# Scene XIII explained — Antony and Cleopatra

> Chapter companion for Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

After the defeat at Actium, Antony and Cleopatra confront their crumbling fortunes. Antony rages at Cleopatra's perceived betrayal and her flattery of Caesar's messenger Thyreus, whom he has whipped. Despite his fury, Antony resolves to fight again, planning one more 'gaudy night' before battle. Enobarbus, disillusioned, contemplates deserting Antony.

## Themes in this chapter

### Betrayal and Trust

Antony's suspicion of Cleopatra's loyalty and Enobarbus's internal conflict highlight the erosion of trust among allies.

### Honor and Reputation

Antony's rage at being supplanted by Caesar and his insistence on a one-on-one duel reflect his obsession with honor.

### Excess and Indulgence

Antony's plan for a 'gaudy night' and his emotional volatility underscore the theme of excess in the face of ruin.

## Character check-ins

### Cleopatra

Defensive and manipulative, she attempts to placate Antony after his rage, swearing loyalty while having earlier entertained Caesar's messenger.

### Mark Antony

Volatile and humiliated, he lashes out at Cleopatra and Caesar's messenger, but rallies with renewed determination to fight.

### Enobarbus

Increasingly disillusioned with Antony's judgment, he privately resolves to leave his master, seeing his loyalty as folly.

### Thyreus

Caesar's messenger, who is whipped on Antony's orders for his familiarity with Cleopatra.

### Euphronius

Antony's ambassador, delivering Caesar's terms and receiving Antony's defiant challenge.

### Charmian

Present as Cleopatra's attendant, silently witnessing the confrontation.

### Iras

Present as Cleopatra's attendant, silently witnessing the confrontation.

## Key lines

> Think, and die.

Reflect on your situation and then perish.

_Enobarbus's cynical advice to Cleopatra, suggesting despair is the only response._

> The itch of his affection should not then Have nick’d his captainship

His romantic desire should not have damaged his military command.

_Enobarbus criticizes Antony for abandoning the battle to follow Cleopatra._

> I see men’s judgments are A parcel of their fortunes

People's wisdom is tied to their luck.

_Enobarbus reflects on how fortune influences reason._

> Mine honesty and I begin to square.

My integrity and I are starting to conflict.

_Enobarbus acknowledges his growing temptation to betray Antony._

> Authority melts from me

My power is dissolving.

_Antony laments his loss of authority and respect._

> I will be treble-sinew’d, hearted, breathed, And fight maliciously

I will become three times as strong, courageous, and fierce, and fight with spite.

_Antony vows to fight with renewed vigor despite his setbacks._

> When valour preys on reason, It eats the sword it fights with.

When courage consumes rationality, it destroys the very weapon it uses.

_Enobarbus observes that Antony's reckless bravery undermines his own cause._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/chapters/act-iii-scene-xiii
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/chapters