Page 2397 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

CLEOPATRA

I’ll set a bourn how far to be belov’d.

ANTONY
Then must thou needs find out new heaven, new earth.

Enter an Attendant.

ATTENDANT
News, my good lord, from Rome.

ANTONY
Grates me, the sum.

CLEOPATRA
Nay, hear them, Antony:

Fulvia perchance is angry; or who knows [20]
If the scarce-bearded Cæsar have not sent
His powerful mandate to you, ‘Do this, or this;
Take in that kingdom, and enfranchise that;

Perform’t, or else we damn thee’.

ANTONY
How, my love?

CLEOPATRA
Perchance? nay, and most like: [25]
You must not stay here longer, your dismission
Is come from Cæsar, therefore hear it, Antony.

Where’s Fulvia’s process? Cæsar’s I would say. Both?
Call in the messengers. As I am Egypt’s queen,
Thou blushest, Antony, and that blood of thine [30]
Is Cæsar’s homager: else so thy cheek pays shame

When shrill-tongued Fulvia scolds. The messengers!

ANTONY
Let Rome in Tiber melt, and the wide arch