b

can.

a

you

And bids thee study on what fair demands

CLEO.

Where art thou, Death ? Thou mean'st to have him grant thee.

Come hither, come ! come, come, and take a queen Cleo.

What's thy name? Worth many babes and beggars ! Pro. My name is Proculeius.

Pro.

O, ternperance, lady! CLEO.

Antony

CLEO. Sir, I will eat no meat, I'll not drink, Did tell me of

you,
bade me trust you ;
but

sir ; I do not greatly care to be deceiv’d,

If idle talk will once be accessary, That have no use for trusting. If your master I'll not sleep neither : this mortal house I'll ruin, Would have a queen his beggar, you must tell him Do Cæsar what he ca Know, sir, that I That majesty, to keep decorum, must

Will not wait pinion’d at your master's court ; No less beg than a kingdom: if he please Nor once be chástis’d with the sober eye To give me conquer'd Egypt for my son,

Of dull Octavia. Shall they hoist me up, He gives me so much of mine own, as I

And show me to the shouting varletry Will kneel to him with thanks.

Of censuring Rome? Rather a ditch in Egypt PRO.

Be of good cheer ; Be gentle grave unto me! Rather on Nilus' mud You 're fall’n into a princely hand, fear nothing : Lay me stark nak’d, and let the water-flies Make your full reference freely to my lord, Blow me into abhorring ! Rather make Who is so full of grace, that it flows over

My country's high pyramids my gibbet, On all that need. Let me report to him

And hang me up in chains ! Your sweet dependency, and shall find

PRO.

You do extend A conqueror that will pray in aid for kindness, These thoughts of horror further than you shall Where he for grace is kneeld to.

Find cause in Cæsar.
CLEO.

Pray you, tell him
I am his fortune’s vassal, and I send him
The greatness he has got. I hourly learn

Enter DOLABELLA.
A doctrine of obedience; and would gladly
Look him i' the face.

DOL.

Proculeius, PRO.

This I'll report, dear lady. What thou hast done thy master Cæsar knows, Have comfort, for I know your plight is pitied

And he hath sent for thee: for the queen, Of him that caus'd it.

I'll take her to my guard. GAL." You see how easily she may be surpris'd; Pro.

So, Dolabella, [Here PROCULEIUS and two of the Guard It shall content me best : be gentle to her.ascend the Monument by a ladder placed To Cæsar I will speak what you

shall please, against a window, and, having descended,

[To CLEOPATRA, come behind CLEOPATRA. Some of the If you 'll employ me to him. Guard unbar and open the gates.

CLEO.

Say, I would die Guard her till Cæsar come.

[Exceunt PROCULEIUS and Soldiers. [To PROCULEIUS and the Guard. Exit. Dol. Most noble empress, you have heard of Iras. Royal queen! CHAR. O, Cleopatra ! thou art taken, queen !

Cleo. I cannot tell. CLEO. Quick, quick, good hands.

Dor.

Assuredly, you know me. [Drawing a dagger. Cleo. No matter, sir, what I have heard or PRO. Hold, worthy lady, hold !

known. [Seizes and disarms her. You laugh, when boys or women tell their dreams ; Do not yourself such wrong, who are in this

Is't not

your

trick ? Reliev'd, but not betray’d.

Dol.

I understand not, madam. CLEO. What, of death too, Cleo. I dreamt there was

an emperor ánThat rids our dogs of languish?

tony; PRO.

Cleopatra,

O, such another sleep, that I might see Do not abuse my master's bounty by

But such another man ! The uudoing of yourself: let the world see

Dor,

If it might please ye,His nobleness well acted, which your

Cleo. His face was as the heavens; and Will never let come forth.

me ?

arm

were b

a man

A sun and moon, which kept their course, and CÆs. Arise, you shall not kneel :lighted

I pray you, rise; rise, Egypt. The little 0," the earth.

CLEO.

Sir, the gods DOL.

Most sovereign creature, Will have it thus; my master and my lord Cleo. His legs bestrid the ocean; his rear'd I must obey.

CAS. Take to you no hard thoughts : Crested the world; his voice was propertied

The record of what injuries you did

us, As all the tuned spheres, and that to friends ; Though written in our flesh, we shall remember But when he meant to quail and shake the orb, As things but done by chance. He was as rattling thunder. For his bounty, CLEO.

Sole sir o' the world, There was no winter in 't; an autumn* 't was, I cannot project mine own cause so well That grew the more by reaping. His delights To make it clear ; but do confess I have Were dolphin-like; they show'd his back above Been laden with like frailties which before The element they liv’d in: in his livery

Have often sham'd our sex. Walk'd crowns and crownets ; realms and islands

Cæs.

Cleopatra, know,

We will extenuate rather than enforce: As plates 6 dropp'd from his pocket.

If you apply yourself to our intents, Dol.

Cleopatra, (Which towards you are most gentle) you shall CLEO. Think

you
there
was,
or might be, such

find

A benefit in this change ; but if you seek
As this I dreamt of ?

To lay on me a cruelty, by taking
Dol.
Gentle madam, no.

Antony's course, you shall bereave yourself Cleo. You lie, up to the hearing of the gods ! Of my good purposes, and put your children But, if there be, or ever were, one such,

To that destruction which I 'll guard them from, It's past the size of dreaming : Nature wants stuff If thereon you rely. I'll tak my

leave. To vie strange forms with fancy; yet, to imagine Cleo. And may, through all the world: 't is An Antony, were Nature's piece 'gainst fancy,

we, Condemning shadows quite."

Your scutcheons and your signs of conquest, shall Dor.

Hear me, good madam: Hang in what place you please. Here, my good Your loss is as yourself, great; and you bear it

lord. As answering to the weight : would I might never Cæs. You shall advise me in all for Cleopatra. O'ertake pursu'd success, but I do feel,

Cleo. This is the brief of money, plate, and By the rebound of yours, a grief that smitest

jewels, My very heart at root.

I am possess'd of: ’t is exactly valu'd ; Cleo.

I thank

you,
sir.

Not petty things admitted.— Where's Seleucus ?
Know you what Cæsar means to do with me ? SEL. Here, madam.
Dol. I am loth to tell you what I would you Cleo. This is my treasurer ; let him speak, my
knew.

lord, Cleo. Nay, pray you, sir, —

Upon his peril, that I have reserv'd Dol.

Though he be honourable,- To myself nothing. Speak the truth, Seleucus. Cleo. He'll lead me, then, in triumph ?

SEL. Madam, Dol. Madam, he will ; I know 't.

I had rather seal® my lips, than, to my peril,

[Flourish without. Speak that which is not. Without. Make way there,—Cæsar !

CLEO.

What have I kept back ? SEL. Enough to purchase what you have made

known. Enter CÆSAR, Gallus, PROCULEIUS, MECÆNAS, SELEUCUS, and Attendants.

Cæs. Nay, blush not, Cleopatra ; I approve

Your wisdom in the deed. CÆs. Which is the queen of Egypt ?

CLEO.

See, Cæsar! O, behold, Dol. It is the emperor, madam.

How pomp is follow'd ! mine will now be yours ; (CLEOPATRA kneels. And should we shift estates yours would be mine.

yours; and

, rarely base!

Cæs.

me

The ingratitude of this Seleucus does

Cleo. He words me, girls, he words me, that I Even make me wild :-0, slave, of no more trust

should not Than love that's hir'd !- What, goest thou back ? Be noble to myself: but hark thee, Charmian. thou shalt

[Whispers CHAMIAN. Go back, I warrant thee ; but I'll catch thine IRAs. Finish, good lady; the bright day is eyes,

done, Though they had wings. Slave, soulless villain, And we are for the dark. dog!

CLEO.

Hie thee again

I have spoke already, and it is provided ;
Good
queen,
let us entreat you.

Go, put it to the haste.
CLEO. (), Cæsar, what a wounding shame is CHAR.

Madam, I will
this,
That thou, vouchsafing here to visit me,

Re-enter DOLABELLA.
Doing the honour of thy lordliness
To one so meek,—that mine own servant should

Dol. Where is the queen ?
Parcel the sum of my disgraces by

CHAR.

Behold, sir. [Erit. Addition of his envy! Say, good Cæsar,

CLEO.

Dolabella! That I some lady trifles have reserv’d,

DOL. Madam, as thereto sworn by your comImmoment toys, things of such dignity

mand, As we greet modern“ friends withal; and say, Which my love makes religion to obey, Some nobler token I have kept apart

I tell you this : Cæsar through Syria For Livia and Octavia, to induce

Intends his journey; and, within three days, Their mediation ; must I be unfolded

You with your children will he send before : With one that I have bred ? The gods ! It smites Make

your best use of this : I have perform’d

Your pleasure, and my promise. Beneath the fall I havę.—Pr’ythee, go hence; CLEO.

Dolabella, [T. SELEUCUS. I shall remain your debtor. Or I shall show the cinders of my spirits

Dol.

I Through the ashes of my chance :-wert thou a Adieu, good queen ; I must attend on Cæsar. man,

Cleo. Farewell, and thanks. Erit Dou. Thou wouldst have mercy on me.

Now, Iras, what think’st thou ? CÆS.

Forbear, Seleucus. Thou, an Egyptian puppet, shalt be shown

[Exit SeleucUS. In Rome, as well as I: inechanic slaves Cleo. Be it known, that we, the greatest, are With greasy aprons, rules, and hammers, shal misthought

Uplift us to the view ; in their thick breaths, For things that others do; and, when we fall, Rank of gross diet, shall we be enclouded, We answer others' merits in our name,

And forc'd to drink their vapour. Are therefore to be pitied.

IRAS.

The gods forbid ! Cæs. Cleopatra,

Cleo. Nay, 't is most certain, Iras :—saucy Not what you have reserv’d, nor what acknow

lictors ledg'a,

Will catch at us, like strumpets ; and scald rh mers

; Put we i' the roll of conquest :(1) still be’t yours, Ballad us out o' tune: the quick comedians Bestow it at your pleasure ; and believe

Extemporally will stage us, and present Cæsar 's no merchant, to make prize with you Our Alexandrian revels; Antony Of things that merchants sold. Therefore be Shall be brought drunken forth, and I shall see cheer'd;

Some squeaking Cleopatra boy my greatnes Make not your thoughts your prisons; no, dear l' the posture of a whore. queen;

IRAS.

0, the good gods ! For we intend so to dispose you as

Cleo. Nay, that's certain. Yourself shall give us counsel. Feed, and sleep:

IRAs. I'll never see 't; for, I am sure, my Our care and pity is so much upon you,

nails
That we remain your friend ; and so adieu. Are stronger than mine eyes.
Cleo. My master, and my

lord !
CLEO.

Why, that's the way Cæs.

Adieu. To fool their preparation, and to conquer [Flourish. Exeunt Cæsar and his Train. Their most absurd d intents. —

your servant.

3

с

پ نے

Of woman in me: now from head to foot
Re-enter CHARMIAN.

I am marble-constant; now the fleeting moon

No planet is of mine.

Now, Charmian ! Show me, my women, like a queen :-go fetch Re-enter Guard, with Clown, bringing in a My best attires ;-I am again for Cydnus,

basket. To meet Mark Antony :-sirrah, Iras, go.

GUARD.

This is the man. Now, noble Charmian, we'll despatch indeed :

CLEO. Avoid, and leave him. And, when thou hast done this chare, I'll give

[Exit Guard. thee leave

Hast thou the pretty worm of Nilus there,

That kills and pains not ? To play till doomsday.—Bring our crown and all.

[Exit Iras.

Clown. Truly I have him : but I would not be Wherefore's this noise ? [4 noise without.

the party that should desire you to touch him, for his biting is immortal; those that do die of it do

seldom or never recover. Enter one of the Guard,

Cleo. Remember'st thou any that have died GUARD. Here is a rural fellow

Clow. Very many, men and women too. I That will not be denied your highness' presence ;

heard of one of them no longer than yesterday : He brings you figs.

a very honest woman, but something given to lie; CLEO. Let him come in. What poor an in

as a woman should not do, but in the way of strumenta

[Exit Guard. honesty : how she died of the biting of it, what May do a noble deed ! he brings me liberty !

pain she felt,—truly, she makes a very good reMy resolution 's plac'd, and I have nothing

port o' the worm ; but he that will believe all that they say, shall never be saved by half that

on 't ?

a

CLEO. Get thee hence; farewell.

Which is my heaven to have.—Come, thou Clown. I wish you all joy of the worm.

mortal wretch, Cleo. Farewell. [Clown sets doum the basket. [To an asp, which she applies to her breast.

Clown. You must think this, look you, that With thy sharp teeth this knot intrinsicate the worm will do his kind.

Of life at once untie : poor venomous fool, Cleo. Ay, ay; farewell.

Be angry, and despatch. O, couldst thou speak, Clown. Look you, the worm is not to be That I might hear thee call great Cæsar, Ass trusted but in the keeping of wise people ; for, Unpolicied! indeed, there is no goodness in the worm.

CHAR. (), eastern star ! CLEO. Take thou no care; it shall be heeded. CLEO.

Peace, peace! Clown. Very good. Give it nothing, I pray

Dost thou not see my baby at my

breast, you, for it is not worth the feeding.

That sucks the nurse asleep? Cleo. Will it eat me?

CHAR.

0, break! O, break! Clown. You must not think I am so simple, CLEO. As sweet as balm, as soft as air, as but I know the devil himself will not eat a woman :

gentleI know that a woman is a dish for the gods, if the 0, Antony !-Nay, I will take thee too :devil dress her not. But, truly, these same whore

[Applying another asp to her arm. son devils do the gods great harm in their women; What should I stay

Dies. for in every ten that they make, the devils mar CHAR. In this vile * world ?-So, fare thee five.

well. Cleo. Well, get thee gone; farewell.

Now boast thee, Death, in thy possession lies Clown. Yes, forsooth; I wish you joy o' the A lass unparalleld !-Downy windows, close;

[Exit. And golden Phæbus never be beheld

Of eyes again so royal !-Your crown 's awry; +

I'll mend it, and then play.
Re-enter Iras, with a robe, crown, &c.
Cleo. Give me my robe, put on my crown; I

Enter the Guard, rushing in.
have
Now no more

1 GUARD. Where is the Immortal longings in me.

queen

?

CHAR. The juice of Egypt's grape shall moist this lip :

Speak softly, wake her not.

1 GUARD. Cæsar hath sentYare, yare, good Iras ; quick.—Methinks I hear

CHAR.

Too slow a messenger. Antony call ; I see him rouse himself To praise my noble act; I hear him mock

[Applies an asp. The luck of Cæsar, which the gods give men

O, come apnce, despatch: I partly feel thee. To excuse their after wrath :-husband, I come :

1 GUARD. Approach, ho! All’s not well : Now to that name my courage prove my

title !

Cæsar's beguild. I am fire and air ; my other elements

2 GUARD. There's Dolabella sent from Cæsar;

--call him. I give to baser life. ----So,-have you done? Come then, and take the last warmth of my lips.

1 GUARD. What work is here !-Charmian, is

this well done? Farewell, kind Charmian ;-Iras, long farewell. [Kisses them. IRAs falls and dies.”

Char. It is well done, and fitting for a princess

Descended of so many royal kings.(2)
Have I the aspic in my lips ? Dost fall ?
If thou and nature can so gently part,

Ah, soldier!

[Dies. The stroke of death is as a lover's pinch, Which hurts, and is desir'd. Dost thou lie still?

Re-enter DOLABELLA.
If thus thou vanishest, thou tell'st the world
It is not worth leave-taking.

Dol. How goes it here?
Char. Dissolve, thick cloud, and rain, that I

2 GUARD.

All dead. may say,

Dol.

Caesar, thy thoughts The gods themselves do weep !

Touch their effects in this : thyself art coming CLEO.

This proves me base: To see perform’d the dreaded act which thou If she first meet the curled Antony,

So sought'st to hinder. IIe 'll make demand of her, and spend that kiss

Without. A way there ! a way for Cæsar !