Summary

Mark Antony again vows to leave Cleopatra and return to the Roman Empire. However, he cannot bear to take his leave of his despairing lover. Instead, he orders Dolabella to take his message to the queen. First, any treaty Mark Antony makes with Caesar Octavius will include the condition that the emperor leave Cleopatra to rule Egypt. Second, he begs Cleopatra to think of him fondly, because he does not wish to leave her. Third, he says that his heart will break if he ever hears she has taken another lover. Dolabella is reluctant to deliver the message. He says he has such a gentle nature he will not find strength to bear the queen's grief. However, Mark Antony insists.

Alexas urges Cleopatra to flirt with Dolabella when he comes to her chamber. If Mark Antony becomes jealous of a potential romantic...