Internet Shakespeare Editions

About this text

  • Title: Anthony and Cleopatra (Modern)
  • 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    Not Peer Reviewed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 (Modern)

    [4.1]
    Enter Caesar, Agrippa, and Maecenas with his army, 2390Caesar reading a letter; [a Messenger in attendance].
    Caesar
    He calls me boy, and chides as he had power
    To beat me out of Egypt. My messenger
    He hath whipped with rods, dares me to personal combat,
    Caesar to Antony. Let the old ruffian know
    2395I have many other ways to die. Meantime
    Laugh at his challenge.
    [Exit Messenger].
    Maecenas
    Caesar must think,
    When one so great begins to rage, he's hunted
    Even to falling. Give him no breath, but now
    2400Make boot of his distraction. Never anger
    Made good guard for itself.
    Caesar
    Let our best heads know,
    That tomorrow the last of many battles
    We mean to fight. Within our files there are
    2405Of those that served Mark Antony but late
    Enough to fetch him in. See it done;
    And feast the army--we have store to do't,
    And they have earned the waste. Poor Antony!
    Exeunt.