Pour out the pack of matter to mine ear, The good and bad together: He's friends with Cæsar; In state of health, thou say'st; and, thou say'st, free. Mess. Free, madam! no; I made no such report: He's bound unto Octavia. Cleo. For what good turn? Mess. For the best turn i'the bed. Cleo. I am pale, Charmian. Mess. Madam, he's married to Octavia. Cleo. The most infectious pestilence upon thee! Mess. Good madam, patience. Cleo. What say you?—Hence, [Strikes him down. [Strikes him again. Horrible villain! or I'll spurn thine eyes Like balls before me; I'll unhair thy head; [She hales him up and down. Thou shalt be whipp'd with wire, and stew'd in brine, Smarting in ling'ring pickle. Mess. Gracious madam, I, that do bring the news, made not the match. Thy modesty can beg. Mess. He's married, madam. Cleo. Rogue, thou hast liv'd too long. [Draws a dagger. Mess. Nay, then I'll run :— What mean you, madam? I have made no fault. [Exit. Char. Good madam, keep yourself within yourself; The man is innocent. Cleo. Some innocents 'scape not the thunder-bolt.-Melt Egypt into Nile! and kindly creatures Turn all to serpents !-Call the slave again; Cleo. I will not hurt him : These hands do lack nobility, that they strike Re-enter Messenger. Though it be honest, it is never good To bring bad news: Give to a gracious message Mess. I have done my duty. Cleo. Is he married? I cannot hate thee worser than I do, If thou again say, Yes. Mess. He is married, madam. Cleo. The gods confound thee! dost thou hold there still? Mess. Should I lie, madam? Cleo. O, I would, thou didst; So half my Egypt were submerg'd, and made A cistern for scal'd snakes! Go, get thee hence; Hadst thou Narcissus in thy face, to me Thou would'st appear most ugly. He is married? Cleo. He is married? Mess. Take no offence, that I would not offend you : To punish me for what you make me do, Seems much unequal: He is married to Octavia. hence: The merchandise which thou hast brought from Rome, Cleo. In praising Antony, I have disprais'd Cæsar. Cleo. I am paid for't now. Lead me from hence, I faint; O Iras, Charmian, Tis no matter :- The colour of her hair :-bring me word quickly. [Exit ALEXAS. Let him for ever go :-Let him not-Charmian, [To MARDIAN. Bring me word, how tall she is.-Pity me, Charmian, But do not speak to me.-Lead me to my chamber. [Exeunt. SCENE VI.-Near Misenum. Enter POMPEY and MENAS, at one side, with Drum and Cas. Most meet, That first we come to words; and therefore have we Our written purposes before us sent; Which, if thou hast consider'd, let us know If 'twill tie up thy discontented sword; And carry back to Sicily much tall youth, Pom. To you all three, The senators alone of this great world, Cas. Take your time. Ant. Thou canst not fear us, Pompey, with thy sails, We'll speak with thee at sea: at land, thou know'st How much we do o'ercount thee. Pom. At land, indeed, Thou dost o'er-count me of my father's house : Lep. Be pleas'd to tell us, (For this is from the present,) how you take The offers we have sent you. Cas. There's the point. Ant. Which do not be entreated to, but weigh What it is worth embrac'd. Cas. And what may follow, To try a larger fortune. Pom. You have made me offer Of Sicily, Sardinia; and I must Rid all the sea of pirates; then, to send Measures of wheat to Rome: This 'greed upon, To part with unhack'd edges, and bear back Cas. Ant. Lep. That's our offer. Pom. Know then, I came before you here, a man prepar'd Ant. I have heard it, Pompey; |