Daniel Samuel The Tragedy of Cleopatra

The Tragedy of Cleopatra - 1594 Dan.0001

The Tragedy of Cleopatra - 1599 Dan.0002
Delia and Rosamond Augmented. Cleopatra By Samuel Daniel. THE POETICALL ESSAYES OF Sam. Danyel. Newly corrected and augmented.
AEtas prima canat veneres postrema tumultus. 1594. Ætas prima canat veneres, poſtremas tumultus.
Printed at London for Simon Waterʃon, and are to be sold in Paules Church-yarde at the ſigne of the Crowne. AT LONDON Printed by P. Short for Simon Waterſon 1599.
TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE, THE LADY MARY, Counteſſe Of Pembrooke. To the Right honorable, Sir Charles Blunt Knight, Lord Mountioy, and Knight of the moſt Noble order of the Garter, and his moſt worthy Lord.
WOnder of theſe, glory of other times, I Do not plant thy great reſpected name
O thou whom Enuy eu’n is forst t’admyre: Here in this fron, to th’end thou ſhouldſt protect
Great Patroneβ of these my humble Rymes, Theſe my endeuors from contempt or blame,
Which thou from out thy greatnes doost inspire: Which none but their own forces muſt effect:
Sith onely thou hast deign’d to rayse them higher, Nor do I ſeeke to win by more reſpect,
Vouchſafe now to accept them as thine owne, Moſt learned Lord, by theſe Eßaies of mine,
Begotten by thy hand, and my deſire, Since that cleere iudgement that did firſt elect
Wherein my Zeale, and thy great might is ſhowne. To fauor me, will alwaies keepe me thine:
And ſeeing this vnto the world is knowne, Nor do I this more honor to aſſigne.
O leaue not, ſtill to grace thy worke in mee: Vnto thy worth that is no more hereby,
Let not the quickning ſeede be ouer-throwne, Since th’offrings made vnto the powers deuine,
Of that which may be borne to honour thee. Enrich not them but ſhew mens pietie:
Whereof, the trauaile I may challenge mine, But this I do to th’end if deſtinie
But yet the glory, (Madam) must be thine. Shall any monument reſerue of me,
Thoſe times ſhould ſee my loue, how willing I
That liu’d by thee, would haue thee liue with me.
S. D.
THE Tragedie of CLEOPATRA THE TRAGEDIE OF CLEOPATRA
AEtas prima canat veneres postrema tumultus. Aetas prima canat veneres poſtrema tumultus.
1594. AT LONDON
Printed by P.S. for Simon Waterſon. 1599.
To the Right Honourable, the Lady Marie, Counteſſe of PEMBROOKE. To the Right Honourable, the Lady Mary, Counteſſe of Pembrooke.
To guide their way in all the courſe I vſe. To guide their way in all the courſe I vſe.
Shee, whoſe cleere brightnes doth alone infuse She, whoſe cleere brightneſſe doth alone infuſe
Strength to my thoughts, and makes mee what I am; Strength to my thoughts, and makes mee what I am;
I, who (contented with an humble ſong.) I, who (contented with an humble ſong,)
Made muſique to my ſelfe that pleas’d mee beſt, Made muſique to my ſelfe that pleas’d mee beſt,
And onely told of Delia, and her wrong, And onely told of Delia, and her wrong,
And prais’d her eyes, and plain’d mine owne vnreſt: And prais’d her eies, and plaind mine owne vnreſt:
(A text from whence my Muſe had not degreſt.) (A text from whence my Muſe had not degreſt)
Madam, had not thy well grac’d Anthony, Madam, had not thy well grac’d Anthony,
(Who all alone hauing remained long,) (who all alone, hauing remained long,)
Requir’d his Cleopatras company. Requir’d his Cleopatras company.
Who if ſhee heere doe ſo appeare in act, Who if ſhee heere doe ſo appeare in act,
That for his Queene & Loue he ſcarce wil know her, That for his Queen & Loue he ſcarce wil know her,
Finding how much shee of her ſelfe hath lackt, Finding how much ſhe of her ſelfe hath lackt,
And miſt that glory wherein I ſhould ſhew her, And miſt that glory wherein I ſhould ſhew her,
In maieſtie debas’d, in courage lower; In maieſtie debas’d, in courage lower;
Yet lightning thou by thy ſweet fauouring eyes, Yet lightning thou by thy ſweet fauouring eies
My darke defects which from her ſp’rit detract, My darke defects, which from her ſpirit detract,
Hee yet may geſſe it’s ſhee; which will ſuffiſe. He yet may geſſe it’s ſhee; which will ſuffiſe.
And I heereafter, in another kinde, And I heereafter in another kinde,
More fitting to the nature of my vaine, More fitting to the nature of my vaine,
And higher notes in ſweeter muſique ſtraine: And higher notes in ſweeter muſique ſtraine:
Seeing that thou ſo graciouſly dooſt daine. Seeing that thou ſo graciouſly dooſt daine,
To countenaunce my ſong and cheriſh mee. To countenaunce my ſong and cheriſh mee,
I muſt ſo worke poſterity may finde I muſt ſo worke poſterity may finde
Now when ſo many pennes (like Speares) are charg’d, Now when ſo many pens (like Speares) are charg’d,
To chace away this tyrant of the North: To chace away this tyrant of the North:
Groβs Barbariſm, whoſe powre growne far inlarg’d, Groβe Barbariſm, whoſe powre growne far inlarg’d,
Was lately by thy valiant Brothers worth, Was lately by thy valiant Brothers worth
Firſt found, encountred, and prouoked forth: Firſt found, encountred, and prouoked forth:
Whoſe onſet made the reſt audacious, Whoſe onſet made the reſt audacious,
Whereby they likewiſe haue ſo well diſcharg’d, Whereby they likewiſe haue ſo well diſcharg’d
Vpon that hidious Beaſt incroching thus. Vpon that hideous beaſt incroching thus.
And now muſt I with that poore ſtrength I haue, And now muſt I with that poore ſtrength I haue,
And arme againſt obliuion and the graue, And arme againſt obliuion and the graue,
That els in darknes carries all away, That elſe in darkneſſe carries all away,
And makes of all our honors but a pray. And makes of all our honours but a pray.
So that if by my penne procure I ſhall So that if by my pen procure I ſhall
But to defend mee, and my name to ſaue, But to defend me, and my name to ſaue,
Then though I die, I cannot yet die all; Then though I die, I cannot yet die all;
Deckt and adorned with thy ſacred name, Deckt and adorned with thy ſacred name,
Although thy ſelfe doſt farre more glory giue Although thy ſelfe doſt farre more glorie giue
Vnto thy ſelfe, then I can by the ſame. Vnto thy ſelfe, then I can by the ſame.
Who dooſt with thine owne hand a Bulwarke frame Who doſt with thine own hand a Bulwarke frame
Againſt theſe Monſters, (enemies of honour,) Againſt theſe Monſters, (enemies of honour,)
Vnto thy voyce eternitie hath giuen, Vnto thy voyce eternitie hath giuen,
And makes thee deere to him frō whence they came. And makes thee deere to him from whence they came.
In them muſt reſt thy euer reuerent name, In them muſt reſt thy euer reuerent name,
And till confuſion hath all zeale be-reauen, And till confuſion hath all zeale be-reauen,
And murthered Fayth, and Temples ruined. And murthered Faith, and Temples ruined.
By this (great Ladie,) thou muſt then be knowne,
By this, (Great Lady,) thou muſt then be knowne,
When Wilton lyes low leuell’d with the ground: When Wilton lyes low leuell’d with the ground:
O that the Ocean did not bound our ſtile O that the Ocean did not bound our ſtile
Within theſe ſtrict and narrow limmits ſo: Within theſe ſtrict and narrow limits ſo:
But that the melody of our ſweet Ile, But that the melodie of our ſweete Ile,
Might now be heard to Tyber, Arne, and Po. Might now be heard to Tyber, Arne, and Po:
That they might know how far Thames doth out-go That they might know how far Thames doth out-go
And liſtning to our ſongs another while, And liſtning to our ſongs another while,
Might learne of thee, their notes to purifie. Might learne of thee their notes to purifie.
O why may not ſome after-comming hand, O why may not ſome after-comming hand,
Vnlock theſe limits, open our confines: Vnlocke theſe limits, open our confines:
And breake a ſunder this impriſoning band, And breake aſunder this impriſoning band,
T’inlarge our ſpirits, and publiſh our diſſignes; T inlarge our ſpirits, and publiſh our diſſignes;
Planting our Roſes on the Apenines? Planting our roſes on the Apenines?
Wherby great Sydney & our Spencer might, Wherby great Sydney and our Spencer might,
With thoſe Po-ſingers beeing equalled, With thoſe Po-ſingers beeing equalled,
Enchaunt the world with ſuch a ſweet delight, Enchaunt the world with ſuch a ſweet delight,
That theyr eternall ſongs (for euer read,) That their eternall ſongs (for euer read,)
May ſhew what great Elizas raigne hath bred. May ſhew what great Elizas raigne hath bred.
What muſique in the kingdome of her peace. What Muſique in the kingdome of her peace
Hath now beene made to her, and by her might, Hath now beene made to her, and by her might,
But if that Fortune doth deny vs this, But if that Fortune doth deny vs this,
Then Neptune, lock vp with thy Ocean key, Then Neptune, locke vp with thy Ocean key
This treaſure to our ſelues, and let them miſſe This treaſure to our ſelues, and let them miſſe
Of ſo ſweet ritches: as vnworthy they Of ſo ſweet ritches: as vnworthie they
To taſte the great delights that we inioy. To taſte the great delights that we inioy.
And let our harmony ſo pleaſing growne, And let our harmonie ſo pleaſing growne,
Content our ſelues, whoſe errour euer is, Content our ſelues, whoſe errour euer is,
But, whither doe my vowes tranſport me now, But, whither doe my vowes tranſport me now,
Without the compaſſe of my courſe inioynd? Without the compaſſe of my courſe inioind?
Alas, what honour can a voyce ſo low Alas, what honour can a voyce ſo low
As this of mine, expect heereby to find? As this of mine,expect hereby to find?
But, (Madam,) this doth animate my mind, But, (Madam,) this doth animate my mind,
That fauored by the Worthyes of our Land, That fauored by the worthies of our Land,
My lynes are lik’d; the which may make me grow, My lines are lik’d; the which may make me grow,
In time to take a greater taske in hand. In time to take a greater taske in hand.
THE ARGVMENT. The Argument.
AFter the death of Antonius, Cleopatra (liuing ſtill in the Monument ſhee had cauſed to be built,) could not by any means be drawne forth, although Octauius Caesar verie earnestly laboured it: & ſent Proculeius to vſe all diligence to bring her vnto him: For that hee though it woulde be a great ornament to his Tryumphes, to get her aliue to Rome. But neuer woulde shee put herſelfe into the hands of Proculeius, although on a time he found the meanes, (by a window that was at the top of the Monument,) to come downe vnto her: where hee perſwaded her (all hee might) to yeeld herſelfe to Cæſars mercie. Which shee, (to be ridd of him,) cunningly ſeemed to grant vnto. After that, Octauius in perſon went to viſite her, to whom ſhee excus’d her offence, laying all the fault vpon the greatnes, and feare ſhee had of Antonius, and withall, ſeemed verie tractable, and willing to be diſpoſed of by him. Wherevpon, Octauius (thinking himſelfe ſure) reſolu’d preſently to ſend her away to Rome. Whereof, Dolabella a fauorite of Cæſars, (and one that was grown into ſome good liking of her,) hauing certified her, ſhee makes her humble peticion to Cæſar, that he would ſuffer her to ſacrifize to the ghoſt of Antonius: which being granted her, ſhee was brought vnto his Sepulcher, where after her rites performed, ſhee returned to the Monument, and there dined, with great magnificence. And in dinner time, came there one in the habite of a Countriman, with a basket of figgs vnto her, who (vnſuſpected) was ſuffered to carry them in. And in that baſket (among the figges) were conuaid the Aſpicks wherewith shee did herſelfe to death. Dinner beeing ended, ſhee diſpatched Letters to Cæſar, contayning great lamentations: with an earneſt ſupplication, that ſhee might be entomb’d with Antonius. Wherevpon, Cæſar knowing what ſhee intended, ſent preſently with all ſpeed, meſſengers to haue preuented her death, which notwithſtanding, before they came was diſpatched. AFter the death of Antonius, Cleopatra (liuing ſtill in the Monument ſhee had cauſed to bee built,) coulde not by anie meanes bee drawne foorth, although Octauius Caeſar verie earneſtlie laboured it: and ſent Proculeius to vſe all diligence to bring her vnto him: For that he thought it woulde bee a great Ornament to his ryumphes, to get her aliue to Rome. But neuer woulde ſhee put her ſelfe into the handes of Proculeius, although on a time hee founde the meanes, (by a window that was at the toppe of the Monument,) to come downe vnto her: where hee perſwaded her (all hee might) to yeeld herſelfe to Cæſars mercie. Which ſhee, (to be ridde of him,) cunningly ſeemed to graunt vnto. After that, Octauius in perſon went to viſite her, to whome ſhee excuſed her offence, laying all the fault vpon the greatneße, and feare ſhee had of Antonius, and withall, ſeemed verie tractable,and willing to be diſpoſed of by him. Whereupon Octauius, (thinking himſelfe ſure) reſolu’d preſentlie to ſende her away to Rome. Whereof, Dolabella a fauorite of Cæſars, (and one that was growne into ſome good liking of her,) hauing certified her, ſhee makes her humble petition to Cæſar, that hee would ſuffer her to ſacrifice to the ghoſt of Antonius: which beeing graunted her, ſhee was brought vnto his Sepulcher, where after her rytes performed, ſhe returned to the Monument, and there dined with great magnificence. And in dinner time, came there one in the habite of a Countreyman, with a Basket of Figges vnto her, who (vnſuſpected) was ſuffered to carrie them in. And in that Baſket (among the Figges) were conueyed the Aſpicks wherewith ſhe did herſelfe to death. Dinner beeing ended, ſhee diſpatched Letters to Cæſar, contayning great lamentations: with an earneſt ſupplication, that ſhe might be intomb’d with Antonius. Wherevpon Cæſar knowing what ſhee intended, ſent preſentlie with all ſpeede, Meſſengers to haue preuented her death,which notwithſtanding, before they came was diſpatched.
Ceſario her ſonne, which ſhee had by Iulius Cæſar, (conuaied before vnto India, out of the danger of the warrs,) was about the ſame time of her death, murthered at Rhodes: trained thether by the falſhood of his Tutor, corrupted by Cæſar. And ſo heereby, came the race of the Ptolomies to be wholy extinct, & the floriſhing ritch Kingdome of Egipt vtterly ouerthrowne and ſubdued. Ceſario her ſonne, which ſhe had by Iulius Cæſar, (conuaied before vnto India, out of the daunger of the warres,) was about the ſame time of her death, murthered at Rhodes: trayned thither by the falſhoode of his Tutor, corrupted by Cæſar. And ſo hereby, came the race of the Ptolomies to bee wholie extinct, and the flouriſhing rich kingdome of Egypt vtterlie ouerthrowne and ſubdued.
The Scæne ſuppoſed Alexandria. The Scæne ſuppoſed Alexandria
CLEOPATRA.
OCTAVIVS CAESAR. Cleopatra. Octauius Caeſar.
PROCVLEIVS. Proculeius. Dolabella.
DOLABELLA. Titivs, ſeruaunt to Dolabella.
TITIVS, Seruaunt to DOLABELLA. Arius, Philoſtratus.
ARIVS.———— } two PhiloSophers.
}
PHILOSTRATVS.
two Philoſophers.
SELEVCVS. Secretary to CLEOPATRA.
RODON. Tutor to CÆSARIO. Seleucus, ſecretarie to Cleopatra.
NVNTIVS. Rodon, Tutor to Cæſario.
The CHORVS. all Egiptians. Nuntius.
The Chorus. all Egyptians.
CLEOPATRA. Cleopatra.
YET doe I liue, and yet doth breath poſſeſſe YET do I liue, and yet doth breath extend
This hatefull priſon of a loathſome ſoule: My life beyonf my life, nor can my graue
Can no calamitie, nor no diſtreſſe Shut vp my griefes, to make my end my end?
Breake hart and all, and end a life ſo ſoule? Will yet confuſion haue more then I haue?
Can Cleopatra liue, and with theſe eyes Is th’honor, wonder, glory, pompe and all
Behold the deereſt of her life bereft her? Of Cleopatra dead, and ſhe not dead?
Ah, can ſhee entertaine the leaſt ſurmiſe Haue I out-liu’d my ſelfe, and ſeene the fall
Of any hope, that hath but horror left her? Of all vpon me, and not ruined?
Why ſhould I linger longer griefes to try? Can yet theſe eyes endure the gaſtly looke
Theſe eyes that ſawe what honor earth could giue mee, Of deſolations darke and ougly face,
Doe now behold the worſt of miſery: Wont but on fortunes faireſt ſide to looke,
The greateſt wrack wherto Fortune could driue mee Where nought was but applauſe, but ſmiles, and grace?
Hee on whoſe ſhoulders all my reſt relyde, Whiles on his ſhoulders all my reſt relide
On whom the burthen of my ambition lay: On whom the burthen of m’ambition lay,
The Atlas and the Champion of my pride, My Atlas, and ſupporter of my pride
That did the world of my whole fortune ſway; That did the world of all my glory ſway,
Lyes falne, confounded, dead in ſhame and dolors, Who now thrown down, diſrac’d, confoūded lies
Following th’vnlucky party of my loue. Cruſht with the weight of shame and infamie,
Th’Enſigne of mine eyes, th’vnhappy collours, Following th’vnlucky party of my eies,
That him to miſchiefe, mee to ruine droue. The traines of luſt and imbecilitie,
And now the modell made of miſery, Whereby my diſſolution is become
scorne to the world, borne but for Fortunes foile, The graue of Ægypt and the wracke of all:
My luſts haue fram’d a Tombe for mee to lie, My vnforeſeeing weakeneſſe muſt intoome
Euen in the aſhes of my Countries ſpoyle. My Countries fame and glory with my fall.
Ah, who would think that I were ſhee who late, Now who would think that I were ſhe who late
Clad with the glory of the worlds chiefe ritches, With all the ornaments on earth inrich’d,
Admir’d of all the earth, and wondred at, Enuiron’d with delights, compaſt with ſtate,
Glittring in pompe that hart and eye bewitches: Glittering in pomp that harts and eies bewitch’d;
Should thus diſtreſs’d, caſt down from of that heigth Should thus diſtreſt, caſt down from of that heigth
Leuell’d with low diſgrac’d calamitie, Leuell’d with low diſgrac’d calamitie,
Vnder the waight of ſuch affliction ſigh, Vnder the waight of ſuch affliction ſigh,
Reduc’d vnto th’extreameſt miſery. Reduc’d vnto th’extreameſt miſerie?
Am I the woman, whoſe inuentiue pride, Am I the woman whoſe inuentiue pride,
(Adorn’d like Isis,) ſcornd mortalitie? Adorn’d like Iſis, skornd mortalitie?
Iſt I that left my ſence ſo without guide, Is’t I would haue my frailty ſo belide
That flattery would not let him know twas I? That flattery could perſwade I was not I?
Ah, now I ſee, they ſcarce tell truth, that praiſe vs, Well now I ſee they but delude that praiſe vs,
Crownes are beguild, proſperity betraies vs. Greatneſſe is mockt, proſperity betraies vs.
What is become of all that ſtatelie traine, And we are but our ſelues, although this clowd
Thoſe troopes that wont attend proſperitie? Of interpoſed ſmokes make vs ſeeme more:
See what is left, what number doth remaine, Witneſſe theſe gallant fortune-followng traines,
A tombe, two maydes, and miſerable I. Theſe Summer Swallowes of felicitie
And I t’adorne their tryumphes, am reſeru’d Gone with the heate, of all see what remaines,
This monument, two maydes, and wretched I.
And I t’adorne their triumphs, am reſeru’d
A captiue kept to beautifie their ſpoyles: A captiue kept to honor others ſpoyles,
Whom Cæſar labours, ſo to haue preſeru’d, Whom Cæſar labors ſo to haue preſeru’d,
And ſeekes to entertaine my life with wiles. And ſeekes to entertaine my life with wiles.
No Cæſar no, it is not thou canſt doe it. But Cæſar, it is more then thou canſt do,
Promiſe, flatter, threaten extreamitie, Promiſe, flatter, threaten extremitie,
Imploy thy wits, and all thy force vnto it, Imploy thy wits and all thy force thereto,
I haue both hands, and will, and I can die. I haue both hands, and will, and I can die.
Though thou of Country, kingdom, & my Crowne, Though thou of both my country and my crown,
Though thou of all my glory doſt bereaue me, Of powre, of means & al dooſt quite bereaue me;
Though thou haſt all my Egipt as thine owne, Though thou haſt wholy Egypt made thine own,
Yet haſt thou left me that which will deceiue thee. Yet haſt thou left me that which will deceiue thee.
That courage with my blood and birth innated, That courage with my blood and birth innated,
Admir’d of all the earth, as thou art now: Admir’d of all the earth as thou art now,
Cannot by threates be vulgarly abated, Can neuer be so abiectly abated
To be thy ſlaue, that rul’d as good as thou. To be thy Slaue that rull’d as good as thou.
Conſider Cæſar that I am a Queene, Thinke Cæſar I that liued and raign’d a Queene,
And ſcorne the baſenes of a ſeruile thought: Doe skorne to buy my life at such a rate,
The world and thou, doſt know what I haue beene, That I ſhould vnder neath my ſelfe be ſeene,
And neuer thinke I can be ſo low brought, Baſely induring to ſuruiue my ſtate:
That Rome ſhould ſee my ſcepter-bearing hands, That Rome ſhould ſee my ſcepter-bearing hands,
Behinde mee bounde, and glory in my teares. Behinde me bound, and glory in my teares.
That I ſhould paſſe, whereas Octauia ſtands That I ſhould paſſe, whereas Octauia ſtands,
To view my miſery, that purchaſt hers. To view my miſery, that purchaſt hers.
No, I diſdaine that head that wore a Crowne, No, I diſdaine that head which wore a crowne,
Should ſtoope to take vp that which others giue: Should ſtoope to take vp that which others giue:
I muſt not be, vnleſſe I be mine owne. I muſt not be, vnleſſe I be mine owne.
Tis ſweet to die when we are forſt to liue. Tis ſweet to die when we are forc’d to liue,
Nor had I troubled now the world thus long, Nor had I ſtaide dehind my ſelfe this ſpace,
And beene indebted for this little breath, Nor paid ſuch intreſt for this borrow’d breath,
But that I feare, Cæſar would offer wrong But that hereby I ſeeke to purchaſe grace
To my diſtreſſed ſeede after my death. For my diſtreſſed ſeed after my death.
Tis that which dooth my deereſt blood controule. It’t that which doth my deereſt bloud controule,
Tis that (alas) detaines mee from my Tombe, That’s it alas detaines mee from my tombe,
Whilſt Nature brings to contradict my ſoule, Whiles nature brings to contradict my ſoule
The argument of mine vnhappy wombe. The argument of mine vnhappy wombe.
O luckleſſe iſſue of a wofull Mother, You luckles iſſue of an wofull mother,
Th’vngodly pledges of a wanton bed; The wretched pledges of a wanton bed;
You Kings deſign’d, muſt now be ſlaues to other, You Kings deſign’d, muſt ſubiects liue to other;
Or els not bee (I feare) when I am dead. Or elſe, I feare, ſcarſe liue, when I am dead.
It is for you I temporiſe with Cæſar, It is for you I temporize with Cæſar,
And liue this while for to procure your ſafetie. And ſtaie this while to mediate your ſafetie:
For you I fayne content, and ſoothe his pleaſure, For you I faine content and ſooth his pleaſure,
Calamitie heerein hath made me crafty. Calamity herein hath made me craſtie.
But tis not long, Ile ſee what may be done, But this is but to trie what may be done,
And come what will, this ſtands, I muſt die free. For come what will, this ſtands, I muſt die free,
Ile be my ſelfe, my thoughts doe reſt thereon, And die my ſelfe vncaptiu’d and vnwon.
Blood, chyldren, nature, all muſt pardon mee. Bloud, Children, Nature, all muſt pardon me.
My ſoule yeelds honour vp the victory, My ſoule yeelds honour vp the victory,
And I muſt bee a Queene, forget a mother: And I muſt bee a Queene, forget a mother,
Yet mother would I be, were I not I, Though mother would I be, were I not I;
And Queene would I not now be, were I other. And Queene would not be now, could I be other.
But what know I, if th’heauens haue decreed, But what know I if th’heauens haue de cred,
And that the ſinnes of Egipt haue deſeru’d, And that the ſinnes of Ægypt haue deſeru’d,
The Ptolomeyes ſhould faile, and none ſucceed, The Ptolomies ſhould faile and none ſucceed,
And that my weakenes was thereto reſeru’d. And that my weakenes was thereto reſeru’d.
And fill the meaſure of iniquitie: And fill the meaſure of iniquitie,
Licentiouſnes in mee ſhould end her date, Luxuriouſneſſe in me ſhould raiſe the rate
Begunne in ill-diſpenſed libertie. Of looſe and ill-diſpenſed libertie.
If ſo it be, and that my heedles waies, If it be ſo, then what needes theſe delaies?
Haue this ſo great a diſſolation rais’d, Since I was made the meanes of miſerie:
Yet let a glorious end conclude my dayes, Why ſhuld I ſtriue but to make death my praiſe,
Though life were bad, my death may yet be prais’d, That had my life but for my infamie?
That I may write in letters of my blood, A fit memoriall for the times to come,
A fit memoriall for the times to come:
To be example to ſuch Princes good To be example to ſuch Princes good
That pleaſe themſelues, and care not what become. As pleaſe themſelues and care not what becom.
And Anthony, becauſe the world doth know, And Anthony, becauſe the world takes note
That my miſ-fortune hath procured thine, That my defects haue only ruin’d thee:
And my improuidence brought thee folow, And my ambitious practiſes are thought
To loſe thy glory, and to ruine mine: The motiue and the cauſe of all to be:
By grapling in the Ocean of our pride, Though God thou know’ſt, how iuſt this ſtaine is laid
To ſinke each others greatnes both together, Vpon my ſoule, whom ill ſucceſſe makes ill:
Both equall ſhipwrack of our ſtates t’abide, Yet ſince condemn’d misfortune hath no ayd
And like deſtruction to procure to eyther: Againſt proud luck that argues what it will,
If I ſhould now (our common faulte) ſuruiue, I haue no meanes to vndeceiue their mindes,
Then all the world muſt hate mee if I doe it, But to bring in the witneſſe of my bloud,
Sith both our errors did occaſion giue, To teſtifie the faith and loue that bindes
And both our faults haue brought vs both vnto it. My equall ſhame, to fall with whom I ſtood.
I beeing firſt inamour’d with thy greatnes, Defects I grant I had, but this was worſt,
Thou with my vanity bewitched wholy: That being the firſt to fall I dy’d not firſt.
And both betrayd with th’outward pleaſant ſweetnes, Though I perhaps could lighten mine own ſide
The one ambition ſpoyld, th’other folly. With ſome excuſe of my conſtrained caſe
For which, thou haſt already duly paid, Drawn down with powre: but that were to deuide
The ſtatute of thy errors deareſt forfeit: My ſhame: to ſtand alone in my diſgrace.
Whereby thy gotten credite was decayd, To cleere me ſo, would ſhew m’affections naught,
Procur’d thee by thy wanton deadly ſurfeit. And make th’excuſe more hainous then the fault.
Since if I ſhould our errours diſunite,
I ſhould confound afflictions onely reſt,
That from ſtearn death euen ſteales a ſad delight
To die with friends or with the like diſtreſt;
And ſince we tooke of either ſuch firme hold
In th’ouerwhelming ſeas of fortune caſt,
What powre ſhould be of powre to reunfold
The armes of our affections lockt ſo faſt,
For grapling in the ocean of our pride,
We ſunke each others greatneſſe both together;
And both made ſhipwracke of our ſame beſide,
Both wrought a like deſtruction vnto either:
And next is my turne, now to ſacrifize And therefore I am bound to ſacrifice
To Death, and thee, the life that doth reproue mee, To death and thee, the life that doth reproue me,
Our like diſtreſſe I feele doth sympathize, Our like diſtreſſe I feele doth ſimpathize,
And euen affliction makes me truly loue thee. And euen affliction makes me truly loue thee.
Which Anthony, (I muſt confeſſe my fault,) Which Anthony, I muſt confeſſe my fault
I neuer did ſincerely vntill now; I neuer did ſincerely vntill now:
Now I proteſt I doe, now am I taught, Now I proteſt I do, now am I taught
In death to loue, in life that knew not how. In death to loue, in life that knew not how.
For whilſt my glory in that greatnes ſtood, For whilſt my glory in that greatneſſe ſtood,
And that I ſaw my ſtate, and knew my beauty, And that I ſaw my ſtate and knew my beautie;
Saw how the world admir’d mee, how they woode, Saw how the world admir’d me, how they woo’d,
I then thought all men, muſt loue me of dutie, I then thought all men muſt loue me of dutie;
And I loue none: for my laſciuious Courte, And I loue none: for my laſciuious Court,
(Fertile in euer-freſh and new-choyce pleaſure,) Fertile in euer freſh and new-choiſe pleaſure,
Affoorded me ſo bountiful diſport, Affoorded me ſo bountifull diſport
That I to thinke on loue had neuer leyſure. That I to ſtay on loue had neuer leaſure:
My vagabond deſires no limits found, My vagabond deſires no limits found,
For luſt is endleſſe, pleaſure hath no bound. For luſt is endleſſe, pleaſure hath no bound.
Thou, comming from the ſtrictnes of thy Citty, Thou comming from the ſtrictnes of thy City,
The wanton pompe of Courts yet neuer learnedſt: And neuer this looſe pomp of monarchs learneſt,
Inur’d to warrs, in womans wiles vnwittie, Inu’rd to wars, in womens wiles vnwitty,
Whilſt others fayn’d, thou fell’ſt to loue in earneſt. Whilſt others faynd, thou fell’ſt to loue in earneſt;
Not knowing women like them beſt that houer, Not knowing how we like them beſt that houer,
And make leaſt reckning of a doting Louer. And make leaſt reckning of a doting louer.
And yet thou earn’ſt but in my beauties waine, And yet thou cam’ſt but in my beauties waine,
When new-appearing wrinkles of declining, When new appearing wrinkles of declining
Wrought with the hand of yeeres, ſeem’d to detaine Wrought with the hand of yeers, ſeem’d to detain
My graces light, as now but dimly ſhining. My graces light, as now but dimly ſhining
Euen in the confines of mine age, when I Euen in the confines of mine age, when I
Fayling of what I was, and was but thus: Failing of what I was, and was but thus;
When ſuch as wee, doe deeme in iealoſie When ſuch as we do deeme in iealouſie
That men loue for them-ſelues, and not for vs. That men loue for themſelues and not for vs,
Then, and but thus, thou didſt loue moſt ſincerely, Then and but thus, thou didſt loue moſt ſincerely
(O Anthony,) that beſt deſeru’dſt it better O Anthony, that beſt deſeru’ſt it better,
Thys Antumne of my beauty bought ſo deerely, This Antumne of my beauty bought ſo dearely,
For which (in more then death) I ſtand thy debter. For which in more then death, I ſtand thy debter,
Which I will pay thee with moſt faithfull zeale, Which I will pay thee with ſo true a mind,
And that ere long, no Cæſar ſhall detaine me; (Caſting vp all theſe deepe accoumpts of mine)
My death, my loue and courage ſhall reueale, That both our ſoules, and all the world ſhall find
The which is all the world hath left t’vnſtaine me. All recknings cleer’d, betwixt my loue and thine.
And to the end I may deceiue beſt, Cæſar, But to the end I may preuent proud Cæſar,
Who dooth ſo eagerly my life importune, Who dooth ſo eagerly my life importune,
I muſt preuaile mee of this little leiſure, I muſt preuaile me of this little leaſure,
Seeming to ſute my minde vnto my fortune. Seeming to ſute my mind vnto my fortune;
Whereby I may the better mee prouide, Thereby with more conuenience to prouide
Of what my death and honor beſt ſhall fit: For what my death and honor beſt ſhall fit:
A ſeeming baſe content, muſt warie hide An yeelding baſe content muſt warie hide
My laſt diſſeigne, till I accompliſh it. My laſt diſſigne till I accompliſh it,
That heereby yet the world ſhall ſee that I, That hereby yet the world ſhall ſee that I,
Although vnwiſe to liue, had wit to die. Although vnwiſe to liue had wit to die.
Exit.
Which when being moſt diſtreſt, Which when being moſt diſtreſt,
Yet more to vexe their ſp’rit, Yet more to vex their ſp’rite,
The hidious face of ſinne, The hidious face of ſinne,
(In formes they moſt deteſt) (In formes they muſt deteſt)
Stands euer in their ſight. Stands euer in their ſight.
Their Conſcience ſtill within, Their conſcience ſtill within
Th’eternall larum is, Th’eternall larum is
That euer-barking dog that calls vppon theyr miβ. That euer-barking dog that calles vpon their miſſe.
No way to ſtart aſide No way to ſtart aſide
Out from the hell of mind. Out from the hell of minde.
But in himſelfe confin’d, But in himſelfe confin’d,
Hee ſtill ſees ſinne before: He ſtill ſees ſinne before:
And winged-footed paine, And winged-footed paine,
That ſwiftly comes behind, That ſwiftly comes behind,
The which is euer more, The which is euer-more,
The ſure and certaie gaine The ſure and certaie gaine
Well ſees the dangerous way Well ſees the dangerous way
Shee tooke. and car’d not bow, She tooke, and car’d not bow,
Which led her to decay. Which led her to decay.
For her diſordred luſt, For her diſordred luſt,
Th int’reſt of our blood: The int’reſt of our blood:
Or liue a ſeruile pray, Or liue a ſeruile pray,
Vnder a band vniuſt, Vnder a hand vniuſt,
As others ſhall thinke good. As others ſhall thinke good.
This hath her riot wonne. This hath her riot wunne.
And thus ſhee hath her ſtate, her ſelfe and vs vndunne. And thus ſhe hath her ſtate, herſelfe and vs vndunne.
What cloſe was muttered: What cloſe was muttered:
How that ſhee did not well, How that ſhe did not well,
To take the courſe ſhee did. To take the courſe ſhee did.
Of what feare did reſtraine. Of what feare did reſtraine.
No ſecrete cloſely done, No ſecrete cloſelie done,
But now is vttered: But now is vttered.
The text is made moſt plaine The text is made moſt plaine
The bed of ſinne reueal’d, The bed of ſinne reueal’d,
And all the luxurie that ſhame would haue conceal’d. And all the luxurie that ſhame would haue conceal d.
To pleaſure-gazing eyes, To pleaſure-gazing eyes,
Lyes ſcattered, daſht, all broke. Lyes ſcattred, daſht, all broke.
Thus much beguiled haue Thus much beguiled haue
Poore vnconſider at wights, Poore vnconſiderate wights,
Theſe momentary pleaſures, fugitiue delights. Theſe momentarie pleaſures, fugitiue delights.
Stand farre without the reach of ſword or violence. Stand farre without the reach of ſword or violence.
Who forc’d doe pay vs duety, pay not loue: Who forc’d doe pay vs dutie, pay not loue :
Free is the hart, the temple of the minde, Free is the hart, the temple of the minde,
The Sanctuarie ſacred from aboue, The Sanctuarie ſacred from aboue,
Where nature keepes the keyes that looſe and bind. Where nature keepes the keies that looſe&bind.
No mortall hand force open can that doore, No mortall hand force open can that doore,
So cloſe shut vp, and lockt to all mankind: So cloſe ſhut vp, and lockt to all mankind:
I ſee mens bodies onely ours, no more, I ſee mens bodies onely ours, no more,
Behold, my forces vanquiſht haue this Land, Behold, my forces vanquiſht haue this Land,
Subdu’de that ſtrong Competitor of mine: Subdu’d that ſtrong Competitor of mine:
All Egipt yeelds to my all-conquering hand, All Egypt yeelds to my all-conquering hand,
And all theyr treaſure and themſelues reſigne. And all their treaſure and themſelues reſigne.
Onely this Queene, that hath loſt all this all, Onely this Queene, that hath loſt all this all,
Cannot into a thought of yeelding fall, Cannot into a thought of yeelding fall,
To be diſpos’d as chaunce hath her aſsign’d. To be diſpos’d as chaunce hath her aſſign’d.
But Proculei, what hope doth ſhee now giue, But Proculei, what hope doth ſhe now giue,
Will ſhee be brought to condiſcend to liue? Will ſhee be brought to condiſcend to liue?
Proc. My Lord, what time being ſent from you to try, Proc. My Lord, what time being ſent frō you to try
To win her foorth aliue, (if that I might) To win her foorth aliue (if that I might)
From out the Monument, where wofully From out the Monument, where wofully
No way I found, no meanes how to ſurprize her, No way I found,no meanes how to ſurprize her,
But through a Grate at th’entry of the place, But through a Grate at th’entry of the place
Standing to treate, I labour’d to aduiſe her, Standing to treat, I labour’d to aduiſe her,
To come to Cæſar, and to ſue for grace. To come to Cæſar, and to ſue for grace.
Shee ſaide, ſhee crau’d not life, but leaue to die, She ſaid, ſhe crau’d not life, but leaue to die,
Yet for her children, prayd they might inherite, Yet for her children, pray’d they might inherite,
That Cæſar would vouchſafe (in clemency,) That Cæſar would vouchſafe (in clemencie)
To pitty them, though ſhee deſeru’d no merite. To pittie them, though ſhe deſeru’d no merite.
So leauing her for then; and ſince of late, So leauing her for then;and ſince of late,
With Gallus ſent to try another time, With Gallus ſent to trie another time,
The whilſt hee entertaines her at the grate, The whilſt he entertaines her at the grate,
I found the meanes vp to the Tombe to climbe. I found the meanes vp to the Tombe to clime.
Where in diſcending in the cloſeſt wiſe, Where in diſcending in the cloſeſt wiſe,
And ſilent manner as I could contriue: And ſilent manner as I could contriue:
Her woman mee deſcri’d, and out ſhee cryes, Her woman me deſcri’d, and out ſhe cries,
Poore Cleopatra, thou art tane aliue. Poore Cleopatra, thou art tane aliue.
With that the Queene raught frō her ſide her knife, With that the Queen raught from her ſide her knife,
And euen in acte to ſtab her martred breſt, And euen in act to ſtab her martred breſt,
I ſtept with ſpeed, and held, and ſau’d her life, I ſtept with ſpeede, and held, and ſau’d her life,
And forth her trembling hand the blade did wreſt. And forth her trembling hād the blade did wreſt.
Ah Cleopatra, why ſhould’s thou (ſaid I,) Ah Cleopatra, why ſhouldſt thou, (ſaid I)
Both iniurie thy ſelfe and Cæſar ſo? Both iniurie thy ſelfe and Cæſar ſo?
Barre him the honour of his victory, Barre him the honour of his victorie,
Who euer deales moſt mildly with his foe? Who euer deales moſt mildly with his foe?
Liue and relye on him, whoſe mercy will Liue and relie on him, whoſe mercy will
To thy ſubmiſsion alwaies ready be. To thy ſubmiſſion alwaies readie be.
With that (as all amaz’d) ſhee held her ſtill, With that (as all amaz’d) ſhe held her ſtill,
Twixt maieſtie confus’d and miſerie. Twixt maieſtie confus’d and miſerie.
Her proud grieu’d eyes, held ſorrow and diſdaine, Her proud grieu’d eyes, held ſorow and diſdaine,
State and diſtreſſe warring within her ſoule: State and diſtreſſe warring within her ſoule:
Like as a burning Lampe, whoſe liquor ſpent Like as a burning Lampe, whoſe liquor ſpent
With intermitted flames, when dead you deeme it, With intermitted flames, when dead you deem it,
Sendes foorth a dying flaſh, as diſcontent, Sendes foorth a dying flaſh, as diſcontent,
That ſo the matter failes that ſhould redeeme it. That ſo the matter failes that ſhould redeeme it:
So ſhee (in ſpight) to ſee her low-brought ſtate, So ſhee (in ſpight) to ſee her low-brought ſtate,
(When all her hopes were now conſum’d to nought,) (When all her hopes were now conſum’d to nought)
Scornes yet to make an abiect league with Fate, Scornes yet to make an abiect league with Fate,
Authority confounds with prayers, ſo Authority confounds with prayers, ſo
Words of commaund conioyn’d with humble ſpeech, Words of cōmand conioin’d with humble ſpeech,
Shew’d ſhee would liue, yet ſcorn’d to pray her foe. Shew’d ſhee would liue, yet ſcorn’d to pray her foe.
Ah, what hath Cæſar heere to doe, ſaid ſhee, Ah, what hath Cæſar here to doe, ſaid ſhe,
In confines of the dead in darknes liuing? In confines of the dead in darknes lying ?
Will hee not graunt our ſepulchers be free, Will he not grant our ſepulchers be free,
But violate the priuiledge of dying? But violate the priuiledge of dying ?
What, muſt hee ſtretch forth his ambitious hand What, muſt hee ſtretch forth his ambitious hand
Into the right of Death, and force vs heere? Into the right of Death, and force vs here ?
Hath miſery no couert where to ſtand Hath miſerie no couert where to ſtand
Free from the ſtorme of pryde, iſt ſafe no where? Free from the ſtorme of pryde,iſt ſafe no where ?
Th’afflicted body of an wofull woman? Th’afflicted body of an wofull woman?
Tell him, my frailty, and the Gods haue giuen, Tell him, my frailtie, and the Gods haue giuen
Sufficient glory, if hee could content him: Sufficient glorie, if he could content him:
And let him now with his deſires make euen, And let him now with his deſires make euen,
And leaue mee to this horror, to lamenting. And leaue mee to this horror, to lamenting.
Now hee hath taken all away from mee, Now he hath taken all away from mee,
What muſt hee take mee from my ſelfe by force? What muſt he take me from my ſelfe by force?
Ah, let him yet (in mercie) leaue mee free Ah, let him yet (in mercie) leaue mee free
Yet wiſh that Cæſar would vouchſafe this grace, Yet wiſh that Cæſar would vouchſafe this grace,
To fauour the poore of-ſpring of my blood. To fauour the poore ofspring of my blood.
Confuſed iſſue, yet of Roman race. Confuſed iſſue, yet of Roman race.
But if that with the torrent of my fall, But if that with the torrent of my fall,
All muſt bee rapt with furious violence, All muſt be rapt with furious violence,
And no reſpect, nor no regard at all, And no reſpect, nor no regard at all,
Then be it ſo, if needes it muſt be ſo. Then be it ſo, if needes it muſt be ſo.
There ſtayes and ſhrinkes in horror of her ſtate. There ſtayes and ſhrinkes in horror of her ſtate:
When I began to mitigate her woe, When I began to mitigate her woe,
No doubt ſhee ſhould obtaine as gentle doome No doubt ſhee ſhould obtaine as gentle doome
As ſhee deſir’d, both for herſelfe and hers. As ſhe deſir’d, both for herſelfe and hers.
And ſo with much a-doe, (well pacifide And ſo with much a-do, (well pacifide
Seeming to bee,) ſhee ſhew’d content to lyue, Seeming to be,) ſhe ſhew’d content to liue,
Saying ſhee was reſolu’d thy doome t’abide, Saying ſhe was reſolu’d thy doome t’abide,
And to accept what fauour thou would’ſt giue. And to accept what fauour thou would’ſt giue,
And heere-withall, crau’d alſo that ſhee might And here-withall, crau’d alſo that ſhee might
Performe her laſt rites to her loſt belou’d. Performe her laſt rites to her loſt belou’d.
To ſacrifize to him that wrought her plight: To ſacrifice to him that wrought her plight:
And that ſhee might not bee by force remou’d. And that ſhee might not bee by force remou’d.
I graunting from thy part this her requeſt, I granting from thy part this her requeſt,
Left her for then, ſeeming in better reſt. Left her for then, ſeeming in better reſt.
Cæſ. But dooſt thou thinke ſhe will remaine ſo ſtill? Cæſ. But doſt thou thinke ſhe will remaine ſo ſtill?
Pro. I thinke, and doe aſſure my ſelfe ſhee will. Pro. I thinke, and do aſſure my ſelfe ſhe will.
Cæſ. Ah, priuate men found not the harts of Princes, Cæſ. Ah, priuat men found not the harts of princes,
Whoſe actions oft beare contrarie pretences. Whoſe actions oft beare contrarie pretences.
Pro. Shee may thereby procure her childrens good. Pro. Shee may thereby procure her childrens good.
Cæſ. Princes reſpect theyr honour more then blood. Cæſ. Princes reſpect their honor more then blood.
Pro. Can Princes powre diſpence with nature than? Pro. Can princes powre diſpence with nature thā?
Cæſ. To be a Prince, is more then be a man. Cæſ. To be a prince, is more then be a man.
Pro. There’s none but haue in time perſwaded beene. Pro. There’s none but haue in time perſwaded beene.
Cæſ. And ſo might ſhee too, were ſhee not a Queene. Cæſ. And ſo might ſhe too, were ſhe not a Queene.
Pro. Diuers reſpects will force her be reclam’d. Pro. Diuers reſpects will force her be reclam’d.
A priuate man may yeeld, and care not how, A priuate man may yeeld, and care not how,
But greater harts will breake before they bow. But greater hearts will breake before they bow.
And ſure I thinke ſh’will neuer condiſcend, And ſure I thinke ſh’will neuer condiſcend,
To lyue to grace our ſpoyles with her diſgrace: To liue to grace our ſpoiles with her diſgrace:
But yet let ſtill a warie watch attend, But yet let ſtill a warie watch attend,
CHORVS. CHORVS.
OPINION, howe doost thou molest OPINION, how dooſt thou moleſt
Th affected minde of restles man? Th’ affected minde of reſtles man?
Who following thee, neuer can, Who following thee neuer can,
Nor euer ſhall attaine to rest. Nor euer ſhall attaine to reſt,
For getting what thou ſaist is best, For getting what thou ſaist is beſt,
Yet loe, that best hee findes farre wide Yet loe, that beſt he findes farre wide
Of what thou promiſedst before: Of what thou promiſedſt before:
For in the ſame hee lookt for more, For in the ſame he lookt for more,
Which proues but ſmall when once tis tride. Which proues but ſmall whē once tis tride
Then ſomething els thou find’st beſide, Then ſomthing elſe thou find ſt beſide,
To draw him ſtill from thought to thought: To draw him ſtil frō thought to thought:
When in the end all proues but nought. When in the end all proues but nought.
Farther from reſt hee findes him than, Farther from reſt hee findes him than,
Then at the first when he began. Then at the firſt when he began.
O malcontent ſeducing guest, O malecontent ſeducing gueſt,
Contriuer of our greatest woes: Contriuer of our greatest woes:
Which borne of winde, and fed with ſhowes, Which borne of wind, & fed with ſhowes,
Dooſt nurſe thy ſelfe in thine vnrest. Dooſt nurſe thy ſelfe in thine vnrest.
Iudging vngotten things the best, Iudging vngotten things the best,
Or what thou in conceite deſign’st. Or what thou in conceit deſign’ſt.
And all things in the world doost deeme, And all things in the world doost deeme,
Not as they are, but as they ſeeme: Not as they are, but as they ſeeme:
Which ſhewes, their ſtate thou ill defin’st: Which ſhewes, their ſtate thou ill defin’ſt:
And liu’st to come, in preſent pin’st. And liu’ſt to come, in preſent pin’ſt.
For what thou hast, thou ſtill dooſt lacke: For what thou haſt, thou ſtill dooſt lacke:
O mindeſ tormentor, bodies wracke, O mindes tormentor, bodies wracke,
Vaine promiſer of that ſweet rest, Vaine promiſer of that ſweet reſt,
Which neuer any yet poſſest. Which neuer anie yet poſſeſt.
If wee vnto ambition tende, If we vnto ambition tende,
Then doost thou draw our weakenes on, Then dooſt thou drawe our weakenes on,
With vaine imagination With vaine imagination
Of that which neuer hath an end. Of that which neuer hath an ende.
Or if that lust we apprehend, Or if that luſt we apprehend,
How doth that pleaſant plague infest? How doth that pleaſant plague infeſt?
O what ſtrange formes of luxurie, O what ſtrange formes of luxurie,
Thou ſtraight doost cast t’intice vs by? Thou ſtraight dooſt caſt t’intice vs by?
And tell’st vs that is euer best, And tell’ſt vs that is euer beſt,
Which wee haue neuer yet poſſest. Which we haue neuer yet poſſest.
And that more pleaſure rests beſide, And that more pleaſure reſts beſide,
In ſomething that we haue not tride. In ſomething that we haue not tride.
This Anthony can ſay is true, This Anthony can ſay is true,
And Cleopatra knowes tis ſo, Ad Cleopatra knowes tis ſo,
By th’experience of their woe. By th’experience of their woe.
Shee can ſay, ſhee neuer knew Shee can ſay, ſhe neuer knew
But that iust found pleaſures new, But that lust found pleaſures new,
And was neuer ſatiſ-fide: And was neuer ſatisfide:
Hee can ſay by proofe of toyle, He can ſay by proofe of toile,
Ambition is a Vulture vile, Ambition is a Vulture vile,
That feedes vpon the hart of pride: That feedes vpō the hart of pride:
And findes no rest when all is tride. And finds no reſt when all is tride.
For worlds cannot confine the one, For worlds cannot confine the one,
Th’other, listes and bounds hath none. Th’other, liſts and bounds hath none.
And both ſubuert the minde, the ſtate, And both ſubuert the minde, the ſtate,
Yet Opinion leaues not heere, Yet Opinion leaues not heere,
But ſticks to Cleopatra neere. But ſticks to Cleopatra neere,
Perſwading now, how ſhe ſhall gaine Perſwading now, how ſhe ſhall gaine
Diſpayre doth ſuch a courage giue, Diſpayre doth ſuch a courage giue,
That naught els can her minde relieue. That naught elſe can her minde relieue.
Nor yet diuert her from that thought: Nor yet diuert her from that thought:
ACTVS TERTIVS. ACTVS TERTIVS.
PHILOSTRATVS. ARIVS. Philostratvs. Arivs.
HOW deepely Arius am I bounde to thee, HOW deepely Arius am I bounde to thee,
That ſau’dſt frō death this wretched life of mine: That ſau’dſt from death this wretched life of mine:
Obtayning Cæſars gentle grace for mee, Obtaining Cæſars gentle grace for mee,
When I of all helps els diſpayr’d but thine? When I of all helps elſe diſpaird but thine?
Although I ſee in ſuch a wofull ſtate, Although I ſee in ſuch a wofull ſtate,
Life is not that which ſhould be much deſir’d: Life is not that which ſhould be much deſir’d:
Sith all out glories come to end theyr date, Sith all out glories come to end their date,
Our Countries honour and our owne expir’d. Our Countries honour and our owne expir’d.
Now that the hand of wrath hath ouer-gone vs, Now that the hand of wrath hath ouer-gone vs,
Liuing (as’twere) in th’armes of our dead mother, Liuing (as ‘twere) in th’armes of our dead mother,
With blood vnder our feete ruine vpon vs, With blood vnder our feete ruine vpon vs,
What comforts vnſicke Eloquence can ſound, What comforts vnſicke eloquence can ſound,
And yet all fayles vs in the poynt of trying. And yet all failes vs in the poynt of trying.
For whilſt we reaſon with the breath of ſafety, For whilſt we reaſon with the breath of ſafety,
In taxing others feares in counſell giuing? In taxing others feares in counſell giuing?
When all thys ayre of ſweet-contriued words, When all this ayre of ſweet-contriued words
Prooues but weake armour to defend the hart. Proues but weake armour to defend the hart.
For when this lyfe, pale feare and terror boords, For when this life, pale feare and terror boords,
Where are our precepts then, where is our arte? Where are our precepts then, where is our arte?
For my baſe begging of a ſeruile breath, For my baſe begging of a ſeruile breath,
Wherein I graunt my ſelfe much t’abuſe, Wherein I grant my ſelfe much to abuſe,
So ſhamefully to ſeeke t’auoyd my death. So ſhamefully to ſeeke t’auoide my death.
Arius. Philoſtratus, that ſelfe ſame care to liue, Arius. Philoſtratus, that ſelfe ſame care to liue,
Poſſeſſeth all alike, and grieue not then Poſſeſſeth all alike, and grieue not then
Nature dooth vs no more then others giue: Nature doth vs no more then others giue:
Though we ſpeak more then men, we are but men. Though we ſpeak more then mē, we are but mē.
And yet (in truth) theſe miſeries to ſee, And yet (in truth) theſe miſeries to ſee,
Might to our ſelues ſufficient motiues be Might to our ſelues ſufficient motiues be
To loathe this life, and weigh our death the leſſe. To loath this life, and weigh our death the leſſe.
For neuer any age hath better taught, For neuer any age hath better taught,
What feeble footing pride and greatnes hath. What feeble footing pride and greatneſſe hath.
How ‘improuident proſperity is caught, How ‘improuident proſperitie is caught,
And cleane confounded in the day of wrath. And cleane confounded in the day of wrath.
See how diſmaid Confuſion keepes thoſe ſtreetes, See how diſmaid Confuſion keepes thoſe ſtreetes,
That nought but mirth & Muſique late reſounded, That nought but mirth and muſique late reſounded,
How nothing with our eye but horror meetes, How nothing with our eie but horror meetes,
Our ſtate, our wealth, our pride & all confounded. Our ſtate, our wealth, our pride & all confounded.
When pride and ryot grew to ſuch abounding. When pride and ryot grew to ſuch abounding.
When diſſolute impiety poſſeſt, When diſſolute impietie poſſeſt,
Th’vnreſpectiue mindes of ſuch a people: Th’vnreſpectiue mindes of ſuch a people:
When inſolent Security found reſt When inſolent Security found reſt
In wanton thoughts, with luſt and eaſe made feeble. In wanton thoughts, with luſt & eaſe made feeble.
Then when vnwary peace with fat-fed pleaſure, Then when vnwary peace with fat-fed pleaſure,
Who ſaw not how this confluence of vice, Who ſaw not how this confluence of vice,
This innondation of diſorders, muſt This inundation of diſorders, muſt
At length of force pay back the bloody price At length of force pay back the bloody price
O thou and I haue heard, and read, and knowne O thou and I haue heard, and read, and knowne
Of lyke proude ſtates, as wofully incombred, Of like proude ſtates, as wofully incombred,
And fram’d by them, examples for our owne: And fram’d by them, examples for our own:
Which now among examples muſt be numbred. Which now among examples muſt be numbred.
In Conſiſtorie of the ſtarres of heauen, In Conſiſtorie of the ſtarres of heauen,
Entred the booke of vnauoyded Fate; Entred the booke of vnauoided Fate;
That no ſtate can in heigth of happines, That no ſtate can in heigth of happineſſe,
In th’exaltation of theyr glory ſtand: In th’exaltation of their glory ſtand:
But thither once ariu’d, declyning leſſe, But thither once ariu’d, declining leſſe,
Ruine themſelues, or fall by others hand. Ruine themſelues, or fall by others hand.
Thus doth the euer-changing courſe of things, Thus doth the euer-changing courſe of things
Runne a perpetuall circle, euer turning: Runne a perpetuall circle, euer turning:
And that ſame day that higheſt glory brings, And that ſame day that hieſt glory brings,
Brings vs vnto the poynt of back-returning. Brings vs vnto the poynt of back-returning.
For ſenceles ſenſualitie, doth euer For ſenceles ſenſualitie, doth euer
Accompany felicity and greatnes. Accompany felicitie and greatneſſe.
A fatall witch, whoſe charmes do leaue vs neuer, A fatal witch, whoſe charmes do leaue vs neuer,
Till we leaue all in ſorrow for our ſweetnes; Till we leaue all in ſorrow for our ſweetneſſe;
When yet our ſelues muſt be the cauſe we fall, When yet our ſelues muſt be the cauſe we fall,
Our errors ſtill muſt beare the blame of all, Our errors ſtill muſt beare the blame of all,
This muſt it be, earth aſke not heauen why. This muſt it be, earth aske not heauen why.
Yet mighty men with wary iealous hand, Yet mighty men with wary iealous hand,
All whatſoeuer ſeemes but to withſtand All whatſoeuer ſeemes but to withſtand
Theyr leaſt conceite of quiet, held ſo deere; Their leaſt conceit of quiet, held ſo deere;
And ſo intrench themſelues with blood, wt crymes, And ſo intrench themſelues with blood, with crimes,
With all iniuſtice as theyr feares diſpoſe: With all iniuſtice as their feares diſpoſe:
Yet for all thys wee ſee, how oftentimes Yet for all this we ſee, howe oftentimes
The meanes they worke to keep, are means to loſe. The meanes they worke to keepe, are meanes to loſe.
And ſure I cannot ſee, how this can ſtand And ſure I cannot ſee, howe this can ſtand
With great Auguſtus ſafety and his honor, With great Auguſtus ſafety and his honor,
To cut off all ſucceſſion from our land, To cut off all ſucceſſion from our land,
For her offence that puld the warrs vpon her. For her offence that puld the wars vpon her.
Phi. Why muſt her iſſue pay the price of that? Phi. Why muſt her iſſue pay the price of that?
Phi. Alas what hurt procures his feeble arme? Phi. Alas what hurt procures his feeble arme?
Ari. Not for it dooth, but that it may doe harme. Ari. Not for it doth, but that it may doe harme.
Phi. Then when it offers hurt, repreſſe the ſame, Phi. Then when it offers hurt, repreſſe the ſame,
To apprehend ſome falſed hope: whereby To apprehend ſome falſed hope: whereby
Shee might be drawne to haue her fortune ſeene. She might be drawn to haue her fortune ſeene.
But yet I thinke, Rome will not ſee that face But yet I thinke, Rome will not ſee that face
(That quel her chāpions,) bluſh in baſe diſgrace. (That queld her champiōs,) bluſh in baſe diſgrace.
SCENA. SECVNDA. SCENA SECVNDA
Cæsar. Cleopatra, Selevcvs, Dolabella.
CÆSAR, CLEOPATRA, SELEVCVS, DOLABELLA.
Of Cæſars mercy, that thou hid’ſt thy face? Of Cæſars mercy, that thou hid’ſt thy face?
Or dooſt thou think, thy’offences can be ſuch, Or doſt thou thinke, thy’ offences can be ſuch,
That they ſurmount the meaſure of our grace? That they ſurmount the meaſure of our grace?
Cleo. O Cæſar, not for that I flye thy fight Cleo. O Cæſar, not for that I flie thy fight
My ſoule this ſad retyre of ſorrow choſe: My ſoule this ſad retyre of ſorrow choſe:
But that my’oppreſſed thoughts abhorring light, But that my’oppreſſed thoughts abhorring light,
Like best in darknes, my diſgrace t’incloſe. Like beſt in darknes, my diſgrace t’incloſe.
And heere to theſe cloſe limmits of diſpaire, And here to theſe cloſe limmits of deſpaire,
This ſolitary horror where I bide: This ſolitarie horror where I bide:
Cæſar, I thought no Roman ſhould repaire, Cæſar, I thought no Roman ſhould repaire,
More after him, who heere oppreſſed dyde. More after him, who here oppreſſed dyde.
Yet now, heere at thy conquering feete I lye, Yet now, heere at thy conquering feete I lie,
Poore captiue ſoule, that neuer thought to bow: Poore captiue ſoul, that neuer thought to bow:
Whoſe happy foote of rule and maieſtie, Whoſe happie foote of rule and Maieſtie
Stoode late on yt ſame ground thou ſtandeſt now. Stood late on ye ſame ground thou ſtandeſt now.
Cæſ. Riſe Queene, none but thy ſelfe is cauſe of all. Cæſ. Riſe Queene, none but thy ſelfe is cauſe of all.
That others ruine had not with thy fall That others ruine had not with thy fall
Brought Rome her ſorowes,to my tryumphs mone. Brought Rome her ſorowes, to my triumphs mone.
For breaking off the league of loue and blood. For breaking off the league of loue and blood,
Thou mak’ſt my winning ioy a gaine vnpleaſing: Thou mak’ſt my winning ioy a gaine vnpleaſing:
Sith th’eye of griefe muſt looke into our good, Sith th’eye of griefe muſt looke into our good,
Thorow the horror of our owne blood-ſhedding. Thorow the horror of our own bloodſhedding.
And all, we muſt attribute vnto thee. And all, we muſt attribute vnto thee.
Cleo. To mee? Cæſar what ſhould a woman doe Cleo. To me? Cæſar, what ſhould a woman doe
Oppreſt with greatnes? What was it for mee Oppreſt with greatnes? what was it for me
To contradict my Lord, beeing bent thereto? To contradict my Lord, beeing bent thereto?
For when the Lord of all the Orient bade, For when the Lord of all the Orient bade,
Who but obeyd? who was not glad to pleaſe? Who but obey’d? who was not glad to pleaſe?
And how could I with-draw my ſuccouring hand, And how could I withdraw my ſuccouring hand,
From him that had my hart, or what was mine? From him that had my heart, and what was mine?
Th’intreſt of my faith in ſtraighteſt band, The intreſt of my faith in ſtreighteſt band,
My loue to his moſt firmely did combine. My loue to his moſt firmly did combine.
Cæſ. Loue? alas no, it was th’innated hatred Cæſ. Loue? alas no, it was th’innated hatred
That thou and thine haſt euer borne our people: That thou and thine haſt euer borne our people:
That made thee ſeeke al meanes to haue vs ſcattred, That made thee ſeeke al means to haue vs ſcattred,
To diſvnite our ſtrength, and make vs feeble. To diſunite our ſtrength and make vs feeble.
And therefore did that breſt nurſe our diſſention, And therfore did that breſt nurſe our diſſentiō,
With hope t’exalt thy ſelfe, t’augment thy ſtate: With hope t’exalt thy ſelfe, t’augment thy ſtate:
To pray vpon the wrack of our contention, To pray vppon the wracke of our contention,
And (with the reſt our foes,) to ioy thereat. And (with the reſt our foes,) to ioy thereat.
The titles of reproch he’s charg’d withall. The titles of reproch he’s charg’d withall.
The conquering cauſe hath right, wherein yu art, The conquering cauſe hath right, wherein thou art,
The vanquiſht, ſtill is iudg’d the worſer part. The vanquiſht, ſtill is iudg’d the worſer part.
No leſſer then the portion of a Crowne. No leſſer then the portion of a Crowne.
Enough for mee, alas what needed arte Enough for me, alas what needed arte
To gaine by others, but to keepe mine owne? To gaine by others, but to keepe mine owne?
To neighbour great Competitors too neere, To neighbour great Competitors too neere,
If we take part, we oft doe perriſh thus, If we take part, we oft doe periſh thus,
If neutrall bide, both parties we muſt feare. If neutrall bide, both parties we muſt feare.
Alas, what ſhall the forſt partakers doe, Alas, what ſhall the forſt partakers doe,
When following none, yet muſt they perriſh to? When folowing none, yet muſt they periſh to?
But Cæsar. ſith thy right and cauſe is ſuch, But Cæſar, ſith thy right and cauſe is ſuch,
Bee not a heauie weight vpon calamitie: Be not a heauie weight vpon calamitie:
Depreſſe not the afflicted ouer-much, Depreſſe not the afflicted ouer-much,
The chiefeſt glory is the Victors lenitie. The chiefeſt glorie is the Victors lenitie.
Th’inheritaunce of mercy from him take, Th’inheritance of mercie from him take,
Of whom thou haſt thy fortune and thy name: Of whom thou haſt thy fortune and thy name:
Great Cæſar mee a Queene at firſt did make, Great Cæſar me a Queene at firſt did make,
And let not Cæſar now confound the ſame. And let not Cæſar now confound the ſame,
Reade heere theſe lines which ſtill I keep with me, Read here theſe lines which ſtill I keep with me,
The witnes of his loue and fauours euer: The witnes of his loue and fauours euer:
That Cæſar wrong’d the fauoured of Cæſar. That Cæſar wrong’d the fauoured of Cæſar.
For looke what I haue beene to Anthony, For looke what I haue beene to Anthonie,
Thinke thou the ſame I might haue been to thee. Think thou the ſame I might haue been to thee.
And heere I doe preſent thee with the note, And heere I doe preſent thee with the note
Of all the treaſure, all the Iewels rare Of all the treaſure, all the iewels rare
That Egipt hath in many ages got; That Egypt hath in many ages got;
And looke what Cleopatra hath, is there. And looke what Cleopatra hath, is there.
Seleu. Nay there’s not all ſet down within that roule, Seleu. Nay there’s not all ſet downe within that roule,
I know ſome things ſhee hath reſeru’d a part. I know ſome things ſhe hath reſeru’d a part.
Cle. What vile vnggreateful wretch, dar’ſt thou cōtroule Cleo. What vile vngrateful wretch, dar’ſt thou cōtroule
Thy Queene & ſoueraine? caitiue as thou art. Thy Queen & ſoueraine, caitife as thou art.
Cæſ. Hold, holde, a poore reuenge can worke ſo feeble hands. Cæſ. Hold, holde, a poore reuenge can worke ſo feeble hands.
Cle. Ah Cæſar, what a great indignitie Cleo. Ah Cæſar, what a great indignitie
Is this, that heere my vaſſale ſubiect ſtands, Is this, that here my vaſſale ſubiect ſtands
T’accuſe mee to my Lord of trechery? T’accuſe me to my Lord of trecherie?
If I reſeru’d ſome certaine womens toyes, If I reſeru’d ſome certaine womens toyes,
Alas it was not for my ſelfe (God knowes,) Alas it was not for my ſelfe (God knowes,)
Poore miſerable ſoule, that little ioyeſ Poore miſerable ſoule, that little ioyes
In trifling ornaments, in outward ſhowes. In trifling ornaments, in outward ſhowes.
But what I kept, I kept to make my way But what I kept,I kept to make my way
Vnto thy Liuia, and Octauias grace. Vnto thy Liuia, and Octauias grace,
That thereby in compaſsion mooued, they That thereby in compaſſion mooued, they
Might mediat thy fauour in my caſe. Might mediate thy fauour in my caſe.
Cæſ. Well Cleopatra, feare not, thou ſhalt finde Cæſ. Well Cleopatra, feare not, thou ſhalt finde
And therefore giue thou comfort to thy minde; And therefore giue thou comfort to thy minde;
Relieue thy ſoule thus ouer-charg’d with care, Relieue thy ſoule thus ouercharg’d with care,
How well I will intreate thee thou ſhalt find, How well I will intreate thee thou ſhalt find,
So ſoone as ſome affayres diſpatched are. So ſoone as ſome affaires diſpatched are.
Til whē farewel. Cl. Thanks thriſe-renowned Cæſar, Til whē farewel. Cl. Thanks thriſe-renowned Cæſar,
Poore Cleopatra reſts thine owne for euer. Poore Cleopatra reſts thine owne for euer.
Dol. No meruaile Cæſar though our greateſt ſp’rits, Dol. No maruel Cæſar though our greateſt ſpirits,
Haue to the powre of ſuch a charming beautie, Haue to the powre of ſuch a charming beautie
Beene brought to yeeld the honour of their merits: Been brought to yeeld the honor of their merits?
Forgetting all reſpect of other dutie. Forgetting all reſpect of other dutie.
Before her full of ſweet (with ſorrow wain’d,) Before her full of ſweet (with ſorrow wain’d,)
Came to the period of this miſery. Came to the period of this miſerie.
If ſtill, euen in the midſt of death and horror, If ſtill, euen in the midſt of death and horror
Such beauty ſhines, thorow clowds of age & ſorow, Such beautie ſhines, thorow clouds of age & ſorow,
If euen thoſe ſweet decayes ſeeme to plead for her, If euen thoſe ſweet decaies ſeeme to plead for her,
Which from affliction, mouing graces borrow; Which from affliction mouing graces borrow:
If in calamity ſhee could thus moue, If in calamitie ſhe could thus moue,
What could ſhe do adorn’d with youth & loue? What could ſhe do adorn’d with youth and loue?
What could ſhe do then, when as ſpreading wide What could ſhe do then, when as ſpreading wide
The pompe of beauty, in her glory dight? The pompe of beautie, in her glorie dight?
When arm’d with wonder, ſhee could vſe beſide, When arm’d with wonder, ſhe could vſe beſide,
Th’engines of her loue, Hope and Delight? Th’ ingines of her loue, Hope and Delight?
Beauty daughter of Meruaile, ô ſee how Beautie daughter of Maruaile, ô ſee how
Thou canſt diſgracing ſorrowes ſweetly grace? Thou canſt diſgracing ſorrowes ſweetly grace.
What power thou ſhew’ſt in a diſtreſſed brow. What power thou ſhew’ſt in a diſtreſſed brow,
That mak’ſt affliction faire, giu’ſt teares their grace. That mak’ſt affliction faire, giu’ſt tears their grace.
What can vntreſſed locks, can tornerent haire, What can vntreſſed locks, can torne rent haire,
I ſee then, artleſſe feature can content, I ſee then, artleſſe feature can content,
And that true beauty needes no ornament. And that true beautie needes no ornament.
Cæſ. What in a paſsion Dolabella? what? take heede: Cæſ. What in a paſſion Dolabella? what take heed:
Let others freſh examples be thy warning; Let others freſh examples be thy warning;
Whilſt error keepes vs from a true diſcerning. Whilſt error keepes vs from a true diſcerning.
Indeed, I ſaw shee labour’d to impart In deed I ſaw ſhe labour’d to impart
Her ſweeteſt graces in her ſaddeſt cheere: Her ſweeteſt graces in her ſaddeſt cheere:
To moue with what aſpect ſo eu’r it were. To moue with what aſpect ſo eu’r it were.
But all in vaine, shee takes her ayme amiſſe, But all in vaine, ſhe takes her ayme amiſſe,
The ground and marke, her leuel much deceiues; The ground and marke, her leuel much deceiues;
Time now hath altred all, for neither iſ Time now hath altred all, for neither is
Shee as shee was, nor wee as shee conceiues. She as ſhe was, nor we as ſhe conceiues.
And therefore now, twere best ſhe left ſuch badnes, And therefore now, twere best ſhe left ſuch badnes,
Is to bring home a prizall of ſuch worth. Is to bring home a prizall of ſuch worth.
And now, ſith that ſhee ſeemes ſo well content And now, ſith that ſhe ſeemes ſo well content
To be diſpos’d by vs, without more ſtay To be diſpos’d by vs, without more ſtay
Shee with her chyldren ſhall to Rome be ſent, She with her chyldren ſhall to Rome be ſent,
Whilſt I by Syria thither take my way. Whilſt I by Syria thither take my way.
CHORVS. CHORVS,
O Fearefull frowning Nemesis, O Fearefull frowning Nemeſis,
Daughter of Ivstice, moſt ſeuere, Daughter of Iuſtice, moſt ſeuere,
That art the worlds great Arbitreſſe, That art the worlds great arbitreſſe,
Whoſe ſwift-ſure hand is euer neere Whoſe ſwift-ſure hand is euer neere
Eternill iustice, righting wrong: Eternall iustice, righting wrong:
Who neuer yet-deferrest long Who neuer yet deſerrest long
The proudes decay, the weakes redreſſe. The proudes decay, the weakes redreße:
But through thy powre euery where, But through thy power euery where,
Doost raze the great, and raiſe the leſſe. Doſt raze the great, and raiſe the leſſe.
The leſſe made great, doost ruine to, The leſſe made great, doſt ruine to,
To ſhew the earth what heauen can doe. To ſhew the earth what heauen can do.
Thou from dark-clos’d eternitie, Thou from darke-clos’d eternitie,
From thy black clowdy hidden ſeate, From thy black clowdy hidden ſeate,
The worlds diſorders doost diſcry: The worlds diſorders doſt diſcry:
Which when they ſwell ſo proudly great, Which when they ſwel ſo proudly great,
Reuerſing th’order nature ſet, Reuerſing th’order nature ſet,
Thou giu’ſt thy all-confounding doome, Thou giu’ſt thy all confounding doome,
Which none can know before it come. Which none can know before it come.
Th’ineuitable destinie, Th’ineuitable deſtinie,
Which neyther wit nor ſtrength can let, Which neither wit nor ſtrength can let,
Fast chayn’d vnto neceβitie, Faſt chain’d vnto neceβitie,
In mortall things doth order ſo, In mortall things doth order ſo,
With trauailed mortalitie: With trauailed mortalitie :
And doth their weakenes still betray, And doth their weaknes still betray,
In theyr best proſperitie. In their best proſperitie?
When beeing liſted vp ſo hie, When beeing liſted vp ſo hie,
They looke beyond themſelues ſo farre, They looke beyond themſelues ſo ſarre,
That to themſelues they take no care: That to themſelues they take no care:
Theyr late proude mounting vanitie: Theyr late proude mounting vanitie:
Bringing theyr glory to decay. Bringing theyr glory to decay,
And with the ruine of theyr fall, And with the ruine of their fall,
Extinguiſh people, ſtate and all. Extinguiſh people, ſtate and all.
But is it iustice that all wee But is it iuſtice that all we
Th’innocent poore multitude, The innocent poore multitude,
For great mens faults ſhould puniſht be, For great mens faults ſhould puniſht be,
And to deſtruction thus purſude. And to deſtruction thus purſude?
O why ſhould th’ heauens vs include, O why ſhould th’heauens vs include,
Within the compaſſe of theyr ſall, Within the compaſſe of their ſall,
Who of themſelues procured all? Who of themſelues procured all?
Or doe the Gods (in cloſe) decree, Or do the Gods (in cloſe) decree,
Occaſion take how to extrude Occaſion take how to extrude
Man from the earth with crueltie? Man from the earth with crueltie?
Ah no, the Gods are euer iust, Ah no, the Gods are euer iuſt,
Our faults excuſe theyr rigor must. Our faults excuſe their rigor muſt.
This is the period Fate ſet downe,
To Egipts fat proſperity: This is the period Fate ſet downe
To Egypts fat proſperitie:
Which now vnto her greateſt growne, Which now vnto her greateſt growne,
Must perriſh thus, by courſe muſt die. Muſt periſh thus, by courſe muſt die.
And ſome muſt be the cauſers why And ſome muſt be the cauſers why
This reuolution muſt be wrought: This reuolution muſt be wrought:
As borne to bring theyr ſtate to nought. As borne to bring their ſtate to nought.
To change the people and the crowne, To change the people and the crowne,
Which vice ſo farre hath ouer-growne. Which vice ſo farre hath ouer-growne.
As wee, ſo they that treate vs thus, As we, ſo they that treate vs thus,
Must one day perriſh like to vs. Must one day periſh like to vs.
Sel. NEuer friend Rodon in a better howre, Sel. NEuer friend Rodon in a better howre,
Could I haue met thee then eu’en now I do Could I haue met thee thē eu’n now I do
Hauing affliction in the greateſt powre Hauing affliction in the greateſt powre
For tis ſome eaſe our ſorrowes to reueale, For tis ſome eaſe our ſorrowes to reueale,
If they to whom wee ſhall impart our woes If they to whom we ſhall impart our woes
Seeme but to feele a part of what wee feele, Seeme but to feele a part of what we feele:
And meete vs with a ſigh but at a cloze. And meete vs with a ſigh but at a cloze.
Rod. And neuer (friend Seleucus) found’ſt thou one, Rod. And neuer (friend Seleucus) found’ſt thou one
That better could beare ſuch a part with thee: That better could beare ſuch a part with thee:
Who by his owne, knowes others cares to mone, Who by his own, knows others cares to mone,
And can in like accord of griefe agree. And can, in like accord of griefe, agree.
And therefore tell th’oppreſsion of thy hart, And therefore tell th’oppreſsion of thy hart,
As ſad a tale as what thou ſhalt declare. As ſad a tale as what thou ſhalt declare.
So ſhal we both our mournful plaints combine, So ſhall we both our mournefull plaints combine,
Ile waile thy ſtate, and thou ſhalt pitty mine. Ile waile thy ſtate, and thou ſhalt pitty mine.
As one of Counſell, and of chiefeſt place, As one of Counſell, and of chiefeſt place,
And euer held my credite in that ſort. And euer held my credite in that ſort:
Tyll now in this confuſion of our ſtate, Till now in this confuſion of our ſtate,
When thinking to haue vs’d a meane to climbe, When thinking to haue vs’d a meane to climbe,
And fled the wretched, flowne vnto the great, And fled the wretched, flowne vnto the great,
(Follow’ing the fortune of the preſent time,) (Following the fortune of the preſent time,)
Am come to be caſt downe and ruin’d cleene. Am come to be caſt downe and ruin’d cleene;
And in the courſe of mine owne plot vndonne. And in the courſe of mine own plot vndonne.
For hauing all the ſecretes of the Queene For hauing all the ſecretes of the Queene
Reueal’d to Ceſar, to haue fauour wonne: Reueald to Cæſar, to haue ſauor wonne:
My trechery is quited with diſgrace, My trechery is quited with diſgrace,
My falſhood loath’d, and not without great reaſon My falſhood loath’d, and not without great reaſon,
Though good for him, yet Princes in this caſe Though good for him, yet Princes in this caſe
Doe hate yu Traytor, though they loue the treaſon. Doe hate the Traitor, though they loue the treaſon.
For how could hee imagine I would be For how could hee imagine I would be
And falſe to ſuch a bountious Queene as ſhee, And falſe to ſuch a bountious Queene as ſhee,
That had me rais’d, and made mine honor known. That had me rais’d, and made mine honor knowne.
Hee ſaw twas not for zeale to him I bare, He ſaw twas not for zeale to him I bare,
But for baſe feare, or mine owne ſtate to ſettle. But for baſe feare, or mine owne ſtate to ſettle.
Weakenes is falſe, and faith in Cowards rare, Weakenes is falſe, and faith in Cowards rare,
Feare findes out ſhyfts, timiditie is ſubtle. Feare findes out ſhifts, timiditie is ſubtle.
And therefore ſcornd of him, ſcornd of mine own. And therefore ſcornd of him, ſcornd of mine own.
Hatefull to all that looke into my ſtate: Hatefull to all that looke into my ſtate:
Deſpis’d Seleucus now is onely growne Deſpis’d Seleucus now is onely grown
The marke of infamy, that’s pointed at. The marke of infamy, that’s pointed at.
Rod. Tis much thou ſaiſt, and ô too much to feele, Rod. Tis much thou ſaiſt, and ô too much to feele,
And I doe grieue and doe lament thy fall: And I do grieue and do lament thy fall:
But yet all this which thou dooſt heere reueale, But yet all this which thou dooſt heere reueale,
Cōpar’d with mine, wil make thine ſeem but ſmal. Compar’d with mine, wil make thine ſeem but ſmall.
Although my fault be in the ſelfe-ſame kind, Although my fault be in the ſelfe-ſame kind,
I ſtaind with blood, thou onely but vngratefull. I ſtaind with blood, thou onely but vngratefull.
For vnto mee did Cleopatra gyue For vnto mee did Cleopatra giue
The best and deereſt treaſure of her blood. The beſt and deereſt treaſure of her blood,
Louely Caſario, whom ſhee would ſhould liue Louely Cæſario, whom ſhe would ſhould liue
Free from the dangers wherein Egipt ſtood. Free from the dangers wherein Egypt ſtood.
And vnto mee with him this charge ſhe gaue, And vnto me with him this charge ſhe gaue,
Heere Rodon, take, conuay from out thys Coaſt, Here Rodon, take, conuay from out thys Coaſt,
This precious Gem, the chiefeſt that I haue, This precious Gem, the chiefeſt that I haue,
The iewell of my ſoule I value moſt. The iewell of my ſoule I value moſt.
Guide hym to India, leade him farre from hence, Guide him to India, lead him farre from hence,
Safeguard him where ſecure he may remaine, Safeguard him where ſecure he may remaine,
Till better fortune call him back from thence, Till better fortune call him backe from thence,
And Egipts peace be reconcil’d againe. And Egypts peace be reconcil’d againe.
For this is hee that may our hopes bring back, For this is he that may our hopes bring backe;
(The ryſing ſunne of our declyning ſtate:) (The riſing Sunne of our declining ſtate:)
Theſe be the hands that may reſtore our wrack, Theſe be the hands that may reſtore our wrack,
And rayſe the broken ruines made of late. And raiſe the broken ruines made of late.
Hee may gyue limmits to the boundles pryde He may giue limits to the boundles pride
Of fierce Octauius, and abate his might: Of fierce Octauius, and abate his might:
Great Iulius of-ſpring, hee may come to guide Great Iulius of-ſpring, he may come to guide
The Empire of the world, as his by right. The Empire of the world, as his by right.
O how hee ſeemes the modell of his Syre? O how he ſeemes the modell of his Syre?
O how I gaze my Cæſar in his face? O how I gaze my Cæſar in his face?
Such was his gate, ſo dyd his lookes aſpyre; Such was his gate, ſo did his lookes aſpire;
Such was his threatning brow, ſuch was his grace. Such was his threatning brow, ſuch was his grace.
High ſhouldred, and his forehead euen as hie. High ſhouldred, and his forehead euen as hie.
And ô, (if hee had not beene borne ſo late,) And ô, (if he had not beene borne ſo late,)
He might haue rul’d the worlds great Monarchy, He might haue rul’d the worlds great Monarchy,
And nowe haue beene the Champion of our ſtate. And now haue beene the Champion of our ſtate.
Then vnto him, ô my deere ſonne, (ſhe ſayes,) Then vnto him, ô my deere Sonne (ſhe ſaies,)
Sonne of my youth, flye hence, ô flye, be gone: Sonne of my youth, flie hence, ô flie, be gone:
Reſerue thy ſelfe, ordain’d for better dayes, Reſerue thy ſelfe, ordain’d for better daies,
For much thou haſt to ground thy hopes vppon. For much thou haſt to ground thy hopes vpon.
Leaue mee (thy wofull Mother) to endure, Leaue me (thy wofull Mother) to endure
The fury of thys tempeſt heere alone: The fury of this tempeſt heere alone:
Who cares not for herſelfe, ſo thou be ſure, Who cares not for her ſelfe, ſo thou be ſure,
Thou mayſt reuenge, when others can but mone. Thou mayſt reuenge, when others can but mone:
Rodon will ſee thee ſafe, Rodon will guide Rodon will ſee thee ſafe, Rodon will guide
And ô good Rodon, looke well to his youth, And ô good Rodon, looke well to his youth,
The wayes are long, and daungers eu’ry where. The wayes are long, and dangers eu’ry where.
I vrge it not that I doe doubt thy truth, I vrge it not that I do doubt thy truth,
Mothers will caſt the worſt, and alwaies feare. Mothers will caſt the worſt, and alwaies feare.
The abſent daunger greater ſtill appeares, The abſent daunger greater ſtill appeares,
Leſſe feares he, who is neere the thing he feares. Leſſe fears he, who is neere the thing he feares.
And ô, I know not what preſaging thought And ô, I know not what preſaging thought
Or idle ſhadowes which my feares preſent. Or idle ſhadowes which my feares preſent.
But yet the memory of myne owne fate, But yet the memory of mine owne fate
Makes mee feare his. And yet why ſhould I feare? Makes me feare his. And yet why ſhould I feare?
His fortune may recouer better ſtate, His fortune may recouer better ſtate,
And hee may come in pompe to gouerne heere. And he may come in pompe to gouerne heere.
But yet I doubt the Genius of our Race But yet I doubt the Genius of our race
By ſome malignant ſpirit comes ouer-throwne: By ſome malignant ſpirit comes ouer-throwne:
Our blood muſt be extinct, in my diſgrace, Our bloud muſt be extinct, in my diſgrace,
Egypt muſt haue no more Kings of theyr owne. Egypt muſt haue no more Kings of theyr owne.
Then let him ſtay, and let vs fall together, Then let him ſtay, and let vs fall together,
Sith it is fore-decreed that we muſt fal. Sith it is fore-decreed that we muſt fall.
Yet who knowes what may come? Let him go thither, Yet who knowes what may come? let him go thither,
What Merchaunt in one Veſſell venters all? What Merchaunt in one Veſſell venters all?
Let vs deuide our ſtarrs. Goe, goe my Sonne, Let vs deuide our ſtars. Go, go my ſonne,
Let not the fate of Egypt find thee heere: Let not the fate of Egypt find thee heere:
Try if ſo be thy deſtiny can shunne Try if ſo be thy deſtinie can ſhunne
The common wracke of vs, by beeing there. The common wracke of vs,by beeing there.
But who is hee found euer yet defence But who is he found euer yet defence
Againſt the heauens, or hyd him any where? Againſt the heauens, or hid him any where?
Then what neede I to ſend thee ſo far hence Then what neede I to ſend thee ſo far hence
To ſeeke thy death that mayſt as well die heere? To ſeeke thy death that mayſt as well die here?
And heere die with thy mother, die in reſt, And here die with thy mother, die in reſt,
Not trauayling to what will come to thee. Not trauailing to what will come to thee.
Why ſhould wee leaue our blood vnto the Eaſt, Why ſhould wee leaue our blood vnto the Eaſt,
When Egipt may a Tombe ſufficient be? When Egypt may a Tombe ſufficient be?
O my deuided ſoule, what ſhall I doe? O my deuided ſoule, what ſhall I do?
Whereon ſhall now my reſolution reſt? Whereon ſhall now my reſolution reſt?
What were I best reſolue to yeeld vnto What were I beſt reſolue to yeeld vnto
When both are bad, how ſhall I know the best? When both are bad, how ſhall I know the best?
Stay; I may hap ſo worke with Cæſar now, Stay; I may hap ſo worke with Cæſar now,
That hee may yeeld him to reſtore thy right. That he may yeeld him to reſtore thy right.
Goe; Cæſar neuer will conſent that thou Go; Cæſar neuer will conſent that thou
So neere in blood, ſhalt bee ſo great in might. So neere in bloud, ſhalt be ſo great in might.
Then take him Rodon, goe my ſonne fare-well. Then take him Rodon, go my ſonne fare-well.
But ſtay; ther’s ſomething els that I would ſay: But ſtay; ther’s ſomething elſe that I would ſay:
Yet nothing now, but ô God ſpeed thee well, Yet nothing now, but ô God ſpeed thee well,
Leaſt ſaying more, that more may make thee ſtay. Leaſt ſaying more, that more may make thee ſtay.
Yet let mee ſpeake: It may be tis the laſt Yet let me ſpeake : It may be tis the laſt
That euer I ſhall ſpeake to thee my Sonne. That euer I ſhall ſpeake to thee my Sonne.
Doe Mothers vſe to parte in ſuch poſt-haſt? Doe Mothers vſe to part in ſuch poſt-haſte?
What, muſt I ende when I haue ſcarce begun? What, muſt I end when I haue ſcarce begun?
Ah no (deere hart,) tis no ſuch ſlender twine Ah no (deere hart,) tis no ſuch ſlender twine
Where-with the knot is tyde twixt thee and mee. Where-with the knot is tide twixt thee and me.
That blood within thy vaines came out of mine, That bloud within thy vaines came out of mine,
Parting from thee, I part from part of mee: Parting from thee, I part from part of me:
And therefore I muſt ſpeake. Yet what? O ſonne. And therefore I muſt ſpeake. Yet what? O ſonne.
Here more ſhe wold, whē more ſhe could not ſay. Here more ſhe would, when more ſhe could not ſay,
Sorrow rebounding backe whence it begun, Sorrow rebounding backe whence it begun,
Fild vp the paſſage, and quite ſtopt the way: Fild vp the paſſage,and quite ſtopt the way:
When ſweet Cæſario with a princely ſp’rite, When ſweet Cæſario with a princely ſpirite,
(Though comfortleſſe himſelfe) did comfort giue; (Though comfortles himſelf) did comfort giue,
With mildeſt words, perſwading her to beare it. with mildeſt words, perſwading her to beare it.
And as for him, shee ſhould not neede to grieue. And as for him, ſhe ſhould not need to grieue.
And I (with proteſtations of my part,) And I (with proteſtations of my part,)
Swore by that faith, (which ſworne I did deceaue) Swore by that faith, (which ſworn I did deceiue)
That I would vſe all care, all wit and arte That I would vſe all care, all wit and arte
To ſee hym ſafe; And ſo we tooke our leaue. To ſee him ſafe; And ſo we tooke our leaue.
Scarce had wee trauail’d to our iourneyes end, Scarce had we trauail’d to our iourneies end,
When Cæſar hauing knowledge of our way, When Cæſar hauing knowledge of our way,
To labour mee, Cæſario to betray. To labour mee, Cæſario to betray.
Who-with rewards, and promiſes ſo large. Who with rewards, and promiſes ſo large,
Aſſaild mee then, that I grew ſoone content; Aſſail’d me then, that I grew ſoone content;
And backe to Rhodes dyd reconuay my charge, And backe to Rhodes did reconuay my charge,
Pretending that Octauius for him ſent, Pretending that Octauius for him ſent,
To make hym King of Egipt preſently. To make him King of Egypt preſently.
And thither come, ſeeing himſelfe betrayd, And thither come, ſeeing himſelfe betray’d,
And in the hands of death through trecherie, And in the hands of death through trechery,
Wayling his ſtate, thus to himſelfe he ſayd. Wailing his ſtate, thus to himſelfe he ſaid.
Loe heere brought back by ſubtile traine to death, Lo here brought back by ſubtile traine to death
Betrayde by Tutors fayth, or Traytors rather: Betraide by Tutors faith, or traytors rather:
My faulte my blood, and mine offence my birth, My fault my bloud, and mine offence my birth,
For beeing ſonne of ſuch a mightie Father. For beeing ſonne of ſuch a mightie Father.
To Rhodes, (ſo long the armes of Tyrants are,) To Rhodes, (ſo long the armes of tyrants are,)
I am by Cæſars ſubtile reach brought back. I am by Cæſars ſubtile reach brought backe:
Heere to be made th’oblation for his feares, Here to be made th’oblation for his feares,
Who doubts the poore reuenge theſe handes may doe him: Who doubts the poore reuenge theſe hands may doe him:
Reſpecting neyther blood, nor youth, nor yeeres, Reſpecting neither blood, nor youth, nor yeeres,
Or how ſmall ſafety can my death be to him. Or how ſmall ſafety can my death be to him.
And is this all the good of beeing borne great? And is this all the good of beeing borne great?
Then wretched greatnes, proud ritch miſery, Then wretched greatneſſe, proud ritch miſery,
Pompous diſtreſſe, glittering calamity. Pompous diſtreſſe, glittering calamity.
Is it for this th’ambitious Fathers ſweat, Is it for this th’ambitious Fathers ſwear,
To purchaſe blood and death for them and theirs? To purchaſe bloud and death for them and theirs?
Is this the iſſue that theyr glories get, Is this the iſſue that theyr glories get,
To leaue a ſure deſtruction to theyr heyres? To leaue a ſure deſtruction to their heyres?
O how farre better had it beene for mee, O how much better had it beene for me,
From low diſcent, deriu’d of humble birth, From low diſcent,deriu’d of humble birth,
To’haue eate the ſweet-ſowre bread of pouerty, T’haue eate the ſweet-ſowre bread of pouertie,
And drunke of Nilus ſtreame in Nilus earth: And drunke of Nilus ſtreams in Nilus earth:
Vnder the cou’ring of ſome quiet Cottage, Vnder the cou’ring of ſome quiet Cottage,
Free from the wrath of heauen, ſecure in minde, Free from the wrath of heauen, ſecure in mind,
Vntoucht when ſad euents of Princes dotage, Vntoucht when ſad euents of princes dotage
Confounds what euer mighty it dooth find. Confounds what euer mighty it dooth find.
And not t’haue ſtoode in theyr way, whoſe condition, And not t’haue ſtood in their way, whoſe condition
Is to haue all made cleere, and all thing plaine, Is to haue all made cleere, and all thing plaine
Betweene them and the marke of theyr ambition, Betweene them and the marke of their ambition,
That nothing let the full ſight of theyr raigne. That nothing let, the full ſight of their raigne.
Where nothing ſtands, that ſtands not in ſubmiſsion; Where nothing ſtands, that ſtands not in ſubmiſſion;
Where greatnes muſt all in it ſelfe containe. Where greatneſſe muſt all in it ſelfe containe.
Kings will be alone, Competitors muſt downe, Kings will be alone, Competitors muſt downe,
Neere death he ſtands, that ſtands too neer a Crowne. Neere death he ſtands, that ſtands too neere a Crowne.
Such is my caſe, for Cæſar will haue all: Such is my caſe, for Cæſar will haue all.
My blood muſt ſeale th’aſſurance of his ſtate: My bloud muſt ſeale th’aſſurance of his ſtate:
Yet ah weake ſtate that blood aſſure him ſhall, Yet ah weake ſtate that blood aſſure him ſhall,
Iniuſtice neuer ſcapes vnpuniſht ſtill, Iniuſtice neuer ſcapes vnpuniſht ſtill,
Though men reuenge not, yet the heauens will. Though men reuenge not, yet the heauens wil.
And thou Augustus that with bloody hand, And thou Auguſtus that with bloodie hand,
Curt’st off ſucceſsion from anothers race, Curt’st off ſucceſsion from anothers race,
Maiſt find the heauens thy vowes ſo to withſtand. Maiſt find the heauens thy vowes ſo to withſtand,
That others may depriue thine in like caſe. That others may depriue thine in like caſe.
When thou maiſt ſee thy proude contentious bed When thou maiſt ſee thy proud contentious bed
Yeelding thee none of thine that may inherite: Yeelding thee none of thine that may inherite:
To pay this thy iniuſtice her due merite. To pay this thy iniuſtice her due merite.
If it be true, (as who can that deny If it be true (as who can that denie
Which ſacred Prieſts of Memphis doe fore-ſay,) Which ſacred Prieſts of Memphis doe fore-ſay)
Some of the of-ſpring yet of Anthony, Some of the of-ſpring yet of Anthonie,
Shall all the rule of this whole Empire ſway. Shall all the rule of this whole Empire ſway;
And then Auguſtus, what is it thou gaineſt And then Auguſtus, what is it thou gaineſt
By poore Antillus blood, or this of mine? By poore Antillus blood,or this of mine?
Nothing but thys thy victory thou ſtaineſt, Nothing but this thy victorie thou ſtaineſt,
And pull’ſt the wrath of heauen on thee and thine. And pull’ſt the wrath of heauen on thee and thine.
In vaine doth man contende againſt the ſtarrs, In vaine doth man contende againſt the ſtarr’s,
For what hee ſeekes to make, his wiſdom marrs. For what he ſeekes to make, his wiſdom marr’s.
Yet in the mean-time we whom Fates reſerue, Yet in the mean-time we whom Fates reſerue,
The bloody ſacrifices of ambition, The bloodie ſacrifices of ambition,
We feele the ſmart what euer they deſerue, We feele the ſmart what euer they deſerue,
And wee indure the preſent times condition. And we indure the preſent times condition.
The iuſtice of the heauens reuenging thus, The iuſtice of the heauens reuenging thus,
Doth onely ſacrifice it ſelfe, not vs. Doth onely ſacrifice it ſelfe, not vs.
Yet tis a pleaſing comfort that dooth eaſe Yet tis a pleaſing comfort that doth eaſe
Affliction in ſo great extreamitie. Affliction in ſo great extremitie,
To thinke theyr like deſtruction ſhall appeaſe To thinke their like deſtruction ſhall appeaſe
Our ghoſtes, who did procure our miſery. Our ghoſts, who did procure our miſerie.
But dead we are, vncertaine what ſhall bee, But dead we are, vncertaine what ſhall bee,
And lyuing, wee are ſure to feele the wrong: And liuing, we are ſure to feele the wrong:
Our certaine ruine wee our ſelues doe ſee. Our certaine ruine we our ſelues do ſee.
They ioy the while, and wee know not how long. They ioy the while, and we know not how long.
But yet Cæſario, thou muſt die content, But yet Cæſario, thou muſt die content,
For men will mone, & God reuenge th’innocent. For men will mone, and God reuenge th’innocent.
Thus he cōplain’d, & thus thou hear’ſt my ſhame. Thus he cōplain’d, & thus thou hear’ſt my ſhame.
Sel. But how hath Cæſar now rewarded thee? Sel. But how hath Cæſar now rewarded thee?
Rod. As hee hath thee. And I expect the ſame Rod. As he hath thee. And I expect the ſame
As fell to Theodor to fall to mee: As fell to Theodor to fall to mee:
For he (one of my coate) hauing betrayd For he (one of my coate) hauing betraid
The young Antillus, ſonne of Anthony, The young Antillus, ſonne of Anthonie,
And at his death from of his necke conuayd And at his death from of his necke conuaid
A iewell: which being askt, he did deny: A iewell: which being askt, he did denie:
Cæſar occaſion tooke to hang him ſtraight. Cæſar occaſion tooke to hang him ſtraight.
Such inſtruments with Princes liue not long. Such inſtruments with Princes liue not long.
Although they neede vs, (actors of deceit,) Although they need ſuch actors of deceit,
Yet ſtill our ſight ſeemes to vpbrayd their wrong; Yet ſtill our ſight ſeemes to vpbraid their wrong;
And therefore we muſt needes this danger runne, And therefore we muſt needes this daunger runne,
And in the net of our owne guile be caught: And in the net of our owne guile be caught:
Wee muſt not liue to bray what we haue done, We muſt not liue to brag what we haue done,
For what is done, muſt not appeare theyr fault. For what is done, muſt not appeare their fault.
But heere comes Cleopatra, wofull Queene, But here comes Cleopatra, wofull Queene,
And our ſhame will not that we ſhould be ſeene. And our ſhame will not that we ſhould be ſeene.
Exeunt. Exeunt.
Cleopatra. Cleopatra.
WHat, hath my face yet powre to win a Louer? WHat hath my face yet powre to win a Louer?
Can this torne remnant ſerue to grace me ſo, Can this torne remnant ſerue to grace me ſo,
That it can Cæſars ſecrete plots diſcouer That it can Cæſars ſecrete plots diſcouer
What he intends with mee and mine to do? What he intends with me and mine to do?
Why then poore Beautie thou haſt doone thy laſt, Why then poore Beautie thou haſt done thy laſt,
And best good ſeruice thou could’ſt doe vnto mee. And beſt good ſeruice thou could’ſt doe vnto mee.
For now the time of death reueal’d thou haſt, For now the time of death reueal’d thou haſt,
Writes, how that Cæſar meanes forthwith, to ſend Writes, how that Cæſar meanes forthwith, to ſend
Both mee and mine, th’ayre of Rome to proue: Both me and mine, th’ayre of Rome to proue:
There his Tryumphant Chariot to attend. There his Triumphant Chariot to attend.
I thanke the man, both for his loue and letter; I thanke the man, both for his loue and letter;
Th’one comes fit to warne mee thus before, The one comes fit to warne me thus before,
But for th’other, I muſt die his debter, But for th’other, I muſt die his debter,
But hauing leaue, I muſt goe take my leaue But hauing leaue, I muſt goe take my leaue
And laſt farewell of my dead Anthony: And laſt farewell of my dead Anthonie:
Whoſe deerely honour’d Tombe muſt heere receaue Whoſe deerly honour’d tombe muſt heere receiue
This ſacrifice, the laſt before I dye. This ſacrifice, the laſt before I die.
O ſacred euer-memorable Stone, O ſacred euer-memorable ſtone,
That haſt without my teares, within my flame, That haſt without my teares, within my flame,
That euer yet from ſad affliction came. That euer yet from ſad affliction came.
And you deere reliques of my Lord and Loue, And you deare reliques of my Lord and Loue,
(The ſweeteſt parcells of the faithfull’ſt liuer,) (The ſweeteſt parcels of the faithfull’ſt liuer,)
O let no impious hand dare to remoue O let no impious hand dare to remoue
Let Egypt now giue peace vnto you dead, Let Egypt now giue peace vnto you dead,
That lyuing, gaue you trouble and turmoyle: That liuing gaue you trouble and turmoile:
Sleepe quiet in this euer-laſting bed, Sleepe quiet in this euer laſting bed,
In forraine land preferr’d before your ſoyle. In forraine land preferr’d before your ſoile.
And ô, if that the ſp’rits of men remaine And ô, if that the ſp’rits of men remaine
After their bodies, and doe neuer die, After their bodies, and do neuer die,
Then heare thy Ghoſt thy captiue Spouſe complaine, Then heare thy ghoſt thy captiue ſpouſe cōplaine
And be attentiue to her miſery. And be attentiue to her miſerie.
But if that laborſome mortalitie, But if that laborſome mortalitie
Found this ſweet error, onely to confine Found this ſweete error, onely to confine
The curious ſearch of idle vanity, The curious ſearch of idle vanitie,
That would the deapth of darknes vndermine: That would the deapth of darknes vndermine:
Or rather, to giue reſt vnto the thought Or rather to giue reſt vnto the thought
Of wretched man, with th’after-comming ioy Of wretched man, with th’after-comming ioy
Of thoſe conceiued fieldes whereon we dote, Of thoſe conceiued fields whereon we dote,
To pacifie the preſent worlds anoy. To pacifie the preſent worlds anoy.
If it be ſo, why ſpeake I then to th’ayre? If it be ſo, why ſpeake I then to th’ayre?
But tis not ſo, my Anthony doth heare: But tis not ſo, my Anthonie doth heare:
His euer-liuing ghoſt attends my prayer, His euer-liuing ghoſt attends my prayer,
And I doe know his houering ſp’rite is neere. And I do know his houering ſp’rit is neere.
And I will ſpeake, and pray, and mourne to thee, And I will ſpeake, and pray, and mourne to thee,
Thou know’ſt theſe hands entomb’d thee heer of late, Thou know’ſt theſe hands entomb’d thee heer of late,
Free and vnforſt, which now muſt ſeruile be, Free and vnforc’d, which now muſt ſeruile be,
Reſeru’d for bands to grace proude Cæſars ſtate, Reſeru’d for bands to grace proude Cæſars ſtate,
Who ſeekes in mee to tryumph ouer thee. Who ſeekes in mee to triumph ouer thee.
O if in life we could not ſeuerd be, O if in life we could not ſeuerd be,
To ſaue thy wofull wife from ſuch diſgrace. To ſaue thy wofull wife from ſuch diſgrace.
Doe not permit shee ſhould in tryumph shew Do not permit ſhe ſhould in triumph ſhew
The bluſh of her reproch, ioyn’d with thy ſhame: The bluſh of her reproch, ioyn’d with thy ſhame:
But what doe I ſpend breath and idle winde, But what doe I ſpend breath and idle winde,
In vaine invoking a conceiued ayde? In vaine inuoking a conceiued ayde?
Why doe I not my ſelfe occaſion find Why do I not my ſelfe occaſion find
To breake the bounds wherein my ſelfe am ſtayd? To breake the bounds wherein my’ſelfe am ſtaid?
Words are for them that can complaine and lyue, Words are for them that can complaine and liue,
Whoſe melting harts compos’d of baſer frame, Whoſe melting hearts compos’d of baſer frame,
Can to theyr ſorrowes time and leyſure gyue, Can to their ſorrowes, time and leiſure giue,
But Cleopatra may not doe the ſame. But Cleopatra may not doe the ſame.
No Anthony, thy loue requireth more. No Anthonie, thy loue requireth more:
A lingring death, with thee deſerues no merit, A lingring death, with thee deſerues no merit,
I muſt my ſelfe force open wide a dore I muſt my ſelfe force open wide a dore
To let out life, and ſo vnhouſe my ſpirit. To let out life, and ſo vnhouſe my ſpirit,
Theſe hands muſt breake the priſon of my ſoule Theſe hands muſt breake the priſon of my ſoule
To come to thee, there to enioy like ſtate, To come to thee, thereto enioy like ſtate,
As doth the long-pent ſolitary Foule, As doth the long-pent ſolitarie Foule,
That hath eſcapt her cage, and found her mate. That hath eſcapt her cage, and found her mate.
This Sacrifice to ſacrifize my life, This Sacrifice to ſacrifize my life,
Is that true incenſe that doth best beſeeme: Is that true incenſe that dooth best beſeeme:
Theſe rites may ſerue a life-deſiring wife, Theſe rites may ſerue a life-deſiring wife,
Who dooing them, t’haue done enough doth deeme. Who doing them, t’haue done inough doth deeme.
My hart blood ſhould the purple flowers haue beene, My hart blood ſhould the purple flowers haue been,
Which heere vpon thy Tombe to thee are offred, Which heere vpon thy Tombe to thee are offred,
No ſmoake but dying breath ſhould heere been ſeene, No ſmoake but dying breath ſhould heere been ſeen,
And this it had beene to, had I beene ſuffred. And this it had beene to, had I beene ſuffred.
But what haue I ſaue theſe bare hands to doe it? But what haue I ſaue theſe bare hands to do it?
And theſe weake fingers are not yron-poynted: And theſe weake fingers are not iron-poynted:
They cannot peirce the fleſh be’ing put vnto it, They cannot pierce the fleſh be’ing put vnto it,
And I of all meanes els am diſapoynted. And I of all meanes els am diſappointed.
But yet I muſt a way and meanes ſeeke, how But yet I muſt a way and meanes ſeeke, how
To come vnto thee, what ſo ere I doo. To come vnto thee, what ſo ere I doo.
O Death, art thou ſo hard to come by now, O Death art thou ſo hard to come by now,
That wee muſt pray, intreate, and ſeeke thee too? That we muſt pray, intreate, and ſeeke thee too?
But I will finde thee where ſo ere thou lye, But I will finde thee where ſo ere thou lie,
For who can ſtay a minde reſolu’d to die? For who can ſtay a minde reſolu’d to die?
And now I goe to worke th’effect in deede, And now I go to worke th’effect indeed,
Ile neuer ſend more words or ſighes to thee: Ile neuer ſend more words or ſighes to thee:
Ile bring my ſoule my ſelfe, and that with ſpeed, Ile bring my ſoule my ſelfe, and that with ſpeede,
My ſelfe will bring my ſoule to Anthony. My ſelfe will bring my ſoule to Anthonie.
Come goe my Maydes, my fortunes ſole attenders, Come go my Maides,my fortunes ſole attenders,
That miniſter to miſery and ſorrow: That miniſter to miſerie and ſorrow:
Your Miſtres you vnto your freedom renders, Your Miſtris you vnto your freedom renders.
And quits you from all charge yet ere to morrow. And will diſcharge your charge yet ere to morrow.
And now by this, I thinke the man I ſent, And now by this, I thinke the man I ſent,
Is neere return’d that brings mee my diſpatch. Is neere return’d that brings me my diſpatch.
God graunt his cunning ſort to good euent, God grant his cunning ſort to good euent,
And that his skill may well beguile my watch. And that his skill may well beguile my watch:
So ſhall I ſhun diſgrace, leaue to be ſorie, So ſhall I ſhun diſgrace, leaue to be ſorie,
Fly to my loue, ſcape my foe, free my ſoule; Fly to my loue, ſcape my foe, free my ſoule;
So ſhall I act the laſt act of my glory, So ſhall I act the laſt act of my glorie,
Dye like a Queene, and reſt without controule. Die like a Queene, and reſt without controule.
Exit. Exit.
CHORVS. CHORVS.
MIſterious Egypt, wonder breeder,
MIsterious Egipt, wonder breeder,
ſtrict religions ſtrange obſeruer, ſtrict religions ſtrange obſeruer,
State-ordrer Zeale, the best rule-keeper, State-ordrer zeale, the best rule-keeper,
fostring ſtill in temprate feruor: Fostring ſtill in temp’rate feruor:
O how cam’st thou to loſe ſo wholy O how cam’ſt thou to loſe ſo wholy
all religion, law and order? all religion, law and order?
And thus become the most vnholy And thus become the moſt vnholy
of all Lands that Nylus border? of all Lands, that Nylus border?
How could confus’d Diſorder enter How could confus’d Diſorder enter
where ſterne Law ſate ſo ſeuerely? where ſterne Law ſate ſo ſeuerely?
How durst weake lust and ryot venter How durst weake lust and riot venter
th’eye of Iustice looking neerely? th’ eye of Justice looking neerely?
Could not thoſe means that made thee great, Could not thoſe means that made thee great
Be ſtill the meanes to keepe thy ſtate? Be ſtill the means to keepe thy ſtate?
th’vnconſtant world yeeldeth neuer. th’vnconſtant world yeeldeth neuer.
Wee in our counſels must be blinded, We in our counſels must be blinded,
and not ſee what dooth import vs: and not ſee what doth import vs:
And often-times the thing least minded, And often-times the thing leaſt minded
is the thing that moſt muſt hurt vs. is the thing that moſt must hurt vs.
Yet they that haue the stearne in guiding, Yet they that haue the ſterne in guiding,
tis their fault that ſhould preuent it, tis their fault that ſhould preuent it,
For oft they ſeeing their Country ſlyding, For oft they ſeeing their Country ſliding,
take their eaſe, as though contented. take their eaſe, as though contented.
Wee imitate the greater powres, We imitate the greater powres,
The Princes manners faſhion ours. The Princes manners faſhion ours.
And this hath ſet the window open And this hath ſet the window open
vnto lycence, lust and ryot: vnto licence, luſt and riot:
This way Confuſion first found broken, This way confuſion first found broken,
whereby entred our diſquiet. whereby entred our diſquiet.
Thoſe lawes that Zoroaſter founded, Thoſe lawes that olde Seſoſtris founded,
and the Ptolomies obſerued, and the Ptolomies obſerued,
Heereby first came to be confounded, Hereby first came to be confounded,
which our state ſo long preſerued. which our state ſo long preſerued.
The wanton luxurie of Court, The wanton luxurie of Court,
Dyd forme the people of like ſort. Did forme the people of like ſort.
vniuerſally conſenting vniuerſally conſenting
To abuſe theyr time, theyr treaſure, To abuſe their time, their treaſure,
in theyr owne delights contenting: in their owne delights contenting:
And future dangers nought reſpecting, And future dangers nought reſpecting,
whereby, (O howe eaſie matter whereby, (ô how eaſie matter
Made this ſo generall neglecting, Made this ſo generall neglecting,
Confus’d weakenes to diſeater?) confus’d weakeneße to diſcatter ?)
Cæſar found th’effect true tryed, Cæſar found th’effect true tried,
in his eaſie entrance making: in his eaſie entrance making:
Who at the ſight of armes, diſcryed Who at the ſight of armes, deſcryed
all our people, all forſaking. all our people, all forſaking.
For ryot (worſe then warre,) ſo ſore For ryot (worſe then warre,) ſo ſore
Had wasted all our ſtrength before. Had waſted all our ſtrength before.
And thus is Egipt ſeruile rendred, And thus is Egypt ſeruile rendred
to the inſolent destroyer: to the inſolent deſtroyer:
And all their ſumptuous treaſure tendred, And all their ſumptuous treaſure tendred,
all her wealth that did betray her. All her wealth that did betray her.
Which poyſon (O if heauens be rightfull,) Which poiſon (O if heauen be rightfull,)
may ſo far infect their ſences, may ſo far infect their ſences,
That Egipts pleaſures ſo delightfull, That Egypts pleaſures ſo delightfull,
may breed them the like offences. may breed them the like offences.
be instructed in our vices: be instructed in our vices:
That our ſpoyles may ſpoyle your greatnes, That our ſpoiles may ſpoile your greatnes,
ouercome with our deuiſes. ouercome with our deuiſes.
ACTVS QVINTVS. ACTVS QVINTVS.
Dolabella, Titivs. Dolabella, Titivs.
Dol. COme tell mee Titius eu’ry circumſtaunce Dol. COme tell me Titius eu’ry circumſtaunce
How Cleopatra did receiue my newes: How Cleopatra did receiue my newes:
Tell eu’ry looke, each geſture, countenaunce, Tell eu’ry looke, each geſture, countenaunce,
That ſhee did in my Letters reading vſe. That ſhee did in my Letters reading, vſe.
Tit. I ſhall my Lord ſo farre as I could note, Tit. I ſhal my Lord, ſo far as I could note,
Or my conceite obſerue in any wiſe. Or my conceite obſerue in any wiſe.
It was the time when as ſhee hauing got It was the time when as ſhe hauing got
Leaue to her Deereſt dead to ſacrifize; Leaue to her Deereſt dead to ſacrifize;
And now was iſſuing out the Monument, And now was iſſuing out the Monument
With Odors, Incenſe, Garlands in her hand, With Odors, Incenſe, Garlands in her hand,
And did her cloſe thy meſſage t’vnderſtand. And did her cloſe thy meſſage t’vnderſtand.
Shee turnes her backe, and with her takes mee in, Shee turnes her backe, and with her, takes me in,
Reades in thy lynes thy ſtrange vnlookt for tale: Reades in thy lines thy ſtrange vnlookt for tale:
And reades, and ſmyles, and ſtayes, and doth begin And reades, and ſmiles, and ſtaies, and doth begin
Againe to reade, then bluſht, and then was pale. Againe to reade, then bluſht, and then was pale.
(Which ſtedfaſt her imagination holds) (Which ſtedfaſt her imagination holds)
Shee mus’d a while, ſtanding confuſedly. She mus’d a while, ſtanding confuſedly:
At length. Ah friend, (ſaith shee,) tell thy good Lord, At length. Ah friend, (ſaith ſhee,) tell thy good Lord,
How deere I hold his pittying of my caſe: How deere I hold his pittying of my caſe:
That out of his ſweet nature can afford, That out of his ſweet nature can affoord
A miſerable woman ſo much grace. A miſerable woman ſo much grace.
Tell him how much my heauy ſoule doth grieue Tel him how much my heauy ſoule doth grieue
Mercileſſe Cæſar ſhould ſo deale with mee: Mercileſſe Cæſar ſhould ſo deale with me:
Pray him that he would all the counſell giue, Pray him that he would all the counſell giue,
I haue it not my ſelfe, nor cannot haue. I haue it not my ſelfe, nor cannot haue.
Yet tell him, he ſhall more commaund of mee Yet tell him, he ſhall more command of me
Then any, whoſoeuer lyuing, can. Then any, whoſoeuer liuing can.
Hee that ſo friendly ſhewes himſelfe to be Hee that ſo friendly ſhewes himſelfe to be
A right kind Roman, and a Gentleman. A right kind Roman, and a Gentleman.
Although his Nation (fatall vnto mee,) Although his Nation (fatall vnto me,)
Haue had mine age a ſpoyle, my youth a pray, Haue had mine age a ſpoile, my youth a pray,
Yet his affection muſt accepted be, Yet his affection muſt accepted be,
That fauours one diſtreſt in ſuch decay. That fauours one diſtreſt in ſuch decay.
Ah, hee was worthy then to haue been lou’d, Ah, he was worthy then to haue been lou’d,
Of Cleopatra whiles her glory laſted; Of Cleopatra whiles her glory laſted;
Before ſhee had declyning fortune prou’d, Before ſhe had declining fortune prou’d,
Or ſeene her honor wrackt, her flower blaſted. Or ſeen her honor wrackt, her flowre blaſted.
Now there is nothing left her but diſgrace, Now there is nothing left her but diſgrace,
Tell Dolabella, one that’s in her caſe, Tell Dolabella, one that’s in her caſe,
(Poore ſoule,) needes rather pitty now then loue. (Poore ſoule)needs rather pity now thē loue.
But ſhortly ſhall thy Lord heare more of mee. But ſhortly ſhall thy Lord heare more of me.
And ending ſo her ſpeech, no longer ſtayd, And ending ſo her ſpeech, no longer ſtai’d,
But haſted to the Tombe of Anthony. But haſted to the tombe of Antony.
And this was all shee did, and all ſhee ſaid. And this was all ſhe did, and all ſhe ſaid.
Dol. Ah ſweet diſtreſſed Lady. What hard hart Dol. Ah ſweet diſtreſſed Lady. What hard hart
Although ambition lets not Cæſar ſee Although ambition lets not Cæſar ſee
The wrong hee doth thy Maieſtie and ſweetnes, The wrong hee doth thy maieſty and ſweetnes,
Which makes him now exact ſo much of thee, Which makes him now exact ſo much of thee,
To add vnto his pride, to grace his greatnes. To adde vnto his pride, to grace his greatnes,
Hee knowes thou canſt no hurt procure vs now, He knowes thou canſt no hurt procure vs now,
Sith all thy ſtrength is ceaz’d into our hands: Sith all thy ſtrength is ſeaz’d into our hands:
Nor feares hee that, but rather labours how Nor feares he that,but rather labours how
Hee might shew Rome ſo great a Queene in bands. He might ſhew Rome ſo great a Queene in bands:
That our great Ladies (enuying thee ſo much That our great Ladies (enuying thee ſo much
That ſtain’d thē all, & hell’d them in ſuch wonder,) That ſtain’d them al, and held them in ſuch wonder,)
Might ioy to ſee thee, and thy fortune ſuch, Might ioy to ſee thee, and thy fortune ſuch,
And ô if now I could doe more then pray, And ô if now I could doe more then pray,
Then ſhould’ſt yu know how far affection moues. Then ſhould’ſt thou know how far affection moues.
But what my powre and prayer may preuaile, But what my powre and praier may preuaile,
Ile ioyne them both, to hinder thy diſgrace: Ile ioine them both, to hinder thy diſgrace:
And euen this preſent day I will not fayle And euen this preſent day I will not faile
To doe my best with Cæſar in this caſe. To do my best with Cæſar in this caſe.
Tit. And Sir, euen now her ſelfe hath Letters ſent, Tit. And ſir, euen now her ſelfe hath letters ſent,
I met her meſſenger as I came hither, I met her meſſenger as I came hither,
With a diſpatch as hee to Cæſar went, With a diſpatch as he to Cæſar went,
But knowes not what imports her ſending thither. But knowes not what imports her ſending thither.
Yet this hee told, how Cleopatra late Yet this he told,how Cleopatra late
Was come from ſacrifice. How ritchly clad Was come from ſacrifice. How richly clad
Was ſeru’d to dinner in moſt ſumptuous ſtate, Was ſeru’d to dinner in moſt ſumptuous ſtate,
With all the braueſt ornaments ſhee had. With all the braueſt ornaments ſhe had.
How hauing dyn’d, ſhee writes, and ſends away How hauing dyn’d, ſhe writes, and ſends away
Him ſtraight to Cæſar, and commaunded than Him ſtraight to Cæſar, and commanded than
All ſhould depart the Tombe, and none to ſtay All ſhould depart the Tombe, and none to ſtay
But her two maides, and one poore Countryman. But her two maides, & one poore Countryman:
Dol. Why then I know, ſhe ſends t’haue audience now, Dol. Why then I know, ſhe ſends t’haue audience now,
And meanes t’experience what her ſtate can doe: And means t’experience what her ſtate can do:
To ſee if Maieſtie will make him bow To ſee if Maieſty will make him bow
To what affliction could not moue him to. To what affliction could not moue him to.
And ô, if now ſhee could but bring a view And ô, if now ſhe could but bring a view
Of that freſh beauty ſhee in youth poſſeſt, Of that freſh beauty ſhee in youth poſſeſt,
(The argument where-with ſhee ouer-threw (The argument wherewith ſhe ouerthrew
The wit of Iulius Cæſar, and the reſt,) The wit of Iulius Cæſar,and the reſt,)
Then happily Auguſtus might relent, Then happily Auguſtus might relent,
Whilſt powrefull Loue, (far ſtronger thē ambition) Whilſt powreful Loue, (far ſtronger then ambition)
Might worke in him, a mind to be content Might worke in him,a mind to be content
To graunt her asking, in the beſt condition. To grant her asking, in the beſt condition.
But beeing as ſhee is, yet doth ſhe merite But beeing as ſhe is, yet doth ſhe merite
To be reſpected, for what ſhee hath been: To be reſpected, for what ſhe hath beene:
The wonder of her kinde, of rareſt ſpirit, The wonder of her kind, of rareſt ſpirit,
A glorious Lady, and a mighty Queene. A glorious Lady, and a mighty Queene.
And now, but by a little weakenes falling And now, but by a little weakeneſſe falling
To doe that which perhaps ſh’was forſt to doe: To do that which perhaps ſh’was forſt to do:
Alas, an error paſt, is paſt recalling, Alas, an error paſt, is paſt recalling,
Take away weakenes, and take wemen too. Take away weakenes,and take women too.
But now I goe to be thy Aduocate, But now I go to be thy aduocate,
Sweet Cleopatra, now Ile vſe mine arte. Sweet Cleopatra, now Ile vſe mine arte.
Thy preſence will mee greatly animate, Thy preſence will me greatly animate,
Thy face will teach my tongue, thy loue my hart. Thy face will teach my tongue, thy loue my hart.
SCENA SECVNDA. SCENA. SECVNDA.
Nvntivs. Nvntivs.
AM I ordaind the carefull Meſſenger, AM I ordain’d the carefull Meſſenger,
And ſad neweſ-bringer of the ſtrangeſt death, And ſad newes-bringer of the ſtrangeſt death,
Which ſelfe hand did vpon it ſelfe infer, Which ſelfe hand did vpon it ſelfe infer,
That euer pitty, glory, wonder gat. That euer pitty, glory, wonder gat.
Chor. What newes bring’ſt yu, can Egipt yet yeeld more Chor. what newes bring’ſt thou, can Egypt yet yeelde more
Of ſorrow then it hath? what can it add Of ſorrow then it hath? what can it adde
To th’already ouer-flowing ſtore To the already ouerflowing ſtore
Of ſad affliction, matter yet more ſad? Of ſad affliction, matter yet more ſad?
Haue wee not ſeene the worſt of our calamitie? Haue we not ſeene the worſt of our calamity?
Is there behind yet ſomething of diſtreſſe Is there behind yet ſomething of diſtreſſe
Vnſeene, vnknowne? Tell if that greater miſery Vnſeene, vnknown? Tel if that greater miſery
There be, that we waile not that which is leſſe. There be, that we waile not that which is leſſe.
Tell vs what ſo it be, and tell at fyrſt, Tell vs what ſo it be, and tell at firſt,
For ſorrow euer longs to heare her worſt. For ſorrow euer longs to heare her worſt.
That euer eye of mortall man hath ſeene. That euer eye of mortall man hath ſeene.
I (as you know) euen from my youth, haue ſtil I (as you know) euen frō my youth, haue ſtill
Attended on the perſon of the Queene. Attended on the perſon of the Queene:
And euer in all fortunes good or ill, And euer in all fortunes good or ill,
That euer could to Maieſtie befall, That euer could to maieſtie befall,
I did my best in what I could deuiſe, I did my beſt in what I could deuiſe,
And left her not, till now ſhee left vs all. And left her not, till now ſhe left vs all.
Chor. What is ſhee gone. Hath Cæſar forſt her ſo? Chor. What is ſhe gone. Hath Cæſar forſt her ſo?
Nun. Yea, ſhee is gone, and hath deceiu’d him to. Nun. Yea, ſhe is gone, and hath deceiu’d him to.
Chor. What, fled to India, to goe find her ſonne? Chor. What, fled to India, to go find her ſonne?
Nun. No, not to India, but to find her ſonne. Nun. No, not to India, but to find her ſonne.
Chor. Why thē there’s hope ſhe may her ſtate recouer. Chor. why then ther’s hope ſhe may her ſtate recouer.
Nun. Her ſtate? nay rather honor, and her Louer. Nun. Her ſtate? nay rather honor, and her Louer.
Chor. Her Louer? him shee cannot haue againe. Chor. Her Louer? him ſhe cannot haue againe.
Nun. Well, him ſhee hath, wt him she doth remaine. Nun. Well, him ſhe hath, with him she doth remaine.
Cho. Why thē ſhe’s dead. Iſt ſo? why ſpeak’ſt not thou? Cho. Why then ſhe’s dead. Iſt ſo? why ſpeak’ſt not thou?
Nun. You geſſe aright, and I will tell you how. Nun. You geſſe aright, and I will tell you how.
Whē ſhe perceiu’d al hope was cleane bereſt her, When ſhe perceiu’d al hope was cleane bereſt her,
That Cæſar meant to ſend her ſtraight away, That Cæſar meant to ſend her ſtraight away,
And ſaw no meanes of reconcilement left her, And ſaw no meanes of reconcilement left her,
Work what she could, she could not work to ſtay. Worke what ſhe could, ſhe could not worke to ſtay:
Shee calls mee to her, and ſhe thus began. She calls me to her, and ſhe thus began.
O thou whoſe truſt hath euer beene the ſame O thou, whoſe truſt hath euer beene the ſame
And one in all my fortunes, faithfull man, And one in all my fortunes, faithfull man,
Thou, whom the fearefull ruine of my fall, Thou, whom the fearefull ruine of my fall,
Neuer deterrd to leaue calamitie: Neuer deterr’d to leaue calamitie:
As did thoſe other ſmooth ſtate-pleaſers all, As did thoſe other ſmooth ſtate-pleaſers all,
Who followed but my fortune, and not me. Who followed but my fortune, and not me.
Tis thou muſt doe a ſeruice for thy Queene, Tis thou muſt do a ſeruice for thy Queene,
Wherein thy faith and ſkill muſt doe their best: Wherein thy faith and skill muſt do their beſt:
Thy honeſt care and duty ſhall be ſeene Thy honeſt care and duty ſhall be ſeene
Performing this, more then in all the reſt. Performing this, more then in all the reſt.
For all what thou haſt done, may die with thee, For al what thou haſt don, may die with thee,
Although tis pitty that ſuch faith ſhould die. Although tis pitty that ſuch faith ſhould die.
But this ſhall euer-more remembred be, But this ſhall euermore remembred be,
A rare example to poſterity. A rare example to poſterity.
So long ſhall thy cleere fame endure withall, So long ſhall thy cleere fame endure withall,
And therefore thou muſt not my ſute deny; And therefore thou muſt not my ſute denie;
Nor contradict my will. For what I will Nor contradict my will. For what I will
I am reſolu’d: and this tis thou muſt doe mee: I am reſolu’d: and this tis thou muſt do me:
Goe finde mee out with all thy arte and skill Go find mee out with all thy arte and skill
To Aſpicqs, and conuay them cloſe vnto mee. Two Aſpicqs, and conuay them cloſe vnto me.
I haue a worke to doe with them in hand, I haue a worke to do with them in hand,
Enquire not what, for thou ſhalt ſoone ſee what, Enquire not what, for thou ſhalt ſoone ſee what,
If the heauens doe not my diſſeignes withſtand, If the heauens doe not my diſſeignes withſtand,
But doe thy charge, and let mee ſhyft with that. But do thy charge, and let me ſhift with that.
Beeing thus coniur’d, by her t’whom I’had vow’d Being thus coniur’d by her t’whom I’had vow’d
My true perpetuall ſeruice, forth I went, My true perpetuall ſeruice, forth I went,
Deuiſing how my cloſe attempt to ſhrowde, Deuiſing how my cloſe attempt to ſhrowde,
So that there might no arte my arte preuent. So that there might no art my art preuent.
And ſo diſguis’d in habite as you ſee, And ſo diſguis’d in habite as you ſee,
Hauing foūnd out the thing for which I went, Hauing found out the thing for which I went,
I ſoone return’d againe, and brought with mee I ſoone return’d againe, and brought with me
The Aſpicqs, in a basket cloſely pent. The Aſpicqs, in a basket cloſely pent.
Which I had fill’d with figges, and leaues vpon. Which I had fill’d with figges, and leaues vpon.
And comming to the Guarde that kept the dore, And comming to the guard that kept the dore,
What haſt thou there? ſaid they, and lookt thereon. What haſt thou there? ſaid they, and lookt thereon.
Seeing the figgs, they deem’d of nothing more, Seeing the figgs, they deem’d of nothing more,
But ſayd, they were the faireſt they had ſeene. But ſaid, they were the faireſt they had ſeene.
Taſte ſome, ſaid I, for they are good and pleaſant. Taſte ſome, ſaid I, for they are good and pleaſant.
No, no, ſayd they, goe beare them to thy Queene. No, no, ſaid they, goe beare them to thy Queene,
Thinking mee ſome poore man yt brought a Preſent. Thinking me ſome poore mā yt brought a preſent.
Well, in I went, where brighter then the Sunne, Well, in I went, where brighter then the Sunne,
Glittering in all her pompous ritch aray, Glittering in all her pompous rich aray,
Great Cleopatra ſate; as if ſhe’had wonne Great Cleopatra ſate; as if ſh’had wonne
Cæſar and all the world beſide this day. Cæſar and all the world beſide this day:
Euen as ſhee was when on thy criſtall ſtreames, Euen as ſhe was when on thy criſtall ſtreames,
O Cydnos ſhee did ſhew what earth could ſhew. O Cydnos ſhe did ſhew what earth could ſhew.
When Aſia all amaz’d in wonder, deemes When Aſia all amaz’d in wonder, deemes
Venvs from heauen was come on earth below. Venvs from heauen was come on earth below.
Euen as ſhee went at firſt to meete her Loue, Euen as ſhe went at firſt to meete her Loue,
So goes ſhee now at laſt againe to finde him. So goes ſhe now at laſt againe to find him.
But that firſt, did her greatnes onely proue. But that firſt, did her greatnes onely proue,
This laſt her loue, that could not liue behind him. This laſt her loue, that could not liue behind him.
Yet as ſhee ſate, the doubt of my good ſpeed, Yet as ſhe ſate, the doubt of my good ſpeed,
Detracts much from the ſweetnes of her looke: Detracts much from the ſweetnes of her looke:
Cheere-marrer Care, did then ſuch paſſions breed, Cheer-marrer Care, did then ſuch paſſions breed,
That made her eye bewray the care ſhee tooke. That made her eye bewray the care ſhe tooke.
But ſhee no ſooner ſees mee in the place, But ſhe no ſooner ſees me in the place,
But ſtraight her ſorrow-clowded brow shee cleeres, But ſtraight her ſorrow-clowded brow ſhe cleeres,
Lightning a ſmile from out a ſtormy face, Lightning a ſmile from out a ſtormie face,
Which all her tempeſt-beaten ſences cheeres. Which all her tempeſt-beaten ſences cheeres.
Looke how a ſtray’d perplexed trauailer, Looke how a ſtray’d perplexed trauailer,
When chas’d by thieues, and euen at poynt of taking, When chas’d by theeues, & euē at poynt of taking,
Diſcrying ſuddainly ſome towne not far, Diſcrying ſuddainly ſome towne not far,
Or ſome vnlookt-for ayde to him-ward making; Or ſome vnlookt-for ayde to him-ward making;
Cheeres vp his tired ſp’rits, thruſts forth his ſtrength Cheeres vp his tired ſp’rits, thruſts forth his ſtrēgth
To meete that good, that comes in ſo good houre: To meet that good, that comes in ſo good houre:
Such was her ioy, perceiuing now at length, Such was her ioy, perceiuing now at length,
Her honor was t’eſcape ſo proude a powre. Her honour was t’eſcape ſo proude a powre.
Foorth from her ſeate ſhee haſtes to meet the preſent, Forth from her ſeat ſhe haſtes to meet the preſent,
And as one ouer-ioyd, shee caught it ſtraight. And as one ouer-ioy’d, shee caught it ſtraight.
And with a ſmyling cheere in action pleaſant, And with a ſmiling cheere in action pleaſant,
Looking among the figges, findes the deceite. Looking among the figs, findes the deceite.
And ſeeing there the vgly venemous beaſt, And ſeeing there the vgly venemous beaſt,
Nothing diſmayde, shee ſtayes and viewes it well. Nothing diſmaid, ſhe ſtayes and viewes it well.
At length, th’extreameſt of her paſſion ceaſt, At length, th’extreameſt of her paſſion ceaſt,
When shee began with words her ioy to tell. When ſhe began with words her ioy to tell.
O rareſt Beaſt (ſayth shee) that Affrick breedes, O rareſt Beaſt (ſaith ſhe) that Affrick breedes,
How deerely welcome art thou vnto mee? How deerly welcome art thou vnto me?
The fayreſt creature that faire Nylus feedes The faireſt creature that faire Nylus feedes
Mee thinks I ſee, in now beholding thee. Me thinks I ſee, in now beholding thee.
What though the euer-erring world doth deeme What though the euer-erring world doth deeme
That angred Nature fram’d thee but in ſpight: That angred Nature fram’d thee but in ſpight?
Little they know what they ſo light eſteeme, Little they know what they ſo light eſteeme,
That neuer learn’d the wonder of thy might. That neuer learn’d the wonder of thy might.
Better then Death, Deathes office thou diſchargeſt, Better then Death, Deaths office thou diſchargeſt,
That with one gentle touch canſt free our breath: That with one gentle touch can free our breath:
And in a pleaſing ſleepe our ſoule inlargeſt, And in a pleaſing ſleepe our ſoule inlargeſt,
If Nature err’d, ô then how happy error, If Nature err’d, ô then how happy error,
Thinking to make thee worſt, shee made thee best: Thinking to make thee worſt, ſhe made thee beſt:
Sith thou best freeſt vs from our liues worſt terror, Sith thou beſt freeſt vs from our liues worſt terror,
In ſweetly bringing ſoules to quiet reſt. In ſweetly bringing ſoules to quiet reſt.
When that inexorable Monſter Death When that inexorable Monſter Death
That followes Fortune, flyes the poore diſtreſſed, That followes Fortune, flies the poore deſtreſſed,
Tortures our bodies ere hee takes our breath, Tortures our bodies ere he takes our breath,
And loades with paines th’already weake oppreſſed. And loads with paines th’already weak oppreſſed.
How oft haue I begg’d, prayd, intreated him How oft haue I begg’d, prayd, intreated him
That open canſt with ſuch an eaſie key That open canſt with ſuch an eaſie key
The dore of life, come gentle cunning thiefe, The doore of life, come gentle cunning thiefe,
That from our ſelues ſo ſteal’ſt our ſelues away. That from our ſelues ſo ſteal’ſt our ſelues away.
Shadow’d in thee, and therefore firſt they did Shadow’d in thee, and therefore firſt they did
Offrings and worſhyps due to thee aſſigne, Offrings and worſhips due to thee aſſigne,
In whom they found ſuch miſteries were hid. In whom they found ſuch myſteries were hid.
Comparing thy ſweet motion to the Sunne, Comparing thy ſwift motion to the Sunne,
That mou’ſt without the inſtruments that moue: That mou’ſt without the inſtruments that moue:
And neuer waxing old, but alwaies one, And neuer waxing olde, but alwayes one,
Dooſt ſure thy ſtrange diuinitie approue. Dooſt ſure thy ſtrange diuinitie approue.
In zeale I make the offring of my blood, In zeale I make the offring of my blood,
Calamitie confirming now in mee Calamitie confirming now in me
A ſure beliefe that pietie makes good. A ſure beliefe that pietie makes good.
Which happy men neglect, or hold ambiguous, Which happy men neglect, or hold ambiguous.
And onely the afflicted are religious. And onely the afflicted are religious.
That Luſt late dedicated to Delights: That Luſt late dedicated to Delights:
Offling vp for my laſt, this laſt of breath, Offring vp for my laſt, this laſt of breath,
The complement of my loues deereſt rites. The complement of my loues deareſt rites.
With that ſhee bares her arme, and offer makes With that ſhee bares her arme, and offer makes
Looke how a Mother at her ſonnes departing Looke how a Mother at her ſonnes departing
For ſome far voyage, bent to get him fame, For ſome far voyage bent to get him fame,
Doth intertaine him with an idle parling. Doth intertaine him with an idle parling
And ſtill doth ſpeake, and ſtill ſpeakes but the ſame; And ſtil doth ſpeake, and ſtill ſpeakes but the ſame;
Now bids farewell, and now recalls him back, Now bids farewell, and now recalls him backe,
Tells what was told, and bids againe fare-well, Tels what was told, and bids againe fare-well,
And yet againe recalls; for ſtill doth lack And yet againe recalls; for ſtill doth lacke
Something that loue would faine and cannot tell. Something that loue would faine and cannot tell.
Pleas’d hee should goe, yet cannot let him goe. Pleas’d hee ſhould go, yet cannot let him go.
So ſhee, although ſhee knew there was no way So ſhe, although ſhe knew there was no way
But this, yet this shee could not handle ſo But this, yet this ſhe could not handle ſo
But shee muſt shew that life deſir’d delay. But ſhe muſt ſhew that life deſir’d delay.
Faine would shee entertaine the time as now, Faine would ſhe entertaine the time as now,
And now would faine yt Death would ſeaze vpō her. And now would faine that Death would ſeaze vpō her.
Whilſt I might ſee preſented in her brow, Whilſt I might ſee preſented in her brow,
The doubtfull combat tryde twixt Life and Honor. The doubtfull combat try’d twixt Life and Honor.
Life bringing Legions of freſh hopes with her, Life bringing Legions of freſh hopes with her,
Arm’d with the proofe of Time, which yeelds we ſay Arm’d with the proofe of time, which yeelds we ſay
Comfort and Help, to ſuch as doe refer Comfort and helpe, to ſuch as do refer
All vnto him, and can admit delay. All vnto him, and can admit delay.
But Honor ſcorning Life, loe forth leades he But Honor ſcorning Life, loe forth leades he
Bright Immortalitie in ſhyning armour: Bright immortalitie in ſhining armour:
Thorow the rayes of whoſe cleere glory, ſhee Thorow the rayes of whoſe cleere glorie, ſhee
Might ſee Lifes baſenes, how much it might harm her. Might ſee Lifes baſenes, how much it might harm her.
Beſides, ſhee ſaw whole Armies of Reproches, Beſides, ſhee ſaw whole armies of Reproches,
And baſe Diſgraces, Furies fearefull ſad, And baſe Diſgraces, Furies fearfull ſad,
Marching with Life, and ſhame that ſtill incroches Marching with Life, and Shame that ſtil incroches
Vppon her face, in bloody collours clad. Vpon her face, in bloodie colours clad.
Which repreſentments ſeeing worſe then death Which repreſentments ſeeing, worſe then death
Shee deem’d to yeeld to Life, and therfore choſe She deem’d to yeeld to Life, and therfore choſe
To render all to Honour, hart and breath; To render all to Honour, hart and breath;
Should mutinie againſt her reſolution. Should mutinie againſt her reſolution.
And to the end shee would not giue them ſcope, And to the end ſhe would not giue them ſcope,
Shee preſently proceeds to th’execution. She preſently proceeds to th’execution.
And ſharply blaming of her rebell powres, And ſharply blaming of her rebell powres,
Falſe fleſh, (ſayth shee,) and what doſt thou cōſpire Falſe fleſh (ſayth ſhe,) & what doſt thou conſpire
With Cæſar to, as thou wert none of ours, With Cæſar to, as thou wert none of ours,
Wilt thou retaine in cloſure of thy vaines, Wilt thou retaine in cloſure of thy vaines,
That enemy Baſe life, to let my good? That enemie Baſe life, to let my good?
No, know there is a greater powre conſtraines No,know there is a greater powre conſtraines
Then can be countercheckt with fearefull blood. Then can be countercheckt with fearefull blood.
For to the minde that’s great, nothing ſeemes great. For to the mind that’s great, nothing ſeems great:
And ſeeing death to be the laſt of woes, And ſeeing death to be the laſt of woes,
And life laſting diſgrace, which I shall get, And life laſting diſgrace, which I shall get,
What doe I loſe, that haue but life to loſe? What do I loſe, that haue but life to loſe?
This hauing ſaid, ſtrengthned in her owne hart, This hauing ſaid, ſtrengthned in her owne hart,
And vnion of her ſelfe ſences in one And vnion of her ſelfe, ſences in one
Charging together, shee performes that part Charging together, ſhe performes that part
That hath ſo great a part of glory wonne. That hath ſo great a part of glory wonne.
And ſo receiues the deadly poyſning touch. And ſo receiues the deadly poyſning touch;
That touch that tryde the gold of her loue pure, That touch that tryde the gold of her loue pure,
Her honor did her dying thoughts retaine. Her honor did her dying thoughts retaine.
Well, now this work is done (ſaith she,) here ends Well, now this work is done (ſaith ſhe,) here ends
This act of life, that part of Fates aſſign’d mee: This act of life, that part of Fates aſſign’d:
What glory or diſgrace heere this world lends, What glory or diſgrace heere this world lends,
Both haue I had, and both I leaue behinde mee. Both haue I had, and both I leaue behind.
And now ô Earth, the Theater where I And now ô Earth, the Theater where I
Haue acted this, witnes I dye vnforſt. Haue acted this, witnes I dye vnforſt.
Witnes my ſoule parts free to Anthony, Witnes my ſoule parts free to Anthonie,
And now proude Tyrant Cæſar doe thy worſt. And now proude Tyrant Cæſar doe thy worſt.
This ſayd, ſhee ſtayes, and makes a ſuddaine pauſe, This ſaid, ſhe ſtaies, and makes a ſuddaine pauſe,
As twere to feele whither the poyſon wrought: As twere to feele whether the poyſon wrought:
Or rather els the working might be cauſe Or rather else the working might be cauſe
That made her ſtay, as likewiſe may be thought. That made her ſtay, and intertain’d her thought.
For in that inſtant I might well perceiue, For in that inſtant I might well perceiue
The drowſie humor in her falling brow: The drowſie humor in her falling brow:
Theyr former office, and did ſenceleſſe grow. Theyr former office, and did ſenceleſſe grow.
Looke how a new-pluckt branch againſt the Sunne, Looke how a new pluckt branch againſt the Sun,
Declynes his fading leaues in feeble ſort, Declines his fading leaues in feeble ſort,
So her disioyned ioyntures as vndonne. So her diſioyned ioyntures as vndonne,
Let fall her weake diſſolued limmes ſupport. Let fall her weake diſſolued limmes ſupport.
Dead Cleopatra, and that proudly dead, Dead Cleopatra, and that proudly dead,
In all the riche attyre procure ſhee could, In all the rich attyre procure ſhe could,
And dying Charmion trymming of her head. And dying Charmion trimming of her head.
And Eras at her feete, dead in like caſe. And Eras at her feete, dead in like caſe.
Charmion, is this well doone? ſaid one of them. Charmion, is this well doone? ſaid one of them.
Yea, well ſayd ſhee, and her that from the race Yea, well ſaid ſhe, and her that from the race
Of ſo great Kings diſcends, doth best become. Of ſo great Kings deſcends, doth best become.
And with that word, yeelds too her faithful breath, And with that word, yeelds too her faithful breath,
Chor. But how knew Cæſar of her cloſe intent? Chor. But how knew Cæſar of her cloſe intent?
Nun. By Letters which before to him shee ſent. Nun. By Letters which before to him ſhe ſent.
For when shee had procur’d this meanes to die, For when ſhe had procur’d this meanes to die,
Shee writes, and earneſtly intreates, shee might She writes, and earneſtly intreates, ſhe might
Be buried in one Tombe with Anthony. Be buried in one Tombe with Antony.
Whereby then Cæſar geſs’d all went not right. Whereby then Cæſar geſs’d all went not right.
And forth-with ſends, yet ere the meſſage came And forth-with ſends, yet ere the meſſage came
Shee was diſpatcht, he croſt in his intent, She was diſpatcht, he croſt in his intent,
Her prouidence had ordred ſo the ſame Her prouidence had ordred ſo the ſame
Th’accompliſhment of woes, Th’accompliſhment of woes,
The full of ruine, and The full of ruine and
The worst of worst of ills. The worst of worst of ills:
And ſeene all hope expeld, And ſeene all hope expeld,
That euer ſweet repoſe That euer ſweet repoſe
Shall re-poſſeβ: the Land Shall re-poſſeβe the Land
That Deſolations fills, That Deſolations fils,
And where Ambition ſpills And where Ambition ſpils
With vncontrouled hand, With vncontrouled hand,
All th’iſſue of all thoſe, All th’iſſue of all thoſe
That ſo long rule haue hell’d: That ſo long rule haue held:
To make vs no more vs, To make vs no more vs,
And canst O Nylus thou, And canst ô Nylus thou,
Father of floods indure, Father of floods indure,
To him thoſe feete ſo pure, To him thoſe feete ſo pure,
Whoſe vnknowne head we hold Whoſe vnknown head we hold
A powre diuine to bee? A powre diuine to be?
Thou that didst euer ſee Thou that didſt euer ſee
Thy free banks vncontroul’d Thy free banks vncontrould
Liue vnder thine owne care: Liue vnder thine own care:
Ah wilt thou beare it now? Ah wilt thou beare it now?
Draw backe thy waters floe Draw backe thy waters flo
To thy concealed head: To thy concealed head:
And turne thy courſes ſo, And turne thy courſes ſo,
That ſandy Dezarts dead, That ſandy Deſarts dead,
(The world of dust that craues (The world of dust that craues
Reuiue from vastie graues Reuiue from vastie graues
A lyuing greene, which ſpredd A liuing green which ſpred
Far florsſhing, may gro Far florsſhing, may gro
On that wide face of Death. On that wide face of Death,
Where nothing now drawes breath. Where nothing now drawes breath.
Fatten ſome people there, Fatten ſome people there,
Euen as thou vs haſt doone, Euen as thou vs haſt done,
With plenties wanton ſtore, With plenties wanton ſtore,
Reſpected not before. Reſpected not before.
Leaue leuell’d Egipt dry, Leaue leuell’d Egypt drie,
A barraine pray to lye, A barren pray to lie,
Waſted for euer-more. Waſted for euer-more.
To recompence the care To recompence the care
Of Victors greedy lust, Of Victors greedy luſt,
And bring forth nought but duſt. And bring forth nought but duſt.
And ſo O leaue to bee, And ſo O leaue to be,
Sith thou art what thou art: Sith thou art what thou art:
Let not our race poſſeβ Let not our race poſſeβe
Th’inheritance of ſhame, Th’inheritance of ſhame,
The ſee of ſin, that wee The ſee of ſin, that we
Haue left them for theyr part: Haue left them for their part:
The yoke of whoſe diſtreβ The yoke of whoſe diſtreβe
Muſt ſtill vpbraid our blame, Muſt ſtill vpbraid our blame,
Telling from whom it came. Telling from whom it came.
Our weight of wantonnes, Our weight of wantonneβe
Lyes heauy on their hart, Lies heauie on their hart,
Who neuer-more ſhall ſee Who neuer-more ſhall ſee
The glory of that worth The glory of that worth
They left who brought vs forth. They left, who brought vs forth.
O thou all ſeeing light, O thou all-ſeeing light,
High Preſident of heauen, High Preſident of heauen,
That limit pride ſo ſhort, That limit pride ſo ſhort,
Is greatnes of this ſort, Is greatneſſe of this ſort,
That greatnes greatnes marres, That greatneſſe greatneſſe marres,
And wracks it ſelfe, ſelfe driuen And wracks it ſelfe, ſelfe driuen
On Rocks of her owne might? On Rocks of her own might?
Doth Order order ſo Doth Order order ſo
Diſorders ouer-thro? Diſorders ouer-thro?
FINIS. FINIS.
AT LONDON, Printed by Iames Roberts, and Edward Allde, for Simon Waterſon. 1594.