Page:All for love- or, The world well lost. A tragedy as it is acted at the Theatre-Royal; and written in imitation of Shakespeare's stile. By John Dryden, servant to His Majesty (IA allforloveorworl00indryd).pdf/74

Of falshood to be happy.

Alex.Force your self.
Th' event wil be, your Lover will return
Doubly desirous to possess the good
Which once he fear'd to lose.

Cleop.I must attempt it;
But Oh with what regret! Exit Alex. (She comes up to Dollabella.)

Ven.So, now the Scene draws near; they're in my reach.

Cleop. to Dol.Discoursing with my Women! Might not I
Share in your entertainment?

Char.You have been
The Subject of it, Madam.

Cleop.How; and how?

Iras.Such praises of your beauty!

Cleop.Mere Poetry.
Your Roman Wits, your Gallus and Tibullus,
Have taught you this from Citheris and Delia.

Dolla.
Those Roman Wits have never been in Egypt,
Citheris and Delia else had been unsung:
I, who have seen———had I been born a Poet,
Should chuse a nobler name.

Cleop.You flatter me.
But, 'tis your Nation's vice: all of your Country
Are flatterers, and all false. Your Friend's like you.
I'm sure he sent you not to speak these words.

Dolla.No, Madam; yet he sent me———

Cleop.Well, he sent you———

Dolla.Of a less pleasing errand.

Cleop.How less pleasing?
Less to you self, or me?

Dolla.Madam, to both;
For you must mourn, and I must grieve to cause it.

Cleop.You, Charmion, and your Fellow, stand at distance.
(Aside.) Hold up, my Spirits.———Well, now your mournful matter;
For I'm prepar'd, perhaps can ghess it too.

Dolla.I wish you would; for 'tis a thankless office
To tell ill news: and I, of all your Sex,
Most fear displeasing you.

Cleop.Of all your Sex,

I