Antony and Cleopatra

Being alone has helped me better understand my life. It’s pathetic to be Caesar. He can’t be Fortune; he’s only Fortune’s errand boy. It would be a great deed to commit suicide—that act which ends all other things, which makes all accidents and changes stop. Which causes you to sleep, and takes you away from earthly concerns.

Caesar greets the Queen of Egypt and asks that you consider what you will ask from him.

What’s your name?

My name is Proculeius.

Antony told me about you. He said you were a man I could trust. But I don’t worry about being deceived because I don’t need to trust. If your master wants a queen to beg from him, you should tell him that a queen will beg for no less than a kingdom. If he will grant me conquered Egypt, so that I may give it to my son, I will kneel to him with thanks.

Be content. You’re in the charge of an honorable man. Don’t be afraid. You can ask for anything from my lord. His generosity flows to anyone in need. If I can tell him that you have submitted to him sweetly, he’ll request your assistance in finding ways in which he can support you.

Please tell him I have surrendered to his fortune. I give up to him the glory he has won. I’m learning every hour how to be subservient. I’d be happy to meet with him in person.

I’ll tell him all of this, dear lady. Be at ease. I know he’s sorry for your situation, especially since he caused it.

(to PROCULEIUS) See how easy it was to capture her? (to soldiers) Guard her until Caesar arrives.

Your majesty!

Oh, Cleopatra! You’ve been betrayed, my Queen!

Quick, quick good hands!

Stop, brave lady, stop! Don’t do such a shameful thing to yourself. We’ve rescued you from yourself. We have not betrayed you.

What, am I being denied death, as well? The thing which even dogs are given, to rid them of their suffering?

Don’t insult my master’s generosity by killing yourself. The world will see how noble he is by the way he treats you. Your death would prevent that.

Where are you, Death? Come here. Come, and you can have a queen. One queen is worth more than a whole number of babies and beggars, your cheapest conquests.

Oh, control yourself, lady!

Sir, I won’t eat. I won’t drink. And don’t expect me to talk. I won’t sleep either. I’ll destroy my body. Let Caesar do whatever he wants. You’d better understand that I won’t wait till I’m chained up in your master’s court, and I won’t let myself be scolded even once by dull Octavia. Shall I let them exhibit me to the shouting mobs of Rome? I’d rather die in a ditch in Egypt, and make it my gentle grave. I’d rather lie in the Nile mud with flies laying their eggs in me, making me disgusting. I’d rather be hung in chains from one of our pyramids!

You’re letting yourself get carried away with these horrible thoughts. You’ll see that Caesar is giving you no reason to do so.

Proculeius, Caesar has heard about what you’ve done here and has sent for you. I’ll take the Queen into my custody.

So be it, Dolabella. Caesar’s thanks are my greatest reward. Be kind to her. (to CLEOPATRA) I’ll relay to Caesar any request you want to give me.

Tell him I’d like to die.

Have you heard of me, most noble Empress?

I don’t remember.

I’m sure you’ve heard of me.

It doesn’t matter what I’ve heard or known. You must be the one who laughs when boys or women tell you their dreams. Isn’t that your habit?

I don’t know what you mean, madam.

I dreamed about an emperor called Antony. Oh, I wish I could sleep again, so I could have another dream like that!

If you’d like—

Authority radiated from his face, and his presence brought knowledge and order to the people of earth.

Your majesty—

His power extended from one shore to the other, as if he straddled the ocean with his legs. When he raised his arm in command, the world trembled. He spoke exquisitely to his friends, but when he wanted to terrify the world, his voice was like thunder. There was no end to his generosity. The more he gave, the more he wanted to give. His amusements showed another side of him, one detached from his world of responsibility and duty. Kings and noblemen served him. Kingdoms and provinces dropped from his pockets like loose change.

Cleopatra—

Do you think there ever was, or could there ever be, a man such as the one I dreamed about?

No, gentle madam.

The gods can hear you lying! But if there ever were such a man, simple dreams could never contain his greatness. When it comes to creating fantastical things, the natural world cannot compete with imagination. And yet, if the natural world could create something like Antony, it would have a masterpiece to rival anything fantasy might construct. Antony would easily outshine all imaginary beings.

Listen to me, madam. You are a remarkable person and your loss is equally remarkable. You are responding appropriately to the greatness of that loss. I hope I never achieve success if I don’t feel some of your heartbroken grief right now.

Thank you, sir. Do you know what Caesar intends to do with me?

I’m reluctant to tell you what I wish you knew.

Please, sir—

Though he is honorable—

He’ll still parade me through Rome as a trophy of war.

I know he will, madam.

Stand aside for Caesar.

Which of these ladies is the Queen of Egypt?

(to CLEOPATRA) It’s the Emperor, madam.

Arise. You need not kneel to me. Please rise, Queen.

The gods have ordained it to be like this, sir. You are my lord and master. I must obey.

Don’t think I blame you. Whatever injuries I received in the war, I put down to the fortunes of war.

You are now the sole lord of the entire world. I can’t explain my cause very clearly. I must admit to having the weaknesses that all women are accused of.

Cleopatra, understand that, rather than emphasize our power over you, we will soften if you accept our intentions, which are very compassionate toward you. Your acceptance will benefit you, but if you try to make me look cruel by committing suicide as Antony did, I won’t be so generous. Your children will be destroyed, a fate your submission will save them from. I’ll leave you now.

You may do whatever you want in the world. It’s yours, and you may hang us, your trophies of war, anywhere you like. Here, my good lord.

You shall advise me in everything having to do with Cleopatra.

This is the inventory of the money, silverware, dishes, and jewels that are still in my possession. It’s an exact list. Not even trivial things were left out. Where’s Seleucus?

Here, madam.

This is my treasurer. My lord, he will swear on his life that I haven’t kept a thing.—Tell the truth, Seleucus.

Madam, I’d rather sew my lips shut than tell a lie when my life depends upon it.

What did I keep for myself?

Enough to buy everything you have declared.

No, don’t be ashamed, Cleopatra. You’re very prudent to set a little aside.

Look around you, Caesar. Oh, just see what happens after the pageantry is over! What is mine will be yours now. If we were to change places, what is yours would be mine. Seleucus’ ingratitude makes me wild. (to SELEUCUS) Oh, you slave! I can’t trust you any more than a prostitute. What are you doing? Cringing away? I’ll give you a good reason to cringe, I promise you. I’ll scratch out your eyes, even if they could fly. You slave! Soulless villain! Dog! Oh, that was unbelievably low!

Good Queen, let me implore you—

Oh, Caesar, I am so ashamed. You condescended to visit me here, honoring my humble self with your lordly presence. And one of my own servants increases my disgrace by adding his envy! Suppose, good Caesar, that I have saved a few feminine trifles, some unimportant trinkets. These have worth only as gifts to friends. And suppose I have kept a few more expensive gifts aside for Livia and Octavia, to solicit their good wishes. Must I then be exposed by a person I’ve supported? By the gods! It adds another blow to the many I have already. (to SELEUCUS) Please leave, or I’ll show you what’s left of my spirit since my fortune was ruined. If you were a real man, you would have had mercy on me.

Leave, Seleucus.

You should also know that as head of state, we are often blamed for the crimes of others. And though we may fall, we are still responsible for their offenses. I am therefore to be pitied.

Cleopatra, our conquest won’t include either the things you kept back or the ones you listed. It’s all still yours. Do whatever you like with it. You can trust that Caesar is not a merchant to haggle with you over your property. So cheer up. Don’t be captured by your depressed thoughts. No, dear Queen. We want to follow your own counsel when making arrangements for you. Eat and sleep. I have so much care and pity for you that you could call me friend. And so, good-bye.

My master and my lord!

Not true. Good-bye.

He’s trying to talk me into forgetting my nobility, girls. But listen, Charmian.

It’s time to end it, good lady. The bright day of our lives is over, and now there will only be darkness.

(to CHARMIAN) Go out again. I’ve already given the order, and it is ready. Hurry with your errand.

I will, madam.

Where’s the Queen?

Look, sir.

Dolabella.

Madam, according to my promise—which my love to you has made a religious vow—I tell you that Caesar intends to travel through Syria. Within three days you and your children will be sent ahead. Make the best use of this information you can. I have done your bidding and fulfilled my promise.

Dolabella, I will always be in debt to you.

And I your servant. Good-bye, good Queen. I must go attend Caesar.

Farewell, and thanks.

Now, Iras, what do you think? You will be exhibited in Rome along with me, like Egyptian puppets. Crude slaves with greasy aprons, rulers, and hammers shall lift us up so everyone can see. Their stinking breath will form a cloud around us, and we’ll be forced to inhale it.

The gods forbid!

No, it’s certain, Iras. Insolent lictors will paw us as if we were streetwalkers. Disreputable minstrels will write bawdy songs about us. Hotheaded comedians will stage impromptu impersonations of us and depict the celebrations we had in Alexandria. Antony will be portrayed as a drunk, and I’ll see some boy with a squeaking voice play Cleopatra as if I were a whore.

Oh, the good gods!

No, that’s the truth.

I’ll never see it. I know my nails are stronger than my eyes; I’ll scratch them out.

Why, that’s just the way to frustrate their plans and defeat their absurd intentions.

Now, Charmian! Women, dress me like a queen. Go get my best clothes. I will once again be as fine as when I went to Cydnus to meet Marc Antony.—Iras, go.—Now, Charmian, we’ll be quick indeed. And after you’ve done this chore, I’ll give you permission to amuse yourself until doomsday. (to IRAS) Bring our crown and all the royal symbols of office.

What’s that noise?

There’s a farmer here who won’t leave without seeing your Highness. He has brought you figs.

Let him come in.

What a poor instrument, that can do such a noble deed! He brings me freedom. My mind is made up. There’s nothing of the weak woman left in me. Now from head to foot I’m as firm as marble. Now the inconstant moon has nothing to do with me.

This is the man.

Leave us.

Do you have in there the pretty snake of the Nile that kills without pain?

I certainly do have him, but I wouldn’t advise you to touch him. His bite is fatal. People who die of it seldom or never recover.

Do you remember anyone who died of it?

Many people, men and women alike. I heard of one just yesterday. She was a very honest woman but rather inclined to lie—which a woman shouldn’t do unless she’s protecting her reputation. I heard how she died of its bite, how much pain she felt. Indeed, she gives a very good testimony of the snake’s power. But if you believe everything they say, you won’t be saved by half of what they do. But this is a sure thing: the snake’s an odd snake.

You may leave now. Farewell.

I hope you are pleased with the snake.

Farewell.

You must know that the snake will act according to his nature.

Yes, yes. Farewell.

Listen, the snake is dangerous unless handled by people who are used to him. There isn’t any kindness in the snake.

Don’t worry; we’ll remember your warnings.

Good. Don’t feed it, I beg you. It’s not worth feeding.

Will it eat me?

Don’t think I’m so dumb that I don’t know that the devil himself won’t eat a woman. I know that a woman is a dish fit only for the gods, as long as the devil hasn’t prepared the meal. But devils cause a lot of trouble for the gods regarding their women. For every ten women the gods make, the devils ruin five.

Well, you can go now. Farewell.

Yes, truly, I wish you good luck with the snake.

Give me my robe. Put on my crown. I long to be immortal. I won’t drink Egyptian wine again.

Quickly, quickly, good Iras, quickly. I think I hear Antony call me. I see him revive himself to praise my noble act. I hear him mock Caesar’s luck, which the gods give to men in order to balance out their subsequent wrath. Husband, I’m coming! Now let my courage prove my title as wife. I am now made of fire and air, and I leave the other elements, earth and water, to this mortal life. So, are you done? Come then, kiss me and take the last bit of warmth from my lips. Good-bye, kind Charmian. Iras, I won’t see you again for a long time.

Do I have the asp’s poison on my lips? Did you fall? If you can leave your body so easily, then the touch of death is like a lover’s pinch, which hurts but is desired. Do you lie still? If you leave like that, you tell the world that it’s not worthy of a good-bye.

Clouds, dissolve into rain, so that I could say the gods themselves are weeping!

This proves that I’m petty: if Iras meets Antony before me, he’ll want her first and give her the kiss that is my bliss to have. Come, you deadly villain.

Separate me from life with your sharp teeth. Poor poisonous fool, be angry and bite. Oh, if you could speak, I might hear you call Caesar an ass who’s been outsmarted!

Oh, eastern star!

Quiet, quiet! Don’t you see my baby suckling at my breast so that its nurse will fall asleep?

Oh, if my heart would only break!

The poison is as sweet as balm, as soft as air, as gentle—Oh, Antony!—No, I’ll take you too.

Why should I stay—

In this vile world? So, good-bye. Now, Death, you can boast that you have an incomparable girl in your possession. Close, soft eyes.

The sun will never be seen by such royal eyes again. Your crown is crooked. I’ll straighten it, then play—

Where’s the Queen?

Speak softly. Don’t wake her.

Caesar has sent—

Too slow a messenger.

Oh, come quickly! I almost feel you.

(calling) Come in. Ho! All’s not well. Caesar’s been deceived.

There’s Dolabella, who was sent from Caesar. Call him.

What kind of work is this, Charmian? Is this well done?

It is well done, and appropriate for a princess who has descended from so many royal kings. Ah, soldier!

What’s going on in here?

They’re all dead.

Caesar, you thought this would happen. You’re coming here yourself to see the dreaded act you had tried to stop.

Step aside, step aside for Caesar!

Oh, sir, you are too good at predicting the future. What you were afraid of has happened.

She was bravest at the end. She knew what I intended to do with her and, being royal, she took her own way out. How did they die? I don’t see any blood.

Who was with them last?

A simple country farmer who brought her figs. This was the basket.

They were poisoned, then.

Oh, Caesar, this Charmian lived until a moment ago. She stood and spoke. I found her adjusting the crown on her dead mistress. She stood trembling, then suddenly dropped dead.

Oh, noble weakness! If they had swallowed poison, it would be evident by external swelling. But she looks like she’s asleep, as if she would charm another Antony.

Here on her breast there’s a little bloody mark. There’s a similar mark on her arm.

This is an asp’s trail, and these fig leaves have slime on them, just like the kind that asps deposit on the caves by the Nile.

That’s probably how she died. Her doctor told me she had searched for an infinite number of easy ways to die. Pick up her bed and carry her ladies out of the tomb. She shall be buried next to her Antony. No other grave on earth shall hold a pair this famous. Momentous events like these strike those that cause them. Antony and Cleopatra’s story is as pitiable as my military exploits are glorious. Our army shall somberly attend this funeral and then depart for Rome. Come, Dolabella. See that there is a dignified splendor to this great solemnity.