Antony and Cleopatra
 ANTONY. If we compose well here, to Parthia. Hark, Ventidius. 

 CAESAR. I do not know, Maecenas. Ask Agrippa. 

 LEPIDUS. Noble friends, That which combined us was most great, and let not A leaner action rend us. What’s amiss, May it be gently heard. When we debate Our trivial difference loud, we do commit Murder in healing wounds. Then, noble partners, The rather for I earnestly beseech, Touch you the sourest points with sweetest terms, Nor curstness grow to th’ matter. 

 ANTONY. ’Tis spoken well. Were we before our armies, and to fight, I should do thus. 

 CAESAR. Welcome to Rome. 

 ANTONY. Thank you. 

 CAESAR. Sit. 

 ANTONY. Sit, sir. 

 CAESAR. Nay, then. 

 ANTONY. I learn you take things ill which are not so, Or being, concern you not. 

 CAESAR. I must be laughed at If, or for nothing or a little, I Should say myself offended, and with you Chiefly i’ th’ world; more laughed at that I should Once name you derogately when to sound your name It not concerned me. 

 ANTONY. My being in Egypt, Caesar, What was’t to you? 

 CAESAR. No more than my residing here at Rome Might be to you in Egypt. Yet if you there Did practise on my state, your being in Egypt Might be my question. 

 ANTONY. How intend you, practised? 

 CAESAR. You may be pleased to catch at mine intent By what did here befall me. Your wife and brother Made wars upon me, and their contestation Was theme for you; you were the word of war. 

 ANTONY. You do mistake your business. My brother never Did urge me in his act. I did inquire it, And have my learning from some true reports That drew their swords with you. Did he not rather Discredit my authority with yours, And make the wars alike against my stomach, Having alike your 
 Prev. P 20/101 next 
Back Top
Privacy Statement Terms of Service Contact