To avenge their own injuries, they would find no difficulty in violating human<hr>
rights, forgetting natural equity, breaking the most just laws, destroying their homeland and disregarding the power of the gods. This is the disorder that hatred can sometimes cause even in the strongest of spirits. To prevent you from falling into such misfortune, consider for a moment what an excess of love might lead to in the unfortunate Antony. Do you believe that hatred would afford you more just sentiments? If I were jealous, do you believe that there would be less violence incited in you? If the passions of Octavius, Antony, and Octavia were conflicting as they are today and if hatred were to take over, we could be capable of destroying the entire world. Therefore, do not involve yourself in ill-considered schemes. However, if you wish to take vengeance on Antony, leave him to his own thoughts and Cleopatra's charms. Let him peacefully retain this beautiful conquest and don’t worry about him opposing yours if he can benefit from it undisturbed.<hr>
       But remember, should you frustrate him, he could cause you much pain. Antony's values have not died, they have simply fallen dormant. He may perhaps wake up in fury, and without forsaking the passion reigning in his heart, oppose you with all the wrath of a man fighting to defend himself and exact revenge, to maintain his glory and preserve his mistress. Therefore, do not make this unfortunate friend a formidable enemy. I implore you, never engage in a war where it would be painful for me to hope for your victory. Consider the state I would be in if I saw you once again decked out for war, but with the cruel difference that it used to be only for your love, while this time, it would be for mine. No, do not avenge the insult that has been done to me and don’t seek a remedy worse than the disease. Just the thought of seeing my brother and husband ready to kill each other because of me fills me with dread. I hardly know anymore what I am saying and under such stress, I am ready to give my blood and life to preserve yours and that of Antony. However, as you would not accept either my blood or my life, then look upon my tears with compassion, at least listen to my pleas and complaints.<hr>
       It is by your will that I am Antony's wife, so do not then ask me to leave his house as if it were my enemy's. Remember, I am the mother of Antony's children and in that capacity, I must not abandon them or make them leave their father's house. It would imply that they would not be Antony’s legitimate successors should they desert his home. And it would even provide ammunition to Antony's detractors and Cleopatra’s slaves to destroy me. Therefore, I am determined not to behave that way. My patience will outlast Antony’ love and, whatever the extent of the contempt he might have for me, my decency will stretch even further. Yes, when his affection for me will not be reciprocated, and he shall live and die in Cleopatra's arms, I will shed tears for his loss but his memory will be dear to me. Fulvia’s and Cleopatra’s children will become mine. I will take care of their education and their fate.<hr>
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