The Tragedy of Antony and Cleopatra: Act 3, Scene 8 Translation

A side-by-side translation of Act 3, Scene 8 of The Tragedy of Antony and Cleopatra from the original Shakespeare into modern English.

  Original Text

 Translated Text

  Source: Folger Shakespeare Library

Enter Caesar with his army, and Taurus, marching.

CAESAR Taurus!

TAURUS My lord?

CAESAR
Strike not by land, keep whole. Provoke not battle
Till we have done at sea. Do not exceed
The prescript of this scroll. Hands him a scroll. 5
Our fortune lies
Upon this jump.

They exit.

At Actium, Caesar gives instruction to his lieutenant, Taurus. They’re not to engage Antony’s side on land until the sea battle is over. He’s convinced all their fortunes rest on this one decision.