Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare Read Free Book Online Page A

or kills Antony. After the Ambassador leaves, he sends Thidias to “win Cleopatra” from Antony, relying on what he sees as her female weaknesses, as “Women are not / In their best fortunes strong.”
ACT 3 SCENE 13
    Lines 1–42: Enobarbus reassures Cleopatra that it was not her fault that Antony followed her, arguing that “itch of his affection should not then / Have nicked his captainship,” emphasizing the tensions between personal emotions and public duties. Antony arrives, discussing Caesar’s response. He sends the Ambassador back with an offer to meet Caesar in single combat. In the first of several asides in this scene, showing his growing distance from Antony, Enobarbus observes that Antony’s judgment has decreased with his fortunes.
    Lines 43–233: In Antony’s absence, Caesar’s messenger suggests that Cleopatra “embraced” Antony out of fear rather than love. Cleopatra agrees with this and suggests her willingness to place herself in Caesar’s power, delivering flattering messages. As Thidias kisses her hand, however, Antony interrupts in a jealous rage,ordering that Thidias be whipped. He declares “I am / Antony yet,” in strong contrast to his confused sense of self in Act 3 Scene 11. Then he turns on Cleopatra. He insults her as a “boggler” and compares her to Octavia, “a gem of women,” ironically forgetting that this allegiance was born out of dire political necessity. Cleopatra manages to reassure him of her loyalty and fidelity. Antony forgives her, declaring that they will have a feast. Alone, Enobarbus decides that Antony has lost all reason and that he cannot stay loyal to his master.
ACT 4 SCENE 1
    Though angry at Antony’s insults and his treatment of Thidias, Caesar merely laughs at Antony’s challenge. He prepares for a final battle.
ACT 4 SCENE 2
    Antony receives Caesar’s refusal of single combat and declares that he will fight Caesar “By sea and land,” emphasizing that this is a matter of honor. He then morbidly bids farewell to his followers and Enobarbus chastises him for making them weep, saying “Transform us not to women,” again equating women with weakness. Antony rallies and declares that they will be victorious.
ACT 4 SCENE 3
    Antony’s soldiers hear strange music and believe that it is the god Hercules abandoning their leader.
ACT 4 SCENE 4
    This scene contrasts impending conflict with a gentle domesticity between Antony and Cleopatra, as she helps him to put on his armor. He leaves, confident, and giving her a “soldier’s kiss,” but her uncertainty as to the outcome becomes clear once he has gone.
ACT 4 SCENE 5
    A soldier informs Antony that Enobarbus has defected to Caesar, but has left his “chests and treasure” behind. Antony does not blame Enobarbus, recognizing that his own declining “fortunes have / Corrupted honest men.” He magnanimously gives instructions that Enobarbus’ treasure is to be sent after him.
ACT 4 SCENE 6
    Caesar orders that Antony is to be taken alive and that those who have defected are to be placed in the front of the attack so that Antony “may seem to spend his fury / Upon himself,” an image that reinforces the sense of Antony’s inner conflict. A soldier gives Enobarbus his treasure, observing that Antony “Continues still a Jove.” Overcome with shame, Enobarbus decides that he would rather die than fight against Antony.
ACT 4 SCENE 7
    Caesar’s soldiers retreat, pursued by Antony and Scarrus. Scarrus refers to his “brave emperor,” restoring Antony to his previous reputation. Eros brings the news that Caesar’s armies are beaten and that victory is in sight.
ACT 4 SCENE 8
    Antony praises his men, promising them victory the next day. Cleopatra arrives and he greets her lovingly, presenting Scarrus to her and asking her to commend him for his bravery. Cleopatra promises Scarrus a golden suit of armor. She and Antony go to parade in triumph through the streets of Alexandria.
ACT 4 SCENE 9
    Two of