Antony and Cleopatra: Act 3, Scene 6 Summary & Analysis

In Rome, at the house of Octavius, Octavius complains to Maecenas and Agrippa about Antony’s behavior: he has enthroned Cleopatra and himself in public on a platform of silver with golden chairs, and has declared Cleopatra queen of Egypt, Syria, Cyprus, and Lydia. Moreover, he has declared his sons by Cleopatra “the kings of kings.” Antony has also publicly accused Octavius of denying his rightful share of the spoils from recently defeating Pompey (including part of Sicily). Octavius says that he will only give Antony his share if Antony gives him part of the conquered territories of Armenia.

Octavia arrives and Octavius marvels that she came to Rome secretly, without any entourage. She tells him that she has come to beg pardon for Antony. He asks her if she knows where Antony is, and she says he is in Athens. He informs her that Antony has betrayed her, and is actually in Egypt with Cleopatra. Octavius says that Antony “hath given his empire / Up to a whore,” and has assembled allies for war.

Octavia is shocked, and laments that she has her “heart parted betwixt two friends.” Octavius says that he held off on fighting with Antony for her sake, until he learned that Antony had wronged her. He welcomes her to Rome and encourages her to stay. Maecenas tells her that everyone in Rome loves and pities her.