Doomed Love-- Mark Antony has given himself over to the love of Cleopatra, ignoring his responsibilities to Rome. In his absence the city has suffered and petty squabbles have led to war. Despite wanting to stay by Cleopatra's side, Antony must return to Rome even though it spells disaster for all involved. The barge she sat in, like a burnished throne, Burned on the water; the poop was beaten gold; Purple the sails, and so perfumed that The winds were love-sick with them; the oars were silver, Which to the tune of flutes kept stroke, and made The water which they beat to follow faster, As amorous of their strokes. For her own person, It beggared all description.