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/98

72 I'll lay me down, and stray no farther on.

Ven.I cou'd be griev'd, But that I'll not out-live you: choose your death; For, I have seen him in such various shapes, I care not which I take: I'm only troubled The life I bear, is worn to such a rag, 'Tis scarce worth giving. I cou'd wish indeed We threw it from us with a better grace; That, like two Lyons taken in the Toils, We might at least thrust out our paws, and wound The Hunters that inclose us.

Ant.I have thought on't. Ventidius, you must live.

Ven.I must not, Sir.

Ant.Wilt thou not live, to speak some good of me? To stand by my fair Fame, and guard th' approaches From the ill Tongues of Men?

Ven.Who shall guard mine, For living after you?

Ant.Say, I command it.

Ven.If we die well, our deaths will speak themselves, And need no living witness.

Ant.Thou hast lov'd me, And fain I wou'd reward thee: I must die; Kill me, and take the merit of my death To make thee Friends with Cæsar.

Ven.Thank your kindness. You said I lov'd you; and, in recompence, You bid me turn a Traitor: did I think You wou'd have us'd me thus? that I shou'd die With a hard thought of you?

Ant.Forgive me, Roman. Since I have heard of Cleopatra's death, My reason bears no rule upon my tongue, But lets my thoughts break all at random out: I've thought better; do not deny me twice.

Ven.By Heav'n, I will not. Let it not be t' out-live you.

Ant.Kill me first, And