ACT II
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]




 ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA


ACT II