Till, like a boy, you see him cringe his face,
And whine aloud for mercy: Take him hence.
Thyr Mark Antony,-
Ant.

Tug him away: being whipp'd, Bring him again :-This Jack of Cæsar's shall Bear us an errand to him.—

[Exeunt Attend. with Thyreus. You were half blasted ere I knew you :-Ha! Have my pillow left unpress'd in Rome, Forborne the getting of a lawful race, And by a gem of women, to be abus'd By one that looks on feeders?!

Cleo.

Good my lord,Ant. You have been a boggler ever :— But when we in our viciousness grow hard, (O misery on't!) the wise gods seel? our eyes; In our own filth drop our clear judgments; make us Adore our errors; laugh at us, while we strut To our confusion.

Cleo.

O, is it come to this?

Ant. I found you as a morsel, cold upon Dead Cæsar's trencher: nay, you were a fragment Of Cneius Pompey's; besides what hotter hours, Unregister'd in vulgar fame, you have Luxuriously pick'd out :-For I am sure,

Ant. Cold-hearted toward me? Cleo.

Ah, dear, if I be so,

From my cold heart let heaven engender hail,
And poison it in the source; and the first stone
Drop in my neck: as it determines,7 so
Dissolve my life! The next Cæsarions smite!
Till, by degrees, the memory of my womb,
Together with my brave Egyptians all,
By the discandying9 of this pelleted storm,
Lie graveless; till the flies and gnats of Nile
Have buried them for prey!

Ant.
I am satisfied.
Cæsar sits down in Alexandria; where
I will oppose his fate. Our force by land
Hath nobly held; our sever'd navy toe
Have knit again, and fleet,10 threat'ning most sea-
like.

Where hast thou been, my heart?-Dost thou hear,

lady?

If from the field I shall return once more
To kiss these lips, I will appear in blood;
I and my sword will earn our chronicle;
There is hope in it yet.
Cleo.
That's my brave lord!
Ant. I will be treble-sinew'd, hearted, breath'd,

:

Wherefore is this?

Cleo.
Ant. To let a fellow that will take rewards,
And say, God quit you! be familiar with
My playfellow, your hand; this kingly seal,
And plighter of high hearts!-O, that I were
Upon the hill of Basan, to outroar

The horned herd! for I have savage cause;
And to proclaim it civilly, were like

A halter'd neck, which does the hangman thank
For being yare about him.-Is he whipp'd?

Re-enter Attendants, with Thyreus.

1 Att. Soundly, my lord.

Ant.

Cry'd he? and begg'd he pardon?

1 Att. He did ask favour.

Ant. If that thy father live, let him repent Thou wast not made his daughter; and be thou sorry To follow Cæsar in his triumph, since

Thou hast been whipp'd for following him : henceforth,

The white hand of a lady fever thee,
Shake thou to look on't.-Get thee back to Cæsar,
Tell him thy entertainment: Look, thou say,
He makes me angry with him: for he seems
Proud and disdainful; harping on what I am;
Not what he knew I was: He makes me angry;
And at this time most easy 'tis to do't;
When my good stars, that were my former guides,
Have empty left their orbs, and shot their fires
Into the abysm of hell. If he mislike

My speech, and what is done; tell him, he has
Hipparchus, my enfranchis'd bondman, whom
He may at pleasure whip, or hang, or torture,
As he shall like, to quits me: Urge it thou:
Hence, with thy stripes, begone. [Exit Thyreus.
Cleo. Have you done yet?

Ant.
Alack, our terrene6 moon
Is now eclips'd; and it portends alone
The fall of Antony!

Cleo. I must stay his time. Ant. To flatter Cæsar, would you mingle eyes With one that ties his points? Cleo.

Not know me yet?

Were nicell and lucky, men did ransom lives Of me for jests, but now, I'll set my teeth, And send to darkness all that stop me.-Come, Let's have one other gaudy12 night: call to me All my sad captains, fill our bowls; once more Let's mock the midnight bell.

Cleo.

It is my birth-day:

I had thought, to have held it poor; but, since my

lord

There's sap in't yet. The next time I do fight, I'll make death love me; for I will contend Even with his pestilent scythe.

[Exeunt Antony, Cleopatra, and Attend. Eno. Now he'll out-stare the lightning. To be furious,

Is, to be frighted out of fear and in that mood,
The dove will peck the estridge;13 and I see still,
A diminution in our aptain's brain
Restores his heart: When valour preys on reason,
It eats the sword it fights with. I will seek
Some way to leave him.

ACT IV.

[Exit.

SCENE I-Cæsar's camp at Alexandria. Enter Cæsar, reading a letter; Agrippa, Mæcenas, and others.

Cas. He calls me boy; and chides, as he had power

To beat me out of Egypt: my messenger He hath whipp'd with rods; dares me to personal combat,

Cæsar to Antony: Let the old ruffian know, I have many other ways to die; mean time, |Laugh at his challenge.

(9) Melting. (12) Feasting.

Mac. Cæsar 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.

Cæs. Let our best heads Know, that to-morrow the last of many battles We mean to fight:-Within our files there are Of those that serv'd Mark Antony but late, Enough to fetch him in. See it be done; And feast the army: we have store to do't, And they have earn'd the waste. Poor Antony!

[Exeunt.

you

You take me in too dolorous a sense:
I spake to you for your comfort: did desire
To burn this night with torches: Know, my hearts,
I hope well of to-morrow; and will lead you,
Where rather I'll expect victorious life,
Than death and honour. Let's to supper; come,
And drown consideration.
[Exeunt.

SCENE III.-The same. Before the palace.
Enter two Soldiers, to their guard.

1 Sold. Brother, good night: to-morrow is the day.

2 Sold. It will determine one way: fare you well.

ace. Enter Antony, Cleopatra, Enobarbus, Charmian, Iras, Alexas, and others.

Ant. He will not fight with me, Domitius.
Eno.

Ant. Why should he not?

1 Sold. Nothing: What news? 2 Sold. Good night to you.

1 Sold.

No.

Belike, 'tis but a rumour:

Well, sir, good night.

Soldiers,

Enter two other Soldiers.

Have careful watch.

3 Sold. And you: Good night, good night. [The first two place themselves at their posts. 4 Sold. Here we : [They take their posts.] and if to-morrow

Our navy thrive, I have an absolute hope
Our landmen will stand up.

3 Sold.

And full of purpose.

4 Sold.

1 Sold.

3 Sold.

'Tis a brave army,

[Music of hautboys under the stage. Peace, what noise?

List, list!

2 Sold. Hark!

1 Sold. Music i'the air.

Under the earth.

And kings have been your fellows.

Out of the mind.

What does he mean? Eno. To make his followers weep. Ant. Tend me to-night; May be, it is the period of your duty: Haply,2 you shall not see me more; or if, A mangled shadow: perchance, to-morrow 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 to-night two hours, I ask no more, And the gods yield3 you for't!

Peace, I say. What should this mean. 2 Sold. 'Tis the god Hercules, whom Antony lov'd,

Now leaves him.

1 Sold. Walk; let's see if other watchinen Do hear what we do.

2 Sold.

Sold.

[They advance to another post. How now, masters?

How now? do you hear this?

How now?

[Several speaking together. 1 Sold. Ay; Is't not strange? 3 Sold. Do you hear, masters? do you hear? 1 Sold. Follow the noise so far as we have quarter; Let's see how't will give off.

Sold. [Several speaking.] Content: 'Tis strange. [Exeunt.

SCENE IV.-The same. A room in the palace. Enter Antony, and Cleopatra; Charmian, and others, attending.

Ant. Eros! mine armour, Eros!
Cleo.

Sleep a little. Ant. No, my chuck.-Eros, come; mine armour, Eros!

Enter Eros, with armour.
Come, my good fellow, put thine iron on :-
If fortune be not ours to-day, it is
Because we brave her.-Come.

Enter other Officers, and Soldiers.

2 Offi. The morn is fair.--Good morrow, general. All Good morrow, general. Ant. 'Tis well blown, lads. This morning, like the spirit of a youth That means to be of note, begins betimes.-So, so; come, give me that: this way; well said. Fare thee well, dame, whate'er becomes of me : This is a soldier's kiss: rebukable, [Kisses her. And worthy 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't.-Adieu.

[Exeunt Antony, Eros, Officers, and Sold. Char. Please you, retire to your chamber? Cleo. Lead me: He goes forth gallantly. That he and Cæsar might Determine this great war in single fight! Then, Antony,-But now,-Well, on. [1 [Exeunt. SCENE V.-Antony's camp near Alexandria. Trumpets sound. Enter Antony and Eros; a Soldier meeting them.

Sold. The gods make this a happy day to Antony! Ant. 'Would, thou and those thy scars had once prevail'd

To make me fight at land!

Sold. Hadst thou done so, The kings that have revolted, and the soldier That has this morning left thee, would have still Follow'd thy heels.

Ant.

Sold.

Who's gone this morning?

Who?

Is come into the field.

Antony

Cæs. Go, charge Agrippa Plant those that have revolted in the van, That Antony may seem to spend his fury Upon himself. [Exeunt Cæsar and his train. Eno. Alexas did revolt; and went to Jewry, On affairs of Antony; there did persuade Great Herod to incline himself to Cæsar, And leave his master Antony for this pains, Cæsar hath hang'd him. Canidius, and the rest have entertainment, but No honourable trust. Of which I do accuse myself so sorely, I have done ill; That I will joy no more.

That fell away,

Enter a Soldier of Cæsar's.
Sold.
Enobarbus, Antony
Hath after thee sent all thy treasure, with
His bounty overplus: The messenger
Came on my guard; and at thy tent is now,
Unloading of his mules.
Eno. I give it you.
Sold.

Mock me not, Enobarbus.
I tell you true: Best that you saf'd the bringer
Out of the host; I must attend mine office,
Or would have done't myself. Your emperor
Continues still a Jove.
[Exit Soldier.
Eno. I am alone the villain of the earth,
And feel I am so most.
O Antony,
Thou mine of bounty, how would'st thou have paid
My better service, when my turpitude
Thou dost so crown with gold! This blowss my

heart:

If swift thought break it not, a swifter mean
Shall outstrike thought: but thought will do't, I feel.
I fight against thee !-No: I will go seek
Some ditch, wherein to die; the foul'st best fits
My latter part of life.
[Exit.

SCENE VII.-Field of battle between the camps. Alarum. Drums and trumpets. Enter Agrippa, and others.

Agr. Retire, we have engag'd ourselves too far: Cæsar himself has work, and our oppression Exceeds what we expected.

[Exeunt.

Alarum. Enter Antony and Scarus, wounded. Scar. O my brave emperor, this is fought indeed! Had we done so at first, we had driven them home With clouts about their heads.

Ant.

Thou bleed'st apace. Scar. I had a wound here that was like a T, But now 'tis made an H.

Ant.
They do retire.
Scar. We'll beat 'em into bench-holes; I have yet
(5) Swells.

(4) Riveted dress, armour.

Room for six scotches1 more.

Enter Eros.

SCENE IX-Cæsar's camp. Sentinels on their post. Enter Enobarbus.

1 Sold. If we be not reliev'd within this hour,

SCENE VIII.-Under the walls of Alexandria. Alarum. Enter Antony, marching; Scarus, and forces.

Ant. We have beat him to his camp; Run one before,

And let the queen know of our guests.-To-morrow,
Before the sun shall see us, we'll spill the blood
That has to-day escap'd. I thank you all;
For doughty2-handed are you; and have fought
Not as you serv'd the cause, but as it had been
Each man's like mine; you have shown all Hectors.
Enter the city, clip3 your wives, your friends,
Tell them your feats; whilst they with joyful tears
Wash the congealment from your wounds, and kiss
The honour'd gashes whole.-Give me thy hand;
[To Scarus.

Enter Cleopatra, attended.

To this great fairy4 I'll commend thy acts, Make her thanks bless thee.-O thou day o'the world,

Chain mine arm'd neck; leap thou, attire and all, Through proof of harness to my heart, and there Ride on the pants triumphing.

Cleo.

Lord of lords!

O infinite virtue! com'st thou smiling from
The world's great snare uncaught?
Ant.

My nightingale, We have beat them to their beds. What, girl? though grey

Do something mingle with our brown; yet have we
A brain that nourishes our nerves, and can
Get goal for goal of youth. Behold this man ;
Commend unto his lips thy favouring hand;-
Kiss it, my warrior:-He hath fought to-day,
As if a god, in hate of mankind, had
Destroy'd in such a shape.

Cleo.
I'll give thee, friend,
An armour all of gold; it was a king's.

Ant. He has deserv'd it, were it carbuncled
Like holy Phoebus' car.-Give me thy hand;
Through Alexandria make a jolly march;
Bear our hack'd targets like the men that owe them:6
Had our great palace the capacity

To camp this host, we all would sup together;
And drink carouses to the next day's fate,
Which promises royal peril.-Trumpeters,
With brazen din blast you the city's ear;
Make mingle with our rattling tabourines ;7
That heaven and earth may strike their sounds to-
gether,
Applauding our approach.

(2) Brave.

[Exeunt.

(3) Embrace.

(1) Cuts. (4) Beauty united with power, was the popular characteristic of fairies.

them.

Armour of proof.

As becomes the brave warriors that own

Is shiny; and, they say, we shall embattle By the second hour i'the morn. 2 Sold.

A shrewd one to us.

Eno.

This last day was

O, bear me witness, night,

Eno. O sovereign mistress of true melancholy, The poisonous damp of night disponges 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 Antony,
Nobler than my revolt is infamous,
Forgive me in thine own particular;
But let the world rank me in register
A master-leaver, and a fugitive:
O Antony! O Antony!

3 Sold. Awake, awake, sir; 2 Sold.

1 Sold. The hand of death Hark, the drums

Demurely 10 wake the sleepers. To the court of guard; he is Is fully out.

Go we to him. speak to us.

Hear you, sir? hath raught him. [Drums afar off. Let us bear him note: our hour

of

[Exeunt with the body.

Enter

3 Sold. Come on then; He may recover yet.

SCENE X-Between the two camps.
Antony and Scarus, with forces, marching.
Ant. Their preparation is to-day by sea;
We please them not by land.

Scar.
For both, my lord.
Ant. I would, they'd fight i'the fire, or in the air;
We'd fight there too. But this it is; Our foot
Upon the hills adjoining to the city,
Shall stay with us: order for sea is given;
They have put forth the haven: Further on,
Where their appointment we may best discover,
And look on their endeavour. 11
[Exeunt.

Enter Cæsar, and his forces, marching. Caes. But12 being charg'd, we will be still by land, Which, as I take't, we shall; for his best force Is forth to man his galleys. To the vales, And hold our best advantage.

Alarum afar off, as at a sea-fight. Antony.

Ant.

All is lost; This foul Egyptian hath betrayed me: My fleet hath yielded to the foe; and yonder They cast their caps up, and carouse together Like friends long lost.-Triple-turn'd whore !! 'tis

thou

Enter Cleopatra.

Ah, thou spell! Avaunt!

Cleo. Why is my lord enrag'd against his love? Ant. Vanish; or I shall give thee thy deserving, And blemish Cæsar's triumph. Let him take thee, And hoist thee up to the shouting plebeians : Follow his chariot, like the greatest spot Of all thy sex; most monster-like, be shown For poor'st diminutives, to dolts ;6 and let Patient Octavia plough thy visage up

Ant. Eros, thou yet behold'st me?
Eros.
Ay, noble lord.
Ant. Sometime, we see a cloud that's dragonish ;
A vapour, sometime, like a bear, or lion,
A tower'd citadel, a pendant rock,

A forked mountain, or blue promontory
With trees upon't, that nod unto the world,
And mock our eyes with air: Thou hast seen these
signs;

They are black vesper's pageants.

Eros.

Ay, my lord. Ant. That, which is now a horse, even with a thought,

The rack 12 dislimns; and makes it indistinct,
As water is in water.

Eros.

It does, my lord.

queen,

Even such a body: here I am Antony;
Ant. My good knave,13 Eros, now thy captain is
Yet cannot hold this visible shape, my knave.
I made these wars for Egypt; and the
Whose heart, I thought, I had, for she had mine;
Which, whilst it was mine, had annex'd unto't
A million more, now lost,-she, Eros, has
Pack'd cards with Cæsar, and false play'd my glory
Unto an enemy's triumph.—

Nay, weep not, gentle Eros; there is left us
Ourselves to end ourselves. O, thy vile lady!
Enter Mardian

She has robb'd me of my sword.
Mar.
No, Antony;
My mistress lov'd thee, and her fortunes mingled

thou'rt gone,

If it be well to live: But better 'twere
Thou fell'st into my fury, for one death
Might have prevented many.-Eros, ho!—
The shirt of Nessus is upon me: Teach me,
Alcides, thou mine ancestor, thy rage:
Let me lodge Lichas8 on the horns o'the moon;
And with those hands, that grasp'd the heaviest club,
Subdue my worthiest self. The witch shall die;
To the Roman boy she hath sold me, and I fall
Under this plot: she dies for't.-Eros, ho! [Exit.

(1) Cleopatra first belonged to Julius Cæsar, then to Antony, and now, as Antony supposes, to|| Augustus.

(2) Deadly piece of witchcraft.

(3) Was the motion for. (4) Finish. (5) A cheating game, at present named pricg at the belt.

(6) For the smallest piece of money, to clowns.

money,

Ant. Hence, saucy eunuch; peace; She hath betray'd me, and shall die the death. Mar. Death of one person can be paid but once; And that she has discharg'd: What thou would'st do, Is done unto thy hand; the last she spake Was, Antony! most noble Antony! Then in the midst a tearing groan did break The name of Antony; it was divided Between her heart and lips: she render'd life, Thy name so buried in her.