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| Character | Cleopatra?Messenger??? | |
|---|---|---|
| Scene type / Who are | Master/Servant, Scolding somebody | |
| Type | Serio-comic | |
| Period | Renaissance | |
| Genre | Historical, Tragedy, Drama | |
| Props | A knife | |
| Description | Cleopatra mistreats a messenger who brings news of Antony's marriage to Octavia | |
| Location | ACT II, Scene 5 | |
Summary
Mark Antony is one of the Roman triumvirates, that is one of the 3 rulers of the empire. In the beginning of the play he is living in Egypt and is having an affair with the Egyptian queen Cleopatra. He neglects his duties, doesn't want to hear any news from Rome and is completely devoted to Cleopatra. This changes, however, when he learns from a messenger that Sextus Pompeius, a Roman general, is preparing to fight against the Romans, and that Antony's wife Fulvia is now dead. Antony feels guilty for what happened in his absence and decides to go back to Rome. There he confronts the other triumvirates, Octavius Caesar and Lepidus, who scold him for having neglected his duties. However, they decide to put their arguing aside and concentrate on defeating Pompey. Agrippa, one of Caesar's men, suggests that Antony marry Octavia, Caesar's sister. Antony accepts.
In this scene a messenger brings news to Cleopatra about Antony's marriage to Octavia. Cleopatra comically scolds her messenger for bringing bad news and even draws out a knife.
In this scene a messenger brings news to Cleopatra about Antony's marriage to Octavia. Cleopatra comically scolds her messenger for bringing bad news and even draws out a knife.
Written by Administrator
| Excerpt |
|---|
| [SCENE V. Alexandria. CLEOPATRA's palace.] CLEOPATRA Give me some music; music, moody food Of us that trade in love. [Enter a Messenger] O, from Italy Ram thou thy fruitful tidings in mine ears, That long time have been barren. Messenger Madam, madam,-- CLEOPATRA 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. Messenger First, madam, he is well. CLEOPATRA 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. Messenger Good madam, hear me. CLEOPATRA 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. Messenger Will't please you hear me? CLEOPATRA 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. Messenger Madam, he's well. CLEOPATRA Well said. Messenger And friends with Caesar. CLEOPATRA Thou'rt an honest man. Messenger Caesar and he are greater friends than ever. CLEOPATRA Make thee a fortune from me. Messenger But yet, madam,-- CLEOPATRA 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. Messenger Free, madam! no; I made no such report: He's bound unto Octavia. CLEOPATRA For what good turn? Messenger For the best turn i' the bed. CLEOPATRA I am pale, Charmian. Messenger Madam, he's married to Octavia. CLEOPATRA The most infectious pestilence upon thee! [Strikes him down] Messenger Good madam, patience. CLEOPATRA What say you? Hence, [Strikes him again] Horrible villain! or I'll spurn thine eyes Like balls before me; I'll unhair thy head: [She hales him up and down] Thou shalt be whipp'd with wire, and stew'd in brine, Smarting in lingering pickle. Messenger Gracious madam, I that do bring the news made not the match. CLEOPATRA 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. Messenger He's married, madam. CLEOPATRA Rogue, thou hast lived too long. [Draws a knife] Messenger Nay, then I'll run. What mean you, madam? I have made no fault. [Exit] |
