Which is my wretch, heaven to have. Come, thou mortal [To the Asp, which she applies to her Breast. With thy sharp teeth this knot intrinsicate Of life at once untie; poor venomous fool, Char. Cleo. O eastern star ! Peace, peace! Dost thou not see my baby at my breast, Char. What should I stay ... [Applying another Asp to her Arm. [Falls on a Bed, and dies. Char. In this vile 47 world. So, fare thee well.— Now boast thee, Death! in thy possession lies A lass unparallel'd.-Downy windows, close; And golden Phoebus never be beheld Of eyes again so royal! Your crown's awry; Enter the Guard, rushing in. 48 Where is the Queen? 1 Guard. Too slow a messenger. [Applies the Asp. Oh, come! apace, despatch! I partly feel thee. 1 Guard. Approach, ho! All's not well. Cæsar's beguil'd. 2 Guard. There's Dolabella sent from Cæsar; call him. 1 Guard. What work is here?-Charmian, is this well done? Char. It is well done, and fitting for a princess Descended of so many royal kings. Ah, soldier! [Dies. Cæsar, thy thoughts Touch their effects in this. Thyself art coming Within. A way there, a way for Cæsar! Enter CASAR, and Attendants. Dol. Oh! sir, you are too sure an augurer; That you did fear is done. Cæs. Bravest at the last. She levell'd at our purpose, and, being royal, Took her own way.-The manner of their deaths? I do not see them bleed. Dol. Who was last with them? 1 Guard. A simple countryman, that brought her figs; This was his basket. O Cæsar, This Charmian lived but now; she stood, and spake. On her dead mistress; tremblingly she stood, Cas. O noble weakness!If they had swallow'd poison, 'twould appear By external swelling; but she looks like sleep, As she would catch another Antony In her strong toil of grace. Dol. There is a vent of blood, and something blown. The like is on her arm. 1 Guard. Here, on her breast, This is an aspic's trail, And these fig-leaves have slime upon them, such as The aspic leaves upon the caves of Nile. Cas. Most probable, That so she died; for her physician tells me, She hath pursu'd conclusions infinite [Exeunt. ORIGINAL TEXT. 25. Gods, K. 28. Disputation. 30. Smile. 23. Who, K. 24. Wrong led. 48. Away. |