Page 2447 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

MESSENGER

Good madam, patience.

CLEOPATRA
What say you? Hence,
(Strikes him.)
Horrible villain, or I’ll spurn thine eyes

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. [65]

MESSENGER
Gracious madam,

I that do bring the news made not the match.

CLEOPATRA
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, [70]

And I will boot thee with what gift beside
Thy modesty can beg.

MESSENGER
He’s married, madam.

CLEOPATRA
Rogue, thou hast liv’d too long.
(Draw a knife.)

MESSENGER
Nay, then I’ll run.

What mean you, madam? I have made no fault.
(Exit.)

CHARMIAN
Good madam, keep yourself within yourself, [75]