Pagina-afbeeldingen
PDF
ePub
[merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

Antony yet. Take hence this Jack, and whip him. Eno. "Tis better playing with a lion's whelp, Than with an old one dying.

Ant. Moon and stars! Whip him:-Were't twenty of the greatest tributaries That do acknowledge Cæsar, should I find them So saucy with the hand of she here, (What's her name, Since she was Cleopatra?) — Whip him, fellows, Till, like a boy, you see him cringe his face, And whine aloud for mercy: Take him hence. Thyr. Mark Antony,

Ant. Tug him away: being whipp'd, Bring him again: - This Jack of Cæsar's shall Bear us an errand to him.

[Exeunt Attendants with THYREUS. You were half blasted ere I knew you:Ha! Have I my pillow left unpress'd in Rome, Forborne the getting of a lawful race, And by a gem of women, 70) to be abus'd By one that looks on feeders? 71) Cleo.

Good my lord, Ant. You have been a boggler ever: But when we in our viciousness grow hard, (O misery on't!) the wise gods seal our eyes; In our own filth drop our clear judgments; make us Adore our errors; laugh at us, while we strut To our confusion.

O, is it come to this?

Cleo. Ant. I found you as a morsel, cold upon Dead Cæsar's trencher: nay, you were a fragment Of Cneius Pompey's; besides what hotter hours, Unregister'd in vulgar fame, you have Luxuriously pick'd out: 72) For, I am sure, Though you can guess what temperance should be,

You know not what it is.
Cleo.

Wherefore is this?
Ant. To let a fellow that will take rewards,
And say, God quit you! be familiar with
My playfellow, your hand; this kingly seal,
And plighter of high hearts!-O, that I were
Upon the hill of Basan, to outroar

The horned herd! 3) for I have savage cause; And to proclaim it civilly, were like

A halter'd neck, which does the hangman thank For being yare about him. Is he whipp'd?

[blocks in formation]

Thou hast been whipp'd for following him: henceforth,
The white hand of a lady fever thee,
Shake thou to look on't. Get thee back to Cæsar,
Tell him thy entertainment: Look, thou say,
He makes me angry with him: for he seems
Proud and disdainful; harping on what I am;
Not what he knew I was: He makes me angry;
And at this time most easy 'tis to do't;
When my good stars, that were my former guides,
Have empty left their orbs, and shot their fires
Into the abism of hell. If he mislike

Ant.

My speech, and what is done; tell him, he has
Hipparchus, my enfranchis'd bondman, whom
He may at pleasure whip, or hang, or torture,
As he shall like, to quit me: 74) Ürge it thou:
Hence, with thy stripes, begone. [Exit THYRES,
Cleo. Have you done yet?
Alack, our terrene moon
Is now eclips'd; and it portends alone
The fall of Antony!
Cleo.
I must stay his time.
Ant. To flatter Cæsar, would you mingle eyes
With one that ties his points? 75)
Cleo.

Ant. Cold-hearted toward me?
Cleo.

Not know me yet?

Ah, dear, if I be so,

From my cold heart may heaven engender hail,
And poison it in the source; and the first stone
Drop in my neck: as it determines, 76) so
Dissolve my life! The next Cæsarion smite; 77)
Together with my brave Egyptians all,
Till, by degrees, the memory of my womb,

By the discandying of this pelleted storm,
Lie graveless; till the flies and gnats of Nile
Have buried them for prey!

Ant.
I am satisfied.
Cæsar sits down in Alexandria; where
I will oppose his fate. Our force by land
Hath nobly held: our sever'd navy too
Have knit again, and fleet, 78) threat'ning most
sea-like.

Where hast thou been, my heart?- Dost thou hear,

lady?

If from the field I shall return once more
To kiss these lips, I will appear in blood;
I and my sword will earn our chronicle; 79)
There is hope in it yet.

Cleo.
That's my brave lord!
Ant. I will be treble-sinew'd, hearted, breath'd,
And fight maliciously: for when mine hours
Were nice and lucky, 8°) men did ransome lives
Of me for jests; but now, I'll set my teeth,
And send to darkness all that stop me. Come,
Let's have one other gaudy night: 81) call to me
All my sad captains, fill our bowls; once more
Let's mock the midnight-bell.

Cleo.

[ocr errors]

It is my birth-day:

I had thought, to have held it poor; but, since my lord
Is Antony again, I will be Cleopatra.
Ant. We'll yet do well.

Cleo. Call all his noble captains to my lord.
Ant. Do so, we'll speak to them; and to-night I'll

force

The wine peep through their scars.

my queen:

Come on,

There's sap in't yet. The next time I do fight,
I'll make death love me; for I will contend
Even with his pestilent scythe.

[Exeunt ANTONY, CLEOPATRA, and Attendants. Eno. Now he'll out-stare the lightning. To be

furious,

Is, to be frighted out of fear: and in that mood, The dove will peck the estridge; and I see still,

[blocks in formation]

SCENE I. Cæsar's Camp at Alexandria. Enter CÆSAR, reading a Letter; AGRIPPA, MBCANAS, and others.

Cas. He calls me boy; and chides, as he had power To beat me out of Egypt: my messenger

He hath whipp'd with rods; dares me to personal combat,

Cæsar to Antony: Let the old ruffian know,
I have many other ways to die; mean time,
Laugh at his challenge.

Mec.
Cæsar must think,
When one so great begins to rage, he's hunted,
Even to falling. Give him no breath, but now
Make boot of 1) his distraction: Never anger
Made good guard for itself.
Cas.
Let our best heads
Know, that to-morrow the last of many battles
We mean to fight: Within our files there are
Of those that serv'd Mark Antony but late,
Enough to fetch him in. See it be done; 2)
And feast the army: we have store to do't,
And they have earn'd the waste. Poor Antony!

SCENE II.

[Exeunt.

Alexandria. A Room in the Palace. Enter ANTONY, CLEOPATRA, ENOBARBUS, CHARMIAN, IRAS, ALEXAS, and others.

Ant. He will not fight with me, Domitius.
Eno.

Ant. Why should he not?

[blocks in formation]

May be, it is the period of your duty:
Haply, you shall not see me more; or if,
A mangled shadow: 4) perchance, to-morrow
You'll serve another master. I look on you,
As one that takes his leave. Mine honest friends,
I turn you not away; but, like a master
Married to your good service, stay till death:
Tend me to-night two hours, I ask no more,
And the gods yield you for't! 5)

Eno.

What mean you, sir,
To give them this discomfort? Look, they weep;
And I, an ass, am onion-ey'd; ) for shame,
Transform us not to women.
Ant.
Ho, ho, ho!")
Now the witch take me, if I meant it thus!
Grace grow where those drops fall! My hearty friends,
You take me in too dolorous a sense:

8) I spake to you for your comfort: did desire you
To burn this night with torches: Know, my hearts,
I hope well of to-morrow; and will lead you,
Where rather I'll expect victorious life,
Than death and honour. Let's to supper; come,
And drown consideration.

SCENE III.

[Exeunt.

[blocks in formation]

No.

[blocks in formation]
[blocks in formation]

Have careful watch.

And you: Good night, good night. [The first two place themselves at their posts.

4 Sold. Here we: [they take their posts] and if to

morrow

Our navy thrive, I have an absolute hope Our landmen will stand up.

3 Sold.

And full of purpose.

4 Sold.

1 Sold.

"Tis a brave army,

[Music of Hautboys under the stage. Peace, what noise?

List, list!

2 Sold. Hark!

1 Sold. Music i'the air.

you have

[blocks in formation]
[blocks in formation]

And thou, and thou, and thou: serv'd me well,

And kings have been your fellows.

Cleo. Eno. 'Tis one of those odd tricks, which sorrow shoots Out of the mind.

Ant.

And thou art honest too. I wish, I could be made so many men; And all of you clapp'd up together in An Antony; that I might do you service, So good as you have done.

The gods forbid!

[Aside.

Serv. Ant. Well, my good fellows, wait on me to-night: Scant not my cups; and make as much of me, As when mine empire was your fellow too, And suffer'd my command.

Cleo.

Peace, I say. What should this mean?

2 Sold. 'Tis the god Hercules, whom Antony lov'd, Now leaves him. 1 Sold. Walk; let's see if other watchmen Do hear what we do. [They advance to another post. 2 Sold. How now, masters?

Sold.

How now? do you hear this?

1 Sold.

How now?

[Several speaking together. Ay; Is't not strange?

3 Sold. Do you hear, masters? do you hear? 1 Sold. Follow the noise so far as we have quarter; Let's see how't will give off.

What does he mean?

Eno. To make his followers weep.

Sold. [Several speaking.] Content: "Tis strange.

[Exeunt.

[blocks in formation]

Rarely, rarely:

He that unbuckles this, till we do please
To doff't 12) for our repose, shall hear a storm.
Thou fumblest, Eros; and my queen's a squire
More tight at this, than thou: 3) Despatch.-O love,
That thou could'st see my wars to-day, and knew'st
The royal occupation! thou should'st see

Enter an Officer, armed.

A workman in't. Good morrow to thee; welcome:
Thou look'st like him that knows a warlike charge:
To business that we love, we rise betime,
And go to it with delight.
1 Off.

A thousand, sir,

Early though it be, have on their riveted trim,

And at the port expect you.

[Shout. Trumpets. Flourish.

Enter other Officers, and Soldiers.
Good morrow, general.

2 Off. The morn is fair.

All. Good morrow, general.
Ant.

'Tis well blown, lads.
This morning, like the spirit of a youth
That means to be of note, begins betimes..
So, so; come, give me that: this way; well said.
Fare thee well, dame, whate'er becomes of me:
This is a soldier's kiss: rebukable, [Kisses her.
And worthy shameful check it were, to stand
On more mechanic compliment; I'll leave thee
Now, like a man of steel.· You, that will fight,
Follow me close; I'll bring you to't. Adieu.
[Exeunt ANTONY, EROS, Officers, and Soldiers.
Char. Please you, retire to your chamber?
Cleo.

Lead me. He goes forth gallantly. That he and Cæsar might Determine this great war in single fight! Then, Antony,

But now,

Well, on.

SCENE V.

[Exeunt.

Antony's Camp near Alexandria. Trumpets sound. Enter ANTONY and EROS; a Soldier meeting them.

Sold. The gods make this a happy day to Antony! Ant. 'Would, thou and those thy scars had once prevail'd

To make me fight at land!

||

He has not with him.
Ant.
Sold.

Most certain. Ant. Go, Eros, send his treasure after; do it; (I will subscribe) gentle adieus, and greetings: Detain no jot, I charge thee: write to him Say, that I wish he never find more cause To change a master. O, my fortunes have Corrupted honest men: Eros, despatch. 14)

SCENE VI.

Cæsar's Camp before Alexandria.

[Exeunt.

[blocks in formation]

Is come into the field.
Cæs.
Go, charge Agrippa
Plant those that have revolted in the van,
That Antony may seem to spend his fury
Upon himself.
[Exeunt CESAR and his Train.
Eno. Alexas did revolt; and went to Jewry,
On affairs of Antony; there did persuade
Great Herod to incline himself to Cæsar,
And leave his master Antony: for this pains,
Cæsar hath hang'd him. Canidius, and the rest
That fell away, have entertainment, but
No honourable trust. I have done ill;
Of which I do accuse myself so sorely,
That I will joy no more.

Enter a Soldier of CAESAR's.
Sold.
Enobarbus, Antony
Hath after thee sent all thy treasure, with
His bounty overplus: The messenger
Came on my guard; and at thy tent is now,
Unloading of his mules.
Eno. I give it you.
Sold.

Mock me not, Enobarbus.

I tell you true: Best that 16) you saf'd the bringer
Out of the host; I must attend mine office,
Or would have done't myself. Your emperor
Continues still a Jove.
[Exit Soldier.

Eno. I am alone the villain of the earth,
And feel I am so most. 17) O Antony,
Thou mine of bounty, how would'st thou have paid
My better service, when my turpitude
Thou dost so crown with gold? This blows my
heart: 18)

If swift thought break it not, a swifter mean

A brain that nourishes our nerves, and can

Shall outstrike thought: but thought will do't, I feel.19)|| Get goal for goal of youth. 26) Behold this man;
I fight against thee! No: I will go seek
Commend unto his lips thy favouring hand;
Some ditch, wherein to die; the foul'st best fits Kiss it, my warrior: - He hath fought to-day,
My latter part of life.
As if a god, in hate of mankind, had
Destroy'd in such a shape.

SCENE VII.

[Exit.

[blocks in formation]

Enter EROS.

Cleo.
I'll give thee, friend,
An armour all of gold; it was a king's.
Ant. He has deserv'd it, were it carbuncled
Through Alexandria make a jolly march;
Like holy Phoebus' car. Give me thy hand;
Bear our hack'd targets like the men that owe
them: 27)

[ocr errors]

Had our great palace the capacity

To camp this host, we all would sup together;
And drink carouses to the next day's fate,
Which promises royal peril. - Trumpeters,
With brazen din blast you the city's ear;
Make mingle with our rattling tabourines; 28)
That heaven and earth may strike their sounds
together,
Applauding our approach.

SCENE IX.
Cæsar's Camp.

[Exeunt.

Sentinels on their post. Enter ENOBARBUS.

Eros. They are beaten, sir; and our advantage We must return to the court of guard:29) The night 1 Sold. If we be not reliev'd within this hour,

serves

[blocks in formation]
[blocks in formation]

Alarum. Enter ANTONY, marching; SCARUS, and Hark further.

Forces.

Ant. We have beat him to his camp; Run one before,
And let the queen know of our guests. To-morrow,
Before the sun shall see us, we'll spill the blood
That has to-day escap'd. I thank you all;
For doughty-handed are you; and have fought
Not as you serv'd the cause, but as it had been
Each man's like mine; you have shown all Hectors,
Enter the city, clip your wives, 21) your friends,
Tell them your feats; whilst they with joyful tears
Wash the congealment from your wounds, and kiss
The honour'd gashes whole. Give me thy hand;
[To SCARUS.

[blocks in formation]

Enobarbus!

Peace:

Eno. O sovereign mistress of true melancholy,
That life, a very rebel to my will,
The poisonous damp of night disponge upon me; 31)

May hang no longer on me: Throw my heart 32)
Against the flint and hardness of my fault;
Which, being dried with grief, will break to powder,
And finish all foul thoughts. O Antony,
Forgive me in thine own particular;
Nobler than my revolt is infamous,
But let the world rank me in register
A master-leaver, and a fugitive:
O Antony! O Antony!

[blocks in formation]

Hear you, sir? 1 Sold. The hand of death hath raught him. 34) Hark, the drums [Drums afar off. Demurely 35) wake the sleepers. Let us bear him My nightingale, To the court of guard; he is of note: our hour We have beat them to their beds. What, girl? Is fully out. though grey 3 Sold. Come on then; Do something mingle with our brown; 25) yet have we || He may recover yet.

Ant.

[Exeunt with the Body.

[blocks in formation]

Enter ANTONY and SCARUS, with Forces, marching.
Ant. Their preparation is to-day by sea;
We please them not by land.
Scar.

For both, my lord.
Ant. I would, they'd fight i'the fire, or in the air;
We'd fight there too. But this it is; Our foot
Upon the hills adjoining to the city,
Shall stay with us: order for sea is given;
They have put forth the haven: Further on, 36)
Where their appointment we may best discover,
And look on their endeavour. 37)
[Exeunt.

Enter CÆSAR, and his Forces, marching.
Cas. But being charg'd, we will be still by land, ||
Which, as I take't, we shall; 38) for his best force
Is forth to man his gallies. To the vales,
And hold our best advantage.

Re-enter ANTONY and SCARUS.

Ant. Yet they're not join'd:

does stand,

[Exeunt.

[merged small][ocr errors][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small][merged small]

Enter CLEOPAtra, Charmian, IRAs, and MARDIAN.
Cleo. Help me, my women! O, he is more mad
Than Telamon for his shield; 46) the boar of Tessaly
Was never so emboss'd. 47)
Char.
To the monument;
Where yonder pine The soul and body rive not more in parting,
There lock yourself, and send him word you are dead.
Than greatness going off.
Cleo.
To the monument;
Mardian, go tell him I have slain myself; -
Say, that the last I spoke was, Antony,
Mardian; and bring me how he takes my death.-
And word it, pr'ythee, piteously: Hence,

I shall discover all: I'll bring thee word
Straight, how 'tis like to go.
[Exit.
Scar.
Swallows have built
In Cleopatra's sails their nests: the augurers
Say, they know not, they cannot tell :-look grimly,
And dare not speak their knowledge. Antony
Is valiant, and dejected; and, by starts,
His fretted fortunes give him hope, and fear,
Of what he has, and has not.

Ant.

Alarum afar off, as at a Sea-fight.

Re-enter ANTONY.

All is lost;

[blocks in formation]

To the monument.

SCENE XII.

The same. Another Room.
Enter ANTONY and EROS.

Ant. Eros, thou yet behold'st me?
Eros.

[Exeunt.

Ay, noble lord.
Ant. Sometime, we see a cloud that's dragonish :
A vapour, sometime, like a bear, or lion,
A tower'd citadel, a pendant rock,

A forked mountain, or blue promontory
With trees upon't, that nod unto the world,
And mock our eyes with air: Thou hast seen these

signs;

Hast sold me to this novice; and my heart
Makes only wars on thee. Bid them all fly;
For when I am reveng'd upon my charm,
I have done all: Bid them all fly, be gone.
Eros.
[Exit SCARUS.

:

O sun, thy uprise shall I see no more:
Fortune and Antony part here; even here
Do we shake hands. All come to this?- The hearts
That spaniel'd me at heels, to whom I gave
Their wishes, do discandy, melt their sweets,
On blossoming Cæsar; and this pine is bark'd,
That overtopp'd them all. Betray'd I am :
O this false soul of Egypt! this grave charm, 4o)
Whose eye beck'd forth my wars, and call'd them
home,

Whose bosom was my crownet, my chief end, 41)
Like a right gipsy, hath, at fast and loose,
Beguil'd me 42) to the very heart of loss. 43)
What, Eros, Eros!

Enter CLEOPATRA.

Ah, thou spell! Avaunt.
Cleo. Why is my lord enrag'd against his love?
Ant. Vanish; or I shall give thee thy deserving,
And blemish Cæsar's triumph. Let him take thee,
And hoist thee up to the shouting plebeians:
Follow his chariot, like the greatest spot
Of all thy sex; most monster-like, be shown
For poor'st diminutives, to dolts; 44) and let
Patient Octavia plough thy visage up

They are black vesper's pageants. 48)

Ay, my lord. Ant. That, which is now a horse, even with a thought,

The rack dislimns; 49) and makes it indistinct,
As water is in water.

[blocks in formation]
« VorigeDoorgaan »