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Article: Lives and letters in Antony and Cleopatra.
- Article from:
- Shakespeare Studies
- Article date:
- January 1, 2007
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2007 Associated University Presses. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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WHEN OCTAVIUS CAESAR receives the news of Antony's suicide, at the end of act 5, scene 1 of Antony and Cleopatra, he invites his Council of War to
Go with me to my Tent, where you shall see
How hardly I was drawne into this Warre,
How calme and gentle I proceeded still
In all my Writings. Go with me, and see
What I can shew in this.
(5.1.73-77) (1)
Octavius is anxious to furnish textual evidence that will support his account of his "calme and gentle" actions toward Antony and his reluctant entry into war against him. He is not alone in valuing how he will be viewed by posterity. Antony applauds the "Noblenesse in Record" (4.14.100) ...