Cæs. Good queen, let us entreat you. Cleo. O Cæsar, what a wounding shame is this; To one so meek, that mine own servant shoula As we greet modern friends withal; and say, With one that I have bred? The gods! It smites [Exeunt CESAR, and his Train. Cleo. He words me, girls, he words me, that I should not Be noble to myself: but hark thee, Charmian. [Whispers CHARMIAN. Iras. Finish, good lady; the bright day is done, And we are for the dark. Cleo. Hie thee again : I have spoke already, and it is provided; Madam, I will. Re-enter Dolabella. Dol. Where is the queen? Char. Cleo. Behold, sir. [Exit CHARMIAN. Dol. Madam, as thereto sworn by your command, Which my love makes religion to obey, I tell you this: Cæsar through Syria Cleo. I shall remain your debtor. Dol. Dolabella, I your servant. Thou, an Egyptian puppet, shalt be shown The gods forbid Iras. Shall be brought drunken forth, and I shall see Iras. Cleo. Nay, that is certain. O the good gods! Iras. I'll never see it; for, I am sure, my nails Are stronger than mine eyes. Cleo. Why, that's the way To fool their preparation, and to conquer Their most absurd intents. Now, Charmian? because Clown. Truly I have him but I would not be the party that should desire you to touch him, for his biting is immortal; those, that do die of it, do seldom or never recover. Cleo. Remember'st thou any that have died on't? Clown. Very many, men and women too. I heard of one of them no longer than yesterday: a very honest woman, but something given to lie; as a woinan should not do, but in the way of honesty: how she died of the biting of it, what pain she felt, Truly, she makes a very good report o' the worm: But he that will believe all that they say, shall never be saved by half that they do: But this is most fallible, the worm's an odd worm. Cleo. Get thee hence; farewell. Clown. I wish you all joy of the worm. [Clown sets down the basket. Clown. You must think this, look you, that the| worm will do his kind. Immortal longings in me: Now no more [Kisses them. Have I the aspick in my lips? Dost fall? Now boast thee, death! in thy possession lies Enter the Guard, rushing in. 1 Guard. Where is the queen? Char. 1 Guard. Cæsar hath sent Char. Speak softly, wake her not. Too slow a messenger. [Applies the asp. O, come; apace, despatch: I partly feel thee. 1 Guard. Approach, ho! All's not well: Cæsar's beguil'd. 2 Guard. There's Dolabella sent from Cæsar ; call him. 1 Guard. What work is here? - Charmian, is this well done? Char. It is well done, and fitting for a princess Enter DOLAbella. All dead. [Dies Cæsar, thy thoughts Touch their effects in this: Thyself art coming To see perform'd the dreaded act, which thou So sought'st to hinder. Within. A way there, a way for Cæsar! Enter CESAR and Attendants. Dol. O, sir, you are too sure an augurer; That you did fear, is done. Cæs. Bravest at the last : She levell'd at our purposes, and, being royal, 1 Guard. A simple her figs. This was his basket. Cies. Who was last with them? countryman, that brought Poison'd then. As be was born. The king, he takes the babe To walk this way: I never do him wrong, [Aside. [Erit. Should we be taking leave Were you but riding forth to air yourself, Post. How! how! another? You gentle gods, give me but this I have, Imo. [Putting a bracelet on her arm. O, the gods! When shall we see again? |