Mess. Cæsar and he are greater friends than ever. Mess. The good and bad together: he's friends with In state of health thou say'st, and thou say'st free. report: He's bound unto Octavia. Cleo. For what good turn? Mess. For the best turn i' the bed. Cleo. I am pale, Charmian. Mess. Madam, he's married to Octavia. Cleo. The most infectious pestilence upon thee! Mess. Good madam, patience. Cleo. [Strikes him down. What say you? Hence, Horrible villain! or I'll spurn thine eyes [Strikes him again. Like balls before me; I'll unhair thy head: [She hales him up and down. Thou shalt be whipp'd with wire, and stew'd in brine, Smarting in lingering pickle. Mess. Gracious madam, I that do bring the news made not the match. 50 60 Cleo. Say 'tis not so, a province I will give thee And make thy fortunes proud: the blow thou hadst Shall make thy peace for moving me to rage; And I will boot thee with what gift beside Thy modesty can beg. Mess. Cleo. Rogue, thou hast lived too long. Mess. He's married, madam. [Draws a knife. Nay, then I'll run. What mean you, madam? I have made no fault. [Exit. Char. Good madam, keep yourself within your self: The man is innocent. Cleo. Some innocents 'scape not the thunderbolt. Melt Egypt into Nile! Turn all to serpents! and kindly creatures Though I am mad, I will not bite him call. Cleo. I will not hurt him. [Exit Charmian. These hands do lack nobility, that they strike A meaner than myself; since I myself Have given myself the cause. Re-enter CHARMIAN and Messenger. Come hither, sir. Though it be honest, it is never good To bring bad news: give to a gracious message Themselves when they be felt. Mess. Cleo. Is he married? I have done my duty. I cannot hate thee worser than I do, If thou again say 'Yes.' 71. boot, give over and above. 70 80 90 Mess. He's married, madam. Cleo. The gods confound thee! dost thou hold there still? Mess. Should I lie, madam? Cleo. O, I would thou didst, So half my Egypt were submerged and made Thou wouldst appear most ugly. He is married? Cleo. He is married? Mess. Take no offence that I would not offend you: To punish me for what you make me do Seems much unequal: he's married to Octavia. Cleo. O, that his fault should make a knave of thee, That art not what thou 'rt sure of! Get thee hence: The merchandise which thou hast brought from Rome Are all too dear for me: lie they upon thy hand, Char. Cæsar. Char. Many times, madam. Cleo. Lead me from hence; I am paid for 't now. I faint: O Iras, Charmian! 'tis no matter. 96. Narcissus was a beautiful youth of Boeotia, who killed himself from vexation at his inability to approach his own reflection in a fountain. His blood was changed into the flower which is still called after him. 103. That art not what thou'rt sure of; (with irony) that art innocent, forsooth, of offence, yet sure to offend ! Her inclination; let him not leave out [To Mardian. Bring me word how tall she is. Pity me, Charmian, But do not speak to me. Lead me to my chamber. [Exeunt. Flourish. SCENE VI. Near Misenum. Enter POMPEY and MENAS at one side, with drum and trumpet: at another, CESAR, ANTONY, LEPIDUS, ENOBARBUS, MECENAS, with Soldiers marching. Pom. Your hostages I have, so have you mine; And we shall talk before we fight. Cæs. Most meet That first we come to words; and therefore have we Our written purposes before us sent; Which, if thou hast consider'd, let us know If 'twill tie up thy discontented sword And carry back to Sicily much tall youth Pom. 116. Though he be painted, etc. The reference is probably to the so-called Perspective' pictures, ་ which represented ΤΟ different things when seen from different points of view. There saw you labouring for him. What was 't Cæs. Take your time. Ant. Thou canst not fear us, Pompey, with thy sails; We'll speak with thee at sea: at land, thou know'st Pom. Remain in 't as thou mayst. Lep. For this is from the present-how you take 20 Be pleased to tell us 30 There's the point. The offers we have sent you. Cæs. Ant. Which do not be entreated to, but weigh What it is worth embraced. Cæs. To try a larger fortune. Pom. And what may follow, You have made me offer Of Sicily, Sardinia; and I must Rid all the sea of pirates; then, to send Measures of wheat to Rome; this 'greed upon, To part with unhack'd edges, and bear back Our targes undinted. Cæs. Ant. Lep. That's our offer. 27-29. The house of the elder Pompey was in Antony's possession. 39. targes, shields. |