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 in 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.

Octa.
Good night, sir. 9Q0955

Cæs.
Good night. [Exeunt Cæsar, and Octavia.

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

Sooth.
'Would I had never come from thence, nor you
Thither!

Ant.
If you can, your reason?

Sooth.
^{5 note}

My motion, have it not in my tongue: But yet
Hie you again to Ægypt.

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
^{6 note}

Make space enough between you.

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,
When he shines by: I say again, thy spirit
Is all afraid to govern thee near him;
But, he away, '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 ^{7 note}

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