Totally Random Daily Shakespeare

 

Today’s Totally Random Lines

 

What’s thy passion?

 Domitius Enobarbus

Antony and Cleopatra       Act III, Scene x, Line 6

This is a scene where Enobarbus and Scarus are witnessing and discussing a sea battle in which Antony is being routed. Enobarbus started with a description of how Antony’s forces,

With all their sixty, fly and turn the rudder:

Scarus enters, remarking,

                                      Gods and goddesses,

All the whole synod of them!

To which Enobarbus responds with Today’s Line,

                                      What’s thy passion?

Scarus replies,

The greater cantle (segment) of the world is lost

With very ignorance; we have kist away

Kingdoms and provinces.

I’m pretty sure that when Enobarbus asks Scarus about his passion, he’s asking him what’s upsetting him. Apparently Scarus feels that Antony’s losing the battle is the beginning of the end for all of them, and that’s what he’s upset about.

Of course, today if somewhat asks you what their passion is, the answer is usually writing, or football, or something like that. So it’s definitely a little bit funny, or different from us, the way Enobarbus uses the word passion. Yet, it makes sense if you think about it for a minute or two.

Would you be willing to think about it for a minute or two?

We're thinking. 

Can't you tell?