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  • Title: Anthony and Cleopatra (Folio 1, 1623)
  • Editor: Randall Martin

    • ISBN: 978-1-55058-433-2

    Copyright Randall Martin. This text may be freely used for educational, non-profit purposes; for all other uses contact the Editor.
    Author: William Shakespeare
    Editor: Randall Martin
    Not Peer Reviewed

    Anthony and Cleopatra (Folio 1, 1623)

    Enter Anthony, Caesar, Octauia betw eene them.
    Anth. The world, and my great office, will
    965Sometimes deuide me from your bosome.
    Octa. All which time, before the Gods my knee shall
    bowe my ptayers to them for you.
    Anth. Goodnight Sir. My Octauia
    Read not my blemishes in the worlds report:
    970I haue not kept my square, but that to come
    Shall all be done byth'Rule: good night deere Lady:
    Good night Sir.
    Caesar. Goodnight. Exit.
    Enter Soothsaier.
    975Anth. Now sirrah: you do wish your selfe in Egypt?
    Sooth. Would I had neuer come from thence, nor you
    thither.
    Ant. If you can, your reason?
    Sooth. I see it in my motion: haue it not in my tongue,
    980But yet hie you to Egypt againe.
    Antho. Say to me, whose Fortunes shall rise higher
    Caesars or mine?
    Soot. Caesars. Therefore (oh Anthony) stay not by his side
    Thy Daemon that thy spirit which keepes thee, is
    985Noble, Couragious, high vnmatchable,
    Where Caesars is not. But neere him, thy Angell
    Becomes a feare: as being o're-powr'd, therefore
    Make space enough betweene you.
    Anth. Speake this no more.
    990Sooth. To none but thee no more but: when to thee,
    If thou dost play with him at any game,
    Thou art sure to loose: And of that Naturall lucke,
    He beats thee 'gainst the oddes. Thy Luster thickens,
    When he shines by: I say againe, thy spirit
    995Is all affraid to gouerne thee neere him:
    But he alway 'tis Noble.
    Anth. Get thee gone:
    Say to Ventigius I would speake with him. Exit.
    He shall to Parthia, be it Art or hap,
    1000He hath spoken true. The very Dice obey him,
    And in our sports my better cunning faints,
    Vnder his chance, if we draw lots he speeds,
    His Cocks do winne the Battaile, still of mine,
    When it is all to naught: and his Quailes euer
    1005Beate mine (in hoopt) at odd's. I will to Egypte:
    And
    348 The Tragedie of
    And though I make this marriage for my peace,
    I'th'East my pleasure lies. Oh come Ventigius.
    Enter Ventigius.
    You must to Parthia, your Commissions ready:
    1010Follow me, and reciue't. Exeunt
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