Act II, Scene 3

The same - OCTAVIUS CAESAR’s house

[Enter MARK ANTONY, OCTAVIUS CAESAR, OCTAVIA between] [p]them, and Attendants]

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.

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 - Good night.

[Exeunt OCTAVIUS 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 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.

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.

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]