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/44

18 He should have kept that word for cold Octavia. Respect is for a Wife: Am I that thing, That dull insipid lump, without desires, And without pow'r to give 'em?

Alex.You misjudge; You see through Love, and that deludes your sight: As, what is strait, seems crooked through the Water; But I, who bear my reason undisturb'd, Can see this Antony, this dreaded Man, A fearful slave, who fain would run away, And shuns his Master's Eyes: if you pursue him, My life on't, he still drags a chain along, That needs must clog his flight.

Cleo.Could I believe thee!

Alex.By ev'ry circumstance I know he Loves. True, he's hard prest, by Intrest and by Honor; Yet he but doubts, and parlyes, and casts out Many a long look for succor.

Cleo.He sends word, He fears to see my face.

Alex.And would you more? He shows his weakness who declines the Combat; And you must urge your fortune. Could he speak More plainly? To my Ears, the Message sounds Come to my rescue, Cleopatra, come; Come, free me from Ventidius; from my Tyrant: See me, and give me a pretence to leave him. I hear his Trumpets. This way he must pass. Please you, retire a while; I'll work him first, That he may bend more easie.

Cleo.You shall rule me; But all, I fear, in vain.

Alex.I fear so too; Though I conceal'd my thoughts, to make her bold: But, 'tis our utmost means, and Fate befriend it.

Ant.Octavius is the Minion of blind Chance, But