Antony and Cleopatra

William Shakespeare

Original language · as published

Enter Pompey, MENAS, and PHILO

POMPEY: I' the name of Mars, I'll draw a sword 'gainst the world's rate, and chain the proud of Rome;

MENAS: But tell me true: which of these warriors is Antony?

POMPEY: He cannot be; in my opinion he looks like Caesar's man: observe him well.

PHILO: If I may be bold to say my mind, he bears himself like a soldier that has seen some service and is still bound to 't.

MENAS: Hark, there is Antony with Enobarbus. Caesar with him, and Dolabella too. Look, Pompey, there is Antony's party; and we must fall to work.

POMPEY: What says Appius? Will he take it? If he fail us, our ship is lost.

PHILO: The sea is now a-hushing, and the wind puts forth its feeble breath; yet Antony stands still like one that fears the tide.

MENAS: Away, then; now or never: to the charge. Let Antony be struck down in his pride.

Enter ANTONY, CLEOPATRA, and Attendents

ANTONY: Let Rome and I contend no more. For my part, Cleopatra, I have led my life as a soldier, yet am drawn to softer pleasures at thy presence.

CLEOPATRA: Thou art noble, Antony, yet thy glance is full of wars. Come, let us leave these men's devices, and take our ease upon the Nile.

ANTONY: I will not loiter; but since fate hath join'd our fortunes, I'll serve the day in which my heart is fullest with thee.