Page:All for love- or, The world well lost. A tragedy as it is acted at the Theatre-Royal; and written in imitation of Shakespeare's stile. By John Dryden, servant to His Majesty (IA allforloveorworl00indryd).pdf/102

76 Iras.Will you then die?

Cleop.Why shou'dst thou make that question?

Iras.Cæsar is merciful.

Cleop.Let him be so To those that want his mercy: my poor Lord Made no such Cov'nant with him, to spare me When he was dead. Yield me to Cæsar's pride? What, to be led in triumph through the Streets, A spectacle to base Plebeian eyes; While some dejected Friend of Antony's, Close in a corner, shakes his Head, and mutters A secret curse on her who ruin'd him? I'll none of that.

Char.Whatever you resolve, I'll follow ev'n to death.

Iras.I only fear'd For you; but more shou'd fear to live without you.

Cleop.Why, now 'tis as it shou'd be. Quick, my Friends, Dispatch; ere this, the Town's in Cæsar's hands: My Lord looks down concern'd, and fears my stay, Lest I shou'd be surpriz'd; Keep him not waiting for his love too long. You, Charmion, bring my Crown and richest Jewels, With 'em, the Wreath of Victory I made (Vain Augury!) for him who now lies dead; You, Iras, bring the cure of all our ills.

Iras.The Aspicks, Madam?

Cleop.Must I bid you twice? 'Tis sweet to die, when they wou'd force life on me, To rush into the dark aboad of death, And seize him first; if he be like my Love, He is not frightful sure. We're now alone, in secresie and silence; And is not this like Lovers? I may kiss These pale, cold lips; Octavia does not see me; And, Oh! 'tis better far to have him thus, Than see him in her Arms.O welcome, welcome.

Char.What must be done? Cleop.