Open Source Shakespeare

Antony and Cleopatra

Act IV

Scene 1. Before Alexandria. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s camp.

Scene 2. Alexandria. CLEOPATRA’s palace.

Scene 3. The same. Before the palace.

Scene 4. The same. A room in the palace.

Scene 5. Alexandria. MARK ANTONY’s camp.

Scene 6. Alexandria. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s camp.

Scene 7. Field of battle between the camps.

Scene 8. Under the walls of Alexandria.

Scene 9. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s camp.

Scene 10. Between the two camps.

Scene 11. Another part of the same.

Scene 12. Another part of the same.

Scene 13. Alexandria. Cleopatra’s palace.

Scene 14. The same. Another room.

Scene 15. The same. A monument.

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Act IV, Scene 1

Before Alexandria. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s camp.

       

[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, AGRIPPA, and MECAENAS, with] [p]his Army; OCTAVIUS CAESAR reading a letter]

  • Octavius. He calls me boy; and chides, as he had power
    To beat me out of Egypt; my messenger
    He hath whipp'd with rods; dares me to personal combat,
    Caesar to Antony: let the old ruffian know
    I have many other ways to die; meantime 2500
    Laugh at his challenge.
  • Mecaenas. Caesar must think,
    When one so great begins to rage, he's hunted
    Even to falling. Give him no breath, but now
    Make boot of his distraction: never anger 2505
    Made good guard for itself.
  • Octavius. Let our best heads
    Know, that to-morrow the last of many battles
    We mean to fight: within our files there are,
    Of those that served Mark Antony but late, 2510
    Enough to fetch him in. See it done:
    And feast the army; we have store to do't,
    And they have earn'd the waste. Poor Antony!

[Exeunt]


       

Act IV, Scene 2

Alexandria. CLEOPATRA’s palace.

       

[Enter MARK ANTONY, CLEOPATRA, DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS,] [p]CHARMIAN, IRAS, ALEXAS, with others]

  • Antony. He will not fight with me, Domitius.
  • Domitius Enobarus. No.
  • Antony. Why should he not?
  • Domitius Enobarus. He thinks, being twenty times of better fortune, 2520
    He is twenty men to one.
  • Antony. To-morrow, soldier,
    By sea and land I'll fight: or I will live,
    Or bathe my dying honour in the blood
    Shall make it live again. Woo't thou fight well? 2525
  • Domitius Enobarus. I'll strike, and cry 'Take all.'
  • Antony. Well said; come on.
    Call forth my household servants: let's to-night
    Be bounteous at our meal.
    [Enter three or four Servitors] 2530
    Give me thy hand,
    Thou hast been rightly honest;—so hast thou;—
    Thou,—and thou,—and thou:—you have served me well,
    And kings have been your fellows.
  • Cleopatra. [Aside to DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS] What means this? 2535
  • Domitius Enobarus. [Aside to CLEOPATRA] 'Tis one of those odd
    tricks which sorrow shoots
    Out of the mind.
  • Antony. And thou art honest too.
    I wish I could be made so many men, 2540
    And all of you clapp'd up together in
    An Antony, that I might do you service
    So good as you have done.
  • All. The gods forbid!
  • Antony. Well, my good fellows, wait on me to-night: 2545
    Scant not my cups; and make as much of me
    As when mine empire was your fellow too,
    And suffer'd my command.
  • Cleopatra. [Aside to DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS] What does he mean?
  • Domitius Enobarus. [Aside to CLEOPATRA] To make his followers weep. 2550
  • Antony. Tend me to-night;
    May be it is the period of your duty:
    Haply you shall not see me more; or if,
    A mangled shadow: perchance to-morrow
    You'll serve another master. I look on you 2555
    As one that takes his leave. Mine honest friends,
    I turn you not away; but, like a master
    Married to your good service, stay till death:
    Tend me to-night two hours, I ask no more,
    And the gods yield you for't! 2560
  • Domitius Enobarus. What mean you, sir,
    To give them this discomfort? Look, they weep;
    And I, an ass, am onion-eyed: for shame,
    Transform us not to women.
  • Antony. Ho, ho, ho! 2565
    Now the witch take me, if I meant it thus!
    Grace grow where those drops fall!
    My hearty friends,
    You take me in too dolorous a sense;
    For I spake to you for your comfort; did desire you 2570
    To burn this night with torches: know, my hearts,
    I hope well of to-morrow; and will lead you
    Where rather I'll expect victorious life
    Than death and honour. Let's to supper, come,
    And drown consideration. 2575

[Exeunt]


       

Act IV, Scene 3

The same. Before the palace.

       

[Enter two Soldiers to their guard]

  • First Soldier. Brother, good night: to-morrow is the day.
  • Second Soldier. It will determine one way: fare you well.
    Heard you of nothing strange about the streets? 2580
  • First Soldier. Nothing. What news?
  • Second Soldier. Belike 'tis but a rumour. Good night to you.
  • First Soldier. Well, sir, good night.

[Enter two other Soldiers]

  • Second Soldier. Soldiers, have careful watch. 2585
  • Third Soldier. And you. Good night, good night.

[They place themselves in every corner of the stage]

  • Fourth Soldier. Here we: and if to-morrow
    Our navy thrive, I have an absolute hope
    Our landmen will stand up. 2590
  • Third Soldier. 'Tis a brave army,
    And full of purpose.

[Music of the hautboys as under the stage]

  • Fourth Soldier. Peace! what noise?
  • First Soldier. List, list! 2595
  • Second Soldier. Hark!
  • First Soldier. Music i' the air.
  • Third Soldier. Under the earth.
  • Fourth Soldier. It signs well, does it not?
  • Third Soldier. No. 2600
  • First Soldier. Peace, I say!
    What should this mean?
  • Second Soldier. 'Tis the god Hercules, whom Antony loved,
    Now leaves him.
  • First Soldier. Walk; let's see if other watchmen 2605
    Do hear what we do?

[They advance to another post]

  • Second Soldier. How now, masters!
  • All. [Speaking together] How now!
    How now! do you hear this? 2610
  • First Soldier. Ay; is't not strange?
  • Third Soldier. Do you hear, masters? do you hear?
  • First Soldier. Follow the noise so far as we have quarter;
    Let's see how it will give off.
  • All. Content. 'Tis strange. 2615

[Exeunt]


       

Act IV, Scene 4

The same. A room in the palace.

       

[Enter MARK ANTONY and CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, and] [p]others attending]

  • Antony. Eros! mine armour, Eros!
  • Cleopatra. Sleep a little. 2620
  • Antony. No, my chuck. Eros, come; mine armour, Eros!
    [Enter EROS with armour]
    Come good fellow, put mine iron on:
    If fortune be not ours to-day, it is
    Because we brave her: come. 2625
  • Cleopatra. Nay, I'll help too.
    What's this for?
  • Antony. Ah, let be, let be! thou art
    The armourer of my heart: false, false; this, this.
  • Cleopatra. Sooth, la, I'll help: thus it must be. 2630
  • Antony. Well, well;
    We shall thrive now. Seest thou, my good fellow?
    Go put on thy defences.
  • Eros. Briefly, sir.
  • Cleopatra. Is not this buckled well? 2635
  • Antony. Rarely, rarely:
    He that unbuckles this, till we do please
    To daff't for our repose, shall hear a storm.
    Thou fumblest, Eros; and my queen's a squire
    More tight at this than thou: dispatch. O love, 2640
    That thou couldst see my wars to-day, and knew'st
    The royal occupation! thou shouldst see
    A workman in't.
    [Enter an armed Soldier]
    Good morrow to thee; welcome: 2645
    Thou look'st like him that knows a warlike charge:
    To business that we love we rise betime,
    And go to't with delight.
  • Soldier. A thousand, sir,
    Early though't be, have on their riveted trim, 2650
    And at the port expect you.

[Shout. Trumpets flourish]

[Enter Captains and Soldiers]

  • Captain. The morn is fair. Good morrow, general.
  • All. Good morrow, general. 2655
  • Antony. 'Tis well blown, lads:
    This morning, like the spirit of a youth
    That means to be of note, begins betimes.
    So, so; come, give me that: this way; well said.
    Fare thee well, dame, whate'er becomes of me: 2660
    This is a soldier's kiss: rebukeable
    [Kisses her]
    And worthy shameful cheque it were, to stand
    On more mechanic compliment; I'll leave thee
    Now, like a man of steel. You that will fight, 2665
    Follow me close; I'll bring you to't. Adieu.

[Exeunt MARK ANTONY, EROS, Captains, and Soldiers]

  • Charmian. Please you, retire to your chamber.
  • Cleopatra. Lead me.
    He goes forth gallantly. That he and Caesar might 2670
    Determine this great war in single fight!
    Then Antony,—but now—Well, on.

[Exeunt]


       

Act IV, Scene 5

Alexandria. MARK ANTONY’s camp.

       

[Trumpets sound. Enter MARK ANTONY and EROS; a] [p]Soldier meeting them]

  • Soldier. The gods make this a happy day to Antony!
  • Antony. Would thou and those thy scars had once prevail'd
    To make me fight at land!
  • Soldier. Hadst thou done so,
    The kings that have revolted, and the soldier 2680
    That has this morning left thee, would have still
    Follow'd thy heels.
  • Antony. Who's gone this morning?
  • Soldier. Who!
    One ever near thee: call for Enobarbus, 2685
    He shall not hear thee; or from Caesar's camp
    Say 'I am none of thine.'
  • Antony. What say'st thou?
  • Soldier. Sir,
    He is with Caesar. 2690
  • Eros. Sir, his chests and treasure
    He has not with him.
  • Antony. Is he gone?
  • Soldier. Most certain.
  • Antony. Go, Eros, send his treasure after; do it; 2695
    Detain no jot, I charge thee: write to him—
    I will subscribe—gentle adieus and greetings;
    Say that I wish he never find more cause
    To change a master. O, my fortunes have
    Corrupted honest men! Dispatch.—Enobarbus! 2700

[Exeunt]


       

Act IV, Scene 6

Alexandria. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s camp.

       

[Flourish. Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, AGRIPPA, with] [p]DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS, and others]

  • Octavius. Go forth, Agrippa, and begin the fight:
    Our will is Antony be took alive; 2705
    Make it so known.
  • Agrippa. Caesar, I shall.

[Exit]

  • Octavius. The time of universal peace is near:
    Prove this a prosperous day, the three-nook'd world 2710
    Shall bear the olive freely.

[Enter a Messenger]

  • Messenger. Antony
    Is come into the field.
  • Octavius. Go charge Agrippa 2715
    Plant those that have revolted in the van,
    That Antony may seem to spend his fury
    Upon himself.

[Exeunt all but DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]

  • Domitius Enobarus. Alexas did revolt; and went to Jewry on 2720
    Affairs of Antony; there did persuade
    Great Herod to incline himself to Caesar,
    And leave his master Antony: for this pains
    Caesar hath hang'd him. Canidius and the rest
    That fell away have entertainment, but 2725
    No honourable trust. I have done ill;
    Of which I do accuse myself so sorely,
    That I will joy no more.

[Enter a Soldier of CAESAR's]

  • Soldier. Enobarbus, Antony 2730
    Hath after thee sent all thy treasure, with
    His bounty overplus: the messenger
    Came on my guard; and at thy tent is now
    Unloading of his mules.
  • Domitius Enobarus. I give it you. 2735
  • Soldier. Mock not, Enobarbus.
    I tell you true: best you safed the bringer
    Out of the host; I must attend mine office,
    Or would have done't myself. Your emperor
    Continues still a Jove. 2740

[Exit]

  • Domitius Enobarus. I am alone the villain of the earth,
    And feel I am so most. O Antony,
    Thou mine of bounty, how wouldst thou have paid
    My better service, when my turpitude 2745
    Thou dost so crown with gold! This blows my heart:
    If swift thought break it not, a swifter mean
    Shall outstrike thought: but thought will do't, I feel.
    I fight against thee! No: I will go seek
    Some ditch wherein to die; the foul'st best fits 2750
    My latter part of life.

[Exit]


       

Act IV, Scene 7

Field of battle between the camps.

       

[Alarum. Drums and trumpets. Enter AGRIPPA] [p]and others]

  • Agrippa. Retire, we have engaged ourselves too far: 2755
    Caesar himself has work, and our oppression
    Exceeds what we expected.

[Exeunt]

[Alarums. Enter MARK ANTONY and SCARUS wounded]

  • Scarus. O my brave emperor, this is fought indeed! 2760
    Had we done so at first, we had droven them home
    With clouts about their heads.
  • Antony. Thou bleed'st apace.
  • Scarus. I had a wound here that was like a T,
    But now 'tis made an H. 2765
  • Antony. They do retire.
  • Scarus. We'll beat 'em into bench-holes: I have yet
    Room for six scotches more.

[Enter EROS]

  • Eros. They are beaten, sir, and our advantage serves 2770
    For a fair victory.
  • Scarus. Let us score their backs,
    And snatch 'em up, as we take hares, behind:
    'Tis sport to maul a runner.
  • Antony. I will reward thee 2775
    Once for thy spritely comfort, and ten-fold
    For thy good valour. Come thee on.
  • Scarus. I'll halt after.

[Exeunt]


       

Act IV, Scene 8

Under the walls of Alexandria.

       

[Alarum. Enter MARK ANTONY, in a march; SCARUS,] [p]with others]

  • Antony. We have beat him to his camp: run one before,
    And let the queen know of our gests. To-morrow,
    Before the sun shall see 's, we'll spill the blood
    That has to-day escaped. I thank you all; 2785
    For doughty-handed are you, and have fought
    Not as you served the cause, but as 't had been
    Each man's like mine; you have shown all Hectors.
    Enter the city, clip your wives, your friends,
    Tell them your feats; whilst they with joyful tears 2790
    Wash the congealment from your wounds, and kiss
    The honour'd gashes whole.
    [To SCARUS]
    Give me thy hand
    [Enter CLEOPATRA, attended] 2795
    To this great fairy I'll commend thy acts,
    Make her thanks bless thee.
    [To CLEOPATRA]
    O thou day o' the world,
    Chain mine arm'd neck; leap thou, attire and all, 2800
    Through proof of harness to my heart, and there
    Ride on the pants triumphing!
  • Cleopatra. Lord of lords!
    O infinite virtue, comest thou smiling from
    The world's great snare uncaught? 2805
  • Antony. My nightingale,
    We have beat them to their beds. What, girl!
    though grey
    Do something mingle with our younger brown, yet ha' we
    A brain that nourishes our nerves, and can 2810
    Get goal for goal of youth. Behold this man;
    Commend unto his lips thy favouring hand:
    Kiss it, my warrior: he hath fought to-day
    As if a god, in hate of mankind, had
    Destroy'd in such a shape. 2815
  • Cleopatra. I'll give thee, friend,
    An armour all of gold; it was a king's.
  • Antony. He has deserved it, were it carbuncled
    Like holy Phoebus' car. Give me thy hand:
    Through Alexandria make a jolly march; 2820
    Bear our hack'd targets like the men that owe them:
    Had our great palace the capacity
    To camp this host, we all would sup together,
    And drink carouses to the next day's fate,
    Which promises royal peril. Trumpeters, 2825
    With brazen din blast you the city's ear;
    Make mingle with rattling tabourines;
    That heaven and earth may strike their sounds together,
    Applauding our approach.

[Exeunt]


       

Act IV, Scene 9

OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s camp.

       

[Sentinels at their post]

  • First Soldier. If we be not relieved within this hour,
    We must return to the court of guard: the night
    Is shiny; and they say we shall embattle
    By the second hour i' the morn. 2835
  • Second Soldier. This last day was
    A shrewd one to's.

[Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS]

  • Domitius Enobarus. O, bear me witness, night,—
  • Third Soldier. What man is this? 2840
  • Second Soldier. Stand close, and list him.
  • Domitius Enobarus. Be witness to me, O thou blessed moon,
    When men revolted shall upon record
    Bear hateful memory, poor Enobarbus did
    Before thy face repent! 2845
  • First Soldier. Enobarbus!
  • Third Soldier. Peace!
    Hark further.
  • Domitius Enobarus. O sovereign mistress of true melancholy,
    The poisonous damp of night disponge upon me, 2850
    That life, a very rebel to my will,
    May hang no longer on me: throw my heart
    Against the flint and hardness of my fault:
    Which, being dried with grief, will break to powder,
    And finish all foul thoughts. O Antony, 2855
    Nobler than my revolt is infamous,
    Forgive me in thine own particular;
    But let the world rank me in register
    A master-leaver and a fugitive:
    O Antony! O Antony! 2860

[Dies]

  • Second Soldier. Let's speak To him.
  • First Soldier. Let's hear him, for the things he speaks
    May concern Caesar.
  • Third Soldier. Let's do so. But he sleeps. 2865
  • First Soldier. Swoons rather; for so bad a prayer as his
    Was never yet for sleep.
  • Second Soldier. Go we to him.
  • Third Soldier. Awake, sir, awake; speak to us.
  • Second Soldier. Hear you, sir? 2870
  • First Soldier. The hand of death hath raught him.
    [Drums afar off]
    Hark! the drums
    Demurely wake the sleepers. Let us bear him
    To the court of guard; he is of note: our hour 2875
    Is fully out.
  • Third Soldier. Come on, then;
    He may recover yet.

[Exeunt with the body]


       

Act IV, Scene 10

Between the two camps.

       

[Enter MARK ANTONY and SCARUS, with their Army]

  • Antony. Their preparation is to-day by sea;
    We please them not by land.
  • Scarus. For both, my lord.
  • Antony. I would they'ld fight i' the fire or i' the air;
    We'ld fight there too. But this it is; our foot 2885
    Upon the hills adjoining to the city
    Shall stay with us: order for sea is given;
    They have put forth the haven [—]
    Where their appointment we may best discover,
    And look on their endeavour. 2890

[Exeunt]


       

Act IV, Scene 11

Another part of the same.

       

[Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, and his Army]

  • Octavius. But being charged, we will be still by land,
    Which, as I take't, we shall; for his best force
    Is forth to man his galleys. To the vales, 2895
    And hold our best advantage.

[Exeunt]


       

Act IV, Scene 12

Another part of the same.

       

[Enter MARK ANTONY and SCARUS]

  • Antony. Yet they are not join'd: where yond pine
    does stand, 2900
    I shall discover all: I'll bring thee word
    Straight, how 'tis like to go.

[Exit]

  • Scarus. Swallows have built
    In Cleopatra's sails their nests: the augurers 2905
    Say they know not, they cannot tell; look grimly,
    And dare not speak their knowledge. Antony
    Is valiant, and dejected; and, by starts,
    His fretted fortunes give him hope, and fear,
    Of what he has, and has not. 2910

[Alarum afar off, as at a sea-fight]

[Re-enter MARK ANTONY]

  • Antony. All is lost;
    This foul Egyptian hath betrayed me:
    My fleet hath yielded to the foe; and yonder 2915
    They cast their caps up and carouse together
    Like friends long lost. Triple-turn'd whore!
    'tis thou
    Hast sold me to this novice; and my heart
    Makes only wars on thee. Bid them all fly; 2920
    For when I am revenged upon my charm,
    I have done all. Bid them all fly; begone.
    [Exit SCARUS]
    O sun, thy uprise shall I see no more:
    Fortune and Antony part here; even here 2925
    Do we shake hands. All come to this? The hearts
    That spaniel'd me at heels, to whom I gave
    Their wishes, do discandy, melt their sweets
    On blossoming Caesar; and this pine is bark'd,
    That overtopp'd them all. Betray'd I am: 2930
    O this false soul of Egypt! this grave charm,—
    Whose eye beck'd forth my wars, and call'd them home;
    Whose bosom was my crownet, my chief end,—
    Like a right gipsy, hath, at fast and loose,
    Beguiled me to the very heart of loss. 2935
    What, Eros, Eros!
    [Enter CLEOPATRA]
    Ah, thou spell! Avaunt!
  • Cleopatra. Why is my lord enraged against his love?
  • Antony. Vanish, or I shall give thee thy deserving, 2940
    And blemish Caesar's triumph. Let him take thee,
    And hoist thee up to the shouting plebeians:
    Follow his chariot, like the greatest spot
    Of all thy sex; most monster-like, be shown
    For poor'st diminutives, for doits; and let 2945
    Patient Octavia plough thy visage up
    With her prepared nails.
    [Exit CLEOPATRA]
    'Tis well thou'rt gone,
    If it be well to live; but better 'twere 2950
    Thou fell'st into my fury, for one death
    Might have prevented many. Eros, ho!
    The shirt of Nessus is upon me: teach me,
    Alcides, thou mine ancestor, thy rage:
    Let me lodge Lichas on the horns o' the moon; 2955
    And with those hands, that grasp'd the heaviest club,
    Subdue my worthiest self. The witch shall die:
    To the young Roman boy she hath sold me, and I fall
    Under this plot; she dies for't. Eros, ho!

[Exit]


       

Act IV, Scene 13

Alexandria. Cleopatra’s palace.

       

[Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and MARDIAN]

  • Cleopatra. Help me, my women! O, he is more mad
    Than Telamon for his shield; the boar of Thessaly
    Was never so emboss'd.
  • Charmian. To the monument! 2965
    There lock yourself, and send him word you are dead.
    The soul and body rive not more in parting
    Than greatness going off.
  • Cleopatra. To the monument!
    Mardian, go tell him I have slain myself; 2970
    Say, that the last I spoke was 'Antony,'
    And word it, prithee, piteously: hence, Mardian,
    And bring me how he takes my death.
    To the monument!

[Exeunt]


       

Act IV, Scene 14

The same. Another room.

       

[Enter MARK ANTONY and EROS]

  • Antony. Eros, thou yet behold'st me?
  • Eros. Ay, noble lord.
  • Antony. Sometimes we see a cloud that's dragonish;
    A vapour sometime like a bear or lion, 2980
    A tower'd citadel, a pendent rock,
    A forked mountain, or blue promontory
    With trees upon't, that nod unto the world,
    And mock our eyes with air: thou hast seen
    these signs; 2985
    They are black vesper's pageants.
  • Eros. Ay, my lord,
  • Antony. That which is now a horse, even with a thought
    The rack dislimns, and makes it indistinct,
    As water is in water. 2990
  • Eros. It does, my lord.
  • Antony. My good knave Eros, now thy captain is
    Even such a body: here I am Antony:
    Yet cannot hold this visible shape, my knave.
    I made these wars for Egypt: and the queen,— 2995
    Whose heart I thought I had, for she had mine;
    Which whilst it was mine had annex'd unto't
    A million more, now lost,—she, Eros, has
    Pack'd cards with Caesar, and false-play'd my glory
    Unto an enemy's triumph. 3000
    Nay, weep not, gentle Eros; there is left us
    Ourselves to end ourselves.
    [Enter MARDIAN]
    O! thy vile lady!
    She has robb'd me of my sword. 3005
  • Mardian. No, Antony;
    My mistress loved thee, and her fortunes mingled
    With thine entirely.
  • Antony. Hence, saucy eunuch; peace!
    She hath betray'd me and shall die the death. 3010
  • Mardian. Death of one person can be paid but once,
    And that she has discharged: what thou wouldst do
    Is done unto thy hand: the last she spake
    Was 'Antony! most noble Antony!'
    Then in the midst a tearing groan did break 3015
    The name of Antony; it was divided
    Between her heart and lips: she render'd life,
    Thy name so buried in her.
  • Antony. Dead, then?
  • Mardian. Dead. 3020
  • Antony. Unarm, Eros; the long day's task is done,
    And we must sleep.
    [To MARDIAN]
    That thou depart'st hence safe,
    Does pay thy labour richly; go. 3025
    [Exit MARDIAN]
    Off, pluck off:
    The seven-fold shield of Ajax cannot keep
    The battery from my heart. O, cleave, my sides!
    Heart, once be stronger than thy continent, 3030
    Crack thy frail case! Apace, Eros, apace.
    No more a soldier: bruised pieces, go;
    You have been nobly borne. From me awhile.
    [Exit EROS]
    I will o'ertake thee, Cleopatra, and 3035
    Weep for my pardon. So it must be, for now
    All length is torture: since the torch is out,
    Lie down, and stray no farther: now all labour
    Mars what it does; yea, very force entangles
    Itself with strength: seal then, and all is done. 3040
    Eros!—I come, my queen:—Eros!—Stay for me:
    Where souls do couch on flowers, we'll hand in hand,
    And with our sprightly port make the ghosts gaze:
    Dido and her AEneas shall want troops,
    And all the haunt be ours. Come, Eros, Eros! 3045

[Re-enter EROS]

  • Eros. What would my lord?
  • Antony. Since Cleopatra died,
    I have lived in such dishonour, that the gods
    Detest my baseness. I, that with my sword 3050
    Quarter'd the world, and o'er green Neptune's back
    With ships made cities, condemn myself to lack
    The courage of a woman; less noble mind
    Than she which by her death our Caesar tells
    'I am conqueror of myself.' Thou art sworn, Eros, 3055
    That, when the exigent should come, which now
    Is come indeed, when I should see behind me
    The inevitable prosecution of
    Disgrace and horror, that, on my command,
    Thou then wouldst kill me: do't; the time is come: 3060
    Thou strikest not me, 'tis Caesar thou defeat'st.
    Put colour in thy cheek.
  • Eros. The gods withhold me!
    Shall I do that which all the Parthian darts,
    Though enemy, lost aim, and could not? 3065
  • Antony. Eros,
    Wouldst thou be window'd in great Rome and see
    Thy master thus with pleach'd arms, bending down
    His corrigible neck, his face subdued
    To penetrative shame, whilst the wheel'd seat 3070
    Of fortunate Caesar, drawn before him, branded
    His baseness that ensued?
  • Eros. I would not see't.
  • Antony. Come, then; for with a wound I must be cured.
    Draw that thy honest sword, which thou hast worn 3075
    Most useful for thy country.
  • Eros. O, sir, pardon me!
  • Antony. When I did make thee free, sworest thou not then
    To do this when I bade thee? Do it at once;
    Or thy precedent services are all 3080
    But accidents unpurposed. Draw, and come.
  • Eros. Turn from me, then, that noble countenance,
    Wherein the worship of the whole world lies.
  • Antony. Lo thee!

[Turning from him]

  • Eros. My sword is drawn.
  • Antony. Then let it do at once
    The thing why thou hast drawn it.
  • Eros. My dear master,
    My captain, and my emperor, let me say, 3090
    Before I strike this bloody stroke, farewell.
  • Antony. 'Tis said, man; and farewell.
  • Eros. Farewell, great chief. Shall I strike now?
  • Antony. Now, Eros.
  • Eros. Why, there then: thus I do escape the sorrow 3095
    Of Antony's death.

[Kills himself]

  • Antony. Thrice-nobler than myself!
    Thou teachest me, O valiant Eros, what
    I should, and thou couldst not. My queen and Eros 3100
    Have by their brave instruction got upon me
    A nobleness in record: but I will be
    A bridegroom in my death, and run into't
    As to a lover's bed. Come, then; and, Eros,
    Thy master dies thy scholar: to do thus 3105
    [Falling on his sword]
    I learn'd of thee. How! not dead? not dead?
    The guard, ho! O, dispatch me!

[Enter DERCETAS and Guard]

  • First Guard. What's the noise? 3110
  • Antony. I have done my work in, friends: O, make an end
    Of what I have begun.
  • Second Guard. The star is fall'n.
  • First Guard. And time is at his period.
  • All. Alas, and woe! 3115
  • Antony. Let him that loves me strike me dead.
  • First Guard. Not I.
  • Second Guard. Nor I.
  • Third Guard. Nor any one.

[Exeunt Guard]

  • Dercetas. Thy death and fortunes bid thy followers fly.
    This sword but shown to Caesar, with this tidings,
    Shall enter me with him.

[Enter DIOMEDES]

  • Diomedes. Where's Antony? 3125
  • Dercetas. There, Diomed there.
  • Diomedes. Lives he?
    Wilt thou not answer, man?

[Exit DERCETAS]

  • Antony. Art thou there, Diomed? Draw thy sword, and give me 3130
    Sufficing strokes for death.
  • Diomedes. Most absolute lord,
    My mistress Cleopatra sent me to thee.
  • Antony. When did she send thee?
  • Diomedes. Now, my lord. 3135
  • Antony. Where is she?
  • Diomedes. Lock'd in her monument. She had a prophesying fear
    Of what hath come to pass: for when she saw—
    Which never shall be found—you did suspect
    She had disposed with Caesar, and that your rage 3140
    Would not be purged, she sent you word she was dead;
    But, fearing since how it might work, hath sent
    Me to proclaim the truth; and I am come,
    I dread, too late.
  • Antony. Too late, good Diomed: call my guard, I prithee. 3145
  • Diomedes. What, ho, the emperor's guard! The guard, what, ho!
    Come, your lord calls!

[Enter four or five of the Guard of MARK ANTONY]

  • Antony. Bear me, good friends, where Cleopatra bides;
    'Tis the last service that I shall command you. 3150
  • First Guard. Woe, woe are we, sir, you may not live to wear
    All your true followers out.
  • All. Most heavy day!
  • Antony. Nay, good my fellows, do not please sharp fate
    To grace it with your sorrows: bid that welcome 3155
    Which comes to punish us, and we punish it
    Seeming to bear it lightly. Take me up:
    I have led you oft: carry me now, good friends,
    And have my thanks for all.

[Exeunt, bearing MARK ANTONY]


       

Act IV, Scene 15

The same. A monument.

       

[Enter CLEOPATRA and her maids aloft, with] [p]CHARMIAN and IRAS]

  • Cleopatra. O Charmian, I will never go from hence.
  • Charmian. Be comforted, dear madam.
  • Cleopatra. No, I will not: 3165
    All strange and terrible events are welcome,
    But comforts we despise; our size of sorrow,
    Proportion'd to our cause, must be as great
    As that which makes it.
    [Enter, below, DIOMEDES] 3170
    How now! is he dead?
  • Diomedes. His death's upon him, but not dead.
    Look out o' the other side your monument;
    His guard have brought him thither.

[Enter, below, MARK ANTONY, borne by the Guard]

  • Cleopatra. O sun,
    Burn the great sphere thou movest in!
    darkling stand
    The varying shore o' the world. O Antony,
    Antony, Antony! Help, Charmian, help, Iras, help; 3180
    Help, friends below; let's draw him hither.
  • Antony. Peace!
    Not Caesar's valour hath o'erthrown Antony,
    But Antony's hath triumph'd on itself.
  • Cleopatra. So it should be, that none but Antony 3185
    Should conquer Antony; but woe 'tis so!
  • Antony. I am dying, Egypt, dying; only
    I here importune death awhile, until
    Of many thousand kisses the poor last
    I lay up thy lips. 3190
  • Cleopatra. I dare not, dear,—
    Dear my lord, pardon,—I dare not,
    Lest I be taken: not the imperious show
    Of the full-fortuned Caesar ever shall
    Be brooch'd with me; if knife, drugs, 3195
    serpents, have
    Edge, sting, or operation, I am safe:
    Your wife Octavia, with her modest eyes
    And still conclusion, shall acquire no honour
    Demuring upon me. But come, come, Antony,— 3200
    Help me, my women,—we must draw thee up:
    Assist, good friends.
  • Antony. O, quick, or I am gone.
  • Cleopatra. Here's sport indeed! How heavy weighs my lord!
    Our strength is all gone into heaviness, 3205
    That makes the weight: had I great Juno's power,
    The strong-wing'd Mercury should fetch thee up,
    And set thee by Jove's side. Yet come a little,—
    Wishes were ever fools,—O, come, come, come;
    [They heave MARK ANTONY aloft to CLEOPATRA] 3210
    And welcome, welcome! die where thou hast lived:
    Quicken with kissing: had my lips that power,
    Thus would I wear them out.
  • All. A heavy sight!
  • Antony. I am dying, Egypt, dying: 3215
    Give me some wine, and let me speak a little.
  • Cleopatra. No, let me speak; and let me rail so high,
    That the false housewife Fortune break her wheel,
    Provoked by my offence.
  • Antony. One word, sweet queen: 3220
    Of Caesar seek your honour, with your safety. O!
  • Cleopatra. They do not go together.
  • Antony. Gentle, hear me:
    None about Caesar trust but Proculeius.
  • Cleopatra. My resolution and my hands I'll trust; 3225
    None about Caesar.
  • Antony. The miserable change now at my end
    Lament nor sorrow at; but please your thoughts
    In feeding them with those my former fortunes
    Wherein I lived, the greatest prince o' the world, 3230
    The noblest; and do now not basely die,
    Not cowardly put off my helmet to
    My countryman,—a Roman by a Roman
    Valiantly vanquish'd. Now my spirit is going;
    I can no more. 3235
  • Cleopatra. Noblest of men, woo't die?
    Hast thou no care of me? shall I abide
    In this dull world, which in thy absence is
    No better than a sty? O, see, my women,
    [MARK ANTONY dies] 3240
    The crown o' the earth doth melt. My lord!
    O, wither'd is the garland of the war,
    The soldier's pole is fall'n: young boys and girls
    Are level now with men; the odds is gone,
    And there is nothing left remarkable 3245
    Beneath the visiting moon.

[Faints]

  • Charmian. O, quietness, lady!
  • Iras. She is dead too, our sovereign.
  • Charmian. Lady! 3250
  • Iras. Madam!
  • Charmian. O madam, madam, madam!
  • Iras. Royal Egypt, Empress!
  • Charmian. Peace, peace, Iras!
  • Cleopatra. No more, but e'en a woman, and commanded 3255
    By such poor passion as the maid that milks
    And does the meanest chares. It were for me
    To throw my sceptre at the injurious gods;
    To tell them that this world did equal theirs
    Till they had stol'n our jewel. All's but naught; 3260
    Patience is scottish, and impatience does
    Become a dog that's mad: then is it sin
    To rush into the secret house of death,
    Ere death dare come to us? How do you, women?
    What, what! good cheer! Why, how now, Charmian! 3265
    My noble girls! Ah, women, women, look,
    Our lamp is spent, it's out! Good sirs, take heart:
    We'll bury him; and then, what's brave,
    what's noble,
    Let's do it after the high Roman fashion, 3270
    And make death proud to take us. Come, away:
    This case of that huge spirit now is cold:
    Ah, women, women! come; we have no friend
    But resolution, and the briefest end.

[Exeunt; those above bearing off MARK ANTONY's body]