Page 2445 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

But, sirrah, mark, we use
To say, the dead are well: bring it to that,
The gold I give thee will I melt and pour
Down thy ill-uttering throat. [35]

MESSENGER
Good madam, hear me.

CLEOPATRA
Well, go to, I will;
But there’s no goodness in thy face, if Antony
Be free and healthful, − so tart a favour
To trumpet such good tidings! If not well,

Thou shouldst come like a Fury crown’d with snakes, [40]
Not like a formal man.

MESSENGER
Will’t please you hear me?

CLEOPATRA
I have a mind to strike thee ere thou speak’st:
Yet if thou say Antony lives, is well,

Or friends with Cæsar, or not captive to him,
I’ll set thee in a shower of gold, and hail [45]
Rich pearls upon thee.

MESSENGER
Madam, he’s well.

CLEOPATRA
Well said.

MESSENGER

And friends with Cæsar.

CLEOPATRA

Th’art an honest man.