Enter DEMETRIUS and PHILO

Nay, but this dotage of our general's
O'erflows the measure: those his goodly eyes,
That o'er the files and musters of the war
Have glow'd like plated Mars, now bend, now turn,
The office and devotion of their view
Upon a tawny front: his captain's heart,
Which in the scuffles of great fights hath burst
The buckles on his breast, reneges all temper,
And is become the bellows and the fan
To cool a gipsy's lust.

Flourish. Enter ANTONY, CLEOPATRA, her Ladies, the Train, with Eunuchs fanning herLook, where they come:
Take but good note, and you shall see in him.
The triple pillar of the world transform'd
Into a strumpet's fool: behold and see.

If it be love indeed, tell me how much.

There's beggary in the love that can be reckon'd.

I'll set a bourn how far to be beloved.

Then must thou needs find out new heaven, new earth.

Enter an Attendant

News, my good lord, from Rome.

Grates me: the sum.

Nay, hear them, Antony:
Fulvia perchance is angry; or, who knows
If the scarce-bearded Caesar have not sent
His powerful mandate to you, 'Do this, or this;
Take in that kingdom, and enfranchise that;
Perform 't, or else we damn thee.'

How, my love!

Perchance! nay, and most like:
You must not stay here longer, your dismission
Is come from Caesar; therefore hear it, Antony.
Where's Fulvia's process? Caesar's I would say? both?
Call in the messengers. As I am Egypt's queen,
Thou blushest, Antony; and that blood of thine
Is Caesar's homager: else so thy cheek pays shame
When shrill-tongued Fulvia scolds. The messengers!

Let Rome in Tiber melt, and the wide arch
Of the ranged empire fall! Here is my space.
Kingdoms are clay: our dungy earth alike
Feeds beast as man: the nobleness of life
Is to do thus; when such a mutual pair

EmbracingAnd such a twain can do't, in which I bind,
On pain of punishment, the world to weet
We stand up peerless.

Excellent falsehood!
Why did he marry Fulvia, and not love her?
I'll seem the fool I am not; Antony
Will be himself.

But stirr'd by Cleopatra.
Now, for the love of Love and her soft hours,
Let's not confound the time with conference harsh:
There's not a minute of our lives should stretch
Without some pleasure now. What sport tonight?

Hear the ambassadors.

Fie, wrangling queen!
Whom every thing becomes, to chide, to laugh,
To weep; whose every passion fully strives
To make itself, in thee, fair and admired!
No messenger, but thine; and all alone
To-night we'll wander through the streets and note
The qualities of people. Come, my queen;
Last night you did desire it: speak not to us.

Exeunt MARK ANTONY and CLEOPATRA with their train

Is Caesar with Antonius prized so slight?

Sir, sometimes, when he is not Antony,
He comes too short of that great property
Which still should go with Antony.

I am full sorry
That he approves the common liar, who
Thus speaks of him at Rome: but I will hope
Of better deeds to-morrow. Rest you happy!

Exeunt

第一幕

    第一场 亚历山大里亚。克莉奥佩特拉宫中一室

    狄米特律斯及菲罗上。

    菲罗 嘿， 咱们主帅这样迷恋，真太不成话啦。从前他指挥大军的时候，他的
英勇的眼睛像全身盔甲的战神一样发出棱棱的威光，现在却如醉如痴地尽是盯在一
张黄褐色的脸上。他的大将的雄心曾经在激烈的鏖战里涨断了胸前的扣带，现在却
失掉一切常态，甘愿做一具风扇，搧凉一个吉卜赛女人的欲焰。瞧！他们来了。

    喇叭奏花腔。安东尼及克莉奥佩特拉率侍从上；太监掌扇随侍。

    菲罗 留心看着， 你就可以知道他本来是这世界上三大柱石之一，现在已经变
成一个娼妇的弄人了，瞧吧。

    克莉奥佩特拉 要是那真的是爱，告诉我多么深。

    安东尼 可以量深浅的爱是贫乏的。

    克莉奥佩特拉 我要立一个界限，知道你能够爱我到怎么一个极度。

    安东尼 那么你必须发现新的天地。

    一侍从上。

    侍从 禀将军，罗马有信来了。

    安东尼 讨厌！简简单单告诉我什么事。

    克莉奥佩特拉 不， 听听他们怎么说吧，安东尼。富尔维娅也许在生气了；也
许那乳臭未干的凯撒会降下一道尊严的谕令来，吩咐你说，“做这件事，做那件事；
征服这个国家，清除那个国家；照我的话执行，否则就要处你一个违抗命令的罪名。”

    安东尼 怎么会，我爱！

    克莉奥佩特拉 也许！ 不，那是非常可能的；你不能再在这儿逗留了；凯撒已
经把你免职；所以听听他们怎么说吧，安东尼。富尔维娅签发的传票呢？我应该说
是凯撒的？还是他们两人的？叫那送信的人进来。我用埃及女王的身分起誓，你在
脸红了，安东尼；你那满脸的热血是你对凯撒所表示的敬礼；否则就是因为长舌的
富尔维娅把你骂得不好意思。叫那送信的人进来！

    安东尼 让罗马融化在台伯河的流水里， 让广袤的帝国的高大的拱门倒塌吧！
这儿是我的生存的空间。纷纷列国，不过是一堆堆泥土；粪秽的大地养育着人类，
也养育着禽兽；生命的光荣存在于一双心心相印的情侣的及时互爱和热烈拥抱之中；
（拥抱克莉奥佩特拉）这儿是我的永远的归宿；我们要让全世界知道，我们是卓立
无比的。

    克莉奥佩特拉 巧妙的谎话！ 他既然不爱富尔维娅，为什么要跟她结婚呢？我
还是假作痴呆吧；安东尼就会回复他的本色的。

安东尼 没有克莉奥佩特拉鼓起他的活力， 安东尼就是一个毫无生气的人。可
是看在爱神和她那温馨的时辰分上，让我们不要把大好的光阴在口角争吵之中蹉跎
过去；从现在起，我们生命中的每一分钟，都要让它充满了欢乐。今晚我们怎样玩？

    克莉奥佩特拉 接见罗马的使者。

    安东尼 嗳哟， 淘气的女王！你生气、你笑、你哭，都是那么可爱；每一种情
绪在你的身上都充分表现出它的动人的姿态。我不要接见什么使者，只要和你在一
起；今晚让我们两人到市街上去逛逛，察看察看民间的情况。来，我的女王；你昨
晚就有这样一个愿望的。不要对我们说话。（安东尼、克莉奥佩特拉及侍从同下。）

    狄米特律斯 安东尼会这样藐视凯撒吗？

    菲罗 先生， 有时候他不是安东尼，他的一言一动，都够不上安东尼所应该具
有的伟大的品格。

    狄米特律斯 那些在罗马造谣的小人， 把他说得怎样怎样不堪，想不到他竟会
证实他们的话；可是我希望他明天能够改变他的态度。再会！（各下。）

Enter CHARMIAN, IRAS, ALEXAS, and a Soothsayer

Lord Alexas, sweet Alexas, most any thing Alexas,
almost most absolute Alexas, where's the soothsayer
that you praised so to the queen? O, that I knew
this husband, which, you say, must charge his horns
with garlands!

Soothsayer!

Your will?

Is this the man? Is't you, sir, that know things?

In nature's infinite book of secrecy
A little I can read.

Show him your hand.

Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS

Bring in the banquet quickly; wine enough
Cleopatra's health to drink.

Good sir, give me good fortune.

I make not, but foresee.

Pray, then, foresee me one.

You shall be yet far fairer than you are.

He means in flesh.

No, you shall paint when you are old.

Wrinkles forbid!

Vex not his prescience; be attentive.

Hush!

You shall be more beloving than beloved.

I had rather heat my liver with drinking.

Nay, hear him.

Good now, some excellent fortune! Let me be married
to three kings in a forenoon, and widow them all:
let me have a child at fifty, to whom Herod of Jewry
may do homage: find me to marry me with Octavius
Caesar, and companion me with my mistress.

You shall outlive the lady whom you serve.

O excellent! I love long life better than figs.

You have seen and proved a fairer former fortune
Than that which is to approach.

Then belike my children shall have no names:
prithee, how many boys and wenches must I have?

If every of your wishes had a womb.
And fertile every wish, a million.

Out, fool! I forgive thee for a witch.

You think none but your sheets are privy to your wishes.

Nay, come, tell Iras hers.

We'll know all our fortunes.

Mine, and most of our fortunes, to-night, shall
be--drunk to bed.

There's a palm presages chastity, if nothing else.

E'en as the o'erflowing Nilus presageth famine.

Go, you wild bedfellow, you cannot soothsay.

Nay, if an oily palm be not a fruitful
prognostication, I cannot scratch mine ear. Prithee,
tell her but a worky-day fortune.

Your fortunes are alike.

But how, but how? give me particulars.

I have said.

Am I not an inch of fortune better than she?

Well, if you were but an inch of fortune better than
I, where would you choose it?

Not in my husband's nose.

Our worser thoughts heavens mend! Alexas,--come,
his fortune, his fortune! O, let him marry a woman
that cannot go, sweet Isis, I beseech thee! and let
her die too, and give him a worse! and let worst
follow worse, till the worst of all follow him
laughing to his grave, fifty-fold a cuckold! Good
Isis, hear me this prayer, though thou deny me a
matter of more weight; good Isis, I beseech thee!

Amen. Dear goddess, hear that prayer of the people!
for, as it is a heartbreaking to see a handsome man
loose-wived, so it is a deadly sorrow to behold a
foul knave uncuckolded: therefore, dear Isis, keep
decorum, and fortune him accordingly!

Amen.

Lo, now, if it lay in their hands to make me a
cuckold, they would make themselves whores, but
they'ld do't!

Hush! here comes Antony.

Not he; the queen.

Enter CLEOPATRA

Saw you my lord?

No, lady.

Was he not here?

No, madam.

He was disposed to mirth; but on the sudden
A Roman thought hath struck him. Enobarbus!

Madam?

Seek him, and bring him hither.
Where's Alexas?

Here, at your service. My lord approaches.

We will not look upon him: go with us.

Exeunt
Enter MARK ANTONY with a Messenger and Attendants

Fulvia thy wife first came into the field.

Against my brother Lucius?

Ay:
But soon that war had end, and the time's state
Made friends of them, joining their force 'gainst Caesar;
Whose better issue in the war, from Italy,
Upon the first encounter, drave them.

Well, what worst?

The nature of bad news infects the teller.

When it concerns the fool or coward. On:
Things that are past are done with me. 'Tis thus:
Who tells me true, though in his tale lie death,
I hear him as he flatter'd.

Labienus--
This is stiff news--hath, with his Parthian force,
Extended Asia from Euphrates;
His conquering banner shook from Syria
To Lydia and to Ionia; Whilst--

Antony, thou wouldst say,--

O, my lord!

Speak to me home, mince not the general tongue:
Name Cleopatra as she is call'd in Rome;
Rail thou in Fulvia's phrase; and taunt my faults
With such full licence as both truth and malice
Have power to utter. O, then we bring forth weeds,
When our quick minds lie still; and our ills told us
Is as our earing. Fare thee well awhile.

At your noble pleasure.

Exit

From Sicyon, ho, the news! Speak there!

The man from Sicyon,--is there such an one?

He stays upon your will.

Let him appear.
These strong Egyptian fetters I must break,
Or lose myself in dotage.

Enter another MessengerWhat are you?

Fulvia thy wife is dead.

Where died she?

In Sicyon:
Her length of sickness, with what else more serious
Importeth thee to know, this bears.

Gives a letter

Forbear me.

Exit Second MessengerThere's a great spirit gone! Thus did I desire it:
What our contempt doth often hurl from us,
We wish it ours again; the present pleasure,
By revolution lowering, does become
The opposite of itself: she's good, being gone;
The hand could pluck her back that shoved her on.
I must from this enchanting queen break off:
Ten thousand harms, more than the ills I know,
My idleness doth hatch. How now! Enobarbus!

Re-enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS

What's your pleasure, sir?

I must with haste from hence.

Why, then, we kill all our women:
we see how mortal an unkindness is to them;
if they suffer our departure, death's the word.

I must be gone.

Under a compelling occasion, let women die; it were
pity to cast them away for nothing; though, between
them and a great cause, they should be esteemed
nothing. Cleopatra, catching but the least noise of
this, dies instantly; I have seen her die twenty
times upon far poorer moment: I do think there is
mettle in death, which commits some loving act upon
her, she hath such a celerity in dying.

She is cunning past man's thought.

Exit ALEXAS

Alack, sir, no; her passions are made of nothing but
the finest part of pure love: we cannot call her
winds and waters sighs and tears; they are greater
storms and tempests than almanacs can report: this
cannot be cunning in her; if it be, she makes a
shower of rain as well as Jove.

Would I had never seen her.

O, sir, you had then left unseen a wonderful piece
of work; which not to have been blest withal would
have discredited your travel.

Fulvia is dead.

Sir?

Fulvia is dead.

Fulvia!

Dead.

Why, sir, give the gods a thankful sacrifice. When
it pleaseth their deities to take the wife of a man
from him, it shows to man the tailors of the earth;
comforting therein, that when old robes are worn
out, there are members to make new. If there were
no more women but Fulvia, then had you indeed a cut,
and the case to be lamented: this grief is crowned
with consolation; your old smock brings forth a new
petticoat: and indeed the tears live in an onion
that should water this sorrow.

The business she hath broached in the state
Cannot endure my absence.

And the business you have broached here cannot be
without you; especially that of Cleopatra's, which
wholly depends on your abode.

No more light answers. Let our officers
Have notice what we purpose. I shall break
The cause of our expedience to the queen,
And get her leave to part. For not alone
The death of Fulvia, with more urgent touches,
Do strongly speak to us; but the letters too
Of many our contriving friends in Rome
Petition us at home: Sextus Pompeius
Hath given the dare to Caesar, and commands
The empire of the sea: our slippery people,
Whose love is never link'd to the deserver
Till his deserts are past, begin to throw
Pompey the Great and all his dignities
Upon his son; who, high in name and power,
Higher than both in blood and life, stands up
For the main soldier: whose quality, going on,
The sides o' the world may danger: much is breeding,
Which, like the courser's hair, hath yet but life,
And not a serpent's poison. Say, our pleasure,
To such whose place is under us, requires
Our quick remove from hence.

I shall do't.

Exeunt

第二场 同前。另一室

    查米恩、伊拉丝、艾勒克萨斯及一预言者上。

    查米恩 艾勒克萨斯大人， 可爱的艾勒克萨斯，什么都是顶好的艾勒克萨斯，
顶顶顶好的艾勒克萨斯，你在娘娘面前竭力推荐的那个算命的呢？我倒很想知道我
的未来的丈夫，你不是说他会在他的角上挂起花圈吗？

    艾勒克萨斯 预言者！

    预言者 您有什么吩咐？

    查米恩 就是他吗？先生，你能够预知未来吗？

    预言者 在造化的无穷尽的秘籍中，我曾经涉猎一二。

    艾勒克萨斯 把你的手让他相相看。

    爱诺巴勃斯上。

    爱诺巴勃斯 筵席赶快送进去；为克莉奥佩特拉祝饮的酒要多一些。

    查米恩 好先生，给我一些好运气。

    预言者 我不能制造命运，只能预知休咎。

    查米恩 那么请你替我算出一注好运气来。

    预言者 你将来要比现在更美好。

    查米恩 他的意思是说我的皮肤会变得白嫩一些。

    伊拉丝 不，你老了可以搽粉的。

    查米恩 千万不要长起皱纹来才好！

    艾勒克萨斯 不要打扰他的预言；留心听着。

    查米恩 嘘！

    预言者 你将要爱别人甚于被别人所爱。

    查米恩 那我倒宁愿让酒来燃烧我的这颗心。

    艾勒克萨斯 不，听他说。

    查米恩 好， 现在可给我算出一些非常好的命运来吧！让我在一个上午嫁了三
个国王，再让他们一个个死掉；让我在五十岁生了一个孩子，犹太的希律王都要向
他鞠躬致敬；让我嫁给奥克泰维斯·凯撒，和娘娘做一个并肩的人。

    预言者 你将要比你的女主人活得长久。

    查米恩 啊，好极了！多活几天总是好的。

    预言者 你的前半生的命运胜过后半生的命运。

    查米恩 那么大概我的孩子们都是没出息的；请问我有几个儿子几个女儿？

    预言者 要是你的每一个愿望都会怀胎受孕，你可以有一百万个儿女。

    查米恩 啐，呆子！妖言惑众，恕你无罪。

    艾勒克萨斯 你以为除了你的枕席以外，谁也不知道你在转些什么念头。

    查米恩 来，来，替伊拉丝也算个命。

    艾勒克萨斯 我们大家都要算个命。

    爱诺巴勃斯 我知道我们今晚的命运，是喝得烂醉上床。

    伊拉丝 从这一只手掌即使看不出别的什么来，至少可以看出一个贞洁的性格。

    查米恩 正像从泛滥的尼罗河可以看出旱灾一样。

    伊拉丝 去，你这浪蹄子，你又不会算命。

    查米恩 嗳哟， 要是一只滑腻的手掌不是多子的征兆，那么就是我的臂膊疯瘫
了。请你为她算出一个平平常常的命运来。

    预言者 你们的命运都差不多。

    伊拉丝 怎么差不多？怎么差不多？说得具体些。

    预言者 我已经说过了。

    伊拉丝 难道我的命运一寸一分也没有胜过她的地方吗？

    查米恩 好，要是你的命运比我胜过一分，你愿意在什么地方胜过我？

    伊拉丝 不是在我丈夫的鼻子上。

    查米恩 愿上天改变我们邪恶的思想！ 艾勒克萨斯，——来，他的命运，他的
命运。啊！让他娶一个不能怀孕的女人，亲爱的爱昔斯①女神，我求求你；让他第
一个妻子死了，再娶一个更坏的；让他娶了一个又一个，一个不如一个，直到最坏
的一个满脸笑容地送他戴着五十顶绿头巾下了坟墓！好爱昔斯女神，你可以拒绝我
其他更重要的请求，可是千万听从我这一个祷告；好爱昔斯，我求求你！

    伊拉丝 阿门。 亲爱的女神，俯听我们下民的祷告吧！因为正像看见一个漂亮
的男人娶到一个淫荡的妻子，可以叫人心碎一样，看见一个奸恶的坏人有一个不偷
汉子的老婆，也是会使人大失所望的；所以亲爱的爱昔斯，给他应得的命运吧！

    查米恩 阿门。

    艾勒克萨斯 瞧， 瞧！要是她们有权力使我做一个忘八，就是叫她们当婊子，
她们也会干的。

    爱诺巴勃斯 嘘！安东尼来了。

    查米恩 不是他，是娘娘。

    克莉奥佩特拉上。

    克莉奥佩特拉 你们看见主上吗？

    爱诺巴勃斯 没有，娘娘。

    克莉奥佩特拉 他刚才不是在这儿吗？

    查米恩 不在，娘娘。

    克莉奥佩特拉 他本来高高兴兴的， 忽然一下子又触动了他的思念罗马的心。
爱诺巴勃斯！

    爱诺巴勃斯 娘娘！

    克莉奥佩特拉 你去找找他，把他带到这儿来。艾勒克萨斯呢？

    艾勒克萨斯 有，娘娘有什么吩咐？主上来了。

    安东尼偕一使者及侍从等上。

    克莉奥佩特拉 我不要见他； 跟我去。（克莉奥佩特拉、爱诺巴勃斯、艾勒克
萨斯、伊拉丝、查米恩、预言者及侍从等同下。）

    使者 你的妻子富尔维娅第一个上战场。

    安东尼 向我的兄弟路歇斯开战吗？

    使者 是， 可是那次战事很快就结束了，当时形势的变化，使他们捐嫌修好，
合力反抗凯撒的攻击；在初次交锋的时候，凯撒就得到胜利，把他们驱出了意大利
境外。

    安东尼 好，还有什么最坏的消息？

    使者 人们因为不爱听恶消息，往往会连带憎恨那报告恶消息的人。

    安东尼 只有愚人和懦夫才会这样。 说吧；已经过去的事，我决不再介意。谁
告诉我真话，即使他的话里藏着死亡，我也会像听人家恭维我一样听着他。

    使者 拉卞纳斯——这是很刺耳的消息——已经带着他的帕提亚军队长驱直进，
越过亚洲境界；沿着幼发拉底河岸，他的胜利的旌旗从叙利亚招展到吕底亚和爱奥
尼亚；可是——

    安东尼 可是安东尼却无所事事，你的意思是这样说。

    使者 啊，将军！

    安东尼 直捷痛快地把一般人怎么批评我的话告诉我， 不要吞吞吐吐地怕什么
忌讳；罗马人怎样称呼克莉奥佩特拉，你也怎样称呼她；富尔维娅怎样责骂我，你
也怎样责骂我；尽管放胆指斥我的过失，无论它是情真罪当的，或者不过是恶意的
讥弹。啊！只有这样才可以使我们反躬自省，平心静气地拔除我们内心的莠草，耕
垦我们荒芜的德性。你且暂时退下。

    使者 遵命。（下。）

    安东尼 喂！从息些温来的人呢？

    侍从甲 有没有从息些温来的人？

    侍从乙 他在等候着您的旨意。

    安东尼 叫他进来。 我必须挣断这副坚强的埃及镣铐，否则我将在沉迷中丧失
自己了。

    另一使者上。

    安东尼 你是什么人？

    使者乙 你的妻子富尔维娅死了。

    安东尼 她死在什么地方？

    使者乙 在息些温。她的抱病的经过，还有其他更重要的事情，都在这封信里。
（呈上书信。）

    安东尼 下去。 （使者乙下）一个伟大的灵魂去了！我曾经盼望她死；我们一
时间的憎嫌，往往引起过后的追悔；眼前的欢愉冷淡了下来，便会变成悲哀；因为
她死了，我才感念到她生前的好处；喜怒爱恶，都只在一转手之间。我必须割断情
丝，离开这个迷人的女王；千万种我所意料不到的祸事已在我的怠惰之中萌蘖生长。
喂！爱诺巴勃斯！

    爱诺巴勃斯重上。

    爱诺巴勃斯 主帅有什么吩咐？

    安东尼 我必须赶快离开这儿。

    爱诺巴勃斯 嗳哟， 那么我们那些娘儿们一个个都要活不成啦。我们知道一件
无情的举动会多么刺伤她们的心；要是她们见我们走了，她们一定会死的。

    安东尼 我非去不可。

    爱诺巴勃斯 要是果然有逼不得已的原因， 那么就让她们死了吧；好端端把她
们丢了，未免可惜，虽然在一个重大的理由之下，只好把她们置之不顾。克莉奥佩
特拉只要略微听到了这一个风声，就会当场死去；我曾经看见她为了一点点的细事
死过二十次。我想死神倒也是一个懂得怜香惜玉的多情种子，她总是死得那么容易。

    安东尼 她的狡狯简直是不可思议的。

    爱诺巴勃斯 唉！ 主帅，不，她的感情完全是从最纯洁微妙的爱心里提炼出来
的。我们不能用风雨形容她的叹息和眼泪；它们是历书上从来没有记载过的狂风暴
雨。这决不是她的狡狯，否则她就跟乔武一样有驱风召雨的神力了。

    安东尼 但愿我从来没有看见她！

    爱诺巴勃斯 啊， 主帅，那您就要错过了一件神奇的杰作；失去这样的眼福，
您的壮游也会大大地减色的。

    安东尼 富尔维娅死了。

    爱诺巴勃斯 主帅？

    安东尼 富尔维娅死了。

    爱诺巴勃斯 富尔维娅！

    安东尼 死了。

    爱诺巴勃斯 啊， 主帅，快向天神举行一次感谢的献祭吧。旧衣服破了，裁缝
会替人重做新的；一个妻子死了，天神也早给他另外注定一段姻缘。要是世上除了
富尔维娅以外，再没有别的女人，那么您确是遭到了重大的打击，听见了这样的噩
耗，也的确应该痛哭流涕；可是在这一段不幸之上，却有莫大的安慰；旧裙换了新
裙，旧人换了新人；要是为了表示对于死者的恩情，必须洒几滴眼泪的话，尽可以
借重洋葱的力量的。

    安东尼 我不能不去料理料理她在国内的未了之事。

    爱诺巴勃斯 您在这儿也有未了之事， 不能抛开不管；尤其是克莉奥佩特拉的
事情，她一刻也少不了您。

    安东尼 不要一味打趣。 把我的决心传谕我的部下。我要去向女王告知我们必
须立刻出发的原因，请她放我们远走。因为不但富尔维娅的死讯和其他更迫切的动
机在敦促我就道，而且我在罗马的许多同志也有信来恳求我急速回国。塞克斯特斯
·庞贝厄斯已经向凯撒挑战，他的威力控制了海上的帝国；我们那些反复无常的民
众——他们在一个人的生前从来不知道感激他的功德，一定要等他死了以后才会把
他视若神明——已经开始把庞贝大王的一切尊荣加在他的儿子的身上；凭借着这样
盛大的名誉和权力，再加上天赋高贵的血统和身世，他已经成为一个雄视一世的战
士；要是让他的势力继续发展下去，全世界都会受到他的威胁。无数的变化正在酝
酿之中，它们像初出卵的小蛇一样，虽然已经有了生命，它们的毒舌还不会伤人。
你去通告我的手下将士，就说我命令他们准备立刻动身。

    爱诺巴勃斯 我就去照您的话办。（各下。）

Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and ALEXAS

Where is he?

I did not see him since.

See where he is, who's with him, what he does:
I did not send you: if you find him sad,
Say I am dancing; if in mirth, report
That I am sudden sick: quick, and return.

Exit ALEXAS

Madam, methinks, if you did love him dearly,
You do not hold the method to enforce
The like from him.

What should I do, I do not?

In each thing give him way, cross him nothing.

Thou teachest like a fool; the way to lose him.

Tempt him not so too far; I wish, forbear:
In time we hate that which we often fear.
But here comes Antony.

Enter MARK ANTONY

I am sick and sullen.

I am sorry to give breathing to my purpose,--

Help me away, dear Charmian; I shall fall:
It cannot be thus long, the sides of nature
Will not sustain it.

Now, my dearest queen,--

Pray you, stand further from me.

What's the matter?

I know, by that same eye, there's some good news.
What says the married woman? You may go:
Would she had never given you leave to come!
Let her not say 'tis I that keep you here:
I have no power upon you; hers you are.

The gods best know,--

O, never was there queen
So mightily betray'd! yet at the first
I saw the treasons planted.

Cleopatra,--

Why should I think you can be mine and true,
Though you in swearing shake the throned gods,
Who have been false to Fulvia? Riotous madness,
To be entangled with those mouth-made vows,
Which break themselves in swearing!

Most sweet queen,--

Nay, pray you, seek no colour for your going,
But bid farewell, and go: when you sued staying,
Then was the time for words: no going then;
Eternity was in our lips and eyes,
Bliss in our brows' bent; none our parts so poor,
But was a race of heaven: they are so still,
Or thou, the greatest soldier of the world,
Art turn'd the greatest liar.

How now, lady!

I would I had thy inches; thou shouldst know
There were a heart in Egypt.

Hear me, queen:
The strong necessity of time commands
Our services awhile; but my full heart
Remains in use with you. Our Italy
Shines o'er with civil swords: Sextus Pompeius
Makes his approaches to the port of Rome:
Equality of two domestic powers
Breed scrupulous faction: the hated, grown to strength,
Are newly grown to love: the condemn'd Pompey,
Rich in his father's honour, creeps apace,
Into the hearts of such as have not thrived
Upon the present state, whose numbers threaten;
And quietness, grown sick of rest, would purge
By any desperate change: my more particular,
And that which most with you should safe my going,
Is Fulvia's death.

Though age from folly could not give me freedom,
It does from childishness: can Fulvia die?

She's dead, my queen:
Look here, and at thy sovereign leisure read
The garboils she awaked; at the last, best:
See when and where she died.

O most false love!
Where be the sacred vials thou shouldst fill
With sorrowful water? Now I see, I see,
In Fulvia's death, how mine received shall be.

Quarrel no more, but be prepared to know
The purposes I bear; which are, or cease,
As you shall give the advice. By the fire
That quickens Nilus' slime, I go from hence
Thy soldier, servant; making peace or war
As thou affect'st.

Cut my lace, Charmian, come;
But let it be: I am quickly ill, and well,
So Antony loves.

My precious queen, forbear;
And give true evidence to his love, which stands
An honourable trial.

So Fulvia told me.
I prithee, turn aside and weep for her,
Then bid adieu to me, and say the tears
Belong to Egypt: good now, play one scene
Of excellent dissembling; and let it look
Life perfect honour.

You'll heat my blood: no more.

You can do better yet; but this is meetly.

Now, by my sword,--

And target. Still he mends;
But this is not the best. Look, prithee, Charmian,
How this Herculean Roman does become
The carriage of his chafe.

I'll leave you, lady.

Courteous lord, one word.
Sir, you and I must part, but that's not it:
Sir, you and I have loved, but there's not it;
That you know well: something it is I would,
O, my oblivion is a very Antony,
And I am all forgotten.

But that your royalty
Holds idleness your subject, I should take you
For idleness itself.

'Tis sweating labour
To bear such idleness so near the heart
As Cleopatra this. But, sir, forgive me;
Since my becomings kill me, when they do not
Eye well to you: your honour calls you hence;
Therefore be deaf to my unpitied folly.
And all the gods go with you! upon your sword
Sit laurel victory! and smooth success
Be strew'd before your feet!

Let us go. Come;
Our separation so abides, and flies,
That thou, residing here, go'st yet with me,
And I, hence fleeting, here remain with thee. Away!

Exeunt

第三场 同前。另一室

    克莉奥佩特拉、查米恩、伊拉丝及艾勒克萨斯上。

    克莉奥佩特拉 他呢？

    查米恩 我后来一直没看见他。

    克莉奥佩特拉 瞧瞧他在什么地方， 跟什么人在一起，在干些什么事。不要说
是我叫你去的。要是你看见他在发恼，就说我在跳舞；要是他样子很高兴，就对他
说我突然病了。快去快来。（艾勒克萨斯下。）

    查米恩 娘娘，我想您要是真心爱他，这一种手段是不能取得他的好感的。

    克莉奥佩特拉 我有什么应该做的事没有做过呢？

    查米恩 您应该什么事都顺从他的意思，别跟他闹别扭。

    克莉奥佩特拉 你是个傻瓜；听了你的教训，我就要永远失去他了。

    查米恩 不要过分玩弄他； 我希望您不要这样。人们对于他们所畏惧的人，日
久之后，往往会心怀怒恨。可是安东尼来了。

    安东尼上。

    克莉奥佩特拉 我身子不舒服，心绪很恶劣。

    安东尼 我觉得非常难于启口——

    克莉奥佩特拉 搀我进去， 亲爱的查米恩，我快要倒下来了；我这身子再也支
持不住，恐怕不久于人世了。

    安东尼 我的最亲爱的女王——

    克莉奥佩特拉 请你站得离开我远一点。

    安东尼 究竟为了什么事？

    克莉奥佩特拉 就从你那双眼睛里， 我知道一定有些好消息。那位明媒正娶的
娘子怎么说？你去吧。但愿她从来没有允许你来！不要让她说是我把你羁留在这里；
我作不了你的主，你是她的。

    安东尼 天神知道——

    克莉奥佩特拉 啊！ 从来不曾有过一个女王受到这样大的欺骗；可是我早就看
出你是不怀好意的。

    安东尼 克莉奥佩特拉——

    克莉奥佩特拉 你已经不忠于富尔维娅， 虽然你向神明旦旦而誓，为什么我要
相信你会真心爱我呢？被这些随口毁弃的空口的盟誓所迷惑，简直是无可理喻的疯
狂！

    安东尼 最可爱的女王——

    克莉奥佩特拉 不， 请你不必找什么借口，你要去就去吧。当你要求我准许你
留下的时候，才用得着你的花言巧语；那时候你是怎么也不想走的；我的嘴唇和眼
睛里有永生的欢乐，我的弯弯的眉毛里有天堂的幸福；我身上的每一部分都带着天
国的馨香。它们并没有变样，除非你这全世界最伟大的战士已经变成了最伟大的说
谎者。

    安东尼 嗳哟，爱人！

    克莉奥佩特拉 我希望我也长得像你一样高， 让你知道埃及女王也有一颗勇敢
豪迈的心呢。

    安东尼 听我说， 女王：为了应付时局的需要，我不能不暂时离开这里，可是
我的整个的心还是继续和你厮守在一起的。内乱的刀剑闪耀在我们意大利全境；塞
克斯特斯·庞贝厄斯已经向罗马海口进发；国内两支势均力敌的军队，还在那儿彼
此摩擦。不齿众口的人，只要培植起强大的势力，人心就会自然趋附他；被摈斥的
庞贝仗着他父亲的威名，已经在不知不觉中取得那些现政局下失意分子的拥戴，他
们人数众多，是罗马的心腹之患；蠢蠢思乱的人心，只要一旦起了什么剧烈的变化，
就会造成不可收拾的混乱。关于我自己个人方面的，还有一个你可以放心让我走的
理由，富尔维娅死了。

    克莉奥佩特拉 年龄的增长虽然改不掉我的愚蠢，却能去掉我轻信人言的稚气。
富尔维娅也会死吗？

    安东尼 她死了， 我的女王。瞧，请你有空读一读这封信，就知道她一手掀起
了多少风波；我的好人儿，最后你还可以看到她死在死在什么时候、什么地方。

    克莉奥佩特拉 啊， 最负心的爱人！那应该盛满了你悲哀的泪珠的泪壶呢？现
在我知道了，我知道了，富尔维娅死了，你是这个样子，将来我死了，我也推想得
到你会怎样对待我。

    安东尼 不要吵嘴了， 静静地听我说明我的决意；要是你听了不以为然，我也
可以放弃我的主张。凭着蒸晒尼罗河畔粘土的骄阳起誓，我现在离此他去，永远是
你的兵士和仆人，或战或和，都遵照着你的意旨。

    克莉奥佩特拉 解开我的衣带， 查米恩，赶快；可是让它去吧，我是很容易害
病，也很容易痊愈的。只消安东尼还懂得爱。

    安东尼 我的宝贝女王， 别说这种话，给我一个机会，试验试验我对你的真情
吧。

    克莉奥佩特拉 富尔维娅给了我一些教训。 请你转过头去为她哀哭；然后再向
我告别，就说那些眼泪是属于埃及女王的。好，扮演一幕绝妙的假戏，让它瞧上去
活像真心的流露吧。

    安东尼 你再说下去，我要恼了。

    克莉奥佩特拉 你还可以表演得动人一些，可是这样也就不错了。

    安东尼 凭着我的宝剑——

    克莉奥佩特拉 和盾牌起誓。 他越演越有精神了；可是这还不是他的登峰造极
的境界。瞧，查米恩，这位罗马巨人的怒相有多么庄严。

    安东尼 我要告辞了，陛下。

    克莉奥佩特拉 多礼的将军， 一句话。将军，你我既然必须分别——不，不是
那么说；将军，你我曾经相爱过——不，也不是那么说；您知道——我想要说的是
句什么话呀？唉！我的好记性正像安东尼一样，把什么都忘得干干净净了。

    安东尼 倘不是为了你的高贵的地位，我就要说你是个无事嚼舌的女人。

    克莉奥佩特拉 克莉奥佩特拉要是有那么好的闲情逸致， 她也不会这样满腹悲
哀了。可是，将军，原谅我吧；既然我的一举一动您都瞧不上眼，我也不知道怎样
的行为才是适当的。您的荣誉在呼唤您去；所以不要听我的不足怜悯的痴心的哀求，
愿所有的神明和您同在吧！愿胜利的桂冠悬在您的剑端，敌人到处俯伏在您的足下！

    安东尼 我们去吧。 来，我们虽然分离，实际上并没有分离；你住在这里，你
的心却跟着我驰骋疆场；我离开了这里，我的心仍旧留下在你身边。走吧！（同下。）

Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, reading a letter, LEPIDUS, and their Train

You may see, Lepidus, and henceforth know,
It is not Caesar's natural vice to hate
Our great competitor: from Alexandria
This is the news: he fishes, drinks, and wastes
The lamps of night in revel; is not more man-like
Than Cleopatra; nor the queen of Ptolemy
More womanly than he; hardly gave audience, or
Vouchsafed to think he had partners: you shall find there
A man who is the abstract of all faults
That all men follow.

I must not think there are
Evils enow to darken all his goodness:
His faults in him seem as the spots of heaven,
More fiery by night's blackness; hereditary,
Rather than purchased; what he cannot change,
Than what he chooses.

You are too indulgent. Let us grant, it is not
Amiss to tumble on the bed of Ptolemy;
To give a kingdom for a mirth; to sit
And keep the turn of tippling with a slave;
To reel the streets at noon, and stand the buffet
With knaves that smell of sweat: say this
becomes him,--
As his composure must be rare indeed
Whom these things cannot blemish,--yet must Antony
No way excuse his soils, when we do bear
So great weight in his lightness. If he fill'd
His vacancy with his voluptuousness,
Full surfeits, and the dryness of his bones,
Call on him for't: but to confound such time,
That drums him from his sport, and speaks as loud
As his own state and ours,--'tis to be chid
As we rate boys, who, being mature in knowledge,
Pawn their experience to their present pleasure,
And so rebel to judgment.

Enter a Messenger

Here's more news.

Thy biddings have been done; and every hour,
Most noble Caesar, shalt thou have report
How 'tis abroad. Pompey is strong at sea;
And it appears he is beloved of those
That only have fear'd Caesar: to the ports
The discontents repair, and men's reports
Give him much wrong'd.

I should have known no less.
It hath been taught us from the primal state,
That he which is was wish'd until he were;
And the ebb'd man, ne'er loved till ne'er worth love,
Comes dear'd by being lack'd. This common body,
Like to a vagabond flag upon the stream,
Goes to and back, lackeying the varying tide,
To rot itself with motion.

Caesar, I bring thee word,
Menecrates and Menas, famous pirates,
Make the sea serve them, which they ear and wound
With keels of every kind: many hot inroads
They make in Italy; the borders maritime
Lack blood to think on't, and flush youth revolt:
No vessel can peep forth, but 'tis as soon
Taken as seen; for Pompey's name strikes more
Than could his war resisted.

Antony,
Leave thy lascivious wassails. When thou once
Wast beaten from Modena, where thou slew'st
Hirtius and Pansa, consuls, at thy heel
Did famine follow; whom thou fought'st against,
Though daintily brought up, with patience more
Than savages could suffer: thou didst drink
The stale of horses, and the gilded puddle
Which beasts would cough at: thy palate then did deign
The roughest berry on the rudest hedge;
Yea, like the stag, when snow the pasture sheets,
The barks of trees thou browsed'st; on the Alps
It is reported thou didst eat strange flesh,
Which some did die to look on: and all this--
It wounds thine honour that I speak it now--
Was borne so like a soldier, that thy cheek
So much as lank'd not.

'Tis pity of him.

Let his shames quickly
Drive him to Rome: 'tis time we twain
Did show ourselves i' the field; and to that end
Assemble we immediate council: Pompey
Thrives in our idleness.

To-morrow, Caesar,
I shall be furnish'd to inform you rightly
Both what by sea and land I can be able
To front this present time.

Till which encounter,
It is my business too. Farewell.

Farewell, my lord: what you shall know meantime
Of stirs abroad, I shall beseech you, sir,
To let me be partaker.

Doubt not, sir;
I knew it for my bond.

Exeunt

    第四场 罗马。凯撒府中一室

    奥克泰维斯·凯撒、莱必多斯及侍从等上。

    凯撒 你现在可以知道， 莱必多斯，我不是因为气量狭隘，才这样痛恨我们这
位伟大的同僚。从亚历山大里亚传来的消息，都说他每天钓钓鱼，喝喝酒，嬉游纵
乐，彻夜不休，比克莉奥佩特拉更没有男人的气概，既不接见宾客使者，也不把他
旧日的同僚放在心上；凡是众人所最容易犯的过失，都可以在他身上找到。

    莱必多斯 他的一二缺陷， 决不能掩盖住他的全部优点；他的过失就像天空中
的星点一般，因为夜间的黑暗而格外显著；它们是与生俱来的，不是有意获得的；
他这是连自己也无能为力，决不是存心如此。

    凯撒 你太宽容了。 即使我们承认淫乱了托勒密②王室的宫闱，为了一时的欢
乐而牺牲了一个王国，和一个下贱的奴才对坐饮酒，踏着蹒跚的醉步白昼招摇过市，
和那些满身汗臭的小人互相殴打，这种种恶劣的行为，都算不得他的过失；即使安
东尼果然有那样希世的威仪，能够不因这些秽德而减色，我们也绝对不能宽恕他，
因为他的轻举妄动，已经加重了我们肩头的负担。假如他因为闲散无事，用醇酒妇
人销磨他的光阴，那么即使过度的淫乐煎枯了他的骨髓，也只是他自作自受，不干
别人的事；可是在这样国家多难的时候，他还是沉迷不返，就像一个已经能够明白
事理的孩子，因为贪图眼前的欢乐而忘记父兄的教诲一样，我们不能不对他严辞谴
责。

    一使者上。

    莱必多斯 又有什么消息来了。

    使者 尊贵的凯撒， 你的命令已经遵照实行，每一小时你都可以听到外边的消
息。庞贝在海上的势力非常强大，那些因为畏惧而臣服凯撒的人，似乎都对他表示
衷心的爱戴；不满意现状的，一个个都到海边投奔他。一般人都说罗马亏待了他。

    凯撒 我应该早就料到这一点。 人类的常情教训我们，一个人未在位的时候，
是为众人所钦佩的，等到他一旦在位，大家就对他失去了信仰；受尽冷眼的失势英
雄，身败名裂以后，也会受到世人的爱慕。群众就像漂浮在水上的菖蒲，随着潮流
的方向而进退，在盲目的行动之中湮灭腐烂。

    使者 凯撒， 我还要报告你一件消息。茂尼克拉提斯和茂那斯，两个著名的海
盗，啸集了大小船只，横行海上，四出剽掠，屡次侵犯意大利的海疆；沿海居民望
风胆裂，年轻力壮的相率入伙，协同作乱；凡是出口的船舶，才离海岸，就被他们
邀截而去；因为他们只要一提起庞贝的名字，就可以所向无敌。

    凯撒 安东尼，离开你的荒唐的淫乐吧！你从前杀死了赫息斯和潘萨两个执政、
从摩地那被逐出亡的时候，饥荒到处追随着你，你虽然是一个娇生惯养的人，却用
无比的毅力和环境苦斗，忍受山谷野人所不堪忍受的苦难；你喝的是马尿和畜类嗅
到了也会恶心的污水；吃的是荒野中粗恶生涩的浆果，甚至于像失食的牡鹿一样，
当白雪铺盖牧场的时候，啃着树皮充饥；在阿尔卑斯山上，据说你曾经吃过腐烂的
尸体，有些人看见这种东西是会惊怖失色的。我现在提起这些往事，虽然好像有伤
你的名誉，可是当时你的确用百折不挠的战士的精神忍受这一切，你的神采奕奕的
脸上，并不因此而现出一些憔悴的痕迹。

    莱必多斯 可惜他不能全始全终。

    凯撒 但愿他自知惭愧， 赶快回到罗马来。现在我们两人必须临阵应战，所以
应该立刻召集将士，决定方略；庞贝的势力是会在我们的怠惰之中一天一天强大起
来的。

    莱必多斯 凯撒，明天我就可以确实告诉你我能够在海陆双方集合多少的军力，
应付当前的变局。

    凯撒 我也要去调度一下。那么明天见。

    莱必多斯 明天见，阁下。要是你听见外面有什么变动，请通知我一声。

    凯撒 当然当然，那是我的责任。（各下。）

Enter POMPEY, MENECRATES, and MENAS, in warlike manner

If the great gods be just, they shall assist
The deeds of justest men.

Know, worthy Pompey,
That what they do delay, they not deny.

Whiles we are suitors to their throne, decays
The thing we sue for.

We, ignorant of ourselves,
Beg often our own harms, which the wise powers
Deny us for our good; so find we profit
By losing of our prayers.

I shall do well:
The people love me, and the sea is mine;
My powers are crescent, and my auguring hope
Says it will come to the full. Mark Antony
In Egypt sits at dinner, and will make
No wars without doors: Caesar gets money where
He loses hearts: Lepidus flatters both,
Of both is flatter'd; but he neither loves,
Nor either cares for him.

Caesar and Lepidus
Are in the field: a mighty strength they carry.

Where have you this? 'tis false.

From Silvius, sir.

He dreams: I know they are in Rome together,
Looking for Antony. But all the charms of love,
Salt Cleopatra, soften thy waned lip!
Let witchcraft join with beauty, lust with both!
Tie up the libertine in a field of feasts,
Keep his brain fuming; Epicurean cooks
Sharpen with cloyless sauce his appetite;
That sleep and feeding may prorogue his honour
Even till a Lethe'd dulness!

Enter VARRIUSHow now, Varrius!

This is most certain that I shall deliver:
Mark Antony is every hour in Rome
Expected: since he went from Egypt 'tis
A space for further travel.

I could have given less matter
A better ear. Menas, I did not think
This amorous surfeiter would have donn'd his helm
For such a petty war: his soldiership
Is twice the other twain: but let us rear
The higher our opinion, that our stirring
Can from the lap of Egypt's widow pluck
The ne'er-lust-wearied Antony.

I cannot hope
Caesar and Antony shall well greet together:
His wife that's dead did trespasses to Caesar;
His brother warr'd upon him; although, I think,
Not moved by Antony.

I know not, Menas,
How lesser enmities may give way to greater.
Were't not that we stand up against them all,
'Twere pregnant they should square between
themselves;
For they have entertained cause enough
To draw their swords: but how the fear of us
May cement their divisions and bind up
The petty difference, we yet not know.
Be't as our gods will have't! It only stands
Our lives upon to use our strongest hands.
Come, Menas.

Exeunt

第二幕

    第一场 墨西拿。庞贝府中一室

    庞贝、茂尼克拉提斯及茂那斯同上。

    庞贝 伟大的天神们假如是公平正直的，他们一定会帮助理直辞正的人。

    茂尼克拉提斯 尊贵的庞贝，天神对于他们所眷顾的人，也许给他一时的留难，
但决不会长久使他失望。

    庞贝 当我们还在向他们神座之前祈求的时候，也许我们的希望已经毁灭了。

    茂尼克拉提斯 我们昧于利害， 往往所祈求的反而对我们自己有损无益；聪明
的天神拒绝我们的祷告，正是玉成我们的善意；我们虽然所愿不遂，其实还是实受
其利。

    庞贝 我一定可以成功： 人民这样爱戴我，海上的霸权已经操在我的手里；我
的势力正像上弦月一样逐渐扩展，终有一天会变成一轮高悬中天的满月。玛克·安
东尼正在埃及闲坐宴饮，懒得出外作战；凯撒搜括民财，弄得众怒沸腾；莱必多斯
只知道两面讨好，他们两人也对他假意殷勤，可是他对他们两人既然并无好感，他
们两人也不把他放在心上。

    茂那斯 凯撒和莱必多斯已经上了战场；他们带着一支很强大的军队。

    庞贝 你从什么地方听到这个消息？那是假的。

    茂那斯 西尔维斯说的，主帅。

    庞贝 他在做梦；我知道他们都在罗马等候着安东尼。淫荡的克莉奥佩特拉啊，
但愿一切爱情的魔力柔润你的褪了色的朱唇！让妖术和美貌互相结合，再用淫欲加
强它们的魅力！把这浪子围困在酒色阵里，让他的头脑终日昏迷；美味的烹调刺激
他的食欲，醉饱酣眠销磨了他的雄心，直到长睡不醒的一天！

    凡里厄斯上。

    庞贝 啊，凡里厄斯！

    凡里厄斯 我要报告一个非常确实的消息： 玛克·安东尼快要到罗马了；他早
已离开埃及，算起日子来应该早到了。

    庞贝 我真不愿相信这句话。 茂那斯，我想这位好色之徒未必会为了这样一场
小小的战争而披起他的甲胄来。讲到他的将才，的确要比那两个人胜过一倍；要是
我们这一次行动，居然能够把沉缅女色的安东尼从那埃及寡妇的怀中惊醒起来，那
倒很可以抬高我们的身价。

    茂那斯 我想凯撒和安东尼未必能够彼此相容；他的已故的妻子曾经得罪凯撒，
他的兄弟也和凯撒动过刀兵，虽然我想不是出于安东尼的指使。

    庞贝 茂那斯， 我不知道他们大敌当前，会不会捐弃私人间的嫌怨。倘不是我
向他们三人揭起了挑战的旗帜，他们大概就会自相火併的，因为他们彼此间的积恨，
已经到了剑拔弩张的境地了；可是我们还要看看同仇敌忾的心理究竟能够把他们团
结到什么程度。一切依照神明的意旨吧！我们的成败存亡，全看我们能不能运用坚
强的手腕。来，茂那斯。（同下。）

Enter DOMITIUS ENOBARBUS and LEPIDUS

Good Enobarbus, 'tis a worthy deed,
And shall become you well, to entreat your captain
To soft and gentle speech.

I shall entreat him
To answer like himself: if Caesar move him,
Let Antony look over Caesar's head
And speak as loud as Mars. By Jupiter,
Were I the wearer of Antonius' beard,
I would not shave't to-day.

'Tis not a time
For private stomaching.

Every time
Serves for the matter that is then born in't.

But small to greater matters must give way.

Not if the small come first.

Your speech is passion:
But, pray you, stir no embers up. Here comes
The noble Antony.

Enter MARK ANTONY and VENTIDIUS

And yonder, Caesar.

Enter OCTAVIUS CAESAR, MECAENAS, and AGRIPPA

If we compose well here, to Parthia:
Hark, Ventidius.

I do not know,
Mecaenas; ask Agrippa.

Noble friends,
That which combined us was most great, and let not
A leaner action rend us. What's amiss,
May it be gently heard: when we debate
Our trivial difference loud, we do commit
Murder in healing wounds: then, noble partners,
The rather, for I earnestly beseech,
Touch you the sourest points with sweetest terms,
Nor curstness grow to the matter.

'Tis spoken well.
Were we before our armies, and to fight.
I should do thus.

Flourish

Welcome to Rome.

Thank you.

Sit.

Sit, sir.

Nay, then.

I learn, you take things ill which are not so,
Or being, concern you not.

I must be laugh'd at,
If, or for nothing or a little, I
Should say myself offended, and with you
Chiefly i' the world; more laugh'd at, that I should
Once name you derogately, when to sound your name
It not concern'd me.

My being in Egypt, Caesar,
What was't to you?

No more than my residing here at Rome
Might be to you in Egypt: yet, if you there
Did practise on my state, your being in Egypt
Might be my question.

How intend you, practised?

You may be pleased to catch at mine intent
By what did here befal me. Your wife and brother
Made wars upon me; and their contestation
Was theme for you, you were the word of war.

You do mistake your business; my brother never
Did urge me in his act: I did inquire it;
And have my learning from some true reports,
That drew their swords with you. Did he not rather
Discredit my authority with yours;
And make the wars alike against my stomach,
Having alike your cause? Of this my letters
Before did satisfy you. If you'll patch a quarrel,
As matter whole you have not to make it with,
It must not be with this.

You praise yourself
By laying defects of judgment to me; but
You patch'd up your excuses.

Not so, not so;
I know you could not lack, I am certain on't,
Very necessity of this thought, that I,
Your partner in the cause 'gainst which he fought,
Could not with graceful eyes attend those wars
Which fronted mine own peace. As for my wife,
I would you had her spirit in such another:
The third o' the world is yours; which with a snaffle
You may pace easy, but not such a wife.

Would we had all such wives, that the men might go
to wars with the women!

So much uncurbable, her garboils, Caesar
Made out of her impatience, which not wanted
Shrewdness of policy too, I grieving grant
Did you too much disquiet: for that you must
But say, I could not help it.

I wrote to you
When rioting in Alexandria; you
Did pocket up my letters, and with taunts
Did gibe my missive out of audience.

Sir,
He fell upon me ere admitted: then
Three kings I had newly feasted, and did want
Of what I was i' the morning: but next day
I told him of myself; which was as much
As to have ask'd him pardon. Let this fellow
Be nothing of our strife; if we contend,
Out of our question wipe him.

You have broken
The article of your oath; which you shall never
Have tongue to charge me with.

Soft, Caesar!

No,
Lepidus, let him speak:
The honour is sacred which he talks on now,
Supposing that I lack'd it. But, on, Caesar;
The article of my oath.

To lend me arms and aid when I required them;
The which you both denied.

Neglected, rather;
And then when poison'd hours had bound me up
From mine own knowledge. As nearly as I may,
I'll play the penitent to you: but mine honesty
Shall not make poor my greatness, nor my power
Work without it. Truth is, that Fulvia,
To have me out of Egypt, made wars here;
For which myself, the ignorant motive, do
So far ask pardon as befits mine honour
To stoop in such a case.

'Tis noble spoken.

If it might please you, to enforce no further
The griefs between ye: to forget them quite
Were to remember that the present need
Speaks to atone you.

Worthily spoken, Mecaenas.

Or, if you borrow one another's love for the
instant, you may, when you hear no more words of
Pompey, return it again: you shall have time to
wrangle in when you have nothing else to do.

Thou art a soldier only: speak no more.

That truth should be silent I had almost forgot.

You wrong this presence; therefore speak no more.

Go to, then; your considerate stone.

I do not much dislike the matter, but
The manner of his speech; for't cannot be
We shall remain in friendship, our conditions
So differing in their acts. Yet if I knew
What hoop should hold us stanch, from edge to edge
O' the world I would pursue it.

Give me leave, Caesar,--

Speak, Agrippa.

Thou hast a sister by the mother's side,
Admired Octavia: great Mark Antony
Is now a widower.

Say not so, Agrippa:
If Cleopatra heard you, your reproof
Were well deserved of rashness.

I am not married, Caesar: let me hear
Agrippa further speak.

To hold you in perpetual amity,
To make you brothers, and to knit your hearts
With an unslipping knot, take Antony
Octavia to his wife; whose beauty claims
No worse a husband than the best of men;
Whose virtue and whose general graces speak
That which none else can utter. By this marriage,
All little jealousies, which now seem great,
And all great fears, which now import their dangers,
Would then be nothing: truths would be tales,
Where now half tales be truths: her love to both
Would, each to other and all loves to both,
Draw after her. Pardon what I have spoke;
For 'tis a studied, not a present thought,
By duty ruminated.

Will Caesar speak?

Not till he hears how Antony is touch'd
With what is spoke already.

What power is in Agrippa,
If I would say, 'Agrippa, be it so,'
To make this good?

The power of Caesar, and
His power unto Octavia.

May I never
To this good purpose, that so fairly shows,
Dream of impediment! Let me have thy hand:
Further this act of grace: and from this hour
The heart of brothers govern in our loves
And sway our great designs!

There is my hand.
A sister I bequeath you, whom no brother
Did ever love so dearly: let her live
To join our kingdoms and our hearts; and never
Fly off our loves again!

Happily, amen!

I did not think to draw my sword 'gainst Pompey;
For he hath laid strange courtesies and great
Of late upon me: I must thank him only,
Lest my remembrance suffer ill report;
At heel of that, defy him.

Time calls upon's:
Of us must Pompey presently be sought,
Or else he seeks out us.

Where lies he?

About the mount Misenum.

What is his strength by land?

Great and increasing: but by sea
He is an absolute master.

So is the fame.
Would we had spoke together! Haste we for it:
Yet, ere we put ourselves in arms, dispatch we
The business we have talk'd of.

With most gladness:
And do invite you to my sister's view,
Whither straight I'll lead you.

Let us, Lepidus,
Not lack your company.

Noble Antony,
Not sickness should detain me.

Flourish. Exeunt OCTAVIUS CAESAR, MARK ANTONY, and LEPIDUS

Welcome from Egypt, sir.

Half the heart of Caesar, worthy Mecaenas! My
honourable friend, Agrippa!

Good Enobarbus!

We have cause to be glad that matters are so well
digested. You stayed well by 't in Egypt.

Ay, sir; we did sleep day out of countenance, and
made the night light with drinking.

Eight wild-boars roasted whole at a breakfast, and
but twelve persons there; is this true?

This was but as a fly by an eagle: we had much more
monstrous matter of feast, which worthily deserved noting.

She's a most triumphant lady, if report be square to
her.

When she first met Mark Antony, she pursed up
his heart, upon the river of Cydnus.

There she appeared indeed; or my reporter devised
well for her.

I will tell you.
The barge she sat in, like a burnish'd throne,
Burn'd on the water: the poop was beaten gold;
Purple the sails, and so perfumed that
The winds were love-sick with them; the oars were silver,
Which to the tune of flutes kept stroke, and made
The water which they beat to follow faster,
As amorous of their strokes. For her own person,
It beggar'd all description: she did lie
In her pavilion--cloth-of-gold of tissue--
O'er-picturing that Venus where we see
The fancy outwork nature: on each side her
Stood pretty dimpled boys, like smiling Cupids,
With divers-colour'd fans, whose wind did seem
To glow the delicate cheeks which they did cool,
And what they undid did.

O, rare for Antony!

Her gentlewomen, like the Nereides,
So many mermaids, tended her i' the eyes,
And made their bends adornings: at the helm
A seeming mermaid steers: the silken tackle
Swell with the touches of those flower-soft hands,
That yarely frame the office. From the barge
A strange invisible perfume hits the sense
Of the adjacent wharfs. The city cast
Her people out upon her; and Antony,
Enthroned i' the market-place, did sit alone,
Whistling to the air; which, but for vacancy,
Had gone to gaze on Cleopatra too,
And made a gap in nature.

Rare Egyptian!

Upon her landing, Antony sent to her,
Invited her to supper: she replied,
It should be better he became her guest;
Which she entreated: our courteous Antony,
Whom ne'er the word of 'No' woman heard speak,
Being barber'd ten times o'er, goes to the feast,
And for his ordinary pays his heart
For what his eyes eat only.

Royal wench!
She made great Caesar lay his sword to bed:
He plough'd her, and she cropp'd.

I saw her once
Hop forty paces through the public street;
And having lost her breath, she spoke, and panted,
That she did make defect perfection,
And, breathless, power breathe forth.

Now Antony must leave her utterly.

Never; he will not:
Age cannot wither her, nor custom stale
Her infinite variety: other women cloy
The appetites they feed: but she makes hungry
Where most she satisfies; for vilest things
Become themselves in her: that the holy priests
Bless her when she is riggish.

If beauty, wisdom, modesty, can settle
The heart of Antony, Octavia is
A blessed lottery to him.

Let us go.
Good Enobarbus, make yourself my guest
Whilst you abide here.

Humbly, sir, I thank you.

Exeunt

第二场 罗马。莱必多斯府中一室

    爱诺巴勃斯及莱必多斯上。

    莱必多斯 好爱诺巴勃斯， 你要是能够劝告你家主帅，请他在说话方面温和一
些，那就是做了一件大大的好事了。

    爱诺巴勃斯 我要请他按照他自己的本性说话； 要是凯撒激恼了他，让安东尼
向凯撒睥睨而视，发出像战神一样的怒吼吧。凭着朱庇特起誓，要是安东尼的胡子
装在我的脸上，我今天决不愿意修剪。

    莱必多斯 现在不是闹私人意气的时候。

    爱诺巴勃斯 要是别人有意寻事，那就随时都可以闹起来的。

    莱必多斯 可是我们现在有更重大的问题，应该抛弃小小的争执。

    爱诺巴勃斯 要是小小的争执在前，重大的问题在后，那就不能这么说。

    莱必多斯 你的话全然是感情用事； 可是请你不要拨起火灰来。尊贵的安东尼
来了。

    安东尼及文提狄斯上。

    爱诺巴勃斯 凯撒也打那边来了。

    凯撒、茂西那斯及阿格立巴上。

    安东尼 要是我们在这儿相安无事，你就到帕提亚去；听着，文提狄斯。

    凯撒 我不知道，茂西那斯；问阿格立巴。

    莱必多斯 尊贵的朋友们， 非常重大的事故把我们联合在一起，让我们不要因
为细微的小事而彼此参商。各人有什么不痛快的地方，不妨平心静气提出来谈谈；
要是为了一点小小的意见而弄得面红耳赤，那就不单是见伤不救，简直是向病人行
刺了。所以，尊贵的同僚们，请你们俯从我的诚恳的请求，用最友好的态度讨论你
们最不愉快的各点，千万不要意气用事，处理当前的大事是主要的。

    安东尼 说得有理。即使我们现在彼此以兵戎相见，也应该保持这样的精神。

    凯撒 欢迎你回到罗马来！

    安东尼 谢谢你。

    凯撒 请坐。

    安东尼 请坐。

    凯撒 那么有僭了。

    安东尼 听说你为了一些捕风捉影，或者和你毫不相干的事情，心里不大痛快。

    凯撒 要是我无缘无故， 或者为了一些小小的事情而生起气来，尤其是生你的
气，那不是笑话了吗？要是你的名字根本用不着我提在嘴上，我却好端端把它诋毁，
那不更是笑话了吗？

    安东尼 凯撒，我在埃及跟你有什么相干？

    凯撒 本来你在埃及， 就跟我在罗马一样，大家都是各不相干的；可是假如你
在那边图谋危害我的地位，那我就不能不把它当作一个与我有关的问题了。

    安东尼 你说我图谋危害是什么意思？

    凯撒 你只要看看我在这儿遭到些什么事情， 就可以懂得我的意思。你的妻子
和兄弟都向我宣战，他们用的都是你的名义。

    安东尼 你完全弄错了； 我的兄弟从来没有让我与闻他的行动。我曾经调查这
件事情的经过，从几个和你交锋过的人的嘴里听到确实的报告。他不是把你我两人
一律看待，同样向我们两人的权力挑战吗？我早就有信给你，向你解释过了。你要
是有意寻事，应该找一个更充分的理由，这样的借口是不能成立的。

    凯撒 你推托得倒很干净，可是太把我看得不明事理啦。

    安东尼 那倒不是这样说； 我相信你一定不会不想到，他既然把我们两人同时
作为攻击的目标，我当然不会赞许他这一种作乱的行为。至于我的妻子，那么我希
望你也有一位像她这样强悍的夫人：三分之一的世界在你的统治之下，你可以很容
易地把它驾驱，可是你永远驯伏不了这样一个妻子。

    爱诺巴勃斯 但愿我们都有这样的妻子，那么男人可以和女人临阵对垒了！

    安东尼 凯撒， 她的脾气实在太暴躁了，虽然她也是个精明强干的人；我很抱
歉她给了你很大的烦扰，你必须原谅我没有力量控制她。

    凯撒 你在亚历山大里亚喝酒作乐的时候， 我有信写给你；你却把我的信置之
不理，把我的使者一顿辱骂赶出去。

    安东尼 阁下， 这是他自己不懂礼节。我还没有叫他进来，他就莽莽撞撞走到
我的面前；那时候我刚宴请过三个国王，不免有些酒后失态；可是第二天我就向他
当面说明，那也等于向他道歉一样。让我们不要把这个人作为我们争论的题目吧；
我们即使反目，也不要把他当作借口。

    凯撒 你已经破坏盟约，我却始终信守。

    莱必多斯 得啦，凯撒！

    安东尼 不， 莱必多斯，让他说吧；这是攸关我的荣誉的事，果然如他所说，
我就是一个不讲信义的人了。说，凯撒，我怎么破坏了盟约。

    凯撒 我们有约在先， 当我需要你的助力的时候，你必须举兵相援，可是你却
拒绝我的请求。

    安东尼 那是我一时糊涂， 疏忽了我的责任；我愿意向你竭诚道歉。我的诚实
决不会减低我的威信；失去诚实，我的权力也就无法行施。那个时候我实在不知道
富尔维娅为了希望我离开埃及，已经在这儿发动战事。在这一点上，我应该请你原
谅。

    莱必多斯 这才是英雄的口气。

    茂西那斯 请你们两位不要记念旧恶，还是合力同心，应付当前的局势吧。

    莱必多斯 说得有理，茂西那斯。

    爱诺巴勃斯 或者你们可以暂时做一会儿好朋友， 等到庞贝的名字不再被人提
起以后，你们没有别的事情可做，不妨旧事重提，那时候尽你们去争吵好了。

    安东尼 你是个武夫，不要胡说。

    爱诺巴勃斯 老实人是应该闭口不言的，我倒几乎忘了。

    安东尼 少说话，免得伤了在座众人的和气。

    爱诺巴勃斯 好，好，我就做一块小心翼翼的石头。

    凯撒 他的出言虽然莽撞， 却有几分意思；因为我们的行动这样互相背驰，要
维持长久的友谊是不可能的。不过要是我知道有什么方法可以加强我们的团结，那
我即使踏遍天涯去访求也是愿意的。

    阿格立巴 允许我说一句话，凯撒。

    凯撒 说吧，阿格立巴。

    阿格立巴 你有一个同母姊妹， 贤名久播的奥克泰维娅；玛克·安东尼现在是
一个鳏夫。

    凯撒 不要这样说，阿格立巴；要是给克莉奥佩特拉听见了，少不了一顿骂。

    安东尼 我没有妻室，凯撒；让我听听阿格立巴有些什么话说。

    阿格立巴 为了保持你们永久的和好， 使你们成为兄弟，把你们的心紧紧结合
在一起，让安东尼娶奥克泰维娅做他的妻子吧；她的美貌配得上世间第一等英雄，
她的贤德才智胜过任何人所能给她的誉扬。缔结了这一段姻缘以后，一切现在所看
得十分重大的猜嫉疑虑，一切对于目前的危机所感到的严重的恐惧，都可以一扫而
空；现在你们把无稽的传闻看得那样认真，到了那时候，真正的事实也都可以一笑
置之了；她对于你们两人的爱，一定可以促进你们两人间的情谊。请你们恕我冒昧，
提出了这样一个意见；这并不是我临时想起来的，我觉得自己责任所在，早就把这
意思详细考虑过了。

    安东尼 凯撒愿意表示他的意见吗？

    凯撒 他必须先听听安东尼对于这番话有什么反应。

    安东尼 要是我说， “阿格立巴，照你的话办吧，”阿格立巴有什么力量，可
以使它成为事实呢？

    凯撒 凯撒有这样的力量，他可以替奥克泰维娅作主。

    安东尼 但愿这一件大好的美事没有一点阻碍， 顺利达到了我们的愿望！把你
的手给我；从现在起，让兄弟的友爱支配着我们远大的计划！

    凯撒 这儿是我的手。 我给了你一个妹妹，没有一个兄长爱他的妹妹像我爱她
一样；让她联系我们的王国和我们的心，永远不要彼此离贰！

    莱必多斯 但愿如此。阿门！

    安东尼 我不想对庞贝作战， 因为他最近对我礼意非常优渥，我必须先答谢他
的盛情，免得被他批评我无礼；然后我再责问他兴师犯境的理由。

    莱必多斯 时间不容我们犹豫； 我们倘不立刻就去找庞贝，庞贝就要来找我们
了。

    安东尼 他驻屯在什么地方？

    凯撒 在密西嫩山附近。

    安东尼 他在陆地上的实力怎样？

    凯撒 很强大，而且每天都在扩充；可是在海上他已经握有绝对的主权。

    安尔尼 外边的传说正是这样。 我们大家早一点商量商量就好了！事不宜迟；
可是在我们穿上武装以前，先把刚才所说的事情办好吧。

    凯撒 很好，我现在就带你到舍妹那儿去，介绍你们见见面。

    安东尼 去吧；莱必多斯，你也必须陪我们去。

    莱必多斯 尊贵的安东尼，即使有病我也要扶杖追随的。（喇叭奏花腔。凯撒、
安东尼、莱必多斯同下。）

    茂西那斯 欢迎你从埃及回来，朋友！

    爱诺巴勃斯 凯撒的心腹，尊贵的茂西那斯！我的正直的朋友阿格立巴！

    阿格立巴 好爱诺巴勃斯！

    茂西那斯 事情这样圆满解决，真是可喜。你在埃及将养得很好。

    爱诺巴勃斯 是的，老兄；我们白天睡得日月无光，夜里喝得天旋地转。

    茂西那斯 听说十二个人吃一顿早餐，烤了八口整个的野猪，有这回事吗？

    爱诺巴勃斯 这不过是大鹰旁边的一只苍蝇而已； 我们还有更惊人的豪宴，那
说来才叫人咋舌呢。

    茂西那斯 她是一位非常豪华的女王，要是一般的传说没有把她夸张过分的话。

    爱诺巴勃斯 她在昔特纳斯河上第一次遇见玛克·安东尼的时候， 就把他的心
捉住了。

    阿格立巴 我也听见说他们在那里会面。

    爱诺巴勃斯 让我告诉你们。 她坐的那艘画舫就像一尊在水上燃烧的发光的宝
座；舵楼是用黄金打成的；帆是紫色的，熏染着异香，逗引得风儿也为它们害起相
思来了；桨是白银的，随着笛声的节奏在水面上下，使那被它们击动的痴心的水波
加快了速度追随不舍。讲到她自己，那简直没有字眼可以形容；她斜卧在用金色的
锦绸制成的天帐之下，比图画上巧夺天工的维纳斯女神还要娇艳万倍；在她的两旁
站着好几个脸上浮着可爱的酒涡的小童，就像一群微笑的丘匹德一样，手里执着五
彩的羽扇，那羽扇的风，本来是为了让她柔嫩的面颊凉快一些的，反而使她的脸色
变得格外绯红了。

    阿格立巴 啊！安东尼看见这样一位美人，真是几生有幸！

    爱诺巴勃斯 她的侍女们像一群海上的鲛人神女， 在她眼前奔走服侍，她们的
周旋进退，都是那么婉娈多姿；一个作着鲛人装束的女郎掌着舵，她那如花的纤手
矫捷地执行她的职务，沾沐芳泽的丝缆也都得意得心花怒放了。从这画舫之上散出
一股奇妙扑鼻的芳香，弥漫在附近的两岸。倾城的仕女都出来瞻望她，只剩安东尼
一个人高坐在市场上，向着空气吹啸；那空气倘不是因为填充空隙的缘故，也一定
飞去观看克莉奥佩特拉，而在天地之间留下一个缺口了。

    阿格立巴 希有的埃及人！

    爱诺巴勃斯 她上了岸， 安东尼就遣使请她晚餐；她回答说他是客人，应当让
她自己尽东道之谊，请他进宫赴宴。我们这位娴习礼仪的安东尼是从来不曾在一个
妇女面前说过一个“不”字的，整容十次方才前去；这一去不打紧，为了他眼睛所
享受的盛餐，他把一颗心付了下来，作为一席之欢的代价了。

    阿格立巴 了不得的女人！ 怪不得我们从前那位凯撒为了她竟放下刀熗，安置
在她的床边：他耕耘，她便发出芽苗。

    爱诺巴勃斯 我有一次看见她从市街上奔跳过去， 一边喘息一边说话；那吁吁
娇喘的神气，也是那么楚楚动人，在她破碎的语言里，自有一种天生的媚力。

    茂西那斯 现在安东尼必须把她完全割舍了。

    爱诺巴勃斯 不， 他决不会丢弃她，年龄不能使她衰老，习惯也腐蚀不了她的
变化无穷的伎俩；别的女人使人日久生厌，她却越是给人满足，越是使人饥渴；因
为最丑恶的事物一到了她的身上，也会变成美好，即使她在卖弄风情的时候，神圣
的祭司也不得不为她祝福。

    茂西那斯 要是美貌、 智慧和贤淑可以把安东尼的心安定下来，那么奥克泰维
娅是他的一位很好的内助。

    阿格立巴 我们走吧。 好爱诺巴勃斯，当你在这儿停留的时候，请你做我的客
人吧。

    爱诺巴勃斯 多谢你的好意。（同下。）

Enter MARK ANTONY, OCTAVIUS CAESAR, OCTAVIA between them, and Attendants

The world and my great office will sometimes
Divide me from your bosom.

All which time
Before the gods my knee shall bow my prayers
To them for you.

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.

Good night.

Exeunt OCTAVIUS CAESAR and OCTAVIA
Enter Soothsayer

Now, sirrah; you do wish yourself in Egypt?

Would I had never come from thence, nor you Thither!

If you can, your reason?

I see it in
My motion, have it not in my tongue: but yet
Hie you to Egypt again.

Say to me,
Whose fortunes shall rise higher, Caesar's or mine?

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.

Speak this no more.

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.

Get thee gone:
Say to Ventidius I would speak with him:

Exit SoothsayerHe 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 VENTIDIUSO, come, Ventidius,
You must to Parthia: your commission's ready;
Follow me, and receive't.

Exeunt

第三场 同前。凯撒府中一室

    凯撒、安东尼、奥克泰维娅（居二人之间）及侍从等上。

    安东尼 这广大的世界和我的重要的职务，使我有时不能不离开你的怀抱。

    奥克泰维娅 当你出去的时候，我将要长跪神前，为你祈祷。

    安东尼 晚安，阁下！我的奥克泰维娅，不要从世间的传说之中诵读我的缺点；
我过去诚然有行止不检的地方，可是从今以后，一定循规蹈矩。晚安，亲爱的女郎！

    奥克泰维娅 晚安，将军！

    凯撒 晚安！（凯撒、奥克泰维娅同下。）

    预言者上。

    安东尼 喂，我问你，你想不想回埃及去？

    预言者 我希望我从来没有离开埃及，我更希望你从来没有到过埃及！

    安东尼 你能够告诉我你的理由吗？

    预言者 我心里明白，嘴里却说不出来。可是我看你还是赶快到埃及去吧。

    安东尼 对我说，将来是凯撒的命运强，还是我的命运强？

    预言者 凯撒的命运强。 所以，安东尼啊！不要留在他的旁边吧。你的本命星
是高贵勇敢、一往无敌的，可是一挨近凯撒的身边，它就黯然失色，好像被他掩去
了光芒一般；所以你应该和他离得远一点儿才好。

    安东尼 不要再提起这些话了。

    预言者 这些话我只对你说； 别人面前我可再也不提起。你无论跟他玩什么游
戏，一定胜不过他，因为他有那种天赋的幸运，即使明明你比他本领高强，他也会
把你击败。凡是他的光辉所在，你的光总是黯淡的。我再说一句，你在他旁边的时
候，你的本命星就会惴惴不安，失去了主宰你的力量，可是他一走开，它又变得不
可一世了。

    安东尼 你去对文提狄斯说，我要跟他谈谈。（预言者下）他必须到帕提亚去。
这家伙也许果然能够知道过去未来，也许给他偶然猜中，说的话倒很有道理。就是
骰子也会听他的话；我们在游戏之中，虽然我的技术比他高明，总敌不过他的手风
顺利；抽签的时候，总是他占便宜；无论斗鸡斗鹑，他都能够以弱胜强。我还是到
埃及去；虽然为了息事宁人而缔结了这门婚事，可是我的快乐是在东方。

    文提狄斯上。

    安东尼 啊！ 来，文提狄斯，你必须到帕提亚去一次；你的委任文书已经办好
了，跟我来拿吧。（同下。）

Enter LEPIDUS, MECAENAS, and AGRIPPA

Trouble yourselves no further: pray you, hasten
Your generals after.

Sir, Mark Antony
Will e'en but kiss Octavia, and we'll follow.

Till I shall see you in your soldier's dress,
Which will become you both, farewell.

We shall,
As I conceive the journey, be at the Mount
Before you, Lepidus.

Your way is shorter;
My purposes do draw me much about:
You'll win two days upon me.

Sir, good success!

Farewell.

Exeunt

第四场 同前。街道

    莱必多斯、茂西那斯及阿格立巴上。

    莱必多斯 不劳远送，请两位催促你们的主帅早日就道。

    阿格立巴 将军，等玛克·安东尼和奥克泰维娅温存一下，我们就会来的。

    莱必多斯 那么等你们披上戎装以后，我再跟你们相见吧。

    茂西那斯 照路程计算起来，莱必多斯，我们可以比你先到密西嫩山。

    莱必多斯 你们的路程要短一些； 我因为还有其他的任务，不能不多绕一些远
路。你们大概比我先到两天。

    茂西那斯

    阿格立巴 将军，祝你成功！

    莱必多斯 再会！（各下。）

Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and ALEXAS

Give me some music; music, moody food
Of us that trade in love.

The music, ho!

Enter MARDIAN

Let it alone; let's to billiards: come, Charmian.

My arm is sore; best play with Mardian.

As well a woman with an eunuch play'd
As with a woman. Come, you'll play with me, sir?

As well as I can, madam.

And when good will is show'd, though't come
too short,
The actor may plead pardon. I'll none now:
Give me mine angle; we'll to the river: there,
My music playing far off, I will betray
Tawny-finn'd fishes; my bended hook shall pierce
Their slimy jaws; and, as I draw them up,
I'll think them every one an Antony,
And say 'Ah, ha! you're caught.'

'Twas merry when
You wager'd on your angling; when your diver
Did hang a salt-fish on his hook, which he
With fervency drew up.

That time,--O times!--
I laugh'd him out of patience; and that night
I laugh'd him into patience; and next morn,
Ere the ninth hour, I drunk him to his bed;
Then put my tires and mantles on him, whilst
I wore his sword Philippan.

Enter a MessengerO, from Italy
Ram thou thy fruitful tidings in mine ears,
That long time have been barren.

Madam, madam,--

Antonius dead!--If thou say so, villain,
Thou kill'st thy mistress: but well and free,
If thou so yield him, there is gold, and here
My bluest veins to kiss; a hand that kings
Have lipp'd, and trembled kissing.

First, madam, he is well.

Why, there's more gold.
But, sirrah, mark, we use
To say the dead are well: bring it to that,
The gold I give thee will I melt and pour
Down thy ill-uttering throat.

Good madam, hear me.

Well, go to, I will;
But there's no goodness in thy face: if Antony
Be free and healthful,--so tart a favour
To trumpet such good tidings! If not well,
Thou shouldst come like a Fury crown'd with snakes,
Not like a formal man.

Will't please you hear me?

I have a mind to strike thee ere thou speak'st:
Yet if thou say Antony lives, is well,
Or friends with Caesar, or not captive to him,
I'll set thee in a shower of gold, and hail
Rich pearls upon thee.

Madam, he's well.

Well said.

And friends with Caesar.

Thou'rt an honest man.

Caesar and he are greater friends than ever.

Make thee a fortune from me.

But yet, madam,--

I do not like 'But yet,' it does allay
The good precedence; fie upon 'But yet'!
'But yet' is as a gaoler to bring forth
Some monstrous malefactor. Prithee, friend,
Pour out the pack of matter to mine ear,
The good and bad together: he's friends with Caesar:
In state of health thou say'st; and thou say'st free.

Free, madam! no; I made no such report:
He's bound unto Octavia.

For what good turn?

For the best turn i' the bed.

I am pale, Charmian.

Madam, he's married to Octavia.

The most infectious pestilence upon thee!

Strikes him down

Good madam, patience.

What say you? Hence,

Strikes him againHorrible villain! or I'll spurn thine eyes
Like balls before me; I'll unhair thy head:

She hales him up and downThou shalt be whipp'd with wire, and stew'd in brine,
Smarting in lingering pickle.

Gracious madam,
I that do bring the news made not the match.

Say 'tis not so, a province I will give thee,
And make thy fortunes proud: the blow thou hadst
Shall make thy peace for moving me to rage;
And I will boot thee with what gift beside
Thy modesty can beg.

He's married, madam.

Rogue, thou hast lived too long.

Draws a knife

Nay, then I'll run.
What mean you, madam? I have made no fault.

Exit

Good madam, keep yourself within yourself:
The man is innocent.

Some innocents 'scape not the thunderbolt.
Melt Egypt into Nile! and kindly creatures
Turn all to serpents! Call the slave again:
Though I am mad, I will not bite him: call.

He is afeard to come.

I will not hurt him.

Exit CHARMIANThese hands do lack nobility, that they strike
A meaner than myself; since I myself
Have given myself the cause.

Re-enter CHARMIAN and MessengerCome hither, sir.
Though it be honest, it is never good
To bring bad news: give to a gracious message.
An host of tongues; but let ill tidings tell
Themselves when they be felt.

I have done my duty.

Is he married?
I cannot hate thee worser than I do,
If thou again say 'Yes.'

He's married, madam.

The gods confound thee! dost thou hold there still?

Should I lie, madam?

O, I would thou didst,
So half my Egypt were submerged and made
A cistern for scaled snakes! Go, get thee hence:
Hadst thou Narcissus in thy face, to me
Thou wouldst appear most ugly. He is married?

I crave your highness' pardon.

He is married?

Take no offence that I would not offend you:
To punish me for what you make me do.
Seems much unequal: he's married to Octavia.

O, that his fault should make a knave of thee,
That art not what thou'rt sure of! Get thee hence:
The merchandise which thou hast brought from Rome
Are all too dear for me: lie they upon thy hand,
And be undone by 'em!

Exit Messenger

Good your highness, patience.

In praising Antony, I have dispraised Caesar.

Many times, madam.

I am paid for't now.
Lead me from hence:
I faint: O Iras, Charmian! 'tis no matter.
Go to the fellow, good Alexas; bid him
Report the feature of Octavia, her years,
Her inclination, let him not leave out
The colour of her hair: bring me word quickly.

Exit ALEXASLet him for ever go:--let him not--Charmian,
Though he be painted one way like a Gorgon,
The other way's a Mars. Bid you Alexas

To MARDIANBring me word how tall she is. Pity me, Charmian,
But do not speak to me. Lead me to my chamber.

Exeunt

第五场 亚历山大里亚。宫中一室

    克莉奥佩特拉、查米恩、伊拉丝、艾勒克萨斯及侍从等上。

    克莉奥佩特拉 给我奏一些音乐； 对于我们这些以恋爱为职业的人，音乐是我
们忧郁的食粮。

    侍从 奏乐！

    玛狄恩上。

    克莉奥佩特拉 算了；我们打弹子吧。来，查米恩。

    查米恩 我的手腕疼；您跟玛狄恩打吧。

    克莉奥佩特拉 女人跟太监玩， 就像女人跟女人玩一样。来，你愿意陪我玩玩
吗？

    玛狄恩 我愿意勉力奉陪，娘娘。

    克莉奥佩特拉 心有余而力不足， 那一片好意，总是值得嘉许的。我现在也不
要打弹子了。替我把钓竿拿来，我们到河边去；你们在远远的地方奏着音乐，我就
把钓竿放下去，诱那长着赭色鳍片的鱼儿上钩；我的弯弯的钓钩要钩住它们滑溜溜
的嘴巴；当我拉起它们来的时候，我要把每一尾鱼当作一个安东尼，我要说，“啊
哈！你可给我捉住啦！”

    查米恩 那一次您跟他在一起钓鱼， 你们还打赌哩；他不知道您已经叫一个人
钻在水里，悄悄把一条腌鱼挂在他的钓钩上了，而他还当是什么好东西，拚命地往
上提，想起来真是有趣得很。

    克莉奥佩特拉 唉， 提起那些话，真叫人不胜今昔之感！那时候我笑得他老羞
成怒，可是一到晚上，我又笑得他回嗔作喜；第二天早晨我在九点钟以前就把他麻
醉上床，替他穿上我的衣帽，我自己佩带了他那柄腓力比的宝剑。

    一使者上。

    克莉奥佩特拉 啊！ 从意大利来的；我的耳朵里久已不听见消息了，你有多少
消息，一起把它们塞了进去吧。

    使者 娘娘，娘娘——

    克莉奥佩特拉 安东尼死了！ 你要是这样说，狗才，你就杀死你的女主人了；
可是你要是说他平安无恙，这儿有的是金子，你还可以吻一吻这一只许多君王们曾
经吻过的手；他们一面吻，一面还发抖呢。

    使者 第一，娘娘，他是平安的。

    克莉奥佩特拉 啊， 我还要给你更多的金子。可是听着，我们常常说已死的人
是平安的；要是你也是这个意思，我就要把那赏给你的金子熔化了，灌下你这报告
凶讯的喉咙里去。

    使者 好娘娘，听我说。

    克莉奥佩特拉 好， 好，我听你说；可是瞧你的相貌不像是个好人；安东尼要
是平安无恙，不该让这样一张难看的面孔报告这样大好的消息；要是他有什么疾病
灾难，你应该像一尊头上盘绕着毒蛇的凶神，不该仍旧装做人的样子。

    使者 请您听我说下去吧。

    克莉奥佩特拉 我很想在你没有开口以前先把你捶一顿； 可是你要是说安东尼
没有死，很平安，凯撒待他很好，没有把他监禁起来，我就把金子像暴雨一般淋在
你头上，把珍珠像冰雹一样撒在你身上。

    使者 娘娘，他很平安。

    克莉奥佩特拉 说得好。

    使者 他跟凯撒感情很好。

    克莉奥佩特拉 你是个好人。

    使者 凯撒和他的友谊已经比从前大大增进了。

    克莉奥佩特拉 我要赏给你一大笔财产。

    使者 可是，娘娘——

    克莉奥佩特拉 我不爱听“可是” ， 它会推翻先前所说的那些好消息； 呸，
“可是”！“可是”就像一个狱卒，它会带上一个大奸巨恶的罪犯。朋友，请你把
你所知道的消息，不管是好的坏的，一起灌进我的耳朵里吧。他跟凯撒很要好；他
身体健康，你说；你还说他行动自由。

    使者 自由，娘娘！不，我没有这样说；他已经被奥克泰维娅约束住了。

    克莉奥佩特拉 什么约束？

    使者 他们已经缔结了百年之好。

    克莉奥佩特拉 查米恩，我的脸色发白了！

    使者 娘娘，他跟奥克泰维娅结了婚啦。

    克莉奥佩特拉 最恶毒的瘟疫染在你身上！（击使者倒地。）

    使者 好娘娘，请息怒。

    克莉奥佩特拉 你说什么？ 滚，（又击）可恶的狗才！否则我要把你的眼珠放
在脚前踢出去；我要拔光你的头发；（将使者拉扯殴辱）我要用钢丝鞭打你，用盐
水煮你，用酸醋慢慢地浸死你。

    使者 好娘娘，我不过报告您这么一个消息，又不是我作的媒。

    克莉奥佩特拉 说没有这样的事， 我就赏给你一处封邑，让你安享富贵；你惹
我生气，我已经打过了你，也不再计较了；你还有什么要求，只要向我说，我都可
以答应你。

    使者 他真的结了婚啦，娘娘。

    克莉奥佩特拉 混蛋！你不要活命吗？（拔刀。）

    使者 嗳哟，那我可要逃了。您这是什么意思，娘娘？我没有过失呀。（下。）

    查米恩 好娘娘，定一定心吧；这人是没有罪的。

    克莉奥佩特拉 天雷殛死的不一定是有罪的人。 让埃及溶解在尼罗河里，让善
良的人都变成蛇吧！叫那家伙进来；我虽然发疯，我还不会咬他。叫他进来。

    查米恩 他不敢来。

    克莉奥佩特拉 我不伤害他就是了。 （查米恩下）这一双手太有失自己的尊严
了，是我自己闯的祸，却去殴打一个比我卑微的人。

    查米恩及使者重上。

    克莉奥佩特拉 过来， 先生。把坏消息告诉人家，即使诚实不虚，总不是一件
好事；悦耳的喜讯不妨极口渲染，不幸的噩耗还是缄口不言，让那身受的人自己感
到的好。

    使者 我不过尽我的责任。

    克莉奥佩特拉 他已经结了婚吗？你要是再说一声“是”，我就更恨你了。

    使者 他已经结了婚了，娘娘。

    克莉奥佩特拉 愿天神重罚你！你还是这么说吗？

    使者 我应该说谎吗，娘娘？

    克莉奥佩特拉 啊！ 我但愿你说谎，即使我的半个埃及完全陆沉，变成鳞蛇栖
息的池沼。出去；要是你有美少年那耳喀索斯一般美好的姿容，在我的眼中你也是
最丑陋的伧夫。他结了婚吗？

    使者 求陛下恕罪。

    克莉奥佩特拉 他结了婚吗？

    使者 陛下不要见气， 我也不过遵照您的命令行事，要是因此而受责，那真是
太冤枉啦。他跟奥克泰维娅结了婚了。

    克莉奥佩特拉 啊， 他的过失现在都要叫你承担，虽然你所肯定的，又与你无
关！滚出去；你从罗马带来的货色我接受不了；让它堆在你身上，把你压死！（使
者下。）

    查米恩 陛下息怒。

    克莉奥佩特拉 我在赞美安东尼的时候，把凯撒诋毁得太过分了。

    查米恩 您好多次都是这样，娘娘。

    克莉奥佩特拉 现在我可受到报应啦。 带我离开这里；我要晕倒了。啊，伊拉
丝！查米恩！算了。好艾勒克萨斯，你去问问那家伙，奥克泰维娅容貌长得怎样，
多大年纪，性格怎样；不要忘记问她的头发是什么颜色；问过了赶快回来告诉我。
（艾勒克萨斯下）让他一去不回吧；不，查米恩！我还是望他回来，虽然他一边的
面孔像个狰狞的怪物，另一边却像威武的战神。（向玛狄恩）你去叫艾勒克萨斯再
问问她的身材有多高。可怜我，查米恩，可是不要对我说话。带我到我的寝室里去。
（同下。）