Antony and Cleopatra — Act 2, Scene 3: The same. OCTAVIUS CAESAR's house.

At Caesar’s house, Antony and Octavia say farewell after their marriage arrangement. Antony tells her that duty and public business will sometimes keep him from her, and Octavia promises to pray for him while he is away. Antony then urges Caesar not to judge him only by rumors and admits he has not kept his proper course, though he promises better conduct in the future. After Caesar and Octavia leave, a Soothsayer tells Antony that he should return to Egypt and warns him that he will always fare worse near Caesar than at a distance. Antony takes the warning seriously, decides to go back to Egypt, and calls for Ventidius, sending him to Parthia.