That I plaid booty with my life! I'll mend
My work, ere they can reach me. (Rises upon his knees.)
Enter Cleopatra, Charmion, Iras.
Cleop.Where is my Lord? where is he?
Char.There he lies,
And dead Ventidius by him.
Cleop.My fears were Prophets; I am come too late.
O that accurs'd Alexas! (Runs to him.)
Ant.Art thou living?
Or am I dead before I knew? and thou
The first kind Ghost that meets me?
Cleop.Help me seat him.
Send quickly, send for help. (They place him in a Chair.)
Ant.I am answer'd.
We live both. Sit thee down, my Cleopatra:
I'll make the most I can of life, to stay
A moment more with thee.
Cleop.How is it with you?
Ant.'Tis as with a man
Removing in a hurry; all pack'd up,
But one dear Jewel that his haste forgot;
And he, for that, returns upon the spur:
So I come back, for thee.
Cleop.Too long, you Heav'ns, you have been cruel to me;
Now show your mended Faith, and give me back
His fleeting life.
Ant.It will not be, my Love.
I keep my Soul by force.
Say but thou art not false.
Cleop.'Tis now too late
To say I'm true: I'll prove it, and die with you.
Unknown to me, Alexas feign'd my death:
Which, when I knew, I hasted, to prevent
This fatal consequence. My Fleet betray'd
Both you and me.
Ant.And Dollabella. ———
Cleop.Scarce esteem'd before he lov'd; but hated now.
Ant.Enough: my life's not long enough for more.
Thou sayst thou wilt come after: I believe thee;
