Enter Guardsman, and Clown [with a basket] GUARDSMAN             This is the man. CLEOPATRA   Avoid, and leave him. Exit Guardsman Hast thou the pretty worm Of Nilus there, that kills and pains not? CLOWN           Truly, I have him; but I would not be the party that should desire you to touch him, for his biting is immortal; […]

A noise within CLEOPATRA               Wherefore’s this noise? Enter a Guardsman GUARDSMAN Here is a rural fellow That will not be denied your highness’ presence. He brings you figs. CLEOPATRA   Let him come in. Exit Guardsman What poor an instrument May do a noble deed! He brings me liberty. My resolution’s placed, and I have […]

Enter Charmian CLEOPATRA               Now, Charmian! Show me, my women, like a queen. Go fetch My best attires. I am again for Cydnus To meet Mark Antony. Sirrah Iras, go. Now, noble Charmian, we’ll dispatch indeed, And when thou hast done this chare I’ll give thee leave To play till doomsday.—Bring our crown and all. [Exit […]

IRAS                            O, the good gods! CLEOPATRA  Nay, that’s certain. IRAS I’ll never see’t! For I am sure my nails Are stronger than mine eyes. CLEOPATRA   Why, that’s the way To fool their preparation and to conquer Their most absurd intents.              (5.2.217-222)   O, the good gods! Iras expresses horror at the thought, and it’s […]

CLEOPATRA   Nay, ’tis most certain, Iras. Saucy lictors Will catch at us like strumpets, and scald rhymers Ballad us out o’ tune. The quick comedians Extemporally will stage us, and present Our Alexandrian revels. Antony Shall be brought drunken forth, and I shall see Some squeaking Cleopatra boy my greatness I’th’ posture of a whore.       […]

CLEOPATRA   Now, Iras, what think’st thou? Thou, an Egyptian puppet shall be shown In Rome, as well as I. Mechanic slaves With greasy aprons, rules, and hammers shall Uplift us to the view. In their thick breaths, Rank of gross diet, shall we be enclouded, And forced to drink their vapour. IRAS                            The gods forbid!        […]

Enter Dolabella DOLABELLA                           Where’s the Queen? CHARMIAN     Behold, sir. [Exit] CLEOPATRA                           Dolabella! DOLABELLA Madam, as thereto sworn by your command— Which my love makes religion to obey— I tell you this: Caesar through Syria Intends his journey, and within three days You with your children will he send before. Make your best use of this. […]

CLEOPATRA   My master and my lord! CAESAR          Not so. Adieu. Flourish. Exeunt Caesar and his train CLEOPATRA He words me, girls, he words me, that I should not Be noble to myself. But hark thee, Charmian. [She whispers to Charmian] IRAS    Finish, good lady. The bright day is done, And we are for the dark. […]

CAESAR                                  Cleopatra, Not what you have reserved nor what acknowledged Put we i’th’ roll of conquest. Still be’t yours. Bestow it at your pleasure, and believe Caesar’s no merchant, to make prize with you Of things that merchants sold. Therefore be cheered. Make not your thoughts your prisons. No, dear Queen; For we intend so […]

CLEOPATRA   [To Seleucus] Prithee, go hence, Or I shall show the cinders of my spirits Through th’ashes of my chance. Wert thou a man Thou wouldst have mercy on me. CAESAR                                  Forbear, Seleucus. [Exit Seleucus] CLEOPATRA   Be it known that we, the greatest, are misthought For things that others do; and when we fall We answer […]