Antony and Cleopatra Translation Act 4, Scene 1
Enter CAESAR, AGRIPPA, and MAECENAS, with his army, CAESAR reading a letter
CAESAR
He calls me “boy” and chides as he had power To beat me out of Egypt. My messenger He hath whipped with rods, dares me to personal combat, Caesar to Antony. Let the old ruffian know I have many other ways to die, meantime Laugh at his challenge.
CAESAR
Antony calls me "boy" and taunts me as if he had the power to beat my forces out of Egypt. He whipped my messenger with rods and challenges me to single combat, Caesar against Antony. Let that old scoundrel know that that is not how I plan to die. In the meantime, send a mocking reply to his challenge.
MAECENAS
Caesar must think When one so great begins to rage, he’s hunted Even to falling. Give him no breath, but now Make boot of his distraction. Never anger Made good guard for itself.
MAECENAS
You must suspect that when a man so great starts to rage like this, his defeats have put him on the verge of collapse. Don't give him any time to regroup, but promptly use his anger to your advantage. An angry man never takes proper precautions.
CAESAR
Let our best heads Know that tomorrow the last of many battles We mean to fight. Within our files there are, Of those that served Mark Antony but late, Enough to fetch him in . See it done And feast the army. We have store to do ’t, And they have earned the waste. Poor Antony!
CAESAR
Let our wisest officers know that tomorrow, I intend to fight the last of our many battles. Among our troops there many soldiers who served Mark Antony only a short time ago—enough soldiers to capture him. See that this is done, and give the army a feast. We have enough food in our stores to do it, and they have earned it—even if it is a waste of resources. Poor Antony!
Exeunt