Antony and Cleopatra · Chapter
Scene I: Pompey's House in Messina explained
Pompey, bolstered by the love of the people and command of the sea, prepares for war against the triumvirs.
What happens
Pompey, bolstered by the love of the people and command of the sea, prepares for war against the triumvirs. He learns from Varrius that Mark Antony is expected back in Rome, disrupting his hope that Antony would remain in Egypt. Pompey and Menas discuss the potential for discord between Caesar and Antony, but acknowledge that their own threat may force the triumvirs to unite.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Ambition
Pompey asserts his rising power and ambition, contrasting his martial readiness with Antony's indulgent idleness in Egypt.
Betrayal and Trust
Menas and Pompey discuss the fragile alliances between Caesar and Antony, hinting at potential betrayal and the cementing of divisions due to external threat.
Excess and Indulgence
Pompey describes Antony as an 'amorous surfeiter' lost in feasts and lust with Cleopatra, highlighting the theme of excess undermining duty.
Characters to notice
- Pompey
Confident in his naval strength and popular support, Pompey strategizes against the triumvirs and learns of Antony's imminent return to Rome.
- Menecrates
Advises Pompey on the gods' timing and the wisdom of denied prayers.
- Menas
Reports intelligence about Caesar and Lepidus being in the field, and speculates on the strained relations between Caesar and Antony.
- Varrius
Brings news that Mark Antony is expected in Rome imminently.
- Mark Antony
Referenced as being in Egypt, indulging in feasts and love with Cleopatra, but now expected to return to Rome.
- Cleopatra
Mentioned as 'Salt Cleopatra' and 'Egypt's widow,' whose charms keep Antony in Egypt.
Key passages
“If the great gods be just, they shall assist The deeds of justest men.”
If the gods are truly just, they will support those who act justly.
Pompey expresses his belief that divine justice will favor his cause.
“Mark Antony In Egypt sits at dinner, and will make No wars without doors.”
Mark Antony is feasting in Egypt and will not engage in any foreign wars.
Pompey mocks Antony's preoccupation with pleasure over military duty.
“Caesar gets money where He loses hearts: Lepidus flatters both, Of both is flatter’d; but he neither loves, Nor either cares for him.”
Caesar raises funds but loses loyalty; Lepidus flatters both sides and is flattered in return, but neither truly cares for him.
Pompey analyzes the weaknesses and insincerity within the triumvirate.
“Tie up the libertine in a field of feasts, Keep his brain fuming; Epicurean cooks Sharpen with cloyless sauce his appetite; That sleep and feeding may prorogue his honour Even till a Lethe’d dulness!”
Let Antony be bound in endless feasting, his mind clouded by indulgence, so that his honor is postponed into forgetful stupor.
Pompey wishes for Cleopatra's charms to keep Antony distracted and dishonored.
“I did not think This amorous surfeiter would have donn’d his helm For such a petty war.”
I did not expect this love-sated glutton to put on his helmet for such a minor conflict.
Pompey expresses surprise that Antony would leave Egypt for war.
