VENTIDIUS. Then he obeyed your order. I suppose
[Aloud.]
You bid him do it with all gentleness,
All kindness, and all—love.

ANTONY. How she mourned,
The poor forsaken creature!

VENTIDIUS. She took it as she ought; she bore your parting
As she did Caesar's, as she would another's,
Were a new love to come.

ANTONY. Thou dost belie her;
[Aloud.]
Most basely, and maliciously belie her.

VENTIDIUS. I thought not to displease you; I have done.

OCTAVIA. You seemed disturbed, my Lord.
[Coming up.]

ANTONY. A very trifle.
Retire, my love.

VENTIDIUS. It was indeed a trifle.
He sent—

ANTONY. No more. Look how thou disobey'st me;
[Angrily.]
Thy life shall answer it.

OCTAVIA. Then 'tis no trifle.