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Scene III.—: The Same A Room inCæsar’sHouse. - William Shakespeare, Anthony and Cleopatra [1623]Edition used:The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (The Oxford Shakespeare), ed. with a glossary by W.J. Craig M.A. (Oxford University Press, 1916).
Part of: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (The Oxford Shakespeare)About Liberty Fund:Liberty Fund, Inc. is a private, educational foundation established to encourage the study of the ideal of a society of free and responsible individuals. Copyright information:The text is in the public domain. Fair use statement:This material is put online to further the educational goals of Liberty Fund, Inc. Unless otherwise stated in the Copyright Information section above, this material may be used freely for educational and academic purposes. It may not be used in any way for profit.
Scene III.—The Same A Room inCæsar’sHouse.EnterCæsar, Antony, Octaviabetween them; Attendants. Ant.The world and my great office will sometimes Divide me from your bosom. Oct.All which time Before the gods my knee shall bow my prayers To them for you. 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. OctGood night, sir. Cæs.Good night. [ExeuntCæsarandOctavia. Enter Soothsayer. Ant.Now, sirrah; you do wish yourself in Egypt? Sooth.Would I had never come from thence, nor you Thither! Ant.If you can, your reason? Sooth.I see it in My motion, have it not in my tongue: but yet Hie you to Egypt again. 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 demon—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, as being o’erpower’d; therefore 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 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. EnterVentidius. O! come, Ventidius, You must to Parthia; your commission’s ready; Follow me, and receive ’t. [Exeunt. |

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