Antony and Cleopatra Act 3, Scene 7

Cleopatra and Enobarbus enter the scene in northwestern Greece, where Antony has set up his camp. Cleopatra tells Enobarbus that she is upset that he is trying to encourage her to stay out of the war. She reasons that the war has to do with her, so therefore she is justified in having some say. He tells her that people are talking in Rome about the war, saying that it is being led by a eunuch and her maids. Cleopatra curses Rome for speaking against her, and says she will not stay behind.

Antony and Canidius enter. Caesar has been making progress at sea, and has challenged Antony to a sea battle. Antony wants to accept the challenge, but Canidius and Enobarbus warn him not to do so, because he is much weaker than Caesar at sea; they want him to fight a land battle, one he is prepared to win. Cleopatra backs Antony; she says she has sixty ships. He is resolved to win at sea, and says that if he does not triumph, then he will fight Caesar on the land.

A messenger enters with the news that Caesar has defeated Toryne. Antony muses that Caesar could not have been there in person, so it is strange that his army could have been there. A soldier enters, pleading with Antony not to fight by sea, but he does not listen, and exits with Cleopatra and Enobarbus.

The soldier remains to speak to Canidius; they discuss what has happened and worry that they are being led by a woman. Canidius asks who Caesar's lieutenant is, and the soldier answers that it is a man named Taurus, whom Canidius knows well. A messenger enters saying that Antony calls for Canidius; he exits, remarking that there is more news every second.