Ant. Fulvia is dead.
Eno. Sir? 168
Ant. Fulvia is dead.
Eno. Fulvia!
Ant. Dead.
Eno. Why, sir, give the gods a thankful sacri- 172
fice. When it pleaseth their deities to take the
wife of a man from him, it shows to man the
tailors of the earth; comforting therein, that
when old robes are worn out, there are members 176
to make new. If there were no more women
but Fulvia, then had you indeed a cut, and the
case to be lamented: this grief is crowned with
consolation; your old smock brings forth a new 180
petticoat; and indeed the tears live in an onion
that should water this sorrow.
Ant. The business she hath broached in the state
Cannot endure my absence. 184
Eno. And the business you have broached
here cannot be without you; especially that of
Cleopatra's, which wholly depends on your
abode. 188
Ant. No more light answers. Let our officers
Have notice what we purpose. I shall break
The cause of our expedience to the queen,
And get her leave to part. For not alone 192
The death of Fulvia, with more urgent touches,
Do strongly speak to us, but the letters too
Of many our contriving friends in Rome
Petition us at home. Sextus Pompeius 196
Hath given the dare to Cæsar, and commands
The empire of the sea; our slippery people—
Whose love is never link'd to the deserver
180 smock: an inner garment worn by women
183 broached: begun
191 expedience: expedition
