Internet Shakespeare Editions

Author: William Shakespeare
Editor: Randall Martin
Not Peer Reviewed

Anthony and Cleopatra (Modern)

[3.4]
Enter Antony and Octavia.
1685Antony
Nay, nay, Octavia, not only that--
That were excusable, that and thousands more
Of semblable import--but he hath waged
New wars 'gainst Pompey, made his will and read it
To public ear, spoke scantly of me!
1690When perforce he could not
But pay me terms of honor, cold and sickly
He vented then, most narrow measure lent me;
When the best hint was given him, he not look't,
Or did it from his teeth.
1695Octavia
Oh my good lord,
Believe not all, or if you must believe,
Stomach not all. A more unhappy lady,
If this division chance, ne'er stood between
Praying for both parts.
1700The good gods will mock me presently
When I shall pray "Oh bless my lord and husband,"
Undo that prayer by crying out as loud
"Oh bless my brother." Husband win, win brother,
Prays and destroys the prayer; no midway
1705'Twixt these extremes at all.
Antony
Gentle Octavia,
Let your best love draw to that point which seeks
Best to preserve it. If I lose mine honor
I lose myself; better I were not yours
1710Than yours so branchless. But as you requested,
Yourself shall go between's. The meantime, lady,
I'll raise the preparation of a war
Shall stain your brother. Make your soonest haste;
So your desires are yours.
1715Octavia
Thanks to my lord.
The Jove of power make me, most weak, most weak
Your reconciler. Wars 'twixt you twain would be
As if the world should cleave, and that slain men
Should solder up the rift.
1720Antony
When it appears to you where this begins,
Turn your displeasure that way, for our faults
Can never be so equal that your love
Can equally move with them. Provide your going;
Choose your own company, and command what cost
1725Your heart has mind to.
Exeunt.