Antony and Cleopatra - Act 2 - Scene 3

SCENE III. The same. OCTAVIUS CAESAR's house.

    Enter MARK ANTONY, OCTAVIUS CAESAR, OCTAVIA between them, and Attendants

MARK ANTONY

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

OCTAVIA

    All which time
    Before the gods my knee shall bow my prayers
    To them for you.

MARK ANTONY

    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.

OCTAVIUS CAESAR

    Good night.

    Exeunt OCTAVIUS CAESAR and OCTAVIA

    Enter Soothsayer

MARK ANTONY

    Now, sirrah; you do wish yourself in Egypt?

Soothsayer

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

MARK ANTONY

    If you can, your reason?

Soothsayer

    I see it in
    My motion, have it not in my tongue: but yet
    Hie you to Egypt again.

MARK ANTONY

    Say to me,
    Whose fortunes shall rise higher, Caesar's or mine?

Soothsayer

    Caesar's.
    Therefore, O Antony, stay not by his side:
    Thy demon, that's thy spirit which keeps thee, is
    Noble, courageous high, unmatchable,
    Where Caesar's is not; but, near him, thy angel
    Becomes a fear, as being o'erpower'd: therefore
    Make space enough between you.

MARK ANTONY

    Speak this no more.

Soothsayer

    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.

MARK ANTONY

    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 ever
    Beat mine, inhoop'd, at odds. I will to Egypt:
    And though I make this marriage for my peace,
    I' the east my pleasure lies.

    Enter VENTIDIUS
    O, come, Ventidius,
    You must to Parthia: your commission's ready;
    Follow me, and receive't.

    Exeunt