Enter Antony, and Octavia.

Ant.
Nay, nay, Octavia, not only that,—
That were excusable, that, and thousands more
Of semblable import,—but he hath wag'd
New wars 'gainst Pompey; made his will, and read it
To publick ear:
Spoke scant'ly of me: when perforce he could not
But pay me terms of honour, cold and sickly
He vented them; most ^note narrow measure lent me:
When the best hint was given him, he not took't ^{note note},
Or did it from his teeth.

Oct.
O my good lord,
Believe not all; or, if you must believe,
Stomach not all. A more unhappy lady,
If this division chance, ne'er stood between,
Praying for both parts: The good gods will mock me,14Q1093
When I shall pray, O, bless my husband! ^note presently
Undo that prayer, by crying out as loud
O, bless my brother! Husband win, win brother,
Prays, and destroys the prayer; no midway ^note
'Twixt these extreams at all.

Ant.
Gentle Octavia,
Let your best love draw to that point, which seeks
Best to preserve it: If I lose mine honour,
I lose my self: better I were not yours,
Than yours so ^note branchless. But, as you requested,
Yourself shall go between us: The mean time, lady,
I'll raise the preparation of a war
Shall strain ^note your brother: Make your soonest haste;
So your desires are yours.

Oct.
Thanks to my lord.
The Jove of power make me most weak, most weak,

Your reconciler ^note! Wars 'twixt you twain would be
As if the world should cleave, and that slain men
Should solder up the rift.

Ant.
When it appears to you where this begins,
Turn your displeasure that way; for our faults
Can never be so equal, that your love
Can equally move with them. Provide your going;
Choose your own company, and command what cost
Your heart has mind ^note to. [Exeunt.

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