Act IIScene III
Rome. A Room in Caesar’s House
Enter Antony, Caesar, Octavia between them.
Antony
The world and my great office will sometimesDivide me from your bosom.
Octavia
All which timeBefore the gods my knee shall bow my prayersTo them for you.
Antony
Good night, sir.—My Octavia,Read not my blemishes in the world’s report.I have not kept my square, but that to comeShall all be done by th’ rule. Good night, dear lady.
Octavia
Good night, sir.
Caesar
Good night.
Exeunt Caesar and Octavia.
Enter Soothsayer.
Antony
Now, sirrah, you do wish yourself in Egypt?
Soothsayer
Would I had never come from thence, nor you thither!
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.
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 dæmon—that thy spirit which keeps thee—isNoble, courageous, high, unmatchable,Where Caesar’s is not. But near him, thy angelBecomes afeard, as being o’erpowered. ThereforeMake space enough between you.
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 luckHe beats thee ’gainst the odds. Thy lustre thickensWhen he shines by. I say again, thy spiritIs all afraid to govern thee near him;But, he away, ’tis noble.
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 faintsUnder his chance. If we draw lots, he speeds;His cocks do win the battle still of mineWhen it is all to naught, and his quails everBeat mine, inhooped, at odds. I will to Egypt:And though I make this marriage for my peace,I’ th’ East my pleasure lies.
Enter Ventidius.
O, come, Ventidius,You must to Parthia. Your commission’s ready.Follow me and receive ’t.
Exeunt.