Antony and Cleopatra, Act 3, Scene 1 summary
Act 3, Scene 1 of 42 · 2 min to read the scene
In Act 3, Scene 1, Ventidius celebrates victory over the Parthians but refuses Silius’s advice to pursue them, fearing that further success would threaten Antony’s standing. He chooses to credit his commander in a report and prepares to meet him in Athens, making military ambition yield to political caution.
What happens
- Ventidius enters with Roman troops and Pacorus’s body, presenting the victory as revenge for Marcus Crassus’s death.
- Silius urges Ventidius to pursue the fleeing Parthians and earn public honors from Antony.
- Ventidius refuses, citing Sossius as an officer whose growing fame costs him Antony’s favor.
- Ventidius plans a humble report that credits Antony’s name, banners, and troops for the victory.
- Ventidius says Antony plans to visit Athens and orders the procession onward to meet him.
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Why does Ventidius refuse to pursue the fleeing Parthians?
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