my offence.
Antony. One word, sweet queen: 3220
Of Caesar seek your honour, with your safety. O!
Cleopatra. They do not go together.
Antony. Gentle, hear me:
None about Caesar trust but Proculeius.
Cleopatra. My resolution and my hands I'll trust; 3225
None about Caesar.
Antony. The miserable change now at my end
Lament nor sorrow at; but please your thoughts
In feeding them with those my former fortunes
Wherein I lived, the greatest prince o' the world, 3230
The noblest; and do now not basely die,
Not cowardly put off my helmet to
My countryman,—a Roman by a Roman
Valiantly vanquish'd. Now my spirit is going;
I can no more. 3235Cleopatra. Noblest of men, woo't die?
Hast thou no care of me? shall I abide
In this dull world, which in thy absence is
No better than a sty? O, see, my women,
[MARK ANTONY dies] 3240
The crown o' the earth doth melt. My lord!
O, wither'd is the garland of the war,
The soldier's pole is fall'n: young boys and girls
Are level now with men; the odds is gone,
And there is nothing left remarkable 3245
Beneath the visiting moon.
[Faints]
Charmian. O, quietness, lady!
Iras. She is dead too, our sovereign.
Charmian. Lady! 3250Iras. Madam!
Charmian. O madam, madam, madam!
Iras. Royal Egypt, Empress!
Charmian. Peace, peace, Iras!
Cleopatra. No more, but e'en a woman, and commanded 3255
By such poor passion as the maid that milks
And does the meanest chares. It were for me
To throw my sceptre at the injurious gods;
To tell them that this world did equal theirs
Till they had stol'n our jewel. All's but naught; 3260
Patience is scottish, 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?
What, what! good cheer! Why, how now, Charmian! 3265
My noble girls! Ah, women, women, look,
Our lamp is spent, it's out! Good sirs, take heart:
We'll bury him; and then, what's brave,
what's noble,
Let's do it after the high Roman fashion, 3270
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.
[Exeunt; those above bearing off MARK ANTONY's body]
RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act V, Scene 1
Alexandria. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s camp.
[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, AGRIPPA, DOLABELLA, MECAENAS,] [p]GALLUS, PROCULEIUS, and others, his council of war]
Octavius. Go to him, Dolabella, bid him yield;
Being so frustrate, tell him he mocks
The pauses that he makes. 3280Dolabella. Caesar, I shall.
[Exit]
[Enter DERCETAS, with the sword of MARK ANTONY]
Octavius. Wherefore is that? and what art thou that darest
Appear thus to us? 3285Dercetas. I am call'd Dercetas;
Mark Antony I served, who best was worthy
Best to be served: whilst he stood up and spoke,
He was my master; and I wore my life
To spend upon his haters. If thou please 3290
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.
Octavius. What is't thou say'st?
Dercetas. I say, O Caesar, Antony is dead. 3295Octavius. The breaking of so great a thing should make
A greater crack: the round world
Should have shook lions into civil streets,
And citizens to their dens: the death of Antony
Is not a single doom; in the name lay 3300
A moiety of the world.
Dercetas. He is dead, Caesar:
Not by a public minister of justice,
Nor by a hired knife; but that self hand,
Which writ his honour in the acts it did, 3305
Hath, with the courage which the heart did lend it,
Splitted the heart. This is his sword;
I robb'd his wound of it; behold it stain'd
With his most noble blood.
Octavius. Look you sad, friends? 3310
The gods rebuke me, but it is tidings
To wash the eyes of kings.
Agrippa. And strange it is,
That nature must compel us to lament
Our most persisted deeds. 3315Mecaenas. His taints and honours
Waged equal with him.
Agrippa. A rarer spirit never
Did steer humanity: but you, gods, will give us
Some faults to make us men. Caesar is touch'd. 3320Mecaenas. When such a spacious mirror's set before him,
He needs must see himself.
Octavius. O Antony!
I have follow'd thee to this; but we do lance
Diseases in our bodies: I must perforce 3325
Have shown to thee such a declining day,
Or look on thine; we could not stall together
In the whole world: but yet let me lament,
With tears as sovereign as the blood of hearts,
That thou, my brother, my competitor 3330
In top of all design, my mate in empire,
Friend and companion in the front of war,
The arm of mine own body, and the heart
Where mine his thoughts did kindle,—that our stars,
Unreconciliable, should divide 3335
Our equalness to this. Hear me, good friends—
But I will tell you at some meeter season:
[Enter an Egyptian]
The business of this man looks out of him;
We'll hear him what he says. Whence are you? 3340Egyptian. A poor Egyptian yet. The queen my mistress,
Confined in all she has, her monument,
Of thy intents desires instruction,
That she preparedly may frame herself
To the way she's forced to. 3345Octavius. Bid her have good heart:
She soon shall know of us, by some of ours,
How honourable and how kindly we
Determine for her; for Caesar cannot live
To be ungentle. 3350Egyptian. So the gods preserve thee!
[Exit]
Octavius. Come hither, Proculeius. Go and say,
We purpose her no shame: give her what comforts
The quality of her passion shall require, 3355
Lest, in her greatness, by some mortal stroke
She do defeat us; for her life in Rome
Would be eternal in our triumph: go,
And with your speediest bring us what she says,
And how you find of her. 3360Proculeius. Caesar, I shall.
[Exit]
Octavius. Gallus, go you along.
[Exit GALLUS]
Where's Dolabella, 3365
To second Proculeius?
All. Dolabella!
Octavius. Let him alone, for I remember now
How he's employ'd: he shall in time be ready.
Go with me to my tent; where you shall see 3370
How hardly I was drawn into this war;
How calm and gentle I proceeded still
In all my writings: go with me, and see
What I can show in this.
[Exeunt]
RETURN TO TOP OF THE PAGE
previous scene Act V, Scene 2
Alexandria. A room in the monument.
[Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, and IRAS]
Cleopatra. My desolation does begin to make
A better life. 'Tis paltry to be Caesar;
Not being Fortune, he's but Fortune's knave,
A minister of her will: and it is great 3380
To do that thing that ends all other deeds;
Which shackles accidents and bolts up change;
Which sleeps, and never palates more the dug,
The beggar's nurse and Caesar's.
[Enter, to the gates of the monument, PROCULEIUS,] 3385
GALLUS and Soldiers]
Proculeius. Caesar sends greeting to the Queen of Egypt;
And bids thee study on what fair demands
Thou mean'st to have him grant thee.
Cleopatra. What's thy name? 3390Proculeius. My name is Proculeius.
Cleopatra. Antony
Did tell me of you, bade me trust you; but
I do not greatly care to be deceived,
That have no use for trusting. If your master 3395
Would have a queen his beggar, you must tell him,
That majesty, to keep decorum, must
No less beg than a kingdom: if he please
To give me conquer'd Egypt for my son,
He gives me so much of mine own, as I 3400
Will kneel to him with thanks.
Proculeius. Be of good cheer;
You're fall'n into a princely hand, fear nothing:
Make your full reference freely to my lord,
Who is so full of grace, that it flows over 3405
On all that need: let me report to him
Your sweet dependency; and you shall find
A conqueror that will pray in aid for kindness,
Where he for grace is kneel'd to.
Cleopatra. Pray you, tell him 3410
I am his fortune's vassal, and I send him
The greatness he has got. I hourly learn
A doctrine of obedience; and would gladly
Look him i' the face.
Proculeius. This I'll report, dear lady. 3415
Have comfort, for I know your plight is pitied
Of him that caused it.
Gallus. You see how easily she may be surprised:
[Here PROCULEIUS and two of the Guard ascend the]
monument by a ladder placed against a window, and, 3420
having descended, come behind CLEOPATRA. Some of
the Guard unbar and open the gates]
[To PROCULEIUS and the Guard]
Guard her till Caesar come.
[Exit]
Iras. Royal queen!
Charmian. O Cleopatra! thou art taken, queen:
Cleopatra. Quick, quick, good hands.
[Drawing a dagger]
Proculeius. Hold, worthy lady, hold: 3430
[Seizes and disarms her]
Do not yourself such wrong, who are in this
Relieved, but not betray'd.
Cleopatra. What, of death too,
That rids our dogs of languish? 3435Proculeius. Cleopatra,
Do not abuse my master's bounty by
The undoing of yourself: let the world see
His nobleness well acted, which your death
Will never let come forth. 3440Cleopatra. Where art thou, death?
Come hither, come! come, come, and take a queen
Worthy many babes and beggars!
Proculeius. O, temperance, lady!
Cleopatra. Sir, I will eat no meat, I'll not drink, sir; 3445
If idle talk will once be necessary,
I'll not sleep neither: this mortal house I'll ruin,
Do Caesar what he can. Know, sir, that I
Will not wait pinion'd at your master's court;
Nor once be chastised with the sober eye 3450
Of dull Octavia. Shall they hoist me up
And show me to the shouting varletry
Of censuring Rome? Rather a ditch in Egypt
Be gentle grave unto me! rather on Nilus' mud
Lay me stark naked, and let the water-flies 3455
Blow me into abhorring! rather make
My country's high pyramides my gibbet,
And hang me up in chains!
Proculeius. You do extend
These thoughts of horror further than you shall 3460
Find cause in Caesar.
[Enter DOLABELLA]
Dolabella. Proculeius,
What thou hast done thy master Caesar knows,
And he hath sent for thee: for the queen, 3465
I'll take her to my guard.
Proculeius. So, Dolabella,
It shall content me best: be gentle to her.
[To CLEOPATRA]
To Caesar I will speak what you shall please, 3470
If you'll employ me to him.
Cleopatra. Say, I would die.
[Exeunt PROCULEIUS and Soldiers]
Dolabella. Most noble empress, you have heard of me?
Cleopatra. I cannot tell. 3475Dolabella. Assuredly you know me.
Cleopatra. No matter, sir, what I have heard or known.
You laugh when boys or women tell their dreams;
Is't not your trick?
Dolabella. I understand not, madam. 3480Cleopatra. I dream'd there was an Emperor Antony:
O, such another sleep, that I might see
But such another man!
Dolabella. If it might please ye,—
Cleopatra. His face was as the heavens; and therein stuck 3485
A sun and moon, which kept their course,
and lighted
The little O, the earth.
Dolabella. Most sovereign creature,—
Cleopatra. His legs bestrid the ocean: his rear'd arm 3490
Crested the world: his voice was propertied
As all the tuned spheres, and that to friends;
But when he meant to quail and shake the orb,
He was as rattling thunder. For his bounty,
There was no winter in't; an autumn 'twas 3495
That grew the more by reaping: his delights
Were dolphin-like; they show'd his back above
The element they lived in: in his livery
Walk'd crowns and crownets; realms and islands were
As plates dropp'd from his pocket. 3500Dolabella. Cleopatra!
Cleopatra. Think you there was, or might be, such a man
As this I dream'd of?
Dolabella. Gentle madam, no.
Cleopatra. You lie, up to the hearing of the gods. 3505
But, if there be, or ever were, one such,
It's past the size of dreaming: nature wants stuff
To vie strange forms with fancy; yet, to imagine
And Antony, were nature's piece 'gainst fancy,
Condemning shadows quite. 3510Dolabella. Hear me, good madam.
Your loss is as yourself, great; and you bear it
As answering to the weight: would I might never
O'ertake pursued success, but I do feel,
By the rebound of yours, a grief that smites 3515
My very heart at root.
Cleopatra. I thank you, sir,
Know you what Caesar means to do with me?
Dolabella. I am loath to tell you what I would you knew.
Cleopatra. Nay, pray you, sir,— 3520Dolabella. Though he be honourable,—
Cleopatra. He'll lead me, then, in triumph?
Dolabella. Madam, he will; I know't.
[Flourish, and shout within, 'Make way there:]
Octavius Caesar!'] 3525
[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, GALLUS, PROCULEIUS,]
MECAENAS, SELEUCUS, and others of his Train]
Octavius. Which is the Queen of Egypt?
Dolabella. It is the emperor, madam.
[CLEOPATRA kneels]
Octavius. Arise, you shall not kneel:
I pray you, rise; rise, Egypt.
Cleopatra. Sir, the gods
Will have it thus; my master and my lord
I must obey. 3535Octavius. Take to you no hard thoughts:
The record of what injuries you did us,
Though written in our flesh, we shall remember
As things but done by chance.
Cleopatra. Sole sir o' the world, 3540
I cannot project mine own cause so well
To make it clear; but do confess I have
Been laden with like frailties which before
Have often shamed our sex.
Octavius. Cleopatra, know, 3545
We will extenuate rather than enforce:
If you apply yourself to our intents,
Which towards you are most gentle, you shall find
A benefit in this change; but if you seek
To lay on me a cruelty, by taking 3550
Antony's course, you shall bereave yourself
Of my good purposes, and put your children
To that destruction which I'll guard them from,
If thereon you rely. I'll take my leave.
Cleopatra. And may, through all the world: 'tis yours; and we, 3555
Your scutcheons and your signs of conquest, shall
Hang in what place you please. Here, my good lord.
Octavius. You shall advise me in all for Cleopatra.
Cleopatra. This is the brief of money, plate, and jewels,
I am possess'd of: 'tis exactly valued; 3560
Not petty things admitted. Where's Seleucus?
Seleucus. Here, madam.
Cleopatra. This is my treasurer: let him speak, my lord,
Upon his peril, that I have reserved
To myself nothing. Speak the truth, Seleucus. 3565Seleucus. Madam,
I had rather seal my lips, than, to my peril,
Speak that which is not.
Cleopatra. What have I kept back?
Seleucus. Enough to purchase what you have made known. 3570Octavius. Nay, blush not, Cleopatra; I approve
Your wisdom in the deed.
Cleopatra. See, Caesar! O, behold,
How pomp is follow'd! mine will now be yours;
And, should we shift estates, yours would be mine. 3575
The ingratitude of this Seleucus does
Even make me wild: O slave, of no more trust
Than love that's hired! What, goest thou back? thou shalt
Go back, I warrant thee; but I'll catch thine eyes,
Though they had wings: slave, soulless villain, dog! 3580
O rarely base!
Octavius. Good queen, let us entreat you.
Cleopatra. O Caesar, what a wounding shame is this,
That thou, vouchsafing here to visit me,
Doing the honour of thy lordliness 3585
To one so meek, that mine own servant should
Parcel the sum of my disgraces by
Addition of his envy! Say, good Caesar,
That I some lady trifles have reserved,
Immoment toys, things of such dignity 3590
As we greet modern friends withal; and say,
Some nobler token I have kept apart
For Livia and Octavia, to induce
Their mediation; must I be unfolded
With one that I have bred? The gods! it smites me 3595
Beneath the fall I have.
[To SELEUCUS]
Prithee, go hence;
Or I shall show the cinders of my spirits
Through the ashes of my chance: wert thou a man, 3600
Thou wouldst have mercy on me.
Octavius. Forbear, Seleucus.
[Exit SELEUCUS]
Cleopatra. Be it known, that we, the greatest, are misthought
For things that others do; and, when we fall, 3605
We answer others' merits in our name,
Are therefore to be pitied.
Octavius. Cleopatra,
Not what you have reserved, nor what acknowledged,
Put we i' the roll of conquest: still be't yours, 3610
Bestow it at your pleasure; and believe,
Caesar's no merchant, to make prize with you
Of things that merchants sold. Therefore be cheer'd;
Make not your thoughts your prisons: no, dear queen;
For we intend so to dispose you as 3615
Yourself shall give us counsel. Feed, and sleep:
Our care and pity is so much upon you,
That we remain your friend; and so, adieu.
Cleopatra. My master, and my lord!
Octavius. Not so. Adieu. 3620[Flourish. Exeunt OCTAVIUS CAESAR and his train]
Cleopatra. He words me, girls, he words me, that I should not
Be noble to myself: but, hark thee, Charmian.
[Whispers CHARMIAN]
Iras. Finish, good lady; the bright day is done, 3625
And we are for the dark.
Cleopatra. Hie thee again:
I have spoke already, and it is provided;
Go put it to the haste.
Charmian. Madam, I will. 3630[Re-enter DOLABELLA]
Dolabella. Where is the queen?
Charmian. Behold, sir.
[Exit]
Cleopatra. Dolabella! 3635Dolabella. Madam, as thereto sworn by your command,
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: 3640
Make your best use of this: I have perform'd
Your pleasure and my promise.
Cleopatra. Dolabella,
I shall remain your debtor.
Dolabella. I your servant, 3645
Adieu, good queen; I must attend on Caesar.
Cleopatra. Farewell, and thanks.
[Exit DOLABELLA]
Now, Iras, what think'st thou?
Thou, an Egyptian puppet, shalt be shown 3650
In Rome, as well as I. mechanic slaves
With greasy aprons, rules, and hammers, shall
Uplift us to the view; in their thick breaths,
Rank of gross diet, shall be enclouded,
And forced to drink their vapour. 3655Iras. The gods forbid!
Cleopatra. Nay, 'tis most certain, Iras: saucy lictors
Will catch at us, like strumpets; and scald rhymers
Ballad us out o' tune: the quick comedians
Extemporally will stage us, and present 3660
Our Alexandrian revels; Antony
Shall be brought drunken forth, and I shall see
Some squeaking Cleopatra boy my greatness
I' the posture of a whore.
Iras. O the good gods! 3665Cleopatra. Nay, that's certain.
Iras. I'll never see 't; for, I am sure, my nails
Are stronger than mine eyes.
Cleopatra. Why, that's the way
To fool their preparation, and to conquer 3670
Their most absurd intents.
[Re-enter CHARMIAN]
Now, Charmian!
Show me, my women, like a queen: go fetch
My best attires: I am again for Cydnus, 3675
To meet Mark Antony: sirrah Iras, go.
Now, noble Charmian, we'll dispatch indeed;
And, when thou hast done this chare, I'll give thee leave
To play till doomsday. Bring our crown and all.
Wherefore's this noise? 3680[Exit IRAS. A noise within]
[Enter a Guardsman]
Guard. Here is a rural fellow
That will not be denied your highness presence:
He brings you figs. 3685Cleopatra. Let him come in.
[Exit Guardsman]
What poor an instrument
May do a noble deed! he brings me liberty.
My resolution's placed, and I have nothing 3690
Of woman in me: now from head to foot
I am marble-constant; now the fleeting moon
No planet is of mine.
[Re-enter Guardsman, with Clown bringing in a basket]
Guard. This is the man. 3695Cleopatra. Avoid, and leave him.
[Exit Guardsman]
Hast thou the pretty worm of Nilus there,
That kills and pains not?
Clown. Truly, I have him: but I would not be the party 3700
that should desire you to touch him, for his biting
is immortal; those that do die of it do seldom or
never recover.
Cleopatra. Rememberest thou any that have died on't?
Clown. Very many, men and women too. I heard of one of 3705
them no longer than yesterday: a very honest woman,
but something given to lie; as a woman should not
do, but in the way of honesty: how she died of the
biting of it, what pain she felt: truly, she makes
a very good report o' the worm; but he that will 3710
believe all that they say, shall never be saved by
half that they do: but this is most fallible, the
worm's an odd worm.
Cleopatra. Get thee hence; farewell.
Clown. I wish you all joy of the worm. 3715[Setting down his basket]
Cleopatra. Farewell.
Clown. You must think this, look you, that the worm will
do his kind.
Cleopatra. Ay, ay; farewell. 3720Clown. Look you, the worm is not to be trusted but in the
keeping of wise people; for, indeed, there is no
goodness in worm.
Cleopatra. Take thou no care; it shall be heeded.
Clown. Very good. Give it nothing, I pray you, for it is 3725
not worth the feeding.
Cleopatra. Will it eat me?
Clown. You must not think I am so simple but I know the
devil himself will not eat a woman: I know that a
woman is a dish for the gods, if the devil dress her 3730
not. But, truly, these same whoreson devils do the
gods great harm in their women; for in every ten
that they make, the devils mar five.
Cleopatra. Well, get thee gone; farewell.
Clown. Yes, forsooth: I wish you joy o' the worm. 3735[Exit]
[Re-enter IRAS with a robe, crown, &c]
Cleopatra. Give me my robe, put on my crown; I have
Immortal longings in me: now no more
The juice of Egypt's grape shall moist this lip: 3740
Yare, yare, good Iras; quick. Methinks I hear
Antony call; I see him rouse himself
To praise my noble act; I hear him mock
The luck of Caesar, which the gods give men
To excuse their after wrath: husband, I come: 3745
Now to that name my courage prove my title!
I am fire and air; 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. 3750
[Kisses them. IRAS falls and dies]
Have I the aspic in my lips? Dost fall?
If thou and nature can so gently part,
The stroke of death is as a lover's pinch,
Which hurts, and is desired. Dost thou lie still? 3755
If thus thou vanishest, thou tell'st the world
It is not worth leave-taking.
Charmian. Dissolve, thick cloud, and rain; that I may say,
The gods themselves do weep!
Cleopatra. This proves me base: 3760
If she first meet the curled Antony,
He'll make demand of her, and spend that kiss
Which is my heaven to have. Come, thou
mortal wretch,
[To an asp, which she applies to her breast] 3765
With thy sharp teeth this knot intrinsicate
Of life at once untie: poor venomous fool
Be angry, and dispatch. O, couldst thou speak,
That I might hear thee call great Caesar ass
Unpolicied! 3770Charmian. O eastern star!
Cleopatra. Peace, peace!
Dost thou not see my baby at my breast,
That sucks the nurse asleep?
Charmian. O, break! O, break! 3775Cleopatra. As sweet as balm, as soft as air, as gentle,—
O Antony!—Nay, I will take thee too.
[Applying another asp to her arm]
What should I stay—
[Dies]
Charmian. In this vile world? So, fare thee well.
Now boast thee, death, in thy possession lies
A lass unparallel'd. Downy windows, close;
And golden Phoebus never be beheld
Of eyes again so royal! Your crown's awry; 3785
I'll mend it, and then play.
[Enter the Guard, rushing in]
First Guard. Where is the queen?
Charmian. Speak softly, wake her not.
First Guard. Caesar hath sent— 3790Charmian. Too slow a messenger.
[Applies an asp]
O, come apace, dispatch! I partly feel thee.
First Guard. Approach, ho! All's not well: Caesar's beguiled.
Second Guard. There's Dolabella sent from Caesar; call him. 3795First Guard. What work is here! Charmian, is this well done?
Charmian. It is well done, and fitting for a princess
Descended of so many royal kings.
Ah, soldier!
[Dies]
[Re-enter DOLABELLA]
Dolabella. How goes it here?
Second Guard. All dead.
Dolabella. Caesar, thy thoughts
Touch their effects in this: thyself art coming 3805
To see perform'd the dreaded act which thou
So sought'st to hinder.
[Within 'A way there, a way for Caesar!']
[Re-enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR and all his train marching]
Dolabella. O sir, you are too sure an augurer; 3810
That you did fear is done.
Octavius. Bravest at the last,
She levell'd at our purposes, and, being royal,
Took her own way. The manner of their deaths?
I do not see them bleed. 3815Dolabella. Who was last with them?
First Guard. A simple countryman, that brought her figs:
This was his basket.
Octavius. Poison'd, then.
First Guard. O Caesar, 3820
This Charmian lived but now; she stood and spake:
I found her trimming up the diadem
On her dead mistress; tremblingly she stood
And on the sudden dropp'd.
Octavius. O noble weakness! 3825
If they had swallow'd poison, 'twould appear
By external swelling: but she looks like sleep,
As she would catch another Antony
In her strong toil of grace.
Dolabella. Here, on her breast, 3830
There is a vent of blood and something blown:
The like is on her arm.
First Guard. This is an aspic's trail: and these fig-leaves
Have slime upon them, such as the aspic leaves
Upon the caves of Nile. 3835Octavius. Most probable
That so she died; for her physician tells me
She hath pursued conclusions infinite
Of easy ways to die. Take up her bed;
And bear her women from the monument: 3840
She shall be buried by her Antony:
No grave upon the earth shall clip in it
A pair so famous. High events as these
Strike those that make them; and their story is
No less in pity than his glory which 3845
Brought them to be lamented. Our army shall
In solemn show attend this funeral;
And then to Rome. Come, Dolabella, see
High order in this great solemnity.
[Exeunt]
玛克·安东尼
奥克泰维斯·凯撒
伊米力斯·莱必多斯 罗马三执政
塞克斯特斯·庞贝厄斯
道密歇斯·爱诺巴勃斯
文提狄斯
爱洛斯
斯凯勒斯
德西塔斯
狄米特律斯
菲罗 安东尼部下将佐
茂西那斯
阿格立巴
道拉培拉
普洛丘里厄斯
赛琉斯
盖勒斯 凯撒部下将佐
茂那斯
茂尼克拉提斯
凡里厄斯 庞贝部下将佐
陶勒斯 凯撒副将
凯尼狄斯 安东尼副将
西里厄斯 文提狄斯属下裨将
尤弗洛涅斯 安东尼遣往凯撒处的使者
艾勒克萨斯
玛狄恩
塞琉克斯
狄俄墨得斯 克莉奥佩特拉的侍从
预言者
小丑
克莉奥佩特拉 埃及女王
奥克泰维娅 凯撒之妹，安东尼之妻
查米恩
伊拉丝 克莉奥佩特拉的侍女
将佐、兵士、使者及其他侍从等
地点
罗马帝国各部
第一幕
第一场 亚历山大里亚。克莉奥佩特拉宫中一室
狄米特律斯及菲罗上。
菲罗 嘿，咱们主帅这样迷恋，真太不成话啦。从前他指挥大军的时候，他的英勇的眼睛像全身盔甲的战神一样发出棱棱的威光，现在却如醉如痴地尽是盯在一张黄褐色的脸上。他的大将的雄心曾经在激烈的鏖战里涨断了胸前的扣带，现在却失掉一切常态，甘愿做一具风扇，搧凉一个吉卜赛女人的欲焰。瞧！他们来了。
喇叭奏花腔。安东尼及克莉奥佩特拉率侍从上；太监掌扇随侍。
菲罗 留心看着，你就可以知道他本来是这世界上三大柱石之一，现在已经变成一个娼妇的弄人了，瞧吧。
克莉奥佩特拉 要是那真的是爱，告诉我多么深。
安东尼 可以量深浅的爱是贫乏的。
克莉奥佩特拉 我要立一个界限，知道你能够爱我到怎么一个极度。
安东尼 那么你必须发现新的天地。
一侍从上。
侍从 禀将军，罗马有信来了。
安东尼 讨厌！简简单单告诉我什么事。
克莉奥佩特拉 不，听听他们怎么说吧，安东尼。富尔维娅也许在生气了；也许那乳臭未干的凯撒会降下一道尊严的谕令来，吩咐你说，“做这件事，做那件事；征服这个国家，清除那个国家；照我的话执行，否则就要处你一个违抗命令的罪名。”
安东尼 怎么会，我爱！
克莉奥佩特拉 也许！不，那是非常可能的；你不能再在这儿逗留了；凯撒已经把你免职；所以听听他们怎么说吧，安东尼。富尔维娅签发的传票呢？我应该说是凯撒的？还是他们两人的？叫那送信的人进来。我用埃及女王的身分起誓，你在脸红了，安东尼；你那满脸的热血是你对凯撒所表示的敬礼；否则就是因为长舌的富尔维娅把你骂得不好意思。叫那送信的人进来！
安东尼 让罗马融化在台伯河的流水里，让广袤的帝国的高大的拱门倒塌吧！这儿是我的生存的空间。纷纷列国，不过是一堆堆泥土；粪秽的大地养育着人类，也养育着禽兽；生命的光荣存在于一双心心相印的情侣的及时互爱和热烈拥抱之中；（拥抱克莉奥佩特拉）这儿是我的永远的归宿；我们要让全世界知道，我们是卓立无比的。
克莉奥佩特拉 巧妙的谎话！他既然不爱富尔维娅，为什么要跟她结婚呢？我还是假作痴呆吧；安东尼就会回复他的本色的。
安东尼 没有克莉奥佩特拉鼓起他的活力，安东尼就是一个毫无生气的人。可是看在爱神和她那温馨的时辰分上，让我们不要把大好的光阴在口角争吵之中蹉跎过去；从现在起，我们生命中的每一分钟，都要让它充满了欢乐。今晚我们怎样玩？
克莉奥佩特拉 接见罗马的使者。
安东尼 嗳哟，淘气的女王！你生气、你笑、你哭，都是那么可爱；每一种情绪在你的身上都充分表现出它的动人的姿态。我不要接见什么使者，只要和你在一起；今晚让我们两人到市街上去逛逛，察看察看民间的情况。来，我的女王；你昨晚就有这样一个愿望的。不要对我们说话。（安东尼、克莉奥佩特拉及侍从同下。）
狄米特律斯 安东尼会这样藐视凯撒吗？
菲罗 先生，有时候他不是安东尼，他的一言一动，都够不上安东尼所应该具有的伟大的品格。
狄米特律斯 那些在罗马造谣的小人，把他说得怎样怎样不堪，想不到他竟会证实他们的话；可是我希望他明天能够改变他的态度。再会！（各下。）
第二场 同前。另一室
查米恩、伊拉丝、艾勒克萨斯及一预言者上。
查米恩 艾勒克萨斯大人，可爱的艾勒克萨斯，什么都是顶好的艾勒克萨斯，顶顶顶好的艾勒克萨斯，你在娘娘面前竭力推荐的那个算命的呢？我倒很想知道我的未来的丈夫，你不是说他会在他的角上挂起花圈吗？
艾勒克萨斯 预言者！
预言者 您有什么吩咐？
查米恩 就是他吗？先生，你能够预知未来吗？
预言者 在造化的无穷尽的秘籍中，我曾经涉猎一二。
艾勒克萨斯 把你的手让他相相看。
爱诺巴勃斯上。
爱诺巴勃斯 筵席赶快送进去；为克莉奥佩特拉祝饮的酒要多一些。
查米恩 好先生，给我一些好运气。
预言者 我不能制造命运，只能预知休咎。
查米恩 那么请你替我算出一注好运气来。
预言者 你将来要比现在更美好。
查米恩 他的意思是说我的皮肤会变得白嫩一些。
伊拉丝 不，你老了可以搽粉的。
查米恩 千万不要长起皱纹来才好！
艾勒克萨斯 不要打扰他的预言；留心听着。
查米恩 嘘！
预言者 你将要爱别人甚于被别人所爱。
查米恩 那我倒宁愿让酒来燃烧我的这颗心。
艾勒克萨斯 不，听他说。
查米恩 好，现在可给我算出一些非常好的命运来吧！让我在一个上午嫁了三个国王，再让他们一个个死掉；让我在五十岁生了一个孩子，犹太的希律王都要向他鞠躬致敬；让我嫁给奥克泰维斯·凯撒，和娘娘做一个并肩的人。
预言者 你将要比你的女主人活得长久。
查米恩 啊，好极了！多活几天总是好的。
预言者 你的前半生的命运胜过后半生的命运。
查米恩 那么大概我的孩子们都是没出息的；请问我有几个儿子几个女儿？
预言者 要是你的每一个愿望都会怀胎受孕，你可以有一百万个儿女。
查米恩 啐，呆子！妖言惑众，恕你无罪。
艾勒克萨斯 你以为除了你的枕席以外，谁也不知道你在转些什么念头。
查米恩 来，来，替伊拉丝也算个命。
艾勒克萨斯 我们大家都要算个命。
爱诺巴勃斯 我知道我们今晚的命运，是喝得烂醉上床。
伊拉丝 从这一只手掌即使看不出别的什么来，至少可以看出一个贞洁的性格。
查米恩 正像从泛滥的尼罗河可以看出旱灾一样。
伊拉丝 去，你这浪蹄子，你又不会算命。
查米恩 嗳哟，要是一只滑腻的手掌不是多子的征兆，那么就是我的臂膊疯瘫了。请你为她算出一个平平常常的命运来。
预言者 你们的命运都差不多。
伊拉丝 怎么差不多？怎么差不多？说得具体些。
预言者 我已经说过了。
伊拉丝 难道我的命运一寸一分也没有胜过她的地方吗？
查米恩 好，要是你的命运比我胜过一分，你愿意在什么地方胜过我？
伊拉丝 不是在我丈夫的鼻子上。
查米恩 愿上天改变我们邪恶的思想！艾勒克萨斯，——来，他的命运，他的命运。啊！让他娶一个不能怀孕的女人，亲爱的爱昔斯①女神，我求求你；让他第一个妻子死了，再娶一个更坏的；让他娶了一个又一个，一个不如一个，直到最坏的一个满脸笑容地送他戴着五十顶绿头巾下了坟墓！好爱昔斯女神，你可以拒绝我其他更重要的请求，可是千万听从我这一个祷告；好爱昔斯，我求求你！
伊拉丝 阿门。亲爱的女神，俯听我们下民的祷告吧！因为正像看见一个漂亮的男人娶到一个淫荡的妻子，可以叫人心碎一样，看见一个奸恶的坏人有一个不偷汉子的老婆，也是会使人大失所望的；所以亲爱的爱昔斯，给他应得的命运吧！
查米恩 阿门。
艾勒克萨斯 瞧，瞧！要是她们有权力使我做一个忘八，就是叫她们当婊子，她们也会干的。
爱诺巴勃斯 嘘！安东尼来了。
查米恩 不是他，是娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉上。
克莉奥佩特拉 你们看见主上吗？
爱诺巴勃斯 没有，娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 他刚才不是在这儿吗？
查米恩 不在，娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 他本来高高兴兴的，忽然一下子又触动了他的思念罗马的心。爱诺巴勃斯！
爱诺巴勃斯 娘娘！
克莉奥佩特拉 你去找找他，把他带到这儿来。艾勒克萨斯呢？
艾勒克萨斯 有，娘娘有什么吩咐？主上来了。
安东尼偕一使者及侍从等上。
克莉奥佩特拉 我不要见他；跟我去。（克莉奥佩特拉、爱诺巴勃斯、艾勒克萨斯、伊拉丝、查米恩、预言者及侍从等同下。）
使者 你的妻子富尔维娅第一个上战场。
安东尼 向我的兄弟路歇斯开战吗？
使者 是，可是那次战事很快就结束了，当时形势的变化，使他们捐嫌修好，合力反抗凯撒的攻击；在初次交锋的时候，凯撒就得到胜利，把他们驱出了意大利境外。
安东尼 好，还有什么最坏的消息？
使者 人们因为不爱听恶消息，往往会连带憎恨那报告恶消息的人。
安东尼 只有愚人和懦夫才会这样。说吧；已经过去的事，我决不再介意。谁告诉我真话，即使他的话里藏着死亡，我也会像听人家恭维我一样听着他。
使者 拉卞纳斯——这是很刺耳的消息——已经带着他的帕提亚军队长驱直进，越过亚洲境界；沿着幼发拉底河岸，他的胜利的旌旗从叙利亚招展到吕底亚和爱奥尼亚；可是——
安东尼 可是安东尼却无所事事，你的意思是这样说。
使者 啊，将军！
安东尼 直捷痛快地把一般人怎么批评我的话告诉我，不要吞吞吐吐地怕什么忌讳；罗马人怎样称呼克莉奥佩特拉，你也怎样称呼她；富尔维娅怎样责骂我，你也怎样责骂我；尽管放胆指斥我的过失，无论它是情真罪当的，或者不过是恶意的讥弹。啊！只有这样才可以使我们反躬自省，平心静气地拔除我们内心的莠草，耕垦我们荒芜的德性。你且暂时退下。
使者 遵命。（下。）
安东尼 喂！从息些温来的人呢？
侍从甲 有没有从息些温来的人？
侍从乙 他在等候着您的旨意。
安东尼 叫他进来。我必须挣断这副坚强的埃及镣铐，否则我将在沉迷中丧失自己了。
另一使者上。
安东尼 你是什么人？
使者乙 你的妻子富尔维娅死了。
安东尼 她死在什么地方？
使者乙 在息些温。她的抱病的经过，还有其他更重要的事情，都在这封信里。（呈上书信。）
安东尼 下去。（使者乙下）一个伟大的灵魂去了！我曾经盼望她死；我们一时间的憎嫌，往往引起过后的追悔；眼前的欢愉冷淡了下来，便会变成悲哀；因为她死了，我才感念到她生前的好处；喜怒爱恶，都只在一转手之间。我必须割断情丝，离开这个迷人的女王；千万种我所意料不到的祸事已在我的怠惰之中萌蘖生长。喂！爱诺巴勃斯！
爱诺巴勃斯重上。
爱诺巴勃斯 主帅有什么吩咐？
安东尼 我必须赶快离开这儿。
爱诺巴勃斯 嗳哟，那么我们那些娘儿们一个个都要活不成啦。我们知道一件无情的举动会多么刺伤她们的心；要是她们见我们走了，她们一定会死的。
安东尼 我非去不可。
爱诺巴勃斯 要是果然有逼不得已的原因，那么就让她们死了吧；好端端把她们丢了，未免可惜，虽然在一个重大的理由之下，只好把她们置之不顾。克莉奥佩特拉只要略微听到了这一个风声，就会当场死去；我曾经看见她为了一点点的细事死过二十次。我想死神倒也是一个懂得怜香惜玉的多情种子，她总是死得那么容易。
安东尼 她的狡狯简直是不可思议的。
爱诺巴勃斯 唉！主帅，不，她的感情完全是从最纯洁微妙的爱心里提炼出来的。我们不能用风雨形容她的叹息和眼泪；它们是历书上从来没有记载过的狂风暴雨。这决不是她的狡狯，否则她就跟乔武一样有驱风召雨的神力了。
安东尼 但愿我从来没有看见她！
爱诺巴勃斯 啊，主帅，那您就要错过了一件神奇的杰作；失去这样的眼福，您的壮游也会大大地减色的。
安东尼 富尔维娅死了。
爱诺巴勃斯 主帅？
安东尼 富尔维娅死了。
爱诺巴勃斯 富尔维娅！
安东尼 死了。
爱诺巴勃斯 啊，主帅，快向天神举行一次感谢的献祭吧。旧衣服破了，裁缝会替人重做新的；一个妻子死了，天神也早给他另外注定一段姻缘。要是世上除了富尔维娅以外，再没有别的女人，那么您确是遭到了重大的打击，听见了这样的噩耗，也的确应该痛哭流涕；可是在这一段不幸之上，却有莫大的安慰；旧裙换了新裙，旧人换了新人；要是为了表示对于死者的恩情，必须洒几滴眼泪的话，尽可以借重洋葱的力量的。
安东尼 我不能不去料理料理她在国内的未了之事。
爱诺巴勃斯 您在这儿也有未了之事，不能抛开不管；尤其是克莉奥佩特拉的事情，她一刻也少不了您。
安东尼 不要一味打趣。把我的决心传谕我的部下。我要去向女王告知我们必须立刻出发的原因，请她放我们远走。因为不但富尔维娅的死讯和其他更迫切的动机在敦促我就道，而且我在罗马的许多同志也有信来恳求我急速回国。塞克斯特斯·庞贝厄斯已经向凯撒挑战，他的威力控制了海上的帝国；我们那些反复无常的民众——他们在一个人的生前从来不知道感激他的功德，一定要等他死了以后才会把他视若神明——已经开始把庞贝大王的一切尊荣加在他的儿子的身上；凭借着这样盛大的名誉和权力，再加上天赋高贵的血统和身世，他已经成为一个雄视一世的战士；要是让他的势力继续发展下去，全世界都会受到他的威胁。无数的变化正在酝酿之中，它们像初出卵的小蛇一样，虽然已经有了生命，它们的毒舌还不会伤人。你去通告我的手下将士，就说我命令他们准备立刻动身。
爱诺巴勃斯 我就去照您的话办。（各下。）
第三场 同前。另一室
克莉奥佩特拉、查米恩、伊拉丝及艾勒克萨斯上。
克莉奥佩特拉 他呢？
查米恩 我后来一直没看见他。
克莉奥佩特拉 瞧瞧他在什么地方，跟什么人在一起，在干些什么事。不要说是我叫你去的。要是你看见他在发恼，就说我在跳舞；要是他样子很高兴，就对他说我突然病了。快去快来。（艾勒克萨斯下。）
查米恩 娘娘，我想您要是真心爱他，这一种手段是不能取得他的好感的。
克莉奥佩特拉 我有什么应该做的事没有做过呢？
查米恩 您应该什么事都顺从他的意思，别跟他闹别扭。
克莉奥佩特拉 你是个傻瓜；听了你的教训，我就要永远失去他了。
查米恩 不要过分玩弄他；我希望您不要这样。人们对于他们所畏惧的人，日久之后，往往会心怀怒恨。可是安东尼来了。
安东尼上。
克莉奥佩特拉 我身子不舒服，心绪很恶劣。
安东尼 我觉得非常难于启口——
克莉奥佩特拉 搀我进去，亲爱的查米恩，我快要倒下来了；我这身子再也支持不住，恐怕不久于人世了。
安东尼 我的最亲爱的女王——
克莉奥佩特拉 请你站得离开我远一点。
安东尼 究竟为了什么事？
克莉奥佩特拉 就从你那双眼睛里，我知道一定有些好消息。那位明媒正娶的娘子怎么说？你去吧。但愿她从来没有允许你来！不要让她说是我把你羁留在这里；我作不了你的主，你是她的。
安东尼 天神知道——
克莉奥佩特拉 啊！从来不曾有过一个女王受到这样大的欺骗；可是我早就看出你是不怀好意的。
安东尼 克莉奥佩特拉——
克莉奥佩特拉 你已经不忠于富尔维娅，虽然你向神明旦旦而誓，为什么我要相信你会真心爱我呢？被这些随口毁弃的空口的盟誓所迷惑，简直是无可理喻的疯狂！
安东尼 最可爱的女王——
克莉奥佩特拉 不，请你不必找什么借口，你要去就去吧。当你要求我准许你留下的时候，才用得着你的花言巧语；那时候你是怎么也不想走的；我的嘴唇和眼睛里有永生的欢乐，我的弯弯的眉毛里有天堂的幸福；我身上的每一部分都带着天国的馨香。它们并没有变样，除非你这全世界最伟大的战士已经变成了最伟大的说谎者。
安东尼 嗳哟，爱人！
克莉奥佩特拉 我希望我也长得像你一样高，让你知道埃及女王也有一颗勇敢豪迈的心呢。
安东尼 听我说，女王：为了应付时局的需要，我不能不暂时离开这里，可是我的整个的心还是继续和你厮守在一起的。内乱的刀剑闪耀在我们意大利全境；塞克斯特斯·庞贝厄斯已经向罗马海口进发；国内两支势均力敌的军队，还在那儿彼此摩擦。不齿众口的人，只要培植起强大的势力，人心就会自然趋附他；被摈斥的庞贝仗着他父亲的威名，已经在不知不觉中取得那些现政局下失意分子的拥戴，他们人数众多，是罗马的心腹之患；蠢蠢思乱的人心，只要一旦起了什么剧烈的变化，就会造成不可收拾的混乱。关于我自己个人方面的，还有一个你可以放心让我走的理由，富尔维娅死了。
克莉奥佩特拉 年龄的增长虽然改不掉我的愚蠢，却能去掉我轻信人言的稚气。富尔维娅也会死吗？
安东尼 她死了，我的女王。瞧，请你有空读一读这封信，就知道她一手掀起了多少风波；我的好人儿，最后你还可以看到她死在死在什么时候、什么地方。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊，最负心的爱人！那应该盛满了你悲哀的泪珠的泪壶呢？现在我知道了，我知道了，富尔维娅死了，你是这个样子，将来我死了，我也推想得到你会怎样对待我。
安东尼 不要吵嘴了，静静地听我说明我的决意；要是你听了不以为然，我也可以放弃我的主张。凭着蒸晒尼罗河畔粘土的骄阳起誓，我现在离此他去，永远是你的兵士和仆人，或战或和，都遵照着你的意旨。
克莉奥佩特拉 解开我的衣带，查米恩，赶快；可是让它去吧，我是很容易害病，也很容易痊愈的。只消安东尼还懂得爱。
安东尼 我的宝贝女王，别说这种话，给我一个机会，试验试验我对你的真情吧。
克莉奥佩特拉 富尔维娅给了我一些教训。请你转过头去为她哀哭；然后再向我告别，就说那些眼泪是属于埃及女王的。好，扮演一幕绝妙的假戏，让它瞧上去活像真心的流露吧。
安东尼 你再说下去，我要恼了。
克莉奥佩特拉 你还可以表演得动人一些，可是这样也就不错了。
安东尼 凭着我的宝剑——
克莉奥佩特拉 和盾牌起誓。他越演越有精神了；可是这还不是他的登峰造极的境界。瞧，查米恩，这位罗马巨人的怒相有多么庄严。
安东尼 我要告辞了，陛下。
克莉奥佩特拉 多礼的将军，一句话。将军，你我既然必须分别——不，不是那么说；将军，你我曾经相爱过——不，也不是那么说；您知道——我想要说的是句什么话呀？唉！我的好记性正像安东尼一样，把什么都忘得干干净净了。
安东尼 倘不是为了你的高贵的地位，我就要说你是个无事嚼舌的女人。
克莉奥佩特拉 克莉奥佩特拉要是有那么好的闲情逸致，她也不会这样满腹悲哀了。可是，将军，原谅我吧；既然我的一举一动您都瞧不上眼，我也不知道怎样的行为才是适当的。您的荣誉在呼唤您去；所以不要听我的不足怜悯的痴心的哀求，愿所有的神明和您同在吧！愿胜利的桂冠悬在您的剑端，敌人到处俯伏在您的足下！
安东尼 我们去吧。来，我们虽然分离，实际上并没有分离；你住在这里，你的心却跟着我驰骋疆场；我离开了这里，我的心仍旧留下在你身边。走吧！（同下。）
第四场 罗马。凯撒府中一室
奥克泰维斯·凯撒、莱必多斯及侍从等上。
凯撒 你现在可以知道，莱必多斯，我不是因为气量狭隘，才这样痛恨我们这位伟大的同僚。从亚历山大里亚传来的消息，都说他每天钓钓鱼，喝喝酒，嬉游纵乐，彻夜不休，比克莉奥佩特拉更没有男人的气概，既不接见宾客使者，也不把他旧日的同僚放在心上；凡是众人所最容易犯的过失，都可以在他身上找到。
莱必多斯 他的一二缺陷，决不能掩盖住他的全部优点；他的过失就像天空中的星点一般，因为夜间的黑暗而格外显著；它们是与生俱来的，不是有意获得的；他这是连自己也无能为力，决不是存心如此。
凯撒 你太宽容了。即使我们承认淫乱了托勒密②王室的宫闱，为了一时的欢乐而牺牲了一个王国，和一个下贱的奴才对坐饮酒，踏着蹒跚的醉步白昼招摇过市，和那些满身汗臭的小人互相殴打，这种种恶劣的行为，都算不得他的过失；即使安东尼果然有那样希世的威仪，能够不因这些秽德而减色，我们也绝对不能宽恕他，因为他的轻举妄动，已经加重了我们肩头的负担。假如他因为闲散无事，用醇酒妇人销磨他的光阴，那么即使过度的淫乐煎枯了他的骨髓，也只是他自作自受，不干别人的事；可是在这样国家多难的时候，他还是沉迷不返，就像一个已经能够明白事理的孩子，因为贪图眼前的欢乐而忘记父兄的教诲一样，我们不能不对他严辞谴责。
一使者上。
莱必多斯 又有什么消息来了。
使者 尊贵的凯撒，你的命令已经遵照实行，每一小时你都可以听到外边的消息。庞贝在海上的势力非常强大，那些因为畏惧而臣服凯撒的人，似乎都对他表示衷心的爱戴；不满意现状的，一个个都到海边投奔他。一般人都说罗马亏待了他。
凯撒 我应该早就料到这一点。人类的常情教训我们，一个人未在位的时候，是为众人所钦佩的，等到他一旦在位，大家就对他失去了信仰；受尽冷眼的失势英雄，身败名裂以后，也会受到世人的爱慕。群众就像漂浮在水上的菖蒲，随着潮流的方向而进退，在盲目的行动之中湮灭腐烂。
使者 凯撒，我还要报告你一件消息。茂尼克拉提斯和茂那斯，两个著名的海盗，啸集了大小船只，横行海上，四出剽掠，屡次侵犯意大利的海疆；沿海居民望风胆裂，年轻力壮的相率入伙，协同作乱；凡是出口的船舶，才离海岸，就被他们邀截而去；因为他们只要一提起庞贝的名字，就可以所向无敌。
凯撒 安东尼，离开你的荒唐的淫乐吧！你从前杀死了赫息斯和潘萨两个执政、从摩地那被逐出亡的时候，饥荒到处追随着你，你虽然是一个娇生惯养的人，却用无比的毅力和环境苦斗，忍受山谷野人所不堪忍受的苦难；你喝的是马尿和畜类嗅到了也会恶心的污水；吃的是荒野中粗恶生涩的浆果，甚至于像失食的牡鹿一样，当白雪铺盖牧场的时候，啃着树皮充饥；在阿尔卑斯山上，据说你曾经吃过腐烂的尸体，有些人看见这种东西是会惊怖失色的。我现在提起这些往事，虽然好像有伤你的名誉，可是当时你的确用百折不挠的战士的精神忍受这一切，你的神采奕奕的脸上，并不因此而现出一些憔悴的痕迹。
莱必多斯 可惜他不能全始全终。
凯撒 但愿他自知惭愧，赶快回到罗马来。现在我们两人必须临阵应战，所以应该立刻召集将士，决定方略；庞贝的势力是会在我们的怠惰之中一天一天强大起来的。
莱必多斯 凯撒，明天我就可以确实告诉你我能够在海陆双方集合多少的军力，应付当前的变局。
凯撒 我也要去调度一下。那么明天见。
莱必多斯 明天见，阁下。要是你听见外面有什么变动，请通知我一声。
凯撒 当然当然，那是我的责任。（各下。）
第五场 亚历山大里亚。宫中一室
克莉奥佩特拉、查米恩、伊拉丝及玛狄恩上。
克莉奥佩特拉 查米恩！
查米恩 娘娘！
克莉奥佩特拉 唉唉！给我喝一些曼陀罗汁。
查米恩 为什么，娘娘？
克莉奥佩特拉 我的安东尼去了，让我把这一段长长的时间昏睡过去吧。
查米恩 您太想念他了。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊！胡说！
查米恩 娘娘，我不敢。
克莉奥佩特拉 你，太监玛狄恩！
玛狄恩 陛下有什么吩咐？
克莉奥佩特拉 我现在不想听你唱歌；我不喜欢一个太监能作的任何事：好在你净了身子，再也不会胡思乱想，让你的一颗心飞出埃及。你也有爱情吗？
玛狄恩 有的，娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 当真！
玛狄恩 当真不了的，娘娘，因为我干不来那些伤风败俗的行为；可是我也有强烈的爱情，我常常想起维纳斯和马斯所干的事。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊，查米恩！你想他现在是在什么地方？他是站着还是坐着？他在走吗？还是骑在马上？幸运的马啊，你能够把安东尼驮在你的身上！出力啊，马儿，你知道谁骑着你吗？他是撑持着半个世界的巨人，全人类的勇武的干城哩。他现在在说话了，也许他在低声微语，“我那古老的尼罗河畔的花蛇呢？”因为他是这样称呼我的。现在我在用最美味的毒药陶醉我自己。他在想念我吗，我这被福玻斯的热情的眼光烧灼得遍身黝黑、时间已经在我额上留下深深皱纹的人？阔面广顾的凯撒啊，当你大驾光临的时候，我还只是一个少不更事的女郎，伟大的庞贝老是把他的眼睛盯在我的脸上，好像永远舍不得离开一般。
艾勒克萨斯上。
艾勒克萨斯 埃及的女王，万岁！
克莉奥佩特拉 你和玛克·安东尼是多么不同！可是因为你是从他的地方来的，你的身上也带着几分他的光彩了。我的勇敢的玛克·安东尼怎样？
艾勒克萨斯 亲爱的女王，他在无数次的热吻以后，最后吻着这一颗东方的珍珠。他的话紧紧粘在我的心上。
克莉奥佩特拉 那就要靠我的耳朵来摘取了。
艾勒克萨斯 他说，“好朋友，你去说，那忠实的罗马人把这一颗蚌壳里的珍宝献给伟大的埃及女王；请她不要嫌这礼物的菲薄，因为我还要为她征服无数的王国，让它们在她富饶的王座之下臣服纳贡；你对她说，所有东方的国家，都要称她为它们的女王。”于是他点了点头，很庄严地骑上了一匹披甲的骏马；我虽然还想对他说话，可是那马儿的震耳的长嘶，把一切声音全都盖住了。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊！他是忧愁的还是快乐的？
艾勒克萨斯 就像在盛暑和严寒之间的季候一样，他既不忧愁也不快乐。
克莉奥佩特拉 多么平衡沉稳的性情！听着，听着，查米恩，这才是一个男子；可是听着。他并不忧愁，因为他必须把他的光辉照耀到那些仰望他的人的脸上；他并不快乐，那似乎告诉他们他的眷念是和他的欢乐一起留在埃及的；可是在这两者之间，啊，神圣的混合，无论你忧愁或快乐，那强烈的情绪都可以显出你的可爱，没有一个人能够比得上你。你碰见我的使者吗？
艾勒克萨斯 是，娘娘，我碰见二十个给您送信的人。为什么您这样接连不断地叫他们寄信去？
克莉奥佩特拉 谁要是在我忘记寄信给安东尼的那一天出世的，一定穷苦而死。查米恩，拿墨水和信纸来。欢迎，我的好艾勒克萨斯。查米恩，我曾经这样爱过凯撒吗？
查米恩 啊，那勇敢的凯撒！
克莉奥佩特拉 让另外一句感叹窒塞了你的咽喉吧！你应该说勇敢的安东尼。
查米恩 威武的凯撒！
克莉奥佩特拉 凭着爱昔斯女神起誓，你要是再把凯撒的名字和我的唯一的英雄相提并论，我要打得你满口出血了。
查米恩 请娘娘开恩恕罪，我不过把您说过的话照样说说罢了。
克莉奥佩特拉 那时候我年轻识浅，我的热情还没有煽起，所以才会说那样的话！可是来，我们进去吧；把墨水和信纸给我。他将要每天收到一封信，要不然我要把埃及全国的人都打发去为我送信。（同下。）
第二幕
第一场 墨西拿。庞贝府中一室
庞贝、茂尼克拉提斯及茂那斯同上。
庞贝 伟大的天神们假如是公平正直的，他们一定会帮助理直辞正的人。
茂尼克拉提斯 尊贵的庞贝，天神对于他们所眷顾的人，也许给他一时的留难，但决不会长久使他失望。
庞贝 当我们还在向他们神座之前祈求的时候，也许我们的希望已经毁灭了。
茂尼克拉提斯 我们昧于利害，往往所祈求的反而对我们自己有损无益；聪明的天神拒绝我们的祷告，正是玉成我们的善意；我们虽然所愿不遂，其实还是实受其利。
庞贝 我一定可以成功：人民这样爱戴我，海上的霸权已经操在我的手里；我的势力正像上弦月一样逐渐扩展，终有一天会变成一轮高悬中天的满月。玛克·安东尼正在埃及闲坐宴饮，懒得出外作战；凯撒搜括民财，弄得众怒沸腾；莱必多斯只知道两面讨好，他们两人也对他假意殷勤，可是他对他们两人既然并无好感，他们两人也不把他放在心上。
茂那斯 凯撒和莱必多斯已经上了战场；他们带着一支很强大的军队。
庞贝 你从什么地方听到这个消息？那是假的。
茂那斯 西尔维斯说的，主帅。
庞贝 他在做梦；我知道他们都在罗马等候着安东尼。淫荡的克莉奥佩特拉啊，但愿一切爱情的魔力柔润你的褪了色的朱唇！让妖术和美貌互相结合，再用淫欲加强它们的魅力！把这浪子围困在酒色阵里，让他的头脑终日昏迷；美味的烹调刺激他的食欲，醉饱酣眠销磨了他的雄心，直到长睡不醒的一天！
凡里厄斯上。
庞贝 啊，凡里厄斯！
凡里厄斯 我要报告一个非常确实的消息：玛克·安东尼快要到罗马了；他早已离开埃及，算起日子来应该早到了。
庞贝 我真不愿相信这句话。茂那斯，我想这位好色之徒未必会为了这样一场小小的战争而披起他的甲胄来。讲到他的将才，的确要比那两个人胜过一倍；要是我们这一次行动，居然能够把沉缅女色的安东尼从那埃及寡妇的怀中惊醒起来，那倒很可以抬高我们的身价。
茂那斯 我想凯撒和安东尼未必能够彼此相容；他的已故的妻子曾经得罪凯撒，他的兄弟也和凯撒动过刀兵，虽然我想不是出于安东尼的指使。
庞贝 茂那斯，我不知道他们大敌当前，会不会捐弃私人间的嫌怨。倘不是我向他们三人揭起了挑战的旗帜，他们大概就会自相火併的，因为他们彼此间的积恨，已经到了剑拔弩张的境地了；可是我们还要看看同仇敌忾的心理究竟能够把他们团结到什么程度。一切依照神明的意旨吧！我们的成败存亡，全看我们能不能运用坚强的手腕。来，茂那斯。（同下。）
第二场 罗马。莱必多斯府中一室
爱诺巴勃斯及莱必多斯上。
莱必多斯 好爱诺巴勃斯，你要是能够劝告你家主帅，请他在说话方面温和一些，那就是做了一件大大的好事了。
爱诺巴勃斯 我要请他按照他自己的本性说话；要是凯撒激恼了他，让安东尼向凯撒睥睨而视，发出像战神一样的怒吼吧。凭着朱庇特起誓，要是安东尼的胡子装在我的脸上，我今天决不愿意修剪。
莱必多斯 现在不是闹私人意气的时候。
爱诺巴勃斯 要是别人有意寻事，那就随时都可以闹起来的。
莱必多斯 可是我们现在有更重大的问题，应该抛弃小小的争执。
爱诺巴勃斯 要是小小的争执在前，重大的问题在后，那就不能这么说。
莱必多斯 你的话全然是感情用事；可是请你不要拨起火灰来。尊贵的安东尼来了。
安东尼及文提狄斯上。
爱诺巴勃斯 凯撒也打那边来了。
凯撒、茂西那斯及阿格立巴上。
安东尼 要是我们在这儿相安无事，你就到帕提亚去；听着，文提狄斯。
凯撒 我不知道，茂西那斯；问阿格立巴。
莱必多斯 尊贵的朋友们，非常重大的事故把我们联合在一起，让我们不要因为细微的小事而彼此参商。各人有什么不痛快的地方，不妨平心静气提出来谈谈；要是为了一点小小的意见而弄得面红耳赤，那就不单是见伤不救，简直是向病人行刺了。所以，尊贵的同僚们，请你们俯从我的诚恳的请求，用最友好的态度讨论你们最不愉快的各点，千万不要意气用事，处理当前的大事是主要的。
安东尼 说得有理。即使我们现在彼此以兵戎相见，也应该保持这样的精神。
凯撒 欢迎你回到罗马来！
安东尼 谢谢你。
凯撒 请坐。
安东尼 请坐。
凯撒 那么有僭了。
安东尼 听说你为了一些捕风捉影，或者和你毫不相干的事情，心里不大痛快。
凯撒 要是我无缘无故，或者为了一些小小的事情而生起气来，尤其是生你的气，那不是笑话了吗？要是你的名字根本用不着我提在嘴上，我却好端端把它诋毁，那不更是笑话了吗？
安东尼 凯撒，我在埃及跟你有什么相干？
凯撒 本来你在埃及，就跟我在罗马一样，大家都是各不相干的；可是假如你在那边图谋危害我的地位，那我就不能不把它当作一个与我有关的问题了。
安东尼 你说我图谋危害是什么意思？
凯撒 你只要看看我在这儿遭到些什么事情，就可以懂得我的意思。你的妻子和兄弟都向我宣战，他们用的都是你的名义。
安东尼 你完全弄错了；我的兄弟从来没有让我与闻他的行动。我曾经调查这件事情的经过，从几个和你交锋过的人的嘴里听到确实的报告。他不是把你我两人一律看待，同样向我们两人的权力挑战吗？我早就有信给你，向你解释过了。你要是有意寻事，应该找一个更充分的理由，这样的借口是不能成立的。
凯撒 你推托得倒很干净，可是太把我看得不明事理啦。
安东尼 那倒不是这样说；我相信你一定不会不想到，他既然把我们两人同时作为攻击的目标，我当然不会赞许他这一种作乱的行为。至于我的妻子，那么我希望你也有一位像她这样强悍的夫人：三分之一的世界在你的统治之下，你可以很容易地把它驾驱，可是你永远驯伏不了这样一个妻子。
爱诺巴勃斯 但愿我们都有这样的妻子，那么男人可以和女人临阵对垒了！
安东尼 凯撒，她的脾气实在太暴躁了，虽然她也是个精明强干的人；我很抱歉她给了你很大的烦扰，你必须原谅我没有力量控制她。
凯撒 你在亚历山大里亚喝酒作乐的时候，我有信写给你；你却把我的信置之不理，把我的使者一顿辱骂赶出去。
安东尼 阁下，这是他自己不懂礼节。我还没有叫他进来，他就莽莽撞撞走到我的面前；那时候我刚宴请过三个国王，不免有些酒后失态；可是第二天我就向他当面说明，那也等于向他道歉一样。让我们不要把这个人作为我们争论的题目吧；我们即使反目，也不要把他当作借口。
凯撒 你已经破坏盟约，我却始终信守。
莱必多斯 得啦，凯撒！
安东尼 不，莱必多斯，让他说吧；这是攸关我的荣誉的事，果然如他所说，我就是一个不讲信义的人了。说，凯撒，我怎么破坏了盟约。
凯撒 我们有约在先，当我需要你的助力的时候，你必须举兵相援，可是你却拒绝我的请求。
安东尼 那是我一时糊涂，疏忽了我的责任；我愿意向你竭诚道歉。我的诚实决不会减低我的威信；失去诚实，我的权力也就无法行施。那个时候我实在不知道富尔维娅为了希望我离开埃及，已经在这儿发动战事。在这一点上，我应该请你原谅。
莱必多斯 这才是英雄的口气。
茂西那斯 请你们两位不要记念旧恶，还是合力同心，应付当前的局势吧。
莱必多斯 说得有理，茂西那斯。
爱诺巴勃斯 或者你们可以暂时做一会儿好朋友，等到庞贝的名字不再被人提起以后，你们没有别的事情可做，不妨旧事重提，那时候尽你们去争吵好了。
安东尼 你是个武夫，不要胡说。
爱诺巴勃斯 老实人是应该闭口不言的，我倒几乎忘了。
安东尼 少说话，免得伤了在座众人的和气。
爱诺巴勃斯 好，好，我就做一块小心翼翼的石头。
凯撒 他的出言虽然莽撞，却有几分意思；因为我们的行动这样互相背驰，要维持长久的友谊是不可能的。不过要是我知道有什么方法可以加强我们的团结，那我即使踏遍天涯去访求也是愿意的。
阿格立巴 允许我说一句话，凯撒。
凯撒 说吧，阿格立巴。
阿格立巴 你有一个同母姊妹，贤名久播的奥克泰维娅；玛克·安东尼现在是一个鳏夫。
凯撒 不要这样说，阿格立巴；要是给克莉奥佩特拉听见了，少不了一顿骂。
安东尼 我没有妻室，凯撒；让我听听阿格立巴有些什么话说。
阿格立巴 为了保持你们永久的和好，使你们成为兄弟，把你们的心紧紧结合在一起，让安东尼娶奥克泰维娅做他的妻子吧；她的美貌配得上世间第一等英雄，她的贤德才智胜过任何人所能给她的誉扬。缔结了这一段姻缘以后，一切现在所看得十分重大的猜嫉疑虑，一切对于目前的危机所感到的严重的恐惧，都可以一扫而空；现在你们把无稽的传闻看得那样认真，到了那时候，真正的事实也都可以一笑置之了；她对于你们两人的爱，一定可以促进你们两人间的情谊。请你们恕我冒昧，提出了这样一个意见；这并不是我临时想起来的，我觉得自己责任所在，早就把这意思详细考虑过了。
安东尼 凯撒愿意表示他的意见吗？
凯撒 他必须先听听安东尼对于这番话有什么反应。
安东尼 要是我说，“阿格立巴，照你的话办吧，”阿格立巴有什么力量，可以使它成为事实呢？
凯撒 凯撒有这样的力量，他可以替奥克泰维娅作主。
安东尼 但愿这一件大好的美事没有一点阻碍，顺利达到了我们的愿望！把你的手给我；从现在起，让兄弟的友爱支配着我们远大的计划！
凯撒 这儿是我的手。我给了你一个妹妹，没有一个兄长爱他的妹妹像我爱她一样；让她联系我们的王国和我们的心，永远不要彼此离贰！
莱必多斯 但愿如此。阿门！
安东尼 我不想对庞贝作战，因为他最近对我礼意非常优渥，我必须先答谢他的盛情，免得被他批评我无礼；然后我再责问他兴师犯境的理由。
莱必多斯 时间不容我们犹豫；我们倘不立刻就去找庞贝，庞贝就要来找我们了。
安东尼 他驻屯在什么地方？
凯撒 在密西嫩山附近。
安东尼 他在陆地上的实力怎样？
凯撒 很强大，而且每天都在扩充；可是在海上他已经握有绝对的主权。
安尔尼 外边的传说正是这样。我们大家早一点商量商量就好了！事不宜迟；可是在我们穿上武装以前，先把刚才所说的事情办好吧。
凯撒 很好，我现在就带你到舍妹那儿去，介绍你们见见面。
安东尼 去吧；莱必多斯，你也必须陪我们去。
莱必多斯 尊贵的安东尼，即使有病我也要扶杖追随的。（喇叭奏花腔。凯撒、安东尼、莱必多斯同下。）
茂西那斯 欢迎你从埃及回来，朋友！
爱诺巴勃斯 凯撒的心腹，尊贵的茂西那斯！我的正直的朋友阿格立巴！
阿格立巴 好爱诺巴勃斯！
茂西那斯 事情这样圆满解决，真是可喜。你在埃及将养得很好。
爱诺巴勃斯 是的，老兄；我们白天睡得日月无光，夜里喝得天旋地转。
茂西那斯 听说十二个人吃一顿早餐，烤了八口整个的野猪，有这回事吗？
爱诺巴勃斯 这不过是大鹰旁边的一只苍蝇而已；我们还有更惊人的豪宴，那说来才叫人咋舌呢。
茂西那斯 她是一位非常豪华的女王，要是一般的传说没有把她夸张过分的话。
爱诺巴勃斯 她在昔特纳斯河上第一次遇见玛克·安东尼的时候，就把他的心捉住了。
阿格立巴 我也听见说他们在那里会面。
爱诺巴勃斯 让我告诉你们。她坐的那艘画舫就像一尊在水上燃烧的发光的宝座；舵楼是用黄金打成的；帆是紫色的，熏染着异香，逗引得风儿也为它们害起相思来了；桨是白银的，随着笛声的节奏在水面上下，使那被它们击动的痴心的水波加快了速度追随不舍。讲到她自己，那简直没有字眼可以形容；她斜卧在用金色的锦绸制成的天帐之下，比图画上巧夺天工的维纳斯女神还要娇艳万倍；在她的两旁站着好几个脸上浮着可爱的酒涡的小童，就像一群微笑的丘匹德一样，手里执着五彩的羽扇，那羽扇的风，本来是为了让她柔嫩的面颊凉快一些的，反而使她的脸色变得格外绯红了。
阿格立巴 啊！安东尼看见这样一位美人，真是几生有幸！
爱诺巴勃斯 她的侍女们像一群海上的鲛人神女，在她眼前奔走服侍，她们的周旋进退，都是那么婉娈多姿；一个作着鲛人装束的女郎掌着舵，她那如花的纤手矫捷地执行她的职务，沾沐芳泽的丝缆也都得意得心花怒放了。从这画舫之上散出一股奇妙扑鼻的芳香，弥漫在附近的两岸。倾城的仕女都出来瞻望她，只剩安东尼一个人高坐在市场上，向着空气吹啸；那空气倘不是因为填充空隙的缘故，也一定飞去观看克莉奥佩特拉，而在天地之间留下一个缺口了。
阿格立巴 希有的埃及人！
爱诺巴勃斯 她上了岸，安东尼就遣使请她晚餐；她回答说他是客人，应当让她自己尽东道之谊，请他进宫赴宴。我们这位娴习礼仪的安东尼是从来不曾在一个妇女面前说过一个“不”字的，整容十次方才前去；这一去不打紧，为了他眼睛所享受的盛餐，他把一颗心付了下来，作为一席之欢的代价了。
阿格立巴 了不得的女人！怪不得我们从前那位凯撒为了她竟放下刀枪，安置在她的床边：他耕耘，她便发出芽苗。
爱诺巴勃斯 我有一次看见她从市街上奔跳过去，一边喘息一边说话；那吁吁娇喘的神气，也是那么楚楚动人，在她破碎的语言里，自有一种天生的媚力。
茂西那斯 现在安东尼必须把她完全割舍了。
爱诺巴勃斯 不，他决不会丢弃她，年龄不能使她衰老，习惯也腐蚀不了她的变化无穷的伎俩；别的女人使人日久生厌，她却越是给人满足，越是使人饥渴；因为最丑恶的事物一到了她的身上，也会变成美好，即使她在卖弄风情的时候，神圣的祭司也不得不为她祝福。
茂西那斯 要是美貌、智慧和贤淑可以把安东尼的心安定下来，那么奥克泰维娅是他的一位很好的内助。
阿格立巴 我们走吧。好爱诺巴勃斯，当你在这儿停留的时候，请你做我的客人吧。
爱诺巴勃斯 多谢你的好意。（同下。）
第三场 同前。凯撒府中一室
凯撒、安东尼、奥克泰维娅（居二人之间）及侍从等上。
安东尼 这广大的世界和我的重要的职务，使我有时不能不离开你的怀抱。
奥克泰维娅 当你出去的时候，我将要长跪神前，为你祈祷。
安东尼 晚安，阁下！我的奥克泰维娅，不要从世间的传说之中诵读我的缺点；我过去诚然有行止不检的地方，可是从今以后，一定循规蹈矩。晚安，亲爱的女郎！
奥克泰维娅 晚安，将军！
凯撒 晚安！（凯撒、奥克泰维娅同下。）
预言者上。
安东尼 喂，我问你，你想不想回埃及去？
预言者 我希望我从来没有离开埃及，我更希望你从来没有到过埃及！
安东尼 你能够告诉我你的理由吗？
预言者 我心里明白，嘴里却说不出来。可是我看你还是赶快到埃及去吧。
安东尼 对我说，将来是凯撒的命运强，还是我的命运强？
预言者 凯撒的命运强。所以，安东尼啊！不要留在他的旁边吧。你的本命星是高贵勇敢、一往无敌的，可是一挨近凯撒的身边，它就黯然失色，好像被他掩去了光芒一般；所以你应该和他离得远一点儿才好。
安东尼 不要再提起这些话了。
预言者 这些话我只对你说；别人面前我可再也不提起。你无论跟他玩什么游戏，一定胜不过他，因为他有那种天赋的幸运，即使明明你比他本领高强，他也会把你击败。凡是他的光辉所在，你的光总是黯淡的。我再说一句，你在他旁边的时候，你的本命星就会惴惴不安，失去了主宰你的力量，可是他一走开，它又变得不可一世了。
安东尼 你去对文提狄斯说，我要跟他谈谈。（预言者下）他必须到帕提亚去。这家伙也许果然能够知道过去未来，也许给他偶然猜中，说的话倒很有道理。就是骰子也会听他的话；我们在游戏之中，虽然我的技术比他高明，总敌不过他的手风顺利；抽签的时候，总是他占便宜；无论斗鸡斗鹑，他都能够以弱胜强。我还是到埃及去；虽然为了息事宁人而缔结了这门婚事，可是我的快乐是在东方。
文提狄斯上。
安东尼 啊！来，文提狄斯，你必须到帕提亚去一次；你的委任文书已经办好了，跟我来拿吧。（同下。）
第四场 同前。街道
莱必多斯、茂西那斯及阿格立巴上。
莱必多斯 不劳远送，请两位催促你们的主帅早日就道。
阿格立巴 将军，等玛克·安东尼和奥克泰维娅温存一下，我们就会来的。
莱必多斯 那么等你们披上戎装以后，我再跟你们相见吧。
茂西那斯 照路程计算起来，莱必多斯，我们可以比你先到密西嫩山。
莱必多斯 你们的路程要短一些；我因为还有其他的任务，不能不多绕一些远路。你们大概比我先到两天。
茂西那斯
阿格立巴 将军，祝你成功！
莱必多斯 再会！（各下。）
第五场 亚历山大里亚。宫中一室
克莉奥佩特拉、查米恩、伊拉丝、艾勒克萨斯及侍从等上。
克莉奥佩特拉 给我奏一些音乐；对于我们这些以恋爱为职业的人，音乐是我们忧郁的食粮。
侍从 奏乐！
玛狄恩上。
克莉奥佩特拉 算了；我们打弹子吧。来，查米恩。
查米恩 我的手腕疼；您跟玛狄恩打吧。
克莉奥佩特拉 女人跟太监玩，就像女人跟女人玩一样。来，你愿意陪我玩玩吗？
玛狄恩 我愿意勉力奉陪，娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 心有余而力不足，那一片好意，总是值得嘉许的。我现在也不要打弹子了。替我把钓竿拿来，我们到河边去；你们在远远的地方奏着音乐，我就把钓竿放下去，诱那长着赭色鳍片的鱼儿上钩；我的弯弯的钓钩要钩住它们滑溜溜的嘴巴；当我拉起它们来的时候，我要把每一尾鱼当作一个安东尼，我要说，“啊哈！你可给我捉住啦！”
查米恩 那一次您跟他在一起钓鱼，你们还打赌哩；他不知道您已经叫一个人钻在水里，悄悄把一条腌鱼挂在他的钓钩上了，而他还当是什么好东西，拚命地往上提，想起来真是有趣得很。
克莉奥佩特拉 唉，提起那些话，真叫人不胜今昔之感！那时候我笑得他老羞成怒，可是一到晚上，我又笑得他回嗔作喜；第二天早晨我在九点钟以前就把他麻醉上床，替他穿上我的衣帽，我自己佩带了他那柄腓力比的宝剑。
一使者上。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊！从意大利来的；我的耳朵里久已不听见消息了，你有多少消息，一起把它们塞了进去吧。
使者 娘娘，娘娘——
克莉奥佩特拉 安东尼死了！你要是这样说，狗才，你就杀死你的女主人了；可是你要是说他平安无恙，这儿有的是金子，你还可以吻一吻这一只许多君王们曾经吻过的手；他们一面吻，一面还发抖呢。
使者 第一，娘娘，他是平安的。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊，我还要给你更多的金子。可是听着，我们常常说已死的人是平安的；要是你也是这个意思，我就要把那赏给你的金子熔化了，灌下你这报告凶讯的喉咙里去。
使者 好娘娘，听我说。
克莉奥佩特拉 好，好，我听你说；可是瞧你的相貌不像是个好人；安东尼要是平安无恙，不该让这样一张难看的面孔报告这样大好的消息；要是他有什么疾病灾难，你应该像一尊头上盘绕着毒蛇的凶神，不该仍旧装做人的样子。
使者 请您听我说下去吧。
克莉奥佩特拉 我很想在你没有开口以前先把你捶一顿；可是你要是说安东尼没有死，很平安，凯撒待他很好，没有把他监禁起来，我就把金子像暴雨一般淋在你头上，把珍珠像冰雹一样撒在你身上。
使者 娘娘，他很平安。
克莉奥佩特拉 说得好。
使者 他跟凯撒感情很好。
克莉奥佩特拉 你是个好人。
使者 凯撒和他的友谊已经比从前大大增进了。
克莉奥佩特拉 我要赏给你一大笔财产。
使者 可是，娘娘——
克莉奥佩特拉 我不爱听“可是”，它会推翻先前所说的那些好消息；呸，“可是”！“可是”就像一个狱卒，它会带上一个大奸巨恶的罪犯。朋友，请你把你所知道的消息，不管是好的坏的，一起灌进我的耳朵里吧。他跟凯撒很要好；他身体健康，你说；你还说他行动自由。
使者 自由，娘娘！不，我没有这样说；他已经被奥克泰维娅约束住了。
克莉奥佩特拉 什么约束？
使者 他们已经缔结了百年之好。
克莉奥佩特拉 查米恩，我的脸色发白了！
使者 娘娘，他跟奥克泰维娅结了婚啦。
克莉奥佩特拉 最恶毒的瘟疫染在你身上！（击使者倒地。）
使者 好娘娘，请息怒。
克莉奥佩特拉 你说什么？滚，（又击）可恶的狗才！否则我要把你的眼珠放在脚前踢出去；我要拔光你的头发；（将使者拉扯殴辱）我要用钢丝鞭打你，用盐水煮你，用酸醋慢慢地浸死你。
使者 好娘娘，我不过报告您这么一个消息，又不是我作的媒。
克莉奥佩特拉 说没有这样的事，我就赏给你一处封邑，让你安享富贵；你惹我生气，我已经打过了你，也不再计较了；你还有什么要求，只要向我说，我都可以答应你。
使者 他真的结了婚啦，娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 混蛋！你不要活命吗？（拔刀。）
使者 嗳哟，那我可要逃了。您这是什么意思，娘娘？我没有过失呀。（下。）
查米恩 好娘娘，定一定心吧；这人是没有罪的。
克莉奥佩特拉 天雷殛死的不一定是有罪的人。让埃及溶解在尼罗河里，让善良的人都变成蛇吧！叫那家伙进来；我虽然发疯，我还不会咬他。叫他进来。
查米恩 他不敢来。
克莉奥佩特拉 我不伤害他就是了。（查米恩下）这一双手太有失自己的尊严了，是我自己闯的祸，却去殴打一个比我卑微的人。
查米恩及使者重上。
克莉奥佩特拉 过来，先生。把坏消息告诉人家，即使诚实不虚，总不是一件好事；悦耳的喜讯不妨极口渲染，不幸的噩耗还是缄口不言，让那身受的人自己感到的好。
使者 我不过尽我的责任。
克莉奥佩特拉 他已经结了婚吗？你要是再说一声“是”，我就更恨你了。
使者 他已经结了婚了，娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 愿天神重罚你！你还是这么说吗？
使者 我应该说谎吗，娘娘？
克莉奥佩特拉 啊！我但愿你说谎，即使我的半个埃及完全陆沉，变成鳞蛇栖息的池沼。出去；要是你有美少年那耳喀索斯一般美好的姿容，在我的眼中你也是最丑陋的伧夫。他结了婚吗？
使者 求陛下恕罪。
克莉奥佩特拉 他结了婚吗？
使者 陛下不要见气，我也不过遵照您的命令行事，要是因此而受责，那真是太冤枉啦。他跟奥克泰维娅结了婚了。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊，他的过失现在都要叫你承担，虽然你所肯定的，又与你无关！滚出去；你从罗马带来的货色我接受不了；让它堆在你身上，把你压死！（使者下。）
查米恩 陛下息怒。
克莉奥佩特拉 我在赞美安东尼的时候，把凯撒诋毁得太过分了。
查米恩 您好多次都是这样，娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 现在我可受到报应啦。带我离开这里；我要晕倒了。啊，伊拉丝！查米恩！算了。好艾勒克萨斯，你去问问那家伙，奥克泰维娅容貌长得怎样，多大年纪，性格怎样；不要忘记问她的头发是什么颜色；问过了赶快回来告诉我。（艾勒克萨斯下）让他一去不回吧；不，查米恩！我还是望他回来，虽然他一边的面孔像个狰狞的怪物，另一边却像威武的战神。（向玛狄恩）你去叫艾勒克萨斯再问问她的身材有多高。可怜我，查米恩，可是不要对我说话。带我到我的寝室里去。（同下。）
第六场 密西嫩附近
喇叭奏花腔。鼓角前导，庞贝及茂那斯自一方上；凯撒、安东尼、莱必多斯、爱诺巴勃斯、茂西那斯率兵士等自另一方行进上。
庞贝 我已经得到你们的保证，你们也已经得到我的保证，在没有交战以前，让我们先来举行一次谈判。
凯撒 先礼后兵是最妥当的办法，所以我们已经把我们的目的预先用书面通知你了；你要是已经把它考虑过，请让我们知道那些条件能不能使你收起你的愤愤不平的剑，带领你的子弟们回到西西里去，免得白白在这里牺牲许多有用的青年。
庞贝 你们三位是当今宰制天下的元老，神明意旨的主要执行者，你们还记得裘力斯·凯撒的阴魂在腓利比向善良的勃鲁托斯作祟的时候，他看见你们怎样为他出力；我的父亲也是有儿子、有朋友的，为什么他就没有人替他复仇？脸色惨白的凯歇斯为什么要阴谋作乱？那正直无私、为众人所尊敬的罗马人勃鲁托斯，和他的武装的党徒们，那一群追求着可爱的自由的人，为什么要血溅圣殿？他们的目的不是希望有一个真正的英雄出来统治罗马吗？我现在兴起水上的雄师，驾着怒海的波涛而来，也就是为了这一个目的；凭着我的盛大的军力，我要痛惩无情的罗马，报复它对我尊贵的父亲负心的罪辜。
凯撒 什么事情都好慢慢商量。
安东尼 庞贝，你不能用你船只的强盛吓退我们；就是到海上见面，我们也决不怕你。在陆地上你知道我们的力量是远远胜过你的。
庞贝 不错，在陆地上你把我父亲的屋子也占去了；可是既然杜鹃不会自己筑巢，你就住下去吧。
莱必多斯 现在我们不必讲别的话，请告诉我们，你对于我们向你提出的条件觉得怎样？
凯撒 这是我们今天谈话的中心。
安东尼 我们并不一定要求你接受，请你自己熟权利害。
凯撒 要是这样的条件还不能使你满足，那么妄求非分的结果也是值得考虑的。
庞贝 你们允许把西西里和撒丁尼亚两岛让给我；我必须替你们扫除海盗，还要把多少小麦送到罗马；双方同意以后，就可以完盾全刃，各自回去。
凯 撒
安东尼
莱必多斯 这正是我们所提的条件。
庞贝 那么告诉你们吧，我到这儿来跟你们会见，本来是预备接受你们的条件的，可是看见了玛克·安东尼，却有点儿气愤不过。虽然一个人不该自己卖弄恩德，不过你要知道，凯撒和你兄弟交战的时候，你的母亲到西西里来，曾经受到殷勤的礼遇。
安东尼 我也听见说起过，庞贝；我早就想重重谢你。
庞贝 让我握你的手。将军，想不到我会在这儿碰见你。
安东尼 东方的枕褥是温暖的；幸亏你把我叫了起来，否则我还要在那边留恋下去，错过许多机会了。
凯撒 自从我上次看见你以后，你已经变了许多啦。
庞贝 喂，我不知道冷酷的命运在我的脸上留下了什么痕迹，可是我决不让她钻进我的胸中，使我的心成为她的臣仆。
莱必多斯 今天相遇，真是一件幸事。
庞贝 我也希望这样，莱必多斯。那么我们已经彼此同意了。为了表示郑重起见，我希望把我们的协定写下来，各人签署盖印。
凯撒 那是当然的手续。
庞贝 我们在分手以前，还要各人互相请一次客；让我们抽签决定哪一个人先请。
安东尼 我先来吧，庞贝。
庞贝 不，安东尼，你也得抽签；可是不管先请后请，你那很好的埃及式烹调是总要领教领教的。我听说裘力斯·凯撒在那边吃成了一个胖子。
安东尼 你倒听到不少事哪。
庞贝 我并无恶意，将军。
安东尼 那么你就好好地讲吧。
庞贝 这些我都是听来的。我还听见说，阿坡罗陀勒斯把一个——
爱诺巴勃斯 那话不用说了，是有这一回事。
庞贝 请问是怎么一回事？
爱诺巴勃斯 把一个女王裹在褥子里送到凯撒的地方。
庞贝 我现在记起你来了；你好，壮士？
爱诺巴勃斯 有酒有肉，怎么不好；看来我的口福不浅，眼前就要有四次宴会了。
庞贝 让我握握你的手；我从来没有对你怀恨。我曾经看见你打仗，很钦慕你的勇敢。
爱诺巴勃斯 将军，我对您一向没有多大好感，可是我不是没有称赞过您，虽然我给您的称赞，还不及您实际价值的十分之一。
庞贝 你的爽直正是你的好处。现在我要请各位赏光到敝船上去叙叙；请了，各位将军。
凯 撒
安东尼
莱必多斯 请你领路，将军。（除茂那斯、爱诺巴勃斯外皆下。）
茂那斯 庞贝，你的父亲是决不会签订这样的条约的。朋友，我们曾经有一面之雅。
爱诺巴勃斯 我想我在海上见过你。
茂那斯 正是，朋友。
爱诺巴勃斯 你在海上很了不得。
茂那斯 你在陆地上也不错。
爱诺巴勃斯 谁愿意恭维我的，我都愿意恭维他；虽然我在陆地上横行无敌，是一件无可否认的事。
茂那斯 我在水上横行无敌，也是不可否认的。
爱诺巴勃斯 为了你自己的安全，你还是否认了的好；你是一个海上的大盗。
茂那斯 你是一个陆地的暴徒。
爱诺巴勃斯 那么我就否认我的陆地上的功劳。可是把你的手给我，茂那斯；要是我们的眼睛可以替我们作见证，它们在这儿可以看见两个盗贼握手言欢。
茂那斯 人们的手尽管不老实，他们的脸总是老实的。
爱诺巴勃斯 可是没有一个美貌的女人有一张老实的脸。
茂那斯 不错，她们是会把男人的心偷走的。
爱诺巴勃斯 我们到这儿来，本来是要跟你们厮杀。
茂那斯 拿我自己说，打仗变成了喝酒，真是扫兴得很。庞贝今天把他的一份家私笑掉了。
爱诺巴勃斯 要是他真的把家私笑掉了，那可是再也哭不回来的。
茂那斯 你说得有理，朋友。我们没有想到会在这儿看见玛克·安东尼。请问他已经跟克莉奥佩特拉结了婚吗？
爱诺巴勃斯 凯撒的妹妹名叫奥克泰维娅。
茂那斯 不错，朋友；她本来是卡厄斯·玛瑟勒斯的妻子。
爱诺巴勃斯 可是她现在是玛克斯·安东尼厄斯的妻子了。
茂那斯 怎么？
爱诺巴勃斯 这句话是真的。
茂那斯 那么凯撒跟他永远联合在一起了。
爱诺巴勃斯 要是叫我预测这一个结合的将来，我可不敢发表这样乐观的论断。
茂那斯 我想这一门婚事，大概还是政策上的权宜，不是出于男女双方的爱恋。
爱诺巴勃斯 我也这样想；可是你不久就会发现联结他们友谊的这一条带子，结果反而勒毙了他们的感情。奥克泰维娅的性情是端庄而冷静的。
茂那斯 谁不愿意有这样一个妻子？
爱诺巴勃斯 玛克·安东尼自己不是这样一个人，所以他也不喜欢这样一个妻子。他一定会再到埃及去领略他的异味；那时候奥克泰维娅的叹息便会搧起凯撒心头的怒火，正像我刚才所说的，她现在是他们两人之间感情的联系，将来却会变成促动两人反目的原因。安东尼的心早已另有所属了，他在这儿结婚，只是一种应付环境的手段。
茂那斯 你的话也许会成为事实。来，朋友，上船去吧。我要请你喝杯酒呢。
爱诺巴勃斯 我一定领情；我们在埃及是喝惯了大口的酒的。
茂那斯 来，我们去吧。（同下。）
第七场 密西嫩附近海面庞贝大船上
音乐；两三仆人持酒食上。
仆甲 他们就要到这儿来啦，伙计。有几个人已经醉得站立不稳，一丝最轻微的风都可以把他们吹倒。
仆乙 莱必多斯喝得满脸通红。
仆甲 他们故意开他的玩笑，尽是哄他一杯一杯灌下去。
仆乙 他们自己却留着酒量，他只顾叫喊不喝了，不喝了；结果还是自己管不住自己。
仆甲 他岂不是失去了理智，开了自己的玩笑。
仆乙 混在大人物中间，给他们玩弄玩弄也是活该。叫我举一根掮不起的枪杆子，不如拈一根不中用的芦苇。
仆甲 高居于为众人所仰望的地位而毫无作为，正像眼眶里没有眼珠、只留下两个怪可怜的空洞的凹孔一样。
喇叭奏花腔。凯撒、安东尼、莱必多斯、庞贝、阿格立巴、茂西那斯、爱诺巴勃斯、茂那斯及其他将领等上。
安东尼 他们都是这样的，阁下。他们用金字塔做标准，测量尼罗河水位的高低，由此判断年岁的丰歉。尼罗河的河水越是高涨，收成越有把握；潮水退落以后，农夫就可以在烂泥上播种，不多几时就结实了。
莱必多斯 你们那边有很奇怪的蛇。
安东尼 是的，莱必多斯。
莱必多斯 你们埃及的蛇是生在烂泥里，晒着太阳光长大的；你们的鳄鱼也是一样。
安东尼 正是这样。
庞贝 请坐——酒来！我们干一杯祝莱必多斯健康！
莱必多斯 我身子不顶舒服，可是我决不示弱。
爱诺巴勃斯 除非等你睡去，他们决不会放过你的。
莱必多斯 嗯，的确，我听说托勒密王朝的金字塔造得很好；我听见人家都是这样一致公认。
茂那斯 庞贝，我要跟你说句话。
庞贝 就在我的耳边说；什么事？
茂那斯 主帅，请你离开你的坐位，听我对你说。
庞贝 等一等，我就来。这一杯酒祝莱必多斯健康！
莱必多斯 你们的鳄鱼是怎么一种东西？
安东尼 它的形状就像一条鳄鱼；它有鳄鱼那么大，也有鳄鱼那么高；它用它自己的肢体行动，靠着它所吃的东西活命；它的精力衰竭以后，它就死了。
莱必多斯 它的颜色是怎样的？
安东尼 也跟鳄鱼的颜色差不多。
莱必多斯 那是一种奇怪的蛇。
安东尼 可不是；而且它的眼泪是湿的。
凯撒 你这样说，他会信服么？
安东尼 有庞贝向他敬酒还有问题吗，否则他真是个穷奢极欲之人了。
庞贝 该死，该死！这算什么话？去！照我吩咐你的做去。我叫你们替我斟下的这杯酒呢？
茂那斯 要是你愿意听我说话，请你站起来。
庞贝 我想你在发疯了。什么事？（二人走至一旁。）
茂那斯 我一向都是忠心耿耿，为你的利益打算。
庞贝 你替我做事很忠实。还有什么话说？各位将军，大家痛痛快快乐一下。
安东尼 莱必多斯，留心你脚底下的浮沙，你要摔下来了。
茂那斯 你要做全世界的主人吗？
庞贝 你说什么？
茂那斯 你要做全世界的主人吗？再干一场。
庞贝 怎么做法？
茂那斯 你只要抱着这样的决心，虽然你看我是一个微贱的人，我能够把全世界交在你的手里。
庞贝 你喝醉了吗？
茂那斯 不，庞贝，我一口酒也没有沾唇。你要是有胆量，就可以做地上的君王；大洋环抱之内，苍天覆盖之下，都归你所有，只要你有这样的雄心。
庞贝 指点我一条路径。
茂那斯 这三个统治天下、鼎峙称雄的人物，现在都在你的船上；让我割断缆绳，把船开到海心，砍下他们的头颅，那么一切都是你的了。
庞贝 唉！这件事你应该自己去干，不该先来告诉我。我干了这事，人家要说我不顾信义；你去干了，却是为主尽忠。你必须知道，我不能把利益放在荣誉的前面，我的荣誉是比利益更重要的。你应该懊悔让你的舌头说出了你的计谋；要是趁我不知道的时候干了，我以后会觉得你这件事情干得很好，可是现在我必须斥责这样的行为。放弃了这一个念头，还是喝酒吧。
茂那斯 （旁白）从此以后，我再也不追随你这前途黯淡的命运了。放着这样大好机会当面错过，以后再找，还找得到吗？
庞贝 再敬莱必多斯一杯！
安东尼 把他抬上岸去。我来替他干了吧，庞贝。
爱诺巴勃斯 敬你一杯，茂那斯！
茂那斯 爱诺巴勃斯，太客气了！
庞贝 把酒满满地倒在杯子里，让它一直齐到杯口。
爱诺巴勃斯 茂那斯，那是一个很有力气的家伙。（指一负莱必多斯下场之侍从。）
茂那斯 为什么？
爱诺巴勃斯 你没看见他把三分之一的世界负在背上吗？
茂那斯 那么三分之一的世界已经喝醉了，但愿整个世界都喝得酩酊大醉，像车轮般旋转起来！
爱诺巴勃斯 你也喝，大家喝个痛快。
茂那斯 来。
庞贝 我们今天的聚会，比起亚历山大里亚的豪宴来，恐怕还是望尘莫及。
安东尼 也差不多了。来，碰杯！这一杯是敬凯撒的！
凯撒 我可喝不下去了；我这头脑越洗越糊涂。
安东尼 今天大家不醉勿归，不能让你例外。
凯撒 那么你先喝，我陪着你喝；可是与其在一天之内喝这么多的酒，我宁愿绝食整整四天。
爱诺巴勃斯 （向安东尼）哈！我的好皇帝；我们现在要不要跳起埃及酒神舞来，庆祝我们今天的欢宴？
庞贝 好壮士，让我们跳起来吧。
安东尼 来，我们大家手搀着手，一直跳到美酒浸透了我们的知觉，把我们送进了温柔的黑甜乡里。
爱诺巴勃斯 大家搀着手。当我替你们排队的时候，让音乐在我们的耳边高声弹奏；于是歌童唱起歌来，每一个人都要拉开喉咙和着他唱，唱得越响越好。（奏乐；爱诺巴勃斯同众人携手列队。）
歌
来，巴克科斯，酒国的仙王，
你两眼红红，胖胖皮囊！
替我们浇尽满腹牢骚，
替我们满头挂上葡萄：
喝，喝，喝一个天旋地转，
喝，喝，喝一个天旋地转！
凯撒 够了，够了。庞贝，晚安！好兄弟，我求求你，跟我回去吧；不要一味游戏，忘记了我们的正事。各位将军，我们分手吧；你们看我们的脸烧得这样红；强壮的爱诺巴勃斯喝得一点力气都没有了；我自己的舌头也有点结结巴巴；大家疯疯癫癫的，都变成一群傻瓜啦。不必多说了。晚安！好安东尼，让我搀着你。
庞贝 我一定要到岸上来陪你们乐一下。
安东尼 很好，庞贝。把你的手给我。
庞贝 啊，安东尼！你占住了我父亲的屋子，可是那有什么关系？我们还是朋友。来，我们下小船吧。
爱诺巴勃斯 留心不要跌在水里。（庞贝、凯撒、安东尼及侍从等下）茂那斯，我不想上岸去。
茂那斯 别去，到我舱里坐坐。这些鼓！这些喇叭、笛子！嘿！让海神听见我们向这些大人物高声道别吧；吹起来，他妈的！吹响一点！（喇叭奏花腔，间以鼓声。）
爱诺巴勃斯 嘿！他说的。瞧我的帽子。（掷帽。）
茂那斯 嘿！好家伙！来。（同下。）
第三幕
第一场 叙利亚一平原
文提狄斯率西里厄斯及其他罗马将校士卒奏凯上；兵士舁巴科勒斯尸体前行。
文提狄斯 横行无敌的帕提亚，你也有失败的一天；命运选定了我，叫我替已死的玛克斯·克拉苏复仇。把这王子的尸身在我们大军之前抬着走。奥洛第斯啊，你杀了我们的玛克斯·克拉苏，现在我们叫你的巴科勒斯抵了命啦。
西里厄斯 尊贵的文提狄斯，趁着帕提亚人的血在你的剑上还没有冷却的时候，继续追逐那些逃亡的敌人吧；驰骋你的铁骑，越过米太、美索不达米亚以及其他可以让溃败的帕提亚人栖身的地方；这样你的伟大的主帅安东尼就要使你高坐在凯旋的战车里，用花冠加在你的头上了。
文提狄斯 啊，西里厄斯，西里厄斯！这样已经很够了；一个地位在下的人，不应该立太大的功勋；因为，你要知道，西里厄斯，与其当长官不在的时候出力博得一个太高的名声，宁可把一件事情做到一半就歇手。凯撒和安东尼的赫赫功业，大部分是他们的部下替他们建立起来的，并不是靠他们自己的力量。我在叙利亚的一个同僚索歇斯，本来在他手下当副将的，就是因为太露锋芒而失去了他的欢心。在战场上，部下的军功如果超过主将，主将的威名就会被他所掩罩；凡是军人都有争强好胜的心理，他们宁愿吃一次败仗，也不愿让别人夺去了胜利的光荣。我本来还可以替安东尼多出一些力，可是那反而会使他恼怒，他一恼我的辛苦就白费了。
西里厄斯 文提狄斯，你真是深谋远虑；一个军人要是不能审察利害，那就跟他的剑没有分别了。你要写信去向安东尼报捷吗？
文提狄斯 我要很谦恭地告诉他，我们凭借他的先声夺人的威名，已经得到了怎样的战果；他的雄壮的旗帜和精神饱满的部队，怎样把百战百胜的帕提亚骑兵驱出了战场之外。
西里厄斯 他现在在什么地方？
文提狄斯 他预备到雅典去；我们现在就向雅典兼程前进，向他当面复命。来，弟兄们，走。（同下。）
第二场 罗马。凯撒府中一室
阿格立巴及爱诺巴勃斯自相对方向上。
阿格立巴 啊！那些好兄弟们都散开了吗？
爱诺巴勃斯 他们已经把庞贝打发走了；那三个人还在重申盟好。奥克泰维娅因为不忍远离罗马而哭泣；凯撒也是满面愁容；莱必多斯自从在庞贝那儿赴宴归来以后，就像茂那斯说的，他害着贫血症。
阿格立巴 莱必多斯是个好人。
爱诺巴勃斯 一个很好的人。啊，他多么爱凯撒！
阿格立巴 喂，可是他多么崇拜安东尼！
爱诺巴勃斯 凯撒？他才是人世的天神。
阿格立巴 安东尼吗？他是天神的领袖。
爱诺巴勃斯 你说起凯撒吗？嘿！盖世无双的英雄！
阿格立巴 啊，安东尼！千年一遇的凤凰！
爱诺巴勃斯 你要是想赞美凯撒，只要提起凯撒的名字就够了。
阿格立巴 真的，他对于他们两人都是恭维备至。
爱诺巴勃斯 可是他最爱凯撒；不过他也爱安东尼。嘿！他对于安东尼的友情，是思想所不能容、言语所不能尽、计数所不能量、文士所不能抒述、诗人所不能讴吟的。可是对于凯撒，他只有跪伏惊叹的份儿。
阿格立巴 他对于两个人一样的爱。
爱诺巴勃斯 他们是他的翅鞘，他是他们的甲虫。（内喇叭声）这是下马的信号。再会，尊贵的阿格立巴。
阿格立巴 愿你幸运，英勇的壮士，再会！
凯撒、安东尼、莱必多斯及奥克泰维娅上。
安东尼 请留步吧，阁下。
凯撒 你已经把大半个我带走；请你为了我的缘故好好看待她。妹妹，愿你尽力做一个好妻子，不要辜负了我的期望。最尊贵的安东尼，让这一个贤淑的女郎成为巩固我们两人友谊的胶泥，不要反而让她成为撞毁我们感情的堡垒的攻城车；因为我们要是不能同心爱护她，那么还是不要让她置身在我们两人之间的好。
安东尼 你要是不信任我，我可要生气啦。
凯撒 我的话已经说完了。
安东尼 无论你怎样放心不下，你决不会发现我有什么可以使你怀疑的地方。愿神明护持你，使罗马的人心都乐于为你效死！我们就在这儿分手吧。
凯撒 再会，我的最亲爱的妹妹，再会；愿你一路平安！再会！
奥克泰维娅 我的好哥哥！
安东尼 她的眼睛里有四月的风光；那是恋爱的春天，这些眼泪便是催花的时雨。别伤心了。
奥克泰维娅 哥哥，请你留心照料我的丈夫的屋子；还有——
凯撒 什么，奥克泰维娅？
奥克泰维娅 让我附着你的耳朵告诉你。
安东尼 她的舌头不会顺从她的心，她的心也不会顺从她的舌头；她好比大浪顶上一根天鹅的羽毛，不会向任何一方偏斜。
爱诺巴勃斯 （向阿格立巴旁白）凯撒会不会流起眼泪来？
阿格立巴 他的脸上已经堆起乌云了。
爱诺巴勃斯 假如他是一匹马，这样也会有损他的庄严；何况他是一个堂堂男子。
阿格立巴 嘿，爱诺巴勃斯，安东尼看见裘力斯·凯撒死了，也曾放声大哭；他在腓利比看见勃鲁托斯被人杀死，也曾伤心落泪呢。
爱诺巴勃斯 不错，那一年他害着重伤风，所以涕泗横流；不瞒你说，连我也被他逗得哭起来了。
凯撒 不，亲爱的奥克泰维娅，你一定可以随时得到我的音讯；我对你的想念是不会因为时间的久远而冷淡下去的。
安东尼 来，大哥，来，我要用我爱情的力量和你角力了。你看，我抱住了你；现在我又放开了你，把你交给神明照看。
凯撒 再会，祝你们快乐！
莱必多斯 让所有的星星吐放它们的光明，一路上照耀着你们！
凯撒 再会，再会！（吻奥克泰维娅。）
安东尼 再会！（喇叭声。各下。）
第三场 亚历山大里亚。宫中一室
克莉奥佩特拉、查米恩、伊拉丝及艾勒克萨斯上。
克莉奥佩特拉 那个人呢？
艾勒克萨斯 他有些害怕，不敢进来。
克莉奥佩特拉 什么话！
一使者上。
克莉奥佩特拉 过来，朋友。
艾勒克萨斯 陛下，您发怒的时候，犹太的希律王也不敢正眼看您的。
克莉奥佩特拉 我要那个希律王的头；可是安东尼去了，谁可以替我去干这一件事呢？走近些。
使者 最仁慈的陛下！
克莉奥佩特拉 你见过奥克泰维娅吗？
使者 见过，尊严的女王。
克莉奥佩特拉 什么地方？
使者 娘娘，在罗马；我看见她一手搀着她的哥哥，一手搀着安东尼；她的脸给我看得清清楚楚。
克莉奥佩特拉 她像我一样高吗？
使者 她没有您高，娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 听见她说话吗？她的声音是尖的，还是低的？
使者 娘娘，我听见她说话；她的声音是很低的。
克莉奥佩特拉 那就不大好。他不会长久喜欢她的。
查米恩 喜欢她！啊，爱昔斯女神！那是不可能的。
克莉奥佩特拉 我也这样想，查米恩；矮矮的个子，说话又不伶俐！她走路的姿态有没有威仪？想想看；要是你看见过真正的威仪姿态，就该知道怎样的姿态才算是有威仪的。
使者 她走路简直像爬；她的动和静简直没有区别；她是一个没有生命的形体，不会呼吸的雕像。
克莉奥佩特拉 真的吗？
使者 要是不真，我就是不生眼睛的。
查米恩 在埃及人中间，他一个人的观察力可以胜过三个人。
克莉奥佩特拉 我看他很懂事。我还不曾听到她有什么可取的地方。这家伙眼光很不错。
查米恩 好极了。
克莉奥佩特拉 你猜她有多大年纪？
使者 娘娘，她本来是一个寡妇——
克莉奥佩特拉 寡妇！查米恩，听着。
使者 我想她总有三十岁了。
克莉奥佩特拉 你还记得她的面孔吗？是长的还是圆的？
使者 圆的，太圆了。
克莉奥佩特拉 面孔滚圆的人，大多数是很笨的。她的头发是什么颜色？
使者 棕色的，娘娘；她的前额低到无可再低。
克莉奥佩特拉 这儿是赏给你的金子；我上次对你太凶了点儿，你可不要见怪。我仍旧要派你去替我探听消息；我知道你是个很可靠的人。你去端整行装；我的信件已经预备好了。（使者下。）
查米恩 一个很好的人。
克莉奥佩特拉 正是，我很后悔把他这样凌辱。听他说起来，那女人简直不算什么。
查米恩 不算什么，娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 这人不是不曾见过世面，应该识得好坏。
查米恩 见过世面？我的爱昔斯女神，他已侍候您多年了！
克莉奥佩特拉 我还有一件事要问他，好查米恩；可是没有什么要紧，你把他带到我写信的房间里来就是了。一切还有结果圆满的希望。查米恩 您放心吧，娘娘。（同下。）
第四场 雅典。安东尼府中一室
安东尼及奥克泰维娅上。
安东尼 不，不，奥克泰维娅，不单是那件事；那跟其他许多类似的事都还是情有可原的。可是他不该重新向庞贝宣战，还居然立下遗嘱，当众宣读；我的名字他提也不愿提起，当他不得不恭维我一番的时候，他就冷冷淡淡地用一两句话敷衍过去；他深怕对我过于宽厚；我向他讲好话，他满不放在心上，至多在牙缝里应酬一下。
奥克泰维娅 啊，我的主！传闻之辞，不可完全相信；即使确实，也不要过分介意。要是你们两人之间发生了冲突，我就是世上最不幸的女人，既要为你祈祷，又要为他祈祷；神明一定会嘲笑我，当我向他们祷告，“啊！保佑我的丈夫”以后，又接着向他们祷告，“啊！保佑我的哥哥！”希望丈夫得胜，只好让哥哥失败；希望哥哥得胜，只好让丈夫失败；在这两者之间，再没有一个折衷的两全之道。
安东尼 温柔的奥克泰维娅，让你的爱心替你决定你的最大的同情应该倾向在哪一方面。要是我失去了我的荣誉，就是失去了我自己；与其你有一个被人轻视的丈夫，还是不要嫁给我的好。可是你既然有这样的意思，那么就有劳你在我们两人之间斡旋斡旋吧；一方面我仍旧在这儿积极准备，万一不幸而彼此以兵戎相见，令兄的英名恐怕就要毁于一旦了。事不宜迟，你趁早动身吧。
奥克泰维娅 谢谢我的主。最有威力的天神把我造成了一个最柔弱的人，我这最柔弱的人却要来调停你们的争端！你们两人开了战，就像整个的世界分裂为二，只有无数战死者的尸骸才可以填平这一道裂痕。
安东尼 你明白了谁是造成这次争端的祸首以后，就用不着再回护他；我们的过失决不会恰恰相等，总可以分别出一个是非曲直来。预备你的行装；你爱带什么人同去，就带什么人同去；路上需要多少费用，尽管问我要好了。（同下。）
第五场 同前。另一室
爱诺巴勃斯及爱洛斯自相对方向上。
爱诺巴勃斯 啊，朋友爱洛斯！
爱洛斯 有了很奇怪的消息呢，朋友。
爱诺巴勃斯 什么消息？
爱洛斯 凯撒和莱必多斯已经向庞贝开战。
爱诺巴勃斯 这是老消息；结果怎么样？
爱洛斯 凯撒利用了莱必多斯向庞贝开战以后，就翻过脸来不承认他有同等的地位，不让他分享胜利的光荣；不但如此，还凭着他以前写给庞贝的信札，作为通敌的证据，把他拘捕起来；所以这个可怜的第三者已经完了，只有死才能给他自由。
爱诺巴勃斯 那么，世界啊，你现在只剩下两个人了；把你所有的食物丢给他们，他们也要磨拳擦掌，互相争夺的。安东尼在哪儿？
爱洛斯 他正在园里散步，一面走，一面恨恨地踢着脚下的草，嘴里嚷着，“傻瓜，莱必多斯！”还发誓说要把那暗杀庞贝的军官捉住了割断他的咽喉。
爱诺巴勃斯 我们伟大的舰队已经扬帆待发了。
爱洛斯 那日要开到意大利去声讨凯撒的。还有，道密歇斯，主帅叫你快去；我应该把我的消息慢慢告诉你的。
爱诺巴勃斯 那就失去新闻的价值了；可是不要管它，带我去见安东尼吧。
爱洛斯 来，朋友。（同下。）
第六场 罗马。凯撒府中一室
凯撒、阿格立巴及茂西那斯上。
凯撒 这件事，还有其他种种，都是他为了表示对于罗马的轻蔑而在亚历山大里亚干的；那情形是这样的：在市场上筑起了一座白银铺地的高坛，上面设着两个黄金的宝座，克莉奥佩特拉跟他两人公然升座；我的义父的儿子，他们替他取名为凯撒里昂的，还有他们两人通奸所生的一群儿女，都列坐在他们的脚下；于是他宣布以克莉奥佩特拉为埃及帝国的女皇，全权统辖下叙利亚、塞浦路斯和吕底亚各处领土。
茂西那斯 这是当着公众的面前举行的吗？
凯撒 就在公共聚集的场所，他们表演了这一幕把戏。他当场又把王号分封他的诸子：米太、帕提亚、亚美尼亚，他都给了亚历山大；叙利亚、西利西亚、腓尼基，他给了托勒密。那天她打扮成爱昔斯女神的样子；据说她以前接见群臣的时候，常常是这样装束的。
茂西那斯 让全罗马都知道这种事情吧。
阿格立巴 罗马人久已厌恶他的骄横，一定会对他完全失去好感。
凯撒 人民已经知道了；他们还听到了他的讨罪的檄告。
阿格立巴 他讨谁的罪？
凯撒 凯撒。他说我在西西里侵吞了塞克斯特斯·庞贝厄斯的领土以后，不曾把那岛上他所应得的一份分派给他；又说他借给我一些船只，我没有归还他；最后他责备我不该擅自褫夺莱必多斯的权位，推翻了三雄鼎峙的局面；他还说我们霸占他的全部的收入。
阿格立巴 主上，这倒是应该答复他的。
凯撒 我已经答复他，叫人带信给他了。我告诉他，莱必多斯最近变得非常横暴残虐，滥用他的大权作威作福，不能不有这一次的变动。凡是我所征服得来的利益，我都可以让他平均分享；可是在他的亚美尼亚和其他被征服的国家之中，我也向他要求同样的权利。
茂西那斯 他决不会答应那样的要求。
凯撒 我们也绝对不能对他让步。奥克泰维娅率侍从上。
奥克泰维娅 祝福，凯撒，我的主！祝福，最亲爱的凯撒！
凯撒 难道要我称你为被遗弃的女子吗！
奥克泰维娅 你没有这样叫过我，你也没有理由这样称呼我。
凯撒 你为什么一声不响地到来呢？你来得不像是凯撒的妹妹；安东尼的妻子应该有一大队人马做她的前驱，当她还在远远的地方的时候，一路上的马嘶声就已经在报告她到来的消息；路旁的树枝上都要满爬着人，因为不见所盼的人而焦心绝望；那络绎不断的马蹄扬起的灰尘，应该一直高达天顶。可是你却像一个市场上的女佣一般来到罗马，不曾预先通知我们，使我们来不及用盛大的仪式向你表示我们的欢迎；我们本该在海陆双方派人迎接，每到一处，都应该有人招待你的。
奥克泰维娅 我的好哥哥，我这样悄悄而来，并不是出于勉强，全然是我自己的意思。我的主安东尼听见你准备战争，把这不幸的消息告诉了我，所以我才请求他准许我回来一次。
凯撒 他很快就答应你了，因为你是使他不能享受风流乐趣的障碍。
奥克泰维娅 不要这样说，哥哥。
凯撒 我随时注意着他，他的一举一动，我这儿都有风闻。他现在在什么地方？
奥克泰维娅 在雅典。
凯撒 不，我的被人欺负的妹妹；克莉奥佩特拉已经招呼他到她那儿去了。他已经把他的帝国奉送给一个淫妇；他们现在正在召集各国的君长，准备进行一场大战。利比亚的国王鲍丘斯、卡巴多西亚的阿契劳斯、巴夫拉贡尼亚的国王菲拉德尔福斯、色雷斯王哀达拉斯、阿拉伯的玛尔丘斯王、本都的国王、犹太的希律、科麦真的国王密瑟里台提斯、米太王坡里蒙和利考尼亚王阿敏达斯，还有别的许多身居王位的人，都已经在他的邀请之下集合了。
奥克泰维娅 唉，我真不幸！我的一颗心分系在你们两人身上，你们两人却彼此相残！
凯撒 欢迎你回来！我们因为得到你的来信而暂缓发动，可是现在已经明白你怎样被人愚弄，我们倘再蹉跎观望，是一件多么危险的事，所以不能不迅速行动了。宽心吧，不要因为这些不可避免的局势扰乱了你的安宁而烦恼，让一切依照命运的安排达到它们最后的结局吧。欢迎你回到罗马来；我没有比你更亲爱的人了。你已经受到空前的侮辱，崇高的众神怜悯你的无辜，才叫我们和一切爱你的人奉行他们的旨意，替你报仇雪恨。愿你安心自乐，我们总是欢迎你的。
阿格立巴 欢迎，夫人！
茂西那斯 欢迎，好夫人！每一颗罗马的心都爱你、同情你；只有贪淫放纵的安东尼才会把你抛弃，让一个娼妓窃持大权，向我们无理挑衅。
奥克泰维娅 真的吗，哥哥？
凯撒 真的。妹妹，欢迎；请你安心忍耐，我的最亲爱的妹妹！（同下。）
第七场 阿克兴海岬附近安东尼营地
克莉奥佩特拉及爱诺巴勃斯上。
克莉奥佩特拉 我一定要跟你算账，你瞧着吧。
爱诺巴勃斯 可是为什么，为什么，为什么？
克莉奥佩特拉 在这次出征以前，你说我是女流之辈，战场上没有我的份儿。
爱诺巴勃斯 对啊，难道我说错了吗？
克莉奥佩特拉 为什么我不能御驾亲征，这不明明是讪谤我吗？
爱诺巴勃斯 （旁白）好，我可以回答你：要是我们把雄马雌马一起赶上战场，岂不要引得雄马撒野，雌马除了负上兵士，还要背上雄的呢。
克莉奥佩特拉 你说什么？
爱诺巴勃斯 安东尼看见了您，一定会心神不定；他在军情紧急的时候，怎么可以让您分散他的有限的精力和宝贵的时间？人家已经在批评他的行动轻率了，在罗马他们都说这一次的军事，都是一个名叫福的纳斯的太监和您的几个侍女们作的主张。
克莉奥佩特拉 让罗马沉下海里去，让那些诽谤我们的舌头一起烂掉！我是一国的君主，必须像一个男子一般负起主持战局的责任。不要反对我的决意；我不能留在后方。
爱诺巴勃斯 好，那么我不管。皇上来了。
安东尼及凯尼狄斯上。
安东尼 凯尼狄斯，他从大兰多和勃伦提斯出发，这么快就越过爱奥尼亚海，把妥林占领下来，不是很奇怪吗？你有没有听见这个消息，亲爱的？
克莉奥佩特拉 因循观望的人，最善于惊叹他人的敏捷。
安东尼 骂得痛快，真是警惰的良箴，这样的话出之于一个堂堂男子的口中，也可以毫无愧色。凯尼狄斯，我们要在海上和他决战。
克莉奥佩特拉 海上！不在海上还在什么地方？
凯尼狄斯 请问主上，为什么我们要在海上和他决战？
安东尼 因为他挑我在海上决战。
爱诺巴勃斯 可是您也曾经要求他单人决斗。
凯尼狄斯 您还要求他在法赛利亚，凯撒和庞贝交战的故址，和您一决胜负；可是他因为这些要求对他不利，一概拒绝了；他可以拒绝您，您也可以拒绝他的。
爱诺巴勃斯 我们的船只缺少得力的人手，那些水兵本来都是赶骡种地的乡民，在仓卒之中临时拉来充数的；凯撒的舰队里却都是屡次和庞贝交锋、能征惯战的将士；而且他们的船只很轻便，不比我们的那样笨重。您在陆地上已经准备着充分的实力，拒绝和他在海上决战，也不是一件丢脸的事。
安东尼 在海上，在海上。
爱诺巴勃斯 主上，您要是在海上决战，就是放弃了陆地上绝对可操胜算的机会，分散了您那些善战的步兵的兵力，埋没了您那赫赫有名的陆战的才略，牺牲了最稳当的上策，去冒毫无把握的危险。
安东尼 我决定在海上作战。
克莉奥佩特拉 我有六十艘船舶，凯撒的船不比我们多。
安东尼 我们把多余的船只一起烧掉，把士卒分配到需用的船上，就从阿克兴岬口出发，迎头痛击凯撒的舰队。要是我们失败了，还可以再从陆地上争回胜利。
一使者上。
安东尼 什么事？
使者 启禀主上，这消息是真的；有人已经看见他了；凯撒已经占领了妥林。
安东尼 他自己也到那边了吗？那是不可能的；他的本领果然神出鬼没。凯尼狄斯，我们在陆地上的十九个军团和一万二千匹战马，都归你节制。我自己要到船上指挥去：走吧，我的海中女神！
一兵士上。
安东尼 什么事，英勇的军人？
兵士 啊，皇上！不要在海上作战；不要相信那些朽烂的木板；难道您怀疑这一柄宝剑的威力，和我这满身的伤疤吗？让那些埃及人和腓尼基人去跳水吧；我们是久惯于立足地上、凭着膂力博取胜利的。
安东尼 好，好，去吧！（安东尼、克莉奥佩特拉及爱诺巴勃斯同下。）
兵士 凭着赫剌克勒斯起誓，我想我的话没有说错。
凯尼狄斯 你没有错，可是他的整个行动，已经不受他自己的驾驭了；我们的领袖是被人家牵着走的，我们都只是一些供妇女驱策的男子。
兵士 您是在陆地上负责保全人马实力的，是不是？
凯尼狄斯 玛克斯·奥克泰维斯、玛克斯·杰思退厄斯、泼勃力科拉、西里厄斯都要参加海战；留着我们保全陆地的实力。凯撒用兵这样神速，真是出人意外。
兵士 当他还在罗马的时候，他的军队的调动掩护得非常巧妙，没有一个间谍不给他瞒过了。
凯尼狄斯 你听说谁是他的副将吗？
兵士 他们说是一个名叫陶勒斯的人。
凯尼秋斯 这人我很熟悉。
一使者上。
使者 皇上叫凯尼狄斯进去。
凯尼狄斯 这样扰攘的时世，每一分钟都有新的消息产生。（同下。）
第八场 阿克兴附近一平原
凯撒、陶勒斯及将士等上。
凯撒 陶勒斯！
陶勒斯 主上？
凯撒 不要在陆地上攻击敌人；保全实力；在我们海上的战事没有完毕以前，避免一切挑衅的行为。遵照这一通密令上所规定的计策实行，不可妄动；我们的成败在此一举。（同下。）
安东尼及爱诺巴勃斯上。
安东尼 把我们的舰队集合在山的那一边，正对着凯撒的阵地；从那地方我们可以看清敌人船只的数目，决定我们应战的方略。（同下。）
凯尼狄斯率陆军上，由舞台一旁列队穿过；凯撒副将陶勒斯率其所部由另一旁穿过。两军入内后，内起海战声。号角声；爱诺巴勃斯重上。
爱诺巴勃斯 完了，完了，全完了！我再也瞧不下去了。埃及的旗舰“安东尼号”一碰到敌人，就带领了他们的六十艘船只全体转舵逃走；我的眼睛都看得要爆炸了。
斯凯勒斯上。
斯凯勒斯 天上所有的男神女神啊！
爱诺巴勃斯 你为什么有这样的感慨？
斯凯勒斯 大半个世界都在愚昧中失去了；我们已经用轻轻的一吻，断送了无数的王国州郡。
爱诺巴勃斯 战局怎么样？
斯凯勒斯 我们的一方面好像已经盖上了瘟疫的戳记似的，注定着死亡的命运。那匹不要脸的埃及雌马，但愿她浑身害起癞病来！正在双方鏖战，不分胜负，或者还是我们这方面略占上风的时候，她像一头被牛虻钉上了身的六月的母牛一样，扯起帆就逃跑了。
爱诺巴勃斯 那我也看见，我的眼睛里看得火星直爆，再也看不下去了。
斯凯勒斯 她刚刚拨转船头，那被她迷醉得英雄气短的安东尼也就无心恋成，像一只痴心的水凫一样，拍了拍翅膀飞着追上去。我从来没有见过这样可羞的行为，多年的经验、丈夫的气概、战士的荣誉，竟会这样扫地无余！
爱诺巴勃斯 唉！唉！
凯尼狄斯上。
凯尼狄斯 我们在海上的命运已经奄奄一息，无可挽回地没落下去了。我们的主帅倘不是这样糊涂，一定不会弄到这一个地步。啊！他自己都公然逃走了，兵士们看着这一个榜样，怎么不会众心涣散！
爱诺巴勃斯 你也这样想吗？那么真的什么都完了。
凯尼狄斯 他们都向伯罗奔尼撒逃走了。
斯凯勒斯 那条路很容易走，我也要到那边去等候复命。
凯尼狄斯 我要把我的军队马匹向凯撒献降；六个国王已经先我而投降了。
爱诺巴勃斯 我还是要追随安东尼的受伤的命运，虽然这是我的理智所反对的。（各下。）
第九场 亚历山大里亚。宫中一室
安东尼及众侍从上。
安东尼 听！土地在叫我不要践踏它，它怕我这不光荣的身体会使它蒙上难堪的耻辱。朋友们，过来；我在这世上盲目夜行，已经永远迷失了我的路。我有一艘满装黄金的大船，你们拿去分了，各自逃生，不要再跟凯撒作对了吧。
众侍从 逃走！不是我们干的事。
安东尼 我自己也在敌人之前逃走，替懦夫们立下一个转身避害的榜样。朋友们，去吧；我已经为自己决定了一个方针，今后无须借重你们了；去吧。我的金银财宝都在港里，你们尽管拿去。唉！我追随了一个我羞于看见的人；我的头发都在造反，白发埋怨黑发的粗心卤莽，黑发埋怨白发的胆小痴愚。朋友们，去吧；我可以写几封信，介绍你们投奔我的几个朋友。请你们不要怏怏不乐，也不要口出怨言，听从我在绝望之中的这一番指示；未了的事，听其自然；赶快到海边去吧；我就把那艘船和船上的财物送给你们。现在请你们暂时离开我；我已经不配命令你们，所以只好请求你们。我们等会儿再见吧。（坐下。）
查米恩及伊拉丝携克莉奥佩特拉手上，爱洛斯后随。
爱洛斯 好娘娘，上去呀，安慰安慰他。
伊拉丝 上去呀，好娘娘。
查米恩 不上去又怎么样呢？
克莉奥佩特拉 让我坐下来。天后朱诺啊！
安东尼 不，不，不，不，不。
爱洛斯 您看见吗，主上？
安东尼 啊，呸！呸！呸！
查米恩 娘娘！
伊拉丝 娘娘，啊，好娘娘！
爱洛斯 主上，主上！
安东尼 是的，阁下，是的。他在腓利比把他的剑摇来挥去，像在跳舞一般；是我杀死了那个形容瘦削、满脸皱纹的凯歇斯，结果了那发疯似的勃鲁托斯的生命；他却只会让人代劳，从来不曾亲临战阵。可是现在——算了。
克莉奥佩特拉 唉！扶我一下。
爱洛斯 主上，娘娘来了。
伊拉丝 上去，娘娘，对他说话；他惭愧得完全失了常态了。
克莉奥佩特拉 好，那么扶着我。啊！
爱洛斯 主上，起来，娘娘来了；她低下了头，您要是不给她一些安慰，她会悲哀而死的。
安东尼 我已经毁了自己的名誉，犯了一个最可耻的错误。
爱洛斯 主上，娘娘来了。
安东尼 啊！你把我带到什么地方去，埃及女王？瞧，我因为不愿从你的眼睛里看见我的耻辱，正在凭吊那已经化为一堆灰烬的我的雄图霸业呢。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊，我的主，我的主！原谅我因为胆怯而扬帆逃避；我没有想到你会跟了上来的。
安东尼 埃及的女王，你完全知道我的心是用绳子缚在你的舵上的，你一去就会把我拖着走；你知道你是我的灵魂的无上主宰，只要你向我一点头一招手，即使我奉有天神的使命，也会把它放弃了来听候你的差遣。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊，恕我！
安东尼 我曾经玩弄半个世界在我的手掌之上，操纵着无数人生杀予夺的大权，现在却必须俯首乞怜，用吞吞吐吐的口气向这小子献上屈辱的降表。你知道你已经多么彻头彻尾地征服了我，我的剑是绝对服从我的爱情的指挥的。
克莉奥佩特拉 怨我，怨我！
安东尼 不要掉下一滴泪来；你的一滴泪的价值，抵得上我所得而复失的一切。给我一吻吧；这就可以给我充分的补偿了。我们已经差那位教书先生去了；他回来了没有？爱人，我的灵魂像铅一样沉重。叫他们预备酒食！命运越是给我们打击，我们越是瞧不起她。（同下。）
第十场 埃及。凯撒营地
凯撒、道拉培拉、赛琉斯及余人等上。
凯撒 叫安东尼的使者进来。你们认识他吗？
道拉培拉 凯撒，那是他的教书先生；不多几月以前，多少的国王甘心为他奔走，现在他却差了这样一个卑微的人来，这就可以见得他的途穷日暮了。
尤弗洛涅斯上。
凯撒 过来，说明你的来意。
尤弗洛涅斯 我虽然只是一个地位卑微的人，却奉着安东尼的使命而来；不久以前，我在他的汪洋大海之中，不过等于一滴草叶上的露珠。
凯撒 好，你来有什么事？
尤弗洛涅斯 他说你是他的命运的主人，向你致最大的敬礼；他请求你准许他住在埃及，要是这一件事你不能允许他，他还有退一步的请求，愿你让他在天地之间有一个容身之处，在雅典做一个平民：这是他要我对你说的话。克莉奥佩特拉也承认你的伟大的权力，愿意听从你的支配；她恳求你慷慨开恩，准许她的后裔保存托勒密王朝的宝冕。
凯撒 对于安东尼，他的任何要求我一概置之不理。女王要是愿意来见我，或是向我有什么请求，我都可以答应，只要她能够把她那名誉扫地的朋友逐出埃及境外，或者就在当地结果他的性命；要是她做得到这一件事，她的要求一定可以得到我的垂听。你这样去回复他们两人吧。
尤弗洛涅斯 愿幸运追随你！
凯撒 带他通过我们的阵线。（尤弗洛涅斯下。向赛琉斯）现在是试验你的口才的时候了；快去替我从安东尼手里把克莉奥佩特拉夺来；无论她有什么要求，你都用我的名义答应她；另外你再可以照你的意思向她提出一些优厚的条件。女人在最幸福的环境里，也往往抵抗不了外界的诱惑；一旦到了困穷无告的时候，一尘不染的贞女也会失足堕落。尽量运用你的手段，赛琉斯；事成之后，随你需索什么酬报，我都决不吝惜。
赛琉斯 凯撒，我就去。
凯撒 注意安东尼在失势中的态度，从他的举动之间窥探他的意向。
赛琉斯 是，凯撒。（各下。）
第十一场 亚历山大里亚。宫中一室
克莉奥佩特拉、爱诺巴勃斯、查米恩及伊拉丝上。
克莉奥佩特拉 我们怎么办呢，爱诺巴勃斯？
爱诺巴勃斯 想一想，然后死去。
克莉奥佩特拉 这一回究竟是安东尼错还是我错？
爱诺巴勃斯 全是安东尼的错，他不该让他的情欲支配了他的理智。两军相接的时候，本来是惊心怵目的，即使您在战争的狰狞的面貌之前逃走了，为什么他要跟上来呢？当世界的两半互争雄长的紧急关头，他是全局所系的中心人物，怎么可以让儿女之私牵掣了他的大将的责任。在全军惶惑之中追随您的逃走的旗帜，这不但是他的无可挽回的损失，也是一个无法洗刷的耻辱。
克莉奥佩特拉 请你别说了。
安东尼及尤弗洛涅斯上。
安东尼 那就是他的答复吗？
尤弗洛涅斯 是，主上。
安东尼 那么女王可以得到他的恩典，只要她愿意把我交出？
尤弗洛涅斯 他正是这样说。
安东尼 让她知道他的意思。把这颗鬓发苍苍的头颅送给那凯撒小子，他就会满足你的愿望，赏给你许多采邑领土。
克莉奥佩特拉 哪一颗头颅，我的主？
安东尼 再去回复他。对他说，他现在年纪还轻，应该让世人看看他有什么与众不同的地方；也许他的货币、船只、军队，都只是属于一个懦夫所有；也许他的臣僚辅佐凯撒，正像辅佐一个无知的孺子一样。所以我要向他挑战，叫他不要依仗那些比我优越的条件，直截痛快地跟我来一次剑对剑的决斗。我就去写信，跟我来。（安东尼、尤弗洛涅斯同下。）
爱诺巴勃斯 （旁白）是的，战胜的凯撒会放弃他的幸福，和一个剑客比赛起匹夫之勇来！看来人们的理智也是他们命运中的一部分，一个人倒了楣，他的头脑也就跟着糊涂了。他居然梦想富有天下的凯撒肯来理会一个一无所有的安东尼！凯撒啊，你把他的理智也同时击败了。
一侍从上。
侍从 凯撒有一个使者来了。
克莉奥佩特拉 什么！一点礼貌都没有了吗？瞧，我的姑娘们；人家只会向一朵含苞未放的娇花屈膝，等到花残香消，他们就要掩鼻而过之了。让他进来，先生。（侍从下。）
爱诺巴勃斯 （旁白）我的良心开始跟我自己发生冲突了。我们的忠诚不过是愚蠢，因为只有愚人才会尽忠到底；可是谁要是死心塌地追随一个失势的主人，那么他的主人虽然被他的环境征服了，他却能够征服那种环境而不为所屈，这样的人是应该在历史上永远占据一个地位的。
赛琉斯上。
克莉奥佩特拉 凯撒有什么见教？
赛琉斯 请斥退左右。
克莉奥佩特拉 这儿都是朋友，你放心说吧。
赛琉斯 也许他们是安东尼的朋友。
爱诺巴勃斯 先生，他需要像凯撒一样多的朋友，否则他也用不着我们了。只要凯撒高兴，我们的主人十分愿意成为他的朋友；至于我们，那您知道，总是跟着他走的，他做了凯撒的朋友，我们自然也就是凯撒的人。
赛琉斯 好，那么，最有声誉的女王，凯撒请求你不要因为你目前的处境而介意，你只要想他是凯撒。
克莉奥佩特拉 说下去，尊贵的使者。
赛琉斯 他知道你投身在安东尼的怀抱里，不是因为爱他，只是因为惧怕他。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊！
赛琉斯 所以他对于你荣誉上所受的创伤是万分同情的，因为那只是被迫忍受的污辱，不是咎有应得的责罚。
克莉奥佩特拉 他是一位天神，他的判断是这样公正。我的荣誉并不是自己甘心屈服，全然是被人征服的。
爱诺巴勃斯 （旁白）我要去问问安东尼，究竟是不是这样。主上，主上，你已经是一艘千洞百孔的破船，我们必须离开你，让你沉下海里，因为你的最亲爱的人也把你丢弃了。（下。）
赛琉斯 我要不要回复凯撒，告诉他您对他有什么要求？因为他心里很希望您有求于他。要是您愿意把他的命运作为您的靠山，他一定会十分高兴的；可是他要是听见我说您已经离开了安东尼，把您自己完全置身于他的羽翼之下，尊奉他为全世界的主人，那才会叫他心满意足哩。
克莉奥佩特拉 你叫什么名字？
赛琉斯 我的名字是赛琉斯。
克莉奥佩特拉 最善良的使者，请你这样回答伟大的凯撒：我不能亲自吻他征服一切的手，已经请他的使者代致我的敬礼了；告诉他，我随时准备把我的王冠跪献在他的足下；告诉他，从他的举世慑服的诏语之中，我已经听见埃及所得到的判决了。
赛琉斯 这是您的最正当的方策。智慧和命运互相冲突的时候，要是智慧有胆量贯彻它的主张，没有意外的机会可以摇动它的。准许我敬吻您的手。
克莉奥佩特拉 你们凯撒的义父在世的时候，每次想到了征服国土的计划，往往把他的嘴唇放在这一个卑微的所在，雨也似的吻着它。
安东尼及爱诺巴勃斯上。
安东尼 凭着雷霆之威的乔武起誓，好大的恩典！喂，家伙，你是什么东西？
赛琉斯 我是奉着全世界最有威权、最值得服从的人的命令而来的使者。
爱诺巴勃斯 （旁白）你要挨一顿鞭子了。
安东尼 过来！啊，你这混蛋！天神和魔鬼啊！我已经一点权力都没有了吗？不久以前，我只要吆喝一声，国王们就会像一群孩子似的争先恐后问我有什么吩咐。你没有耳朵吗？我还是安东尼哩。
众侍从上。
安东尼 把这家伙抓出去抽一顿鞭子。
爱诺巴勃斯 （旁白）宁可和初生的幼狮嬉戏，不要玩弄一头濒死的老狮。
安东尼 天哪！把他用力鞭打。即使二十个向凯撒纳贡称臣的最大的国君，要是让我看见他们这样放肆地玩弄她的手——她，这个女人，她从前是克莉奥佩特拉，现在可叫什么名字？——狠狠地鞭打他，打得他像一个孩子一般捧住了脸哭着喊饶命；把他抓出去。
赛琉斯 玛克·安东尼——
安东尼 把他拖下去；抽过了鞭子以后，再把他带来见我；我要叫这凯撒手下的奴才替我传一个信给他。（侍从等拖赛琉斯下）在我没有认识你以前，你已经是一朵半谢的残花了；嘿！罗马的衾枕不曾留住我，多少名媛淑女我都不曾放在眼里，我不曾生下半个合法的儿女，难道结果反倒被一个向奴才们卖弄风情的女人欺骗了吗？
克莉奥佩特拉 我的好爷爷——
安东尼 你一向就是个水性杨花的人；可是，不幸啊！当我们沉溺在我们的罪恶中间的时候，聪明的天神就封住了我们的眼睛，把我们明白的理智丢弃在我们自己的污泥里，使我们崇拜我们的错误，看着我们一步步陷入迷途而暗笑。
克莉奥佩特拉 唉！竟会一至于此吗？
安东尼 当我遇见你的时候，你是已故的凯撒吃剩下来的残羹冷炙；你也曾做过克尼厄斯·庞贝口中的禁脔；此外不曾流传在世俗的口碑上的，还不知道有多少更荒淫无耻的经历；我相信，你虽然能够猜想得到贞节应该是怎样一种东西，可是你不知道它究竟是什么。
克莉奥佩特拉 你为什么要说这种话？
安东尼 让一个得了人家赏赐说一声“上帝保佑您”的家伙玩弄你那受过我的爱抚的手，那两心相印的神圣的见证！啊！我不能像一个绳子套在脖子上的囚徒一般，向行刑的人哀求早一点了结他的痛苦；我要到高山荒野之间大声咆哮，发泄我的疯狂的悲愤！
众侍从率赛琉斯重上。
安东尼 把他鞭打过了吗？
侍从甲 狠狠地鞭打过了，主上。
安东尼 他有没有哭喊饶命？
侍从甲 他求过情了。
安东尼 你的父亲要是还活在世上，让他怨恨你不是一个女儿；你应该后悔追随胜利的凯撒，因为你已经为了追随他而挨了一顿鞭打了；从此以后，愿你见了妇女的洁白的纤手，就会吓得浑身乱抖。滚回到凯撒跟前去，把你在这儿所受到的款待告诉他；记着，你必须对他说，他使我非常生气，因为他的态度太傲慢自大，看轻我现在失了势，却不想到我从前的地位。他使我生气；我的幸运的星辰已经离开了它们的轨道，把它们的火焰射进地狱的深渊里去了，一个倒运的人，是最容易被人激怒的。要是他不喜欢我所说的话和所干的事，你可以告诉他我有一个已经赎身的奴隶歇巴契斯在他那里，他为了向我报复起见，尽管鞭笞他、吊死他、用酷刑拷打他，都随他的便；你也可以在旁边怂恿他的。去，带着你满身的鞭痕滚吧！（赛琉斯下。）
克莉奥佩特拉 你的脾气发完了吗？
安东尼 唉！我们地上的明月已经晦暗了；它只是预兆着安东尼的没落。
克莉奥佩特拉 我必须等他安静下来。
安东尼 为了献媚凯撒的缘故，你竟会和一个服侍他穿衣束带的人眉来眼去吗？
克莉奥佩特拉 还没有知道我的心吗？
安东尼 不是心，是石头！
克莉奥佩特拉 啊！亲爱的，要是我果然这样，愿上天在我冷酷的心里酿成一阵有毒的冰雹，让第一块雹石落在我的头上，溶化了我的生命；然后让它打死凯撒里昂，再让我的孩子和我的勇敢的埃及人一个一个在这雹阵之下丧身；让他们死无葬身之地，充作尼罗河上蝇蚋的食料！
安东尼 我很满意你的表白。凯撒已经在亚历山大里亚安下营寨，我还要和他决一个最后的雌雄。我们陆上的军队很英勇地坚持不屈；我们溃散的海军也已经重新集合起来，恢复了原来的威风。我的雄心啊，你这一向都在哪里？你听见吗，爱人？要是我再从战场上回来吻这一双嘴唇，我将要遍身浴血出现在你的面前；凭着这一柄剑，我要创造历史上不朽的记录。希望还没有消失呢。
克莉奥佩特拉 这才是我的英勇的主！
安东尼 我要使出三倍的膂力，三倍的精神和勇气，做一个杀人不眨眼的魔王；因为当我命运顺利的时候，人们往往在谈笑之间邀取我的宽赦；可是现在我要咬紧牙齿，把每一个阻挡我去路的人送下地狱。来，让我们再痛痛快快乐它一晚；召集我的全体忧郁的将领，再一次把美酒注满在我们的杯里；让我们不要理会那午夜的钟声。
克莉奥佩特拉 今天是我的生日；我本来预备让它在无声无臭中过去，可是既然我的主仍旧是原来的安东尼，那么我也还是原来的克莉奥佩特拉。
安东尼 我们还可以挽回颓势。
克莉奥佩特拉 叫全体将领都来，主上要见见他们。
安东尼 叫他们来，我们要跟他们谈谈；今天晚上我要把美酒灌得从他们的伤疤里流出来。来，我的女王；我们还可以再接再厉。这一次我临阵作战，我要使死神爱我，即使对他的无情的镰刀，我也要作猛烈的抗争。（除爱诺巴勃斯外皆下。）
爱诺巴勃斯 现在他要用狰狞的怒目去压倒闪电的光芒了。过分的惊惶会使一个人忘怀了恐惧，不顾死活地蛮干下去；在这一种心情之下，鸽子也会向鸷鸟猛啄。我看我们主上已经失去了理智，所以才会恢复了勇气。有勇无谋，结果一定失败。我要找个机会离开他。（下。）
第四幕
第一场 亚历山大里亚城前。凯撒营地
凯撒上，读信；阿格立巴、茂西那斯及余人等上。
凯撒 他叫我小子，把我信口谩骂，好像他有力量把我赶出埃及似的；他还鞭打我的使者；要求我跟他单人决斗，凯撒对安东尼。让这老贼知道，我如果想死，方法还多着呢。尽管他挑战，我只是置之一笑。
茂西那斯 凯撒必须想到，一个伟大的人物开始咆哮的时候，就是势穷力迫、快要堕下陷阱的预兆。不要给他喘息的机会，利用他的狂暴焦躁的心理；一个发怒的人，总是疏于自卫的。
凯撒 让全营将士知道，明天我们将要作一次结束一切战争的决战。在我们队伍里面，有不少最近还在安东尼部下作战的人，凭着这些归降的将士，就可以把他诱进了圈套。你去传告我的命令：今晚大宴全军；我们现在食物山积，这都是弟兄们辛苦得来的成绩。可怜的安东尼！（同下。）
第二场 亚历山大里亚。宫中一室
安东尼、克莉奥佩特拉、爱诺巴勃斯、查米恩、伊拉丝、艾勒克萨斯及余人等上。
安东尼 他不肯跟我决斗，道密歇斯。
爱诺巴勃斯 喂。
安东尼 他为什么不肯？
爱诺巴勃斯 他以为他的命运胜过你二十倍，他一个人可以抵得上二十个人。
安东尼 明天，军人，我要在海上陆上同时作战；我倘不能胜利而生，也要用壮烈的战血洗刷我的濒死的荣誉。你愿意出力打仗吗？
爱诺巴勃斯 我愿意嚷着“牺牲一切”的口号，向敌人猛力冲杀。
安东尼 说得好；来。把我家里的仆人叫出来；今天晚上我们要饱餐一顿。
三四仆人上。
安东尼 把你的手给我，你一向是个很忠实的人；你也是；你，你，你，你们都是；你们曾经尽心侍候我，国王们曾经做过你们的同伴。
克莉奥佩特拉 这是什么意思？
爱诺巴勃斯 （向克莉奥佩特拉旁白）这是他在心里懊恼的时候想起来的一种古怪花样。
安东尼 你也是忠实的。我希望我自己能够化身为像你们这么多的人，你们大家都合成了一个安东尼，这样我就可以为你们尽力服务，正像你们现在为我尽力一样。
众仆 那我们怎么敢当！
安东尼 好，我的好朋友们，今天晚上你们还是来侍候我，不要少给我酒，仍旧像从前那样看待我，就像我的帝国也还跟你们一样服从我的命令那时候一般。
克莉奥佩特拉 （向爱诺巴勃斯旁白）他是什么意思？
爱诺巴勃斯 （向克莉奥佩特拉旁白）他要逗他的仆人们流泪。
安东尼 今夜你们来侍候我；也许这是你们最后一次为我服役了；也许你们从此不再看见我了；也许你们所看见的，只是我的血肉模糊的影子；也许明天你们便要服侍一个新的主人。我瞧着你们，就像自己将要和你们永别了一般。我的忠实的朋友们，我不是要抛弃你们，你们尽心竭力地跟随了我一辈子，我到死也不会把你们丢弃的。今晚你们再侍候我两小时，我不再有别的要求了；愿神明保佑你们！
爱诺巴勃斯 主上，您何必向他们说这种伤心的话呢？瞧，他们都哭啦；我这蠢才的眼睛里也有些热辣辣的。算了吧，不要叫我们全都变成娘儿们吧。
安东尼 哈哈哈！该死，我可不是这个意思。你们这些眼泪，表明你们都是有良心的。我的好朋友们，你们误会了我的意思了，我本意是要安慰你们，叫你们用火把照亮这一个晚上。告诉你们吧，我的好朋友们，我对于明天抱着很大的希望；我要领导你们胜利而生，不是光荣而死。让我们去饱餐一顿，来，把一切忧虑都浸没了。（同下。）
第三场 同前。宫门前
二兵士上，各赴岗位。
兵士甲 兄弟晚安；明天是决战的日子了。
兵士乙 胜败都在明天分晓；再见。你在街道上没有听见什么怪事吗？
兵士甲 没有。你知道什么消息？
兵士乙 多半是个谣言。晚安！
兵士甲 好，晚安！
另二兵士上。
兵士乙 弟兄们，留心警戒哪！
兵士丙 你也留心点儿。晚安，晚安！（兵士甲、兵士乙各就岗位。）
兵士丁 咱们是在这儿。（兵士丙、兵士丁各就岗位）要是明天咱们的海军能够得胜，我绝对相信咱们地上的弟兄们也一定会挺得住的。
兵士丙 咱们军队是一支充满了决心的勇敢的军队。（台下吹高音笛声。）
兵士丁 别说话！什么声音？
兵士甲 听，听！
兵士乙 听！
兵士甲 空中的乐声。
兵士丙 好像在地下。
兵士丁 这是好兆，是不是？
兵士丙 不。
兵士甲 静些！这是什么意思？
兵士乙 这是安东尼所崇拜的赫剌克勒斯，现在离开他了。
兵士甲 走；让我们问问别的守兵听没听见这种声音。（四兵士行至另一岗位前。）
兵士乙 喂，弟兄们！
众兵士 喂！喂！你们听见这个声音吗？
兵士甲 听见的；这不是很奇怪吗？
兵士丙 你们听见吗，弟兄们？你们听见吗？
兵士甲 跟着这声音走，一直走到我们的界线上为止；让我们听听它怎样消失下去。
众兵士 （共语）好的。——真是奇怪得很。（同下。）
第四场 同前。宫中一室
安东尼及克莉奥佩特拉上；查米恩及余人等随侍。
安东尼 爱洛斯！我的战铠，爱洛斯！
克莉奥佩特拉 睡一会儿吧。
安东尼 不，我的宝贝。爱洛斯，来；我的战铠，爱洛斯！
爱洛斯持铠上。
安东尼 来，好家伙，替我穿上这一身战铠；要是命运今天不照顾我们，那是因为我们向她挑战的缘故。来。
克莉奥佩特拉 让我也来帮帮你。这东西有什么用处？
安东尼 啊！别管它，别管它；你是为我的心坎披上铠甲的人。错了，错了；这一个，这一个。
克莉奥佩特拉 真的，嗳哟！我偏要帮你；它应该是这样的。
安东尼 好，好；现在我们一定可以成功。你看见吗，我的好家伙？你也去武装起来吧。
爱洛斯 快些，主上。
克莉奥佩特拉 这一个扣子不是扣得很好吗？
安东尼 好得很，好得很。在我没有解甲安息以前，谁要是解开这一个扣子的，一定会听见惊人的雷雨。你怎么这样笨手笨脚的，爱洛斯；我的女王倒是一个比你能干的侍从哩。快些。啊，亲爱的！要是你今天能够看见我在战场上驰骋，要是你也懂得这一种英雄的事业，你就会知道谁是能手。
一兵士武装上。
安东尼 早安；欢迎！你瞧上去像是一个善战的健儿；我们对于心爱的工作，总是一早起身，踊跃前趋的。
兵士 主帅，时候虽然还早，弟兄们都已经装束完备，在城门口等候着您了。（喧呼声；喇叭大鸣。）
众将佐兵士上。
将佐 今天天色很好。早安，主帅！
众兵士 早安，主帅！
安东尼 孩儿们，你们的喇叭吹得很好。今天的清晨像一个立志干一番轰轰烈烈的事业的少年，很早就踏上了它的征途。好，好；来，把那个给我。这一边；很好。再会，亲爱的，我此去存亡未卜，这是一个军人的吻。（吻克莉奥佩特拉）我不能浪费我的时间在无谓的温存里；我现在必须像一个钢铁铸成的男儿一般向你告别。凡是愿意作战的，都跟着我来。再会！（安东尼、爱洛斯及将士等同下。）
查米恩 请娘娘进去安息安息吧。
克莉奥佩特拉 你领着我。他勇敢地去了。要是他跟凯撒能够在一场单人的决斗里决定这一场大战的胜负，那可多好！那时候，安东尼——可是现在——好，去吧。（同下。）
第五场 亚历山大里亚。安东尼营地
喇叭声。安东尼及爱洛斯上；一兵士自对面上。
兵士 愿天神保佑安东尼今天大获全胜！
安东尼 我只恨当初你那满身的创瘢不曾使我听从你的话，在陆地上作战！
兵士 你早听了我的话，那许多倒戈的国王一定还追随在你的后面，今天早上也没有人会逃走了。
安东尼 谁今天逃走了？
兵士 谁！你的一个多年亲信的人。你要是喊爱诺巴勃斯的名字，他不会听见你；或许他会从凯撒的营里回答你，“我已经不是你的人了。”
安东尼 你说什么？
兵士 主帅，他已经跟随凯撒去了。
爱洛斯 他的箱笼财物都没带走。
安东尼 他去了吗？
兵士 确确实实地去了。
安东尼 去，爱洛斯，把他的钱财送还给他，不可有误；听着，什么都不要留下。写一封信给他，表示惜别欢送的意思，写好了让我在上面签一个名字；对他说，我希望他今后再也不会有同样充分的理由，使他感到更换一个主人的必要。唉！想不到我的衰落的命运，竟会使本来忠实的人也变起心来。快去。爱诺巴勃斯！（同下。）
第六场 亚历山大里亚城前。凯撒营地
喇叭奏花腔。凯撒率阿格立巴、爱诺巴勃斯及余人等同上。
凯撒 阿格立巴，你先带领一支人马出去，开始和敌人交锋。我们今天一定要把安东尼生擒活捉；你去传令全军知道。
阿格立巴 凯撒，遵命。（下。）
凯撒 全面和平的时候已经不远了；但愿今天一战成功，让这鼎足而三的世界不再受干戈的骚扰！
一使者上。
使者 安东尼已经在战场上了。
凯撒 去吩咐阿格立巴，叫那些投降过来的将士充当前锋，让安东尼向他自家的人发泄他的愤怒。（凯撒及侍从下。）
爱诺巴勃斯 艾勒克萨斯叛变了，他奉了安东尼的使命到犹太去，却劝诱希律王归附凯撒，舍弃他的主人安东尼；为了他这一个功劳，凯撒已经把他吊死。凯尼狄斯和其余叛离的将士虽然都蒙这里收留，可是谁也没有得到重用。我已经干了一件使我自己捶心痛恨的坏事，从此以后，再也不会有快乐的日子了。
一凯撒军中兵士上。
兵士 爱诺巴勃斯，安东尼已经把你所有的财物一起送来了，还有他给你的许多赏赐。那差来的人是从我守卫的地方入界的，现在正在你的帐里搬下那些送来的物件。
爱诺巴勃斯 那些东西都送给你吧。
兵士 不要取笑，爱诺巴勃斯。我说的是真话。你最好自己把那来人护送出营；我有职务在身。否则就送他走一程也没甚关系。你们的皇上到底还是一尊天神哩。（下。）
爱诺巴勃斯 我是这世上唯一的小人，最是卑鄙无耻。啊，安东尼！你慷慨的源泉，我这样反复变节，你尚且赐给我这许多黄金，要是我对你尽忠不贰，你将要给我怎样的赏赉呢！悔恨像一柄利剑刺进了我的心。如果悔恨之感不能马上刺破我这颗心，还有更加迅速的方法呢；不过我想光是悔恨也就足够了。我帮着敌人打你！不，我要去找一处最污浊的泥沟，了结我这卑劣的残生。（下。）
第七场 两军营地间的战场
号角声；鼓角齐奏声。阿格立巴及余人等上。
阿格立巴 退下去，我们已经过分深入敌军阵地了。凯撒自己正在指挥作战；我们所受的压力超过我们的预料。（同下。）
号角声；安东尼及斯凯勒斯负伤上。
斯凯勒斯 啊，我的英勇的皇上！这才是打仗！我们大家要是早一点这样出力，他们早就满头挂彩，给我们赶回老家去了。
安东尼 你的血流得很厉害呢。
斯凯勒斯 我这儿有一个伤口，本来像个丁字形，现在却已裂开来啦。
安东尼 他们败退下去了。
斯凯勒斯 我们要把他们追赶得入地无门；我身上还可以受六处伤哩。
爱洛斯上。
爱洛斯 主上，他们已经打败了；我们已经占了优势，这次一定可以大获全胜。
斯凯勒斯 让我们从背后痛击他们，就像捉兔子一般把他们一网罩住；打逃兵是一件最有趣不过的玩意儿。
安东尼 我要重赏你的鼓舞精神的谈笑，我还要把十倍的重赏酬劳你的勇敢。来。
斯凯勒斯 让我一跛一跛地跟着您走。（同下。）
第八场 亚历山大里亚城下
号角声。安东尼、斯凯勒斯率军队行进上。
安东尼 我们已经把他打回了自己的营地；先派一个人去向女王报告我们今天的战绩。明天在太阳没有看见我们以前，我们要叫那些今天逃脱性命的敌人一个个喋血沙场。谢谢各位，你们都是英勇的壮士，你们挺身作战，并不以为那是你们强制履行的义务，每一个人都把这次战争当作了自己切身的事情；你们谁都显出了赫克托一般的威武。进城去，拥抱你们的妻子朋友，告诉他们你们的战功，让他们用喜悦的眼泪洗净你们伤口的瘀血，吻愈了那光荣的创痕。（向斯凯勒斯）把你的手给我。
克莉奥佩特拉率扈从上。
安东尼 我要向这位伟大的女神夸扬你的勋劳，使她的感谢祝福你。你世上的光辉啊！你勾住我的裹着铁甲的颈项，连同你这一身盛装，穿过我的坚利的战铠，跳进我的心头，让我的喘息载着你凯旋回去吧！
克莉奥佩特拉 万君之君，你无限完美的英雄啊！你带着微笑从天罗地网之中脱身归来了吗？
安东尼 我的夜莺，我们已经把他们打退了。嘿，姑娘！虽然霜雪已经洒上我的少年的褐发，可是我还有一颗勃勃的雄心，它能够帮助我建立青春的志业。瞧这个人；让他的嘴唇沾到你手上的恩泽；吻着它，我的战士；他今天在战场上奋勇杀敌，就像一个痛恨人类的天神一样，没有人逃得过他的剑锋的诛戮。
克莉奥佩特拉 朋友，我要送给你一副纯金的战铠，它本来是归一个国王所有的。
安东尼 即使它像日轮一样灿烂夺目，他也可以受之无愧。把你的手给我。通过亚历山大里亚全城，我们的大军要列队前进，兴高采烈地显示我们的威容；我们要把剑痕累累的盾牌像我们的战士一样高高举起。要是我们广大的王宫能够容纳我们全军的将士，我们一定要全体欢宴一宵，为了预祝明天的大捷而痛饮。喇叭手，尽力吹响起来，让你们的喧声震聋了全城的耳朵；和着聒噪的鼓声，使天地之间充满了一片欢迎我们的呐喊。（同下。）
第九场 凯撒营地
哨兵各守岗位。
兵士甲 在这一小时以内，要是没有人来替我们，我们必须回到警备营去。今晚星月皎洁，他们说我们在清晨两点钟就要出发作战。
兵士乙 昨天的战事使我们受到极大的打击。
爱诺巴勃斯上。
爱诺巴勃斯 夜啊！请你做我的见证——
兵士丙 这是什么人？
兵士乙 躲一躲，听他说。
爱诺巴勃斯 请你做我的见证，神圣的月亮啊，变节的叛徒在历史上将要永远留下被人唾骂的污名，爱诺巴勃斯在你的面前忏悔他的错误了！
兵士甲 爱诺巴勃斯！
兵士丙 别说话！听下去。
爱诺巴勃斯 无上尊严的忧郁的女神啊，把黑夜的毒雾降在我的身上，让生命，我的意志的叛徒，脱离我的躯壳吧；把我这一颗为悲哀所煎枯的心投掷在我这冷酷坚硬的罪恶上，让它碎成粉末，结束了一切卑劣的思想吧。安东尼啊！你的高贵的精神，是我的下贱的行为所不能仰望的，原谅我对你个人所加的伤害，可是让世人记着我是一个叛徒的魁首。啊，安东尼！啊，安东尼！（死。）
兵士乙 让我们对他说话去。
兵士甲 我们还是听他说，也许他所说的话跟凯撒有关系。
兵士丙 让我们听着吧。可是他睡着了。
兵士甲 恐怕是晕过去了；照他的祷告听起来，不像是会一下子睡着了的。
兵士乙 我们走过去看看他。
兵士丙 醒来，将军，醒来！对我们说话呀。
兵士乙 你听见吗，将军？
兵士甲 死神的手已经抓住了他。（远处鼓声）听！庄严的鼓声在催唤睡着的人醒来。让我们把他抬到警备营去；他不是一个无名之辈。该换岗的时候了。
兵士丙 那么来；也许他还会苏醒转来。（众兵士舁爱诺巴勃斯尸下。）
第十场 两军营地之间
安东尼及斯凯勒斯率军队行进上。
安东尼 他们今天准备在海上作战；在陆地上他们已经认识了我们的厉害。
斯凯勒斯 主上，我们要在海陆两方面同样向他们显显颜色。
安东尼 我希望他们会在火里风里跟我们交战，我们也可以对付得了的。可是现在我们必须带领步兵，把守着城郊附近的山头；海战的命令已经发出，他们的战舰已经出港，我们凭着居高临下的优势，可以一览无余地观察他们的动静。（同下。）
凯撒率军队行进上。
凯撒 可是在敌人开始向我们进攻以后，我们仍旧要在陆地上继续作战，因为他的主力已经都去补充舰队了。到山谷里去，占个有利的地势！（同下。）
安东尼及斯凯勒斯重上。
安东尼 他们还没有集合起来。在那株松树矗立的地方，我可以望见一切；让我去看一看形势，立刻就来告诉你。（下。）
斯凯勒斯 燕子在克莉奥佩特拉的船上筑巢；那些算命的人都说不知道这是什么预兆；他们板起了冷冰冰的面孔，不敢说出他们的意见。安东尼很勇敢，可是有些郁郁不乐；他的多磨的命运使他有时充满了希望，有时充满了忧虑。（远处号角声，如在进行海战。）
安东尼重上。
安东尼 什么都完了！这无耻的埃及人葬送了我；我的舰队已经投降了敌人，他们正在那边高掷他们的帽子，欢天喜地地在一起喝酒，正像分散的朋友久别重逢一般。三翻四覆的淫妇！是你把我出卖给这个初出茅庐的小子，我的心现在只跟你一个人作战。吩咐他们大家散伙了吧；我只要向这迷人的妖妇报复了我的仇恨以后，我这一生也就可以告一段落了，叫他们大家散伙了吧；去。（斯凯勒斯下）太阳啊！我再也看不见你的升起了；命运和安东尼在这儿分了手；就在这儿让我们握手分别。一切到了这样的结局了吗？那些像狗一样追随我，从我手里得到他们愿望的满足的人，现在都掉转头来，把他们的甘言巧笑向势力强盛的凯撒献媚去了；剩着这一株凌霄独立的孤松，悲怅它的鳞摧甲落。我被出卖了。啊，这负心的埃及女人！这外表如此庄严的妖巫，她的眼睛能够指挥我的军队的进退，她的酥胸是我的荣冠、我的唯一的归宿，谁料她却像一个奸诈的吉卜赛人似的，凭着她的擒纵的手段，把我诱进了山穷水尽的垓心。喂，爱洛斯！爱洛斯！
克莉奥佩特拉上。
安东尼 啊！你这妖妇！走开！
克莉奥佩特拉 我的主怎么对他的爱人生气啦？
安东尼 不要让我看见你，否则我要给你咎有应得的惩罚，使凯撒的胜利大为减色了。让他捉了你去，在欢呼的民众之前把你高高举起；追随在他的战车的后面，给人们看看你是你们全体女性中最大的污点；让他们把你当作一头怪物，谁出了最低微的代价，就可以尽情饱览；让耐心的奥克泰维娅用她那准备已久的指爪抓破你的脸。（克莉奥佩特拉下）要是活着是一件好事，那么你固然是去了的好；可是你还不如死在我的盛怒之下，因为一死也许可以避免无数比死更难堪的痛苦。喂，爱洛斯！我祖上被害的毒衣已经披上了我的身子：阿尔锡第斯③，我的先祖，教给我你的愤怒；让我把那送毒衣来的人抛向天空，悬挂在月亮的尖角上。让我用这一双曾经握过最沉重的武器的手，征服我最英雄的自己。这妖妇必须死；她把我出卖给那罗马小子，我中了他们的毒计；她必须因此而受死。喂，爱洛斯！（下。）
第十一场 亚历山大里亚。宫中一室
克莉奥佩特拉、查米恩、伊拉丝及玛狄恩上。
克莉奥佩特拉 扶着我，我的姑娘们！啊！他比得不到铠甲的忒拉蒙④还要暴躁；从来不曾有一头被猎人穷追的野猪像他那样满口飞溅着白沫。
查米恩 到陵墓里去！把您自己锁在里面，叫人告诉他您已经死了。一个大人物失去了地位，是比灵魂脱离躯壳更痛苦的。
克莉奥佩特拉 到陵墓里去！玛狄恩，你去告诉他我已经自杀了；你说我最后一句话是“安东尼”；请你用非常凄恻的声音，念出这一个名字。去，玛狄恩，回来告诉我他听见了我的死讯有什么表示。到陵墓里去！（各下。）
第十二场 同前。另一室
安东尼及爱洛斯上。
安东尼 爱洛斯，你还看见我吗？
爱洛斯 看见的，主上。
安东尼 有时我们看见天上的云像一条蛟龙；有时雾气会化成一只熊、一头狮子的形状，有时像一座高耸的城堡、一座突兀的危崖、一堆雄峙的山峰，或是一道树木葱茏的青色海岬，俯瞰尘寰，用种种虚无的景色戏弄我们的眼睛。你曾经看见过这种现象，它们都是一些日暮的幻影。
爱洛斯 是，主上。
安东尼 现在瞧上去还像一匹马的，一转瞬间，浮云飞散了，它就像一滴水落在池里一样，分辨不出它的形状。
爱洛斯 正是这样，主上。
安东尼 爱洛斯，我的好小子，你的主帅也不过是这样一块浮云；现在我还是一个好好的安东尼，可是我却保不住自己的形体，我的小子。我为了埃及兴起一次次的战争；当我的心还属于我自己的时候，它曾经气吞百万之众，可是我让女王占有了它，我以为她的心也已经被我占有，现在我才知道她的心不是属于我的；她，爱洛斯，竟和凯撒暗中勾结，用诡计毁坏我的荣誉，使敌人得到了胜利。不，不要哭，善良的爱洛斯；我们还留着我们自己，可以替自己找个结局呢。
玛狄恩上。
安东尼 啊，你那万恶的女主人！她已把我的权柄偷去了。
玛狄恩 不，安东尼，我那娘娘是爱你的；她的命运和你的命运完全结合在一起。
安东尼 滚开，放肆的阉人；闭住你的嘴！她欺骗了我，我不能饶她活命。
玛狄恩 人只能死一次，一死也就一了百了。你所要干的事，她早已替你干好；她最后所说的一句话是“安东尼！最尊贵的安东尼！”在一声惨痛的呻吟之中，她喊出了安东尼的名字，一半在她的嘴唇上，一半还留在她的心里。她的呼吸停止了，你的名字也就埋葬在她的胸中。
安东尼 那么她死了吗？
玛狄恩 死了。
安东尼 把战铠脱下吧，爱洛斯；永昼的工作已经完毕，我们现在该去睡了。（向玛狄恩）你送来这样的消息，还让你留着活命回去，已是给你最大的酬劳了；去。（玛狄恩下）脱下来；埃阿斯的七层的盾牌，也挡不住我心头所受的打击。啊，碎裂了吧，我的胸膛！心啊，使出你所有的力量来，把你这脆弱的胸膛爆破了吧！赶快，爱洛斯，赶快。我不再是一个军人了；残破的甲片啊，去吧；你们从前也是立过功劳的。暂时离开我一会儿。（爱洛斯下）我要追上你，克莉奥佩特拉，流着泪请求你宽恕。我非这样做不可，因为再活下去只有痛苦。火炬既然已经熄灭，还是静静地躺下来，不要深入迷途了。一切的辛勤徒然毁坏了自己所成就的事业；纵然有盖世的威力，免不了英雄末路的悲哀；从此一切撒手，也可以省下多少麻烦。爱洛斯！——我来了，我的女王！——爱洛斯！——等一等我。在灵魂们偃息在花朵上的乐园之内，我们将要携手相亲，用我们活泼泼的神情引起幽灵们的注目；狄多和她的埃涅阿斯将要失去追随的一群，到处都是我们遨游的地方。来，爱洛斯！爱洛斯！
爱洛斯重上。
爱洛斯 主上有什么吩咐？
安东尼 克莉奥佩特拉死了，我却还在这样重大的耻辱之中偷生人世，天神都在憎恶我的卑劣了。我曾经用我的剑宰割世界，驾着无敌的战舰建立海上的城市；可是她已经用一死告诉我们的凯撒，“我是我自己的征服者”了，我难道连一个女人的志气也没有吗？爱洛斯，你我曾经有约在先，到了形势危急的关头，当我看见我自己将要在敌人手里遭受无可避免的凌辱的时候，我一发出命令，你就必须立刻把我杀死；现在这个时刻已经到了，履行你的义务吧。其实你并不是杀死我，而是击败了凯撒。不要吓得这样脸色发白。
爱洛斯 天神阻止我！帕提亚人充满敌意的矢镝不曾射中您的身体，难道我却必须下这样的毒手吗？
安东尼 爱洛斯，你愿意坐在罗马的窗前，看着你的主人交叉着两臂，俯下了他的伏罪的颈项，带着满面的羞惭走过，他的前面的车子上坐着幸运的凯撒，把卑辱的烙印加在他的俘虏的身上吗？
爱洛斯 我不愿看见这种事情。
安东尼 那么来，我必须忍受些微的痛苦，解脱终身的耻辱。把你那柄曾经为国家立过功劳的剑拔出来吧。
爱洛斯 啊，主上！原谅我！
安东尼 我当初使你获得自由的时候，你不是曾经向我发誓，我叫你怎样做你就怎样做吗？赶快动手，否则你过去的勤劳，都是毫无目的的了。拔出剑来，来。
爱洛斯 那么请您转过脸去，让我看不见那为全世界所崇拜瞻仰的容颜。
安东尼 你瞧！（转身背爱洛斯。）
爱洛斯 我的剑已经拔出了。
安东尼 那么让它赶快执行它的工作吧。
爱洛斯 我的亲爱的主人，我的元帅，我的皇上，在我没有刺这残酷的一剑以前，允许我向您道别。
安东尼 很好，朋友，再会吧。
爱洛斯 再会吧，伟大的主帅！我现在就动手吗？
安东尼 现在，爱洛斯。
爱洛斯 那么好，我这样免去了安东尼的死所给我的悲哀了。（自杀。）
安东尼 比我三倍勇敢的义士！壮烈的爱洛斯啊，你把我所应该做而你所不能做的事教会我了。我的女王和爱洛斯已经用他们英勇的示范占了我的先着；可是我要像一个新郎似的奔赴死亡，正像登上恋人的卧床一样。来；爱洛斯，你的主人临死时候却是你的学生，你教给我怎样死法。（伏剑倒地）怎么！没有死？没有死？喂，卫士！啊！帮我快一点死去！
德西塔斯及众卫士上。
卫士甲 什么声音？
安东尼 朋友们，我把事情干坏了；啊！请你们替我完成我的工作吧。
卫士乙 大星殒落了！
卫士甲 时间已经终止它的运行了！
众卫士 唉，伤心！
安东尼 哪一个爱我的，把我杀死了吧。
卫士甲 我不能下这样的手。
卫士乙 我也不能。
卫士丙 谁也下不了这样的手。（众卫士下。）
德西塔斯 你手下的人看见你国破身亡，全都走散了。我只要把这柄剑拿去献给凯撒，再把这样的消息告诉他，就可以成为我的进身之阶。
狄俄墨得斯上。
狄俄墨得斯 安东尼在什么地方？
德西塔斯 那边，狄俄墨得斯，那边。
狄俄墨得斯 他活着吗？你怎么不回答我，朋友？（德西塔斯下。）
安东尼 是你吗，狄俄墨得斯？拔出你的剑来，把我刺死了吧。
狄俄墨得斯 最尊严的主上，我们娘娘克莉奥佩特拉叫我来看你。
安东尼 她什么时候叫你来的？
狄俄墨得斯 现在，我的主。
安东尼 她在什么地方？
狄俄墨得斯 关闭在陵墓里。她早就害怕会有这种事情发生；她因为看见您疑心她和凯撒有勾结——其实是完全没有这一回事的——没有法子平息您的恼怒，所以才叫人来告诉您她死了；可是她又怕这一个消息会引起不幸的结果，所以又叫我来向您说明事实的真相；我怕我来得太迟了。
安东尼 太迟了，好狄俄墨得斯。请你叫我的卫士来。
狄俄墨得斯 喂，喂！皇上的卫士呢？喂，卫士们！来，你们的主帅叫你们哪！
安东尼的卫士四五人上。
安东尼 好朋友们，把我抬到克莉奥佩特拉的所在去；这是我最后命令你们做的事了。
卫士甲 唉，唉！主上，您手下还有几个人是始终跟随着您的。
众卫士 最不幸的日子！
安东尼 不，我的好朋友们，不要用你们的悲哀使冷酷的命运在暗中窃笑；我们应该用处之泰然的态度，报复命运加于我们的凌辱。把我抬起来；一向总是我带领着你们，现在我却要劳你们抬着我走了，谢谢你们。（众舁安东尼同下。）
第十三场 同前。陵墓
克莉奥佩特拉率查米恩、伊拉丝及侍女等于高处上。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊，查米恩！我一辈子不再离开这里了。
查米恩 不要伤心，好娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 不，我怎么不伤心？一切奇怪可怕的事情都是受欢迎的，我就是不要安慰；我们的不幸有多么大，我们的悲哀也该有多么大。
狄俄墨得斯于下方上。
克莉奥佩特拉 怎么！他死了吗？
狄俄墨得斯 死神的手已经降在他身上，可是他还没有死。从陵墓的那一边望出去，您就可以看见他的卫士正在把他抬到这儿来啦。
卫士等舁安东尼于下方上。
克莉奥佩特拉 太阳啊，把你广大的天宇烧毁吧！人间的巨星已经消失它的光芒了。啊，安东尼，安东尼，安东尼！帮帮我，查米恩，帮帮我，伊拉丝，帮帮我；下面的各位朋友！大家帮帮忙，把他抬到这儿来。
安东尼 静些！不是凯撒的勇敢推倒了安东尼，是安东尼战胜了他自己。
克莉奥佩特拉 是的，只有安东尼能够征服安东尼；可是苦啊！
安东尼 我要死了，女王，我要死了；我只请求死神宽假片刻的时间，让我把最后的一吻放在你的唇上。
克莉奥佩特拉 我不敢，亲爱的——我的亲爱的主，恕我——我不敢，我怕他们把我捉去。我决不让全胜而归的凯撒把我作为向人夸耀的战利品；要是刀剑有锋刃，药物有灵，毒蛇有刺，我决不会落在他们的手里；你那眼光温柔、神气冷静的妻子奥克泰维娅永远没有机会在我的面前表现她的端庄贤淑。可是来，来，安东尼——帮助我，我的姑娘们——我们必须把你抬上来。帮帮忙，好朋友们。
安东尼 啊！快些，否则我要去了。
克莉奥佩特拉 嗳哟！我的主是多么的重！我们的力量都已变成重量了，所以才如此沉重。要是我有天后朱诺的神力，我一定要叫羽翼坚劲的麦鸠利负着你上来，把你放在乔武的身旁。可是只有呆子才存着这种无聊的愿望。上来点儿了。啊！来，来，来；（众举安东尼上至克莉奥佩特拉前）欢迎，欢迎！死在你曾经生活过的地方；要是我的嘴唇能够给你生命，我愿意把它吻到枯焦。
众人 伤心的景象！
安东尼 我要死了，女王，我要死了；给我喝一点酒，让我再说几句话。
克莉奥佩特拉 不，让我说；让我高声咒骂那司命运的婆子，恼得她摔破她的轮子。
安东尼 一句话，亲爱的女王。你可以要求凯撒保护你生命的安全，可是不要让他玷污了你的荣誉。啊！
克莉奥佩特拉 生命和荣誉是不能两全的。
安东尼 亲爱的，听我说；凯撒左右的人，除了普洛丘里厄斯以外，你谁也不要相信。
克莉奥佩特拉 我不相信凯撒左右的人；我只相信自己的决心和自己的手。
安东尼 我的恶运已经到达它的终点，不要哀哭也不要悲伤；当你思念我的时候，请你想到我往日的光荣；你应该安慰你自己，因为我曾经是全世界最伟大、最高贵的君王，因为我现在堂堂而死，并没有懦怯地向我的同国之人抛下我的战盔；我是一个罗马人，英勇地死在一个罗马人的手里。现在我的灵魂要离我而去；我不能再说下去了。
克莉奥佩特拉 最高贵的人，你死了吗？你把我抛弃不顾了吗？这寂寞的世上没有了你，就像个猪圈一样，叫我怎么活下去呢？啊！瞧，我的姑娘们，（安东尼死）大地消失它的冠冕了！我的主！啊！战士的花圈枯萎了，军人的大纛摧倒了；剩下在这世上的，现在只有一群无知的儿女；杰出的英雄已经不在人间，月光照射之下，再也没有值得注目的人物了。（晕倒。）
查米恩 啊，安静些，娘娘！
伊拉丝 她也死了，我们的女王！
查米恩 娘娘！
伊拉丝 娘娘！
查米恩 啊，娘娘，娘娘，娘娘！
伊拉丝 陛下！陛下！
查米恩 静，静，伊拉丝！
克莉奥佩特拉 什么都没有了，我只是一个平凡的女人，平凡的感情支配着我，正像支配着一个挤牛奶、做贱工的婢女一样。我应该向不仁的神明怒掷我的御杖，告诉他们当他们没有偷去我们的珍宝的时候，我们这世界是可以和他们的天国互相媲美的。如今一切都只是空虚无聊；忍着像傻瓜，不忍着又像疯狗。那么在死神还不敢侵犯我们以前，就奔进了幽秘的死窟，是不是罪恶呢？怎么啦，我的姑娘们？唉，唉！高兴点儿吧！嗳哟，怎么啦，查米恩！我的好孩子们！啊，姑娘们，姑娘们，瞧！我们的灯熄了，它暗下去了，各位好朋友，提起勇气来；——我们要埋葬他，一切依照最庄严、最高贵的罗马的仪式，让死神乐于带我们同去。来，走吧；容纳着那样一颗伟大的灵魂的躯壳现在已经冰冷了；啊，姑娘们，姑娘们！我们没有朋友，只有视死如归的决心。（同下；安东尼尸身由上方舁下。）
第五幕
第一场 亚历山大里亚。凯撒营地
凯撒、阿格立巴、道拉培拉、茂西那斯、盖勒斯、普洛丘里厄斯及余人等上。
凯撒 道拉培拉，你去对他说，叫他赶快投降；他已经屡战屡败，不必再出丑了。
道拉培拉 凯撒，遵命。（下。）
德西塔斯持安东尼佩剑上。
凯撒 为什么拿了这柄剑来？你是什么人，这样大胆，竟敢闯到我们的面前？
德西塔斯 我的名字叫做德西塔斯；我是安东尼手下的人，当他叱咤风云的时候，他是我的最好的主人，我愿意为了刈除他的敌人而捐弃我的生命。要是现在你肯收容我，我也会像尽忠于他一样尽忠于你；不然的话，就请你把我杀死。
凯撕 你说什么？
德西塔斯 我说，凯撒啊，安东尼死了。
凯撒 这样一个重大的消息，应该用雷鸣一样的巨声爆发出来；地球受到这样的震动，山林中的猛狮都要奔到市街上，城市里的居民反而藏匿在野兽的巢穴里。安东尼的死不是一个人的没落，半个世界也跟着他的名字同归于尽了。
德西塔斯 他死了，凯撒；执法的官吏没有把他宣判死刑，受人雇佣的刺客也没有把他加害，是他那曾经创造了许多丰功伟绩、留下不朽的光荣的手，凭着他的心所借给它的勇气，亲自用剑贯穿了他的心胸。这就是我从他的伤口拔下来的剑，瞧它上面沾着他的最高贵的血液。
凯撒 你们都现出悲哀的脸色吗，朋友们？天神在责备我，可是这样的消息是可以使君王们眼睛里洋溢着热泪的。
阿格立巴 真是不可思议，我们的天性使我们不能不悔恨我们抱着最坚强的决意所进行的行动。
茂西那斯 他的毁誉在他身上是难分高下的。
阿格立巴 从未有过这样罕见的人才操纵过人类的命运；可是神啊，你们一定要给我们一些缺点，才使我们成为人类。凯撒受到感动了。
茂西那斯 当这样一面广大的镜子放在他面前的时候，他不能不看见他自己。
凯撒 安东尼啊！我已经追逼得你到了这样一个结局；我们的血脉里都注射着致命的毒液，今天倘不是我看见你的没落，就得让你看见我的死亡；在这整个世界之上，我们是无法并立的。可是让我用真诚的血泪哀恸你——你、我的同伴、我的一切事业的竞争者、我的帝国的分治者、战阵上的朋友和同志、我的身体的股肱、激发我的思想的心灵，我要向你发出由衷的哀悼，因为我们那不可调和的命运，引导我们到了这样分裂的路上。听我说，好朋友们——
一埃及人上。
凯撒 我再慢慢告诉你们吧。这家伙脸上的神气，好像要来报告什么重要的事情似的；我们要听听他有什么话说。你是哪儿来的？
埃及人 我是一个卑微的埃及人。我家女王幽居在她的陵墓里，这是现在唯一属于她所有的地方，她想要知道你预备把她怎样处置，好让她自己有个准备。
凯撒 请她宽心吧；我们不久就要派人去问候她，她就可以知道我们已经决定了给她怎样尊崇而优厚的待遇；因为凯撒决不是一个冷酷无情的人。
埃及人 愿神明保佑你！（下。）
凯撒 过来，普洛丘里厄斯。你去对她说，我们一点没有羞辱她的意思；好好安慰安慰她，免得她自寻短见，反倒使我们落一场空；因为我们要是能够把她活活地带回罗马去，那才是我们永久的胜利。去，尽快回来，把她所说的话和你所看见的她的情形告诉我。
普洛丘里厄斯 凯撒，我就去。（下。）
凯撒 盖勒斯，你也跟他一道去。（盖勒斯下）道拉培拉呢？我要叫他帮助普洛丘里厄斯传达我的旨意。
阿格立巴
茂西那斯 道拉培拉！
凯撒 让他去吧，我现在想起了我刚才叫他干一件事去的；他大概就会来。跟我到我的帐里来，我要让你们看看我是多么不愿意牵进这一场战争中间；虽然在戎马倥偬的当儿，我在给他的信中仍然是多么心平气和。跟我来，看看我在信中对他是怎样的态度。（同下。）
第二场 同前。陵墓
克莉奥佩特拉、查米恩及伊拉丝于高处上。
克莉奥佩特拉 我的孤寂已经开始使我得到了一个更好的生活。做凯撒这样一个人是一件无聊的事；他既然不是命运，他就不过是命运的奴仆，执行着她的意志。干那件结束一切行动的行动，从此不受灾祸变故的侵犯，酣然睡去，不必再吮吸那同样滋养着乞丐和凯撒的乳头，那才是最有意义的。
普洛丘里厄斯、盖勒斯及兵士等自下方上。
普洛丘里厄斯 凯撒问候埃及的女王；请你考虑考虑你有些什么要求准备向他提出。
克莉奥佩特拉 你叫什么名字？
普洛丘里厄斯 我的名字是普洛丘里厄斯。
克莉奥佩特拉 安东尼曾经向我提起过你，说你是一个可以信托的人；可是我现在已经用不着信托什么人，也不怕被人欺骗了。你家主人倘然想要有一个女王向他乞讨布施，你必须告诉他，女王是有女王的身分的，她要是向人乞讨，至少也得乞讨一个王国；要是他愿意把他所征服的埃及送给我的儿子，那么为了他把原来属于我自己的东西仍旧赏赐给我的偌大恩惠，我一定满心感激地向他长跪拜谢的。
普洛丘里厄斯 安心吧，您是落在一个宽宏大度的人的手里，什么都不用担忧。您要是有什么意见，尽管向我的主上提出；一切困穷无告的人，都可以沾沐他的深恩厚泽。让我回去向他报告您的臣服的诚意，您就可以知道他是一个多么仁慈的征服者。
克莉奥佩特拉 请你告诉他，我是他的命运的奴仆，我向他献呈他所应得的敬礼。每一小时我都在学习着服从的教训，希望他能够允许我瞻仰他的威容。
普洛丘里厄斯 我愿意照您的话回去报告，好娘娘。宽心吧，因为我知道那造成您目前这一种处境的人，对于您的遭遇是非常同情的。
盖勒斯 你们瞧，把她捉住是一件多么容易的事。（普洛丘里厄斯及二卫士登梯升墓至克莉奥佩特拉后。一部分卫士拔栓开各墓门，发现底层墓室。向普洛丘里厄斯及各卫士）把她好生看守，等凯撒到来发落。（下。）
伊拉丝 娘娘！
查米恩 啊，克莉奥佩特拉！你给他们捉住啦，娘娘！
克莉奥佩特拉 快，快，我的好手。（拔出匕首。）
普洛丘里厄斯 住手，娘娘，住手！（捉住克莉奥佩特拉手，将匕首夺下）不要干这种对不起您自己的事；您现在并没有被人陷害，却已经得到了解放。
克莉奥佩特拉 什么，死可以替受伤的病犬解除痛苦，难道我却连死的权利也被剥夺了吗？
普洛丘里厄斯 克莉奥佩特拉，不要毁灭你自己，辜负了我们主上的一片好心；让人们看看他的行事是多么高尚正大吧，要是你死了，他的美德岂不白白埋没了吗？
克莉奥佩特拉 死神啊，你在哪儿？来呀，来！来，来，把一个女王带了去吧，她的价值是抵得上许多婴孩和乞丐的！
普洛丘里厄斯 啊！忍耐点儿，娘娘！
克莉奥佩特拉 先生，我要不食不饮；宁可用闲谈销磨长夜，也不愿睡觉。不管凯撒使出什么手段来，我要摧残这一个易腐的皮囊。你要知道，先生，我并不愿意带着镣铐，在你家主人的庭前做一个待命的囚人，或是受那阴沉的奥克泰维娅的冷眼的嗔视。难道我要让他们把我悬吊起来，受那敌意的罗马的下贱民众的鼓噪怒骂吗？我宁愿葬身在埃及的沟壑里；我宁愿赤裸了身体，躺在尼罗河的湿泥上，让水蝇在我身上下卵，使我生蛆而腐烂；我宁愿铁链套在我的颈上，让高高的金字塔作为我的绞架！
普洛丘里厄斯 您想得太可怕了，凯撒决不会这样对待您的。
道拉培拉上。
道拉培拉 普洛丘里厄斯，你所做的事，你的主人凯撒已经知道了，他叫你去；女王归我看守。
普洛丘里厄斯 道拉培拉，那再好没有了；对她客气点儿。（向克莉奥佩特拉）您要是有什么话要对凯撒说，我可以替您转达。
克莉奥佩特拉 你去说，我要死。（普洛丘里厄斯及兵士等下。）
道拉培拉 最尊贵的女王，您有没有听见过我的名字？
克莉奥佩特拉 我不知道。
道拉培拉 您一定知道我的。
克莉奥佩特拉 先生，我听见什么、知道什么，都没有关系。当孩子和女人们把他们的梦讲给你听的时候，你不是要笑的吗？
道拉培拉 我不懂您的意思，娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 我梦见有一个安东尼皇帝；啊！但愿我再有这样一次睡眠，让我再看见这样一个人！
道拉培拉 请您听我说——
克莉奥佩特拉 他的脸就像青天一样，上面有两轮循环运转的日月，照耀着这一个小小的圆球。
道拉培拉 最尊贵的女王——
克莉奥佩特拉 他的两足横跨海洋；他的高举的胳臂罩临大地；他在对朋友说话的时候，他的声音有如谐和的天乐，可是当他发怒的时候，就会像雷霆一样震撼整个宇宙。他的慷慨是没有冬天的，那是一个收获不尽的丰年；他的欢悦有如长鲸泳浮于碧海之中；戴着王冠宝冕的君主在他左右追随服役，国土和岛屿是一枚枚从他衣袋里掉下来的金钱。
道拉培拉 克莉奥佩特拉——
克莉奥佩特拉 你想过去将来，会不会有像我梦见的这样一个人？
道拉培拉 好娘娘，这样的人是没有的。
克莉奥佩特拉 你说的全然是欺罔神听的谎话。然而世上要是果然有这样一个人，他的伟大一定超过任何梦想；造化虽然不能抗衡想像的瑰奇，可是凭着想像描画出一个安东尼来，那幻影是无论如何要在实体之前黯然失色的。
道拉培拉 听我说，好娘娘。您遭到这样重大的不幸，您的坚忍的毅力是和您的悲哀相称的。要是您的痛苦不曾在我心头引起同情的反响，但愿我永远没有功成名遂的一天。
克莉奥佩特拉 谢谢你，先生。你知道凯撒预备把我怎样处置吗？
道拉培拉 我不愿告诉您我所希望您知道的事。
克莉奥佩特拉 不，先生，请你说——
道拉培拉 他虽然是一个可尊敬的人——
克莉奥佩特拉 他要把我当作一个俘虏带回去夸耀他的凯旋吗？
道拉培拉 娘娘，他会这样干的；我知道他的为人。（内呼声：“让开！凯撒来了！”）
凯撒、盖勒斯、普洛丘里厄斯、茂西那斯、塞琉克斯及侍从等上。
凯撒 哪一位是埃及的女王？
道拉培拉 娘娘，这位便是皇上。（克莉奥佩特拉跪。）
凯撒 起来，你不用下跪。请起来吧，埃及的女王。
克莉奥佩特拉 陛下，这是神明的意思；我必须服从我的主人。
凯撒 一切不必介意；你加于我们的伤害，虽然铭刻在我们的肌肤之上，可是我们将要使它在我们的记忆中成为偶然的事件。
克莉奥佩特拉 全世界唯一的主人，我没有话可以替我自己辩白，可是我承认我也像一般女人一样，在我的身上具备着许多可耻的女性的弱点。
凯撒 克莉奥佩特拉，你要知道，我们对于你总是一切宽大的，决不用苛刻的手段使你难堪，只要你顺从我的意志，你就会知道这一次的变化是对你有益的。可是假如你想效法安东尼的例子，使我蒙上残暴的恶名，那么你将要失去我的善意，你的孩子们都将不免一死，否则我是很愿意保障他们的安全的。我走了。
克莉奥佩特拉 愿全世界都信任您的广大的权力；整个大地都是属于您的；我们是您的胜利的标帜，您可以把我们随便悬挂在什么地方。这儿，我的主。
凯撒 你必须帮助我考虑怎样处置克莉奥佩特拉的办法。
克莉奥佩特拉 （呈手卷）这是登记着我所有的金钱珠宝的清单，一切都按照正确的估计载明价值，不值钱的琐细的东西不在其内。塞琉克斯呢？
塞琉克斯 有，娘娘。
克莉奥佩特拉 这是我的司库；我的主，请您问问他，我有没有为我自己留下什么；要是他所言不实，请治他以应得之罪。老实说吧，塞琉克斯。
塞琉克斯 娘娘，我宁愿闭住我的嘴唇，不愿说一句和事实不符的话。
克莉奥佩特拉 我藏起了什么？
塞琉克斯 您所藏起的珍宝的价值，可以抵得过您所呈献出来的一切。
凯撒 不必脸红，克莉奥佩特拉，我佩服你这件事干得聪明。
克莉奥佩特拉 瞧！凯撒！啊，瞧，有权有势的人多么被人趋附；我的人现在都变成您的人啦；要是我们易地相处，您的人也会变成我的人的。这个塞琉克斯如此没有良心，真叫人切齿痛恨。啊，奴才！你这跟买卖的爱情一样靠不住的家伙！什么！你想逃走吗？好，凭你躲到哪儿去，我要抓住你的眼珠，即使它们会长出翅膀飞走。奴才，没有灵魂的恶人，狗！啊，卑鄙不堪的东西！
凯撒 好女王，看在我的脸上，请息怒吧。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊，凯撒！今天多蒙你降尊纡贵，辱临我这柔弱无用的人，谁知道我自己的仆人竟会存着这样狠毒的居心，当面给人如此难堪的羞辱！好凯撒，假如说，我替自己保留了一些女人家的玩意儿，一些不重要的小东西，像我们平常送给泛泛之交的那一类饰物；假如说，我还另外藏起一些预备送给莉维娅和奥克泰维娅的比较值钱的纪念品，因为希望她们替我说两句好话；是不是我必须向一个被我豢养的人禀报明白？神啊！这是一个比国破家亡更痛心的打击。（向塞琉克斯）请你离开这里，否则我要从命运的冷灰里，燃起我的愤怒的余烬了。你倘是一个人，你应该同情我的。
凯撒 走开，塞琉克斯。（塞琉克斯下。）
克莉奥佩特拉 我们掌握大权的时候，往往因为别人的过失而担负世间的指责；可是我们失势以后，却谁也不把别人的功德归在我们身上，而对我们表示善意的同情。
凯撒 克莉奥佩特拉，不论是你所私藏的或是献纳的珍宝，我都没有把它们作为战利品而加以没收的意思；它们永远是属于你的，你可以把它们随意处分。相信我，凯撒不是一个唯利是图的商人，会跟人家争夺一些商人手里的货品，所以你安心吧，不要把你自己拘囚在你的忧思之中；不要这样，亲爱的女王，因为我们在决定把你怎样处置以前，还要先征求你自己的意见。吃得饱饱的，睡得好好的；我们对你非常关切而同情，你应该始终把我当作你的朋友。好，再见。
克莉奥佩特拉 我的主人和君王！
凯撒 不要这样。再见。（喇叭奏花腔。凯撒率侍从下。）
克莉奥佩特拉 他用好听的话骗我，姑娘们，他用好听的话骗我，使我不能做一个光明正大的人。可是你听我说，查米恩。（向查米恩耳语。）
伊拉丝 完了，好娘娘；光明的白昼已经过去，黑暗是我们的份了。
克莉奥佩特拉 你赶快再去一次；我已经说过，那东西早预备好了；你去催促一下。
查米恩 娘娘，我就去。
道拉培拉重上。
道拉培拉 女王在什么地方？
查米恩 瞧，先生。（下。）
克莉奥佩特拉 道拉培拉！
道拉培拉 娘娘，我已经宣誓向您掬献我的忠诚，所以我要来禀告您这一个消息：凯撒准备取道叙利亚回国，在这三天之内，他要先把您和您的孩子们遣送就道。请您自己决定应付的办法，我总算已经履行您的旨意和我的诺言了。
克莉奥佩特拉 道拉培拉，我永远感激你的恩德。
道拉培拉 我是您的永远的仆人。再会，好女王；我必须侍候凯撒去。
克莉奥佩特拉 再会，谢谢你。（道拉培拉下）伊拉丝，你看怎么样？你，一个埃及的木偶人，将要在罗马被众人观览，正像我一样；那些操着百工贱役的奴才们，披着油腻的围裙，拿着木尺斧锤，将要把我们高举起来，让大家都能看见；他们浓重腥臭的呼吸将要包围着我们，使我们不得不咽下他们那股难闻的气息。
伊拉丝 天神保佑不要有这样的事！
克莉奥佩特拉 不，那是免不了的，伊拉丝。放肆的卫士们将要追逐我们像追逐娼妓一样；歌功颂德的诗人们将要用荒腔走韵的谣曲吟咏我们；俏皮的喜剧伶人们将要把我们编成即兴的戏剧，扮演我们亚历山大里亚的欢宴。安东尼将要以一个醉汉的姿态登场，而我将要看见一个逼尖了喉音的男童穿着克莉奥佩特拉的冠服卖弄着淫妇的风情。
伊拉丝 神啊！
克莉奥佩特拉 那是免不了的。
伊拉丝 我决不让我的眼睛看见这种事情；因为我相信我的指爪比我的眼睛更强。
克莉奥佩特拉 那才是一个有志气的办法，叫他们白白准备了一场，让他们看不见他们荒谬的梦想的实现。
查米恩重上。
克莉奥佩特拉 啊，查米恩，来，我的姑娘们，替我穿上女王的装束；去把我最华丽的衣裳拿来；我要再到昔特纳斯河去和玛克·安东尼相会。伊拉丝，去。现在，好查米恩，我们必须快点；等你侍候我穿扮完毕以后，我就放你一直玩到世界的末日。把我的王冠和一切全都拿来。（伊拉丝下；内喧声）为什么有这种声音？
一卫士上。
卫士 有一个乡下人一定要求见陛下；他给您送无花果来了。
克莉奥佩特拉 让他进来。（卫士下）一件高贵的行动，却会完成在一个卑微的人的手里！他给我送自由来了。我的决心已经打定，我的全身不再有一点女人的柔弱；现在我从头到脚，都像大理石一般坚定；现在我的心情再也不像月亮一般变幻无常了。
卫士率小丑持篮重上。
卫士 就是这个人。
克莉奥佩特拉 出去，把他留在这儿。（卫士下）你有没有把那能够致人于死命而毫无痛苦的那种尼罗河里的可爱的虫儿捉来？
小丑 不瞒您说，捉是捉来了；可是我希望您千万不要碰它，因为它咬起人来谁都没有命的，给它咬死的人，难得有活过来的，简直没有一个人活得过来。
克莉奥佩特拉 你记得有什么人给它咬死吗？
小丑 多得很哪，男的女的全有。昨天我还听见有一个人这样死了；是一个很老实的女人，可是她也会撒几句谎，一个老实的女人是可以撒几句谎的，她就是给它咬死的，死得才惨哩。不瞒您说，她把这条虫儿怎样咬她的情形活灵活现地全讲给人家听啦；不过她们的话也不是完全可以相信的。总而言之，这是一条古怪的虫，这可是没有错儿的。
克莉奥佩特拉 你去吧；再会！
小丑 但愿这条虫儿给您极大的快乐！（将篮放下。）
克莉奥佩特拉 再会！
小丑 您可要记着，这条虫儿也是一样会咬人的。
克莉奥佩特拉 好，好，再会！
小丑 你还要留心，千万别把这条虫儿交在一个笨头笨脑的人手里；因为这是一条不怀好意的虫。
克莉奥佩特拉 你不必担忧，我们留心着就是了。
小丑 很好。请您不用给它吃什么东西，因为它是不值得养活的。
克莉奥佩特拉 它会不会吃我？
小丑 您不要以为我是那么蠢，我也知道就是魔鬼也不会吃女人的，我知道女人是天神的爱宠，要是魔鬼没有把她弄坏。可是不瞒您说，这些婊子生的魔鬼老爱跟天神捣蛋，天神造下来的女人，十个中间倒有五个是给魔鬼弄坏了的。
克莉奥佩特拉 好，你去吧；再会！
小丑 是，是；我希望这条虫儿给您快乐！（下。）
伊拉丝捧冠服等上。
克莉奥佩特拉 把我的衣服给我，替我把王冠戴上；我心里怀着永生的渴望；埃及葡萄的芳酿从此再也不会沾润我的嘴唇。快点，快点，好伊拉丝；赶快。我仿佛听见安东尼的呼唤；我看见他站起来，夸奖我的壮烈的行动；我听见他在嘲笑凯撒的幸运；我的夫，我来了。但愿我的勇气为我证明我可以做你的妻子而无愧！我是火，我是风；我身上其余的原素，让它们随着污浊的皮囊同归于腐朽吧。你们好了吗？那么来，接受我嘴唇上最后的温暖。再会，善良的查米恩、伊拉丝，永别了！（吻查米恩、伊拉丝，伊拉丝倒地死）难道我的嘴唇上也有毒蛇的汁液吗？你倒下了吗？要是你这样轻轻地就和生命分离，那么死神的刺击正像情人手下的一捻，虽然疼痛，却是心愿的。你静静地躺着不动了吗？要是你就这样死了，你分明告诉世人，死生之际，连告别的形式也是多事的。
查米恩 溶解吧，密密的乌云，化成雨点落下来吧；这样我就可以说，天神也伤心得流起眼泪来了。
克莉奥佩特拉 我不应该这样卑劣地留恋着人间；要是她先遇见了鬈发的安东尼，他一定会向她问起我；她将要得到他的第一个吻，夺去我天堂中无上的快乐。来，你杀人的毒物，（自篮中取小蛇置胸前）用你的利齿咬断这一个生命的葛藤吧；可怜的蠢东西，张开你的怒口，赶快完成你的使命。啊！但愿你能够说话，让我听你称那伟大的凯撒为一头无谋的驴子。
查米恩 东方的明星啊！
克莉奥佩特拉 静，静！你没有见我的婴孩在我的胸前吮吸乳汁，使我安然睡去吗？
查米恩 啊，我的心碎了！啊，我的心碎了！
克莉奥佩特拉 像香膏一样甜蜜，像微风一样温柔——啊，安东尼！——让我把你也拿起来。（取另一蛇置臂上）我还有什么留恋呢——（死。）
查米恩 在这万恶的世间？再会吧！现在，死神，你可以夸耀了，一个绝世的佳人已经为你所占有。软绵绵的窗户啊，关上了吧；闪耀着金光的福玻斯再也看不见这样一双华贵的眼睛！你的王冠歪了，让我替你戴正，然后我也可以玩去了。
众卫士疾趋上。
卫士甲 女王在什么地方？
查米恩 说话轻一些，不要惊醒她。
卫士甲 凯撒已经差了人来——
查米恩 来得太迟了。（取一蛇置胸前）啊！快点，快点；我已经有点觉得了。
卫士甲 喂，过来！事情不大对；凯撒受了骗啦。
卫士乙 凯撒差来的道拉培拉就在外边；叫他来。
卫士甲 这儿出了什么事啦！查米恩，这算是你们干的好事吗？
查米恩 干得很好，一个世代冠冕的王家之女是应该堂堂而死的。啊，军人！（死。）
道拉培拉上。
道拉培拉 这儿发生了什么事啦？
卫士乙 都死了。
道拉培拉 凯撒，你也曾想到她们会采取这种惊人的行动，虽然你想竭力阻止她们，她们毕竟做出来给你看了。（内呼声，“让开！凯撒来了！”）
凯撒率全体扈从重上。
道拉培拉 啊！主上，您真是未卜先知；您的担忧果然成为事实了。
凯撒 她最后终究显出了无比的勇敢；她推翻了我们的计划，为了她自身的尊严，决定了她自己应该走的路。她们是怎样死的？我没有看见她们流血。
道拉培拉 什么人最后跟她们在一起？
卫士甲 一个送无花果来的愚蠢的乡人；这就是他的篮子。
凯撒 那么一定是服了毒啦。
卫士甲 啊，凯撒！这查米恩刚才还活着；她还站着说话；我看见她在替她已死的女王整饬那头上的宝冠；她的身子发抖，她站立不稳，于是就突然倒在地上。
凯撒 啊，英勇的柔弱！她们要是服了毒药，她们的身体一定会发肿；可是瞧她好像睡去一般，似乎在她温柔而有力的最后挣扎之中，她要捉住另外一个安东尼的样子。
道拉培拉 这儿在她的胸前有一道血痕，还有一个小小的裂口；在她的臂上也是这样。
卫士甲 这是蛇咬过的痕迹；这些无花果叶上还有粘土，正像在尼罗河沿岸那些蛇洞边所长的叶子一样。
凯撒 她多半是这样死去的；因为她的侍医告诉我，她曾经访求无数易死的秘方。抬起她的眠床来；把她的侍女抬下陵墓。她将要和她的安东尼同穴而葬；世上再也不会有第二座坟墓怀抱着这样一双著名的情侣。像这样重大的事件，亲手造成的人也不能不深深感动；他们这一段悲惨的历史，成就了一个人的光荣，可是也赢得了世间无限的同情。我们的军队将要用隆重庄严的仪式参加他们的葬礼，然后再回到罗马去。来，道拉培拉，我们对于这一次饰终盛典，必须保持非常整肃的秩序。（同下。）
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注释
爱昔斯（Isis），埃及神话中司丰饶蕃殖的女神。
托勒密（Ptolemy），公元前三世纪至公元前一世纪埃及王室的名字。
即赫剌克勒斯。
即埃阿斯。