Tony and Cleop Act Two Scene Six Sub-Scene Four

 Act Two

Scene Six

Sub-Scene Four

Soldier’s ego

 

The feast continued and soon ended, with the guests all retiring to their own corners. Enobarbus was not included by Mark Antony or Caesar in their discussion with Pompey Jr. Agrippa was at the bathroom, trying to find his bigger head from his smaller one. It was Menas who invited Enobarbus for a smoke outside.

“You and I have met before.” Menas started the conversation.

“At the sea port, I think when we did.” Enobarbus smiled. “It was chaotic with the shooting but since then we have not really talk to each other.”

“It was, sir. Menas is the name.” Menas introduced himself.

“Enobarbus. Your side has done well there.” The other extended the praise.

“And your side has done well on the raid.” Menas smiled. “Was it the strategy of Mark Antony?”

“I will say good things about anyone who says good things about me, but no one can deny the plan of Mark Antony on that raid and, of course, my leadership there.” It was a duel of egos for Enobarbus.

“Yes, there is something you cannot deny. You are a leader there.”

“And you too.” Enobarbus threw the ball across. Give me your hand again, Menas.”

They clasp hands.

“I never thought we would do this. We ought to be shot for just doing this.” Enobarbus smiled.

“All men have honest faces, even if their hands tend to kill. That is why we are called killers.”

“But no beautiful woman holds that look until they do.” 

“That is true. They kill the men of their hearts, most times. Does the Queen eat any?” Menas tested the boundary there.

“We came here to fight with you.” Enobarbus smiled ignoring the talk on the Queen. He parried the earlier words of Menas.

“Truly was the idea then. For my part, I am sorry that the fighting did not last. And we are feasting now. Or rather, our bosses are into it. Pompey Jr throws away his fortune, but he was outwitted by Mark Antony. As was his father then.”

“The father did. The son will do so. Mark Antony is their enemy for life.” Enobarbus smiled. 

“That is true, sir. We did not expect to see Mark Antony here. He was to be in Egypt. Please tell me, is he married to the Queen?”

“No, Mark Antony is married to Caesar's sister, Octavia.” Enobarbus replied.

“My error there. Octavia... she was the wife of Caius Marcellus.” Menas reminded others. “I served with him before.”

“She is the wife of Mark Antony.” Enobarbus took offense to that. “Now.”

“Then Caesar and he are bound in friendship forever.” Menas smiled. “Marriage solved it all.”

“Marriage could end up... separated or dead.” Enobarbus was direct. “Either way they will part.”

“Yes, it does happen. More so, when the marriage was arranged more for that political purpose than the love between the couple.” Menas swept the dust under the divan.

“I can concur. Such an arrangement that was supposed to bind them in friendship will turn out to kill their friendship. Caesar has a very pious, cold, and quiet temperament. Who would not have his sister to be so?”

“Who would not want a wife like that?” Menas added in with sarcasm.

“Not everyone shared that disposition. My boss.” Enobarbus drew the loyalty line. “Mark Antony. He will return to his Egyptian lover again. Then Octavia's sorrow will anger Caesar, and, as I said before, the source of their friendship will ultimately prove a source of conflict. He only married Octavia for pragmatic reasons. It is not Romeo and Juliet here.”

“And it may turn out that way. Some had to die for it. Come, sir, will you come in? I will drink a toast to you.” Menas felt the conversation was getting dry.

“We will drink in Egypt…… one day, I hope.”