Page 2562 - Shakespeare - Vol. 3

Extemporally will stage us, and present
Our Alexandrian revels: Antony
Shall be brought drunken forth, and I shall see
Some squeaking Cleopatra boy my greatness

I’ the posture of a whore.

IRAS
O the good gods! [220]

CLEOPATRA
Nay, that’s certain.

IRAS
I’ll never see’t! for I am sure my nails
Are stronger than mine eyes.

CLEOPATRA
Why, that’s the way

To fool their preparation, and to conquer
Their most absurd intents.

(Re-)enter Charmian.

Now, Charmian! [225]
Show me, my women, like a queen: go fetch

My best attires. I am again for Cydnus,
To meet Mark Antony. Sirrah Iras, go
(Now noble Charmian, we’ll dispatch indeed),
And when thou hast done this chare, I’ll give thee leave [230]

To play till doomsday: bring our crown, and all.
(Exeunt Charmian and Iras. A noise within.)
Wherefore’s this noise?

Enter a Guardsman.

GUARDSMAN
Here is a rural fellow,

That will not be denied your highness’ presence,