Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Randall Martin
Not Peer Reviewed

Anthony and Cleopatra (Modern)

[3.12]
Enter Caesar, Agrippa, [Thidias] and Dolabella, with others.
Caesar
Let him appear that's come from Antony.
Know you him?
2110Dolabella
Caesar, 'tis his schoolmaster.
An argument that he is plucked, when hither
He sends so poor a pinion of his wing,
Which had superfluous kings for messengers
Not many moons gone by.
2115Enter Ambassador from Antony.
Caesar
Approach, and speak.
Ambassador
Such as I am, I come from Antony.
I was of late as petty to his ends
As is the morn-dew on the myrtle leaf
2120To his grand sea.
Caesar
Be't so. Declare thine office.
Ambassador
Lord of his fortunes he salutes thee, and
Requires to live in Egypt; which not granted
He lessens his requests, and to thee sues
2125To let him breathe between the heavens and earth
A private man in Athens. This for him.
Next: Cleopatra does confess thy greatness,
Submits her to thy might, and of thee craves
The circle of the Ptolemies for her heirs,
2130Now hazarded to thy grace.
Caesar
For Antony,
I have no ears to his request. The queen
Of audience nor desire shall fail, so she
From Egypt drive her all-disgracèd friend
2135Or take his life there. This if she perform
She shall not sue unheard. So to them both.
Ambassador
Fortune pursue thee.
Caesar
Bring him through the bands.
[Exit Ambassador, attended].
[To Thidias] To try thy eloquence now 'tis time--dispatch.
2140From Antony win Cleopatra. Promise--
And in our name--what she requires. Add more--
From thine invention--offers. Women are not
In their best fortunes strong; but want will perjure
The ne'er-touched vestal. Try thy cunning, Thidias.
2145Make thine own edict for thy pains, which we
Will answer as a law.
Thidias
Caesar, I go.
Observe how Antony becomes his flaw,
And what thou think'st his very action speaks
2150In every power that moves.
Thidias
Caesar, I shall.
Exeunt [Thidias at one door and Caesar, Agrippa, Dolabella and others at another door].