Page 2561 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

Dolabella!

DOLABELLA
Madam, as thereto sworn, by your command
(Which my love makes religion to obey),
I tell you this: Cæsar through Syria
Intends his journey, and within three days [200]

You with your children will he send before:
Make you best use of this. I have perform’d
Your pleasure, and my promise.

CLEOPATRA
Dolabella,

I shall remain your debtor.

DOLABELLA
I your servant.
Adieu, good queen, I must attend on Cæsar. [205]

CLEOPATRA
Farewell, and thanks.
(Exit Dolabella.)

Now, Iras, what think’st thou?
Thou, an Egyptian puppet shall be shown
In Rome as well as I: mechanic slaves
With greasy aprons, rules, and hammers shall

Uplift us to the view. In their thick breaths, [210]
Rank of gross diet, shall we be enclouded,
And forc’d to drink their vapour.

IRAS
The gods forbid!

CLEOPATRA
Nay, ’tis most certain, Iras: saucy lictors

Will catch at us like strumpets, and scald rhymers
Ballad us out o’ tune. The quick comedians [215]