The Tragedy of Antony and Cleopatra: Act 4, Scene 7 Translation

A side-by-side translation of Act 4, Scene 7 of The Tragedy of Antony and Cleopatra from the original Shakespeare into modern English.

Original Text	Translated Text
Source: Folger Shakespeare Library
Alarum, Drums and Trumpets. Enter Agrippa, with other of Caesar’s soldiers. AGRIPPA Retire! We have engaged ourselves too far. Caesar himself has work, and our oppression Exceeds what we expected. They exit.	On the battlefield between the camps, Agrippa (Caesar’s guy) calls his men to retreat, as they’ve overestimated their strength.
Alarums. Enter Antony, and Scarus wounded. SCARUS O my brave emperor, this is fought indeed! Had we done so at first, we had droven them home 5 With clouts about their heads. ANTONY Thou bleed’st apace. SCARUS I had a wound here that was like a T, But now ’tis made an H. Sound of retreat far off. ANTONY They do retire. 10 SCARUS We’ll beat ’em into bench-holes. I have yet Room for six scotches more.	Antony confers with a wounded soldier, Scarus, as Caesar's army sounds a retreat.
Enter Eros. EROS They are beaten, sir, and our advantage serves For a fair victory. SCARUS Let us score their backs 15 And snatch ’em up as we take hares, behind. ’Tis sport to maul a runner. ANTONY I will reward thee Once for thy sprightly comfort and tenfold For thy good valor. Come thee on. 20 SCARUS I’ll halt after. They exit.	Caesar’s side is clearly beat, and Antony, calm, promises to reward his men for their high spirits, even more for their valor, and even more for being the only people to not ditch him for Caesar.