Tony and Cleop Act Four Scene Eight Sub-Act One

 

Act Four

Scene Eight

Sub-Scene One

Victory, finally

 

Dodger City fell that day. Or rather, it was retaken by Mark Antony. They held the celebration at the biggest hall in the area, the City Hall auditorium. The boys were all there, celebrating their victory. Eros had assigned some of the boys to be sentries, and some were on city patrol in case Caesar made a comeback.

Mark knew that victory was hard; he lost half his boys there. It was of no help to Egypt, which had stayed behind during the battle. He had the services of the mercenaries; he hired killers from down south and around. The remnants of the remnants of the Great War had no skills to assimilate into society. He had promised, as per the previous battle, rewards, and more rewards.

Queen Cleop agreed to join in the celebration.

“Tomorrow, before the sun rises, we will kill all the boys still loyal to Caesar. I thank you all, for you are brave, and you did not fight as though you had been commanded to serve this cause, but as though it were as much your own cause as it is mine.” Mark addressed the gathered.

“We love you, Boss.’ One of the gathered shouts.

“You have all fought bravely. We lost some friends today. But they are here with us in spirit and soul. We celebrate with them as well as with loved ones. Embrace your wives and your friends. Tell them what you have done, while they wash the congealed blood from your wounds with joyful tears and heal your honourable injuries with kisses.” Mark Antony leaned over to kiss Cleop.

"Oh, light of the world, clasp your arms around my neck. Leap through my armour into my heart, in your robes and all, and ride on my heartbeats as if you were riding a horse in a triumphal parade!

Mark then saw Scarface and invited him over.

“Give me your hand. I will praise your deeds to this great enchantress, the Queen, so that she will bless you with her thanks.” Mark turned toward Scarface

“Oh, you infinitely brave man, did you face the world's greatest threat and escape with a smile?” The Queen looked at Scarface.

“I do.” Scarface smiled.

“My Queen, we have beaten them all the way back to Rome in fear.” Mark u laughed.

“What does it really matter, my Queen? They lost. I am not as young as I once was, but I still have a brain that feeds my muscles and can achieve my goals just as well as a younger man.”

“Look at this man. Give him your hand to kiss.” Mark told the Queen. Scarface received the Queen’s hand when it was handed out.

“A fine, noble man, he was. He has fought today like a god who became a man to destroy mankind out of hatred.” Mark praised Scarface. “They all are.”

“I will give you a gun made entirely out of gold, my friend. It belonged to a king, and now it is yours, man with the Golden Gun.”

“He deserved it, even if it were covered in jewels.” Mark Antony smiled at the Queen. “Let us lead a merry parade through the city. Show them the Queen.”

The couple took to the outside, where the surviving T-Fords were blown off by the drivers there.

 

Tony and Cleop Act Four Scene Seven Sub-Act One

 

Act Four

Scene Seven

Sub-Scene One

Who brought in the Spartans?

 

“Vive Le France!” The Frenchman called out when he rushed from the alley to cross the street. The gun battle was instanced there; Mark Antony pushed his boys forward. The armoured T-Fords roared down the street, each vehicle holding four boys, armed with a Tommy gun or shotgun. They drove up to barricades set up by Agrippa and rammed them. The mechanics had fortified the front bonnet with the iron bars that were welded to form a wedge.

“Tony, you bastard.” The Frenchman shot the previous friend of his in the face with a shotgun. He was there at the barricade. “Call yourself Iron Face. Now look in the mirror.”

The Frenchman then turned his aim on the others, leaving the barricade, which was overrun.

“Run you, batard. (French for bastard.)” The Frenchman cursed at the retreating enemies. “"Liberté, égalité, fraternité," (Liberty, equality, fraternity)," 

It was the call of the French people during the French Revolution.

“Get in!” It was Scarface who drove the T-Ford to the barricade. “We are moving forward.’”

Scarface pushed the dead boy off the other seat. He knew that guy who was trained by him.

“Take his gun. His extra clips are on the flooring.” The Frenchman climbed in. “I told him many times to check the clip. You do not shoot... darn, you cannot shoot with an empty clip.”

Scarface pressed the pedal and moved across the barricade. His approach was met by a hail of bullets.

“Par ma foi!” (French for by my faith.). Scarface called out.

“Hey, Latino. How come you can speak French?” The Frenchman smiled.

“I was not fucking Margaria. I was onto Cecilia. She always said, when we make love.” Scarface laughed.

“That is...” A Frenchman was shot in the throat. He slummed over onto the vehicle's front dashboard.

“Puta!” Scarface turned the wheel and crashed the vehicle onto the sidewalk. He staggered out to the shop and took refuge there.

“Fall back! We have extended ourselves too far.” Agrippa called out to the boys at the barricades. He was expecting resistance, but not that determined fight by the other boys.

“Even Caesar is assailed, and our enemy's strength is greater than we expected.” Agrippa took to his heels.

“Caesar retreating.” The Frenchman heard the call. He was hurt in the crash. You could say he added more scars to his body. He stepped out and saw the boss.

“How are you doing, Scarface?” Mark asked.

“Never felt better, Boss. This is really the way to fight! If we had fought like this before, we would have reached Rome by now.

“Aye.” Mark smiled. “Have yourself bandaged.”

“I will soon. I am going home later with bandages around my neck, decorated with medals.”

“You are bleeding fast,” Mark told Scarface.

“Yes, the wound does look like a T-bone, but now it looks like someone’s arsehole.”

“They are retreating.” Mark heard the calls from the boys. “Some of our boys are back by our side.”

“They deserve a good beating before we send them home. I can still do it with my wounds. I can still stand six more wounds.” Scarface smiled. It was then that Eros approached Mark Antony.

“Let us make gashes on their backs and take them the same way we catch hares from behind! It is entertaining to wound someone who is running away from you.”

“They are beaten back. Our advantage could help us secure a desirable victory.” Eros was smiling.

“I will reward you once for the comfort you give me with your high spirits, and I will reward you ten times for your fine bravery. Come on.” Mark walked to meet the other boys.

 

 

 

 

 

Tony and Cleop Act Four Scene Six Sub-Act One

 

Act Four

Scene Six

Sub-Scene One

Caesar’s boys, new and old.

 

There are many reasons for the boys to desert their boss in battle. It could be their rights, as anyone else will vote for their leader. Or the resentment or fear of death, or even the fear of retaliation. Even lovers called off their relationship for more flimsy reasons.

One man’s meat is poison, as is another man’s meat.

Enobarbus approached the boys who were once with Mark Antony. He was unsure if it would make him feel proud or stupid to face those familiar faces. He stood up before them and spoke.

“Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself." Enobarbus quoted Tolstoy. “You may not know him, but his words sounded in my head. Mark Antony was a great boss, but he soon goof at it. He wanted to change the world, which I agreed to follow, but he did not change his mind on the Queen. I disagreed with that.”

Enobarbus scanned the expressions of the gathered boys.

“Because of the Queen, he led our friends to die for no reason but his own to be devoted to her. She turned her fleet, and he left with her, leaving our friends to die.” That drew the murmurs from the gathered. They all had friends or relatives who died in that battle.

“I came, I saw, and I joined Caesar. He wants to end the war. He wants to stop Mark Antony. He wants to save our lives.” Enobarbus words were received with cheers.

“Well spoken.” Enobarbus heard the praise from his side. He turned to look and saw it was Dolabella, a lieutenant with Caesar. The latter was once an artillery officer, survived the war with a limp on the right leg, and claimed that a shrapnel hit his right knee.

“Caesar is here.” Dolabella whispered to Enobarbus. The latter looked to the rear and saw that the younger boss was approaching with Agrippa. He smiled; the old man was still at the battle front.

“Go forth, Agrippa.” Caesar leaned to whisper towards Agrippa. “Let us begin the battle. My desire is for Anthony to be captured alive. Let our boys know. They may get overzealous to kill him.”

“Caesar, I will.” Agrippa turned and left. Caesar stood next to Enobarbus. He nodded towards Enobarbus and then looked at the group.

“I am Caesar.’ The crowd cheered him on.

“I am younger than most of you.” That made the people there laugh.

“The time is near when we will have peace throughout the world. Enough killing. If this day proves successful, there will be peace across the east coast here. You can all go home to your family.” Caesar smiled, and the people gathered there cheered him once more. He saw the messenger jousting past the crowd to reach him.

“Caesar, Mark Antony has arrived at the city limit.”

“Go to Agrippa. Tell him to take Mark Antony's former boys and place them on the front lines. That way, Mark Antony will feel like he is hurting himself.” Caesar gave his order before he addressed the gathered.

“The time to secure peace is now.” Caesar said. “The Lieutenant will lead you all.”

The gathered all roared, and soon Agrippa returned to lead them to battle. Caesar took leave with Dolabella, leaving Enobarbus standing there, leaderless, and stupid.

“Have I done something terrible today? I deserted Mark Antony. For what?” Enobarbus sighed. "Once, when Mark Antony was serving Julius Caesar, he went to Judea and persuaded the great Caesar's side to abandon his other allies. They won the war, and Caesar hanged him for his efforts.”

“The lieutenant of Herod, Candidius, and the others who abandoned Herod found employment with Mark Antony, but they aren't trusted as loyal men. They are like vipers in the pit.” Enobarbus sighed. “I accuse myself of getting into the pit now. I will never be happy again.”

Another messenger arrived.

“Boss, Mark Antony has sent you all your treasure, along with additional treasure from his own supply. The messenger came while I was on guard duty, and he is now at your tent, unloading the treasure from the truck he left there.”

“Treasures of mine? I ……” Enobarbus was silent for a while. He has accumulated much wealth serving Mark Antony, but he has no heir to hand it to. His dead wife died at his hands. His children, if they are still his, deserted him for faraway places. He had thought of Father Sebastian, but the priest told him that tainted wealth is better thrown away than fed to the parishioners.

“I give the treasure to you.” Enobarbus looked at the messenger.

“Do not mock me, boss." I am telling you the truth.”

“I am telling you the truth. See to it that the treasure leaves with you now. Take it from here. And forget the war. Buy yourself a new life.” Enobarbus said.

“I must see to my duties, or I would have done it myself.”

“Your duties, Boss, are to...”

“To have Caesar behave as magnificently as a god. Where mine had failed.” Enobarbus sighed. “Now go before I shoot you.”

The messenger left. Enobarbus looked at the departing messenger. He then offered a prayer.

“Father Sebastian, I am the most villainous person on earth, and I know this better than anyone else. Or maybe God knew, but he did not tell you yet.”

“I had a boss named Mark Antony. He was an endless source of generosity; he laden me with much wealth. How would you have rewarded me for being more faithful to him than to God? This breaks my heart. It beats rapidly these days, or it will break it faster than I thought. But I feel that the thoughts of meeting God may be next.”

“Before I do, could I possibly fight against Mark Antony? I cannot bear it. I loved him like my own son. Yes, Father Sebastain, fathers do kill their own sons, but I am not such a father. I loved Mark Antony. I was told to come here by the devil. I am a sinner.”

“I will go find a ditch where I can die. The foulest kind of death is most suitable for the foul thing I have done at the end of my life.” Enobarbus held his right hand over his chest and left.

 

Tony and Cleop Act Four Scene Five Sub-Act One

 

Act Four

Scene Five

Sub-Scene One

The wiser ones knew whom to side with.

 

Dodger City is a bigger town in the state, but there were not many cities near, so they just named that town there the city. When it was occupied by Caesar, the town boomed, and life there took a major lift. The inhabitants jumped to twice their numbers; the streets were flowing heavy with vehicles; and the shops flourished. That was not all; the wads of money appeared, and that attracted the others who wanted to ply their trades.

“Maisey, I swear by mother, I was just passing by.’ Old Jethro ducked from the can of beans thrown at him. He ran through the alley and ended up looking at the high fence at the end.

"Maisey is madder than a wet hen.” Jethro bit his nails. He turned and saw Maisey blocking his exit. She was born and bred by the best, and she could shoot the corn cob from your lips without leaving any residue behind.

“I swore...”

“Swearing ain’t going to bring your maw back. She has been dead for years.” Maisey hissed at Jethro. “Why are you passing that hussy’s place< and why is your zipper open there?”

“I had to take a piss.” Jethro wet his pants then.

It was pissing all over town; the streets were filled with potholes due to the heavy traffic, and God decided to pour those few days, making a bath non-mandatory for the kids. It was a wilder town compared to when the rodeo was there last. That did not dampen the moods of the boys there; they were prepared for the second battle at Dodger.

“I hear Mark Antony is coming with his boys. This time they are well armed, and some said he had those T-Fords added with armoured plates.” One of Caesar’s boys, while cleaning his gun, spoke out.

“That is not all. He has the Mexican with him.”

“Mexican? No, they are from Egypt. They looked like Mexicans, but they are from across the continent.” One other spoke. “They speak French too.”

“The Legionnaires are here. Viva La France then.” The Frenchman there shouted.

“No, it was Villita. That was what we called Pancho boys.” One of the faithful corrected them. “I was with them before.”

“Then you are a spy.” The first one who spoke shot the last guy in the chest. “I am from London, and we are united.” The one who shot was an Englishman.

“Feck!” The second one, who was a friend of the dead one, shot the Englishman. “I am from Dublin, and we do not like Londoners.”

“Heck, I am from French Guyana.” The Frenchman raised his hands. “I hardly know them.”

It was different on Mark Antony’s side. They were all united to serve their boss. The boss approaches the boys in preparation for battle. He was joined by Eros.

“Good day, boys. May the gods make this a lucky day for Antony!” Mark sounded out his confidence. He saw one of his lieutenants who survived the last battle with a scarred face. He was named Pacino, but now they just call him Scarface.

“If only you and your scarred face had convinced me a short time ago to fight on land!” Mark looked at Scarface.

“Chingar (fuck in Mexican), boss. I saw the gun aimed at my crotch. I jumped forward and got hit in the left cheek. It was better than to lose my ‘pito’ (Penis in Mexican.). My lover will not have a whistle to blow then.”

“She could use mine.” His friend shouted.

“And I will use your natis (buttocks in Mexican).” Scarface said.

“Try his, and you will never take others.” Another of his friends cut in. “He’s the barracuda there.”

“I heard some of the boys take to the barn. Who deserted this morning?”

“Who? One who was always close to you, boss.” Scarface said. “Enobarbus. He would not hear you, or if he does, he will call back from Caesar's camp and say, "I'm no soldier of yours.". Then he will shoot you in the face.”

“What are you saying?” Mark looked at Scarface.

“Boss, he has joined with Caesar.”

“Boss, he did not bring his chests of treasure with him.” Eros cut in.

“Eros, did he take your balls too?” Mark looked at the other. “No? Then shup up.”

“Is he gone?” Mark looked at Scarface.

“I am sure, Boss. I saw him sneak off.”

“Eros, send his treasure to him. Do it.” Mark was upset. “Do not withhold a bit of it; I order you. Write to him. I will sign the letters. Do not bother to send him kind farewells and greetings. Maybe the flowers will come later, when he is dead.”

“Tell him that I hope he never has cause again to leave his boss." Mark walked away. He was fuming in rage then. He cursed his fortune there.

“Oh, I have had such bad luck that it has caused honest men to become unfaithful! Hurry. Oh, Enobarbus! Do die in battle... miserably.” 

“What is with the boss?" The Frenchman asked when the other was out of hearing distance.

“Enobarbus is his friend at heart. He felt the hurt in the betrayal.” Scarface replied. “I did when my cousin married my fiancé. I killed him, left her a widow, and came here, but my heart still aches for her. She would not accept me back, but inside of me, I still loved her.”

“Scarface, I thought you loved Margarita here.” Frenchman said.

“Es scortum obscenus vilis” (You are a vile, perverted whore). Scarface looked away.

 

 

 

Tony and Cleop Act Four Scene Four Sub-Act One

 

Act Four

Scene Four

Sub-Scene One

The call of the bulge

 

In the palace, Mark woke up early and proceeded to put on his battle suit—the grey striped suit with the dark shoes. The Queen was there, watching him dress. She felt everyone's scars and past wounds from the conflicts. She knew one across his back suffered protecting Julius Caesar from the assassin. He loved the previous Caesar like his own father.

The maids arrived with the morning meals and then proceeded to dress the Queen. Eros walked in past the Queen, ignoring her beauty, and proceeded towards the boss. He was holding the guns for the boss.

“Eros! Bring me my guns, Eros!” Mark called out.

“Have your drink, my love.” The Queen told her love.

“No time for that.” Mark says it out loud. “Eros, my guns, Eros!”

“Standing behind you, Boss.” Eros stood there with the guns in his hands.

“Come, my good man, put your guns on. If we do not have good luck today, it is because fortune dislikes the way that we challenge her. Come on.” Mark was getting agitated.

“No, I will help too. What is this for?” The Queen took the guns from Eros. He handed her the shoulder holsters. “I do not use it.”

“That is because you had breasts while he had biceps.” Eros was rude.

“Ah, leave it alone, leave it alone!” Mark took the holster and handed it to Eros. “It is bad enough that you put the guns on my heart. Show her.”

Eros demonstrated to the Queen.

“You slip it on here. Then you tighten the belt.” Eros pulled the belt.

“Really, I will help the next time.” The Queen looked towards the maids. “See how it is done. It is not. Not wear over the crotch.”

“We will succeed today.” Mark turned the focus. “Do you see, my good man? Go put on your guns.”

“Soon, boss.” Eros does not have any other gun, though he prefers the shotgun. He tells everyone they make a bigger hole.

“Is it buckled well?” The Queen asked. “We do not want the guns to fall off.”

"Sagged, you meant the holster. I will shoot the one who belts it for me.” Mark was upset then. “Eros, pull the strap harder.”

“Eros, you are fumbling. My Queen is more skilled as a squire than you are. Hurry.” Mark mocked his own boy. “Oh, my love, if only you could see me in battle today, and if only you were familiar with the techniques of war! You will see an expert at work.”

“Trust it not to be a wham bang; I am fucked.” The Queen sighed. Every guy has his worst days, or was it always?

In the yard of the palace, the boys were assembled.

“Good morning to you.” The lieutenant told the boys. “Welcome. You look like someone who understands the business of war. We get up early to do the work that we love, and we take great delight from it.”

“And the coffee still pukes after all these times.” One of the boys called out.

"There is preferred tea here.” Another said it and was jeered by others.

“My pee is more potent than the tea.” Another boy cried out.

“I know. Sonya told me. Those were better in streams.” One cut in.

“Silence all. The boss is here.” The lieutenant called out.

“The morning begins well, boys. Like a spirited young man who means to accomplish great things, it gets started early.” Mark Antony was accompanied by the Queen. He turned toward the Queen. “Come, give me that kiss. Like this.”

Mark kisses the Queen.

“Well done. Goodbye to you, my love.”

“Whatever happens to me today,” Sounded more like ‘to die,’ “This is a soldier's kiss. It would be shameful and worthy of a scolding if I were to give you any baser or less noble a compliment than that. I will leave you now like a true soldier.”

“You who wish to fight, follow me closely, I will bring you into battle and victory. We drive to Dodge now.” Mark Antony told the boys. They all cheered him on.

“Did you see the bulge?” Albert asked.

“Nay, I saw only the chest. She still bulges there.” Castello smiled.

“Like your mother’s ……... only hers was between the legs.” Chapin uttered out.

“He speaks …... the wise words.” Albert laughed. Chapin stomped his feet in delight.

“Fuck you all.” Castello marched off,

 

 

Tony and Cleop Act Four Scene Three Sub-Act One

 

Act Four

Scene Three

Sub-Scene One

Albert, Castello, and Chapin; the trio

 

The three loyal boys of Mark Antony strolled towards the river bank of the Nile. They saw there was a distance from the water line, for they feared the crocodiles. They have their guns, but they kept them dry for the battles ahead.

“Goodnight, guys. Tomorrow is the big day. I was told that we would go up against Caesar.” The one in the middle spoke. He held a rounded figure with his pants hitched by the belt. He sprouted a thick wad of moustache just below his nose. He told them that one day it would be the Mark Antony of a great leader.

“Castello, do you ever miss home?” Albert, the one seated on the left, asked. He was opposite Castello in the frame. He was said to have starved, but in truth, he was choosy with his diet; ‘hail the non-meat eater. We will save the grass-eating folks.". I missed Asbury Park. My mother used to...”

“Quiet down, Albert. You will make Chapin think of his mother.” Castello punched at Albert’s right arm. Chapin lived with his mother in London without his father. He was sent off to the homes when his mother died young.

“Things will be decided one way or another. Good luck to you. Have you heard any strange news from the streets?” Albert asked.

“Nothing matters. What is the news?” Castello asked. “Tell me if it is the recovery in the trades. I heard the tycoons are jumping off the ledges in the major cities.”

“It is probably just a rumour. Goodnight to you.” Albert replied. “Do stay watchful while you are on guard.”

“Uh hum!” Chapin grump out. He was not much into the talks. He just remained quiet or stomped his feet.

“I cannot sleep.” Albert voiced out.

“Then shut up and try to think of...” Castello minced his words. He was to say mother but thought of Chapin.

“Ok, here are our positions.” Castello decided to do the nightly lullabies. “And if our boys succeed tomorrow, I am completely confident that our boss will make a good stand.”

“The boys are brave and determined to win.” Albert said. “I am.” 

It was then that they heard the playing of the trumpet.

“Be quiet! What is that noise?” Castello asked.

“There is music in the air,” Albert said. “It is coming from under the ground.”

“Uh Hum!” Chapin added.

“This is a good omen, is it not?” Castello asked. “It cannot be the Devil calling in us.”

“Be quiet, I say! What does this mean? The devil does not sound the bulge in Hell. He yells bloody murder.” Albert says.

“Then it is the Queen. She is leaving Mark Antony.” Castello cut in.

“She may if he does not fuck her.” Albert then stood up and said, “Let us walk and see if the others hear what we hear.”

“Uh Hum!” Chapin added one more.

“How is it going, guys?” Albert met the other groups.

“What is it? What is it? We were asleep. Who blew the bulge? What do they think this is Seventh Calvary on the charge? And where are the officers?”

“Yes. Is it not strange?” Albert said. ‘Let us follow the noise as far as we can within the boundaries of our “watch. Let us see how it ends.”

That sounds good. It is strange.” Castello sighed.

“Yup, maybe Arnie is practicing the trumpet. He wants to make a comeback to the scene.” Albert smiled. He knew Arnie Strong, the musician. He reckoned he would be the manager when the war was over. He could get Maddie Bette on board, too.

 

 

 

Tony and Cleop Act Four Scene Two Sub-Scene One

 

Act Four

Scene Two

Sub-Scene One

Et tu, Brute

 

“Give me your pardon, sir. I have done you wrong, but pardon’s as you are a gentleman.” Mark quoted Hamlet’s words towards Laertes. “Caesar is no gentleman. I will not accept his pardon.”

“Pardon me, boss. What did you say?” Enobarbus was with Mark in the library. They were there with the Queen.

“I was just talking. Caesar would not fight me in single combat.” Mark asked Enobarbus. “Why not? He may say, Et tu, Brute, when I shoot him. And I will say, I told you I would do it.”

Enobarbus kept his silence. To him, Mark Antony was defeated or deranged, but his loyalty to Mark Antony was still there.

“Caesar estimates that, being twenty times better off than you, his forces outnumber yours twenty to one.”

“He thinks. He is still young. I will fight by land and by sea. Either I will come out alive, or I will restore my ruined reputation by dying honourably in battle. Will you fight bravely?” Mark looked at Enobarbus.

“Bravery, yes. Honourably, I am not sure, but I will strike and cry." Enobarbus smiled. His honour was long discarded when he shot the others in the back. It was dishonourable to do so by the conduct of war, but he felt that his survival was more of a concern. He shot men, women, and even children. Not everybody was brave enough to shoot a child, but he was.

“Well said. Come on! Call my household servants. Ask them to bring food and drinks.” Mark called out. Four servants appeared, carrying food and drinks. They set it up at the available table.

“Let us be generous with the food at tonight's meal.” Mark invited the servants to the table. He greeted each of them personally.

“Give me your hand. You have been very honest. I liked honest people. You have served me well, and you have had kings for your companions.” Mark smiled.

“Why is Antony acting like this?” The Queen whispered to Enobarbus.

“It is one of his odd quirks that shows he is upset.” Enobarbus whispered back. “He sometimes shoots them in the head.”

“Well, my good fellows, wait on me at dinner tonight. Do not skimp when you pour my wine, and treat me as reverently as you did when my empire was also my servant, like you, and obeyed my commands.” Mark told the servants.

“What does he mean?” The Queen whispered towards Enobarbus.

“He means to make his servants weep.” Enobarbus sighed

“Take care of me tonight. It may be the last time you do so. It may be that you will not see me anymore, or if you do, that you will see only my disfigured ghost.”

“Perhaps tomorrow you will serve another master. I look upon you as if I were saying goodbye.”

“My honest friends, I am not turning you away. Rather, I will stay with you until death, like a master who is attached to your faithful service. Take care of me tonight; I ask no more, and may the gods bless you for it!”

Those words of Mark denied the servants from enjoying their feast. They began to weep, fearing death was upon them.

“Boss, what do you mean, sir, upsetting them like this? Look, they weep, and I, like an ass, have watery eyes too. For shame, do not make us as emotional as women.”

“Ha, ha, ha! Et tu, Brute... That was what Julius said when he was about to die. His friends killed him.” Mark smiled. “Curse me if I meant to say that! May the gods bless the men for weeping! My tender-hearted friends, I did not mean to make you so upset. I spoke to comfort all of you. I am not Julius Caesar. I will not be killed by friends. Old friends and now enemies, perhaps, but never the lot of you.”

“I asked you to keep the night bright by burning torches. You should know, my dear friends, that I have high hopes for tomorrow, and I will lead you to a battlefield where I expect to live victoriously rather than die honourably.”

“Boss, I am a servant. Not a hitman.” One of the servants said,

“Oh, yes, you are right. You cannot hold a gun as well as you do with a jug. Never mind; I will find others. Drink up, friends. We will leave you here and go our own way to supper. Come on, and drink away your cares.” Mark, too, to leave the chamber.

“I guess we are going to leave then.” The Queen looked at Enobarbus.

“Et tu, Brute...” Enobarbus smiled.

 

 

 

 

 

Tony and Cleop Act Four Scene One Sub-Scene One

 Act Four

Scene One

Sub-Scene One

"Into Thy hands, O Lord." Henry V, Shakespeare.

 

In the library, Caesar read the letter sent by Mark Antony. Agrippa and Maecenas arrived then. “

“Mark Antony calls me "boy" and taunts me as if he had the power to beat my forces out of Egypt. He whipped my messenger with rods, and I had sent Thidias home to rest. He suffered hard for me.”

“Mark Antony challenges me to single combat, Caesar against Antony. He thinks that we will fight like gentlemen. He thinks we are alike to Henry Bolingbroke and Thomas Mowbray in Richard II. I stand to say.”

“Let them lay by their helmets and their spears, and both return to their chairs again. Withdraw with us, and let the trumpets sound while we return these dukes to what we decree.”

“Draw near and list what, with our council, we have done. For that, our kingdom’s earth should not be soiled.”

“With that dear blood which it has fostered, and for our eyes do hate the dire aspect of civil wounds ploughed up with a neighbour’s sword.”

Caesar took the bow on those words he had said: “Richard II, Shakespeare.”

“Honor between gentlemen it was then, and the King stepped in to avert the duel. If I were to duel with Mark Antony, who would intervene? You?” Caesar looked at Agrippa.

“You perhaps?” Caesar, in turn, looked at Maecenas. “I trust not.”

“The Queen, perhaps, for she fears I will kill the older man. I may just do so. Let that old scoundrel know that that is not how I plan to die. Not by the dagger or sword. Perhaps a gun shot, but it must be well aimed to kill me first, or I will shoot back. Just as I had just shot Old Jacobs in the left knee for denying me his share of the whiskey trade, The old fool brought the bottle to the meeting while I was armed with my gun. I do not fight anymore. I will take what is mine.”

“Caesar, let us handle Mark Antony.” Agrippa looked at the boss. “You need to see to Octavia’s health.”

“No, I will deal with Mark Antony. Do send a mocking reply to his challenge. Tell him, I will see him in hell soon.” Caesar was cursed out. “Re-write that. I will see him go to hell.”

“Caesar, you must suspect that when a man so great starts to rage like this, his defeats have put him on the verge of collapse.” Agrippa cautions Caesar.

“In Homer’s Iliad, Achilles has a unique way of dealing with Patroclus’s death. Initially, he was filled with grief. He soon developed a thirst for vengeance against the one who instigated his comrade’s death, Hector. Achilles was further enraged at Hector because not only did he strip Patroclus’s body of Achilles’s armour, but he now actually has the audacity to wear it. So, when the battle begins again, Achilles rides forth with his men, determined to avenge his slain comrade. But Hector was warned by the gods: Stay away from Achilles, or else he will meet his fate.”

Hector took that advice, and for a moment, Achilles was robbed of his chance of vengeance. It was later that Achilles had another chance to take his vengeance. He was clothed in armour made by the gods. That time, Achilles was victorious, and Hector fell to his spear. Achilles, still in his rage, proceeded to desecrate and abuse Hector’s body, striving to exact more pain for the death of his comrade.”

“Anger like love; it consummates your body and soul. What Achilles was doing was to deal with his friend’s death the only way he knows how. He is a soldier, raised in the heat of battle and suckled on rage. He knew nothing else but rage and violence. Killing and mutilating Hector was justified to him because it was sating his emotional rage, filling the gap left by Patroclus with hate and vengeance rather than friendship. This is considered perfectly acceptable by those around him, because they act the same way.”

“Mark Antony wants the same. I will deny him that.” Caesar smiled. “I am not Achilles. Spare me that. Do not give him any time to regroup, but promptly use his anger to your advantage. An angry man never takes proper precautions.”

“We can handle him by ourselves.” Maecenas offered.

“I intend to fight the last of our many battles. Among our boys, there are many who served Mark Antony only a short time ago—enough to capture him. See that this is done, and give the boys a feast. We have enough food in our stores to do it, and they have earned it, even if it is a waste of resources. Poor Antony! You are doomed.” Caesar smiled.

Later, out of the mansion, Agrippa asked Maecenas.

“Who is Richard II? What is his name?”

“A king, I think. Maybe he was from the Roundtable too. There were many of them. I only read the newspaper.”

“Pompous lot they all are.” Agrippa smiled.

 

 

 

Tony and Cleop Act Zero Scene Four

 

Act Zero

Scene Four

The death of the Squire

 

Menas peeked out of the window curtain, looking at the outside. It was not a good feeling to be on the run. He was not from the authorities, but from but from the very friends that he once called his. He had sided with the wrong leader; he had been leader; he had been gunned down by hitmen hired by Rome. Pompey Jr was shot while watering the horse at the creek on the land he had acquired. He was not alone, but with three of the boys then. They were ambushed and given the ceremony of a dozen holes to plant roses.

“Menas, you served my father and now me. What is the best advice you can give me to remain alive?” Pompey Jr had asked him.

“Do not stop to pick the flowers or pay the toll booth.” Menas told him. “Some good men died doing that.”

“Was it that Sonny guy who was shot at the toll gate? I was told he did not have enough change.” Pompey Jr laughed.

“He got short--changed.” Menas said. “Fuck the gates. We are the boys who build them. So, we collect from there.”

Well, it was true but Pompey Jr did not pay any toll but was picking up the lilac there at the river bank.

“Pop, can I get some ice cream from the shop nearby?? Menas looked to his youngest grandson, Danny. They were hiding at the motel in downtown. Danny’s mom was at the market.

“Soon, Danny.” Menas smiled. He was in his shirt and pants without the holster and gun. It was not nice to show that to the young kid.

“Pop, did you betray the boss?" Danny asked. Menas was surprised and asked back.

“Who told you? I am always loyal to the boss. boss. He is our benefactor.” Menas replied.

“Ian said to me.” Ian was Danny’s friend; he was friend; he was much older and was to protect Danny. He was then dead; he was dead; he was shot by Menas when the former tried to kill Menas. I guess he was not sure who he could trust anymore.

“I would not.” Menas heard the door to the room open. open. It was not supposed to be. His daughter was to knock three times before she opened the door. He looked for his gun and remembered that he had left it in the suitcase. He went for it but it but it was too late.

“Boss, I would not do that if I were you. Danny is here.” Menas heard the warning. He turned to look and saw that saw that Portino was there with the other boy. They were not showing their guns but Menas knew they were in their pockets.

“We just want to take you to see Caesar.” Portino, who served Menas for some years, smiled.

“Okay, I will go with you, but the kid...”

“The kid will be fine, boss. We are not stupid.” Portino smiled. Stupidity was one of his least-like characters. He knew when to lie, cheat, and serve his boss. “Only you and me.”

“Danny, stay here and wait for your mom." Menas told the kid. “She is buying ice cream for you.”

Menas took the ride in the T-Ford with the boy who used to serve him. They also drove the Ford to carry others for Menas.

“How much did Caesar pay you?” Menas asked.

“Not much, but we get to keep the commission. It will make us happier.” The commission was a contract to handle certain businesses for Caesar.

“Good. You deserve it well.” Mensa smiled. "Hey, Portino, one clean shot in the back of the head will do. No messing with my shirt.”

It was all arranged, but Menas did not account for the concrete slab on his feet. He was shot before they dumped him into the sea. Pompey Jr called it ‘Neptune Dive. The fish will love the Italian flavour.’

 

Tony and Cleop Act Three Scene Thirteen Sub-Scene Three

 

Act Three

Scene Thirteen

Sub-Scene Three

Lover’s words were disconnected.

 

The two lovers argued, while one man stood by the side. Enobarbus knew better than to stand in the quarrel of two lovers. He did contemplate, then, to whom he would protect if the lovers drew guns.

“Boss or Queen?” Enobarbus sighed.

“To let a man that accepts favours and says, "May God repay you!" be intimate with your hand, the hand that I have played with, that bestows the royal seal, and drink toasts to all those with great spirits! Oh, if only I were on the hill with Moses, so I could roar louder to God. I am disgusted.”

“God will listen to me then. He knew that I was about my wrongs calmly; if I was to be ignored as a condemned man thanking the hangman for hanging him quickly, he may side with me. Give me death so I may end my misery.” Mark stepped towards the wall and slammed his fists onto it. He saw the servant had been dragged into Thidias. The latter looked hurt; who would not be if they were whipped with a dozen lashes?

“Has he been whipped?” Mark asked. The servant nodded.

“If your father is alive, let him be sorry that you were not born a girl. I would not have whipped a girl. I would have her used by the servants in every orifice.”

“As you are a man, you should be sorry that you follow Caesar and his success, since you've been whipped for doing so.” Mark looked from Thidias to the Queen.

“From now on, be as terrified of a lady's white hand as you would be of a fever; shake with fear to look at it. No one touches the Queen except me.”

“Now get back to Caesar. Tell him how you were treated. Be sure to tell him how angry he makes me for continuing to focus on my present disgrace rather than on my past glories. He is making me angry, and right now it is very easy to do that, since the lucky stars that used to guide me have left their positions in the sky and drenched their lights in the pit of hell.”

“If he does not like what I have said and done, tell him that he has my boys and that he may freely whip, hang, or torture them just as he likes to get revenge on me. Tell him that.”

“Get out of here with your wounds; be gone!” Mark kicked at Thidias. “Take him away. I do not want to see him anymore.”

“Are you finished yet?” The Queen looked at Mark.

“Alas, the great Cleopatra's power is gone, and this alone foretells that I will fall too.” Mark laughed. “The fall of Mark Antony because of a woman. To flatter Caesar, she would flirt with one of his servants.”

“Flirt? Do you not know me at all by now?” The Queen shouted.

“How can you still be cold-hearted towards me?” Mark looked at the Queen.

“Ah, dear, if I am, the heart of mine cold like the frigid snow storm, may heaven create hail storms in my cold heart and dark poison it at the source, and may the first hailstone that falls lodge in my throat. As it melts, let it kill me!” The Queen swore at Mark. “Let the next stone kill my son Caesarion, until gradually all my children, together with all my brave Egyptians, are killed by the dissolving hailstones of this storm and lie unburied until the flies and gnats of the Nile have buried them as their prey!”

“Curses and damning of your soul will not satiate my anger.” Mark looked at the Queen. “I am satisfied with your feelings for me once before.”

“When Caesar lays siege to Alexandria, I will oppose him and put an end to his good luck. My boys on land have withstood him nobly. My fleet of ships came together; their ships are afloat, presenting a most seaworthy threat. But they are not there anymore.”

“Nothing left. My courage is gone? Do you hear me, my lady? If I return from the field again to kiss your lips, I will be bloody and have new vigour. My killings may earn me a good reputation. Do you think there's hope for our side yet?”

“That is what I saw in you, my love.” Queen smiled. “Hope.” 

“With... hope, perhaps at other times, I will be three times as strong, as brave, and as persevering, and I will fight furiously. For when I had good fortune and could act however, I pleased, I was so merciful that men could ransom their lives from me for a mere trifle. But now I have hardened my heart and destroyed everyone that opposes me.” Mark Antony was delirious in his mind.

“Come, let us have one more night of celebration. Call all my boys to join me. Fill our cups once more. We would not care how late it is; we will mock the late hour by celebrating.” Mark called out. “We will still triumph.”

“It is my birthday. I thought I would have no celebrations, but since my lord is acting like himself again, I will be myself again too.” The Queen was happier. He looked at Enobarbus. “Call all the boys to him. Mark Antony is back.”

“Come on, my Queen. There is still hope for our side. The next time I fight, I will make Death admire me, for I will oppose even his fatal power.” Mark roared out. “Come, my Queen. We will celebrate that.”

Enobarbus watched the two leave, and he stood there.

“Now he will set himself against even the mightiest enemies. He is so riled up that his frenzy has driven out his fear, and in that mood, the weakest man will challenge the strongest. I can tell that our boss is regaining his bravery only because he has lost his judgment, like a wounded lion charging the huge bear. When a man's courage destroys his reason, he destroys the very thing that could save him. I will look for some way to leave him.”

Enobarbus felt the burden on his conscience. He looked to himself at the mirror nearby.

“Good my lord, you have begot me, bred me, loved me; I return those duties back as are right fit, obey you, love you, and most honour you.” Enobarbus quoted Cordelia words to her father from King Lear.

“I do, Boss but do you take me for one? I am beginning to feel it was not to be.” Enobarbus sighed. “No one is a friend to his friend who does not love in return.” (Plato).