Final answer:
The quote describes Mark Antony as a powerful protective figure, seen through Cleopatra's eyes in Shakespeare's 'Antony and Cleopatra.' Their defeat at the Battle of Actium leads to their and Octavian's rise as Augustus.
Step-by-step explanation:
The quotation "The demi-Atlas of this earth, the arms / And burgonet of men!" is referring to Mark Antony, who is being described by Cleopatra in William Shakespeare's play Antony and Cleopatra. The passage highlights Cleopatra's view of Antony as a powerful and protective figure, likening him to a demi-god (demi-Atlas) and attributing him the strength and defense (arms and burgonet) of men.
Cleopatra's relationship with Antony was both romantic and political, affecting the affairs of the Roman Empire and Egypt. Their story ends tragically with their defeat at the hands of Octavian's forces at the naval Battle of Actium, leading to their and Octavian's rising power as he becomes Augustus, the first Roman Emperor.