Internet Shakespeare Editions

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Not Peer Reviewed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.