Preserve this beautiful conquest and do not fear his opposition to yours if he can profit from it peacefully. But remember, should you frustrate him, he could cause you great distress. Antony’s values are not dead, they are merely slumbering. He might possibly awaken in fury, and without giving up the passion who reigns his heart, oppose you with all the rage of a man who fights to defend and take revenge for his glory and to save his mistress. Thus, do not make this unhappy friend a formidable enemy. I beg you, do not engage in a war where it would be painful for me to hope for your victory. Imagine the state I would find myself if I saw you once more armed for battle, but with this cruel difference that previously it was solely out of love for you, while this time it would be out of love for me. No, do not avenge the insult done to me and do not seek a cure worse than the illness. Just the thought of seeing my brother and husband prepared to kill each other because of me fill me with terror. I barely know what I am saying and under such stress, I am ready to give my blood and life to save yours and Antony's. However, as you would not accept neither my blood nor my life, then at least look upon my tears with compassion, and hear my claims and complaints. 

By your will, I am Antony's wife, so do not ask me later to leave his house as if it were my enemy's. Remember, I am the mother of Antony's children and as such, I should not abandon them or make them leave their paternal home. That would mean they would not be Antony's legitimate successors if they had to leave his house. And it would even provide detractors of Antony and Cleopatra's slaves with weapons to destroy me. So, I am determined not to act like this. My patience will last longer than Antony's love and, no matter the extent he might reach in his contempt for me, my decency will go even further. Yes, when his affection will have no return for me, when he will live and die in Cleopatra's arms, I will shed tears for his loss, but his memory will still be dear to me. Fulvia and Cleopatra's children will become mine. I will take care of their education and destiny. And as long as Octavia will live, she will continually provide new evidence of her perseverance. Being of a gender to which bravery is forbidden, at least patience must be allowed me and let this feeling serve as courage. Sometimes there is as much honour in enduring misfortune as there is in fighting one's enemies. 

So, do not oppose the victory I want to win over myself, and to make it more glorious, allow me to surpass you. Do not expose yourself to being defeated by Antony, but let yourself be defeated by Octavia. However, as I see in your eyes that you are not yet ready to yield to my tears and prayers, I will await your decision in my husband's house as it is the only place where I can remain honourably while Antony is still inside.

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