Gods, is this just, that I, who knows no joys,
Must die, because she loves?
Enter Cleopatra, Charmion, Iras, Train.
Octavia's here!
Cleop.Peace with that Raven's note.
I know it too; and now am in
The pangs of death.
Alex.You are no more a Queen;
Egypt is lost.
Cleop.What tell'st thou me of Egypt?
My Life, my Soul is lost! Octavia has him!
O fatal name to Cleopatra's love!
My kisses, my embraces now are hers;
While I ——— But thou hast seen my Rival; speak,
Does she deserve this blessing? Is she fair,
Bright as a Goddess? and is all perfection
Confin'd to her? It is. Poor I was made
Of that course matter which, when she was finish'd,
The Gods threw by, for rubbish.
Alex.She's indeed a very Miracle.
Cleop.Death to my hopes, a Miracle!
Alex. bowing.A Miracle;
I mean of Goodness; for in Beauty, Madam,
You make all wonders cease.
Cleop.I was too rash:
Take this in part of recompence. But, Oh, [Giving a Ring.
I fear thou flatter'st me.
Char.She comes! she's here!
Iras.Flie, Madam, Cæsar's Sister!
Cleop.Were she the Sister of the Thund'rer Jove,
And bore her Brothers Lightning in her eyes,
Thus would I face my Rival. [Meets Octav. with Ventid.
Octav. bears up to her. Their Trains
come up on either side.
Octav.I need not ask if you are Cleopatra,
Your haughty carriage ———
Cleop.Shows I am a Queen:
Nor need I ask you who you are.
