Antony. They sought t' eclipse thy fame; but destiny
Revers'd th' effect of their ambition;
And Cæsar's praise increas'd by their disgrace,
That reck'd not of his virtuous deeds. But thus
We see it fareth with the envious.
Cæsar. I never had the thought to injure them.
Howbeit I never meant my greatness should
By any other's greatness be o'errul'd.
For as I am inferior to none,
So can I suffer no superiors.
Antony. Well, Cæsar, now they are discomfited,
And crows are feasted with their carcases;
And yet I fear you have too kindly sav'd
Those, that your kindness hardly will requite.
Cæsar. Why, Antony, what would you wish me do?
Now shall you see that they will pack to Spain,
And, joined with the exiles there encamp'd,
Until th' ill spirit, that doth them defend,
Do bring their treasons to a bloody end.
Antony. I fear not those that to their weapons fly,
And keep their state in Spain, in Spain to die.
Cæsar. Whom fear'st thou then, Mark Antony?
Antony. The hateful crew
That, wanting power in field to conquer you,
Have in their coward souls devised snares
To murder thee, and take thee at unwares.
Cæsar. Will those conspire my death that live by me?
Antony. In conquer'd foes what credit can there be?
Cæsar. Besides their lives, I did their goods restore.