Internet Shakespeare Editions

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Not Peer Reviewed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.