I

Significantly, 11.3 begins with Antony telling Octavia that he will sometimes have to leave her, though he promises amendment of life. The Soothsayer, sorry to have left Egypt, urges Antony to quit Cresar since his genius is overborne by Cresar's. Antony, recognizing his inferiority, declares that he will return to Egypt and sends Ventidius against the Parthians. But first (11.4) he goes with Lepidus to meet Pompey. Shifting to Egypt, 11.5 shows how Cleopatra, enjoying memories of her conquest of Antony, receives news of his marriage with the utmost rage and violence, torn between love and jealous pride. Meanwhile (II.6) the triumvirate parleys with Pompey, who ascribes his warlike moves to revenge for his father and equalitarian zeal (like Brutus and Cassius to 'Have one man but a man' (II.6.Ig)). Antony's rash challenge to a sea-combat nearly prevents agreement, but Pompey agrees to take Sicily and Sardinia and shows his friendly feelings towards Antony and Enobarbus.