Antony and Cleopatra Act 3, Scene 11

Antony enters with his attendants. He admits his dishonor, and tells them to leave him and join Caesar. The attendants refuse to betray him, but he goes on to explain that he has acted cowardly and does not require their services anymore. He tells them not to be sad or feel like they are betraying him, for he has already betrayed himself.

Topic Tracking: Honor 5

The attendants exit and Cleopatra, Charmian, Eros, and Iras enter. Cleopatra's attendants are encouraging her to go to Antony and comfort him. Eros approaches Antony, and Antony recalls the battle at Philippi, where Caesar let him fight Brutus and Cassius while he stood by; but in light of his own cowardice in this recent battle, that has no importance. Eros announces Cleopatra and says that she needs him to comfort her. Antony cannot look in her eyes, because it reminds him of his shame. She apologizes for her ships' fleeing, and he says she should have known that his heart is tied to Egypt and he had no choice but to follow them. Now, he must go to Caesar and beg for mercy. He tells Cleopatra:

"You did know
How much you were my conqueror, and that
My sword, made weak by my affection, would
Obey it on all cause." Act 3, Scene 11, ll. 64-67

Topic Tracking: East/West 6

She apologizes again; he tells her not to cry, and they kiss. He asks her if the schoolteacher whom he sent to Caesar has returned.