How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Scene.Line). Line numbers correspond to the Riverside edition.
Quote #1
CLEOPATRA
He was disposed to mirth; but on the sudden
A Roman thought hath struck him.—Enobarbus!
ENOBARBUS
Madam?
CLEOPATRA
Seek him, and bring him hither.—Where's Alexas?
ALEXAS
Here, at your service. My lord approaches.
Enter Antony with a Messenger.
CLEOPATRA
We will not look upon him. Go with us. (1.2.87-92)
First, this "Roman thought" is presented as contrary to mirth. The lovers are both passionate as they are prone to being tempestuous, and changing their actions immediately upon a new thought. Antony quickly changed from his mirth, and Cleopatra was looking for Antony—until he showed up.
Quote #2
ANTONY
I will to Egypt.
And though I make this marriage for my peace,
I' th' East my pleasure lies. (2.3.44-46)
Antony makes this proclamation after listening to a soothsayer tell him Caesar’s fortunes are better than his, so he should go to Egypt. It’s a rare case where reason coincides with passion; Antony proclaims he’ll go to Egypt, not because of the reason the soothsayer has given him, but because his love and pleasure is there.
Quote #3
ANTONY
Canidius, we will fight
With him by sea.
CLEOPATRA
By sea, what else?
CANIDIUS
Why will
my lord do so?
ANTONY
For that he dares us to 't. (3.7.34-39)
Antony is all impassioned at the questioning of his power. He knows that his ships are weaker than Caesar’s, and that this fight is a risk, but Caesar has dared him to fight at sea. Of course, Caesar only does this because he knows Antony is disadvantaged on the water, and that he won’t back down from a challenge. In the face of competition, Antony’s passion overpowers his reason and good sense.