Page:Antony and Cleopatra (1921) Yale.djvu/53

Antony and Cleopatra, II. v

Though it be honest, it is never good

To bring bad news; give to a gracious message

A host of tongues, but let ill tidings tell

Themselves when they be felt.

Mess. I have done my duty.

Cleo. Is he married?

I cannot hate thee worser than I do

If thou again say 'Yes.'

Mess. He's married, madam.

Cleo. The gods confound thee! dost thou hold there still?

Mess. Should I lie, madam?

Cleo. O! I would thou didst,

So half my Egypt were submerg'd and made

A cistern for scal'd snakes. Go, get thee hence;

Hadst thou Narcissus in thy face, to me

Thou wouldst appear most ugly. He is married?

Mess. I crave your highness' pardon.

Cleo. He is married?

Mess. Take no offence that I would not offend you;

To punish me for what you make me do

Seems much unequal; he's married to Octavia.

Cleo. O! that his fault should make a knave of thee,

That art not what thou'rt sure of. Get thee hence;

The merchandise which thou hast brought from Rome

Are all too dear for me; lie they upon thy hand

And be undone by 'em!

Char. Good your highness, patience.

Cleo. In praising Antony I have disprais'd Cæsar.

Char. Many times, madam.

 94 So: even though

103 That art not what thou'rt sure of; cf. n.

