Page 2501 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

ANTONY

To him again, tell him he wears the rose [20]
Of youth upon him; from which, the world should note
Something particular: his coin, ships, legions,

May be a coward’s, whose ministers would prevail
Under the service of a child, as soon
As i’ the command of Cæsar: I dare him therefore [25]
To lay his gay comparisons apart
And answer me declin’d, sword against sword,

Ourselves alone. I’ll write it: follow me.
(Exeunt Antony and Ambassador.)

ENOBARBUS
(Aside.) Yes, like enough! High-battled Cæsar will
Unstate his happiness, and be stag’d to the show [30]

Against a sworder! I see men’s judgements are
A parcel of their fortunes, and things outward
Do draw the inward quality after them,
To suffer all alike, that he should dream,

Knowing all measures, the full Cæsar will [35]
Answer his emptiness; Cæsar, thou hast subdued
His judgment too.

Enter a Servant.

SERVANT
A messenger from Cæsar.

CLEOPATRA
What, no more ceremony? See, my women,

Against the blown rose may they stop their nose,
That kneel’d unto the buds. Admit him, sir. [40]
(Exit Servant.)

ENOBARBUS
(Aside.) Mine honesty, and I, begin to square.

The loyalty well held to fools does make
Our faith mere folly; yet he that can endure