ACT I Sc. II Things that are past are done with me. "Tis thus: (This is stiff news) hath, with his Parthian force, His conquering banner shook from Syria To Lydia and to Ionia; whilst— ANT. Antony, thou would'st say— MESS. O, my Lord! ANT. Speak to me home, mince not the general tongue : Rail thou in Fulvia's phrase; and taunt my faults MESS. At your noble pleasure. ANT. From Sicyon, ho, the news! Speak there! [exit. IIO FIRST ATT. The man from Sicyon; is there such an one? Her length of sickness, with what else more serious ANT. Forbear me. There's a great spirit gone! Thus did I desire it: By revolution lowering,1 does become The opposite of itself: she's good, being gone; 1 threatening. 120 I must from this enchanting Queen break off: Re-enter ENOBARBUS. ENO. What's your pleasure, Sir? ANT. I must with haste from hence. 129 ENO. Why, then we kill all our women: we see how mortal an unkindness is to them; if they suffer our departure, death's the word. ANT. I must be gone. ENO. Under a compelling occasion, let women die: it ANT. Would I had never seen her! 141 149 ENO. O, Sir, you had then left unseen a wonderful piece of work; which not to have been blest withal would have discredited your travel. ANT. Fulvia is dead. ENO. Sir? ACT I Sc. II ANT. Fulvia is dead. ENO. Fulvia! ANT. Dead. 157 ENO. Why, Sir, give the Gods a thankful sacrifice. When it pleaseth their Deities to take the wife of a man from him, it shews to man the tailors of the Earth; comforting therein, that when old robes are worn out, there are members to make new. If there were no more women L ACT I but Fulvia, then had you indeed a cut, and the case to be lamented: this grief is crown'd with consolation ; your old smock brings forth a new petticoat: and, indeed, the tears live in an onion that should water this sorrow. ANT. The business she hath broached in the State 169 Cannot endure my absence. ENO. And the business you have broach'd here cannot be without you; especially that of Cleopatra's, which wholly depends on your abode. ANT. No more light answers. Let our officers Have notice what we purpose. I shall break up 180 190 The sides o' the World may danger. Much is breeding, Our quick remove from hence. ENO. I shall do 't. [exeunt. Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and ALEXAS. CLEO. Where is he? CHAR. I did not see him since. CLEO. See where he is, who's with him, what he does: I did not send you. If you find him sad, ACT 1 [Exit ALEXAS. That I am sudden sick : quick, and return. CHAR. Madam, methinks, if you did love him dearly, The like from him. CLEO. What should I do, I do not? 10 CHAR. In each thing give him way, cross him in nothing. But here comes Antony. CLEO. I am sick and sullen. Enter ANTONY. ANT. I am sorry to give breathing to my purpose-- Will not sustain it. ANT. Now, my dearest Queen What's the matter? CLEO. Pray you, stand farther from me. ANT. What, says the married woman, you may go? I have no power upon you; ANT. The Gods best know CLEO. CLEO. Why should I think you can be mine and true, ANT. 30 Most sweet Queen CLEO. Nay, pray you, seek no colour for your going, ACT I But bid farewell, and go: when you sued staying, Bliss in our brows' bent; none our parts so poor, ANT. How now, Lady! CLEO. I would I had thy inches; thou should'st know ANT. Hear me, Queen: The strong necessity of time commands Our services awhile; but my full heart Shines o'er with civil swords: Sextus Pompeius Equality of two domestic powers 40 Breed scrupulous faction: the hated, grown to strength, Are newly grown to love: the condemn'd Pompey, Into the hearts of such as have not thriv'd By any desperate change: my more particular, Is Fulvia's death. you 50 CLEO. Though age from folly could not give me freedom, It does from childishness: can Fulvia die? ANT. She's dead, my Queen : Look here, and, at thy sovereign leisure, read CLEO. 1 i.e. of heavenly descent. 60 |