"Antony and Cleopatra" is a tale of two lovers and their ultimate demise. Although they lust for one another, the true basis of their relationship is merely a game. Throughout this play, Antony and Cleopatra work against each other to bring about their downfall.
             After the biggest defeat in Antony's military career, he blames Cleopatra for his fall from power:
             This fowl Egyptian hath betrayed me...
             Hast sold me to this novice, and my heart...
             O, this false soul of Egypt! (4.12.11-27)
             Antony becomes "the noble ruin of her magic" after she encourages him to wage war on the sea and promises her support (3.10.23). Despite his better judgment as a seasoned warrior, and the warnings of his comrades, he follows Cleopatra into battle, only to be abandoned.
             Not only does Cleopatra ruin Antony's military reputation and honor, but she also destroys his will to live. After Antony loses his power, Cleopatra understands that in order to preserve her position as Queen of Egypt she must become loyal to Caesar. Realizing how dangerous her situation is, Cleopatra flees and sends a message to Antony saying she is dead. Antony, in his grief, resolves to end his life, rather than live without Cleopatra. He says, "I come, my queen.../ Where souls do couch on flowers, we'll hand in hand, And with our sprightly port makes the ghosts gaze" (4.14.60-2). After Antony falls on his sword, his dying body is brought to Cleopatra's monument. At her request, he is lifted up to her, rather than her lowering herself to him.
             Although Cleopatra is partly to blame for this tragedy, Antony is equally at fault. In the opening lines, Shakespeare illustrates Antony's lack of duty as a triumvir. When Philo speaks to Demetrius, he comments that: "[Antony] have glowed like plated Mars, now bend, now turn, The office and devotion of their view Upon a t
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