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    Not Peer Reviewed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)

    [4.4]
    Enter Antony and Cleopatra, with [Charmian and] others.
    Antony
    [Calling] Eros! Mine armor, Eros!
    Cleopatra
    Sleep a little.
    2505Antony
    No, my chuck. Eros, come, mine armor, Eros!
    Enter Eros [with armor].
    Come, good fellow, put thine iron on.
    If Fortune be not ours today, it is
    Because we brave her. Come. [Eros begins to arm Antony.]
    2510Cleopatra
    Nay I'll help too. [Taking a piece of armor]
    What's this for? [Beginning to arm Antony]
    Antony
    Ah let be, let be! Thou art
    The armorer of my heart. False, false; this, this.
    Cleopatra
    Sooth la, I'll help. Thus it must be.
    Antony
    Well, well,
    We shall thrive now. 2515Seest thou, my good fellow?
    Go, put on thy defences.
    Eros
    Briefly, sir.
    Cleopatra
    Is not this buckled well?
    Antony
    Rarely, rarely;
    He that unbuckles this till we do please
    2520To doff't for our repose shall hear a storm.
    Thou fumblest, Eros, and my queen's a squire
    More tight at this than thou--dispatch. O love,
    That thou couldst see my wars today, and knew'st
    The royal occupation, thou should'st see
    2525A workman in't.
    Enter an armed soldier.
    Good morrow to thee. Welcome.
    Thou look'st like him that knows a warlike charge.
    To business that we love we rise betime
    2530And go to't with delight.
    Soldier
    A thousand, sir,
    Early though't be, have on their riveted trim
    And at the port expect you.
    Shout [within].
    Trumpets flourish.
    Enter [Scarrus and other] Captains, and Soldiers.
    2535Scarrus
    The morn is fair. Good morrow, general.
    Captains and Soldiers
    Good morrow, general.
    Antony
    'Tis well blown, lads.
    This morning, like the spirit of a youth
    That means to be of note, begins betimes.
    2540So, so. Come, give me that--this way--well said.
    Fare thee well, dame. Whate'er becomes of me,
    This is a soldier's kiss. [He kisses Cleopatra.] Rebukeable
    And worthy shameful check it were to stand
    On more mechanic compliment. I'll leave thee
    2545Now like a man of steel.--You that will fight,
    Follow me close. I'll bring you to't. Adieu.
    Exeunt [Antony, Eros, Captains, and Soldiers].
    Charmian
    Please you retire to your chamber?
    Cleopatra
    Lead me.
    He goes forth gallantly. That he and Caesar might
    2550Determine this great war in single fight.
    Then Antony--but now--well. On.
    Exeunt.