Suicide of Mark Antony
Mark Antony, having been falsely informed of Cleopatra's death, falls on his sword in despair. He is brought to Cleopatra, who is still alive, and dies in her arms, leaving her to face the advancing R
Setting
A private chamber within Cleopatra's Palace in Alexandria, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. The room is adorned with rich Hellenistic decor, with marble floors and walls painted in vibrant frescoes of Egyptian and Greek motifs. A large window allows a view of the bustling harbor below, where Roman ships are visible in the distance.
Characters
Mark Antony
primary
A powerfully built Roman general in his early 50s, with a muscular frame now weakened by battle and despair. His face bears the weathered lines of a lifelong soldier, with a strong jawline shadowed by several days' growth of beard. Dark, piercing eyes that once commanded legions now hold a hollow, haunted look. His right arm bears a fresh, poorly bandaged wound from his failed suicide attempt.
Cleopatra
primary
A striking woman in her late 30s, with a regal yet weary presence. Her olive skin glows faintly in the dim light, and her dark, almond-shaped eyes are lined with kohl, though smudged from tears. Her wavy black hair is loosely gathered with golden pins, adorned with a small diasphera crown bearing the uraeus serpent. Her full lips are pressed tightly together, and her delicate hands tremble slightly.
Egyptian Physician
secondary
A middle-aged man of slight build, with deep-set eyes and a furrowed brow that speaks of years of study and practice. His olive skin is weathered from years spent traveling between royal courts and battlefields. His hands are steady but show signs of frequent washing, with clean, trimmed nails.
Roman Guard
background
A battle-hardened Roman soldier in his late 30s, with a muscular build and weathered features. His face bears the marks of sun and wind, with deep-set brown eyes that reflect both discipline and distress. Short-cropped dark hair frames a square jaw, and a faded scar runs diagonally across his left cheekbone.
Dialog
Mark Antony
By Mars' blood, I should have died on the field at Actium... not like this, bleeding like a wounded stag.
Cleopatra
Do not say such things, my lion of Rome. The physician can yet—
Mark Antony
No more physicians! Octavian's dogs will be here by nightfall. Better this steel than his chains.
Cleopatra
Then let the Nile take us together. Isis herself weeps to see her daughter so abandoned.
Mark Antony
You must live... Egypt needs her pharaoh... Promise me... (Greek) γλυκύ μου...
Cleopatra
The Queen of the Two Lands promises nothing! I shall meet you where Osiris judges the worthy dead.
Cleopatra
Bring the basket of figs... and my golden diadem. The asp shall have two royals this day.