CLEOPATRA Get thee hence, farewell. CLOWN I wish you all joy of the worm. CLEOPATRA Farewell. CLOWN You must think this, look you, that the worm will do his kind. CLEOPATRA Ay, ay; farewell. CLOWN Look you, the worm is not to be trusted but in the keeping of wise people; for indeed there is no […]
Continue ReadingAuthor: Hester Lees-Jeffries
THIS snake? yes, this snake is totally fatal, on the best authority–you don’t want this snake (5.2.237-250) #BurningBarge #SlowShakespeare
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; […]
Continue ReadingThere is a TOTAL YOKEL here with FIGS?! Cleopatra: these are no ordinary figs (5.2.229-237) #BurningBarge #SlowShakespeare
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 […]
Continue ReadingCleopatra: bring my robe, my crown; I’m going back to the barge… (5.2.222-228) #BurningBarge #SlowShakespeare
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 […]
Continue ReadingIras: I’d rather scratch out my own eyes! Cleopatra: not quite the point? (5.2.217-22) #BurningBarge #SlowShakespeare
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 […]
Continue ReadingSqueaking Cleopatra? no way, never, never (5.2.210-217) #BurningBarge #SlowShakespeare
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. […]
Continue ReadingCleopatra: Iras, do you properly understand what the mob will do to us in Rome? (5.2.203-9) #BurningBarge #SlowShakespeare
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! […]
Continue ReadingDolabella to Cleopatra: your time is running out (5.2.193-203) #BurningBarge #SlowShakespeare
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. […]
Continue ReadingCleopatra: right, Charmian, you know what to do – and hurry back (5.2.186-192) #BurningBarge #SlowShakespeare
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. […]
Continue ReadingCaesar: don’t worry I’ll totally take your views into consideration. Bye for now! (5.2.175-185) #BurningBarge #SlowShakespeare
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 […]
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