Classic Audiobook Collection - Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare ~ Full Audiobook [tragedy]

Episode Date: April 25, 2025

Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare audiobook. Genre: tragedy Set against the turbulent aftermath of Julius Caesar's assassination, Antony and Cleopatra follows the magnetic, volatile bond between Mark Antony, a Roman triumvir and celebrated general, and Cleopatra, the brilliant and theatrical queen of Egypt. Drawn to Alexandria's splendor and Cleopatra's wit, Antony neglects the hard demands of Roman politics, straining alliances with his fellow rulers Octavius Caesar and Lepidus and alarming loyal followers who fear Rome is slipping from his grasp. Cleopatra, keenly aware that love and power are inseparable, tests Antony's devotion even as she manages rival courts, shifting loyalties, and the fragile security of her kingdom. As Rome and Egypt pull Antony in opposite directions, personal desire collides with military duty, and private quarrels echo into public catastrophe. Shakespeare crafts a world where reputation is a weapon, diplomacy is performance, and passion can be both a refuge and a battlefield. Moving from lavish banquets to tense councils and looming war, the play explores ambition, identity, and the cost of choosing one kind of greatness over another. For ad-free listening try our premium subscription Chapters (Approximate) (00:00:00) Chapter 0 (00:04:19) Chapter 1 (00:33:50) Chapter 2 (01:16:04) Chapter 3 (02:00:20) Chapter 4 (02:38:10) Chapter 5 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Act 1 of Antony in Cleopatra by William Shakespeare. Act 1, Scene 1. Alexandria, a room in Cleopatra's palace. Enter Demetrius and Philo. Nay, but this dotage of our generals o'er flows the measure. Those his goodly eyes. That all the files and musters of the war have glowed like plated Mars. Now bend, now turn, 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, Reneg's all temper, and is become the bellows and the fan to cooler chips's lust. Flourish. Enter Antony Cleopatra, her ladies, the train with eunuch spanning her. Look, where they come!

Take but good note, and you shall see in him the triple pillar of the world transformed into a strumpet's fool. Behold and see. If it be love indeed, tell me how much. There's beggary in the love that can be reckoned. I'll set abhorne how far to be beloved. Then must thou need'st find out new heaven, new earth.

Enter an attendant. News, my good lord, from Rome. Great's me, the sum. Nay hear them, Antony. Fulvia perchance is angry. Or who knows if the scarce bearded Caesar have not sent his powerful mandate to you? Do this, or this.

this, take in that kingdom, and enfranchise that. Performed, or else we damn thee. How, my love! Perchance, nay, and most like, you must not stay here longer. Your dismission is come from Caesar. Therefore, hear it, Antony. Where's full of his process?

Caesar's, I would say. Both. Call in the messengers. As I am, Egypt's queen, thou blushest, Antony. And that blood of thine is Caesar's homageer. else so thy cheek pays shame when shrill-tongued fulvier scolds the messengers let rome in tiber melt and the wide arch 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 and such a twain can do it in which i bind on pain of The punishment, the world to wheat, we stand up peerless.

Well, excellent falsehood. Why did he marry Fulvia and not love her? I'll seem the fool I am not. Antony will be himself. But stirred by Cleopatra! Now, for the love of love and her soft hours, Let's not confound the time with conference harsh. There's not a minute of our lives should stretch without some pleasure now.

What sport tonight? Hear the ambassadors. Thy wrangling queen, whom everything becomes to chide, to laugh, to weep, whose every passion fully strives to make itself in thee fair and admired. No messenger but thine, and all alone tonight will wander through the streets

and note the qualities of people. Come, my queen, last night you did desire it. Speak not to us. Exuant Mark Antony and Cleopatra with their train. Is Caesar with Antonius prized so slight? Sir, sometimes, when he is not Anthony, he comes too short of that great property

which still should go with Anthony. I am full sorry that he approves the common liar who thus speaks of him at Rome, but I will hope of better deeds tomorrow. Rest you happy. Exuant. Scene two. The same.

Another room. Enter Carmion, Iris, Alexis, and a soothsayer. Lord Alexis, sweet Alexis, most anything Alexis, almost most absolute Alexis. Where's the soothsayer that you praised so to the queen? Oh, that I knew this husband, which you say must charge his horns with garlands. Soothsayer. Your will? Is this the man? Is't you, sir, that know things?

In Nature's infinite book of secrecy, a little I can read. Show him your hand. Enter Demetius and Abbas. Bring in the banquet quickly. Wine enough, Cleopatra's health to drink. Good sir, give me good fortune. I make not, but foresee. Pray then, foresee me one.

You shall be yet far fairer than you are. He means in flesh. No, you shall paint when you are old. Rinkles forbid Vex not his prescience Be attentive Hush You shall be more beloved

I had rather heat my liver with drinking Nay, hear him Good now, some excellent fortune Let me be married to three kings In a forenoon and widow them all Let me have a child at fifty To whom Herod of Jury may do homage Find me to marry me with Octavius Caesar

And companion me with my mistress. You shall outlive the lady whom you serve. Oh, excellent. I love long life better than figs. You have seen and proved a fairer former fortune than that which is to approach. Then belike my children shall have no names. Prythy, how many boys and wenches must I have? If every of your wishes had a womb, and fertile every wish, a million. Out, fool, I forgive thee for a witch. You think none but your sheets are privy to your wishes. Nay, come, tell Iris hers. We'll know all our fortunes.

Mine and most of our fortunes. Tonight shall be drunk to bed. There's a palm presages chastity of nothing else. Ian, as the o'erflowing nihilus presageeth famine. Go, you wild bedfellow, you cannot sooth say. Nay, if an oily palm be not a fruitful prognostication, I cannot scratch mine ear. Prithee, tell her but a work you. day fortune. Your fortunes

are alike. But how? But how? Give me particulars. I have said. Am I not an inch of fortune better than she? Well, if you were but an inch of fortune better than I, where would you choose it? Not in my husband's nose. Our worser

thoughts, heaven's mend. Alexis, come, his fortune, his fortune. Oh, 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 follow worse, till the worst of all follow him laughing to his grave, fiftyfold a cuckold. Good Isis, hear me this prayer, though thou deny me a matter of more weight.

Good Isis, I beseech thee. Amen. Dear goddess, hear that prayer of the people, for, as it is a heartbreaking to see a handsome man loose-wived, so it is a deadly sorrow to behold a foul knave uncuckolded. Therefore, dear Isis, keep decorum, and fortune him accordingly. Amen. Lo, now if it lay in their hands to make me a cuckold, they would make themselves hoarse, but they'll do it. Hush, here comes Anthony. Not he, the queen. Enter Cleopatra. Saw you, my lord? No, lady. Was he not here? No, madam. He was disposed to mirth, but on the sudden a Roman thought hath struck him. In Obaba, Madam?

Seek him and bring him hither. Where's Alexis? Here at your service. My lord approaches. We will not look upon him. Go with us. Exhumant. Enter Mark Antony with a messenger and attendants.

Fulvia, thy wife, first came into the field. Against my brother Lucia's? Aye, but soon that war had end, and the time state made friends of them, joining their force against Caesar, whose both better issue in the war from Italy, upon the first encounter, drave them. Well, what worst? The nature of bad news infects the teller. When it concerns the fool or coward,

On, things that are past are done with me, Tis thus, who tells me true, though in his tail lie death, I hear him as he flattered. Labienus, this is stiff news, hath, with its Parthian force, extended Asia from Euphrates. His conquering banner shook from Syria to Lydia and to Ionia, whilst— Antony, thou wouldst say— Oh, my lord!

Speak to me home, mince not the general tongue. Name Cleopatra as she is called in Rome. Rail thou in four-vis phrase, and taunt my faults with such full license as both truth and malice have power to-to-power to. to utter, oh, then we bring forth weeds when our quick minds lie still, and our ills told us is as our earring. Fare thee well a while. At your noble pleasure. Exit. From Sikyon.

Oh, the news. Speak there. The man from Sikian, is there such a one? He stays upon your will. Let him appear. These strong Egyptian fetters I must break. or lose myself in dotage. Enter another messenger.

What are you? Fulvia, my wife is dead. Where died she? In Sikian, her length of sickness, with what else more serious, importeth thee to know, this bears. Gives a letter. Forbear me.

Exit second messenger. There's a great spirit gone. Thus did I desire it. What our contempt doth often hurled 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 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-entered Dmitius and Abarbus. What's your pleasure, sir? I must with haste from heads. Why, then we kill all our women. We see how mortal and unkindness it is to them. If they suffer our departure, death's the word. I must be gone.

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 times upon far poorer moment. I do think there is metal in death, which commits some loving act upon her. She has such a celerity in dying. She is cunning past man's thought. Exit Alexis. Alax, sir, no. Her passion 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 tempest than almanacs can report. This cannot be cunning in her. If it be,

she makes a shower of rain as well as Jove. Would I have never seen her? Oh, sir, you had then left unseen a wonderful piece of work, which not to have been blessed with all would have discredited your travel. Phovia is dead. Sir? Fulvia is dead Fulvia? Dead Why, sir, give the gods a thankful sacrifice

When it pleases 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 no more women but Fulvia Then had you indeed a cut

And a 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. The business she hath broached in the state cannot endure my absence. And the business you have broached here cannot be without you, especially that of Cleopatra's, which wholly depends on your abode. No more light answers. Let our officers have noticed what we purpose.

I shall break the cause our expedience to the queen, and get her leave to part, for not alone the death of fovea with more urgent touches, do strongly speak to us, but the letters too of our many 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, whose love is never linked 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 for the main soldier, whose quality going on the sides of the world made danger. Much is breeding which

like the course's hair hath yet but life, are not a serpent's poison. Say our pleasure to such whose place is under us requires our quick remove from hence. I shall do it. Exuant. Scene three. The same. Another room. Enter Cleopatra, Carmean, Iris and Alexis. where is he i did not see him since 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 exit alexis madam methinks if you did love him dearly you do not hold the method to enforce the like from him what should i do i do not in each thing give him way cross him nothing thou teachest like a fool the way to lose him tempt him not so too far i wish forbear in time we hate that which we often fear but here comes antony Enter Mark Antony. I am sick and sullen.

I am sorry to give breathing to my purpose. Help me away, dear Kamian. I shall fall. It cannot be thus long. The sides of nature will not sustain it. Now, my dearest queen. Pray you, stand further from me. What's the matter? I know by that same eye there's some good news. 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. The gods best know— Oh, never was there, queen, so mightily betrayed. Yet at the first I saw the treasons planted. Cleopatra.

Why should I think you can be mine and true, 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 and swearing. Most sweet queen. Nay, pray you. Seek no color 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 but was a race of heaven. They are so still.

O thou, the greatest soldier of the world, I turned the greatest liar. How now, lady? I would I had thy inches. Thou shouldst know there were a heart in Egypt. Hear me, Queen. The strong necessity of time commands our services a while, but my full heart remains in use with you.

Our Italy shines all with civil swords. Sextus Pompeius makes his approaches to the port of Rome. A quality of two domestic powers breeds scrupulous faction, the hated, grown to strength, thou newly grown to love, the condemned Pompey, rich in his father's honour, creeps a pace 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, and that which most with you should save my going, is fovea's death.

Though age from folly could not give me freedom, it does from childishness. Can Fulvia die? She's dead, my queen. Look here, and at thy sovereign leisurey the garboils she awaked. At the last, best, see when and where she died. O most false love! Where be the sacred vials thou shouldst fill with sorrowful water? Now I see.

I see, in Fulvia's death, how mine received shall be. 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 that quickens nilus slime, I go from hence thy soldier's servant, making peace or war as thou effectest. Cut my lace-combe and come. But let it be.

I am quickly ill and well, so Antony loves. My precious queen, forbear, and give true evidence to his love which stands an honourable trial. So Fulvia told me. I, Prithee, turn aside and weep for her, Then bid a do to me and say the tears belong to Egypt. Good now, play one scene of excellent dissembling, And let it look life-perfect honour.

You'll heat my blood, no more. You can do better yet, but this is meatly. Now, by my sword. And target. Still he mens, but this is not the best. Look, Prithee, Kamian, How this Herculean does become the carriage of his chaff. "'I'll leave you, lady.'

"'Curdious Lord, one word. "'Sir, you and I must part, but that's not it. "'Sir, you and I have loved, but there's not it. "'That you know well. "'Something it is I would. "'Oh, my oblivion is a very Antony, "'and I am all forgotten. "'But that your royalty holds idleness your subject,

"'I should take you for idleness itself. "'Tis sweating labour to bear such idleness so near the heart "'as Cleopatra this. but sir forgive me since my becomings kill me when they do not eye well to you your honour calls you hence therefore be deaf to my unpidied folly in all the gods go with you upon your sword sit laurel victory and smooth success be strewed before your feet let us go come our separation so abides and flies that thou residing here goes yet with me and i hence fleeting here remain with thee Away! Exuant. Scene 4.

Rome. Octavius Caesar's house. Enter Octavius Caesar reading a letter, Leopardus, and their train. You may see Leopardus, and henceforth know. It is not Caesar's natural vice to hate our great competitor. From Alexandria, this is the news. He fishes, drinks, and wastes the lamps of night in revel. is not more manlike than Cleopatra, nor the Queen of Ptolemy more womanly than he,

hardly gave audience or vouchsaf to think he had partners. You shall find there a man who is the abstract of all faults that all men follow. I must not think there are evils in now to darken all his goodness. His faults in him seem as the spots of heaven, more fiery by night's blackness, hereditary rather than purchased what he cannot change, then what he chooses. You are too indulgent. Let us grant it is not 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 becomes him, as his composure must be rare indeed whom these things, things cannot blemish. Yet must Antony no way excuse his soils, when we do bear so great weight in his lightness. If he filled his vacancy with his voluptuousness, full surface and the dryness of his bones call on him for it, but to confound such time, that drums him from his sport, and speaks as loud as his own state and ours, tis to be cheered as we rate boys, who be Being mature in knowledge, pawn their experience to their present pleasure, and so rebel to judgment. Enter a messenger.

Here's more news. Thy biddings have been done, and every hour most noble Caesar shall thou have report how tis abroad. Pompeii is strong at sea, and it appears he is beloved of those that only have feared Caesar, to the ports the discontent repair, and men's reports give him much wronged. I should have known, no less. It hath been taught us from the primal state, that he which is was wished until he were, and the ebbed man, ne'er loved till ne'er worth love, comes dared by being lacked.

This common body, like to a vagabond flag upon the stream, goes to and back, lacking the varying tide to rot itself with motion. Caesar, I bring the word. Menecrates and menace, famous pirates, make the sea serve them, which they ear and wound with keels of every kind. Many hot in roads they make in Italy. The border's maritime lack blood to think on't, and flush youth revolt. No vessel can peep forth, but tears as soon taken

As seen, for Pompey's name strikes more than could his war resisted. Anthony, leave thy lascivious wassles. When thou once wast beaten from Medina, where thou slewest Hersheyus and Panzer, consuls at thy heel did famine follow, whom thou foughtst against, though daintily brought up, with patience more than savages could suffer, thou didst drink the stale of horses, and the gilded puddle which beasts would cough at. Thy pallet then did deign the roughest berry on the rudest hedge. Yea, like the stag when snow the pasture sheets,

the barks of trees thou browsedst. 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 born so like a soldier that thy cheek so much, much as lanked naught. Tis pity of him. Let his shames quickly drive him to Rome.

Tis time we twain did show ourselves in the field, and to that end assemble we immediate counsel. Pompey thrives in our idleness. Tomorrow, Caesar, I shall be furnished to inform you rightly, both what by sea and land I can be able to front this present time. Till which encounter it is my business too. farewell. Farewell, my lord.

What you shall know meantime of Sturs abroad, I shall beseech you, sir, to let me be partaker. Doubt not, sir. I knew it for my bond. Exuant. Scene 5. Alexandria, Cleopatra's Palace. Enter Cleopatra, Carmihan, Iris, and Marcion.

Carmion. Madam. Ha, ha, give me to drink, Mandragora. Why, madam? that I might sleep out this great gap of time my Antony is away. You think of him too much. Oh, tis treason. Madam, I trust not so.

Thou, eunuch-Mardian. What's your highness' pleasure? Not now to hear thee sing. I take no pleasure in art and eunuch has. Tis well for thee, that being unseminard, thy freer thoughts may not fly forth of Egypt. Has thou affections? Yes, gracious, madam.

indeed not indeed madam for i can do nothing but what indeed is honest to be done yet i have fierce affections and think what venus did with mars oh camion we thinkest thou he is now stands he or sits he or does he walk or is he on his horse o happy horse to bear the weight of antony Do bravely, horse, for what'st thou whom thou movest, the demi-atlas of this earth, the almond-burgeonet of men? He's speaking now, or murmuring, where's my serpent of Old Nile? For so he calls me. Now I feed myself with most delicious poison. Think on me that am with Phoebus's amorous pinches black and wrinkled deep in time?

Broad-fronted Caesar, when thou wast here above the ground, I was 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 Alexis from Octavius Caesar. Sovereign of Egypt, hail! How much unlike art thou, Mark Antony? Yet coming from him that great medicine hath with his tinked gilded thee. How goes it with my brave, Mark Antony?

Last thing he did, dear Queen, he kissed, the last. of many doubled kisses this orient pearl his speech sticks in my heart mine ear must pluck it thence good friend quoth he 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 thrones with kingdoms all the east say thou shall call her mistress so he nodded and soberly did mount an arm gone steed who neighed so high that what i would have spoke was beastly dumbed by him what was he sad or mary like to the time of year between the extremes of hot and cold he was nor sad nor mary oh well-divided disposition Note him, note him, good Camion. 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, which seemed to tell them his remembrance lay in Egypt with his joy. But between both, O heavenly mingle, beest thou sad or merry, the violence of either thee becomes. So does it no man else. Metest thou my posts? Aye, madame, twenty several messengers. Why do you send so thick? Who's born that day when I forget to send to Antony, shall die a beggar?

Incan paper, Camion. Welcome, my good Alexis. Did I, Carmian, ever love Caesar so? Oh, that brave Caesar! Be choked with such another emphasis. Say, the brave Antony. The valiant Caesar! By Isis, I will give them.

the bloody teeth, if thou would seize a paragon again, my man of men. By your most gracious pardon, I sing but after you. 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. He shall have every day a several greeting, or I'll on people Egypt. Exuant.

End of Act 1. Act 2 of 3. Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare. This is a Librivox recording. All Libravox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org. Act 2 Scene 1

Messina Pompey's House Enter Pompey, Melocrates and Menis in warlike manner. If the great gods be just, they shall assist the deeds of justest men. No, worthy Pompeii, that what they do delay, they not deny. Whilst we are suitors to their throne, decays the thing we sue for.

We're ignorant of ourselves, beg often our own harms, which the wise powers deny us for our own good. So find we profit by losing of our prayers. 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 no wars without doors Caesar gets money where he loses hearts Lepidus flatters both

Of both is flattered But he neither loves Nor either cares for him Caesar and Lepidus are in the field The mighty strength they carry What have you this? Tis false From Silvio sir He dreams

I know they are in Rome together Looking for Antony But all the charms of love, 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 sharpened with cloyless sauce his appetite. That sleep and feeding may prorog his honor even to Lethed dullness.

Enter Various. How now, Various? This is most certain that I should deliver. Mark Antony is every hour in Rome expected, since he went from Egypt tis a space for further travel. I could have given less matter a better ear. Menace, I did not think this amorous surfeiter would have donned his helm for such a petty war. His soldier's ship 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 the ne'erlust-wearied Antony.

I cannot hope Caesar and Anthony shall well-greet together. his wife that stead did trespasses to Caesar. His brother warred upon him, although I think not moved by Antony. I know not, menace, how lesser enmities may give way to greater. Work not that we stand up against them all, to are pregnant they should square between 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. Beat, as our gods will have it only stands our lives upon to use our strongest hands? Come, menace.

Exuant Scene 2. Rome. The House of Lepidus. Enter Dmitius and Abarbus and Lepidus. Good, Inobarbus, tis a worthy deed and shall become you well to entreat your captain, Too soft and gentle speech. I shall entreat him to answer like himself. if caesar move him let antony look over caesar's head and speak as loud as mars by jupiter where i the wearer of antonius's beard i would not shave to-day tis not a time for private stomaching every time serves for the matter that is then born in

but small to greater matters must give way not if the small comes first your speech is passion but pray you stir no embers up here comes the noble anthony enter mark antony and ventidius and yonder caesar enter octavius caesar mccanus and agrippa if we compose well here to parthia hark ventidius i do not know messinus ask agrippa 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 not commit murder and healing wounds then noble partners the rather for i earnestly beseech touch you the sourestest points with sweetest terms nor cursedness grow to the matter tis spoken well were we before our armies and to fight i should do thus flourish welcome to rome Thank you. Sit. Sit, sir.

Nay, then. I learn you take things ill which are not so, or being, concern you not. I must be laughed at. If, or for nothing or a little, I should say myself offended, and with you chiefly of the world, more laughed at that I should once name you derogately, when to sound your name it not concerned me. By being in Egypt, Caesar, what was to you? No more than my residing here at Rome might be to you in Egypt.

Yet if you there did practice on my state, your being in Egypt might be my question. How intend you practiced? You may be pleased to catch at mine intent by what did here before me. Your wife and brother made wars upon me, and their contestation was theme for you. you with a word of war. 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 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 it did satisfy you. If you'll patch a quarrel, as matter whole you have not to make it with,

it must not be with this. You praise yourself by laying defects of judgment to me, but you patched up your excuses. Not so, not so. I know you could not lack, I am certain, aunt. Very necessity of this thought that I, your part in the cause against which he fought, could not with graceful eyes attend those wars

which fronted mine own peace. As for my wife, I would you had her spirit in such another, The third of the world is yours, which, with a snaffle you may pace easy, but not such a wife. Would we had all such wives, that the men might go to wars with the women? 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 but say I could not help it.

I wrote to you when rioting in Alexandria, you did pocket up my letters and with taunts did gaibe my missive out of audience sir he fell upon me ere admitted then three kings i had newly feasted and did want of what i was in the morning but next day i told him of myself which was as much as to have asked him pardon let this fellow be nothing of our strife if we contend out of our question wipe him You have broken the article of your oath, which you shall never have tongue to charge me with. Soft, Caesar. No, Lepidus, let him speak. The honour is sacred which he talks on now, supposing that I lacked it.

But on, Caesar, the article of my oath. To lend me arms and aid when I required them, the which you both denied. Neglected, rather, and then when poisoned hours had bowed, me up from mine own knowledge as nearly as i may i'll play the penitent to you but my honesty shall not make poor my greatness nor my power work without it truth is that fuvia 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 tis noble spoken if it might please you to enforce no further the griefs between to forget them quite were to remember that the present need speaks to atone you worthily spoken messinas 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 thou art a soldier only speak no more that truth should be silent i had almost forgot you wrong this presence therefore speak no more go to this presence therefore speak no more go to the soldier only then your considerate stone. I do not much dislike the matter, but the manner of his speech. For it cannot be we shall remain in friendship our condition so differing in their acts.

Yet if I knew what hoop should hold us stanch, from edge to edge of the world I would pursue it. Give me leave, Caesar. Speak, Agrippa. Thou hast a sister by the mother's side, admired Octavia. Great Mark Antony is now a widower. Say not so,

Gripper. If Cleopatra heard you, your reproof were well-deserved of rashness. I am not married, Caesar. Let me hear Agrippa further speak. To hold you in perpetual amity, 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 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 would each to other, and all loves to both, draw after her. Pardon what I have spoke, for tis is studied, not a present thought, by duty ruminated. Will Caesar speak?

Not till he hears how Antony is touched with what is spoke already. What power is in agrippa, if I would say agrippa, be it so, to make this good? The power of Caesar, and his power unto Octavia. May I never to this good purpose, that so fairly shows dream of impediment, Let me have thy hand, further this act of grace, And from this hour the heart of brothers govern in our loves, And sway our great designs.

There is my hand. a sister i bequeath you whom no brother did ever love so dearly let her live to join our kingdoms and our hearts and never fly off our loves again happily amen i did not think to draw my sword against pompey for he hath laid strange courtes and great of late upon me i must thank him only lest my remembrance suffer ill report at heel of that defy him Time calls upon us. Of us must Pompey presently be sought, or else he seeks out us. Where lies he? About the Mount Messenum. What is his strength by land?

Great, and increasing, but by sea he is an absolute master. So is the fame. Would we had spoke together? Haste we for it, yet ere we put ourselves in arms, Dispatch we the business we have talked of. with most gladness and do invite you to my sister's view with a straight i'll lead you let us lepidus not lack your company noble antony not sickness should detain me flourish exuantius caesar mark antony and lepidus welcome from egypt sir half the heart of caesar worthy messianus my honourable friend agrippa good enno barbus we have caused to be glad that menace matters are so well digested. You stayed well by it in Egypt.

Aye, sir. We did sleep day out of countenance, and made the night light with drinking. Eight wild boars roasted whole at a breakfast, and but twelve persons there? Is this true? This was but as a fly by an eagle. We had much more monstrous matter of feast, which worthily deserved noting. She's a most triumphant lady. If report be square to her. When she first met Mark Anthony, she pursed up his heart upon the river of Sindus. There she appeared indeed, or my reporter devised well for her. I will tell you, the barge she sat in. Like a burnished throne burned 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 as amorous of their strokes. for her own person it beggared all description she did lie in her pavilion cloth of gold of tissue or picturing that venus which we see the fancy outwork nature on each side her stood pretty dimpled boys like smiling cupids were diverse colour fans whose wind did seem to glow the delicate cheeks which they did cool and what they undid did oh rare for antony her gentlewoman like the naredes so many mermaids ten years ten years her at 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, that yearly 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, ere the marketplace, did sit alone, whistling to the

air which, but for vacancy, had gone to gaze on Cleopatra too, and made a gap in nature. Rare Egyptian. Upon her landing, Anthony sent to her, invited her to supper, she replied, it should be better, he became her guest, which she entreated, our courteous Anthony, who ne'er the word of no woman heard speak, being barboured ten times o'er, goes to the feast, and for his ordinary, pays his heart for what his eyes eat only.

Royal wench, she made great Caesar lay his sword to bed. He ploughed her, and she cropped. 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-breathed force. Now Anthony must leave her utterly. 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 where most she satisfies. For vilest things become themselves in her, that the holy priest.

priest bless her when she is rigged. If beauty, wisdom, modesty can settle the heart of Anthony, Octavia is a blessed lottery to him. Let us go. Good Eno Barbus, make yourself my guest whilst you abide here. Humbly, sir, I thank you. Exuant.

Scene three, the same, Octavia Caesar's house. Enter Mark Anthony, Octavius Caesar, Octavia between them, and attendants. and my great office will sometimes divide me from your bosom. All which time before the gods my knee shall bow my prayers to them for you. Good night, sir. My Octavia, read not my blemishes in the world's report.

I have not kept my square, but that to come shall all be done by the rule. Good night, dear lady. Good night, sir. Good night. Exuant Octavius Caesar and Octavia. Enter soothsayer Now, Sira, you do wish yourself in Egypt? Would I have never come from thence, nor you thither?

If you can, your reason. I see it in my motion, have it not in my tongue, but yet, high you to Egypt again. Say to me, whose fortune shall rise higher, Caesar's or mine? Caesars. Therefore, O Antony, stay not by his side. thy demon, that's thy spirit which keeps thee,

is noble, courageous high, unmatchable, where Caesars is not. But near him, thy angel becomes a fear, as being overpowered. Therefore, make space enough between you. Speak this no more. To number 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 he beats thee against the odds. Thy lustre thickens when he shines by. I say again, thy spirit is all afraid to govern thee near him. But hereway, tis noble. Get thee gone! Say to Ventidious 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 feints 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 in hoot at odds abu to egypt and though i make this marriage for my peace in the east my pleasure lies enter ventidius o come ventidious you mustapathia your commission's ready follow me and rest achieved exuant scene four the same a street enter lepidus mccanus and agripper trouble yourselves no further pray you hasten your generals after sir mark antony will e'n but kiss octavia and we'll follow till i shall see you in your soldiers dress which will become you both farewell we shall as i conceive the journey Be at the mount before you, Lepidus. Your way is shorter. My purposes do draw me much about.

You'll win two days upon me. With Agrippa. Sir, good success. Farewell. Exuant. Scene 5. Alexandria. Cleopatra's palace.

Enter Cleopatra, Carmean, Iris, and Alexis. Give me some music. Music. Moody food of us that trade in love. The music. Ho! Enter Martian. Let it alone. Let's do billiards.

Come, Camion. My arm is sore. Best play with Mardian. As well a woman within eunuch played as with a woman. Come, you'll play with me, sir? As well as I can, madam. And when goodwill is showed, that come too short,

the actor may plead pardon. I'll none now. Give me mine angle, well, to the river. There, my music playing for, far off i will betray tawny finned fishes my bended hook shall pierce their slimy jaws and as i draw them up i'll think them every one in antony and say aha you're caught twas merry when you wagered on your angling when your diver did hang a salt fish on his hook which he with fervency drew up that time o times i laughed him out of patience and that night i laughed him into patience and next morn ere the ninth hour i drunk him to his bed then put my tires and mantles on him whilst i wore his sword philippine Enter a messenger. Oh, from Italy.

Ram thou thy fruitful tidings in mine ears that long time have been barren. Madam! Madam! Antonius dead. If thou say so villain, thou killest thy mistress. But well and free, if thou so yield him, there is gold. In here my bluest veins to kiss, a hand that kings have lipped and trembled kissing. First, madam, he is well. Why, there's more gold!

but sirrah mark we use to say the dead are well bring it to that the gold i give thee will i melt and pour down thy ill-uttering throat good madam hear me well go too i will but there's no goodness in thy face if antony be free and healthful so tarred a favour to trumpet such good tidings if not well thou shouldst come like a fury crowned with snakes not like a formal man wilt please you hear me i have a mind to strike thee ere thou speakest Yet if thou say Anthony 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. Madam, he's well. Well said. And friends with Caesar. Thou art an honest man.

Caesar and he are greater friends than ever. Make thee a fortune from me. But yet, madam. I do not like but yet. It does allay the good precedence. "'Fie upon but yet. "'But yet is a jailer to bring forth some monstrous malefactor. "'Pri thee, friend, pour out the pack of matter to mine ear, the good and bad together.

"'He's friends with Caesar, and state of health thou sayest, and thou sayest free.' "'Free, madam, no. I made no such report. "'He's bound unto Octavia.' "'For what good turn?' "'For the best turn in the bed.' I am pale, Carmian. Madam, he's married to Octavia. The most infectious pestilence upon thee.

Strikes him down. Good madam, patience. What say you? Hence! Strikes him again. Horrible villain, or I'll spurn thine eyes like balls before me. I'll unhaer thy head. She hells him up and down. Thou shall be whipped with wire and studen brine, smotting and lingering pickle.

Gracious, madam, I that's... do bring the news, made not the match. 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, and I will boot thee with what gift beside thy modesty can beg. He's married, madam. Rogue thou hast lived too long. Draws a knife.

Nay, then, I'll run. What mean you, madam, I have made no fault. Exit. Good madam, keep yourself within your sense. The man is innocent. 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. He is a feared to come. I will not hurt him. Exit Karmian. These hands do lack nobility that they strike a meaner than myself, since I myself have given myself the cause.

Reenter Karmion and messenger. come hither sir though it be honest it is never good to bring bad news give to a gracious message and host of tongues but let ill tidings tell themselves when they be felt i have done my duty is he married i cannot hate thee worse than i do if thou again say yes he's married madam the gods confound thee dost thou hold there still should i lie madam oh i would thou didststst thou hold there still should i lie madam oh i would thou didest so have my Egypt were submerged and made a cistern for scaled snakes. Go, get thee hence. Hadst thou narcissus in thy face to me thou wouldest appear most ugly. He is married? I crave your highness's pardon.

He is married? 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. Oh, that his fault should make a knave of thee, that art not what thou art sure of. get thee hence the merchandise which thou hast brought from rome are all too dear for me lie they upon thy hand and be undone by him exit messenger good your highness patience and praising antony i have dis praised caesar many times madam i am paid for it now lead me from hence i faint o iris come in tis no matter go to the fellow good alexis bid him bid him

report the feature of Octavia, her years, her inclination. Let him not leave out the color of her hair. Bring me word quickly. Exit Alexis. Let him forever go. Let him not. Carmian, though he be painted one way like a gorgon, the other way is a mars. Bid you, Alexis.

To Mardian. Bring me word how tall she is. Pity me, Carmian. But do not speak to me. Lead me to my chamber. Scene 6. Near Mycenum. Flourish. Enter Pompey and Minus at one door with drum and trumpet. At another, Octavius Caesar, Mark Antony, Lepidus, Demitius Enababas, Maccanus, with soldiers marching. Your hostages I have, so have you mine. And we shall talk before we fight. Most meet that first we come to words, and therefore have we are written purpose.

before us sent, which, if thou hast considered, let us know if t will tie up thy discontented sword, and carry back to Sicily much tall youth that else must perish here. 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, who at Philippi the good Brutus ghosted, there saw you laboring for him, what was that moved Pail Crasses to conspire, and what made the all-honored, honest Roman, brutus, with the armed rest, courtiers, and beauteous freedom,

to drench the capital, but that they would have one man but a man, and that is it hath made me rigged my navy, at whose burthened the angered ocean foams, and with which I meant to scourge the ingratitude that despiteful Rome cast on my noble father. Take your time. Thou canst not fear us, Pompey, with thy sails? We'll speak with thee at sea. At land thou knowest how much we do or count thee.

At land, indeed, thou dost or count me of my father's house. But, since the cuckoo builds not for himself, remain in as thou mayest. Be pleased to tell us, for this is from the present, how you take the offers we have sent you. That's the point. Which do not be entreated to, but weigh what is worth embraced. And what may follow to try a larger fortune? You have made me offer of Sicily, Sardinia, and I must rid all the sea of pirates. Then, to send measures of wheat to Rome, this greed upon to part with unhacked edges, and bear back our targes undinted. With Antony and Lepidus.

That's our offer. No, then, I came before you here a man prepared to take this offer. But Mark Antony put me to some impatient. though I lose the praise of it by telling, you must know, when Caesar and your brother were at blows, your mother came to Sicily and did find her welcome friendly. I've heard it, Pompey, and I'm well-studied for a liberal thanks, which I do owe you. Let me have your hand.

I did not think, sir, to have met you here. The beds ye the Easter soft, and thanks to you, that called me timelier than my purpose hither, for I have gained by it. Since I saw you last there is a change upon you. Well, I know not what counts Harsh fortune casts upon my face, But in my bosom shall she never come, To make my heart her vassal.

Well met here. I hope so, Lepidus. Thus we are agreed. I crave our composition may be written And sealed between us. That's the next to do. We'll feast each other ere we part. And let's draw lots who shall begin.

That will I, Pompey? No, Antony, take the lot. But, first or last, your fine Egyptian cookery shall have the fame. I have heard that Julius Caesar grew fat with feasting there. You have heard much. I have fair meanings, sir. And fair words to them. Then so much have I heard, and I have heard Apollodorus carried.

No more of that. He did so. What, I pray you? A certain queen to Caesar in a mattress. I know thee now. How fairest thou, soldier? Well, and well am like to do, for, I perceive, four feasts are toward. Let me shake thy hand. I never hated thee.

I have seen thee fight, when I have envied thy behavior. Sir, I never loved you much, but have praised ye when you have well deserved ten times as much as I have said you did. Enjoy thy plainness. It nothing ill becomes thee. Abboard my galley, I invite you all. Will you lead, lords? With Antony and Lepidus.

Come. Excerent all but Minus and Anababas. Aside. Thy father, Pompeii, would never have made this treaty. You and I have known, sir. At sea, I think. We have, sir. You have done well by water.

And you, by land. I will praise any man that will praise me, though it cannot be denied what I have done by land. Nor what I have done by water. Yes, something you can deny for your own safety. You have been a great thief by sea. And you by land? There I deny my land service, but give me your hand menace.

If our eyes had authority, here they might take two thieves kissing. All men's faces are true, whatsoever their hands are. But there is never a fair woman has a true face. No slander, they steal hearts. We came hither to fight with you. For my part, I'm sorry it is turned to a drinking. Pompei doth this day laugh away his fortune. If he do, sure, he cannot weeped back again.

You've said, sir, we look not for Mark Anthony here. Pray you, is he married to Cleopatra? Caesar's sister is called Octavia. True, sir, she was the wife of Caius Marcellus. But she is now the wife of Marcus Antonius. Pray you, sir. Tis true. Then is Caesar and he forever knit together.

If I were bound to divine of this unity, I would not prophecy so. I think the policy of that purpose made more in the marriage than the love of the parties. I think so too, but you shall find the band that seems to tie their friendship together will be the very strangler of their amity. Octavia is of a holy, cold and still conversation. Who would not have his wife so? Not he that himself is not so, which is Mark Anthony. He will to his Egyptian dish again,

then shall the size 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. Anthony will use his affection where it is. He married but his occasion here. And thus it may be, Come, sir, will you aboard? I have a health for you.

I shall take it, sir. We have used our throats in Egypt. Come, let's away. Eggtune. Scene seven. On board Pompey's galley, off my synonym. Music plays. Enter two or three servants with a banquet. Here they'll be, man. Some of their plants are ill-rooted already. The least wind of the world will blow them down. Lippetus is high-colored. They have made him drink Alms drink.

As they pinch one another by the disposition, he cries out no more, reconciles them to his entreaty and himself to the drink. But it raises the greater war between him and his discretion. Why, this is to have a name in Great Men's Fellowship. I had his leaf have a read that will do me no service as a partisan. I could not heave. To be called into a huge sphere and not to be seen to move in are the holes where I should be, which pitifully disaster the cheeks.

A senate sounded. Enter Octavius Caesar, Mark Antony, Leopardus, Pompey, Agrippa, Macanus, Demetius and Abbas, Minas, with other captains. To Octavius Caesar, Thus do they, sir. They take the flow of the Nile, by certain scales in the pyramid. They know, by the height,

the lowness, or the mean, if dearth or foisoned follow. The high Nylus swells, the more it promises. As it ebbs, the seagely upon the slime and ooze scatters his grain, and shortly comes to harvest. You've strained serpents there.

Aye, Lepidus. Your serpent of Egypt is bred now of your mud by the operation of your son. So is your crocodile. They are, sir. Sit and some wine. A health telepidus. I am not so well as I should be,

but I'll neer out. Not till you have slept. I fear me you'll be in till then. Nay, certainly I have heard the Ptolemy's pyramuses are very goodly things. Without contradiction, have heard that. Aside to Pompey.

Pompey, a word. Aside to Minus. Say in mine ear, what is't? Aside to Pompey. Forsake thy seat, I do beseech thee, captain, and hear me speak a word. Aside to Minus. For bear me till anon.

This wine for Lepidus. What manner a thing is your crocodile? It is shaped, sir, like itself, and it is as broad 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. What colour is it of? Of its own colour, too.

Tis a strange serpent. Tis so, and the tears of it are wet. Will this description satisfy him? with the health the pompey gives him else he is a very epicure aside to menis go hang sir hang tell me of that away do as i bid you where's this cup i called for aside to pompey if for the sake of merit thou wilt hear me rise from thy stool aside to minus i think thou'rt mad the matter rises and walks aside I have ever held my cap off to thy fortunes. Thou hast served me with much faith. What else to say?

Be jolly, lords! These quicksands, Lepidus, keep off them, for you sink. Will thou be lord of all the world? What sayest thou? Wilt thou be lord of the whole world? That's twice. How should that be? But entertain it, and though thou think me poor,

I am the man, will give thee all the world. Has thou drunk well? Now, Pompeii, I have kept me from the cup. Thou art, if thou darest be, the earthly jove. Whatever the ocean pales or sky enclips is thine if thou wilt hat. Show me which way. These three world-sharers, these competitors, are in thy vessel. Let me cut the cable, and

when we are put off, fall to their throats, All there is thine. Ah, this thou shouldest have done, and not have spoken on't. In me tis villainy, in thee it had been good service. Thou must know, tis not my prophet that does lead mine honour. Mine honour, it. Repent that ere thy tongue hath so betrayed thine act. Being done unknown, I should have found it afterwards well done,

but must condemn it now. Desist and drink. Aside. For this I'll never follow thy paled fortunes more. Whose seeks and will not take when once tis offered shall never find it more. This health to Lepidus. Bear him ashore. I'll pledge it for him, Pompey. Here's to thee, menace.

Inobarbus, welcome. Phil till the cut be hid. There's a strong fellow, man. Poynting to the attendant who carries off Lepidus. Why? Abbears the third part of the world, man, seest not? The third part then is drunk, would it were all, that it might go on wheels. Drink thou, increase the reels.

Come. This is not yet an Alexandrian feast. It ripens towards it. Strike the vessels, ho! Here is to Caesar. I could well forew it. bear it. It's monstrous labor when I wash my brain and it grows fowler. Be a child of the time. Possess it, I'll make answer, but I'd rather fast from all four days than

drink so much and one. Ha, my brave emperor. Tamar Kansni. Shall we dance now the Egyptian Bacchanals and celebrate our drink? Let's hay it, good soldier. Come, let's all take hands till that the conquering wine hath steeped our sense in soft and delicate leithy all take hands make battery to our ears with the loud music the while i place you then the boy shall sing the holding every man shall bear as loud as his strong sides can volley music plays demetius and abbas places them hand in hand the song come thou monarch a plumpy beggars we've been kind in thy fat so cares be drowned with thy grapes our hairs be crown'd cup us till the world go round 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 enobab is weaker than the wine and mine own tongue splits what it speaks the wild disguise have almost anticked us all what needs more words good-night good antony your hand i'll try you on the shore and shall sir gives your hand o antony you have my father's house but what we are friends Come, down into the boat.

Take heed, you fool not. Exuant all but to Mityas Anabarbus and Minus. Menace, I'll not on shore. No, to my cabin. These drums, these trumpets, flutes, what? Let Neptune hear we bid aloud farewell to these great fellows. Sound and be hanged, sound out. Sound a flourish with drums.

Ho! Caesar, there's my cap. Ho, noble captain, come! Exuant. End of Act 2. Act 3 of Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare. This is a Librevox recording. All Librevox recordings are in the public domain.

For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librivox.org. Act 3. Scene 1. A plane in Syria. Enter Ventidious. as it were in triumph with Cilius and other Romans, officers and soldiers, the dead body of Pecorus born upon them. 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 before our army. Thy Pecoris erotus pays this for Marcus Crassus. Noble Vendidius, whilst jet with Parthian blood thy sword is warm.

the fugitive Parthians follow. Spurth through media, Mesopotamia, and the shelters whither the rooted fly, since thy grand captain Antony shall set thee on triumphant chariots and put galleons on thy head. O Silius, Silius, 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 serves away. Caesar and Anthony have ever won more in their officer than person. Sosius, one of my place in Syria, his lieutenant, for quick accumulation of renown which he achieved by the minute, lost his favor. Who does in the wars more than his captain can 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 offense should,

my performance perish. Thou hast been tedious, that without the witch, a soldier and his sword grants scarce distinction. Thou wiltrate to Antony. I'll humbly signify what in his name

that magical word of war we have affected. How with his banners and his well-paid ranks, the nary yet beaten horse of Parthia we have jaded out of the field. Where is he now?

He purposeth to Athens, whither with what haste the weight we must convey withs will permit, we shall appear before him. On there, pass along. Exuant. Scene two. Rome, an antechamber in Octavius Caesar's house. Enter Agrippa at one door, Demetius and Abbas at another. What are the brothers pard? They have dispatched with Pompey. He is gone. He is gone. The other three are sealing. Octavia weeps to part from Rome. Caesar is sad, and Lepidus, since Pompey's feast, as Menace says, is troubled with the green sickness.

Tis a noble lepidus. A very fine one. Oh, how he loves Caesar. Nay, but how dearly he adores Mark Antony. Caesar? Why, he's the Jupiter of men? What's Antony the god of Jupiter? Spake you of Caesar? How? The nonpareal. O Antony, O thou Arabian bird. Would you pray Caesar? Say Caesar. Go no further.

Indeed, he plied them both with excellent praises. But he loves Caesar best. Yet he loves Antony. Ho, hearts, tongues, figures, scribes, bards, poets cannot think, speak, cast, write, sing, number. Ho! His love to Anthony! But, as for Caesar, kneel down, kneel down and wonder. Both he loves. They are his shards, and he their beetle.

Trumpets within. So, this is to be able. horse. Adieu, noble Agrippa. Good fortune, worthy soldier, and farewell. Enter Octavius Caesar, Mark Antony, Lepidus, and Octavia. No further, sir. You take from me a great part of myself, use me well, and, Sister, prove such a wife as my thoughts make thee, and as my farthest ban shall pass on thy proof. Most noble, Antony, let not the peace 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 this be not cherished. Make me not offended in your distrust.

I have said, you shall not find, though you be there in 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 hear part. Farewell, my dearest sister, fare thee well, the elements be kind to thee, and make thy spirits all of comfort. Fair thee well. My noble brother, the April's in her eyes. It is love's spring, and these the showers to bring it on. Be cheerful. Sir, look well to my husband's house and— What, Octavia? I'll tell you in your ear.

Her tongue will not obey her heart, nor can her heart inform her tongue, the swan's down feather that stands upon the swellet full of tide, and neither way inclines. Aside to Agrippa, will Caesar weep? Aside to Demetius and a barbus. He has a cloud in his face. Aside to Agrippa. He were the word. For that, were he a horse?

So is he being a man? Aside to Demetius and Abbas. Why, you know Barbus, when Anthony found Julius Caesar dead, he cried almost to roaring, and he wept when at Philippi he found Brutus slain. Aside to Agrippa. That year, indeed, he was troubled with a room. What willingly he did confound he wailed,

believed till I wept to. No, sweet Octavia, you shall hear, from me still, the time shall not outgo my thinking on you. Come, sir, come. 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. Adieu, be happy. Let all the number of the stars give light to thy fair way. Farewell.

Farewell. Kisses, Octavia. Farewell. Trumpets sound. Exuant. Scene 3. Alexandria. Cleopatra's Palace. Enter Cleopatra, Carmean, Iris, and Alexis. Where is the fellow?

Half a fear to come. Go to, go, go, too. Enter the messenger as before. Come hither, sir. Good majesty, Herod of Jury dare not look upon you, but when you are well pleased. That Herod's head I'll have. but how when Antony is gone, through whom I might command it? Come thou near.

Most gracious majesty. Didst thou behold, Octavia? I, dread queen? Where? Madam, in Rome. I looked her in the face, and saw her lead between her brother and Mark Anthony. Is she as tall as me? She is not, madam.

Didst hear her speak? Is she shrill-tonged or low? Madam, I hope. heard her speak. She is low-voiced. That's not so good. He cannot like her long. Like her? Oh, Isis, tis impossible. I think so, Carmiin, dull of tongue and dwarfish. What majesty is in her gate?

Remember if ere thou lookest on majesty? She creeps. Her motion and her station are as one. She shows a body rather than a life, a statue than a breather. Is this certain? Or I have no observance. Three in Egypt cannot make better note. He's very knowing, I do perceive. There's nothing in her yet.

The fellow has good judgment. Excellent. Guess at her years, I prithee. Madam, she was a widow. Widow? Come in haak. And I do think she's thirty. Bearest thou her face in mind? Is it long or round?

Round, even to fault in. For the most part, too, they are foolish that are so. Her hair, what color? Brown, madam, and her forehead is as low as she would wish it. 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, our letters are prepared. Exit messenger. A proper man. Indeed he is so. I repent me much that so I harried him. why methinks by him this creature's no such thing nothing madam the man hath seen some majesty and should know have he seen majesty isis else defend and serving you so long i have one thing more to ask him yet good carmian but tis no matter thou shalt bring him to me where i will write all may be well enough i warrant you madam exuant Scene 4. A room in Mark Antony's house.

Enter Mark Antony and Octavia. Nay, nay, Octavia, not only that, that were excusable, that and thousands more of semblable import, but he hath waged new wars against Pompey, made his will, and read it to public ear, spoke scantily 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 tooked or did it from his teeth.

O my good Lord, believe not all, or if you must believe, stomach not all. A more unhappy lady, if this division chance, Nea stood between, praying for both parts, the good gods me presently, when I shall pray, O bless my lord and husband,

and do that prayer by crying out as loud, O bless my brother! Husband win, win brother, prays and destroys the prayer. No midway twixt these extremes at all. Gentle Octavia, let your best love draw to that point which seeks best to preserve it.

If I lose mine honour, I lose myself. Better I were not yours than yours so branchless. But as you requested, Yourself shall go betweence. The meantime, lady, I'll raise the preparation of a war, shall stain your brother. Make your soonest haste,

so your desires are yours. Thanks to my lord. The jove of power make me most weak, most weak, your reconciler. Worse twixt you twain would be, as if the world should cleave, and that slain men should solder up the rift. 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, choose your own company, and command what cost your heart has mine to. Exuant Scene five, the same, another room. Enter Demetius Anabarbus and Eros, meeting. How now, friend Eros? There's strange news come, sir. What man?

Caesar and Lepidus have made wars upon Pompeii. This is old. What is the success? Caesar, having made use of him in the wars against Pompeii, 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 Pompeii. Upon his own appeal seizes him. So the poor third is up, till death enlarge is confined. Then, world, thou hast a pair of chaps no more, and throw between him. Between them all the food thou hast.

They'll grind the one the other. Where's Anthony? He's walking in the garden. Thus, and spurns the rush that lies before him, cries, Fool Lepidus, and threats the throat of that his officer

that murdered Pompeii. Our great navy's rigged. For Italy and Caesar. More, Demetius. My lord desires you presently. My news I might have told hereafter. Twill be naught. But let it be.

Bring me to answer. Come, sir. Exuant. Scene 6. Rome. Octavius Caesar's house. Enter Octavius Caesar, Agrippa and Buchanus. Contemning Rome, he has done all this and more in Alexandria. Here's the manner of it. In the marketplace, on a tribunal silvered, Cleopatra and himself in chairs of gold were publicly enthroned. At the feet sat Caesarian, 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 establishment of Egypt, made her of Lower Syria, Cyprus-Lydia, absolute queen.

This in the public eye? Is a common show-place where they exercise. His sons, he there proclaimed the kings of kings, Great Media, Parthia and Armenia he gave to Alexander. To Ptolemy he assigned Syria, Sicilia and Phoenicia. She, in the habiliments of the goddess Isis, that day appeared, and oft before gave audience, as tis reported so. Let Rome be thus informed. Who, queasy with his insolence already, will their good thoughts call from him?

The people know it, and have now received his accusations. Who does he accuse? Caesar. And that, having in Sicily Sextus Pompeius spoiled, we had not rated him his part of the isle. Then, does he say, he lent me some shipping unrestored. Lastly, he frets that Lepidus of the triumvirate should be deposed, and being that we detain all his revenue. Sir, this should be answered. 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 conquered, I grant him part, but then in his Armenia and other of his conquered

kingdoms I demand the like. He'll never yield to that. Nor must not then be yielded to in this. Enter Octavia with her train. Hail Caesar and my lord, hail most dear Caesar. That ever I should call thee castaway. You have not called me so, nor have you cause. Why have you stolen upon us thus? You come not like Caesar's sister. The wife of Antony should have an army for an usher, and the nays 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 should have ascended, to the roof of heaven raised by your populous troops but you are come a market made to rome and have prevented the ostentation of our love which left unshown is often left unloved we should have met you by sea and land supplying every stage with an augmented greeting good my lord to come thus was i not constrained but did on my free will my lord mark antony hearing that you prepared for war acquainted my grieved ear withal whereon i begged his pardon for return which soon he granted being an obstruct tween his lust and him do not say so my lord i have eyes upon him and his affairs come to me on the wind where is he now My lord, in Athens. 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 of the earth for war. He hath assembled Botches, the king of Libya, Archelaus of Capadocia, Philadelphos, king of Paphagonia, the Thracian king Adalus, King Malchus of Arabia, King of Pont, Herod of Jewry, Mithridates, King of Comagene,

Polymon and Amintus, the kings of Media and Laconia, with a more larger list of sceptres. A, me, most wretched, that have my heart parted betwixt two friends that do afflict each other. 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 or your content these strong necessities, but let determined things to destiny hold unbewailed their way. Welcome to Rome, nothing more dear to me. You are abused beyond the mark of thought, and the high gods to do you justice make the ministers of us and those that love you. Best of comfort and ever welcome to us.

Welcome, lady. Welcome, dear madam. Each heart in Rome does love and pity you. Only the adulteress Antony, most large in his abominations, turns you off, and gives his potent regiment to a troll that noises it against us. Is it so, sir? Most certain. Sister, welcome. Pray you be ever known to patience, my dearest sister. Exuant. Scene seven, near Actium, Mark I. Antony's camp. Enter Cleopatra and Dmitius and Abbas. I will be even with thee, doubt it not. But why, why, why? Thou hast forespoke my being in these wars and sayest it is not fit.

Well, is it? Is it? If not denounced against us, why should not we be there in person? Aside. Well, I could reply, if we should serve with horse and mares together, the horse were merely lost. The mares would bear a soldier and his horse. What is it you say? Your presence needs must puzzle Anthony. Take from his heart, take from his brain, from its time.

What should not then be spared? He is already introduced for levity, and tis said in Rome that Photonus and eunuch and your maids manage this war. Sink Rome and their tongues rot that speak against us. A charge we bear in the war, and as the president of my kingdom will appear there for a man. Speak not against it. I will not stay behind.

Nay, I have done. Here comes the Emperor. Enter Mark Antony and Canidius. Is it not strange, Canidius, that from Tarentum and Brundusium, he could so quickly cut the Ionian Sea and take in Torinae. You have heard, aunt, sweet? Celerity is never more admired than by the negligent. A good rebuke which might well become the best of men to taunted slackness. Canidius, we will fight with him by sea.

By sea, we will fight with him by sea. What else? Why will my lord do so? For that he dares us to it. So hath my lord dared him to single fight. I, and to wage this battle at Varsalia, where Caesar fought with Pompey. But these offers, which serve not for his vantage, he shakes off. And so should you. Your ships are not well manned.

Your mariners are muleters, reapers, people engrossed by swift impress. In Caesar's fleet are those that often have against Pompey fought. their ships are y'ar yours heavy no disgrace shall fall you for refusing him at sea being prepared for land by sea by sea most worthy sir you therein throw away the absolute soldier ship you have by land distract your army which doth most consist of war-marked footmen leave unexecuted your own renowned knowledge quite forego the way which promises assurance and give up yourself merely to chance and hazard from firm security I'll fight at sea. I have sixty sails, Caesar none better. How over plus of shipping will we burn, and with rest full manned from the head of Axiom beat the approaching Caesar.

But if we fail, we then can do it at land. Enter a messenger. Thy business? The news is true, my lord. He is descried. Caesar has taken Torinae. Can he be there in person? Tis impossible. Strange that power should be. Canidias, our nineteen legions thou shalt hold by land,

and our twelve thousand horse. Will to our ship? Away, my thetis. Enter a soldier. How now, worthy soldier? O noble emperor, do not fight by sea. Trust not to rotten planks. Do you misdoubt 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. Well, well, away! Exuant Mark Antony, Queen Cleopatra, and Demetius and Abarbus. By Hercules, I think I am in the right. Soldier, thou art.

But his whole action grows, not in the power-aunt. So our leader's led, and we are women's men. You keep by land the legions and the horse-hole, do you not? Marcus Octavius, Marcus Justius, Poblocola and Calius are for sea. But we keep hold by land. This speed of Caesar's carries beyond belief. While he was yet in Rome, his power went out in such distractions as beguiled all spies. Who's his lieutenant here?

They say, one Taurus. Well, I know the man. Enter a messenger. The emperor calls Canidius. With news the times with labor. and throws forth each minute some. Exxuent. Scene 8.

A plane near Actium. Enter Octavius Caesar and Taurus with his army marching. Taurus. My lord! 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. Exuant. Scene nine. another part of the plain enter mark antony and amityas enababas set we our squadrons on yon side of the hill in eye of caesar's battle from which place we may the number of the ships behold and so proceed accordingly exuant scene ten another part of the plain canadius marcheth with his land army one way over the stage and taurus the lieutenant of octavius caesar the other way after their going in is her the noise of a sea fight. Allaram. Enter Dmitius and Abbas. Not, not all, naught! I can behold no longer! The Antoniad, the Egyptian admiral, with all their sixty fly and turn the rudder. To see it, mine eyes are blasted.

Enter Scarus. Gods and goddesses, all the whole synod of them. What's thy passion? The greater cantal of the world is lost with very ignorance. We have kissed away king-pheus. kissed away kingdoms and provinces. How appears the fight? On our side like the tokened pestilence, where death is sure. Yon Rabadrid Nag of Egypt, whom leprosy o'ertake,

I the midst of the fight when vantage like a pair of twins appeared, both us the same, or rather ours the elder, the breeze upon her like a cow in June, hoist sails and flies. That I beheld. My eyes did sicken at the sight and could not endure a further view. She once bin Luft, the noble ruin of her magic, Anthony, claps on his sea-wing, and like a doading mallard leaving the fight in height flies after her. I never saw an action of such shame.

Experience, manhood, honour, ne'er before to violate so itself. Alack! Alack! Enter Conidious. 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? Oh, he has given us example for our flight, most grossly, by his own. Aye, are you thereabouts? Why, then, good night indeed.

Toward Peloponesis, sir, they fled. Tis easy toot, and there I will attend what further comes. To Caesar will I render my legions and my horse. Six kings already show me the way of yielding. I'll yet follow the wounded chance of Anthony, though my reason sits in the wind against me. Exuant Scene 11

Alexandria Cleopatra's palace Enter Mark Anthony with attendance. Hark! The land bids me tread no more upon. It is a shame to bear me. Friends, come hither. I am so late in the world that I have lost my way for ever.

I have a ship laden with gold. Take that, divide it, fly, and make your peace with Caesar. Fly, not we! I have fled myself, and have instructed cowards to run and shir their shoulders. Friends, be gone. I have myself resolved upon a course which has no need of you. Be gone. My treasures in the harbour. Take it. Oh, I followed that I blushed to look upon. My very hairs do mutiny, For the white, Reprove the Brown for rashness, And they, them 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 which leaves itself. To the seaside 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 sits down enter cleopatra led by carmion and iris eros following nay gentle madam to him comfort him do most dear queen do why what else let me sit down oh juno No, no, no, no, no, no.

See you here, sir? Oh, fie, fie, fie, fie. Madam! Madam, oh, good empress. Sir, sir. Yes, my lord, yes. He had Philippi kept his sword in like a dancer, while I struck the lean and wrinkled Cassius,

and twas I that the mad brutus ended. He alone dwelt on left tenetry, and no practice had in a brave squirre, wares of war. Yet now, no matter. Ah, stand by. The queen, my lord, the queen. Go to him, madam, speak to him. He is unqualified with very shame. Well, then sustain him. Oh. Most noble, sir, arise. The queen approaches. Her heads declined and death will seize her, but your comfort makes the rescue. I have offended reputation, a most unnerable swerving. Sir, the Queen

O, whither hast thou led me, Egypt? See, how I do convey my shame out of thine eyes By looking back what I have left behind, Stroyd in dishonour. O my lord, my lord, forgive my fearful sails, I little thought you would have followed. Egypt thou knewst too well, My heart was to thy rudder tied by the strings,

and thou shouldst tow me after, O my spirit, thy full supremacy thou knewest, and that thy beck might from the bidding of the gods command me. Oh, my pardon. Now I must, to the young man, sent humble treaties, dodge and poulter in the shifts of lowness, who, with half the bulk of the world played as I pleased, making and marring fortunes.

You did know how much you were my conqueror, and that my sword, made weak by my affection, would obey it on all cause. Pardon, pardon. Fall not a tear, I say. One of them rates all that is won and lost. Give me a kiss. Even this repays me. We sent our schoolmaster. Is he come back? Love, I am full of lead. Some wine. Within there, and Avayans, fortune knows we scorn her most when most she offers blows. Exuant

Scene 12, Egypt. Octavius Caesar's camp. Enter Octavius Caesar, Dolabella, Thyreus, with others. Let him appear that's come from Antony. Know you him. Caesar, tis his schoolmaster. An argument that he is blocked, when hither he sends so poor opinion of his wing,

which had superfluous kings for messengers not many moons ago. Enter Euphronius, ambassador from Mark Anthony. Approached. and speak. Such as I am, I come from Anthony. I was of late as petty to his ends as the morn due on the myrtle leaf to his grand sea. Be it so, declare thine office. Lord of his fortunes, he salutes thee, and requires to live in Egypt,

which, not granted, he lessens his requests, and to these soothes to let him breathe between the heavens and earth, a private man in Athens, this for him. Next, Cleopatra does confess thy greatness, submits her to thy might, and of thee craves the circle of the Ptolemy's for her heirs, now hazarded to thy grace. For Antony 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. Pursue thee. Bring him through the bands.

Exit Euphronius. To Thyus. To try eloquence now tis time. Dispatch. From Antony win, Cleopatra. Promise, and in our name what she requires. Add more from thine invention offers. Women are not in their best fortune strong,

but want will perjure the ne'er touched vestal. Try thy cunning, Thyreus. make thine own edict for thy paints which we will answer as a law caesar i go observe how antony becomes his flaw and what thou think'st his very action speaks in every power that moves caesar i shall exuant scene thirteen alexandria cleopatra's palace enter cleopatra domitius and barbus carmion and iris what shall we do we know barbis think and die is antony or we in fault for this antony only that would make his will lord of his reason what though you fled from the great face of war whose several ranges frightened each other why should he follow the itch of his affection should not then have nicked his captainship, at such a point, when half to half the world opposed, he being the meared question, twas a shame, no less, that was his loss, to course your flying flags and leave his navy gazing. Prithy, peace. Enter Mark Anthony with Euphronius the ambassador.

Is that his answer? I, my lord. The queen shall then have courtesy, so she will yield us up. He says so. Let her note, to the boy, Caesar. Send this. grisled head, and he will fill thy wishes to the brim with principalities. That head, my lord? To him again, tell him he wears the rose of youth upon him, the which the world should note something particular. His coins, ships, legions, may be a coward's, whose ministers would prevail under the service of a child as soon as he the command of Caesar.

I dare him, therefore, to lay his gay comparisons apart, and answer me, declined sword against sword, ourselves alone. I'll write it. Follow me. Exuant Mark Anthony and Euphronius. Aside. Yes, like enough, high-battled Caesar will unstate his happiness and be staged to the show against a sorda. 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 measure the false Caesar will answer his emptiness. Caesar, thou hast subdued his judgment too. Enter an attendant.

A messenger from Caesar. What? No more ceremony? See, my women? Against the blown rows may they stop their nose that kneelts unto the buds. Admit him, sir. Exit attendant. Aside. Mine honesty and I begin to square.

The loyalty well held to full. fools does make our faith mere folly. Yet he that can endure to follow with allegiance a fallen lord, does conquer him that did his master conquer and earn a place of a story. Enter Thyreus. Caesar's will? Hear it apart. None but friends, say boldly. So happily are they friends to Antony.

He needs as many, sir, as Caesar has. 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. So thus then thou most renowned, Caesar entreats not to consider in what case thou stanced Further than he is Caesar. Go on, right royal. He knows that you embrace not Antony as you did love,

but as you feared him. Oh! The scars upon your honour, therefore he does pity as constrained blemishes, not as deserved. He is a god and knows what is most right. mine honour was not yielded but conquered merely 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 thy dearest quit thee exit Shall I say to Caesar what you require of him, for he partly begs to be desired to give? It much would please him that of his fortunes you should make a staff to lean upon,

but it would warm his spirits to hear from me you had left Antony, and put yourself under his shroud, the universal landlord. What's your name? My name is Thyres. Most kind, messenger, say to great Caesar this. In deputation I kiss you. his conquering hand. Tell him I am prompt to lay my crown at s feet, and there to kneel. Tell him from his all-obeying breath, I hear the doom of Egypt. Tis your noblest course. Wisdom and fortune

combating together, if that the former dare but what it can, no chance may shake it. Give me grace to lay my duty on your hand. Your Caesar's father, oft when he hath mused of taking kingdoms in, bestowed his lips on that unworthy place, as it reigned kisses. Reenter Mark Antony and Mityas and Abarbus. Favours by Jove that thunders, what art thou, fellow? One that but performs the bidding of the fullest man, and worthiest to have command obeyed. Aside.

You will be whipped! Approach there! Ah, you kite! Now gods and devils! authority melts from me of late when i cried ho like boys unto a mus kings would start forth and cry your will have you no ears i am antony yet enter attendants take hence this jack and whip him aside tis better playing with a lion's whelp than with an old one dying moons and stars whip him were 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,

and whine aloud for mercy. Take him hence. Mark Antony! Tug him away. Being whipped, bring him again. This jack of Caesar shall bear us an errand to him. Exquent attendance with Thyres. You were half blasted ere I knew you.

Have I my pillow left unpressed in Rome, Forborne the getting of a lawful race, And by a gem of women, To be abused by one that looks on feeders? Good, my lord! You have been a bogler ever, But when we in our viciousness grow hard, O misery, aunt!

The wise gods seal our eyes, In our own filth, drop our clear judgments, Make us adore our errors, laugh atts, while we strut to our confusion. Oh, is it come to this? I found you as a morsel cold upon Dead Seas' trencher. Nay, you were a fragment of Seneas Pompies, besides what hotter hours unregistered in Valga fame

you have luxuriously picked out, for I am sure, though you can guess what temperance should be, you know not what it is. Where for is this? To let a fellow that will take reward, and say, God quit you, be familiar with my playfellow,

your hand, this kingly seal and plighter of high hearts, oh, that I were upon the hill of Basin to outroar the horned herd, for I have savage cause, and to proclaim it civilly

were like a halted neck which does the hangman thank for being here about him. Reenter attendance with Thyres. Is he whipped? Soundly, my lord, cried he? and begged a pardon?

He did ask favour. 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 whipped for following him. Henceforth, 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, happy on what I am. not what he knew I was. He makes me angry, and at this time most easy tis to do it, 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 misliked 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, be gone.' "'Exit, Thyres.' "'Have you done yet?' "'Alack, our Tyne moon is now eclipsed,

"'and it portends alone the fall of Antony.' "'I must stay his time.' "'To flatter Caesar, would you mingle eyes with one that ties his points?' "'Not know me yet.' "'Cold-hearted toward me?' "'Ah, dear, if I be so, "'from my cold-heart let heaven engender hail and poisoned in the source, and the first stone drop in my neck, as it determines so dissolve my

life. The next Caesarean smite, 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. I am satisfied. Caesar sits down in Alexandria, where I will oppose his fate. Our force by land hath nobly held. Our severed navy too hath nith again, and fleet threatening most sea-like. Where hast thou been, my heart?

Dost thou here, 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 int yet. That's my brave lord. I will be trebled, sinued, hearted, breathed, and fight maliciously,

for when mine hours were nice and lucky, mended ransom lives of me for jests, but now I'll set my teeth and send to darkness all that stopped 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. It is my birthday.

I had thought to have held it poor, but since my lord is Antony again, I would be Cleopatra. We will yet do it. well. Call all his noble captains to my lord. Do so. We'll speak to them, and tonight I'll force the wine peep through their scars. Come on, my queen, the sap-int yet. The next time I do fight, I'll make death love me, for I will contend even with his pestilent scythe. Exuant all but Demitius and Abbas. Now he'll outstair the lightning. To be furious is to be frightened 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 prays on reason, it eats the sword it fights with. I will seek some way to leave him. Exit. End of Act 3. Act 4 of Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare. This is Libravox recording.

All Librevox recordings are in the public domain. For more information, ought to volunteer please visit librivox dot org act four scene one before alexandria octavius caesar's camp enter octavius caesar agrippa and mccanus with his army octavius caesar reading a letter he calls me boy and chides as he has power to beat me out of egypt my messenger he hath whipped with rods dares me me to personal combat, Caesar to Anthony. Let the old Ruffian know I have many other ways to die. Meantime laugh at his challenge. 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 made good guard for itself.

Let our best heads know that tomorrow the last of many battles we mean to fight. Within our files there are of those that served Mark Antony but late, enough to fetch him in. See it done, and feast the army. We have store to do it, and they have earned the waste. Poor Anthony! Exuant Scene 2. Alexandria, Cleopatra's Palace.

Enter Mark Antony, Cleopatra, Demitya Senebabar, Carmihan, Iris, Alexis, with others. He will not fight with me, Domitius. No. Why should he not? He thinks, being twenty times of better fortune, he is twenty men to one. Tomorrow, soldier, by sea and land, I'll fight, or I will live, or bathe my dying honor in the blood, shall make it live again. Would thou fight well? I'll strike, and cry take all.

Well said, come on, call forth my household servants, let's tonight be bounty. said our meal. Enter three or four servitors. 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. Aside to Demetius and Abbas.

What means this? Aside to Cleopatra. Tis one of those odd tricks which sorrow shoots out of the mind. And thou art honest too. I wish I could be made so many men. and all of you clapped up together in an antony that I might do you service so good as you have done. The gods forbid. Well, my good fellows, wait on me tonight, scant not my cups,

and make as much of me as when mine empire was your fellow too, and suffered my command. Aside to Demetius and Abbas, What does he mean? Aside to Cleopatra. To make his followers weep. Tend me tonight. May it be the period of your duty. Happily you shall not see me more, or if a mangled shadow. For chance tomorrow you'll serve another master.

I look on you as one that takes his leave. Mine honest friends, I turn you not away, but like a master married to your good service, stay till death. Tend me tonight two hours. I ask no more, and the gods yield you fought. 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. Ho, ho, ho! Now the witch take me, if I meant it thus, grace grow where those drops fall.

My hearty friends, you take me in two dolorous ascents, for I speak to you for your comfort. Did desire you to burn this night with tortures? No, my hearts, I hope. hope well of tomorrow and will lead you where rather I expect victorious life than death and honour. Let's the supper come and drown consideration. Exuant. Scene three, the same before the palace. Enter two soldiers to their guard. Brother, good night. Tomorrow is the day. It will determine one way. Fair you well. Heard you have nothing strange about the the streets? Nothing. What news? Be like Tisbutt a rumor. Good night to you.

Well, sir, good night. Enter to other soldiers. Soldiers, have careful watch. And you? Good night. Good night. They place themselves in every corner of the stage. Here we. And if tomorrow our Navy thrive, I have an absolute hope our landmen will stand up. It's a brave arm.

I'm full of purpose. Music of the Hort Boys as under the stage. Peace. What noise? List! Hark! Music in the air. Under the earth? It signs well, does it not?

No. Peace, I say. What should this mean? Tis the god Hercules, whom Anthony loved, now leaves him. Walk. Let's see if other watchmen do hear what we do. They advance to another post. How now, masters? Speaking together.

How now? How now? Do you hear this? I. It's not strange? Do you hear, masters? Do you hear? Follow the noise so far as we have quarter. Let's see how it will give off. Content? Tis strange. Exuant. Scene four. The same. A room in the palace. Enter Mark Antony and Cleopatra, Carmion and others attend.

Eros, my armour, Eros. Sleep a little. No, my chuck, Eros, come. My armour, Eros. Enter Eros with armour. Come, good fellow, put mine iron on. If fortune be not ours today, it is because we brave her. Come.

Nay, I'll help too. What's this for? Ah, let be, let be, thou art the armourer of my heart. False, false, this. this. Sooth, la, I'll help. Thus it must be. Well, well, we shall thrive now.

Cease thou, my good fellow, go put on thy defences. Briefly, sir. Is not this buckled well? Rarely, rarely, he that unbuckles this till we do please to daft through our repose

shall hear a storm. Thou fumblest hear us, and may queens the squire more tight than thou. Dispatch, O love, that thou could see my wars today, and use the royal occupation, thou should see a workman in't. Enter an armed soldier.

Good morrow to thee. Welcome. Thou looks like him that knows a warlike charge, to business that we love re-rise by time, and go to it with delight. A thousand, sir. Early thought be have on their riveted trim, and at the port expect you. shout, trumpets flourish. Enter captains and soldiers. The morn is fair. Good-morrow, General. Good-morrow, General. Tis well-blown, lads.

This morning, like the spirit of a youth that means to be of note, begins by times. So, so, come, give me that, this way. Well said, fare thee well, dame, what air becomes of me, this is the soldier's kiss, rebukable. Kisses her. Unworthy, shameful check it were to stand on more mechanic compliment.

I'll leave thee now like a man of steel. You that will fight, follow me close. I'll bring you to it. Adieu. Exuant Mark Anthony, Eeroffs, captains and soldiers. Please you, retire to your chamber.

Lead me. He goes forth gallantly. that he and Caesar might determine this great war and single fight. Then Antony, but now, well on. Exuant. Scene 5. Alexandria. Mark Anthony's camp. Trumpets sound.

Enter Mark Antony and Eros, a soldier meeting them. The gods make this a happy day to Antony. Would thou and those thy scars have once prevailed to make me fight at land? Hats thou done so? the kings that have revolted and the soldier that has this morning left thee would have still followed thy heels. Who's gone this morning? Who? One ever near thee.

Call for Eno Barbus. He shall not hear thee, or from Caesar's camp, say, I am none of thine. What sayest thou? Sir, he is with Caesar. Sir, his chests and treasure he has not with him. Is he gone? Most certain. Go, Eros, sent his.

treasure after do it detain no jot i charge thee write to him i will subscribe gentle adheres and greetings say that i wish he never find more cause to change a master oh my fortunes have corrupted honest men dispatch enobarbus exuant scene six alexandria octavius caesar's camp flourish enter octavius caesar agrippa with demitius enabarbus and others go forth agrippa and begin the fight our will is antony betook alive make it so known caesar i shall exit the time of universal peace is near prove this a prosperous day the three nooked world shall bear the olive freely. Enter a messenger. Antony is come into the field. Go, charge a gripper, plant those that have revolted in the van, that Anthony may seem to spend his fury upon himself.

Excerent all but to Mityas and Abbas. Alexis did revolt, and went to jury on affairs of Antony. There did persuade great Herod to incline himself to Caesar, and leave his master, Anthony, for this pain's Caesar hath hanged him. Canidius and the rest that fell away have entertainment, but no honorable trust. I have done ill, of which I do accuse myself so sorely that I will join no more. Enter a soldier of Caesars. Inobarbis, Antony hath after thee sent all thy treasure with his bounty over plus.

The messenger came on my guard, and at thy tent is now unloading of his mules. I give it you. Mock not, Inobarbis. I tell you true. best you safe the bringer out of the host. I must attend mine office, or would have done it myself. Your emperor continues still a jove. Exit. I am alone the villain of the earth, and feel I am so most. O Anthony, thou mine of bounty. How wouldst thou have paid my better service, when my turpitude thou dost so crowned with gold? This blows my heart. If swift thou break it not, a swift demean shall outstrike thought,

but thought will do it, I feel. I fight against thee. No, I will go seek some ditch wherein to die. The foulest best fits my latter part of life. Exit. Scene seven. Field of battle between the camps. Alarum.

Drums and trumpets. Enter Agrippa and others. Retire, we have engaged ourselves too far. Caesar himself has work, and our oppression exceeds what we expected. Exuant. Alarans, and to Mark Antony and Scarus wounded. O my brave emperor, this is fought indeed.

Had we done so at first, we had driven them home with clouts about their heads. Thou bleedest apace. I had a wound here that was like a T, but now Tis made an age. They do retire. We'll beat them into bench holes. I have yet room for six scotches more. Enter Eros. They are beaten, sir, and our advantage, sir.

for a fair victory. Let us score their backs and snatch them up as we take hairs behind. Tis sport to Mala Runner. I will reward thee once for thy sprightly comfort, and tenfold for thy good valour. Come thee on. I'll halt after. Exuant.

Scene eight, under the walls of Alexandria. Alarum. Enter Mark Antony in a march, Scar us with others. We have beat him to his camp, run one before and let the queen know of our guests. Tomorrow, before the sun shall see us, we will spill the blood that has today escaped. I thank you all,

for doughty-handed are you, and have fought not as you serve the cause, but as it had been each man's like mine. You have shown all hectares. Enter the city, clip your wives, your friends, tell them your feats, whilst they with joyful tears wash the congealment from your wounds

and kiss the honoured gashes whole. To Scarus. Give me thy hand. Enter Cleopatra attended. To this great fairy I'll commend thy acts. Make her thanks bless thee. To Cleopatra. O thou dare the world, chain mine armed neck.

Leap thou attire and all through proof of harness to my heart, and there ride on the pants triumphing. Lord of Lords! Oh, infinite virtue! Comeest thou smiling from the world's greatest snare, uncought. My nightingale, we have beat them to their beds. What, girl? Though grey do sometime mingle with our younger brown,

Yet are we a brain that nourishes our nerves, And can get gold for goal of youth. Behold this man, commend unto his lips thy favouring hand. Kiss it, my warrior, he hath fought today as if a god in hate of mankind, and destroyed in such a shape. I'll give thee friend an armour all of gold. It was a king's. He has deserved it,

were it car bunkled like holy Phoebus car. Give me thy hand, though Alexandria make a jolly march. Beard our hacked targets like the men that owe them. Had our great palace the capacity to camp this host, we all would sup together and drink carousers to the next day's fate which promises royal peril.

Trumpeters with brazen dint blast you the city's ear, make mingle with rattling tambourines that heaven and earth may strike their sounds together, applauding our approach. Exuant Scene 9. Octavia Caesars Camp. Sentinels at their post. 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 in battle by the second hour the morn. This last day was a shrewd one. Enter Demetius Anababas.

O bear me witness, knight. What man is this? Stand close and list him. Be witness to me, O thou blessed moon. When men revolted shall upon record bear hateful memory, poor Inabababas did before thy face repent. And O Barbus, peace, hark further. O sovereign mistress of true melancholy,

the poisonous damp of night disbunge upon me, 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 Anthony, nobler than my revolt is infamous, forgive me in thine own particular, but let the world rank me in register, a master lever and a fugitive, O Anthony, O Anthony. Dyes. Let's speak to him Let's hear him for the things he speaks May concern Caesar Let's do so

But he sleeps Swoons rather For so bad a prayer as his Was never yet for sleep Go away to him Awake sir, awake Speak to us Hear you, sir

The hand of death hath wrought him Drums are far off Hark the drums Demurely wake the sleepers Let us bear him to the court of guard he is of note. Our hour is fully out. Come on, then. He may recover yet. Exuant with the body. Seen ten. Between the two camps.

Enter Mark Anthony and Scarus with that army. Their preparation is today by sea. We please them not by land. For both, my lord. Would they'll fight either fire or in the air? We'll fight them there too. But this it is. Our foot upon the hills adjoining to the city, shall stay with us. Order for sea is given. We have put forth the haven. Where their appointment, we may best discover a nook on their endeavour. Excerent. Scene 11. Another part of the same. Enter Octavius Caesar and his army. But being charged, we will be still by land, which, as I take it,

we shall, for his best force is forth to man his galleys, to the veils, and hold our best advantage. Exuant. Scene 12. Another part of the same. Enter Mark Antony and Scarus. Yet they are not joined. Where yon pinder stand, I shall discover all. I'll bring thee words straight, how tis like to go. Exit.

Swallows have built and Cleopatra sails their nests. The augurers say they know not. They cannot tell. Look grimly and dare not speak their nests. knowledge. Anthony is valiant and dejected, and by starts, his fretted fortunes give him hope and fear of what he has and has not. Allar him afar off as at a sea fight. Re-enter Mark Anthony. All is lost. This foul Egyptian hath betrayed me. My fleet hath yielded to the foe, and yonder they cast their caps up and caroused together like friends long lost. Triple-turned-horned

whore. Tis thou hast sold me to this novice, and my heart makes only wars on thee. Bid them all fly, for when I am revenged upon my charm, I have done all. Bid them all fly. Be gone. Exit Scaris. O son, thy uprise shall I see no more. Fortune and Antony part here. Even here do we shake hands. All come to this, the hearts that spend.

me at heels, to whom I gave their wishes, due to Scandy, melt their sweets on blossoming Caesar, and his pine is barked that overtopped them all. Betrayed I am. Oh, this false soul of Egypt, this grave charm, whose eye beck forth my wars and called them home, whose bosom was my crown at, my chief end, like a right gypsy hath, at fast and loose, beguiled me to the very heart of loss. What? Eras? Eros! Enter Cleopatra.

Ah, thou smell. Avaunt! Why is my lord enraged against his love? Vanish, or I shall give thee thy deserving and a 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 poorest diminutives for doots and let patient octavia plough thy visits up with her prepared nails exit cleopatra tis well thou art gone if it be well to live but better twere thou fellest into my fury for one death might have prevented many eros ho the shirt of necest upon me teach me alcides thou mine ancestor thy rage let me lodge lichus on the horns of the moon and with those hands that grasp the heaviest club subdue my worthiest self the which shall die to this young roman boy she hath sold me and i fall under this plot she dies for it eros ho

exit scene thirteen alexandria cleopatra's palace enter cleopatra carmian iris and mardian Help me, my women. Oh, he is more mad than Telemont for his shield. The bore of Thessaly was never so embossed. To the monument. There lock yourself and send him word you are dead. The soul and body rive not more imparting than greatness going off. To the monument.

Marian, go tell him I have slayed myself. Say that the last word I spoke was Antony. I word it, prithee, piteously. Hence, Marian. and bring me how he takes my death to the monument exuant scene fourteen the same another room enter mark antony and eros eros thou yet beholdest me ay noble lord sometimes we see a cloud that'stragonish a vapour sometimes like a bear or lion a towered citadel a pendant rock a forked mountain or blue from a tree With trees upon that nod unto the world, And mock our eyes with air,

Thou hast seen these signs, They are black Vespers pageants. Aye, my lord. That which is now a horse, Even with a thought, the racked this limbs, And makes it indistinct, As water is in water. It does, my lord.

My good knave Eros, Now thy captain is even such a body. Here I am Antony. It cannot hold this visible shape, my knave. I made these wars for Egypt, and the Queen, whose heart I thought I had, for she had mine, which, whilst it was mine, had annexed unto it, a million more now lost, she, Eros, has packed cards with Caesar, and false-played my glory unto an enemy's triumph. Nay, weep not, gentle Eros, there has left us ourselves to end ourselves.

Enter Martin. Othigh, thy vile lest. lady, she has robbed me of my sword. No, Anthony, my mistress loved thee, and her fortunes mingled with thine entirely. Hence, saucy eunuch, peace, she hath betrayed me, and shall die the death. 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 Anthony, most noble Anthony. Then in the midst, a tearing groan did break the name of Anthony. It was divided between her heart and lips. She rendered life, thy name so buried in her. Dead, then? Dead. An arm irasth, the long day's task is done,

and we must sleep to mardian that thou departest hence safe does pay thy labour richly go exit martian off pluck off the sevenfold shield of adax cannot keep the battery from my heart oh cleave my sides heart once be stronger than thy continent crack thy frail case apace eros apace no more a soldier bruised pieces go you have been nobly born from me awhile exit eros i will all take thee cleopatra and 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 labour marr what it does yea very force entangles itself with strength seal then and all is done eros i come my queen eros stay for me where souls do couch on flowers will hand in hand and with our sprightly port make the ghost's gaze dido and heronias shall want troops and all the haunt be ours come eros Eros! Re-enter Eros. What would, my lord?

Since Cleopatra died, I have lived in such dishonour that the gods detest my baseness. I that with my sword quartered the world, an augury 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 the conqueror of myself. thou art sworn eros 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 it. The time is come. Thou strikest not me, tis Caesar thou defeatest. Put colour in thy cheek. The gods withhold me. Shall I do that which all the Parthian darts, though enemy, lost aim, and, could not.

Eros, wouldst thou be windowed in great Rome and see thy master thus, with pleachered arms, bending down his courageable neck, his face subdued to penetrative shame, whilst the wheeled seat of fortunate Caesar drawn before him branded his baseness that ensued? I would not see it. Come then, for with a wound I must be cured. Draw that thy honest sword which thou hast worn most useful for thy country. Oh, sir, pardon me. 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 but accidents unpurposed. Draw and come. Turn from me, then, that noble countenance wherein the worship of the whole world lies. Loe thee. Turning from him. My sword is drawn. Then do it at once the thing why thou hast drawn it. My dear master, my captain and my emperor, let me say, before I strike this bloody stroke, farewell.

She said, man, and farewell. Farewell, great chief. Shall I strike now? Now, Eros. Why, there, then. Thus, I do escape the sorrow of Antony's death. Oh, kills himself. Oh, thrice nobler than myself,

thou teachest me, O valiant eros, what I should, and thou couldst not. My queen and eros have by their brave instruction got upon me a nobleness in record, but I will be a bridegroom in my death and run into it as to a lover's bed. Come then, and eros, thy master dies, thy scholar. to do thus.

Falling on his sword. Oh, I learned of thee. Ah, not dead. Not dead. The guard, oh, dispatch me. Enter Desetis and guard. What's the noise? I've done my work in, friends.

Oh, make an end of what I've begun. The star is fallen. And time is at his period. Alas and woe. Let him that loves me strike me dead. Not I. Nor I, nor anyone. Exuant guard.

Thy death and fortunes bid thy followers fly. This sword, but shown to Caesar with his tidings, shall enter me with him. Enter Diomedes. Where is Anthony? There, Diomed. There. Lipsi, wilt not answer, man. Exit de Cetis.

"'Aught thou there, diamond, draw thy sword and give me sufficeing strokes for death?' "'Most absolute Lord, my mistress Cleopatra sent me to thee.' "'When did she send thee?' "'Now, my lord.' "'Where is she?' Locked 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 would not be purged, She sent you word she was dead. But fearing since how it might work Has sent me to proclaim the truth, And I am come I dread too late. Too late, good diamond. Call thy guard, I prithee. Whatho, the Emperor's guard.

The guard, what ho, come, your lord calls. Enter four or five of the guard of Mark Antony. Bear me, good friends, where Cleopatra bides. It is the last service that I shall command you. Woe, woe are we, sir, you may not live to wear all your true followers out. Most heavy day. Nay, my good fellows, do not please sharp fate to grace it with your sorrows. Bid that welcome which comes to punish us, and we punish it seeming to bear it lightly.

Take me up. I've led you oft. Carry me now, good friends, and have my thanks for all. Exuant, bearing Mark Antony. Scene 15. The same. A monument. Enter Cleopatra and hermaids aloft with Carmion and Iris. Oh, Carmion, I will never go from hence. Be comforted, dear madam. No, I will not. All strange and terrible events are welcome,

but comforts we despise. A size of sorrow proportion to our cause must be as great as that which makes it. Oh! enter below diomedes how now is he dead 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 oh son burn the great sphere thou movest in darkling stand the varying shore of the world o antony antony Help, Karmion, help Iris, help. Help, friends below. Let's draw him hither. Peace. Not Caesar's valor has overthrown Antony, but Antonis hath triumphed on itself. So it should be that none but Antony should conquer Antony. But woe does so?

I am dying, Egypt, dying. Only I had importuned death a while. till of many thousand kisses. The poor last, I lay up thy lips. I dare not, dear. Dear, my lord, pardon. I dare not, lest I be taken. Not the imperious show of the full fortune Caesar ever shall be broached with me.

If knife, drugs, 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, Anthony. Help me, my women. We must draw thee up.

Assist good friends. Oh, quick. Oh, I'm gone. Here's sport, indeed. How heavy weighs, my lord. Our strength is all gone into heaviness that makes the weight. Had I great Juno's power, the strong-winged mercury should fetch thee up and set thee by Jove's side.

yet come a little Wishes were ever fools Oh come Come come Come They heaved Mark Hansny aloft To Cleopatra And welcome

Welcome Die where thou hast lived Quicken with kissing Had my lips that power Thus would I wear them out A heavy sight I'm dying I'm dying

Give me some wine And let me speak a little. No, let me speak, and let me rail so high that the false housewife fortune break her wheel, provoked by my offense. One word, sweet queen, of Caesar, seek your honor with your safety. They do not go together. Gentle, hear me, none about Caesar trust but Proculaeus. My resolution in my hands I'll trust, not about Caesar. Miserable change now at my end, lament nor sorrow at, but please your thoughts in feeding them with those, my former fortunes wherein I live,

the greatest prince of the world, the noblest, oh! And do now not basely die, nor cowardly put my helmet off to my countryman, a Roman by a Roman, valiantly vanquished. Now, my spirit is going, I can no more. Noblest of men, who die? Has thou no care of me? Shall I abide in this dull world, which in thy absence is no better than us die? See, my women?

Mark Anthony dies. The crown of the earth doth melt. My lord, oh, with it is the gallant of the world. war. The soldier's pole is fallen. Young boys and girls are level now with men. The odds is gone.

And there is nothing left remarkable beneath the visiting moon. Faints. Oh, quietness, lady. She is dead too. Our sovereign. Lady.

Madam. Oh, madam. Madam! Madam! Madam! Royal Egypt! Empress! Peace! Peace, Iris! No more, but in a woman, and commanded by such poor passion as the maid that milks and does the meanest chairs.

It were for me to throw my scepter at the injurious gods, to tell them that this world did equal theirs till they had stolen our jewel. All's but not. Patience is Scottish and impatience does become a dog that's mad. "'Then is it sin to rush into the secret house of death, "'e'er death dare come to us? "'How do you, women?' "'What, what, good cheer.

"'Why, how now, Carmion? "'My noble girls! "'Ah, women, women, look, a 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 "'and make death proud to take it.

us come away this case of that huge spirit now is cold oh women women come we have no friend but resolution and the briefest end exuant those above bearing off mark antony's body End of Act 4 Act 5 of Anthony Cleopatra by William Shakespeare This is a Librivox recording All Librevox recordings are in the public domain For more information or to volunteer Please visit Librivox.org Act 5

Scene 1 Alexandria Octavius Caesar's camp Enter Octavius Caesar Agrippa Dola Bella, Macanus, Gaelus, Proculaeus, and others, his Council of War. Go to him, Dolabella, bid him yield. Being so frustrated, tell him he mocks the pauses that he makes. Caesar, I shall. Exit. Enter Dercetus with the sword of Mark Antony. Wherefore is that? And what art thou that darest appear thus to us?

I am called Dersetus. Mark Antony I served, who best was worth. 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 pleased 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. What hast thou say'st? I say, O Caesar, Antony is dead. 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 a moiety of the world. 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 axe it did, hath, with the courage which the heart did lend it, splited the heart. This is his sword.

I robbed his wound of it. behold it stained with his most noble blood. Look you sad, friends, the gods rebuke me, but it is tidings to wash the eyes of kings. And strange it is that nature must compel us to lament our most persisted deeds. His taints and honors waged equal with him. A rarer spirit never did steer humanity, but you gods will give us some faults to make us men.

Caesar is touched. When such a spacious mirrors set before him, he needs must see himself. O, Antony, I have followed thee to this, but we do lance diseases in our bodies. I must perforce 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 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 unreconsilable should divide our equalness to this. Hear me, good friends, but I will tell you at some metre season.

Enter an Egyptian. The business of this man looks out of him. We'll hear him what he says. Whence are you? A poor Egyptian yet, The queen, my mistress, confined in all she has, Her monument, of thy intent's desire's instruction, That she preparedly may frame herself to the way she's forced to.

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. So the gods preserve thee. Exit. Come hither, Perculius. Go and say we purpose her no shame.

Give her what comforts the quality of her passion shall require, 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. Caesar, I shall. Exit. GALUS, go you along. Exit, GALISIT GALUS.

Where's Dolabella to second preculeous? Dolabella! Let him alone, for I remember now how he's employed. He shall in time be ready. Go with me to my tent, where you shall see how hardly I was drawn to this war, how calm and gentle I proceeded still in all my writings. Go with me and see what I can show in this.

Exuant Scene 2. Alexandria, a room in the monument. Enter Cleopatra, Calm. 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 to do that thing that ends all other deeds, which shackles accidents and bolts up change, which sleeps and never pallets more the Doug, the beggars' nurse, and Caesar's. Enter to the gates of the monument, Prokuleus, Gallus, and soldiers.

Caesar sends greeting to the Queen of Egypt, and bids thee study on what fair demands thou means to have him grant thee. What's thy name? My name is Prokuleus. 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 would have a queen his beggar,

you must tell him that majesty, to keep decorum, must no less beg than a kingdom. If he pleased to give me conquered Egypt for my son, he gives me so much of mine own, as I will kneel to him with thanks. Be of good cheer. You're falling into a princely hand, fear nothing. Make your full reference freely to my lord,

who is so full of grace that it flows over on all at need. Let me report to him your sweet dependency, and you shall find a conqueror there will play in aid for kindness, where he for grace is kneel to. Pray you, tell him 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 in the face.

This I'll report, dear lady, have comfort, for I know your plight is pitied of him that caused it. You see how easily she may be surprised. Here Prokuleus and two of the guard ascend to the monument by a ladder, placed against a window, and having descended come behind Cleopatra, some of the guard unbar and open the gates. To Prokuleus and the guard. Guard her till Caesar come.

Exit. Royal Queen! O Cleopatra! Thou art'st taken, Queen! Quick, quick, good hands! Drawing a dagger. Hold, worthy lady, hold! Caeses and disarms her.

Do not yourself such wrong, who are in this relieved, but not betrayed. What of death too? That rids our dogs of languish? 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. Where art thou, death? Come hither, come, come, come, and take a queen, were they many babes and beggars. Oh, temperance, lady. Sir, I will eat no meat. I'll not drink, sir. If idle talk will once be necessary. I'll not sleep neither.

This mortal house I'll ruin. Do Caesar what he can. No, sir, that I will not wait, pinioned at your master's court, nor once be chastised with the sober eye of dull Octavia. Shall they hoist me up and show me to the shouting violetry 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 blow me into abhorring.

rather make my country's high pyramids my gibbet And hang me up in chains You do extend these thoughts of horror Further than you shall find cause in Caesar Enter Dolabella Proculaeus What thou hast done thy master Caesar knows And he hath sent for thee

For the queen I'll take her to my guard So, Dolabella It shall content me best Be gentle to her To Cleopatra To Caesar I will speak What ye shall please

If you'll employ me to him. Say I would die. Exuant Prokuleus and soldiers. Most noble empress, you have heard of me? I cannot tell. Assuredly you know me. No matter, sir, what I have heard or known.

You laugh when boys or women tell their dreams. Is it not your trick? I understand not, madam. I dreamed there was an emperor, Antony. Oh, such another sleep, that I might see but such another man. If it might please ye. His face was as the heavens, and therein stuck a sun and moon, which kept their course, and lighted the little O, the earth.

Most sovereign creature! His legs bestred the ocean. His reared arm crested the world. His voice was properied as all the tune's fears, 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 it. and autumn twas that grew the more by reaping

His delights were dolphin-like They showed his back Above the element they lived in In his livery Walked crowns and crownets Realms and islands Were as plates dropped from his pocket Cleopatra

Think you there was Or might be Such a man as this I dreamed of Gentle madam no You lie Up to the hearing of the gods 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 an antony were nature's peace against fancy, condemning shadows quite. Hear me, good madam. Your loss is yourself, great, and you bear it as answering to the weight.

Would I might never or take pursued success, but I do feel, by the rebound of yours, A grief that smites my very heart at root. I thank you, sir. Know you what Caesar means to do with me? I am loath to tell you what I would you knew. Nay, pray you, sir. Though he'd be honourable.

He'll lead me then in triumph. Madam, he will. I know it. Flourish and shout within. Make way there! Octavius Caesar! Enter Octavius Caesar. Gallas, Proculeus, Macanus, Seleucus.

and others of his train. Which is the queen of Egypt? It is the emperor, madam. Cleopatra kneels. Arise. You shall not kneel. I pray you rise. Rise, Egypt. Sir, the gods will have it thus. My master and my lord I must obey. 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.

sole sir of the world 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 Cleopatra, no, we will extenuate rather than in force. 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 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. May through all the world, tis yours, and we your scutcheons and your signs of conquest shall hang in what place you please. Hear, my good lord. You shall advise me in all for Cleopatra. This is the brief of money, plate, and jewels I am possessed of. Tis exactly valued, not petty things admitted. Where's Seleucious? Here, madame.

This is my treasurer. Let him speak, my lord, upon his peril, that I have reserved to myself nothing. Speak the truth, Solution. Madame, I had rather seal my lips than to my peril, to speak that which is not. What have I kept back? Enough to purchase what you have made known. Nay, blush not, Cleopatra.

I approve your wisdom in the deed. See, Caesar? Oh, behold, how pomp is followed. Mine will now be yours, and should we shift estates, yours would be mine. The ingratitude. of this Lucius 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, Solace villain, dog, O rarely base. Good queen, let us entreat you. O Caesar, what a wounding shame is this, that thou vouchsafing here to visit me, doing the honour of thy lordliness 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, emmoment toys, things of such dignity 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 beneath the fall I have. to Salukas. Preet thee go hence, or I shall show the cinders of my spirits through the ashes of my chance. Wirt thou a man thou wouldest have mercy on me. Forbear, Salusus, exit Salucas.

Be it known that we, the greatest, are misthought for things that others do. And when we fall, we answer others' merits in our name, are therefore to be pitied. Cleopatra, not what you have reserved, nor what you have reserved, nor what, acknowledged put we the role of conquest still be it yours bestow it at your pleasure and believe seizes no merchant to make prize with you of things that merchants sold therefore be cheered make not your thoughts your prisons no dear queen for we intend so to dispose you as 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

My master and my lord. Not so. Adieu. Flourish. Exuant Octavia Caesar and his train. He words me, girls, he words me, that I should not be noble to myself. But hark thee, Karmian. Whispers Karmian.

Finish, good lady, the bright day is done, and we are for the dark. Hy thee again, I have spoke already, and it is provided. Go put it to the haste. Madam, I will. We enter Dola Bella. Where is the question? Queen. Behold, sir. Exit.

Dolabella. 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. Make your best use of this. I have performed your pleasure and my promise. Dola Bella, I shall remain your debtor. I, your servant. Adieu.

Good queen. I must attend on Caesar. Farewell and thanks. Exit Stolabella. Now, Iris, what thinkest thou? Thou an Egyptian puppet shall be shown in Rome as well as I. Mechanic slaves with greasy aprons, rules, and hammers shall uplift us to the view. And their thick breaths rank of gross diet shall be enclouded and forced to drink their vapour. But gods forbid!

Nay, tis most certain, Iris. Sossy lictors will care. catch at us like strumpets, and scald rhymers ballad us out of tune. The quick comedians extemporally will stage us, and present our Alexandrian revels. Antony shall be brought drunken forth, and I shall see some squeaking Cleopatra boy my greatness in the posture of a whore. Oh, the good gods! Nay, that's certain. I'll never see it, for I am sure my nails are stronger than mine eyes. Why, that's the way to fool their preparation.

and to conquer their most absurd intents. Re-enter Carmion. Now, Carmion. Show me my women like a queen. Go fetch my best attires. I am again for Sidness, to meet Mark Antony. Sirrah, Iris, go. Now, noble Camion, we'll dispatch indeed.

And when thou hast done this chair, I'll give thee leave to play till doomsday. Bring our crown and all. Wherefore's this noise? Exit Iris, a noise within. Enter a guardsman. Here is a rural fellow that will not be denied your highness' presence. He brings you fakes.

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 of woman in me. Now, from head to foot, I am marble, constant. Now the fleeting moon, no planet is of mine. Reenter guardsman with clown bringing in the basket.

is the man. Avoid and leave him. Exit Gonsman. Hast thou the pretty worm of Nylis there, that kills and pains not? Truly, I have him, but I would not be the party that should desire you to touch him, for his biting is immortal. Those that do die of it do seldom or never recover. Rememberst thou any that have died on it?

Very many, men and women, too. I heard of one of them no longer than yesterday. A very honest woman, but something given to lie, as a woman should not do, but in the way of honesty, the how she died of the biting of it, what pain she felt. Truly she makes a very good report of the worm, but he that will believe all that they say shall never be saved by half that they do. But this is most fallible, the worm's an odd worm.

Get the hands, farewell. I wish you all joy of the worm. Setting down his basket. Farewell. You must think this look you, that the worm will do his kind. Aye, aye, farewell. Look you, the worm is not to be trusted but in the keeping of wise, people, for indeed there is no goodness in worm.

Take thou no care. It shall be heeded. Very good. Give it nothing, I pray you for. It is not worth the feeding. Will it eat me? 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 not. But truly, these same horse-son devils do the gods great harm in their women, for in every ten that they make the devil's mar five. We'll get thee gone, farewell.

Yes, forsooth, I wish you joy owe the worm. Exit. Reenter Iris with a robe, crown, etc. 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. Yeah, yeah, good Iris, quick. May think's I hear Anthony 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. Now to that name, my courage prove my title. I am fire and air. My other elements

I give to Bacer life. So have you done? Come then, and take the last warmth of my lips. Farewell, kind Carmiin. Iris, long farewell. Kisses them. Iris falls and dies.

Aspick in my lips, dost fall? If thou in nature can so gently part, the stroke of death is as a lover's pinch, which hurts and is desired. Dost thou lie still? If thus thou vanishest, thou tellest the world, it is not worth leave-taking. Dissolve, thick cloud and rain, that I may say the gods themselves do weep. This proves me base. 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. With thy sharp teeth, this knot intrinsicative life at once untie. Poor venomous fool be angry and despatch. Oh, couldst thou speak, that I might hear thee call great Caesar ass unpolisied?

Oh, Eastern Star! Peace, peace, dost thou not see my baby at my breast? That sucks the nurse asleep. Oh, break! Oh, break! As sweet as balm, as soft as air, as gentle. Oh, Anthony! Nay, I will take thee to. Applying another asp to her arm.

What should I say? Dyes. In this vile world! So fare thee well. Now boast thee, death, In thy possession lies, alas, unparalleled, Downy windows, clothes, And golden Phoebus never be beheld of eyes again so royal.

Your crowns awry, I'll mend it, and then play. Enter the guard rushing in. Where is the queen? Speak softly, wake her not. Caesar hath sent. Too slow, a messenger. Applies an asp. O come apace, dispatch, I partly feel thee.

Proach, ho, all's not well, Caesar's beguiled. There's Dolabella, sent from Caesar, call him. What work is here? Charmian, is this well done? It is well done, and fitting for a princess descended of so many royal kings. Ah, soldier! Dyes, re-enter Dolabella. How goes it here? All did.

Caesar, thy thoughts touch their effects in this. Thyself art coming to see performed the dreaded act which thou so soughtest to hinder. Within. Away there! Away for Caesar! Reenter Octavius Caesar and all his train, marching. Oh, sir, you are too sure an augurer. That you did fear is done. "'Bravest at the last.

"'She leveled at our purposes, "'and being royal took her own way. "'The manner of their deaths. "'I do not see them bleed. "'Who was last with them?' "'A simple countryman that brought her figs. "'This was his basket. "'Poisoned then.

"'Oh, Caesar, this charming and lived, "'but now she stood and spake. "'I found her trimming up the diadem "'on her dead mistress. "'Tremblingly she stood, "'and all of a sudden dropped. O noble weakness! If they had swallowed poison

Would appear by external swelling, But she looks like sleep, As she would catch another Antony In her strong toil of grace. Here, on her breast, There is a vent of blood and something blown. The like is on her arm. This is an Aspix trail,

And these fig leaves have slime upon them, Such as the Aspic leaves, upon the caves of Nile. 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. 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 brought them to be lamented. Our army shall in solemn show attend this feast. funeral, and then to Rome. Come, Dolabella, see high order in this great solemnity. Exuant End of Act 5. End of Antony Cleopatra by William Shakespeare.