Antony and Cleopatra — Act 4, Scene 4: The same. A room in the palace.

At Cleopatra’s palace, Antony prepares to go into battle and calls for Eros to bring his armour. Cleopatra tries to keep him close and even helps dress him, but Antony treats the moment as a soldier’s farewell and praises her as his heart’s armourer. A soldier arrives to report that the troops are ready, and captains gather to greet Antony at dawn. Antony is energized by the morning and by the sight of his armed followers. Before leaving, he kisses Cleopatra, bids her farewell, and promises to meet the fight like a man of steel. Cleopatra watches him go, admiring his courage and wishing he could settle the war with Caesar by single combat.