Guard: Charmian just–died? Caesar: Cleopatra looks like she’s sleeping… (5.2.329-337) #BurningBarge #SlowShakespeare

FIRST GUARD            O, Caesar, This Charmian lived but now; she stood and spoke. I found her trimming up the diadem On her dead mistress; tremblingly she stood, And on the sudden dropped. CAESAR                                  O, noble weakness! If they had swallowed poison, ’twould appear By external swelling; but she looks like sleep, As she would catch […]

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Anonymous soldier: well I hope you’re proud of yourselves ladies (5.2.313-322) #BurningBarge #SlowShakespeare

FIRST GUARD Approach, ho! All’s not well. Caesar’s beguiled. SECOND GUARD        There’s Dolabella sent from Caesar. Call him. [Exit a Guardsman] FIRST GUARD What work is here, Charmian? Is this well done? CHARMIAN     It is well done, and fitting for a princess Descended of so many royal kings. Ah, soldier! Charmian dies Enter Dolabella DOLABELLA               […]

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Charmian, faithful handmaid to the lass unparalleled (5.2.303-312) #BurningBarge #SlowShakespeare

CHARMIAN                             So, fare thee well. Now boast thee, death, in thy possession lies A lass unparalleled. Downy windows, close, And golden Phoebus, never be beheld Of eyes again so royal. Your crown’s awry. I’ll mend it, and then play—Enter the Guard, rustling in FIRST GUARD             Where’s the Queen? CHARMIAN Speak softly. Wake her not. FIRST […]

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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; […]

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