# Scene VII explained — Antony and Cleopatra

> Chapter companion for Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare.

## What happens

On the battlefield, Antony and Scarus celebrate a temporary victory, with Scarus boasting of his wounds and Antony promising reward for his valor.

## Themes in this chapter

### Honor and Reputation

Scarus's pride in his wounds and Antony's promise of reward highlight the value placed on martial honor and reputation.

## Character check-ins

### Mark Antony

Leads his forces in battle, encouraging Scarus and promising reward for his bravery.

### Scarus

Wounded but spirited, he boasts of his injuries and urges pursuit of the retreating enemy.

### Eros

Reports that the enemy is beaten and that victory is within reach.

### Agrippa

Commands a retreat, acknowledging that Caesar's forces are overextended.

## Key lines

> Had we done so at first, we had droven them home With clouts about their heads.

If we had fought like this from the start, we would have driven them back with ease.

_Scarus expresses regret that they did not fight so fiercely earlier._

> I had a wound here that was like a T, But now ’tis made an H.

I had a wound shaped like a T, but now it has been enlarged to an H.

_Scarus humorously describes how his wound has grown larger._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/chapters/act-iv-scene-vii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/antony_and_cleopatra_se/chapters