Rome and Egypt come apart for good. Octavius reports that Antony has handed out land belonging to the state. And he declares war on Cleopatra.
The ships of both sides gather off the west coast of Greece. Antony says he will fight at sea. His ships were big and heavy and he was short of men.
His officers advise against it. On land, they say, this can be won. One old soldier goes as far as kneeling to ask him.