Sextus Pompeius

Also known as: Pompey / Sextus Pompey · Family: Pompeian faction · Role: commander · First appears: Antony and Cleopatra · Act I, Scene II

At Rome, Sextus Pompeius challenges Octavius Caesar and takes command of the sea: “Sextus Pompeius Hath given the dare to Caesar, and commands The empire of the sea.” As public support shifts Pompey the Great’s dignities onto his son, Sextus grows strong at sea, while Menecrates and Menas raid Italy and stir revolt in his name. Octavius Caesar and Lepidus regard him as a rival and enemy, while Cleopatra speaks of Pompey the Great standing before her as a suitor.

At Messina, Mark Antony admits that Sextus has shown him great courtesies and resolves to thank him before challenging him. Near Misenum, Sextus accepts Sicily and Sardinia and agrees with Octavius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Lepidus to formalize their treaty in writing and seal it.

At his galley, Menas offers to kill the three triumvirs, but Sextus rejects the treachery, declaring that honor—not profit—leads him. He acknowledges Menas’s faithful service, yet Menas abandons him after the refusal; before leaving, Sextus and Mark Antony affirm, “But, what? We are friends.”