Page:Antony and Cleopatra (1921) Yale.djvu/52

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Horrible villain! or I'll spurn thine eyes

Like balls before me; I'll unhair thy head:

Thou shalt be whipp'd with wire, and stew'd in brine,

Smarting in lingering pickle.

Mess. Gracious madam,

I that do bring the news made not the match.

Cleo. Say 'tis not so, a province I will give thee,

And make thy fortunes proud; the blow thou hadst

Shall make thy peace for moving me to rage,

And I will boot thee with what gift beside

Thy modesty can beg.

Mess. He's married, madam.

Cleo. Rogue! thou hast liv'd too long.

Draws a knife.

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 thunderbolt.

Melt Egypt into Nile! and kindly creatures

Turn all to serpents! Call the slave again:

Though I am mad, I will not bite him. Call.

Char. He is afeard to come.

Cleo. I will not hurt him.

These hands do lack nobility, that they strike

A meaner than myself; since I myself

Have given myself the cause.

Come hither, sir.

 71 boot: enrich by addition

