Category Archives: Retellings

— 5.2 — Cleopatra, Charmian, and Iras were in a room in Cleopatra’s monument. Cleopatra said, “My desolation begins to make a better life. It is paltry to be Caesar; he is not Fortune, but only Fortune’s servant: a minister … Continue reading →

— 5.1 — In Octavius Caesar’s camp before Alexandria, Caesar was meeting with Agrippa, Dolabella, Maecenas, Gallus, Proculeius, and others in a council of war. Caesar ordered, “Go to Mark Antony, Dolabella, and order him to surrender. Tell him that … Continue reading →

— 4.15 — Cleopatra, Charmian, and Iras were at Cleopatra’s monument. They were on a second-floor balcony. “Oh, Charmian, I will never leave here,” Cleopatra mourned. “Be comforted, dear madam,” Charmian replied. “No, I will not,” Cleopatra said. Using the … Continue reading →

— 4.13 — In her palace in Alexandria, Cleopatra worried about what Mark Antony might do to her. With her were Charmian, Iras, and Mardian. “Help me, my women!” Cleopatra said. “Oh, Antony is more mad than Great Ajax, son … Continue reading →

— 4.9 — Some sentinels stood at the guard post in Octavius Caesar’s camp outside Alexandria. The first soldier said, “If we are not relieved within this hour, we must return to the guardhouse. The night is bright and shiny … Continue reading →

— 4.6 — At Octavius Caesar’s camp at Alexandria were Caesar, Agrippa, Enobarbus, and others. Caesar said, “Go forth, Agrippa, and begin the battle. Our will is that Antony be taken alive. Make sure that everyone knows that.” “Caesar, I … Continue reading →

— 4.4 — In a room of Cleopatra’s palace were Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Attending them were Charmian and others. Mark Antony called, “Bring me my armor, Eros!” “Sleep a little,” Cleopatra said. “No, my darling,” Antony replied. He called … Continue reading →

— 4.1 — In Octavius Caesar’s camp before Alexandria, Egypt, Caesar was discussing with his friends Maecenas and Agrippa the message that Thidias had brought from Mark Antony. Caesar said, “He calls me ‘boy,’ and he chides me as if … Continue reading →

— 3.12 — In Octavius Caesar’s camp in Egypt, Caesar was speaking with his friend Dolabella. Caesar’s friend Thidias was also present, along with some attendants. Octavius Caesar ordered, “Let the messenger sent by Mark Antony appear before us.” An … Continue reading →

— 3.8 — On a plain near Actium on 2 September 31 B.C.E., Octavius Caesar talked with Taurus, his Lieutenant General. “Taurus!” “My lord?” “Strike not by land; keep the land forces whole and undivided. Do not provoke a land … Continue reading →