Act 3, Scene 12 Summary

Caesar hears the terms of Antony's surrender, but tells his messenger that he will meet with Cleopatra to discuss her terms on the condition that Antony becomes his hostage. Caesar sends Thyreus to lure Cleopatra away from Antony with false promises.

Act 3, Scene 12 Analysis

Caesar is encamped in Egypt, and surrounded by loyal generals, in contrast to Antony, who is bound to Cleopatra, having sent away his men. Caesar plans to isolate him further by tempting Cleopatra's vanity. In this scene, Antony and Cleopatra, and their way of life are caught in a stranglehold, with the new political order closing in around them. In this order, flattery, talk and deception are the weapons of choice: Caesar will destroy his enemies through political skill rather than old-fashioned military power.