Ant.
The world, and my great office, will sometimes
Divide me from your bosom.

Octa.
All which time
Before the gods my knee shall bow my prayers^{4 note}

Ant.
Good night, sir.—My Octavia,
Read not my blemishes in the world's report:
I have not kept my square; but that to come
Shall all be done by the rule. Good night, dear lady.—
Good night, sir^{5 note}

Cæs.
Good night. [Exeunt Cæsar and Octavia.

Ant.
Now, sirrah! you do wish yourself in Egypt?

Sooth.
'Would I had never come from thence, nor you
Thither^{6 note}
!

Ant.
If you can, your reason?

Sooth.
I see it in
My motion, have it not in my tongue^{7 note}

Ant.
Say to me,
Whose fortunes shall rise higher, Cæsar's, or mine?

Sooth.
Cæsar's.
Therefore, O Antony, stay not by his side:
Thy dæmon, that's thy spirit which keeps thee, is
Noble, courageous, high, unmatchable,

Where Cæsar's is not; but, near him, thy angel
Becomes a Fear^{9 note}

Ant.
Speak this no more.

Sooth.
To none but thee; no more, but when to thee.
If thou dost play with him at any game,

Thou art sure to lose; and, of that natural luck,
He beats thee 'gainst the odds; thy lustre thickens^{1 note}
,
When he shines by: I say again, thy spirit
Is all afraid to govern thee near him;
But, he away^{2 note}, tis noble.

Ant.
Get thee gone:
Say to Ventidius, I would speak with him:— [Exit Soothsayer.
He shall to Parthia.—Be it art, or hap,
He hath spoken true: The very dice obey him;
And, in our sports, my better cunning faints
Under his chance: if we draw lots, he speeds:
His cocks do win the battle still of mine,
When it is all to nought; and his quails^{3 note}

And though I make this marriage for my peace, Enter Ventidius.
I' the east my pleasure lies:—O, come, Ventidius,
You must to Parthia; your commission's ready:
Follow me, and receive it. [Exeunt.

Previous section

Next section