My duty shall be yours.
To the dear pledges of our former love,
My tenderness and care shall be transferr'd,
And they shall cheer, by turns, my Widow'd Nights:
So, take my last farewel; for I despair
To have you whole, and scorn to take you half. Exit.
Ven.I combat Heav'n, which blasts my best designs:
My last attempt must be to win her back;
But Oh, I fear in vain. Exit.
Ant.Why was I fram'd with this plain honest heart,
Which knows not to disguise its griefs and weakness,
But bears its workings outward to the World?
I should have kept the mighty anguish in,
And forc'd a smile at Cleopatra's falshood:
Octavia had believ'd it, and had staid;
But I am made a shallow-forded Stream,
Seen to the Bottom: all my clearness scorn'd,
And all my Faults expos'd!———See, where he comes
Enter Dollabella.
And worn it into vileness!
With how secure a brow, and specious form
He gilds the secret Villain! Sure that face
Was meant for honesty; but Heav'n mis-match'd it,
And furnish'd Treason out with Natures Pomp,
To make its work more easie.
Dolla.O, my Friend!
Ant.Well, Dollabella, you perform'd my message?
Dolla.I did, unwillingly.
Ant.Unwillingly?
Was it so hard for you to bear our parting?
You should have wisht it.
Dolla.Why?
Ant.Because you love me.
And she receiv'd my message, with as true,
With as unfeign'd a sorrow, as you brought it?
Dolla.She loves you, ev'n to madness.
Ant.Oh, I know it.
You, Dollabella, do not better know
