In the next scene Enobarbus regrets his decision to become a traitor. He comments that another man who turned traitor was hanged by Caesar (lines 11-15). And several other traitors, although they are allowed to live, are not allowed any position of respect in Caesar’s camp (lines 15-17). These men have acted dishonorably, and so Caesar knows that they cannot be trusted. Such men, then, will live the remainder of their lives in shame. Enobarbus regrets his decision and feels guilty. So, he decides to kill himself (lines 37-38). Even suicide, as dishonorable as that is, is preferable over fighting against Antony. Enobarbus had served Antony loyally most of his life. Antony was his friend as well as his leader. Eobarbus realizes that he should have remained by Antony’s side even if it did mean certain death.
In Scene 7 one of Caesar’s men comments that Antony’s army is doing far better than they expected. Caesar’s army must retreat (move back) as Antony’s army moves against them.
In Scene 8 Antony and his man Scarus are both bloody from the battle, but they realize they are winning and feel confident that the victory will soon be theirs.
After the battle Antony, with Scarus, returns to Cleopatra. He informs the queen that they won the day’s battle. Antony feels proud and confident, and he even allows Scarus (who performed nobly that day) to kiss Cleopatra’s hand. This act is in significant contrast to the one in Act III, Scene 13. In that earlier scene Antony has Thidias (the messenger of Octavius Caesar) whipped for being so bold and presumptuous (insolent or rash) as to kiss the hand of Cleopatra. In that earlier scene, Antony was irrational and jealous. But now he is rational and no longer jealous. He is the great and noble Antony once again.
In the tenth scene Enobarbus commits suicide. He is so filled with grief and shame that life is no longer bearable. He realizes that the world will only remember him as a traitor and deserter, but he hopes that Antony will forgive him (line 19). The dishonorable act of desertion is bad in itself; but Enobarbus regrets even more his betrayal of a good and noble man, namely, Antony. Enobarbus does not care so much about his name as it will be described in the history books. But he does care about what Antony thinks of him.