Page 2557 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

As things but done by chance.

CLEOPATRA
Sole sir o’ the world,
I cannot project mine own cause so well [120]
To make it clear, but do confess I have
Been laden with like frailties, which before

Have often sham’d our sex.

CÆSAR
Cleopatra, know,
We will extenuate rather than enforce:
If you apply yourself to our intents, [125]

Which towards you are most gentle, you shall find
A benefit in this change, but if you seek
To lay on me a cruelty, by taking
Antony’s course, you shall bereave yourself

Of my good purposes, and put your children [130]
To that destruction which I’ll guard them from,
If thereon you rely. I’ll take my leave.

CLEOPATRA
And may through all the world: ’tis yours, and we

Your scutcheons, and your signs of conquest shall
Hang in what place you please. Here, my good lord. [135]

CÆSAR
You shall advise me in all for Cleopatra.

CLEOPATRA
(Handing a paper.) This is the brief: of money, plate, and jewels,
I am possess’d of, ’tis exactly valued,
Not petty things admitted. Where’s Seleucus?

(Enter Seleucus.)

SELEUCUS