Act II, Scene 3

The same. OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s house.

[Enter MARK ANTONY, OCTAVIUS CAESAR, OCTAVIA between] [p]them, and Attendants]

• Antony. The world and my great office will sometimes
  Divide me from your bosom. 980

• Octavia. All which time
  Before the gods my knee shall bow my prayers
  To them for you.

• Antony. Good night, sir. My Octavia,
  Read not my blemishes in the world's report: 985
  I have not kept my square; but that to come
  Shall all be done by the rule. Good night, dear lady.
  Good night, sir.

• Octavius. Good night.

[Exeunt OCTAVIUS CAESAR and OCTAVIA]

[Enter Soothsayer]

• Antony. Now, sirrah; you do wish yourself in Egypt?

• Soothsayer. Would I had never come from thence, nor you Thither!

• Antony. If you can, your reason?

• Soothsayer. I see it in 995
  My motion, have it not in my tongue: but yet
  Hie you to Egypt again.

• Antony. Say to me,
  Whose fortunes shall rise higher, Caesar's or mine?

• Soothsayer. Caesar's. 1000
  Therefore, O Antony, stay not by his side:
  Thy demon, that's thy spirit which keeps thee, is
  Noble, courageous high, unmatchable,
  Where Caesar's is not; but, near him, thy angel
  Becomes a fear, as being o'erpower'd: therefore 1005
  Make space enough between you.

• Antony. Speak this no more.

• Soothsayer. To none but thee; no more, but when to thee.
  If thou dost play with him at any game,
  Thou art sure to lose; and, of that natural luck, 1010
  He beats thee 'gainst the odds: thy lustre thickens,
  When he shines by: I say again, thy spirit
  Is all afraid to govern thee near him;
  But, he away, 'tis noble.

• Antony. Get thee gone: 1015
  Say to Ventidius I would speak with him:
  [Exit Soothsayer]
  He shall to Parthia. Be it art or hap,
  He hath spoken true: the very dice obey him;
  And in our sports my better cunning faints 1020
  Under his chance: if we draw lots, he speeds;
  His cocks do win the battle still of mine,
  When it is all to nought; and his quails ever
  Beat mine, inhoop'd, at odds. I will to Egypt:
  And though I make this marriage for my peace, 1025
  I' the east my pleasure lies.
  [Enter VENTIDIUS]
  O, come, Ventidius,
  You must to Parthia: your commission's ready;
  Follow me, and receive't. 1030

[Exeunt]