4NAy, but this dotage of our Generals

5Ore-flowes the measure: those his goodly eyes

6That o're the Files and Musters of the Warre,

7Haue glow'd like plated Mars:

8Now bend, now turne

9The Office and Deuotion of their view

10Vpon a Tawny Front. His Captaines heart,

11Which in the scuffles of great Fights hath burst

12The Buckles on his brest, reneages all temper,

13And is become the Bellowes and the Fan

14To coole a Gypsies Lust.

17Looke where they come:

18Take but good note, and you shall see in him

19(The triple Pillar of the world) transform'd

20Into a Strumpets Foole. Behold and see.

21Cleo. If it be Loue indeed, tell me how much.

22Ant. There's beggery in the loue that can be reckon'd

23Cleo. Ile set a bourne how farre to be belou'd.

24Ant. Then must thou needes finde out new Heauen,

25new Earth.

27Mes. Newes (my good Lord) from Rome.

28Ant. Grates me, the summe.

29Cleo. Nay heare them Anthony.

30Fuluia perchance is angry: Or who knowes,

31If the scarse-bearded Caesar haue not sent

32His powrefull Mandate to you. Do this, or this;

33Take in that Kingdome, and Infranchise that:

34Perform't, or else we damne thee.

35Ant. How, my Loue?

36Cleo. Perchance? Nay, and most like:

37You must not stay heere longer, your dismission

38Is come from Caesar, therefore heare it Anthony

39Where's Fuluias Processe? (Caesars I would say) both?

40Call in the Messengers: As I am Egypts Queene,

41Thou blushest Anthony, and that blood of thine

42Is Caesars homager: else so thy cheeke payes shame,

43When shrill-tongu'd Fuluia scolds. The Messengers.

44Ant. Let Rome in Tyber melt, and the wide Arch

45Of the raing'd Empire fall: Heere is my space,

46Kingdomes are clay: Our dungie earth alike

47Feeds Beast as Man; the Noblenesse of life

48Is to do thus: when such a mutuall paire,

49And such a twaine can doo't, in which I binde

50One paine of punishment, the world to weete

51We stand vp Peerelesse.

52Cleo. Excellent falshood:

53Why did he marry Fuluia, and not loue her?

54Ile seeme the Foole I am not. Anthony will be himselfe.

55Ant But stirr'd by Cleopatra.

56Now for the loue of Loue, and her soft houres,

57Let's not confound the time with Conference harsh;

58There's not a minute of our liues should stretch

59Without some pleasure now. What sport to night?

60Cleo. Heare the Ambassadors.

61Ant. Fye wrangling Queene:

62Whom euery thing becomes, to chide, to laugh,

63To weepe: who euery passion fully striues

64To make it selfe (in Thee) faire, and admir'd.

65No Messenger but thine, and all alone, to night

66Wee'l wander through the streets, and note

67The qualities of people. Come my Queene,

68Last night you did desire it. Speake not to vs.

70Dem. Is Caesar with Anthonius priz'd so slight?

71Philo. Sir sometimes when he is not Anthony,

72He comes too short of that great Property

73Which still should go with Anthony.

74Dem. I am full sorry, that hee approues the common

75Lyar, who thus speakes of him at Rome; but I will hope

76of better deeds to morrow. Rest you happy. Exeunt

80Char. L. Alexas, sweet Alexas, most any thing Alexas,

81almost most absolute Alexas, where's the Soothsayer

82that you prais'd so to'th'Queene? Oh that I knewe this

83Husband, which you say, must change his Hornes with

84Garlands.

85Alex. Soothsayer.

86Sooth. Your will?

87Char. Is this the Man? Is't you sir that know things?

88Sooth. In Natures infinite booke of Secrecie, a little I

89can read.

90Alex. Shew him your hand.

91Enob. Bring in the Banket quickly: Wine enough,

92Cleopatra's health to drinke.

93Char. Good sir, giue me good Fortune.

94Sooth. I make not, but foresee.

95Char. Pray then, foresee me one.

96Sooth. You shall be yet farre fairer then you are.

97Char. He meanes in flesh.

98Iras. No, you shall paint when you are old.

99Char. Wrinkles forbid.

100Alex. Vex not his prescience, be attentiue.

101Char. Hush.

102Sooth. You shall be more belouing, then beloued.

103Char. I had rather heate my Liuer with drinking.

104Alex. Nay, heare him.

105Char. Good now some excellent Fortune: Let mee

106be married to three Kings in a forenoone, and Widdow

107them all: Let me haue a Childe at fifty, to whom Herode

108of Iewry may do Homage. Finde me to marrie me with

109Octauius Caesar, and companion me with my Mistris.

110Sooth. You shall out-liue the Lady whom you serue.

111Char. Oh excellent, I loue long life better then Figs.

112Sooth. You haue seene and proued a fairer former for-

113tune, then that which is to approach.

114Char. Then belike my Children shall haue no names:

115Prythee how many Boyes and Wenches must I haue.

116Sooth. If euery of your wishes had a wombe, & fore-

117tell euery wish, a Million.

118Char. Out Foole, I forgiue thee for a Witch.

119Alex. You thinke none but your sheets are priuie to

120your wishes.

121Char. Nay come, tell Iras hers.

122Alex. Wee'l know all our Fortunes.

123Enob. Mine, and most of our Fortunes to night, shall

124be drunke to bed.

125Iras. There's a Palme presages Chastity, if nothing els.

126Char. E'ne as the o're-flowing Nylus presageth Fa-

127mine.

128Iras. Go you wilde Bedfellow, you cannot Soothsay.

129Char. Nay, if an oyly Palme bee not a fruitfull Prog-

130nostication, I cannot scratch mine eare. Prythee tel her

131but a worky day Fortune.

132Sooth. Your Fortunes are alike.

133Iras. But how, but how, giue me particulars.

134Sooth. I haue said.

135Iras. Am I not an inch of Fortune better then she?

136Char. Well, if you were but an inch of fortune better

137then I: where would you choose it.

138Iras. Not in my Husbands nose.

139Char. Our worser thoughts Heauens mend.

140Alexas. Come, his Fortune, his Fortune. Oh let him

141mary a woman that cannot go, sweet Isis, I beseech thee,

142and let her dye too, and giue him a worse, and let worse

143follow worse, till the worst of all follow him laughing to

144his graue, fifty-fold a Cuckold. Good Isis heare me this

145Prayer, though thou denie me a matter of more waight:

146good Isis I beseech thee.

147Iras. Amen, deere Goddesse, heare that prayer of the

148people. For, as it is a heart-breaking to see a handsome

149man loose-Wiu'd, so it is a deadly sorrow, to beholde a

150foule Knaue vncuckolded: Therefore deere Isis keep de-

151corum, and Fortune him accordingly.

152Char. Amen.

153Alex. Lo now, if it lay in their hands to make mee a

154Cuckold, they would make themselues Whores, but

155they'ld doo't.

157Enob. Hush, heere comes Anthony.

158Char. Not he, the Queene.

159Cleo. Saue you, my Lord.

160Enob. No Lady.

161Cleo. Was he not heere?

162Char. No Madam.

163Cleo. He was dispos'd to mirth, but on the sodaine

164A Romane thought hath strooke him.

165Enobarbus?

166Enob. Madam.

167Cleo. Seeke him, and bring him hither: wher's Alexias?

168Alex. Heere at your seruice.

169My Lord approaches.

171Cleo. We will not looke vpon him:

172Go with vs. Exeunt.

173Messen. Fuluia thy Wife,

174First came into the Field.

175Ant. Against my Brother Lucius?

176Messen. I: but soone that Warre had end,

177And the times state

178Made friends of them, ioynting their force 'gainst Caesar,

179Whose better issue in the warre from Italy,

180Vpon the first encounter draue them.

181Ant. Well, what worst.

182Mess. The Nature of bad newes infects the Teller.

183Ant. When it concernes the Foole or Coward: On.

184Things that are past, are done, with me. 'Tis thus,

185Who tels me true, though in his Tale lye death,

186I heare him as he flatter'd.

187Mes. Labienus (this is stiffe-newes)

188Hath with his Parthian Force

189Extended Asia: from Euphrates his conquering

190Banner shooke, from Syria to Lydia,

191And to Ionia, whil'st---

192Ant. Anthony thou would'st say.

193Mes. Oh my Lord.

194Ant. Speake to me home,

195Mince not the generall tongue, name

196Cleopatra as she is call'd in Rome:

197Raile thou in Fuluia's phrase, and taunt my faults

198With such full License, as both Truth and Malice

199Haue power to vtter. Oh then we bring forth weeds,

200When our quicke windes lye still, and our illes told vs

201Is as our earing: fare thee well awhile.

202Mes. At your Noble pleasure. Exit Messenger.

204Ant. From Scicion how the newes? Speake there.

2051. Mes. The man from Scicion,

206Is there such an one?

2072. Mes. He stayes vpon your will.

208Ant. Let him appeare:

209These strong Egyptian Fetters I must breake,

210Or loose my selfe in dotage.

212What are you?

2133. Mes. Fuluia thy wife is dead.

214Ant. Where dyed she.

215Mes. In Scicion, her length of sicknesse,

216With what else more serious,

217Importeth thee to know, this beares.

218Antho. Forbeare me

219There's a great Spirit gone, thus did I desire it:

220What our contempts doth often hurle from vs,

x We

221We wish it ours againe. The present pleasure,

222By reuolution lowring, does become

223The opposite of it selfe: she's good being gon,

224The hand could plucke her backe, that shou'd her on.

225I must from this enchanting Queene breake off,

226Ten thousand harmes, more then the illes I know

227My idlenesse doth hatch.

229How now Enobarbus.

230Eno. What's your pleasure, Sir?

231Anth. I must with haste from hence.

232Eno. Why then we kill all our Women. We see how

233mortall an vnkindnesse is to them, if they suffer our de-

234parture death's the word.

235Ant. I must be gone.

236Eno. Vnder a compelling an occasion, let women die.

237It were pitty to cast them away for nothing, though be-

238tweene them and a great cause, they should be esteemed

239nothing. Cleopatra catching but the least noyse of this,

240dies instantly: I haue seene her dye twenty times vppon

241farre poorer moment: I do think there is mettle in death,

242which commits some louing acte vpon her, she hath such

243a celerity in dying.

244Ant. She is cunning past mans thought.

245Eno. Alacke Sir no, her passions are made of nothing

246but the finest part of pure Loue. We cannot cal her winds

247and waters, sighes and teares: They are greater stormes

248and Tempests then Almanackes can report. This cannot

249be cunning in her; if it be, she makes a showre of Raine

250as well as Ioue.

251Ant. Would I had neuer seene her.

252Eno. Oh sir, you had then left vnseene a wonderfull

253peece of worke, which not to haue beene blest withall,

254would haue discredited your Trauaile.

255Ant. Fuluia is dead.

256Eno. Sir.

257Ant. Fuluia is dead.

258Eno. Fuluia?

259Ant. Dead.

260Eno. Why sir, giue the Gods a thankefull Sacrifice:

261when it pleaseth their Deities to take the wife of a man

262from him, it shewes to man the Tailors of the earth: com-

263forting therein, that when olde Robes are worne out,

264there are members to make new. If there were no more

265Women but Fuluia, then had you indeede a cut, and the

266case to be lamented: This greefe is crown'd with Conso-

267lation, your old Smocke brings foorth a new Petticoate,

268aud indeed the teares liue in an Onion, that should water

269this sorrow.

270Ant. The businesse she hath broached in the State,

271Cannot endure my absence.

272Eno. And the businesse you haue broach'd heere can-

273not be without you, especially that of Cleopatra's, which

274wholly depends on your abode.

275Ant. No more light Answeres:

276Let our Officers

277Haue notice what we purpose. I shall breake

278The cause of our Expedience to the Queene,

279And get her loue to part. For not alone

280The death of Fuluia, with more vrgent touches

281Do strongly speake to vs: but the Letters too

282Of many our contriuing Friends in Rome,

283Petition vs at home. Sextus Pompeius

284Haue giuen the dare to Caesar, and commands

285The Empire of the Sea. Our slippery people,

286Whose Loue is neuer link'd to the deseruer,

287Till his deserts are past, begin to throw

288Pompey the great, and all his Dignities

289Vpon his Sonne, who high in Name and Power,

290Higher then both in Blood and Life, stands vp

291For the maine Souldier. Whose quality going on,

292The sides o'th'world may danger. Much is breeding,

293Which like the Coursers heire, hath yet but life,

294And not a Serpents poyson. Say our pleasure,

295To such whose places vnder vs, require

296Our quicke remoue from hence.

297Enob. I shall doo't.

299Cleo. Where is he?

300Char. I did not see him since.

301Cleo. See where he is,

302Whose with him, what he does:

303I did not send you. If you finde him sad,

304Say I am dauncing: if in Myrth, report

305That I am sodaine sicke. Quicke, and returne.

306Char. Madam, me thinkes if you did loue him deerly,

307You do not hold the method, to enforce

308The like from him.

309Cleo. What should I do, I do not?

310Ch. In each thing giue him way, crosse him in nothing.

311Cleo. Thou teachest like a foole: the way to lose him.

312Char. Tempt him not so too farre. I wish forbeare,

313In time we hate that which we often feare.

315But heere comes Anthony.

316Cleo. I am sicke, and sullen.

317An. I am sorry to giue breathing to my purpose.

318Cleo. Helpe me away deere Charmian, I shall fall,

319It cannot be thus long, the sides of Nature

320Will not sustaine it.

321Ant. Now my deerest Queene.

322Cleo. Pray you stand farther from mee.

323Ant. What's the matter?

324Cleo. I know by that same eye ther's some good news.

325What sayes the married woman you may goe?

326Would she had neuer giuen you leaue to come.

327Let her not say 'tis I that keepe you heere,

328I haue no power vpon you: Hers you are.

329Ant. The Gods best know.

330Cleo. Oh neuer was there Queene

331So mightily betrayed: yet at the fitst

332I saw the Treasons planted.

333Ant. Cleopatra.

334Cleo. Why should I thinke you can be mine, & true,

335(Though you in swearing shake the Throaned Gods)

336Who haue beene false to Fuluia?

337Riotous madnesse,

338To be entangled with those mouth-made vowes,

339Which breake themselues in swearing.

340Ant. Most sweet Queene.

341Cleo. Nay pray you seeke no colour for your going,

342But bid farewell, and goe:

343When you sued staying,

344Then was the time for words: No going then,

345Eternity was in our Lippes, and Eyes,

346Blisse in our browes bent: none our parts so poore,

347But was a race of Heauen. They are so still,

348Or thou the greatest Souldier of the world,

349Art turn'd the greatest Lyar.

350Ant. How now Lady?

351Cleo. I would I had thy inches, thou should'st know

352There were a heart in Egypt.

353Ant. Heare me Queene:

354The strong necessity of Time, commands

355Our Seruicles a-while: but my full heart

356Remaines in vse with you. Our Italy,

357Shines o're with ciuill Swords; Sextus Pompeius

358Makes his approaches to the Port of Rome,

359Equality of two Domesticke powers,

360Breed scrupulous faction: The hated growne to strength

361Are newly growne to Loue: The condemn'd Pompey,

362Rich in his Fathers Honor, creepes apace

363Into the hearts of such, as haue not thriued

364Vpon the present state, whose Numbers threaten,

365And quietnesse growne sicke of rest, would purge

366By any desperate change: My more particular,

367And that which most with you should safe my going,

368Is Fuluias death.

369Cleo. Though age from folly could not giue me freedom

370It does from childishnesse. Can Fuluia dye?

371Ant. She's dead my Queene.

372Looke heere, and at thy Soueraigne leysure read

373The Garboyles she awak'd: at the last, best,

374See when, and where shee died.

375Cleo. O most false Loue!

376Where be the Sacred Violles thou should'st fill

377With sorrowfull water? Now I see, I see,

378In Fuluias death, how mine receiu'd shall be.

379Ant. Quarrell no more, but bee prepar'd to know

380The purposes I beare: which are, or cease,

381As you shall giue th'aduice. By the fire

382That quickens Nylus slime, I go from hence

383Thy Souldier, Seruant, making Peace or Warre,

384As thou affects.

385Cleo. Cut my Lace, Charmian come,

386But let it be, I am quickly ill, and well,

387So Anthony loues.

388Ant. My precious Queene forbeare,

389And giue true euidence to his Loue, which stands

390An honourable Triall.

391Cleo. So Fuluia told me.

392I prythee turne aside, and weepe for her,

393Then bid adiew to me, and say the teares

394Belong to Egypt. Good now, play one Scene

395Of excellent dissembling, and let it looke

396Like perfect Honor.

397Ant. You'l heat my blood no more?

398Cleo. You can do better yet: but this is meetly.

399Ant. Now by Sword.

400Cleo. And Target. Still he mends.

401But this is not the best. Looke prythee Charmian,

402How this Herculean Roman do's become

403The carriage of his chafe.

404Ant. Ile leaue you Lady.

405Cleo. Courteous Lord, one word:

406Sir, you and I must part, but that's not it:

407Sir, you and I haue lou'd, but there's not it:

408That you know well, something it is I would:

409Oh, my Obliuion is a very Anthony,

410And I am all forgotten.

411Ant. But that your Royalty

412Holds Idlenesse your subiect, I should take you

413For Idlenesse it selfe.

414Cleo. 'Tis sweating Labour,

415To beare such Idlenesse so neere the heart

416As Cleopatra this. But Sir, forgiue me,

417Since my becommings kill me, when they do not

418Eye well to you. Your Honor calles you hence,

419Therefore be deafe to my vnpittied Folly,

420And all the Gods go with you. Vpon your Sword

421Sit Lawrell victory, and smooth successe

422Be strew'd before your feete.

423Ant. Let vs go.

424Come: Our separation so abides and flies,

425That thou reciding heere, goes yet with mee;

426And I hence fleeting, heere remaine with thee.

430Caes. You may see Lepidus, and henceforth know,

431It is not Caesars Naturall vice, to hate

432One great Competitor. From Alexandria

433This is the newes: He fishes, drinkes, and wastes

434The Lampes of night in reuell: Is not more manlike

435Then Cleopatra: nor the Queene of Ptolomy

436More Womanly then he. Hardly gaue audience

437Or vouchsafe to thinke he had Partners. You

438Shall finde there a man, who is th' abstracts of all faults,

439That all men follow.

440Lep. I must not thinke

441There are, euils enow to darken all his goodnesse:

442His faults in him, seeme as the Spots of Heauen,

443More fierie by nights Blacknesse; Hereditarie,

444Rather then purchaste: what he cannot change,

445Then what he chooses.

446Caes. You are too indulgent. Let's graunt it is not

447Amisse to tumble on the bed of Ptolomy,

448To giue a Kingdome for a Mirth, to sit

449And keepe the turne of Tipling with a Slaue,

450To reele the streets at noone, and stand the Buffet

451With knaues that smels of sweate: Say this becoms him

452(As his composure must be rare indeed,

453Whom these things cannot blemish) yet must Anthony

454No way excuse his foyles, when we do beare

455So great waight in his lightnesse. If he fill'd

456His vacancie with his Voluptuousnesse,

457Full surfets, and the drinesse of his bones,

458Call on him for't. But to confound such time,

459That drummes him from his sport, and speakes as lowd

460As his owne State, and ours, 'tis to be chid:

461As we rate Boyes, who being mature in knowledge,

462Pawne their experience to their present pleasure,

463And so rebell to iudgement.

465Lep. Heere's more newes.

466Mes. Thy biddings haue beene done, & euerie houre

467Most Noble Caesar, shalt thou haue report

468How 'tis abroad. Pompey is strong at Sea,

469And it appeares, he is belou'd of those

470That only haue feard Caesar: to the Ports

471The discontents repaire, and mens reports

472Giue him much wrong'd.

473Caes. I should haue knowne no lesse,

474It hath bin taught vs from the primall state

475That he which is was wisht, vntill he were:

476And the ebb'd man,

477Ne're lou'd, till ne're worth loue,

478Comes fear'd, by being lack'd. This common bodie,

479Like to a Vagabond Flagge vpon the Streame,

480Goes too, and backe, lacking the varrying tyde

x 2 To

481To rot it selfe with motion.

482Mes. Caesar I bring thee word,

483Menacrates and Menas famous Pyrates

484Makes the Sea serue them, which they eare and wound

485With keeles of euery kinde. Many hot inrodes

486They make in Italy, the Borders Maritime

487Lacke blood to thinke on't, and flush youth reuolt,

488No Vessell can peepe forth: but 'tis as soone

489Taken as seene: for Pompeyes name strikes more

490Then could his Warre resisted

491Caesar. Anthony,

492Leaue thy lasciuious Vassailes. When thou once

493Was beaten from Medena, where thou slew'st

494Hirsius, and Pausa Consuls, at thy heele

495Did Famine follow, whom thou fought'st against,

496(Though daintily brought vp) with patience more

497Then Sauages could suffer. Thou did'st drinke

498The stale of Horses, and the gilded Puddle

499Which Beasts would cough at. Thy pallat thẽ did daine

500The roughest Berry, on the rudest Hedge.

501Yea, like the Stagge, when Snow the Pasture sheets,

502The barkes of Trees thou brows'd. On the Alpes,

503It is reported thou did'st eate strange flesh,

504Which some did dye to looke on: And all this

505(It wounds thine Honor that I speake it now)

506Was borne so like a Soldiour, that thy cheeke

507So much as lank'd not.

508Lep. 'Tis pitty of him.

509Caes. Let his shames quickely

510Driue him to Rome, 'tis time we twaine

511Did shew our selues i'th' Field, and to that end

512Assemble me immediate counsell, Pompey

513Thriues in our Idlenesse.

514Lep. To morrow Caesar,

515I shall be furnisht to informe you rightly

516Both what by Sea and Land I can be able

517To front this present time.

518Caes. Til which encounter, it is my busines too. Farwell.

519Lep. Farwell my Lord, what you shal know mean time

520Of stirres abroad, I shall beseech you Sir

521To let me be partaker.

522Caesar. Doubt not sir, I knew it for my Bond. Exeunt

524Cleo. Charmian.

525Char. Madam.

526Cleo. Ha, ha, giue me to drinke Mandragora.

527Char. Why Madam?

528Cleo. That I might sleepe out this great gap of time:

529My Anthony is away.

530Char. You thinke of him too much.

531Cleo. O 'tis Treason.

532Char. Madam, I trust not so.

533Cleo. Thou, Eunuch Mardian?

534Mar. What's your Highnesse pleasure?

535Cleo. Not now to heare thee sing. I take no pleasure

536In ought an Eunuch ha's: Tis well for thee,

537That being vnseminar'd, thy freer thoughts

538May not flye forth of Egypt. Hast thou Affections?

539Mar. Yes gracious Madam.

540Cleo. Indeed?

541Mar. Not in deed Madam, for I can do nothing

542But what in deede is honest to be done:

543Yet haue I fierce Affections, and thinke

544What Venus did with Mars.

545Cleo. Oh Charmion:

546Where think'st thou he is now? Stands he, or sits he?

547Or does he walke? Or is he on his Horse?

548Oh happy horse to beare the weight of Anthony!

549Do brauely Horse, for wot'st thou whom thou moou'st,

550The demy Atlas of this Earth, the Arme

551And Burganet of men. Hee's speaking now,

552Or murmuring, where's my Serpent of old Nyle,

553(For so he cals me:) Now I feede my selfe

554With most delicious poyson. Thinke on me

555That am with Phoebus amorous pinches blacke,

556And wrinkled deepe in time. Broad-fronted Caesar,

557When thou was't heere aboue the ground, I was

558A morsell for a Monarke: and great Pompey

559Would stand and make his eyes grow in my brow,

560There would he anchor his Aspect, and dye

561With looking on his life.

563Alex. Soueraigne of Egypt, haile.

564Cleo. How much vnlike art thou Marke Anthony?

565Yet comming from him, that great Med'cine hath

566With his Tinct gilded thee.

567How goes it with my braue Marke Anthonie?

568Alex. Last thing he did (deere Quene)

569He kist the last of many doubled kisses

570This Orient Pearle. His speech stickes in my heart.

571Cleo. Mine eare must plucke it thence.

572Alex. Good Friend, quoth he:

573Say the firme Roman to great Egypt sends

574This treasure of an Oyster: at whose foote

575To mend the petty present, I will peece

576Her opulent Throne, with Kingdomes. All the East,

577(Say thou) shall call her Mistris. So he nodded,

578And soberly did mount an Arme-gaunt Steede,

579Who neigh'd so hye, that what I would haue spoke,

580Was beastly dumbe by him.

581Cleo. What was he sad, or merry?

582Alex. Like to the time o'th' yeare, between y^e extremes

583Of hot and cold, he was nor sad nor merrie.

584Cleo. Oh well diuided disposition: Note him,

585Note him good Charmian, 'tis the man; but note him.

586He was not sad, for he would shine on those

587That make their lookes by his. He was not merrie,

588Which seem'd to tell them, his remembrance lay

589In Egypt with his ioy, but betweene both.

590Oh heauenly mingle! Bee'st thou sad, or merrie,

591The violence of either thee becomes,

592So do's it no mans else. Met'st thou my Posts?

593Alex. I Madam, twenty seuerall Messengers.

594Why do you send so thicke?

595Cleo. Who's borne that day, when I forget to send

596to Anthonie, shall dye a Begger. Inke and paper Char-

597mian. Welcome my good Alexas. Did I Charmian, e-

598uer loue Caesar so?

599Char. Oh that braue Caesar!

600Cleo. Be choak'd with such another Emphasis,

601Say the braue Anthony.

602Char. The valiant Caesar.

603Cleo. By Isis, I will giue thee bloody teeth,

604If thou with Caesar Paragon againe:

605My man of men.

606Char. By your most gracious pardon,

607I sing but after you.

608Cleo. My Sallad dayes,

609When I was greene in iudgement, cold in blood,

610To say, as I saide then. But come, away,

611Get me Inke and Paper,

612he shall haue euery day a seuerall greeting, or Ile vnpeo-

613ple Egypt. Exeunt

616Pom. If the great Gods be iust, they shall assist

617The deeds of iustest men.

618Mene. Know worthy Pompey, that what they do de-

619lay, they not deny.

620Pom. Whiles we are sutors to their Throne, decayes

621the thing we sue for.

622Mene. We ignorant of our selues,

623Begge often our owne harmes, which the wise Powres

624Deny vs for our good: so finde we profit

625By loosing of our Prayers.

626Pom. I shall do well:

627The people loue me, and the Sea is mine;

628My powers are Cressent, and my Auguring hope

629Sayes it will come to'th'full. Marke Anthony

630In Egypt sits at dinner, and will make

631No warres without doores. Caesar gets money where

632He looses hearts: Lepidus flatters both,

633Of both is flatter'd: but he neither loues,

634Nor either cares for him.

635Mene. Caesar and Lepidus are in the field,

636A mighty strength they carry.

637Pom. Where haue you this? 'Tis false.

638Mene. From Siluius, Sir.

639Pom He dreames: I know they are in Rome together

640Looking for Anthony: but all the charmes of Loue,

641Salt Cleopatra soften thy wand lip,

642Let Witchcraft ioyne with Beauty, Lust with both,

643Tye vp the Libertine in a field of Feasts,

644Keepe his Braine fuming. Epicurean Cookes,

645Sharpen with cloylesse sawce his Appetite,

646That sleepe and feeding may prorogue his Honour,

647Euen till a Lethied dulnesse---

649How now Varrius?

650Var. This is most certaine, that I shall deliuer:

651Marke Anthony is euery houre in Rome

652Expected. Since he went from Egypt, 'tis

653A space for farther Trauaile.

654Pom. I could haue giuen lesse matter

655A better eare. Menas, I did not thinke

656This amorous Surfetter would haue donn'd his Helme

657For such a petty Warre: His Souldiership

658Is twice the other twaine: But let vs reare

659The higher our Opinion, that our stirring

660Can from the lap of Egypts Widdow, plucke

661The neere Lust-wearied Anthony.

662Mene. I cannot hope,

663Caesar and Anthony shall well greet together;

664His Wife that's dead, did trespasses to Caesar,

665His Brother wan'd vpon him, although I thinke

666Not mou'd by Anthony.

667Pom. I know not Menas,

668How lesser Enmities may giue way to greater,

669Were't not that we stand vp against them all:

670'Twer pregnant they should square between themselues,

671For they haue entertained cause enough

672To draw their swords: but how the feare of vs

673May Ciment their diuisions, and binde vp

674The petty difference, we yet not know:

675Bee't as our Gods will haue't; it onely stands

676Our liues vpon, to vse our strongest hands

677Come Menas. Exeunt.

679Lep. Good Enobarbus, 'tis a worthy deed,

680And shall become you well, to intreat your Captaine

681To soft and gentle speech.

682Enob. I shall intreat him

683To answer like himselfe: if Caesar moue him,

684Let Anthony looke ouer Caesars head,

685And speake as lowd as Mars. By Iupiter,

686Were I the wearer of Anthonio's Beard,

687I would not shaue't to day.

688Lep. 'Tis not a time for priuate stomacking.

689Eno. Euery time serues for the matter that is then

690borne in't.

691Lep. But small to greater matters must giue way.

692Eno. Not if the fmall come first.

693Lep. Your speech is passion: but pray you stirre

694No Embers vp. Heere comes the Noble Anthony.

696Eno. And yonder Caesar.

698Ant. If we compose well heere, to Parthia:

699Hearke Ventidius.

700Caesar. I do not know Mecenas, aske Agrippa.

701Lep. Noble Friends:

702That which combin'd vs was most great, and let not

703A leaner action rend vs. What's amisse,

704May it be gently heard. When we debate

705Our triuiall difference loud, we do commit

706Murther in healing wounds. Then Noble Partners,

707The rather for I earnestly beseech,

708Touch you the sowrest points with sweetest tearmes,

709Nor curstnesse grow to'th'matter.

710Ant. 'Tis spoken well:

711Were we before our Armies, and to fight,

712I should do thus. Flourish.

713Caes. Welcome to Rome.

714Ant. Thanke you.

715Caes. Sit.

716Ant, Sit sir.

717Caes. Nay then.

718Ant. I learne, you take things ill, which are not so:

719Or being, concerne you not.

720Caes. I must be laught at, if or for nothing, or a little, I

721Should say my selfe offended, and with you

722Chiefely i'th'world. More laught at, that I should

723Once name you derogately: when to sound your name

724It not concern'd me.

725Ant. My being in Egypt Caesar, what was't to you?

726Caes. No more then my reciding heere at Rome

727Might be to you in Egypt: yet if you there

728Did practise on my State, your being in Egypt

729Might be my question.

730Ant. How intend you, practis'd?

731Caes. You may be pleas'd to catch at mine intent,

732By what did heere befall me. Your Wife and Brother

733Made warres vpon me, and their contestation

734Was Theame for you, you were the word of warre.

735Ant. You do mistake your busines, my Brother neuer

736Did vrge me in his Act: I did inquire it,

737And haue my Learning from some true reports

738That drew their swords with you, did he not rather

739Discredit my authority with yours,

740And make the warres alike against my stomacke,

741Hauing alike your cause. Of this, my Letters

742Before did satisfie you. If you'l patch a quarrell,

743As matter whole you haue to make it with,

x3 It

744It must not be with this.

745Caes. You praise your selfe, by laying defects of iudge-

746ment to me: but you patcht vp your excuses.

747Anth. Not so, not so:

748I know you could not lacke, I am certaine on't,

749Very necessity of this thought, that I

750Your Partner in the cause 'gainst which he fought,

751Could not with gracefull eyes attend those Warres

752Which fronted mine owne peace. As for my wife,

753I would you had her spirit, in such another,

754The third oth'world is yours, which with a Snaffle,

755You may pace easie, but not such a wife.

756Enobar. Would we had all such wiues, that the men

757might go to Warres with the women.

758Anth. So much vncurbable, her Garboiles (Caesar)

759Made out of her impatience: which not wanted

760Shrodenesse of policie to: I greeuing grant,

761Did you too much disquiet, for that you must,

762But say I could not helpe it.

763Caesar. I wrote to you, when rioting in Alexandria you

764Did pocket vp my Letters: and with taunts

765Did gibe my Misiue out of audience.

766Ant. Sir, he fell vpon me, ere admitted, then:

767Three Kings I had newly feasted, and did want

768Of what I was i'th'morning: but next day

769I told him of my selfe, which was as much

770As to haue askt him pardon. Let this Fellow

771Be nothing of our strife: if we contend

772Out of our question wipe him.

773Caesar. You haue broken the Article of your oath,

774which you shall neuer haue tongue to charge me with.

775Lep. Soft Caesar.

776Ant. No Lepidus, let him speake,

777The Honour is Sacred which he talks on now,

778Supposing that I lackt it: but on Caesar,

779The Article of my oath.

780Caesar. To lend me Armes, and aide when I requir'd

781them, the which you both denied.

782Anth. Neglected rather:

783And then when poysoned houres had bound me vp

784From mine owne knowledge, as neerely as I may,

785Ile play the penitent to you. But mine honesty,

786Shall not make poore my greatnesse, nor my power

787Worke without it. Truth is, that Fuluia,

788To haue me out of Egypt, made Warres heere,

789For which my selfe, the ignorant motiue, do

790So farre aske pardon, as befits mine Honour

791To stoope in such a case.

792Lep. 'Tis Noble spoken.

793Mece. If it might please you, to enforce no further

794The griefes betweene ye: to forget them quite,

795Were to remember: that the present neede,

796Speakes to attone you.

797Lep. Worthily spoken Mecenas.

798Enobar. Or if you borrow one anothers Loue for the

799instant, you may when you heare no more words of

800Pompey returne it againe: you shall haue time to wrangle

801in, when you haue nothing else to do.

802Anth. Thou art a Souldier, onely speake no more.

803Enob. That trueth should be silent, I had almost for-

804got.

805Anth. You wrong this presence, therefore speake no

806more.

807Enob. Go too then: your Considerate stone.

808Caesar. I do not much dislike the matter, but

809The manner of his speech: for't cannot be,

810We shall remaine in friendship, our conditions

811So diffring in their acts. Yet if I knew,

812What Hoope should hold vs staunch from edge to edge

813Ath'world: I would persue it.

814Agri. Giue me leaue Caesar.

815Caesar. Speake Agrippa.

816Agri. Thou hast a Sister by the Mothers side, admir'd

817Octauia: Great Mark Anthony is now a widdower.

818Caesar. Say not, say Agrippa; if Cleopater heard you, your

819proofe were well deserued of rashnesse.

820Anth. I am not marryed Caesar: let me heere Agrippa

821further speake.

822Agri. To hold you in perpetuall amitie,

823To make you Brothers, and to knit your hearts

824With an vn-slipping knot, take Anthony,

825Octauia to his wife: whose beauty claimes

826No worse a husband then the best of men: whose

827Vertue, and whose generall graces, speake

828That which none else can vtter. By this marriage,

829All little Ielousies which now seeme great,

830And all great feares, which now import their dangers,

831Would then be nothing. Truth's would be tales,

832Where now halfe tales be truth's: her loue to both,

833Would each to other, and all loues to both

834Draw after her. Pardon what I haue spoke,

835For 'tis a studied not a present thought,

836By duty ruminated.

837Anth. Will Caesar speake?

838Caesar. Not till he heares how Anthony is toucht,

839With what is spoke already.

840Anth. What power is in Agrippa,

841If I would say Agrippa, be it so,

842To make this good?

843Caesar. The power of Caesar,

844And his power, vnto Octauia.

845Anth. May I neuer

846(To this good purpose, that so fairely shewes)

847Dreame of impediment: let me haue thy hand

848Further this act of Grace: and from this houre,

849The heart of Brothers gouerne in our Loues,

850And sway our great Designes.

851Caesar. There's my hand:

852A Sister I bequeath you, whom no Brother

853Did euer loue so deerely. Let her liue

854To ioyne our kingdomes, and our hearts, and neuer

855Flie off our Loues againe.

856Lepi. Happily, Amen.

857Ant. I did not think to draw my Sword 'gainst Pompey,

858For he hath laid strange courtesies, and great

859Of late vpon me. I must thanke him onely,

860Least my remembrance, suffer ill report:

861At heele of that, defie him.

862Lepi. Time cals vpon's,

863Of vs must Pompey presently be sought,

864Or else he seekes out vs.

865Anth. Where lies he?

866Caesar. About the Mount-Mesena.

867Anth. What is his strength by land?

868Caesar. Great, and encreasing:

869But by Sea he is an absolute Master.

870Anth. So is the Fame,

871Would we had spoke together. Hast we for it.

872Yet ere we put our selues in Armes, dispatch we

873The businesse we haue talkt of.

874Caesar. With most gladnesse,

875And do inuite you to my Sisters view,

876Whether straight Ile lead you.

877Anth. Let vs Lepidus not lacke your companie.

878Lep. Noble Anthony, not sickenesse should detaine

879me.

882Mec. Welcome from AEgypt Sir.

883Eno. Halfe the heart of Caesar, worthy Mecenas. My

884honourable Friend Agrippa.

885Agri. Good Enobarbus.

886Mece. We haue cause to be glad, that matters are so

887well disgested: you staid well by't in Egypt.

888Enob. I Sir, we did sleepe day out of countenaunce:

889and made the night light with drinking.

890Mece. Eight Wilde-Boares rosted whole at a break-

891fast: and but twelue persons there. Is this true?

892Eno. This was but as a Flye by an Eagle: we had much

893more monstrous matter of Feast, which worthily deser-

894ued noting.

895Mecenas. She's a most triumphant Lady, if report be

896square to her.

897Enob. When she first met Marke Anthony, she purst

898vp his heart vpon the Riuer of Sidnis.

899Agri. There she appear'd indeed: or my reporter de-

900uis'd well for her.

901Eno. I will tell you,

902The Barge she sat in, like a burnisht Throne

903Burnt on the water: the Poope was beaten Gold,

904Purple the Sailes: and so perfumed that

905The Windes were Loue-sicke.

906With them the Owers were Siluer,

907Which to the tune of Flutes kept stroke, and made

908The water which they beate, to follow faster;

909As amorous of their strokes. For her owne person,

910It beggerd all discription, she did lye

911In her Pauillion, cloth of Gold, of Tissue,

912O're-picturing that Venns, where we see

913The fancie out-worke Nature. On each side her,

914Stood pretty Dimpled Boyes, like smiling Cupids,

915With diuers coulour'd Fannes whose winde did seeme,

916To gloue the delicate cheekes which they did coole,

917And what they vndid did.

918Agrip. Oh rare for Anthony.

919Eno. Her Gentlewoman, like the Nereides,

920So many Mer-maides tended her i'th'eyes,

921And made their bends adornings. At the Helme.

922A seeming Mer-maide steeres: The Silken Tackle,

923Swell with the touches of those Flower-soft hands,

924That yarely frame the office. From the Barge

925A strange inuisible perfume hits the sense

926Of the adiacent Wharfes. The Citty cast

927Her people out vpon her: and Anthony

928Enthron'd i'th'Market-place, did sit alone,

929Whisling to'th'ayre: which but for vacancie,

930Had gone to gaze on Cleopater too,

931And made a gap in Nature.

932Agri. Rare Egiptian.

933Eno. Vpon her landing, Anthony sent to her,

934Inuited her to Supper: she replyed,

935It should be better, he became her guest:

936Which she entreated, our Courteous Anthony,

937Whom nere the word of no woman hard speake,

938Being barber'd ten times o're, goes to the Feast;

939And for his ordinary, paies his heart,

940For what his eyes eate onely.

941Agri. Royall Wench:

942She made great Caesar lay his Sword to bed,

943He ploughed her, and she cropt.

944Eno. I saw her once

945Hop forty Paces through the publicke streete,

946And hauing lost her breath, she spoke, and panted,

947That she did make defect, perfection,

948And breathlesse powre breath forth.

949Mece. Now Anthony, must leaue her vtterly.

950Eno. Neuer he will not:

951Age cannot wither her, nor custome stale

952Her infinite variety: other women cloy

953The appetites they feede, but she makes hungry,

954Where most she satisfies. For vildest things

955Become themselues in her, that the holy Priests

956Blesse her, when she is Riggish.

957Mece If Beauty, Wisedome, Modesty, can settle

958The heart of Anthony: Octauia is

959A blessed Lottery to him.

960Agrip. Let vs go. Good Enobarbus, make your selfe

961my guest, whilst you abide heere.

962Eno. Humbly Sir I thanke you. Exeunt

964Anth. The world, and my great office, will

965Sometimes deuide me from your bosome.

966Octa. All which time, before the Gods my knee shall

967bowe my ptayers to them for you.

968Anth. Goodnight Sir. My Octauia

969Read not my blemishes in the worlds report:

970I haue not kept my square, but that to come

971Shall all be done byth'Rule: good night deere Lady:

972Good night Sir.

973Caesar. Goodnight. Exit.

975Anth. Now sirrah: you do wish your selfe in Egypt?

976Sooth. Would I had neuer come from thence, nor you

977thither.

978Ant. If you can, your reason?

979Sooth. I see it in my motion: haue it not in my tongue,

980But yet hie you to Egypt againe.

981Antho. Say to me, whose Fortunes shall rise higher

982Caesars or mine?

983Soot. Caesars. Therefore (oh Anthony) stay not by his side

984Thy Daemon that thy spirit which keepes thee, is

985Noble, Couragious, high vnmatchable,

986Where Caesars is not. But neere him, thy Angell

987Becomes a feare: as being o're-powr'd, therefore

988Make space enough betweene you.

989Anth. Speake this no more.

990Sooth. To none but thee no more but: when to thee,

991If thou dost play with him at any game,

992Thou art sure to loose: And of that Naturall lucke,

993He beats thee 'gainst the oddes. Thy Luster thickens,

994When he shines by: I say againe, thy spirit

995Is all affraid to gouerne thee neere him:

996But he alway 'tis Noble.

997Anth. Get thee gone:

998Say to Ventigius I would speake with him. Exit.

999He shall to Parthia, be it Art or hap,

1000He hath spoken true. The very Dice obey him,

1001And in our sports my better cunning faints,

1002Vnder his chance, if we draw lots he speeds,

1003His Cocks do winne the Battaile, still of mine,

1004When it is all to naught: and his Quailes euer

1005Beate mine (in hoopt) at odd's. I will to Egypte:

1006And though I make this marriage for my peace,

1007I'th'East my pleasure lies. Oh come Ventigius.

1009You must to Parthia, your Commissions ready:

1010Follow me, and reciue't. Exeunt

1012Lepidus. Trouble your selues no further: pray you

1013hasten your Generals after.

1014Agr. Sir, Marke Anthony, will e'ne but kisse Octauia,

1015and weele follow.

1016Lepi. Till I shall see you in your Souldiers dresse,

1017Which will become you both: Farewell.

1018Mece. We shall: as I conceiue the iourney, be at

1019Mount before you Lepidus.

1020Lepi. Your way is shorter, my purposes do draw me

1021much about, you'le win two dayes vpon me.

1022Both. Sir good successe.

1023Lepi. Farewell. Exeunt.

1025Cleo. Giue me some Musicke: Musicke, moody foode

1026of vs that trade in Loue.

1027Omnes. The Musicke, hoa.

1029Cleo. Let it alone, let's to Billards: come Charmian.

1030Char. My arme is sore, best play with Mardian.

1031Cleopa. As well a woman with an Eunuch plaide, as

1032with a woman. Come you'le play with me Sir?

1033Mardi. As well as I can Madam.

1034Cleo. And when good will is shewed,

1035Though't come to short

1036The Actor may pleade pardon. Ile none now,

1037Giue me mine Angle, weele to'th'Riuer there

1038My Musicke playing farre off. I will betray

1039Tawny fine fishes, my bended hooke shall pierce

1040Their slimy iawes: and as I draw them vp,

1041Ile thinke them euery one an Anthony,

1042And say, ah ha; y'are caught.

1043Char. 'Twas merry when you wager'd on your Ang-

1044ling, when your diuer did hang a salt fish on his hooke

1045which he with feruencie drew vp.

1046Cleo. That time? Oh times:

1047I laught him out of patience: and that night

1048I laught him into patience, and next morne,

1049Ere the ninth houre, I drunke him to his bed:

1050Then put my Tires and Mantles on him, whilst

1051I wore his Sword Phillippan. Oh from Italie,

1053Ramme thou thy fruitefull tidings in mine eares,

1054That long time haue bin barren.

1055Mes. Madam, Madam.

1056Cleo. Anthonyo's dead.

1057If thou say so Villaine, thou kil'st thy Mistris:

1058But well and free, if thou so yeild him.

1059There is Gold, and heere

1060My blewest vaines to kisse: a hand that Kings

1061Haue lipt, and trembled kissing.

1062Mes. First Madam, he is well.

1063Cleo. Why there's more Gold.

1064But sirrah marke, we vse

1065To say, the dead are well: bring it to that,

1066The Gold I giue thee, will I melt and powr

1067Downe thy ill vttering throate.

1068Mes. Good Madam heare me.

1069Cleo. Well, go too I will:

1070But there's no goodnesse in thy face if Anthony

1071Be free and healthfull; so tart a fauour

1072To trumpet such good tidings. If not well,

1073Thou shouldst come like a Furie crown'd with Snakes,

1074Not like a formall man.

1075Mes. Wilt please you heare me?

1076Cleo. I haue a mind to strike thee ere thou speak'st:

1077Yet if thou say Anthony liues, 'tis well,

1078Or friends with Caesar, or not Captiue to him,

1079Ile set thee in a shower of Gold, and haile

1080Rich Pearles vpon thee.

1081Mes. Madam, he's well.

1082Cleo. Well said.

1083Mes. And Friends with Caesar.

1084Cleo. Th'art an honest man.

1085Mes. Caesar, and he, are greater Friends then euer.

1086Cleo. Make thee a Fortune from me.

1087Mes. But yet Madam.

1088Cleo. I do not like but yet, it does alay

1089The good precedence, fie vpon but yet,

1090But yet is as a Iaylor to bring foorth

1091Some monstrous Malefactor. Prythee Friend,

1092Powre out the packe of matter to mine eare,

1093The good and bad together: he's friends with Caesar,

1094In state of health thou saist, and thou saist, free.

1095Mes. Free Madam, no: I made no such report,

1096He's bound vnto Octauia.

1097Cleo. For what good turne?

1098Mes. For the best turne i'th'bed.

1099Cleo. I am pale Charmian.

1100Mes. Madam, he's married to Octauia.

1101Cleo. The most infectious Pestilence vpon thee.

1103Mes. Good Madam patience.

1104Cleo. What say you? Strikes him.

1105Hence horrible Villaine, or Ile spurne thine eyes

1106Like balls before me: Ile vnhaire thy head,

1108Thou shalt be whipt with Wyer, and stew'd in brine,

1109Smarting in lingring pickle.

1110Mes. Gratious Madam,

1111I that do bring the newes, made not the match.

1112Cleo. Say 'tis not so, a Prouince I will giue thee,

1113And make thy Fortunes proud: the blow thou had'st

1114Shall make thy peace, for mouing me to rage,

1115And I will boot thee with what guift beside

1116Thy modestie can begge.

1117Mes. He's married Madam.

1118Cleo. Rogue, thou hast liu'd too long. Draw a knife.

1119Mes. Nay then Ile runne:

1120What meane you Madam, I haue made no fault. Exit.

1121Char. Good Madam keepe your selfe within your selfe,

1122The man is innocent.

1123Cleo. Some Innocents scape not the thunderbolt:

1124Melt Egypt into Nyle: and kindly creatures

1125Turne all to Serpents. Call the slaue againe,

1126Though I am mad, I will not byte him: Call?

1127Char. He is afeard to come.

1128Cleo. I will not hurt him,

1129These hands do lacke Nobility, that they strike

1130A meaner then my selfe: since I my selfe

1131Haue giuen my selfe the cause. Come hither Sir.

1133Though it be honest, it is neuer good

1134To bring bad newes: giue to a gratious Message

1135An host of tongues, but let ill tydings tell

1136Themselues, when they be felt.

1137Mes. I haue done my duty.

1138Cleo. Is he married?

1139I cannot hate thee worser then I do,

1140If thou againe say yes.

1141Mes. He's married Madam.

1142Cleo. The Gods confound thee,

1143Dost thou hold there still?

1144Mes. Should I lye Madame?

1145Cleo. Oh, I would thou didst:

1146So halfe my Egypt were submerg'd and made

1147A Cesterne for scal'd Snakes. Go get thee hence,

1148Had'st thou Narcissus in thy face to me,

1149Thou would'st appeere most vgly: He is married?

1150Mes. I craue your Highnesse pardon.

1151Cleo. He is married?

1152Mes. Take no offence, that I would not offend you,

1153To punnish me for what you make me do

1154Seemes much vnequall, he's married to Octauia.

1155Cleo. Oh that his fault should make a knaue of thee,

1156That art not what th'art sure of. Get thee hence,

1157The Marchandize which thou hast brought from Rome

1158Are all too deere for me:

1159Lye they vpon thy hand, and be vndone by em.

1160Char. Good your Highnesse patience.

1161Cleo. In praysing Anthony, I haue disprais'd Caesar.

1162Char. Many times Madam.

1163Cleo. I am paid for't now: lead me from hence,

1164I faint, oh Iras, Charmian: 'tis no matter.

1165Go to the Fellow, good Alexas bid him

1166Report the feature of Octauia: her yeares,

1167Her inclination, let him not leaue out

1168The colour of her haire. Bring me word quickly,

1169Let him for euer go, let him not Charmian,

1170Though he be painted one way like a Gorgon,

1171The other wayes a Mars. Bid you Alexas

1172Bring me word, how tall she is: pitty me Charmian,

1173But do not speake to me. Lead me to my Chamber.

1178Pom. Your Hostages I haue, so haue you mine:

1179And we shall talke before we fight.

1180Caesar. Most meete that first we come to words,

1181And therefore haue we

1182Our written purposes before vs sent,

1183Which if thou hast considered, let vs know,

1184If 'twill tye vp thy discontented Sword,

1185And carry backe to Cicelie much tall youth,

1186That else must perish heere.

1187Pom. To you all three,

1188The Senators alone of this great world,

1189Chiefe Factors for the Gods. I do not know,

1190Wherefore my Father should reuengers want,

1191Hauing a Sonne and Friends, since Iulius Caesar,

1192Who at Phillippi the good Brutus ghosted,

1193There saw you labouring for him. What was't

1194That mou'd pale Cassius to conspire? And what

1195Made all-honor'd, honest, Romaine Brutus,

1196With the arm'd rest, Courtiers of beautious freedome,

1197To drench the Capitoll, but that they would

1198Haue one man but a man, and that his it

1199Hath made me rigge my Nauie. At whose burthen,

1200The anger'd Ocean fomes, with which I meant

1201To scourge th'ingratitude, that despightfull Rome

1202Cast on my Noble Father.

1203Caesar. Take your time.

1204Ant. Thou can'st not feare vs Pompey with thy sailes.

1205Weele speake with thee at Sea. At land thou know'st

1206How much we do o're-count thee.

1207Pom. At Land indeed

1208Thou dost orecount me of my Fatherrs house:

1209But since the Cuckoo buildes not for himselfe,

1210Remaine in't as thou maist.

1211Lepi. Be pleas'd to tell vs,

1212(For this is from the present how you take)

1213The offers we haue sent you.

1214Caesar. There's the point.

1215Ant. Which do not be entreated too,

1216But waigh what it is worth imbrac'd

1217Caesar. And what may follow to try a larger Fortune.

1218Pom. You haue made me offer

1219Of Cicelie, Sardinia: and I must

1220Rid all the Sea of Pirats. Then, to send

1221Measures of Wheate to Rome: this greed vpon,

1222To part with vnhackt edges, and beare backe

1223Our Targes vndinted.

1224Omnes. That's our offer.

1225Pom. Know then I came before you heere,

1226A man prepar'd

1227To take this offer. But Marke Anthony,

1228Put me to some impatience: though I loose

1229The praise of it by telling. You must know

1230When Caesar and your Brother were at blowes,

1231Your Mother came to Cicelie, and did finde

1232Her welcome Friendly.

1233Ant. I haue heard it Pompey,

1234And am well studied for a liberall thanks,

1235Which I do owe you.

1236Pom. Let me haue your hand:

1237I did not thinke Sir, to haue met you heere,

1238Ant. The beds i'th'East are soft, and thanks to you,

1239That cal'd me timelier then my purpose hither:

1240For I haue gained by't.

1241Caesar. Since I saw you last, ther's a change vpon you.

1242Pom. Well, I know not,

1243What counts harsh Fotune cast's vpon my face,

1244But in my bosome shall she neuer come,

1245To make my heart her vassaile.

1246Lep. Well met heere.

1247Pom. I hope so Lepidus, thus we are agreed:

1248I craue our composion may be written

1249And seal'd betweene vs,

1250Caesar. That's the next to do.

1251Pom. Weele feast each other, ere we part, and lett's

1252Draw lots who shall begin.

1253Ant. That will I Pompey.

1254Pompey. No Anthony take the lot: but first or last,

1255your fine Egyptian cookerie shall haue the fame, I haue

1256heard that Iulius Caesar, grew fat with feasting there.

1257Anth. You haue heard much.

1258Pom. I haue faire meaning Sir.

1259Ant. And faire words to them.

1260Pom. Then so much haue I heard,

1261And I haue heard Appolodorus carried---

1262Eno. No more that: he did so.

1263Pom. What I pray you?

1264Eno. A certaine Queene to Caesar in a Matris.

1265Pom. I know thee now, how far'st thou Souldier?

1266Eno. Well, and well am like to do, for I perceiue

1267Foure Feasts are toward.

1268Pom. Let me shake thy hand,

1269I neuer hated thee: I haue seene thee fight,

1270When I haue enuied thy behauiour.

1271Enob. Sir, I neuer lou'd you much, but I ha'prais'd ye,

1272When you haue well deseru'd ten times as much,

1273As I haue said you did.

1274Pom. Inioy thy plainnesse,

1275It nothing ill becomes thee:

1276Aboord my Gally, I inuite you all.

1277Will you leade Lords?

1278All. Shew's the way, sir.

1279Pom. Come. Exeunt. Manet Enob. & Menas

1280Men. Thy Father Pompey would ne're haue made this

1281Treaty. You, and I haue knowne sir.

1282Enob. At Sea, I thinke.

1283Men. We haue Sir.

1284Enob. You haue done well by water.

1285Men. And you by Land.

1286Enob. I will praise any man that will praise me, thogh

1287it cannot be denied what I haue done by Land.

1288Men. Nor what I haue done by water.

1289Enob. Yes some-thing you can deny for your owne

1290safety: you haue bin a great Theefe by Sea.

1291Men. And you by Land.

1292Enob. There I deny my Land seruice: but giue mee

1293your hand Menas, if our eyes had authority, heere they

1294might take two Theeues kissing.

1295Men. All mens faces are true, whatsomere their hands

1296are.

1297Enob. But there is neuer a fayre Woman, ha's a true

1298Face.

1299Men. No slander, they steale hearts.

1300Enob. We came hither to fight with you.

1301Men. For my part, I am sorry it is turn'd to a Drink-

1302ing. Pompey doth this day laugh away his Fortune.

1303Enob. If he do, sure he cannot weep't backe againe.

1304Men. Y'haue said Sir, we look'd not for Marke An-

1305thony heere, pray you, is he married to Cleopatra?

1306Enob. Caesars Sister is call'd Octauia.

1307Men. True Sir, she was the wife of Caius Marcellus.

1308Enob. But she is now the wife of Marcus Anthonius.

1309Men. Pray'ye sir.

1310Enob. 'Tis true.

1311Men. Then is Caesar and he, for euer knit together.

1312Enob. If I were bound to Diuine of this vnity, I wold

1313not Prophesie so.

1314Men. I thinke the policy of that purpose, made more

1315in the Marriage, then the loue of the parties.

1316Enob. I thinke so too. But you shall finde the band

1317that seemes to tye their friendship together, will bee the

1318very strangler of their Amity: Octauia is of a holy, cold,

1319and still conuersation.

1320Men. Who would not haue his wife so?

1321Eno. Not he that himselfe is not so: which is Marke

1322Anthony: he will to his Egyptian dish againe: then shall

1323the sighes of Octauia blow the fire vp in Caesar, and (as I

1324said before) that which is the strength of their Amity,

1325shall proue the immediate Author of their variance. An-

1326thony will vse his affection where it is. Hee married but

1327his occasion heere.

1328Men. And thus it may be. Come Sir, will you aboord?

1329I haue a health for you.

1330Enob. I shall take it sir: we haue vs'd our Throats in

1331Egypt.

1332Men. Come, let's away. Exeunt.

13351 Heere they'l be man: some o'th'their Plants are ill

1336rooted already, the least winde i'th'world wil blow them

1337downe.

13382 Lepidus is high Conlord.

13391 They haue made him drinke Almes drinke.

13402 As they pinch one another by the disposition, hee

1341cries out, no more; reconciles them to his entreatie, and

1342himselfe to'th'drinke.

13431 But it raises the greatet warre betweene him & his

1344discretion.

13452 Why this it is to haue a name in great mens Fel-

1346lowship: I had as liue haue a Reede that will doe me no

1347seruice, as a Partizan I could not heaue.

13481 To be call'd into a huge Sphere, and not to be seene

1349to moue in't, are the holes where eyes should bee, which

1350pittifully disaster the cheekes.

1354Ant. Thus do they Sir: they take the flow o'th'Nyle

1355By certaine scales i'th' Pyramid: they know

1356By'th'height, the lownesse, or the meane: If dearth

1357Or Foizon follow. The higher Nilus swels,

1358The more it promises: as it ebbes, the Seedsman

1359Vpon the slime and Ooze scatters his graine,

1360And shortly comes to Haruest.

1361Lep. Y'haue strange Serpents there?

1362Anth. I Lepidus.

1363Lep. Your Serpent of Egypt, is bred now of your mud

1364by the operation of your Sun: so is your Crocodile.

1365Ant. They are so.

1366Pom. Sit, and some Wine: A health to Lepidus.

1367Lep. I am not so well as I should be:

1368But Ile ne're out.

1369Enob. Not till you haue slept: I feare me you'l bee in

1370till then.

1371Lep. Nay certainly, I haue heard the Ptolomies Pyra-

1372misis are very goodly things: without contradiction I

1373haue heard that.

1374Menas. Pompey, a word.

1375Pomp. Say in mine eare, what is't.

1376Men. Forsake thy seate I do beseech thee Captaine,

1377And heare me speake a word.

1378Pom. Forbeare me till anon. Whispers in's Eare.

1379This Wine for Lepidus.

1380Lep. Whar manner o'thing is your Crocodile?

1381Ant. It is shap'd sir like it selfe, and it is as broad as it

1382hath bredth; It is iust so high as it is, and mooues with it

1383owne organs. It liues by that which nourisheth it, and

1384the Elements once out of it, it Transmigrates.

1385Lep. What colour is it of?

1386Ant. Of it owne colour too.

1387Lep. 'Tis a strange Serpent.

1388Ant. 'Tis so, and the teares of it are wet.

1389Caes. Will this description satisfie him?

1390Ant. With the Health that Pompey giues him, else he

1391is a very Epicure.

1392Pomp. Go hang sir, hang: tell me of that? Away:

1393Do as I bid you. Where's this Cup I call'd for?

1394Men. If for the sake of Merit thou wilt heare mee,

1395Rise from thy stoole.

1396Pom. I thinke th'art mad: the matter?

1397Men. I haue euer held my cap off to thy Fortunes.

1398Pom. Thou hast seru'd me with much faith: what's

1399else to say? Be iolly Lords.

1400Anth. These Quicke-sands Lepidus,

1401Keepe off, them for you sinke.

1402Men. Wilt thou be Lord of all the world?

1403Pom. What saist thou?

1404Men. Wilt thou be Lord of the whole world?

1405That's twice.

1406Pom. How should that be?

1407Men. But entertaine it, and though thou thinke me

1408poore, I am the man will giue thee all the world.

1409Pom. Hast thou drunke well.

1410Men. No Pompey, I haue kept me from the cup,

1411Thou art if thou dar'st be, the earthly Ioue:

1412What ere the Ocean pales, or skie inclippes,

1413Is thine, if thou wilt ha't.

1414Pom. Shew me which way?

1415Men. These three World-sharers, these Competitors

1416Are in thy vessell. Let me cut the Cable,

1417And when we are put off, fall to their throates:

1418All there is thine.

1419Pom. Ah, this thou shouldst haue done,

1420And not haue spoke on't. In me 'tis villanie,

1421In thee, 't had bin good seruice: thou must know,

1422'Tis not my profit that does lead mine Honour:

1423Mine Honour it, Repent that ere thy tongue,

1424Hath so betraide thine acte. Being done vnknowne,

1425I should haue found it afterwards well done,

1426But must condemne it now: desist, and drinke.

1427Men. For this, Ile neuer follow

1428Thy paul'd Fortunes more,

1429Who seekes and will not take, when once 'tis offer'd,

1430Shall neuer finde it more.

1431Pom. This health to Lepidus.

1432Ant. Beare him ashore,

1433Ile pledge it for him Pompey.

1434Eno. Heere's to thee Menas.

1435Men. Enobarbus, welcome.

1436Pom. Fill till the cup be hid.

1437Eno. There's a strong Fellow Menas.

1438Men. Why?

1439Eno. A beares the third part of the world man: seest

1440not?

1441Men. The third part, then he is drunk: would it were

1442all, that it might go on wheeles.

1443Eno. Drinke thou: encrease the Reeles.

1444Men Come.

1445Pom. This is not yet an Alexandrian Feast.

1446Ant. It ripen's towards it: strike the Vessells hoa.

1447Heere's to Caesar.

1448Caesar. I could well forbear't, it's monstrous labour

1449when I wash my braine, and it grow fouler.

1450Ant. Be a Child o'th'time.

1451Caesar. Possesse it, Ile make answer: but I had rather

1452fast from all, foure dayes, then drinke so much in one.

1453Enob. Ha my braue Emperour, shall we daunce now

1454the Egyptian Backenals, and celebrate our drinke?

1455Pom. Let's ha't good Souldier.

1456Ant. Come, let's all take hands,

1457Till that the conquering Wine hath steep't our sense,

1458In soft and delicate Lethe.

1459Eno. All take hands:

1460Make battery to our eares with the loud Musicke,

1461The while, Ile place you, then the Boy shall sing.

1462The holding euery man shall beate as loud,

1463As his strong sides can volly.

1472Caesar. What would you more?

1473Pompey goodnight. Good Brother

1474Let me request you of our grauer businesse

1475Frownes at this leuitie. Gentle Lords let's part,

1476You see we haue burnt our cheekes. Strong Enobarbe

1477Is weaker then the Wine, and mine owne tongue

1478Spleet's what it speakes: the wilde disguise hath almost

1479Antickt vs all. What needs more words? goodnight.

1480Good Anthony your hand.

1481Pom. Ile try you on the shore.

1482Anth. And shall Sir, giues your hand.

1483Pom. Oh Anthony, you haue my Father house.

1484But what, we are Friends?

1485Come downe into the Boate.

1486Eno. Take heed you fall not Menas: Ile not on shore,

1487No to my Cabin: these Drummes,

1488These Trumpets, Flutes: what

1489Let Neptune heare, we bid aloud farewell

1490To these great Fellowes. Sound and be hang'd, sound out.

1492Enor. Hoo saies a there's my Cap.

1493Men. Hoa, Noble Captaine, come. Exeunt.

1496Ven. Now darting Parthya art thou stroke, and now

1497Pleas'd Fortune does of Marcus Crassus death

1498Make me reuenger. Beare the Kings Sonnes body,

1499Before our Army, thy Pacorus Orades,

1500Paies this for Marcus Crassus.

1501Romaine. Noble Ventidius,

1502Whil'st yet with Parthian blood thy Sword is warme,

1503The Fugitiue Parthians follow. Spurre through Media,

1504Mesapotamia, and the shelters, whether

1505The routed flie. So thy grand Captaine Anthony

1506Shall set thee on triumphant Chariots, and

1507Put Garlands on thy head.

1508Ven. Oh Sillius, Sillius,

1509I haue done enough. A lower place note well

1510May make too great an act. For learne this Sillius,

1511Better to leaue vndone, then by our deed

1512Acquire too high a Fame, when him we serues away.

1513Caesar and Anthony, haue euer wonne

1514More in their officer, then person. Sossius

1515One of my place in Syria, his Lieutenant,

1516For quicke accumulation of renowne,

1517Which he atchiu'd by'th'minute, lost his fauour.

1518Who does i'th'Warres more then his Captaine can,

1519Becomes his Captaines Captaine: and Ambition

1520(The Souldiers vertue) rather makes choise of losse

1521Then gaine, which darkens him.

1522I could do more to do Anthonius good,

1523But 'twould offend him. And in his offence,

1524Should my performance perish.

1525Rom. Thou hast Ventidius that, without the which a

1526Souldier and his Sword graunts scarce distinction: thou

1527wilt write to Anthony.

1528Ven. Ile humbly signifie what in his name,

1529That magicall word of Warre we haue effected,

1530How with his Banners, and his well paid ranks,

1531The nere-yet beaten Horse of Parthia,

1532We haue iaded out o'th'Field.

1533Rom. Where is he now?

1534Ven. He purposeth to Athens, whither with what hast

1535The waight we must conuay with's, will permit:

1536We shall appeare before him. On there, passe along.

1539Agri. What are the Brothers parted?

1540Eno. They haue dispatcht with Pompey, he is gone,

1541The other three are Sealing. Octauia weepes

1542To part from Rome: Caesar is sad, and Lepidus

1543Since Pompey's feast, as Menas saies, is troubled

1544With the Greene-Sicknesse.

1545Agri. 'Tis a Noble Lepidus.

1546Eno. A very fine one: oh, how he loues Caesar.

1547Agri. Nay but how deerely he adores Mark Anthony.

1548Eno. Caesar? why he's the Iupiter of men.

1549Ant. What's Anthony, the God of Iupiter?

1550Eno. Spake you of Caesar? How, the non-pareill?

1551Agri. Oh Anthony, oh thou Arabian Bird!

1552Eno. Would you praise Caesar, say Caesar go no further.

1553Agr. Indeed he plied them both with excellent praises.

1554Eno. But he loues Caesar best, yet he loues Anthony:

1555Hoo, Hearts, Tongues, Figure,

1556Scribes, Bards, Poets, cannot

1557Thinke speake, cast, write, sing, number: hoo,

1558His loue to Anthony. But as for Caesar,

1559Kneele downe, kneele downe, and wonder.

1560Agri. Both he loues.

1561Eno. They are his Shards, and he their Beetle, so:

1562This is to horse: Adieu, Noble Agrippa.

1563Agri. Good Fortune worthy Souldier, and farewell.

1565Antho. No further Sir.

1566Caesar. You take from me a great part of my selfe:

1567Vse me well in't. Sister, proue such a wife

1568As my thoughts make thee, and as my farthest Band

1569Shall passe on thy approofe: most Noble Anthony,

1570Let not the peece of Vertue which is set

1571Betwixt vs, as the Cyment of our loue

1572To keepe it builded, be the Ramme to batter

1573The Fortresse of it: for better might we

1574Haue lou'd without this meane, if on both parts

1575This be not cherisht.

1576Ant. Make me not offended, in your distrust.

1577Caesar. I haue said.

1578Ant. You shall not finde,

1579Though you be therein curious, the lest cause

1580For what you seeme to feare, so the Gods keepe you,

1581And make the hearts of Romaines serue your ends:

1582We will heere part.

1583Caesar. Farewell my deerest Sister, fare thee well,

1584The Elements be kind to thee, and make

1585Thy spirits all of comfort: fare thee well.

1586Octa. My Noble Brother.

1587Anth. The Aprill's in her eyes, it is Loues spring,

1588And these the showers to bring it on: be cheerfull.

1589Octa. Sir, looke well to my Husbands house: and

1590Caesar. What Octauia?

1591Octa. Ile tell you in your eare.

1592Ant. Her tongue will not obey her heart, nor can

1593Her heart informe her tougue.

1594The Swannes downe feather

1595That stands vpon the Swell at the full of Tide:

1596And neither way inclines.

1597Eno. Will Caesar weepe?

1598Agr. He ha's a cloud in's face.

1599Eno. He were the worse for that were he a Horse, so is

1600he being a man.

1601Agri. Why Enobarbus:

1602When Anthony found Iulius Caesar dead,

1603He cried almost to roaring: And he wept,

1604When at Phillippi he found Brutus slaine.

1605Eno. That year indeed, he was trobled with a rheume,

1606What willingly he did confound, he wail'd,

1607Beleeu't till I weepe too.

1608Caesar. No sweet Octauia,

1609You shall heare from me still: the time shall not

1610Out-go my thinking on you.

1611Ant. Come Sir, come,

1612Ile wrastle with you in my strength of loue,

1613Looke heere I haue you, thus I let you go,

1614And giue you to the Gods.

1615Caesar. Adieu, be happy.

1616Lep. Let all the number of the Starres giue light

1617To thy faire way.

1618Caesar. Farewell, farewell. Kisses Octauia.

1619Ant. Farewell. Trumpets sound. Exeunt.

1621Cleo. Where is the Fellow?

1622Alex. Halfe afeard to come.

1623Cleo. Go too, go too: Come hither Sir.

1625Alex. Good Maiestie: Herod of Iury dare not looke

1626vpon you, but when you are well pleas'd.

1627Cleo. That Herods head, Ile haue: but how? When

1628Anthony is gone, through whom I might commaund it:

1629Come thou neere.

1630Mes. Most gratious Maiestie.

1631Cleo. Did'st thou behold Octauia?

1632Mes. I dread Queene.

1633Cleo. Where?

1634Mes. Madam in Rome, I lookt her in the face: and

1635saw her led betweene her Brother, and Marke Anthony.

1636Cleo. Is she as tall as me?

1637Mes. She is not Madam.

1638Cleo. Didst heare her speake?

1639Is she shrill tongu'd or low?

1640Mes. Madam, I heard her speake, she is low voic'd.

1641Cleo. That's not so good: he cannot like her long.

1642Char. Like her? Oh Isis: 'tis impossible.

1643Cleo. I thinke so Charmian: dull of tongue, & dwarfish

1644What Maiestie is in her gate, remember

1645If ere thou look'st on Maiestie. ,

1646Mes. She creepes: her motion, & her station are as one.

1647She shewes a body, rather then a life,

1648A Statue, then a Breather.

1649Cleo. Is this certaine?

1650Mes. Or I haue no obseruance.

1651Cha. Three in Egypt cannot make better note.

1652Cleo. He's very knowing, I do perceiu't,

1653There's nothing in her yet.

1654The Fellow ha's good iudgement.

1655Char. Excellent.

1656Cleo. Guesse at her yeares, I prythee.

1657Mess. Madam, she was a widdow.

1658Cleo. Widdow? Charmian, hearke.

1659Mes. And I do thinke she's thirtie.

1660Cle. Bear'st thou her face in mind? is't long or round?

1661Mess. Round, euen to faultinesse.

1662Cleo. For the most part too, they are foolish that are

1663so. Her haire what colour?

1664Mess. Browne Madam: and her forehead

1665As low as she would wish it.

1666Cleo. There's Gold for thee,

1667Thou must not take my former sharpenesse ill,

1668I will employ thee backe againe: I finde thee

1669Most fit for businesse. Go, make thee ready,

1670Our Letters are prepar'd.

1671Char. A proper man.