How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Act.Scene.Line). Line numbers correspond to the Riverside edition.
Quote #10
SCARUS
She once being loofed,
The noble ruin of her magic, Antony,
Claps on his sea-wing, and, like a doting mallard,
Leaving the fight in height, flies after her.
I never saw an action of such shame;
Experience, manhood, honor, ne'er before
Did violate so itself. (3.10.22.2-28)
Scarus suggests that by following his love of a woman, not his country in battle, Antony has betrayed himself as a man, a soldier, and an honorable Roman. Loyalty to love of a woman has no place in battle, just as a woman has no place in battle.
Quote #11
CANIDIUS
Had our general
Been what he knew himself, it had gone well.
O, he has given example for our flight
Most grossly by his own. (3.10.31-34)
It’s at this point that Canidius decides to betray Antony, which is arguably not a betrayal of a good man, because Antony betrayed himself first by being less than he could be. Canidius will give himself and his men to Caesar’s side (as arguably Caesar is being more loyal to the facts and necessities of war).
Quote #12
THIDIAS
He knows that you embrace not Antony
As you did love, but as you fear'd him.
CLEOPATRA
O!
THIDIAS
The scars upon your honor therefore he
Does pity as constrainèd blemishes,
Not as deserved.
CLEOPATRA
He is a god, and knows
What is most right. Mine honor was not yielded,
But conquered merely.
ENOBARBUS
[Aside] To be sure of that,
I will ask Antony. Sir, sir, thou art so leaky
That we must leave thee to thy sinking, for
Thy dearest quit thee. (3.13.67-79)
This is arguably Cleopatra’s lowest moral point. We don’t know if she’s swayed by Thidias’ words, or her own fear over her bad fortunes, but she really fails to stand by her man here, confirming all the worst suspicions Caesar has of women.