The second act begins with a short scene between Pompey (Sextus Pompeius) and the two pirates that serve him, Menecrates and Menas. In the very first line, Pompey hopes that the “great gods” will assist him in seizing the throne. He is hoping that fate or destiny will bring good fortune to him. However, that will not be the case. Pompey worries that any delay may ruin his chances. He realizes that the strength of his forces is increasing (“crescent” in line 10). And he believes that Antony wallows in luxury in Egypt (lines 11-13). Pompey is also well aware that Octavius Caesar is not well loved by many of his people and that neither Octavius nor Antony care much about Lepidus (the third member of the Triumvirate). Thus, Pompey believes the Triumvirate has grown weak while he has grown stronger.
There is some truth to his belief, but Pompey has waited too long. Octavius Caesar and Lepidus have united to form a massive army to march against Pompey (lines 16-17). And Mark Antony will soon arrive in Rome (lines 29-30). Pompey is particularly upset upon hearing the news concerning Antony. He states, “I could have given less matter a better ear” (31-32). Pompey means that he would rather have heard any other news. Pompey realizes that Antony’s “soldiership is twice the other twain” (34-35). In other words, Antony’s ability as a general is twice as good as that of Octavius and Lepidus combined. Pompey believes he could defeat both Lepidus and Octavius, but he does not believe he can defeat Antony. Pompey hopes that the differences and conflicts between Octavius and Antony will prevent them from combining their forces (lines 45-47). Yet Pompey also realizes that this may be too much to hope for. Thus, Pompey realizes that his future is something he cannot predict: “Be’t as our gods will have’t” (50). Pompey resigns himself to the power of fate. Later, when he is certain that Antony will be joining the forces of Octavius and Lepidus, Pompey agrees to terms of peace. And that agreement, still later, results in his defeat. Thus, fate does not treat Pompey kindly.
Before Octavius and Antony can deal with the threat from Pompey, they must first resolve or end their own disagreements and conflicts. Octavius Caesar has several complaints against Antony. Primarily, he believed that Antony was conspiring or plotting against him to become the sole ruler of Rome. Octavius argues that the wars started by Antony’s brother and wife were instigated (or begun) by Antony (lines 46-47). But Antony explains that his brother’s war was done without his own consent or support and that even Antony himself viewed his brother as his own enemy as well (lines 52-55). Antony also explains that his jealous wife, Fulvia, started the war against Octavius in order to force Antony to leave Egypt (lines 99-100). In regards to this second matter, Octavius also accuses Antony of acting dishonorably since Antony was bound by an oath to support Octavius with his military power whenever Octavius so requested it. But Antony, a man to whom honor is an exceedingly important characteristic, explains that he did not know all of the details concerning the conflict because he was too involved with Cleopatra (suggested by “poison hours”: lines 95-96). In addition, Antony apologizes to Octavius for his delay and for appearing not to have honored his promise or pledge to Octavius (“pardon” in line 102).
Octavius Caesar accepts Antony’s apology
but realizes that their friendship needs to be stronger. They cannot always be in conflict with one another when very serious dangers, such as the one posed by Pompey, threaten the destruction of the Roman Empire. Octavius declares that he would like to find a “hoop” that should bind them closer in friendship (line 120). At this point Agrippa (one of Octavius’ men) suggests that Antony should marry Octavia, the sister to Octavius (lines 134-35). Marriage for political reasons was certainly nothing unusual, and Antony is well aware that the conflict between himself and Octavius is a serious problem for himself and for the Roman Empire. So, Antony quickly agrees to the match. Antony is not thinking emotionally here. He is away from Egypt and away from Cleopatra. He is cool and calm. He is making a wise and rational decision. He has not stopped his feelings for Cleopatra; but, being away from her, he is able to control those emotions.
Thus, Antony and Octavius will become brothers-in-law, which from the Roman perspective, is like being a brother in blood: “from this hour the heart of brothers govern in our loves” (154-55). Antony and Octavius thus believe, or at least hope, that their friendship will be stronger and last forever – “perpetual amity” (131). Yet the careful reader should not so quickly forget that Mark Antony’s actual brother had made war upon Octavius and had caused problems between himself and Antony. A man cannot even always be friends with his own brother.