Page 2446 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

MESSENGER

Cæsar, and he, are greater friends than ever.

CLEOPATRA
Make thee a fortune from me.

MESSENGER
But yet, madam, −

CLEOPATRA
I do not like ‘But yet’, it does allay [50]
The good precedence, fie upon ‘But yet’,

‘But yet’ is as a gaoler to bring forth
Some monstrous malefactor. Prithee, friend,
Pour out the pack of matter to mine ear,
The good and bad together: he’s friends with Cæsar, [55]

In state of health, thou say’st, and thou say’st, free.

MESSENGER

Free, madam, no; I made no such report,
He’s bound unto Octavia.

CLEOPATRA
For what good turn?

MESSENGER
For the best turn i’ the bed.

CLEOPATRA
I am pale, Charmian.

MESSENGER

Madam, he’s married to Octavia. [60]

CLEOPATRA

The most infectious pestilence upon thee!
(Strikes him down.)