(iV. xiii. 5.)
But his mood changes. Even before he hears Cleopatra’s disclaimer and the news of her alleged death, he has become calm, and only feels the futility of it all; he is to himself “indistinct, as water is in water” (iv. xiv. 10). Then comes the message that his beloved is no more, and his resolution is fixed:
Unarm me, Eros; the long day’s task is done,
And we must sleep.
(iV. xiv. 36.)
His thoughts are with his Queen in the Elysian fields where he will ask her pardon,[212] and he only stays for Eros’ help. But when Eros chooses his own rather than his master’s death, Antony in his large-hearted way gives him the praise, and finds in his act a lesson.
Thrice-nobler than myself!
Thou teachest me, O valiant Eros, what
I should, and thou couldst not.
(iV. xiv. 95.)