The Roman triumvir Mark Antony luxuriates in Alexandria with his lover, Cleopatra, while his men complain that their once great military leader has been ruined by his infatuation with this Queen of Egypt. Messages arrive from Rome, and Cleopatra teases Antony about his subservience to his wife, Fulvia, as well as to the younger triumvir, Octavius Caesar. In defiance, Antony sends the messengers away unheard.

Shortly afterward, Cleopatra's two maids-in-waiting, Charmian and Iras, ask a Soothsayer to tell them their fortunes. When he ominously suggests that they will not live long, the women misinterpret his warnings and instead joke about their good luck

Meanwhile, Antony hears of separate battles being waged against Octavius Caesar- one of which has been started by Antony's wife, Fulvia. After another messenger tells him of Fulvia's death, Antony berates himself for being enchanted by Cleopatra and decides to return to his...