Of many our contriving friends in Rome Eno. I shall do't. [Exeunt. SCENE III. Enter CLEOPATRA, CHARMIAN, IRAS, and ALEXAS. Cleo. Where is he? Char. I did not see him since. Cleo. 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 ALEX. Char. Madam, methinks, if you did love him dearly, You do not hold the method to enforce The like from him. Cleo. What should I do, I do not? Char. In each thing give him way, cross him in nothing. Cleo. Thou teachest like a fool: the way to lose him. Char. Tempt him not so too far: I wish, forbear; In time we hate that which we often fear. Enter ANTONY. But here comes Antony. Cleo. I am sick, and sullen. Ant. I am sorry to give breathing to my purpose,— Cleo. Help me away, dear Charmian, I shall fall; It cannot be thus long, the sides of nature Will not sustain it. Ant. Now, my dearest queen, Cleo. Pray you, stand further from me. Ant. What's the matter? Cleo. I know, by that same eye, there's some good news. What says the married woman?-You may go; I have no power upon you; hers Ant. The gods best know,- you are. So mightily betray'd! Yet, at the first, I saw the treasons planted. Ant. Cleopatra,— Cleo. Why should I think, you can be mine, and true, Though you in swearing shake the throned gods, 2 Who have been false to Fulvia? Riotous madness, Ant. Most sweet queen, Cleo. Nay, pray you, seek no colour for your going, But bid farewell, and go: when you sued staying, Then was the time for words: No going then ;— Eternity was in our lips, and eyes; Bliss in our brows' bent; none our parts so poor, But was a race of heaven: They are so still, Or thou, the greatest soldier of the world, Art turn'd the greatest liar. Ant. How now, lady! Cleo. I would, I had thy inches; thou should'st know, There were a heart in Egypt. Ant. Hear me, queen: The strong necessity of time commands Our services a while; but my full heart Remains in use with you. Our Italy Shines o'er with civil swords: Sextus Pompeius Breeds scrupulous faction: The hated, grown to strength, Are newly grown to love: the condemn'd Pompey, Into the hearts of such as have not thriv'd Upon the present state, whose numbers threaten ; VOL. XV. And that which most with you should safe my going, Is Fulvia's death. Cleo. Though age from folly could not give me freedom, It does from childishness :-Can Fulvia die? Ant. She's dead, my queen: Look here, and, at thy sovereign leisure, read Cleo. O most false love! Where be the sacred vials thou should'st fill Ant. Quarrel no more, but be prepar'd to know Cleo. Cut my lace, Charmian, come ;- Ant. My precious queen, forbear; And give true evidence to his love, which stands Cleo. So Fulvia told me. I pr'ythee, turn aside, and weep for her; Ant. You'll heat my blood; no more. Cleo. You can do better yet; but this is meetly. Cleo. And target,-Still he mends; But this is not the best: Look, pr'ythee, Charmian, How this Herculean Roman does become The carriage of his chafe. Ant. I'll leave you, lady. Cleo. Courteous lord, one word. Sir, you and I must part, but that's not it: And I am all forgotten. Ant. But that your royalty Holds idleness your subject, I should take you Cleo. 'Tis sweating labour, To bear such idleness so near the heart As Cleopatra this. But, sir, forgive me; Since my becomings kill me, when they do not And all the gods go with you! upon your sword Ant. Let us go. Come; Our separation so abides, and flies, That thou, residing here, go'st yet with me, [Exeunt. |