him from this retreat into society; for hearing that Cleopa’tra had secret conferences with one Thyrsus, an emissary from Augustus, he seized upon him, ordered him to be cruelly scourged, and sent him back to his patron.  At the same time he sent letters by him importing that Thyrsus had been chastised for insulting a man in misfortunes; but withal he gave Augustus permission to revenge himself by scourging Hippar’chus, Antony’s freedman, in the same manner.  The revenge, in this case, would have been highly pleasing to Antony, as Hippar’chus had left him, to join the fortunes of his more successful rival.

Questions for Examination.

1.  What obstacle remained to the ambition of Augustus, and how did he attempt its removal?

2.  How was Antony at this time employed?

3.  Did he keenly feel his misfortune?

4.  Was she eminently skilled in the art of pleasing?

5.  Was not Antony lavish in his favours to her?

6.  What was the consequence of this folly?

7.  By what means did he seek a quarrel?

8.  How was this measure approved by Antony and Cleopatra?

9.  What imprudent resolutions did he adopt?

10.  Did he do this publicly?

11.  What farther favours did he bestow on her?

12.  Did Augustus immediately commence hostilities?

13.  What complaints did Antony make of Augustus?

14.  Did Augustus notice these accusations?

15.  What effect had his reply on Antony?

16.  Were these military preparations formidable?

17.  What advantages did Antony offer Augustus?

18.  What was the respective strength of the armies?

19.  Describe the preparations for this great conflict?

20.  Was the engagement well contested?

21.  What extraordinary circumstance decided its fate?

22.  Did he reproach Cleopatra for her timidity?

23.  Had Antony any resources left?

24.  How did he receive this news?

25.  How did Cleopatra act in this exigence?

26.  What was this project?

27.  Was it put in execution?

28.  How did she attempt this, and with what views?

29.  What farther hopes had she of favour?

30.  What proposals did she make, and how were they received?

31.  Was Antony aware of these negociations?

32.  Did he persist in thus secluding himself?

SECTION VIII.

  O sun, thy uprise I shall see no more: 
  Fortune and Antony part here.—­Shakspeare.