Tony and Cleop Act Three Scene Six Sub-Scene Two

 

Act Three

Scene Six

Sub-Scene Two

To whom shall the bells toll?

 

“Octavia, when have you arrived?” Caesar greeted the half-sister. She looked well, pale but healthy. “How was Rome? I meant Egypt.”

“I am so sorry. Things have been hectic here.” Caesar shook his head.

“I did not go to Egypt. I was in London to visit some friends. It was agreed then with Mark Antony that I would leave him to sort out his affair there.” 

"Oh, what a pity that I should ever call you a castaway.” Caesar smiled. “Was it when we were younger?’

Caesar had called her that, for she was his half-sister; his mother was undisclosed.

“You have not called me for a long time, and you have no reason to. I felt more like a leftover.” Octavia smiled.

“Why have you snuck up on us like this? Is Mark Antony with you?” Caesar looked over Octavia’s presence.

“Where are your servants? You did not come in the style that is becoming for Caesar's sister. Or Mark Antony's wife should be escorted by the boys with neighing horses to announce her arrival before she appears. Crowds should have climbed trees on the side of the road, expecting to see you, and fainted when they did not see the sight they longed to see. In fact, you should have been preceded by so many troops that the dust raised by their feet would reach up to the sky.”

“But you have arrived here to Rome like a common maid going to see Mark Antony and prevented me from publicly displaying my love, and when love is not shown, it is often unappreciated. I would have met you at sea and on land, with a more spectacular greeting at every stage of the journey.” Caesar was showering her with accolades deserving of a respected lady.

“My dear Caesar, I was not forced to travel this way, but I did it of my own free will. Mark ... Mark Antony heard that you were preparing for a new war when the older ones declared or undeclared remains. Mark told me about it, which upset me so much that I begged his permission to return. Why the wars?”

“And he gave you his permission, since you are an obstacle that prevents him from satisfying his lust.” Caesar did hesitate to mention the Queen.

“Do not say that, Caesar.” Octavia pleaded.

“I have him watched, and messengers tell me what he is up to. Where is he now?” Caesar told her.

“In Athens to see his ailing mother, Caesar. You ought to know. You have him watched.” Octavia was on the brink of breaking down. “Why do you torment me?

“No, my mistreated sister. I am not. Mark Antony was with the Queen. She has summoned him to her. He paraded with her as if he were her hero. He stood by her, smiling, and waving to the people. He not only shares her bed but has given up his empire to a whore, and they are now calling on old allies of mine for war... against me. He has assembled the Boche, the Libyan brothers; Archelaus of Cappadocia; the Philadelphia boys; the Thracian Adallas; Sheikh Hasim of Arabia; the King of Pointers; and Herod of Judea, among others. All minions to Rome.”

“Do not torture me anymore. I do not own Mark Antony.” Octavia was upset. “But I know he did not return to Egypt. He was to return to Rome to stop the wars, but left for Athens now. You are disillusioned there, Caesar.”

“They all plot against me. All are small gangs, but now they want to unite under Mark Antony.” Caesar roared out and ignored his half-sister. “Who is Mark Antony here?”

“Stop it!” Octavia had heard enough. “Oh dear, I am a most wretched woman to have my affections torn between two friends who plague each other! One is my half-brother and the other is my husband.”

“Sister, you are always welcome here. Your letters kept me from waging open war until I knew both that you were being deceived and that I was in danger due to my negligence. Mark Antony is a selfish bastard. We once believed him but not anymore.”

“Be cheerful, sister. Do not be troubled by the current situation when these obligations threaten to ruin your peace of mind. Do not worry about things that have already been decided. Your marriage is over.” Caesar did not care about what was said. “I will tell Mark Antony of this.”

“Welcome to Rome; you are dearer to me than anything. You are more abused than anyone could comprehend, and God makes us tougher, and those who love you are their agents to bring about justice for you. You bring me the most comfort, and you are always welcome with me.”

“Welcome, my lady.” Agrippa offered his hands. “Welcome back.”

“My Lady, every person in Rome loves you and pities you with all their heart. Only the adulterous Antony, great in his faults, abandons you and gives his great political power to a whore who opposes us.”

“It is certain. Sister, welcome. Please try to always be patient. My dearest sister!” Caesar embraces her. “Rest now. It must have been a long journey.”

“Leave me alone, Caesar. I am to return to London once more. Fight your wars and be damned I am to be a widow once more. I am not mourning for either of you. I am freed of this now.” Octavia smiled for the first time since she arrived in Rome.