Enter Cleopatra, Charmian, Alexas, and Iras

CLEOPATRA   Where is he?

CHARMIAN                                         I did not see him since.

CLEOPATRA   See where he is, who’s with him, what he does.

I did not send you. If you find him sad,

Say I am dancing: if in mirth, report

That I am sudden sick. Quick, and return.

[Exit Alexas]                (1.3.1-5)

Whereas by the end of the previous scene Antony has become decisive, purposeful, and authoritative, Cleopatra here is frenetic and (still) capricious. And she’s looking for Antony, still; there’s the sense that, since her exit in the previous scene, that’s all she’s been doing, casting around for him and for something to do. Where is he? Where can he have got to? I did not see him since, says Charmian, unhelpfully; no idea, haven’t seen him since the last time we saw him (or, since the last time you asked…) Well go and look for him, and find him; see where he is, who’s with him, what he does, what he’s up to. But don’t say I sent you! Now Cleopatra starts to scheme a bit; it’s not just a matter of locating Antony, it’s what’s to happen next, and who’s in control. If you find him sad, solemn and serious, say I am dancing, without a care in the world (and you know how much he likes my dancing…). But if you find him in mirth, cheerful and carefree, report that I am sudden sick, tell him that I’ve been taken ill. Quick, and return. Jump to it! And so—apparently, although there’s no stage direction in the folio text (this is editorial) off the loyal Alexas goes to do her bidding, leaving Cleopatra with her women once more.