Page:Antony and Cleopatra (1921) Yale.djvu/37

Antony and Cleopatra, II. ii

Were I the wearer of Antonius' beard,

I would not shave 't to-day.

Lep. 'Tis not a time

For private stomaching.

Eno. Every time

Serves for the matter that is then born in 't.

Lep. But small to greater matters must give way.

Eno. Not if the small come first.

Lep. Your speech is passion;

But, pray you, stir no embers up. Here comes

The noble Antony.

Eno. And yonder, Cæsar.

Ant. If we compose well here, to Parthia:

Hark ye, Ventidius.

Cæs. I do not know,

Mæcenas; ask Agrippa.

Lep. Noble friends,

That which combin'd us was most great, and let not

A leaner action rend us. What's amiss,

May it be gently heard; when we debate

Our trivial difference loud, we do commit

Murder in healing wounds; then, noble partners,—

The rather for I earnestly beseech,—

Touch you the sourest points with sweetest terms,

Nor curstness grow to the matter.

Ant. 'Tis spoken well.

Were we before our armies, and to fight,

I should do thus.

Cæs. Welcome to Rome.

 7, 8 Were I the wearer to-day; cf. n.

9 stomaching: resenting

15 compose: come to a settlement

25 curstness: ill humor

27 I should do thus; cf. n.

