Faculty of English

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 […]

CAESAR                      Good queen, let us entreat you. CLEOPATRA  O, Caesar, what a wounding shame is this, That thou vouchsafing here to visit me, Doing the honour of thy lordliness To one so meek—that mine own servant should Parcel the sum of my disgraces by Addition of his envy. Say, good Caesar, That I some lady […]

CLEOPATRA               See, Caesar! O, behold How pomp is followed! Mine will now be yours, And should we shift estates, yours would be mine. The ingratitude of this Seleucus does Even make me wild.—O slave, of no more trust Than love that’s hired! What, go’st thou back? Thou shalt Go back, I warrant thee; but I’ll […]

SELEUCUS      Madam, I had rather seal my lips Than to my peril speak that which is not. CLEOPATRA   What have I kept back? SELEUCUS Enough to purchase what you have made known. CAESAR          Nay, blush not, Cleopatra. I approve Your wisdom in the deed.    (5.2.141-146)   A tiny little exchange—and in fact the whole Seleucus […]

CLEOPATRA   And may through all the world! ’Tis yours, and we, Your scutcheons and your signs of conquest, shall Hang in what place you please. Here, my good lord. [She gives him a document] CAESAR          You shall advise me in all for Cleopatra. CLEOPATRA This is the brief of money, plate, and jewels I am […]