II.i.38 (138,8) The ne’er-lust-wearied Antony] [Theobald emended “near lust-wearied” to “ne’er-lust-wearied”] Could it be imagined, after this swelling exultation, that the first edition stands literally thus,

  The neere lust wearied Antony.

II.i.45 (139,9) square] That is, quarrel.

II.i.51 (139,1) Our lives upon] This play is not divided into acts by the authour or first editors, and therefore the present division may be altered at pleasure.  I think the first act may be commodiously continued to this place, and the second act opened with the interview of the chief persons, and a change of the state of action.  Yet it must be confessed, that it is of small importance, where these unconnected and desultory scenes are interrupted.

II.ii.7 (140,2) Were I the wearer of Antonius’ beard,/I would not shav’t to-day] I believe he means, I would meet him undressed, without shew of respect.

II.ii.25 (141,3) Nor curstness grow to the matter] Let not ill-humour be added to the real subject of our difference.

II.ii.28 (141,4) Caes.  Sit./_Ant_.  Sit, sir!] [Antony appears to be jealous of a circumstance which seemed to indicate a consciousness of superiority in his too successful partner in power; and accordingly resents the invitation of Caesar to be seated:  Caesar answers, Nay then—­i.e. if you are so ready to resent what I meant an act of civility, there can be no reason to suppose you have temper enough for the business on which at present we are met.  STEEVENS.] The following circumstance may serve to strengthen Mr. Steevens’s opinion:  When the fictitious Sebastian made his appearance in Europe, he came to a conference with the Conde de Lemos; to whom, after the firat exchange of civilities, he said, Conde de Lemos, be covered.  And being asked by that nobleman, by what pretences he laid claim to the superiority expressed by such permission, he replied, I do it by right of my birth; I am Sebastian. (1773)

II.ii.43 (142,5) their contestation/Was theam for you, you were the word of war] [W:  theam’d] I am neither satisfied with the reading nor the emendation; theam’d is, I think, a word unauthorised, and very harsh.  Perhaps we may read,

  —­their contestation

Had theme from you, you were the word o’ th’ war. The dispute derived its subject from you.  It may be corrected by mere transposition,

  —­their contestation

You were theme for, you were the word.

II.ii.51 (143,8) Having alike your cause?] The meaning seems to be, having the same cause as you to be offended with me.  But why, because he was offended with Antony, should he make war upon Caesar?  May it not be read thus,

—­Did he not rather Discredit my authority with yours, And make the wars alike against my stomach, Hating alike our cause?

II.ii.53 (143,9) As matter whole you have not to make it with] The original copy reads,