Has taught my mind the fortune of a Slave.
Iras.Call Reason to assist you.
Cleo.I have none.
And none would have: my Love's a noble madness,
Which shows the cause deserv'd it. Moderate sorrow
Fits vulgar Love; and for a vulgar Man:
But I have lov'd with such transcendent passion,
I soar'd, at first, quite out of Reasons view,
And now am lost above it———No, I'm proud
'Tis thus: would Antony could see me now;
Think you he would not sigh? though he must leave me,
Sure he would sigh; for he is noble-natur'd,
And bears a tender heart: I know him well.
Ah, no, I know him not; I knew him once,
But now 'tis past.
Iras.Let it be past with you:
Forget him, Madam.
Cleo.Never, never, Iras.
He once was mine; and once, though now 'tis gone,
Leaves a faint Image of possession still.
Alex.Think him unconstant, cruel, and ungrateful.
Cleo.I cannot: if I could, those thoughts were vain;
Faithless, ungrateful, cruel, though he be,
I still must love him.
Enter Charmion.
Will he be kind? and, Will he not forsake me?
Am I to live, or dye? nay, Do I live?
Or am I dead? for, when he gave his answer,
Fate took the word, and then I liv'd, or dy'd.
Char.I found him, Madam———
Cleo.A long Speech preparing?
If thou bring'st comfort, hast, and give it me;
For never was more need.
Iras.I know he loves you.
Cleo.Had he been kind, her eyes had told me so,
Before her tongue could speak it: now she studies,
To soften what he said; but give me death,
