'. He resolves to return to Rome and endeavour to paper over the cracks his wife has caused, disregarding his previous assertions about letting his homeland collapse. Reflecting on the fickle nature of the people of Rome he calls them 'our slippery people'. Mocked by Cleopatra for his desire to please Caesar he hastens his departure from Alexandria, the mental tug of war raging in his head pulling him back to Rome and away from the pleasures of the flesh he had been partaking in. Despite his apparent desire to right his wrongs, we are left in no doubt that he will return to his lover at the closest possible opportunity.
             In Rome Caesar and Lepidus debate Anthony's faults, reflecting on the reason for his popularity; 'a man who is the abstract of all faults that all men follow'. Pompey, an enemy of the state who threatens the Italian shores, also comments on Antony's prowess in the field, and of his current predicament he says that if Cleopatra can 'keep his brain fuming' this can only be to Pompey's advantage.
             On his return to Rome Antony is placed decidedly on the back foot by accusations of what amounts to treason against Rome; 'their contestation was theme for you, you where the word of war' says Caesar when speaking of the wars made by Fulvia and Antony's brother. Antony blusters through, but Caesar's questions serve to re-affirm his doubts about his tenure in Alexandria and his weakened position at the triple throne of the empire. Politics is a field best left to subtle men, and Antony is as such vulnerable to Caesars mastery of words and gestures. Indeed, Antony is forced to apologise to Caesar; 'I'll play the penitent to you, but mine honesty shall not make poor my greatness'. At this point Antony still believes in his own legend, and will continue to cling to this belief for some time.
             It is often said that war brings out the best i...