Page:Some Textual Difficulties in Shakespeare.djvu/60

42 one I am submitting. We must, however, look at the context. If Antony, the triple pillar of the world, commanded a man to sum up his message quickly, it is safe to say that he would make some attempt to do so. But the messenger does not respond. Then, too, if Antony is here supposed to be asking for the sum of the news he must have some intention of listening. But Cleopatra immediately says, "Nay, hear them, Antony." He not only shows no indication of having made such an inquiry of the messenger, but he continues to ignore his presence even when Cleopatra tries later to get him to give audience. Thus the accepted understanding of the line produces such a state of affairs that in order to assent to it we have to have no regard for human nature. This is un-Shakespearean.

On the other hand, if Antony is replying to the question "how much," it is quite natural for him to begin, "The sum". As soon as he began, Cleopatra saw that he was addressing her and not the messenger; it is for that reason that she breaks in, "Nay, hear them, Antony." And the messenger says nothing because he saw that he simply was not wanted.

Difficulty with this passage, which began with the earliest editors, has resulted in continual efforts to repunctuate it; but always with the one preconceived meaning in view. In addition to the suggestions I have made I would separate the two halves of the statement, as at