Antony and Cleopatra

Caesar refuses Antony’s challenge of single-combat. Caesar’s advisor believes that Antony will fight to the bitter end due to his rage, and so Caesar should take advantage of his irrational and distracted state. Caesar orders his army to prepare for battle tomorrow and to find men who previously served Antony.

Back at Antony’s camp, Antony rewards his followers and prepares for a night of rich feasting. He graciously thanks the men who have followed him, but says that they will likely serve another master soon. This causes his followers to weep, even the disloyal Enobarbus. Antony tells the soldiers not to shed tears and assures them that he intends to lead them to victory tomorrow.

Antony’s soldiers discuss the coming battle the next morning when they hear strange music mysteriously emanating from under the earth. One soldier speculates that it is a favorable sign, while another soldier interprets it as a bad sign that Antony’s favorite god Hercules is abandoning him.

The next morning, Antony wakes up and puts on his armor. Cleopatra asks him to sleep later, but he refuses, and so she helps to put on his armor. As Antony leaves for battle, Cleopatra wishes Caesar had accepted the deal to fight one-on-one.