Page:Antony and Cleopatra (1921) Yale.djvu/152

140 : 'The best of men might so have rebuked me.'

but his whole action grows Not in the power on 't. Perhaps this means: 'but his whole action develops not according to the power (Antony's ability and resources) on which it should be based.'

With news the time's with labour, and throes forth Each minute some. This may be paraphrased: 'The time gives birth each minute to some piece of news.'

How I convey my shame out of thine eyes By looking back what I have left behind 'Stroy'd in dishonour. This may be paraphrased: 'How I carry my shame out of thy sight by looking back toward the career I have left behind me, now destroyed by dishonour.'

And what thou think'st his very action speaks In every power that moves. This may be paraphrased: 'And what thou think'st his actions themselves indicate as to his state of mind.'

O! that I were Upon the hill of Basan, to outroar The horned herd. An allusion (most improbable for the historical Antony) to Ps. 22. 12. There is a play upon horned as a symbol of a husband deceived by his wife.

'Tis the god Hercules, whom Antony lov'd, Now leaves him. 'This opinion (that the Antonii were descended from Hercules) did Antonius seeke to confirme in all his doings; not onely resembling him in the liknesse of his bodie but also in the wearing of his garments.' North's Plutarch.

'Tis well blown, lads. The reference may be either to the trumpets, or to the morning.

Alcides, thou mine ancestor. Hercules. Cf. note on IV. iii. 16, 17. For Lichas and the shirt of Nessus, see the story of Hercules.