He should have kept that word for cold Octavia.
Respect is for a Wife: Am I that thing,
That dull insipid lump, without desires,
And without pow'r to give 'em?
Alex.You misjudge;
You see through Love, and that deludes your sight:
As, what is strait, seems crooked through the Water;
But I, who bear my reason undisturb'd,
Can see this Antony, this dreaded Man,
A fearful slave, who fain would run away,
And shuns his Master's Eyes: if you pursue him,
My life on't, he still drags a chain along,
That needs must clog his flight.
Cleo.Could I believe thee!———
Alex.By ev'ry circumstance I know he Loves.
True, he's hard prest, by Intrest and by Honor;
Yet he but doubts, and parlyes, and casts out
Many a long look for succor.
Cleo.He sends word,
He fears to see my face.
Alex.And would you more?
He shows his weakness who declines the Combat;
And you must urge your fortune. Could he speak
More plainly? To my Ears, the Message sounds
Come to my rescue, Cleopatra, come;
Come, free me from Ventidius; from my Tyrant:
See me, and give me a pretence to leave him.
I hear his Trumpets. This way he must pass.
Please you, retire a while; I'll work him first,
That he may bend more easie.
Cleo.You shall rule me;
But all, I fear, in vain. [Exit with Char. and Iras.
Alex.I fear so too;
Though I conceal'd my thoughts, to make her bold:
But, 'tis our utmost means, and Fate befriend it. [Withdraws.
Enter Lictors with Fasces; one bearing the Eagle: then
Enter Antony with Ventidius, follow'd by
other Commanders.
Ant.Octavius is the Minion of blind Chance,
