THE SIREN -# AND #»- THE ROMAN A TRAGEDY by "LUCYL" TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS. Page 8 Twentieth speech, Y2 Second u 12 Third (( 13 Fifth a 18 Eighth ( i 18 - < i a 22 24 25 26 27 28 28 38 38 39 41 41 45 Iris: fRef. read quarrel for guarrel " mean for meant " were for mere " fifth line should follow first line line 12, repetition part of speech omitted. Read: — -Be of good cheer, she is returned By Anthony's commandment, as you know - Eleventh speech; part of speech omitted; read After 2d line. I tell you friends, as sure as this is earth and heaven is above us, I did intend to marry Cleopatra! (etc.) Bottom speech; read considering for considerable Sixth speech; line 5, read dying for lying Second " line 8, read his for this Act Fourth first outline, repitetion Scene two read derangement for derangements " " '• great for grand ik Her for hed Sixth speech line 0, read stabs for stable line 12, read search for seach 1st line, read amaze for amoze read; Enter Messenger, Omitted " They who were mine are Cfesars Read: 4th line. Tenth speech, Top! three lines omitted after first line. Anth. — What is his name who dare to moulh the hand of Cleopatra's Begone! your ignorance acquits you. Fly? Thyreus. — Who is it that commands? Second and third lines repetition 46 Seventh speech, line 4, read therefore for there. 46 Tenth speech, line 1, read may for come. THE SIREN -# AND ftf THE ROMAN (CLEOPATRA & ANTHOMIUS) OR Luxurv, Love and The Lost. A NEW TRAGEDY IN FIVE ACTS by "LUCYL" (VINCENT P. SULLIVAN) Author of "Conquered by the Cross. Brooklyn. 191 1 All Rights Reserved. Entered according to Act of Congress in the year one thousand nine hundred and eleven, by Vincent P. Sullivan, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. f S 3 S FOREWORD. Cleopatra, The Mother is (so far as I recall), a feature not heretofore treated dramatically, and it is hoped that my critics will not deem he over- bold in daring to introduce her illegitimate children That she was one of the hest of mothers is undeniable, inasmuch as her fondest aspiration i. e., to be Anthony's wife, is so pityfully evinced from the first to the last. So p tsitive is my conviction in this particular that I have ventured so far as to suggest this maternal love as probable solution of that eternal problem: The motive of her flight from Aetium, magnetically drawing Anthony after her .causing him thereby, to lose the battle which sealed his ruin; which having won, would have established him the first man of the world. Aside from this feature, I believe 1 have fairly represented that "infinite variety" ascribed to her, not emitting a necessary hint of the courtesan. Permit me to state at once that my indebtedness to Shakespease is beyond measure, and, — if I may be bold to quote Dryden, "in imitating him, I have excelled myself throughout the play." At this point I might men- tion that, during the course of this work I had access to several antiques, and upon one occasion reviewed a volumne some two^hundred and thirty- four years old, called 'Anthony and Cleopatra" by the Honorable Sir Chas. Sedley, — a 'drama' in rhyme. This gentleman I learn, was not obliged to cur poet, which accounts for the exceeding tediousness of his book, not to mention the remark of Sir Walter Scott, who said he had read it once, "and assuredly you would not read it again." It is not surprising, therefore, that the aforestated Dryden should write so enduring and excellent a play (excusing his very tame Celopatra), just about this time (1G78), but rather proves conclusively the folly of the anti-Shakespearian. Albeit I freely and gladly acknowledge the foregoing, my good and dis- criminating reader will observe much that is original, and will, moreover, upon examination, find that where I have seemed to copyour poet, I have used, as it were, his building material; — The Plutarch of Thomas North. To the uncharitable half-wits, — who would describe this little labor of a constant year, (admitting its profuse imperfections) 'as another inflic- tion upon the all-suffering \ ublic, etc.,' or 'another version of a hackneyed and defunct play,' — be it said, that the theme itself is imperishable, in proof of which, witness the exhaustive edition (The Variorum, 1907) by the late illustrious Horace Furness, and the highly inviting and successful history of the queen, by Philip W. Sergeant (1909), together with others, even more recent, perhaps, not coming under my notice. Howbeit, I hope to contradict the editor of the Variorum's statement, so emphatically set forth in the Preface, to the effect that "the tragedy of Anthony and Cleopatra has been written once and for all time," (by Shakespeare) 'for those whose mother tongue is English,' — and in following the example of that vast, expanding throng who have assayed a story offering so superior a moral, i. e., the awful consequence of unlawful love, I trust my aim will not be utterly unpardonable, nor, dear reader, alto- gether in vain ! In the matter of personal choice, — if I may declare the same without vanity, no scene pleases me more than the quarrel scene between Anthony and Augustus, the first one of the Third Act, undoubtedly because it is so largely my own invention. The parting scene in the first act. and the one between Anthony and Ventidius in the fourth, I also desire to commend. Note. — For the especial convenience of readers, brief outlines have been annexed at the beginning of each act. C CI. D 2 5 6 8 INITIAL IMPRESSION, C (Five Dollars the Copy) Expressly for the following Ladies and Gentlemen ; Mrs. Catherine Vincent Hostage, 218 Eighty-eighth Street, Fort Hamilton. Mrs. Grace E. Ryan, 255 Ovington Avenue, Fort Hamilton. Iff". Dunne, The Tuxedo, Sixth Avenue, at Seventh Street, Brooklyn. Mrs. Karoline L. Klett-Etling, Seventh Avenue, Thirty-ninth to Fortieth Streets, Brooklyn. Chas. F. Vachris, 645 Fortieth Street, Brooklyn. Mrs. E. Ghelardi, 1217 Forty-seventh Street, Borough Park. (2 cop,) YYni. A. Ryan, Gare Crane Company's New York Branch. Mrs. Elizabeth A. Trney, 4603 Fort Hamilton Parkway, Linden Heights. Mrs. Anna G. Sullivan, 652 39th Street, Brooklyn. William V^esley Tracy of New York. Miss Agnes Evylen Dunne, The Tuxedo, Sixth Avenue, at Seventh Street, Brooklyn. Miss Emma J. McCormaek, The Great Northern Hotel, New York. Austin A. Sullivan, West Point. DRAMATIS PERSQNAE. Marc Anthony Augustus Caesar j" Joint rulers of the Roman Empire Ventidius ) Canidius j Commanders in Anthony's service Agrippa Commander to Caesar Eros A freedman of Anthony's Caesarion Son to the late Caesar and Cleopatra Antylus Son to Fulvia and Anthony Helios ) j Selene j Twins V Children of Anthony and Cleopatra Alexander ) Olympus Physician and astronomer to the Queen Alexas A Syrian courtier, favourite of Anthony s Archibius Friend of Cleopatra Philotis A young student, friend of Caesarion Master Stewart, A false one Herod of Jewry \ Poleman of Pont t Qu Malchus of Arabia | The Median King >■ Anthony's subjects Other Kings ) Cleopatra The Queen of Egypt Charmion Her confidante Iris Personal attendant to the Queen Octavia Sister to the present Caesar; afterward, Anthony's wife, (appearing at the final curtain, exclusively) Soldiers, Servants, Messengers Nubian Slaves. THE SCENE ALEXANDRIA. (Excepting Act Third, which takes place at Actium) ACT THE FIRST. Scene One. Rioting in Alexandria. — The mad quest for variety; Anthony and Cleopatra disguised as slaves. Drunken Reveries. The "Fickle Queen." Relates humorous fishing excursion. Her jealously for Anthony's wife. Anthony de- clines audience. Ceremonious journey to the Palace. (A thoroughfare showing the exterior of an ale-house in a rural part of the city, entrance of which fronts the stage. Sounds of rioting are heard from within, then enter, ejected by the keeper, a drunken, boister- ous mob of musicians, singers, etc. The mob disperses r. & 1. excepting one couple dressed as servants, the man being slightly intoxicated.) Anthony. — Where are we going, goddess? 'Any place,' you would say, 'where pleasure is.' Follow the musicians? Cleopatra,— O, let's no more! Anthony, I am faint! Anthony. — Ineed? The sport is somewhat rough. Stop here, The air is better. Love, thou art warm, ^ff with this rude disguise ; we'll be ourselves : (hereupon they cast off disguises, revealing royal robes.) The princely pair of Incomparables ! Think of our nuptials. Cleo. — Still he taunts. Anth. — The sixth of August, lass, — When I have shaken off this wasp at Rome, forever,— Cleo. — How now ! Speak well of Rome. There one abides whose glai'e would strike thee down. And shrivel up thy better part of man. Anth. — You mean the stripling Ceasar? Cleo. — Ha, no. I mean this wasp, thy wife, the woman Fulvia ! She of the shewish tongue and constant cackle. More masculine than man ! Anth. — Believe me. queen, I never feared nor loved her. There is but one in all the entire world Who may at any and all times command me, — Cleo. — And who is that, I pray you ! Anth. — You know you are that one. Sure you know My previous contracts were pure policy. Ours, pure love. Cleo. — 'Pure love' he said. In Italy the uncouth call it 'filthy'! (last word aside) And yet that little name of 'wife' would make That same love pure, nay chase, celestial ! O, envied name of wife! must we perforce Be marked for mistress, always? Anth. — What say you. madam? Cleo. — True I was wife, Wife to mine idiot brothers; think of that! Insipit simpletons, my kins, the boy kings! Anth. — Peace to their ashes. Cleo. — Thanks to the Nile ; thanks to our ahle poison ! Anth. — Lady, no more ! Lady I say, Love most every moment of our lives comprise Or we die famished. Think of our nuptials/ Cleo. — Don't move but meditate. Anth (as in a reverie). — High couched in our chariot car. Drawn by six snow white steeds, that cut the clouds, Whose hoofs beat time to strains invisible, And striking fire forth illume the land ! Robed in imperial black and purple splendor, I lie upon my lounge of silken down.— Cleo. — Poor imagination ! plain and soldier like. Anth. — Nearby, our queen, empress of Rome, — Cleo. — 'Empress of Rome'! bow much I crave that name! Yet Anthony's wife is all the name I ask ; But no: thou art Fulria's husband! Dream on, dream on. Anth. — Our queen reclining near, transparent star! Not throned Venus ever was so fair Nor matched with charms of such variety. Cleo. — By this 'twould seem we're not a tiling as vile. As this Augustus calls us. Anth. — Do not note him, lady. Twas ever common With the poor to hate what they may not have. The wealthy, too, despise what sold won't purchase. Cleo.— Tell me,— This dissolution was our grandsire's fault, 'Tis ours heriditary, — are we to blame? «J Anth. — 'To blame, to blame.' If blame exist I own it Inspiration ! Study thou mine eyes. Cleo. — Still he dreams. Anth. — Your hair in raven ripples rides the wind. Upon thy brows the Empress' diadem Be-studded with chief jewels of the East. Cleo. — It would sound well : 'The Empress Cleopatra'. Anth. — Borne with aromas of Arabia, rare. The soothing South, with gentle movement, fans Your beautiful white breasts, a blushing pink. A silver gause drapes thy nude form, Revealing every dimple soft and lovely. And jealous Venus, looking on the scene, Weeps with vexation ! Ci eo . — He has in mind my voyrge up the Cydnus. Anth. — Ecstatic our joy, wild and erratic. Delirious and drunken — Cleo. — 'Drunken' thou art! Very true. Ha, ha, ha! O, that this soldier loved me, sober too. Anth. — Osoris bend and witness this my oath : By all the sods I 60, my Cleopatra. Cleo. — No, Anthony : You must not think though I be folly's tool. That Egypt's queen is altogether fool. Oh, no. Even the scrawney, (aping) screaching! creature Fulvia. Knows — Anth. — I love my precious queen. Cleo. — Hum ! I love thy laughter most, thy chiding best, I loe thy laughter most, thy chiding best. In thee I find all moods admirable. Cleo. — You have your ivorys, sir? Anth (producing dice.) — Here. What's your cry, Egypt? Cleo. — Too tired, now ! Anth. — Pshaw ! Cleo. — What Anthony! Tomorrow we shall fish. For I've h d hooks cf liended steel prepared. Anth. — I\I(,st true : we'll fish, swe?t sovereign Ptolemy. Cleo. — And yet to hurt is le s monotonous. Anth. — Why then we shall, we shall he tnrjing. Cleo.- -No, we shall not, it deed. Anth. — Fickle queen ! Cleo. — We shall do no such thing' Angling's your sport: Thou art a fisherm in. nay, one most adept. At catching cod from a firkin of salt. Anth. — Ha, ha ! I comprehend and laugh to think How zealously I hau'el tlie salted fish Y n" cunniag diver hung upon my hook. (enter Alexas.) Il<>\\ .now. Alexas; what has passed and who? Alex. — Ceasorian ard Anthylis; no one else of note. Anth. — Mv son, Antylis? Cleo. — Aid my Ceasorian? A^th — rp hey do not know that we are rioting? Alex. — No. your majesties. Cleo. — Good ! Anth. — Scmething else, Alexas? Alex. — Ambassadors from Rome. Anth. — From Pome? The devil, you sav ! Whit's their duty? Alex. — That they will make known to none but Anthony. Anth. — So then they may take it hence; we have no mind To give an audience here. (Aside to Alex.) Detain them at the palace. Quick the e uiopage; my queen's aweary. (Exit Alexas.) Cleo. -Now, Anthony, shall Fulvia curse us. Anth. — Heed them not. (Hereupon enter a great parlianquin, with Nubians and train.) Tonight you say some dozen, vassel kings Attend us: Come, Cleopatra (entering the equippage). Another feist, another night, together! (Exeunt.) Scene Two. The Feast of Kings. — Prepared and destroyed; eight banquets complete at all times. The Queen recalls An- thony's flatterv. "Empress of Rome." Her rash comment. Praises Anthony and Julius Ceasar. Anthony arrives. Fulvia (his wife), dead. A quarrel, the children, forgive- ness. Reception of the monarchs, another feast, Anthony moody. The little figure of death. Queens distributes gold and silver plate amongst guests, guests retire, and the parting scene Anthony's departure for Rome. (Several hours later; a sunken garden adjoining the palace; a broad, low flight of stair-; in centre, rear. A feast spread.) Enter Philotis. with the Stewart. Thilo. — Eight wild boards, you say, and roasted whole? There'll be a great number of guests tonight, I'll warrant: Stewa. — Only the usual twelve, I assure you. Philo. — But twelve will not eat eight boars at a sitting. Stewa. — I think not. You see it's this way: May be Anthony will dine now, then again, not for an hour; then he'll call for wine, set it down, and forget all about supper. . Therefore, as we do not know when they are likely to dine, we must not have one but many feats in readiness at all times. Philo. — The gods forgive them! Their waste would feed a whole colony. Stewa. — Hark, the queen aproaches. Philo. — The queen! If you should see Ceasorian, Master Stewart, tell him I will meet him in the morning at the left quarter of the museum. Stewart. — I will do so. doctor. (Enter Philotis.) (Enter Cleopatra. Charmion, Iris and train.) Sovereign lady, all is ready. Cleo. — Is it indeed? Stewa. — Ye^, madam. Cleo. — Well, we'll eat nothing now. t ^ Stewa. — But, madam, — Cleo. — 'But. madam,' bear it away and destroy it. Later on we may call for another. Go, Iris, inform Alexas I would speak with him. (Exit Iris.) (reclining) "Empress of Rome" ! Tonight he called me so. O, Charmion, but to possess that name, I would ensnare you twenty Anthonys And thrice as many Ceasars! Char. — Fie, madam! what do you say? Cleo. — What, Charmion! Did / say so? Now as you love me, never for your life . Repeat my rashness. Char. — Trust me, madam. 'Tis as I never heard it: it goes no farther. Cleo. — Why, surely you know ere this, not empires Nor their gists of glowing j_-old could tempt us. It was the man, the man, my Charmion, That swayed with ecstacy your Egypt's queen. The giant Julius, he that's my Brutus slain, (re-enter Iris with Alexas) So great of heart, the prince of courtesy. And, my good girls, our god, Anthonius ! This, the superman, A rareity unknown to Ptolomies! Chiir. — Yes, I remember: Julius was a wondeful man. Cleo. — Wench. I say. my Anthony stands foremost, rarest best ! Car. — Yes, madam, Anthony is best. Cleo to Alex.) — I did not send for you, But since you stand in need of occupation, You might observe my lord, the emperor. See what detains him ; note his company too. I half believe the envoys he declined to see, Have tried again and luckily beset him. But do not say I sent you, do you hear? Alex. — By your gracious leave, the Emperor — Cleo. — Excuses have you! go. (Exit Alexas.) I tell you, Iris, the Library had (enter Anthony, with train.) Five hundred thousand volumes, Fire consumed them, each and every one. Anth. — (Mournfully.) Grettings, my most dear Egypt! Cleo. — O, O, O! Look on him Charmion, Iris, too. 'Tis even as I told you : this sadness is for Rome. Come now, kind general, you are going. No nicity. briefly, say it, say it Though each syllable be dagger to my heart ! Anth. — Cleopatra ! Cleo.— I knew it, Charmion : they make a traffic of us. Anth. — Friends, we would be private. Cleo. — Give him way. good Charmion, Iris and the rest. (exeunt, all but A & C) Now then: what says the Fulvian woman? Anth. — O. cruel queen, Fulvia says no more. Cleo. — So? Then 'tis like she suddenly is tongued-tied. What reverend magician tamed the shi'ew? Anth. — (After a little pause.) Death. Cleo.— (Starting.) Ha! I'm sorry. Anth. — Are you, Cleopatra? Even for so much I thank you. Cleo. — Still you would have it so. or else the prayers You've vented with an insane fervency, Was perjury, the blackest! Anth. — I would, my queen. She made my life unbearable at Rome; The hawkish voice was ever on the wind. Dissenting, finding fault. Yet it was ever thus : Living misprised, lamented being gone. Do not forget, she was my children's mother. Cleo. — 'Your children's mother'! Is it come to this? Who am I. Charmion? (enter Charmion) Selena! Call for Selena, (enter att. with Selena) Now, daughter, what gentleman is this? Sele. — He is my lord, the emperor, my father ! Cleo.— Very good. Now tell me, who am I? Sele. — You ai'e the queen, my mother. Cleo. — 'Mother' ! Avaunt. thou lying brat ! Your father says not so. Char. — Dear lady, what is the matter? Cloo. — O, to our woman's In-east, come mortal milk. And from my person let the nursing babe, Infect must rancorous poison! Flv, fly like the routed sparrow. All fond instinct of motherhood's high state. That heretofore hath couched, here at the hearth, Within the luxury of my bosom's center, — T T n-roost and elsewhere shift : Unfurl thy musty winges, which long beside Thy flanks in ouiet hung, — nay, With the rapidity of the no'thern gale. Dismiss thvself! Come, grandsire, fiendish Phiscon, come! Cane thou mad, malicious, vile monstrousity, From thy dark tomb, and live in Cleopatra ! Welcome to thee, assert thyself henceforth to be, The solitary tenant of my heart' Anth. — Call the physician; How now, is all confusion? Have we all lost our heads? Charmion, compose yourself, Quickly, console the queen! The passion's dangerous. Cleo. — Witness, Iris, He who denies me the poor name of wife Would decline me the name of mother! Anth. — I did not say so. Cleo. — Help me, my dear girls. Anth. — Madam, you wrong me much to misconstrue me so. Cleo. — 'Wrong you, misconstrue' you, did I. truly? Anth. — You did, my queen. In saying Fulvia was my children's mother. I did not therein question your high state. Nor did I so intend it. Cleo. — O, Anthony, Of late these rash conclusions grow upon me. Where love is great the jealousy is boundless. Can you forgive me, soldier, emperor? Anth. — Content thee, love, 'twas given ere 'twas asked. You know I cannot chile you. Cleo. — Call for our child again. ( re-enter Selena) Come, my poor chick! It grieves me I should be unkind to thee (embracing). I am your mother still, though tempered sometimes Like the Afric tigress. Poor little woman ! There's your nose bruised again. (enter Stewart) Stewa. — Good sovereigns, the guests arrive . Anth. — Name them, 1 pray you . Stewa. — The King and Queen of Media ; Polemon of Pont, with the The King of Arabia; Herod of — (princess) Cleo. — Tedious monkeys! Bid Alexas entertain them, (exit Stewart) Will you eat, Anthony? Anth. — A thousand thanks : I have just dined, my queen. Cleo. — I did not ask if Anthony had dined, I asked him, would he eat? Anth.— Well, a little. Cleo. — (to att.) Bring on the feast, (exit att.) Shall we survey these "monarchs," Anthony? Anth. — Yes, we must greet them, lady. I fear they are offended with our absence (exeunt, per palace, A & C, etc.) (re-enter Stewart with retinue, who proceed to lay out supper) Stewa. — Now. master cook, you would do well to use your best skill with the banquet: Mark Anthony's the most liberal man living. Your fellow cooks have had fine houses give them, for a single superior supper. Cook. — Yes ; but the fine houses he gives us — Stewa. — Hush, master cook ! Cook. — Are the homes of honest citizens. Stewa. — That story was invented. Cook. — I think so too, Master Stewart. Stewa. — Not half enough wine there ! quick to the cellarage and fetch another hogshead. You hear. Gumbo? (Exit.) Gumbo. — Yes, sir. No wonder the wine is out. There's the morning slipped me, I thank Khen^ in the society of that rump faced weasle of the pantry, downing her stolen wine, roast boar, and queen's cold vituals. And my mistress knows of it, I promise you she'll turn a couple out, bag and baggage. (re-enter Stewart) Stewa. — How, Gumbo, where's the wine? Lively; they are coming now! (exeunt) (Music; enter from palace, R., Anthony and Cleopatra with Train; Antylis. with the Pontus princess ; the king and queen of Media : The king and queen of Armenia; Herod, the Arabian king, and two generals. Attendants.) Antylis sits at Anthony's right.) (The queen manifests scant courtesy for Herod and Arabia, her enemies.) (Nubians decorate guests with flowers.) Anth. — Having your loyalties in such numbers ; Grace us, would seem to argue, Anthony's Remembered by his friends. Herod. — So much is warranted. Being the right wing of the mighty Eagle Protection under any other shield Would be sheer hazard. Several. — The universal tongue! Anth. — Herod, I thank you. I shall study to deserve your loves, henceforth. On with the wine ! My queen drinks to thee, Herod ! And thou, Arabia. Do, Cleopatra ! For I have hoped the little grievencies Betwixt you and my lass, would one day turn Into unebbing friendship. Cleo. — Spare me, Anthony ! Anth. — Fie. Cleopatra. Do this for me. Cleo. — Well, then, health to you all ! Live Herod, live Arabia' The petty jealousies that stand between We three, I drown in this deep draught ! Herod. — Hail, Cleopatra ! The greatest queen that ever reigned o'er Egypt ! Arabia. — The greatest queen the world shall ever know ! Cleo. (to Herod). — You wife, the Lady Marraniain, I trust is well? Herod. — Excellent, madam! She talks much of Egypt And the illustrious queen that rules there. Cleo.- — Will it please you, peers and ladies, to receive The comedians, tragedians or the ballet? Several. — A dance, a dance, a dance! Cleo. — And the Median king : How now, you talk not to us ! We are like To call you 'Media, the Meditator.' (enter the ballet.) I have thought serious upon it. Media. — (with surprise) You have thought of calling me, 'Meditator'? Cleo. — O, no, no, no. Rather of how delightful it would be To have your daughter, the princess Companioned with bur Helios. Media. — It would indeed, be charming. I'm sure the queen will agree. Pont. — Exquisite grace! Lady, they thread the air. Herod. — Come Anthony! What is it ails you? Anth. — Be merry, friends, 'tis nothing serious. More wine! (The hilarity increases.) Herod (rising). — Who crossed the desert in the storm, With legions thirty thousand strong? All.— Mark Anthony ! Herod. — Who valiently performed this deed Without the loss of man or steed? All.— Mark Anthony ! (A little figure of Death is laughlinglv passed about.) Anth. — (Receiving the figure. ) ) Fulvia. Fulvia, Fulvia ! Cleo. — 'Tis nothing I assure. Some little irritation In the state infringes on his peace. Mark the dancers. Anth.--(Aasicle to his son.) Boy, where is thy mother? Antyl. — In Rome, father. Anth. — Ah, no : The space at Rome would not contain thy mother-. Antyl. — Then father, where is mother? Anth. — Let's hope in heaven. Antyl. — Slie is dead ! 8 Antli. — Hush, hush : thou goest with me. Antyl. — Home? Anth. — Aye. Antyl. — Good, good, good' Anth. — Assemble our train and send one with mine armour. (exit ballet) (exit Antylis, unobserved) Pont. — Such quantities of gold and silver plate I have not seen. Armenia. — Nor I, either. Cleo. — Petty trinkets, I assure you. But if you fancy them, I would you would Remove them, take them all. We're somewhat overstocked. I will distribute them. Herod. — Madam, you jest! Cleo. — Not in the least (catching a bored glance from Anthony) But since you want a reason for these presents, Let it commemorate our host's departure! Several. — What, the emperor? Anthony? Anth. — Yes, friends; family matters And a trifling conference calls us. Herod. — In this, as in the past, success attend you! Several. — The wish of the world ! Anth. — Sirs. I thank you. Cleo. — T^ray you, dispose yourselves. Co in My royal friends I will lie with you, straight. (Music; exeunt, per palace, all but A £ C.) (Enter attendant, with armour, who proceeds to put same on (Anthony. Cleo. — So, you are going, eh. Anth. — Sweet, sovereign, heir me: Fulvia is dead : so much is good for us. )But you must know she died not Quietly. Desperate in wish to have me home, — All other means in vain — a civil-war She wages with my brother, against Ceasar. Then like an Amazon, my idle armour dons, And leads the charge in person. Failing to move me by this or any means. Despondency did take possession of her. And thus she sank down sorrowing to the grave. Cleo. — Poor Fulvia! (ironically) Anth. — My Asia charges are at guarrel too. Parthia, particular. And young Pompey Approaching Rome, wearing his fathers mantle. Courts popularity, from such as never thrive. Surely you see, affairs like these require Us at once. Cleo. — Hum! I see. Well, great Triumviror, I trust you will report my tindom fair. And that you found no lack of entertainment. Anth. — For your kingdom, Cleopatra, It is indeed the earthly paradise. And for your entertainment. I must say I know no words describes it. It exceeds The vaguest fancy, the splendor of the gods ! Cleo. — You are kind. But might I ask you in particular. Which wonder was it drew you to the East? Was it the pyramids? In twenty years, An hundred thousand men built one of these. Or was it not our famous library, — Our museums of philosophy and science? Or should I say, that wonder of the world: The marble beacon fronting Pharos' Isle. Was it aught of these or was it not, indeed (approaching him with a weird motion) This old serpent of the Nile! Anth. — No serpent, but the siren of the Cydnus, Drew me hither. Cleo. — But that same siren is turned hideous, And frightens what it charmed. Else, v\ by do you leave me iioir:' Why did we ever meet, since we part here? See, I am yet young, not old, decrepit, nor deformed. I am not sharp-tongued, lean or dull of eye. Had I these faults, you might with reason shun me. Few hours ago, as lately as tonight, We did out-feature Venus, Isis, too, Elsewise your vows were but foul fumes of ale, The slave's intoxicant ! Anth. — Now, then! off, take off mine armour! (queen interposes) Let me unbuckle it ! Since Cleopatra Would not have me go, burn Rome to finders! Cleo. — Why, begone ! yet stay a little. Anth. — The time is short. Cleo. — May 6e I am suddenly grown old ; 'tis very possible ! Wrinkled my hands, and wissoned as a hag. And like a garment, racked, and out of fashion Am tossed atop high mill-dewed garret shelf, No more remembered'' Anth. — O, Egypt, if you ever have esteemed me — Cleo. — 'Esteemed' him. Anth.- — Let not my stern employment in the West. Be marred with tears. (Queens motions him to come to her.) What is it, lady? Let me go forth like a man! Cleo. — (In bis ear.) Sometime, I thought ire loved! Anth. — Will you be good? Cleo. — Heaven and earth ! Was I mistaken; was t mart to think so! Nay, T believel we loved with an exaltedness, Surpasing the immortals! Anth. — And you disprove it now? Cleo. — Ah! not I, but yon disprove it. Yet. no matter: Thoii^b I were queen of all the peopled planets. After all I were only a woman. And that same passion that enslaves my maids — That monstrous fault of loving too devoutly Makes me subordinate. (Hereupon enter laughing and prattling. Selena and Alexander.) (The queen draws them to her.) My pretty chickens. Unhappily good hearts, Since the ability to here remain No longer is your father's — I must commend you to that sire above ! May he who is the father of us all, Be father to you, love, guide you aright, my children! Roman, you may go! (softly) Your love and duty lies in Italy, 10 Here, your petty care, once out of sight, Is straightaway forgotten! Anth. — Never, never, Egypt! 0, I'll not leave you ,not one foot I'll stir, Unless yon wish me well! Tell me, shall I be victor? Cleo. — You shall! You shall' Or else my prayers Will shatter my assiduous lungs to atoms! Say you will think sometimes — When lesser matter occupy your mind Of poor, forsaken Egypt' Anth. — Always, always, my queen; say not 'forsaken.' (The train, with Antylis and a detachment appear at top of stairs.) Cleo. — Tho' I exhaust my multitude of subjects You shall have letters from me, every hour! Anth. — Mine shall as swiftly follow. My love, my sovereign, and niv dearest queen. Farewell! Cleo. — Farewell, Roman, Emperor, friend; I would say 'husband'; but O! — kiss him daughter! You, too. Alexander. Selene. — Good-night, father (embracing). Anth. — My girl, my girl! The impress of her mother. Alexander. — Xiijht, night, father. Anth. — Farewell, little man. Alexander, the Greater! Cleo. — (To Antylis.) Come here, my dear young man. 1, too, have lost a mother, and know What it is to lack one. (In his ear) Keep him safe, for me! (Martial music; exeunt, per stairs, Anthony. Antylis, train, et".) (The queen follows to top of stairs, listening till they are no longer (heard.) Charmion. Iris! (enter Char & Iris) He's gone, Charmion! O. gods, he's gone forever! Char & Iris. — O. madam, where is he gone? Cleo. — Why to the senate, merely. Ha, ha, ha. ha ! A very foolish fancy. ( Swooms on the stairs. General consternation.) Char & Iris. — Olympus, Olympus, Olympus! (Quick curtain.) ACT THE SECOND. Scene One. Life during Anthony's absence, a peevish queen, a humorous conflict with monotony, letters from Anthony, a messenger from Rome, "Mark Anthong is married." Strenuous moments with the messenger, lie saves his life with false description of Octavia ; Anthony's new wife. The Qiueen encouraged, sumptuously rewards the messen- ger, employs him with "A proper letter" for Anthony. The palace; Cleopatra, Charmion and Iris; the queens reclines upon a divan, holding a mirror; eunichs fan her. Cleopatra sighs. Cleo. — (Peevishly.) Talk to me, Iris! Iris. — About what, madam? Cleo. — Why, about anything! Just wag your tongue, like any woman. Stupid girl, have you no conversation? I learn, Charmion, that of all your queens. Your Cleopatra has most vanity. I And yet by my <;lass I know I am not Overflne of feature. 11 Char & Iris. — O, mistress! ,] Iris. — You do insult your gift to speak thus of it. Cleo. — Not at all. But, for want of better pastime — And forgetting modesty awhile, sweethearts — Tell me in earnest, if you think you can : •What property is this I own that still Transforms the greatest rulers in the world Into my doting servants? Char. — Julius Ceasar said it was your eyes. Cleo. — Mine eyes, indeed' Poor perishable gelatine, which will not Look upon your little orb, the sun, But askance and asquint ! Char. — Why, madam, none but the blind may hope to out-stare the sun. Cleo. — Pshaw ! Iris. — Others say it is your voiec. Cleo. — My voice? Methinks in anger 'tis as harsh and rude As your bellowing butterwoman's. Char. — Fie, madam ! I, myself heard Anthony say, many times, The melody of your voice surpassed the nightingale. Cleo. — Ah, me, my Anthony! Char. — You must be cheerful. Cleo. — I tell you. Charmion, Since Anthony's gone, hours are ages. These toys of life which once beguiled the time. Now sicken us even to nausea! (throwing down the mirror with a clatter) When he was here, ah, when he was here! Ye;\rs flew as moments; So short the nights, that ere our sport was done The sun was high in the East. Some music Give me; Romance or meloncoly lay (soft music), Something to soothe my aching heart a little. Ah, that's the note! the weird lullaby My old nurse sang. Pray you sing it, Iris. Iris. — Ahem ! Madam, I am hoarse. Cleo. — Iris, do as I bid y.m. Iris. — I'll do my best, madam (sings). O, come to my house of fantasy. Off, off. in the austral heights. O, come, if you'd mingle with mystery And revel in rare delights. O, come, take hands For the austral lands. Off, off, in the austral lands ! Madam I do forget the text. Cleo. — Excellent, my girl ! O. that your voire was audible to Pome, So Anthony might hear you ! Do you think, Charmion, Our austral lands will fetch him forth again? Char.— I do ; and this besides : He's thinking of you now, And yearning for the lyric life of Egypt. Cleo. — O, if I do not see him presently, Methinks I shall go mad! (enter Alexas) What have you there. Alexas? Alexas. — Sovereign lady, letters from Italy! (exit Alexas.) Cleo. — See, my women, see this miracle! The very gods have taken compassion upon me. (Breaking the seals) (Reading) "Howso the Fates mav make division of us. 12 "Be deaf to slander, and remember this: Cleo. — 'Yon were, you are and while I live shall be, "Tbe one woman in the wide world for me.'' There is a man! Finn alike to his love and duty. Iris. — What di es he meant by that, your majesty? 1 Cleo. — 'You mere, you are and while I live shall be, 'The one woman in the wide world for me.' That's plain enough, Iris. Was it the jealousy of the gods that reft him from me? In the infancy of life. Charmion, I dreamt of such a man/ The curls about my shoulders, my childish brain. Devised this Anthony. Char. — Ah, madam, I remember ! In the beautiful garden of Epicure. (re-enter Alexas.) Alexas. — Your royalty, in the west throne room, The lords you granted audience attend you. The hour is come. Will it please you to See them a: o tee? Cleo. — They may wait. The business now in hand is of the heart, 'Tis most immediate! Divert them for awhile my good Alexas. (exit Alexas.) You may see, my women, "tis no mere fable. That this great ruler of half the world, Was known to your poor mis Nile. Why, here in this self-same room we would carouse. Sometime I hang upon his neck. And with my other hand. I'd cram his food Into his mouth till he cried out, "I'm choking" ! Then he would pursue me round the table And when he thought he trapped his little 'deer,' I'd dart aside, and shut the door up The nose of him ! ('liar. — I'll swear 'tis a merry majesty! Cleo. — Isis, have mercy on us! We were two children when we were togehter. (taking up another letter) And yet he nothing writes of coming Ea-t. What's this? Twelve thousand horse and twenty thousand font! Iris. — Coming to Egypt? Cleo. — No; gone to the — ! (pointing downwards). Char.— O! O! O! Cleo. — His losses at Partlran Expedition. The fault he lays upon Armenia. 'The coward king,' he says, 'withdrew his troops 'Ere tile battle was begun.' Char. — This should not he had our good queen been there. Cleo.— Assuredly rot! I'd have his ear £The which I cram with clamorous su. Till it were deaf to any term hut 'triumph.' Char. — I'll warrant you. madam. Cleo. — Tie vows he have the base Armenia's head And celebrate the victory in Egypt. In Egypt, not in Rome, you heard that ladies? Char. — I fear Augustus will not like that part. Cleo. — Then, he may 'lump' it, ladies. (reenter Ale i Alexas. — Will you vouchsafe, to look on one who savs. He's sent with strange intelligence by one Of Anthony's friends. 13 Cleo. — Describe the man. Alexas. — 'Tis a very ragged, ■ v sort of a fellow. CI. it him. I still have found, (exit Alexas) More honesty in rags than cloth of gold. You're welcome, sir, most welcome. (enter Messenger) You say you're sent by one of Anthony's friends Mess. — Yes, your majesty (smiles). Cleo. — You could not < ome at a more proper time. 'Tis radient with the advice that it fronts. Draw nearer, my good man, be bold and speak. We queens are human, too : we do not bite. If that your countenance deludes me not How is with the great Anthonius? Mess. — My report, your royalty. Is at one time both dir ' Rightful. Cleo. — Dire and delightful at one time ? Riddles? How shall I solve that? I have it, Iris ! Ceasar's vanquished; Anthony is victor! O, tell me that my lord's alive and well And I'll bombard thee with all jewels that I wear! Mes. — Calmly, madam, both the great rulers live. Cleo. — Anthony lives: O. art thou certain of it? s. — I'm sure of it, madam. Cleo. — (Throwing jewels to him.) Take these trinkets-' Some two hun- But what matter? Anthony lives! O, Charmion, (dred talents. This messenger transports me round with joy! Mess. — Moreover, sovereign lady, Ceasar And Anthony are now as staunch as brothers. Cleo. — You say they're friends again? O, more of such good news, and more shall be your fortune! (tossing him Mess. — (Faulteringly.) But gracious madam — ■ (more gold Cleo. — O, Charmion, he changes! Mess. — Since I have told you that the Emperor lives. My news is yet delightful. But, great lad I still must tell you wherefore it is dire. Cleo. — True. I had forgot. Yet even so, proceed: For I can bear the worst since Anthony Has happiness and health. 5S. — The rest hangs on my tongue. I cannot say it. Cleo. — Cut with it: T say I'm fortified. . — I'll do my best, but may not speak directly. . — Well, then, your other riddlp Mess. — Mark me, madam : The eves of the world are upon her. >. — Upon whom? Mess. — Octavia. Cleo.— Indeed, she holds not Cleopatra's gaze. Our little pair are otherwise inclined. (to Char) There's no news in him. But say — in idleness — What marvels doth Marcellus' widow work. Mess. — 'Marvels' is good ; but she's no more a widow. Pile has devised the present peace of Rome, By most approved alliance. Cleo. — Wonderful woman. Mess.— Now she is bound 'twixt the great emperors. The sister of one, and the wife of the other. Cleo. — Suddenly.) Ah, what's that you say? 'Wife of the other'! Mess. — Marc Anthony is married. 14 Cleo.— O. O, my creatures ! quick, quick, I fall ! Feindish monster! If through thine arteries Did run one drop of blood that's human, You would not dream of word so horrible! Married? Shall I mistrust mine ear? 'Mark Anthony is married'! Were those his words, my Iris? Iris. — Yes — O madam ! Cleo. — Sir. I am sorry for you! (glaring wildly about) My whip, my Iris & Char. — (to Mess) Run, run, if you love life! (whip! Mess. — O, I cannot move ! Cleo — 'Twere [tetter that his mother bore him mute. That he had never known the use of speec-u, — Than such a phrase, so small a word, should damn him! What! Does he stand there still! (seizing and hauling him about by the Dost thou want me to hill you? (hair Thou shalt be burnt for this an inch a day ! Sahara's sun shall parch and scorch Thy loathed carcass, year on year. Until the last destruction! Howl, thou villian, howl! Infamous falsehood ! Mess. — No madam ; he is married ! Cleo. — 'Tis time to stop his mouth! (drawing a dagger) (exit Mess (sinking on her couch) (in haste) Nilus recede! and yeild the scaled gorgons Of gaunt Neptune's realm! Let night be everlasting, and the sun. Fall from the clouds, a huge and useless stone! Char. — Madam, madam! I never saw you so unlike a queen. Why do you vent your rage upon this man Who as ambassador deserves respect. Cleo. — Death he deserves, and he shall have it. too. Yet call him back, I will not kill him now. Tell him so Iris! (exit Iris) Pity me. Iris: One rival dies, another one is straightway In the shoes of her ! Go bring him back, bring him back, Charmion, (exit Char) I would learn more of this antagonist. (re-enter Charmion, Iris & messenger) Ha! Had you the bonis and cloven foot, I could not hate you more! Yet I'll restrain myself. Sir, I would be reasonable. Tell me, have you ever looked upon her. Mess. — Whom? Anthony's wife? Cleo.— Wretch ! Mess. — Pardon, madam. Octavia, I should say. Cleo.— She. Mess. — Yes. your highness; I have seen her more than once in Rome. Cleo. — And can you name the color of her hair? Mess. — I do not know what color it resembles, But may be 'muddy' answers. Cleo. — 'Muddy.' You hear that Charmion? They will be dabbling with defective dyes. She cannot own but scanty quantity? Mess. — Why, madam, 'tis a most abundant growth! Cleo. — Thou poor, simple little man, the hair is false. Luxury, cut from the dead. Mess. — Yet for all her hair, madam, — Cleo. — You think she's mentally bald. Mess. — She's mentally bald! ha. ha, that's her, I'll warrant! Cleo. — Is she fine of figure, or tall as us? Mess. — No. madam. She's a — (indicating) 15 Cleo. — I see. Runt and squatty. Mess. — Now, by the book, you know her ! Cleo. — Her features, broad or narrow. Mess. — Her chin retreats, and with her neck is one. The upper lip protrudes, parted always, — Cleo. — Suggesting vacancy? Mess. — Yes, your majesty ! Cleo. — Why, Charmion, what sort of woman is this? I'll gambol he was drunken when he wed it. Tell me, has it any spirit? Mess. — None, madam. She neither smiles nor frowns. Cleo. — Neither smiles nor frowns? What think you Charmion? Char. — He'll never tolerate her? Cleo. — Why her manner is as mawkish as the moon. Mess. — Ha, ha, ha! 'Mawkish as the moon!' Cleo. — Truly, my dear girls, this is some scullery dowdy. Sir. there's half a kingdom for thee, (tossing gold) Bad letters will be burnt, so do not take My former anger hard. Mess. — I understand and thank your majesty. Cleo. — Charmion, three months, I grant her. If She or Italy, maintain him more, Dub me as dull as your illustrious mule ! Char. — I'll pledge my best robe, you'll have him here within a month. Cleo. — Depend upon me ! Sir, keep near the palace. You'll bear my letters to the emperor. I find you most efficient for my purpose. O, I will write him Charmion! — Char. — A proper letter ! Cleo. — Ha, ha, that's certain! Come! (Exeunt, all but messenger) Mess.- — What a strange world is this. Here I am. beaten lame, — nay, by the breath of a hair. Escaping with my life, — just for telling Your, good, gospel truth; whilst for seandelous lies, I get more gold than I can carry. Yet if she knew Octavia, for the gem she is, the queen Dies instantly! And. by the sort of a knife She carries, metbinks I should have died A little before that, myself. Ho, I must wait upon her! (exit) Scene Two. Anthony returns after four years absence. Cesaiion, the absurd "'King of Kings.'' His love for fish and hate for politics. The Frank Antyllus, he relates the coronation, "Rome rages." Augustus declares Avar on Egypt, Anthony responds, Cleopatra follows him, "Meet us at Actium." The palace ; enter Antylis, with Ceasarion, and a Nubian who carries Ceasorian. — They call me the King of Kings. (his fishing rods) Antylis, and yet they grant me no more authority than my Nubian here. Antyl. — That is not strange. The name is nothing; 'tis the man behind the name that counts. Ceasorion. — You say. aright Antylis. Howbeit, I'm satisfied. What should I do with a kingdom? Can I fish with it? No! Give me mine 'anjjle. ha! Set me by the Nile where my bait is beloved, ah! Let none 16 "Be deaf to slander, and rei this: Cleo. — 'You were, you ile I live shall be, "The oife woman in the wide world for me." There is a n\an! Firm alike to bis love and duty. Iris. — WlVat does he meant our maj Cleo. — 'Y0N1 mere, you are and while I live shall be, 'The one woma\ in the wide world for me.' That's plain enough, Iris. / Was it the jealousy of the gods that reft him from me' In the infancy of life. Char' I dreamt of such aYnan' The curls about my \houlders, my childish brain. Devised this AnthonyX Char. — All, madamXl remember ! In the beautiful garden Vf i (re-enter A Alexas. — Your royalty^ in the west throne roo The lords you granted audie id you. The hour is < ome. Will it please y< u to See them at once? Cleo. — They may wait. The business now in baud is of\the 'Tis most i ime iiate ! Divert them for awhile my go< d Alexas. Alexas.) You may see, my worn* a, 'tis no rnWe fable, / That this great rider of half the w\rld, Was known to your poor mistress or the Nile. Why, here in this self -same room we Srould carouse. Sometime I hang upon his neck, \ And with my other hand, I'd cram his mpi Into his m. uth till be ^ Then he would pursue me round the I And when be tb >ught he trapped his little I'd dart i id shut the door up The nose of him ! Char. — I'll swear 'tis' a merry ma/esty! Cleo. — I ■■'■ . have iner y on us! We were two children when we r, ■ -iking up another letter) And yet be nothing writes of coming I What's this? Twelve thousand horse and twenty thVusand foot! Iris. — Coming to Egypt? Cleo. — No; gore to the — ! (pointing downwards). Char.— O: O! O! Cleo. — Hii lyau Expedition. The fault be lays upon 'The coward king,' be says, withdrew his troops 'Ere t >.' Char. — This should not/l e had our good queen been thereX Cleo. — Assuredly ■ ' have his ear ITbe which I cram with Till it were tfeaf to but 'triumph.' Char. — I'll warrant/you, madam. Cleo. — He vows b the base Armenia's head And celebrate the victory in Egypt. In Egypt, not in Rome, you : Char. — I fear Augustus will not like that part. Cleo. — Then, 'lump' : r. ladies. (reenter Ale Alexas. — Will vou vouchsafe, to look on one who s He's sent with strange intelligence by one Of Anthony's friends. 17 trouble mo, and I'll not give you my smallest catch for your whole Roman Empire. Antyl. — But Ceasorian, you are said to !:e the image of your father, the great Julius Ceaser. How is it. in the name of horse sense, you have none of his ambition in your composition ? Ceaso. — Ambition, you say? The liver me from such mortal dis- ease! I'd rather die of the palsey. Antyl. — Ambition, a disease? Ceaso.— Aye. Was not ambition the malady that killed my father? Antyl. — True, enough. Brutus slew him because he was ambitious. But I'll wager you fifty Nubians to one of your eels, ambition will never be the death of you. Ceaso.— Fifty blacks for one whole eel ! You make no such bargain by me. Besides I own the same opinion; lethargy shall end me— should I miss the hatchet, (yawning) Come, thou black— diamond giraffe, let's go home now. Antyl Stop. Ceasarion, I see Fhilotis. •■>. — 'Pell him to meet me at the new wing of my palace. I hold in- spection there. (exit wUh slave) Antyl. — Hello, Philotis; how's physics? Philo. — Welcome to Egypt! How long were you abroad? Antyl.— Nearly four years. Our new mother proved too sanctamonious. philo. — Sir, is it possible? Antyl.— We'll not talk of it, now, Fhilotis. Your friend Ceasarion and his fish bave just left me. Philo. — Which way? He owes me a talent. Antyl. — No haste. He meets you at the new wing of his palace. Philo. — He's well I hope. Antyl.— Tired as usual. He worries his mother. Cleopatra's prospect of hiving him one day acknowledged Julius Ceasar's rightful heir, grows remote and rediculous. Philo.— Too bad! Antyl. — Fish, fish, fish, is the one occupation of his hand and head. Philo. — Pray von. is it true he dislikes politii Antyl.— Politics, he hates! Abhor i rtaining to govern- ment. 'So dull,' he terms it. He jested just now upon the absurdity of his title, winch is Ceasarion, the King of Kings. Ha, ha/ I must laugh at it myself. Philo. — Who was it gave him such a name? Antyl. — Mark Anthony my father. I - it at the ceremony jh I learned from fair authority Ceasarion gained nothing but the name. .—Ami the oth Antyl. — Sit down. You see it was in this fashion: After the feast- ir * r I my father's arrival, he surprised the people, by inviting them t0 t!!( •>• the mi' 1 : here were placed up- on a silver platform, a throne for Cleopatra and a throne for my father both i were : olid gold. Philo.— This soun 's like a fairy tale! Antyl.- True, neverl | al of similar extravagance, my father said, placing a sparkling diadem upon the queen: 'I crown thee intra, queen of Egypt. Libya, Cyprus, and Southern Svria, together with those parts of Judea and Arabia which produce the fragrant Philo.— There was a gift, indeed ! O, I wish I had witnessed it. Antyl.— I'm very glad I was not present. Then turning to Alexander tneir :roung< ,,ved upon him the kingdom of Armenia — Philo. — What, Armenia? Antyl.— Yes. that is my father's latest triumph, the noise of which is yet in the air. But as I was saying, he gave him, Armenia. Media, and 18 Parthia, when it is conquered. Philo. — Pardon me, but is it not Ventidius invested with that com- mission? Antyl. — He is indeed; my father appointed him general against the Parthians. Young Ptolemy was next. To him he gave the cozy parcel of Phoeneia, Syria and Cilicia. Philo. — I should not think the good folks on the Tiber fancy such division in the Bast. Antyl. — Fancy 'it,' I tell you Philotis. Rome rages! They accuse him of attempting to establish a new empire in Egypt; of breaking the oath of his office, and what not. Why it is said that ia a drunken stupor he has dared to promise her the Empire itself. Philo. — Is it possible ! Antyl. — I should not wonder but great wars are brewing now. Philo. — Jove knows, there's ample cause. (exeunt) (enter Cleopatra, and Cbarmioi\; Iris follows with traveling apparel which she proceeds to attire queen.) Cleo. — My letters have fetched him forth again at last. O, what I have suffered in tins separation, None but the good gods know! Now that I've caught him Once more in my toils, not Death, divides us! But, Charrnion, in this Octavia, I am so pitiously deceived. I little thought that messenger would lie To save his paltry life. Yet. he was wise, I might say kind, for to know then, what now I know of her, should be the knife that kills me! A noble lady, beautiful and good, LoLved by the people and entirely pitied. Loved by the people and entirely pitied. By Anthony's commandment, as you know. Cleo. — Too well I know it. Yet my fears are legion. Therefore I go in person to '.his battle In spite of all who labor to prevent me. And why should I uol go? Am I inferi >r To haughty Herod or any king that serves Mare Anthony? Char. — You are superior, madam. Cleo.— 'Twere most unjust that we should be denied Our share of glory. We have loaned much; besides, Our people largely niann his navy, and Expect our person. (enter Alexas) Alexas. — Gracious majesty. Marc Anthony's abroad! Cleo. — TIaste, haste, Iris. My good Alexas. ship our equipment after. Provisions ai d gifts for the officers, And twenty thousand talents. Alexas. — I will do so, madam. Cleo.— Be niggard in nothing; not to emit Two thousand of our picked artillary. Alex.— I rememher, madam. Cleo. — You will meet us at Aetium. Alex. — Madam, at Aetium. Cleo. — So. good Alexas, let nothing alter Your celerity in this. Alex. — Your majesty's most obedient, (exit) Cleo. — Help her, Charmion. Contriving Ceasar, pitying my lord. As it were. — declares his wars on Egvpt. I'll take him at his word; I'll answer him 19 Tooth and nail. And, Iris, say to the Regent, I surrender the affairs of state to him, awhile. With you I leave the care of my dear children. Iris. — Next to our gods, they shall receive, my first consideration. Cleo. — Good Charmion, shall go with tis. (to Iris) Slight not the simplest details in your letters. If Helious so much as stubs his toe, Let me know it with your ink and paper. Iris. — Beleive me. madam. Cleo. — And the event, as yet invisahle, Jove grant be of a happy quality. (exeunt) ACT THE THIRD. Scene One. The "iSecret of Cleopatra's charms revealed, her fatal love, her bold and laughable manner of meeting Julius Ceasar, Anthony beloved of his army, enter Anthony, Au- gustus expected his very frosty reception, accusations, a dangerous quarrel, Anthony relates the famine of the Alps, "The barks of trees sustained me." "I did not then require the golden spoon." Augustus moved to tears, Anthony obdurate, Augustus seeks justice for his sister, the outcast wife, Anthony admits he wronged Octavia, "Her brother is less like her, than the Devil," she a sacri- fice of her ambitious brother. "Anthony, I here depose you !" Anthony ridicules the proscription : "Give it to your Alpine goats." 'Lisping Lepidus' their late partner, de- scribed. "Who talks of yielding? War is the word !" Actium, Greece. Anthony's tent; sentinels passing to and fro. First Pen. — Why do you frown, companion? Second Sen. — Who ever h< ard of ;■ great < mperor so tangled in a charm- er's petticoat? First Pei. — Not so loud. The very winds have ears. But tell me. what do you think is the secret of her witchery? Do you suppose it is this magic ?ob!et they speak of? Second Sen. — Goblet, your grandmother! For my own part, for the harm she does our captain, I dislike Cleopatra. Yet. withall, I have come under her spell every time I saw her. Her love. I fear is fatal to Anthony, fatal to any man under its influence. First Pen. — What was it made him lose with petty Parthia? Second Sen.— Why Cleopatra. While he waited for her arrival at White Village, he tried to drown the monotony in drunkenness. Even then, he would start suddenly from the table, run to the sea-shore, where he would gaze, like one intranced, far as his aid see. So great was his impatience to meet her. he forgot both engines and ammunition, which the 20 enemy quickly seized and destroyed. First Hen. — Strange it is: With all his faults, his army loves him none the less. Second Sen. — Why. we prefer his good opinion to our very lives. Did he not come from tent to tent, visiting the five thousand wounded s d weep? This great man wept ; the tears flowed like a child's, and d men seized his hands with joyful faces, crying they were sate, if Ann did well. i. — His good and evil are so intermixed, we are obliged to love hiin when we hate him. Second Sen.— Now you're talki First Fen. — But for Cleopatra: The secret of her charms? First Sen.— Tip not a secret. "Pis rather insight, remarkable insight it is ! She Icnoics a man at • Second Sen. — We might call it 'instinctive unde ?tanding of men's dispositions.' First Sen. — Thou are a scholar! Compare her methods of winning Julias Ceasar and Man- Anthony: With Cea ir she was sweetly sub- missive, and charmed him rather with her eli her courtesan's art. But with Anthony she e wayward playful- ness, and gay insaolence; why in fact, they say she opposes him in every- thing. Second Sen. — Say. did she net amaze Julius, at their first meeting, by emerging from a bale of rich rugs in e? First Sen. — Ha, ha! She did that. But poor Appoladoris ! Second Sen. — Ha, In! The unfortn carry his precious but weary load for miles! i ihet) First Sen. — Hark, hen e or! (enter Anthony. Canidus and forces) Anth. — You say he meets us here? Canid. — Yes, sir; at three o'clock. Anth. — Well, it's three now. I will not wait him long. ( another trumphet) Canid. — That's him now! Anth. — What the devil does lie want? Let him fight And parley afterward. Canid. — I trust that you will civilly receive him. Anth. — Never! (enter Ceasar, Aggrippa, with detachment) Anth. — Well, sir. what would you with lis? Ceasar. — Marc Anthony, My present business is not news to you, Or, if it is, I think you've partly guessed it. Anth.- Partly true: We have entirely guessed it. But did suppose tint your affairs at R Might keep you there, moreover, out of mischief. isar. — Ha! T rather think the mischi tr part, So much indeed, 'tis quite irreparable. Anth. — You think so. It would aii; 'ear. according to your thinking, That Anthony is dealt with as a bondman! He 'thinks' so ! Know, Young gentleman. I still perform my office And what / do, / do not wish undone. Cea ar. — 'Your office' ! Is it your office, unceasingly to lie In an Egyptian's lap? Never to walk, but womaned? To avoid as a disease, the seat and centre Of your duty. Rome? To caper with buffoons, carouse with panders. 21 To feast and sleep, and live inebriate, In luxury and lust! You call that, 'office'? (During the foregoing accusation, with increasing rage, Anthony ap- proaches Ceasar, hut is calmed by Oanidus and returns to original position.) Anth. — If that was not my office, sir Inquisitor, Then it is also, none of your business. Where are your scruples? You, to whom it should be The shame of your life, to speak a word against me, Dare to beload me with blackguardly terms. All of which are totally unfounded. What was it to you, if I should mix. — With fifty winter's white upon my head, — My labors with a little luxury, What was it to you, my self appointed censor? Hum ! I smell the dictator ! You chide me for my superfluity ! Boasting, I detest. It kills our merits. But since some folks are beastially forgetful Of incidents that flatter not themselves, I must re -all a content with yourself and Lepidus : Lo ! on the Alps, our store of foods depleted, Flesh, such as mankind did never taste before, Did satisfy my hunger. I tell you, man. The barks of trees sustained me! The stagnant pool, Was my so'e drink, and for my cup, my helmet ! I did not then require the golden spoon ; No ! I thrived on roots, and I was glad to have them ! (Remorsefully.) O, for such another tribulation, That I might prove to some of thankless Rome, There's a little of the old quality left ! Soldier. — Look ! Ceasar weeps ! Ceasar. — Anthony ! Anthony ! Then I envied you and all the world admired. But sir, your latter conduct has outraged My place as partner. Anth. — 'Partner'! What have you done to merit such a name? Ceas. — It is not a matter of what I have done, Anthony, But rather of that which I've inherited: I claim that title for my heritage. Do you, Anthony? Anth. — But did you earn it? No! Where were you when they murdered Julius Ceasar? Stop! I'll answer for you: Some place remote in Greece, intent upon Your own particular pleasures. Rome was nothing to you. But when the word passed that you were his heir. You dropped as from the skies! You swooped upon us To demand your claim, before dear Julius Had bis burial. Ha! But I made you wait ahit ! Then at Phillipi, too, 'gainst the assnsins. I was compelled to lead the seige alone. Whilst you retired from the din and smoke (with a mocking whimper), Because you had a he ulache ! <'eas. — It is well known my sickness at that time, Was more than headache. Anth. — Yes, I remember now. Canidus : 'twas The old malady, chronic superstilion. One of his friends told ore of his friends. That one of his friends, had a bed dream. Ceas. — Tho' it may please you to make sport of me 22 And jest at my expense, it may happen, sir, — As tlie proverb runs : — that / will laught last. Anth. — But never better. Ceas. — Anthony, the past is gone. Anth. — Bui not forgotten! Ceas. — My mission now, Is with regard to causes paramount. The first, — and that which lies immediate my heart. — Is in defence of my abused sister. I, as her brother and her guardian, Require to be answered. Therefore, s : r. What do you do, and what intend to do. In justice to your wife, outcast Octayia? Anth. — I might reply by asking you the same, Since both of us are grieviously to blame. However. In justice to Octavia be it said. The lady is much wronged, much wronged, indeed ; And well deserved a better man Than Anthony is capable of being. Ceas. — So you acknowledge it. eh? Anth. — As for her virtues. — those her angel parts, — I will say so much : Her brother is less like her, than the devil! (Ceasar draws) One moment, sir; let me ask one thing: Do you lore your sister? Ceas. — Love her! Let my sword prove it! I love my dearest sister Anth. — Pardon my plainness, but you lie! You know my weakness, — hard-hearted vidian — Knew that I was and ever will 1 e bound. To the Egyptian's magic soul and body. This wearied you, and you longed to have me Out of the way, along with Lepidus And Sextus Pompey. To accomplish this. You match'd my marriage with this dearest sister Realizing my inability To long live with her, and recompense Her stellar qualities, would rear the world Against me, and thus make sure my ruin. Then would this murderer, this sister elapsed in arm, Mourn h!s dead brother. O, you gods, Why was I ever partnered with the like? Here stands a r uge of such iniquity. Who under a high priest's cloak would shudder not, To inforce a holy grail to deal men, poison! may Julius walk again, and haunt you for it! Ceas. — / will speak! Anth. — Not yet, servile cozener (turning to ('anions, etc.). Fulvia's death left me a widower. And heaven is above, I did intend And heaven is above ; I did intend To marry Cle >patra ! wed ling my love. So that the in-ulting finger of the world Might not be pointed at her and our children. But thanks to. him, who says he's Ceasar's nephew, — Ceas. — Not one word more ! Aggrip. — Gentlemen, your offices are sacred. Anth. — And yet he swears he loves his 'dearest' sister. Ceas. — I swear again, and that for mutual peace. The lady I have futilly sacrificed. Anth. — You sacrificed her! Yes, you did. — 23 For your ambitious, sordid selfishness. Aggrip. — Bear with him Ceasar; his cares have wrecked his reason. Ceas. — The license of his speech becomes the mad man, Not an emperor. Know, Anthony, There is a wall that circles human patience ; You have leapt it. So, for my second cause. Which I had hoped I might break gently to you, — But since you teach me to forget all kindness, I will a little your good lesson show, Even in this: (drawing forth a writing) : 'Tis a hard word, Anthony, But I here depose you. Anth. — You depose me? Ha, ha, ha ! Why that's the be-, let us laugh! Could Lepidns be savage, Aha. ha. ha! Ceas. Come, Anthony: we wander from the point. What of this mandate? sure yon accept it. Anth. — Well, thus it stands: We cannot please you how, But at another time I may embrace your offer. Ceas. — Sir, that's no answer. Not what yon may, but What you will is what we want to know. Be definite: Tell us, when. Anth. — Willingly, willingly. Let me see, let me see! Yes! When I am blind, paralyzed, pdsied! Toothless, hairless, helpless, hapless, and hopeless! No, no ; not even then, for then I have a sword, Will put my pains into a swift conclusion. Ceas. — Sir. yon mock me. Anth. — Not in the least. Why. 'tis a fair offer. And I accept it. when I like Lepidns, — — You gods forbid, — am sorted with the dog That's gutter gotten! Lepidns, who sits. His feet to the fire, — indifferent to insult, — Morning, noon and night. He. the unprincipled, Who, being routed from his bed, would whine. 'Please master-, let me sleep'! Then pillow his head On the pavement, and instantly be snoring. Too impotent for crime, incapable of any act that's noble : Sir I assure you. When I am low as Lepidns, then you may launch This 'Lepidns trick' upon me! Meantime, We are Anthony, Triumviror! (cheers from Anthony's side) Ceas. — Then. Anthony, I understand, you do not mean to yield. Anth. — Let him be burned alive, who talks of yielding! Why, / trill fight you, with my blood's last drp! Ceas. — Use your best judgment. WAR is the word' Anth.— The word is WAR ! ( Jeas. — Tomorrow, sir. Anth. — Tonight if yon will. Ceas (going. — But I know he is a gypsie's fool. And cannot choose but loose. (exeunt Ceasar, Agrippa and forces) Anth. — Let him beware the Gypsie's fool! (To soldiers) Your place there! (going up and down the hies with drawn Now, every eye erect. ( sword If there's a grain of cowardice amoungst you. Let is come forth and perish presently. And not disgrace mine army on the morrow ! What, my brave hearts: Victory is ours! About! I shall tomorrow morn he sending for yon. March quietly to quarters. (martial music; exeunt the forces) Do you think Canidius, our ancient gladiators Could have surpassed them? Canid. — That were impossible. For a most splendid army. Considerable valor, strength, youth and endurance, Your stands supreme. Anth. — Tomorrow they will figth like Spanish bulls! (Curtain) 25 Scene Two. The kiss of Cleopatra. Persuaded by the Queen the battle fought by sea. Anthony's navy inferior to Ceasar's. The Queen appears in person at the battle. The same ; Anthony, Canidius and guards. Anth. — Give me the schedule. You know Canidius, we're furnished well by sea, But do not think we'll be required to use them. Canid. — Do not try to, I pray you. 'Tis no time for experiments. Let them be spectators. Anth.- — Therefore make charge. Canidius, upon this extremity. Canid. — 'Tis a likely point. Hark, the queen, (aside) Confound her! Anth. — Up so soon? Even with the birds astir? (enter Cleo.) Cleo. — They who sleep whilst their ruination gapes, Should gasp 'good night' and give up his ghost. If I but blinked I saw a sea of tire, Rivers of blood incircled me around. — The groans of lying chilled me throu' and through. And every face was ghastly ! O let me not Close mine eyes whilst this event is pending. Anth. — Come to me. Bravo's princess ! Let heaven note, There is more stimulus in this great kiss. Than all physician's herbs or medicines! Thou art an Amazon, and tutor starters, Rudiments of valor. How are you now, My fairest, fairy queen? Cleo. — As you would have me, my dear Anthony, E'en t'wards such perfection ever do I strive. Anth. — As 1 would have you. most dear lass, so you are, Nay never were aught else to me, — ■ Sole aspiration of my supreme joy. Therefore, dear heart, in anguish labour not. It is so good to have you with me now, — My bonny girl, — for we've had hard words here. Cleo. — Not with Augustus? Anth. — Yes. you have guessed it. Cleo. — Would I had overtake'" him ! He should know What it is to speak scantily of Egypt! Anth. — Why. my dear heart, He had thought to beat me out of empire With so much ink and paper. Think of that! Cleo. — I would not put it past him. Anth. — Such a trim one it is. To come here with overtures of peace, Full of reproof and all self assurance. Not to mention my scribed resignation. While the Ionian swarms with his navy, And Greece with his army. The gods! Does he think we're blind? Cleo. — Or did he expect to find us hobbling on crutches? Anth. — So shall we find THEM, tomorrow Cleo. — Today you mean. 'Tis now four of the morning. Anth. — Today, my queen. This battle shall decide. If Anthony be reckoned by mankind. Ruler or neutral ! Come ! Cleo. — If not by sea, how do you purpose fighting? Anth. — Why. by land, my love. 26 Cleo. — Come, fickle boy, your vev on? Anth. — Why, lady de.iv, there our advantage lies. And our equipment is by far superior. Twelve thousand horse, an hundred thousand foot. Of thorough soldiers, exceeding Ceasar's By full twenty thousand. Six vassal kings Serve us in person with their forces ; besides Herod, king of the Jews; and the Median king Send this chosen troops. Why, Cleopatra, Half that would suffice to heat the young man. And his recruits, to a porridge! Cleo. — How he talks! My lord. I know one way; and that's the sea Canid. — No, no, no, no, no! No not listen to it! Cleo. — Tf you'd surrender all, then fight by land. But, if you seek redemption for ourselves, By all the gods, I cry, male war hit sea! Anth. — (-Embracing; ) Take this, for that for there's much profit in it. I could pay your council fee with gold, For it is priceless. Sirs, the queen shall rule us. Canid. — Destruction, disgrace and death! Anth. — Consider, therefore, madam, what you do. Let gravity direct you, direct your every action. For you have the steerage of half the world! And you must know, on our success, depends. The love, the liberty and life of us! Cleo. — I know, I know. Delay no longer! Our preparations stand in readiness, And all is bent for sea ! (exit Cleo) Anth. — For sea! So he has dared me. Bid some inform him. that we do return. His challnege to his teeth! (exit att.) What says Canidius? Sure you approve the change? Canid. — You want my frank opinion? Anth. — Why. a — what else. Certainly, Canidius. Canid. — Well, then. J think you're going crazy. Anth.— Ha ! Canid. — Why, will you fight by sea? By land you are the soldier nonpareil. By sea we know not what! Tis merely chance. A needless hazard, a disastrous slight, Of your vast soldiership. (enter soldier, running) Soldier. — O, emperor, what is it I hear? Do not fight by sea, ! The crews are farm hands, boys and mule drivers. The ships are showy, clumsy, hard to manage! Ceasar's are swift, Ceasar's are perfectly manned! Anth. Don't, don't he talking. Soldier. — See hut the scars, these marks of service. Got in the fields not on the shambling gaily. Let fish and Egyptians sink or swim. We can triumph fighting on the earth, And foot to foot in hlood. Anth. — Sirs, I have said, the queen shall rule us. 'Tis a knowing queen. I wish I had her wisdom. Why. why, what's the matter? Down in the mouth and scowling all upon me. I want to see you looking cheerfully. Yes. cheerfully. (exit) Canid. — Hounds and hangmen! The man grows childish! Soldier. — What is the reason he prefers the farmers. Do you know. Canidius? 21 Canid. — Yes, soldier, I could tell you, but not now. Soldier. — Go on; I'll not repeat it. Canid. — Well then, our captain's Cleopatra, not Anthonius. And she all occupied In her voluptuousness refers the business, To her waiting women. Alas, old soldier, Our wars are managed now by Cbarmion, Hair-dressing girls and ornamental half-men. Soldier. — Is this the Anthony, for whose sole sake, I'm riddled like a target? I cannot, cannot believe it! (exit) Canid. — Poor old soldier! His loss is worse than ours. For he has cast his best days to teh wind. (To guards) Come! Strike drums! We will review this battle from the shore. Tho' much I fear our general wins no more. (exeunt) ACT THE FOURTH. Scene One. — Arrival of Cleopatra, alone, in Alexandria. — Defeat ap- parent — her children, first consideration — regrets having attended the battle "War is man's work only!" her friend, Archibius — her great plan of escape — Scene Two. — Ventidius, conqueror of Parthia — evil omens — the disgrace- ful flight of Anthony from Actium described — victory of Augustus — return of Anthony — his mental derangement — thinks himself Timon the hater of mankind — recognizes Ventidius — confession — advice and warning of Ven- tidius — Anthony will leave Cleopatra — his children's voices — "Take me Octavia, take me Cleopatra" — he great struggle with conscience — "You must guide me, for indeed, I have somewhat lots the way." — Ventidius will lead him forth to triumph. Scene Three. — Alexas. supplicant for the queen — Anthony again in armour — Alexas successfully wins Anthony again for the queen. Enter Anthony and Cleopatra — her aversion for Ventidius — more of the bold and wonderful plan of escape — warships hauled over forty-five miles of land — their future real home in India — felicity in the wilderness. The false Stewart — warships burnt by Jews and Arabs — all their plans frustrated — horrible death of the false Stewart — warning to servants — Anthony will fight to the end. ACT THE FOURTH. Scene One. Arrival of Cleopatra, alone, in Alexandria, depeat apparent her children, first consideration. Regrets having attended the battle. "War is man's work only!" Her friend, Archibins, her great plan of escape. Alexandria, night. A platform before the palace overlooking the Me litterrenean ; prepara tion for the triumphant return of Anthony and Cleopatra. Present, court officials ,etc, some peering anxiously towards the sea. others conversing. A whirlwind rises. 1st Official. — Let us withdraw. A violent storm approaches. 2nd Official.- Let us go in. This tempesl is the harbidger of evil. (Shouts in the distance.) 3rd Official.— What noiso is this? 1st Official. — It sounds like shouts of joy. (enter another official in great haste") Last Official. — News, friends! The red glimmer of the royal galley. Sighted off Pharos' Isle. (general acclamation) 28 But O, how different now. than when they left For Actium. Now no silken sails nor Purple streamers dancing on the wind. A very shadow of their former glory (A peal of groans, followed by several minutes of suspense, then the sound of a gong, rattle of chains, etc.) Voice without. — Make way for the queen! (the storm subsides) (Enter Cleopatra .heavily draped in mourning, her friend Arehibios at her right. Charmion at her left, followed by the Regent, Iris, etc., and populace.) A Citizen. — Hark, Archihious speaks! Archib. — The queen desires to make known, that no statement will be made regarding the battle of Actium until tomorrow morning. This is owing to the lateness of the night, and her majesty's eminent need of rest, (the populace exeunt, disappointedly.) Cleo. — We'll take it for a favorable omen, That thou. Archibius, leadest me home, In these hours of extremest anguish. Archis. — Ever your royalty's most humble servant. Never so true as in the time of trouble. This arm, this life, is yours ! Cleo.— I know it, Archibius! But, O! What of my children? Irns. — All is well with them, madam. Cleo. — I thought of them constantly, and nothing else ! O, I have learned by bitterest instruction, A mother's place essentially, is with Her children, and war, is man's work only ! (at the door a litter is held open for her) Thank you, I will walk. The rocking of our gaily in the tempest. Makes me dislike the litter. Coming home. Archibius, I thought of a device — an idea that might yet redeem the lost. Arch. — Most dauntless majesty. Cleo. — The thought of it dispels my weariness. Summon at once tbe capitain of the harbour, The chief councillers of the war office. Together with the superintendents of [$ Defences on land and sea. They must be here, Within two hours! (exit att.) I will examine, Archibius, All plans and charts of the eastern frontier. Particular, the canals of the Delta. But first, let me see my children! (exeunt) Scene Two. Ventidins, C'onquerer of Parthia, evil omens. The dis- graceful flight of Anthony from Actium described, victory of Augustus, Return of Anthony,his menial derangements, thinks himself Timon, the hater of mankind, recognizes Ventidins, confession, advice and warning of Ventidins. Anthony will leave Cleopartra, his child reus' voices,"Take me Octavia, take me Cleopatra." The grand struggle with 29 conscience. "Yon must guide me, for indeed, I have some- what lost the way." Ventidius will lead him forth to triumph. The same. About a week later. (Enter Ventidius and Canidius, meeting.) Canid. — Ventidius ! Ventid. — My good Canidius ! I'm glad to see you looking, sir, so well. Canid. — Thank you. I thought you were engaged at Parthia. Ventid. — So I was ; but have finished my work there. Canid. — How, finished? Ventid. — Well, Poeorus being slain. — my business there is ended. Ventid. — Poeorus slain! Ventid. — At last I have the head of him. Canid. — Hail to the conqueror of Parthia's king! Am I right, Ventidius? Ventid. — Quite right. But I thought you were employed at Actium. Canid. — Fact is, I am but newly come from there. (enter Olympus Olympus. — Sirs, from abroad come strange reports ! Ventid. — What, I pray you? Olympus. — Pisaurinm. Anthony's own colony, Swallowed by an earthquake ! Sirs, from his statues at the city Alba, A l'ioody perspiration pours in torrents, And saturates all moping applications! The temple of Hercules struck by lightning! At Athens, too, a whirlwind rose and tore The massive form of Baccus — Anthony's god — From that sculpture called the Battle of the Giants, The remainder standing wholly undisturbed. Why, gentlemen, I learn. All images. all pictures and all coins. That do pertain to great Marc Anthony, Mysteriously, are utterly demolished! pardon me. sirs, I must comfort s in.) Cleo. — Ha. ha, ha! The slave would fain have taken me with Mm To his devil. But the Quick are quicker than the Dying. 39 Anth. — Egypt, you amoze me ! What's the meaning of this horrid spectacle. I have a mind to call it Eastern cruelity. I gave the man my cup of wine. But that the drink should lie the death of him Much puzzles me. Come, come, explain! Cleo. — Your drink has served a dual purpose, Anthony. In the first place : — I learn You lately feared that I would poison you. Anth. — You poison met Cleo. — I know it, don't deny it ! O, yes, you did suspect me. Now you see. if I desired your death pow simple it would be to accomplish. The garland which you crushed into your cup Was steeped in deadly poison ! Witness, this corpse. So, if I'd a mind to make an end of you. Would I have snatched the cup from your unchary hand? Anth. — Indeed you would not, Egypt ! Cleo. — Anthony, hereafter trust me. Sure, heaven knows, A thousand deaths myself would undergo, Ere I would suffer thee to lose that hair, invisable! But for the other purpose, Wherein I will make known why this slave died, — But hark ! You shall learn that from my trusty sleuths. (Re-enter servants, with treasure.) Well, what have you discovered. 1st Servant. — Royal madam : this have found and more besides, For his lodgings are full of your jewels. Your tapresties and gold, and it appears All is arranged for immediate flight ! Cleo. — Now, you see Anthony that T was justified. This very night that traitor would betray us To greedy Ceasar. I la, but I have lent him wings, And he has fled already! 2nd Servant. — Moreover, madam, your fleets of sallies — Anth.— What of the fleet of sallies? Our warships! 2nd Servant. — Which lie in the canal — as is proven By this letter which I found upon his clothing. Are burnt to ashes by the Jews and Arabs. Cleo. — Do you hear that, my lord. Jews and Arabs : Herod and And all by this false, false Stewart! (Halchm! Anth. — Away with him! (att'nts bear corpse away) And let the abyss of the fathomless wash Hide him forever from the eyes of man ! You were too gentle, not too cruel with him ! Cleo. — Now. my loyal servants, you have seen and heard, And know how dangerous it is to meddle With the affairs of state. Stand by us, and we'll multiply your fortunes, Cross us, and your deaths are horrible! (a pause) You may go to your several duties. (exeunt servants cowering) Cleo. — O. Anthony, our sallies burnt, and all our plans frustrated What now remains to do? Anth. — I do not know, my queen, except to gather The remnants of my troops and give him our best battle. Cleo.— Spoke like a soldier! O. come, my lord, for we must push this forth With all convenient haste to execution. (exeunt) 40 ACT THE FIFTH. Scene One. A brave sally. Anthony surprises Augustus, defeats his cavalry, and beats them into their camp. "Anthony knows the land." Embraces the Queen with armour on. Cleopatra presents a golden coat of mail to a worthy soldier. Anthony has challenged Augustus to personal combat. A contemptuous reply. Ventidius deserts him. " 'Tis human nature to forsake the fallen' 7 . Curtain rises. "Tonight we hold the same old fashioned mess" 1 , with sol- diers and servants. "Tomorrow night you'll find my place is vacant." The apparation. Terrified flight of soldiers, etc Fidelity of Cleopatra. "One more night!'' (Enter, running, several of Ceasar's soldiers, wearing bloody bandages.) 1st Soldier. — Who would have thought the old man was so limber? 2nd Soldier. — He's game yet, make no mistake. 3rd Soldier. — Our Ceasar is totally surprised. (a shout of joy) 4th Soldier. — Look there! We are persued ! (exit shouting and running (Enter Anthony, borne as in triumph with soldiers and train amid general acclamation; then enter from the palace Cleopatra. The queen is presented with a great bouquet.) Cleo.— What's the clamour? Smiling, Anthonius ! Joy speaks through his eyes ! This sight is so unusual of late It quite confounds us. O, come, the tidings! Anth. — (Embracing.) My royal sprite! They whined, they howled! We drove them back with such velocity They tumbled on their beds of sheer exhaustion ! Cleo. — My darling boy And did you with your right arm Hew them down ! Anth. — Yes, dearest lass ; Allowing that we're somewhat worse for wear, And that our hair is tinged and silvered gray. Experience — which he lacks 1 — still is ours, He cannot rob me of it ; no, nor will his books supply it ! Now he believes, though lie succeed by sea, Anthony K\ OWS the land! (cheers) Soldier. — I'll stake my life on that ! Cleo. — Why, good companions, 'tis the Anthony of old ! Anth. — The fellow who was foremost in the skirmish : If he be of this presence, let him come towards. Soldier. — Lucius! The Emperor calls. (Lucius comes forward) Anth. — Tins is he. lady. He fought it like a Spartan ! Cleo.— Noble fellow ! There is a golden armour I will give you ; Your manliness deserves no less. Anth.- — And you must learn, moreover, Cleopatra. That I will meet this stripling sword to sword. I have already sent the challenge to him. 41 Cleo. — O. if be dare to meet you privately, The world shall know you for the foremost man ! Anth. — If he but dare ! So soon ! Here's his answer. Messenger. — I am from Ceasar come. Anth. — Come, you errant. Mesenger. — Caesar, to Anthony, greeting : Know Anthony, Ceasar would comply to your challenge were it not That he finds himself supplied With many other ways to die. Anth. — Contemptable quip ! He could not die more nobly. Hence! Ere I set all the dogs of Egypt To devour you! (exit messenger) Did you hear that, lady? He had other ways to die!' Poor miserable — Cleo. — Miser/ He would live to keep his ghost guessing, And dodge the cost of cremation. Anth. — Aha, that's just him. He had 'other ways to die,' eh? He thinks I am not good enough to fight him. How dare he slight me thus? (enter another messenger) Come on. calamity; and do not cease Till Anthony's poor name is marred into obliteration ! Good or evil? Briefly and begone (messenger gives letter; exist) Egypt, we have too long been happy. (Reading.) O, my queen, look, look, behold! Are yon gone, Yentidius? Gods, I was good to you! I found him, Cleopatra, tendering his mules, Soliciting the tirade of travellers. So raw a mountaineer, so inarticulate. He could not tell two words intelligible. I took him to myself, I gave him schooling, And set him at so prosperous a pace, He was another person. O, if he was My mother's son, I could not have prized him more! And now, and now, and now ! Ah, no matter ; Since it appears 'tis human nature, merely. To forsake the fallen, I could forgive you all! Even a queen. <'leo. — Am I the cause, am I the cause of this? O, if I am, let me he nothing to you ; Fly, fly, to your friend ! Anth. — Friend that is mine no more. They who were mine, are But my Hectors want refreshment. Let us, in ! Cleo. — Pray you, go in, comrades. Anon we'll join you in a round of (exeunt, per palace) (toasts. (The curtain rises immediately, disclosing interior of palace with soldiers, seated and revelling. A feast spread.) 1st Soldier. — Fill yet again our mugs to overflowing, For we'll drink our last draught to their eternal joy! All Soldiers. — Come spring, come fall, Come frost, come heat, Your babes will bawl And your sheep will Meet. So unopposed may they possess True happiness and lack distress! 2nd Soldier. — What, shall we forget our master? Where is he That dares deny he is most fortunate In such a one as our Anthonius? 3rd Soldier.— The beggar does not live that will not vouch He is the kindest and most liberal 42 On the outside of the earth ! 4th Soldier. — Bully, bully, comrade! Then hold aloft our cups; and whilst there's wine And windpipes, let's drink and exclaim How well we wish them. (Cuter Anthony and Cleopatra) 1st Soldier. — Long live the great Cleopatra ! All Soldiers. — Hail, hail, hail! 2nd Soldier. — Long live the great Marc Anthony ! All Soldiers.— Hail, hail, hail! Antb. — Now by the land it nearly cheers my heart To see you thus make merry. See, my queen' Nay, make as much of me as if you knew That on the morn I leave you for a land unknown. 3rd Soldier. — What means our captain? Anth. — rail forth cur household, call forth nil who serve me. Soldier. — (Caiing.) Anthony's servants! (enter servants) Seravnt. — You senl f r us, your highness. Anth. — Why, so I did. (greeting them individually ) Titus, Lorensus, Lion, Capus, Valentine, tbou. thou and thou. You have noted the sun in the east at dawn? ; Several. — My lord, we have. Anth. — And at noon in the height of its glory? Several. — Yes, my lord. Anth. — (Falteringly.) And in the west — west! — Cleo. — Anthony ! Anth. — When the day declines end the eonrse is run,— And the night, — and the darkness! Even so with Anthony: His course is run; His being here is drawing to a close. Though I would wish to be your leader always, Methinks you'll serve another one tomorrow. I'll sit with you toiiight, tomorrow night You find my place is vacant. Cleo. — Anthony, for Isis' sake, cease. Do you not see you have us all in tears? You'll turn your men to women. Anth. — Now, what the devil ! 1 ("id not mean to make you so unhappy. To sit with you at the same bench has been My pleasure and my cu?tom. To break the bread With you and from the same clay howl sup wine. A pastime I proudly acknowledge. Tonight we hold the same old fa-honed mess Therefore, my hearts, o*erflow the cups. Dine, drink and be merry! 1st Soldier. — To Anthony and Cleopatra! 2nd Soldier.— Health! 3rd Soldier. — Happiness ! 4th Soldier. — Prosperity and peace! Cleo. — What noise is that? (weird music) Soldiers.— Hark ! hark! bark! Anth.- — (Rising and going to window.) O, look, my cmeen, that lisrht upon the pitch of night! Cleo. — Where? where? where? Anth. — Do you not see? It is the dawn of doom! Bacons farewell: The sod of mirth forsakes me. Look how majestically upon a cloud He passes? A troupe of Satyres follow in the train Prancing to the music. Cleo.- — It seems to float towards the city gates And settle on the camps of Ceasar. 43 Anth. — Farewell Bacchus! (exeunt soldiers, fleeing in terror 1 * (Signifying them.) The pitiful remainder of our friends! But bah i Let the mall go, let them all go ! Shall such a pair as we have needs of friends ! Let all the wor!d regard me with ahhorrance And rain its curse relentless on my head, If thou alone art constant and unbiased, I shall but smile, even through bleeding jaws, Nay, I shall think this planet bar", A gilded paradise, and all its paths rose laden. If you but love ! Cleo. — As I in love and duty to my lord, Am full as flx-ed as that renown star, Which age through has been the seaman's guide, Our thriving should not pall in that respect. Still do I fear, in lieu of such a loss As all our friends we shall oblig-ed be To homage bay the wry faced wandering moon ! Anth. — Peace, yu merry mocker! Here take cur hand, the road is rough, Yet even though it is so perilous, If I might say thou still art mine, mine, only! Even as I do now, we shall, with heaven's help Traverse from mite to mightiest, once more A twain triumphant ! Cleo. — O, lead me, love ! And when I not prove true, Both io.val to my lord and to my husband, Anth. — Husband, is good. Cleo. — Deny me death. — sole refuge of sore wretch In leprosy, that I may live Infected with afflictions dealt the damned! Nay. never come repose to dent my pillow For a wink, when I no longer love! Anth. — Look clown, you gods, for here's the girl to have! Lady, let us go! One more night, — Cleo. — Ah, those nights with The Ineomparables' Anth. — And if we don't survive the consequence, Imperial lass — what matter: We have lived, Long enough! Cleo. — o. tkou Niobian soul! (Exeunt) Scene Two. Cleopatra's familiarity with Augustus' messenger. Anthony's oath of revenge. The messenger beaten. A bit- ter quarrel. The Queen evidently forsakes Anthony for Augustus. A faithful freedman. "Anthony's fleets unite and he is railed for everywhere." Cheered by the freed- man he goes to rally them. Dispatching Alexas to Herod in hope of winning him again from Augustus. The flight of Ceasarion for his life. Queen questions Alexas. Her hate for Herod* The palace. Enter Anthony and Eros. Anth. — If thy design lie bent against my love, 'This sport must bitterly bought! Be sure of that. 44 Eros. — Most noble sir, What I have said I could take oath upon. Now, by my sword, my lord. I did suppose I did you a good service so to expound Unto your private self what I have seen. But since 'tis met with such a ill-reception Why, bless your grace, I leave what's unsaid rest, Withdrawing both myself and argument (going). Anth. — Stop, Eros. One Tyreus, you say? Eros. — Aye, Emperor. One of Ceasar's servants. Anth. — A most sauve villan ! Nay. one that would laud the devil himself. Whore provender was gratis. How long you say were they conferred together? Eros. — An hour or more, it could not have been less. And as I passed but now I was amaze! To find them still, hand in hand consorting. Anth. — Am I awake, that I must hear you say so? But yesterday she did protest devout fidelity. Why she, good lad, that selfsame wight, invoked THE FLAGFES OF THE INFERNAL REGIONS, To visit her even on earth, should she prove false. But come, give me the worst : You found them dallying and trading kisses? Eros. — Not when I saw them. Think you 'twas but their cunning to restrain Such rashness in my sight? Anth. — 'Tis even eo: The fox did cloak their folly. But leave me now, I can no longer hear your dismal revelation. What shall I think, my queen dishonest? (exit Eros) And with a boar who would pick up tossed coin Could be familiar? No, so help me heaven, Never shall I believe the same until Mine eyes have certified the proof. Why she. Having at once the better majesties Of sovereigns unnumbered, so regal she. Ignoble, base deceit is most impossible. Avoid, rash boasting train, for hither comes The loadstone that demands you exit ! ! (Enter Cleopatra and Tyreus in the distance, conversing intimately.) That ever I should lie but something soft! Besotted fop, a very poltroon ! That in the guise of vast philosophy I greet the non-day sun, and feast the fleeting moon, Rapt in luxurious ease! Whilst 'fore my lust-bleared eyes come daylight thieves Who from my very hand, take to themselves My chief, st property as if it were Some triflle 7 not wanted. Ha, but this Deficiency, this fault effeminate. Long lurking in this blood, shall not survive, The morrow ! For even now Do I expel! the dastard's trait forth from This structure's entrails. And in its stead Witness, you glistering heights, I here engrave RREVENGE! Aye. that shall smoke eve* unto Mars, himself! And he shall stoop appauled, expecting conflagration. Nay, the usurpers of my throne of joy. My great felicity, shall fall before This hand, so help me. Jove! 45 (Hereupon Cleopatra gives Thyreus a writing and he kisses her hand.) Anth. — "Who is it that commands?' Down, dog! (striging him) Begone! Your ignorance aeqnits yon. Fly! Thyreus. — Who is it that commands? Anth. — 'Who is it that commands?' Down, dog' (striking him) I have heen Anthony, and by the sitting good gods, I am Anthony still! Haul him away, and lash him, (to Eros) Lash him till he swims in blood. Thyreus.— O. O, O, O, O! (exit with Eros) Anth. — Tell thy master I have beaten thee, and if he would Be even with me fur it, tell him he has my freedman Whom he may hang at his pleasure. (exit Eros with Thyreus) So, madam : And they call you, Cleopatra ! Ah. when our royalty runs into rottenness, And sensuality feeds on faculties, 'Twere better that our offial feasted fish, Than to live on, smiling insensible, The downright shame of shames ! Cleo. — (Going to him.) This, to me? Anth.— O, fowl beautiful. O. beautiful fowl. Truly foul and foully beautiful! When man on carrion dotes, man may like you ! Cleo. — Embracing.) Anthony! Anthony! Do you intend these blows Anth. — Off, the serpent of the slimy Nile! Get thee off! (for me? Nay, if you like the boa cling about me I'll use you for the Reptile that you are! (draws sword) Cleo. — Help me, Charmion ! Iris! Anthony is mad! (enter Charmion and Iris) Anth. — The mare of Julius, and the jade of Pompay's son, The daughter of Licentious Ptolomies, (queen faints) Begone, begone, forever^ (exit) Cleo. — Where are we, Charmion? Char. — With friends, madam. All is well. (re-enter Anthony) Anth. — One word, madam ! Iris. — Mercy. Emperor! See what you do! Cleo. — Where is this Roman? I tell you man. The Tropic's least, foaming in his fury. Outrages not the female with the like You here have vent upon us. Whilst yon who boasts The instinct of a man have here proclaimed You lack the instinct of the rampant beast! Anth. — For what I am to Egypt's queeo I'm thankful : You have ruined me. Cleo. — Most impotent retort! Cleo. — Say you acquired intemperance in Egypt, And I will call you Fulvia's ghost to count The time she hauled you prostrate from the streets. Where Roman boys did stone you for a sot Of vagrancy, ami daubled you o'er with mud ! O, praised be Fulvia ! There was a woman knew the manage of vou ! Anth. — Admitting this and more, I still affirm You ruined me madam. For the worst. And Exti-emest mischief of all my life, Was mv love for Cleopatra. Cleo. — Aha, ha ! Anth. — Where is the regiment of kings that late Have cringed and fauned and quarrelled for my favors? Bacchus of Libya. Silicia's king, 46 Cap.p :doci'i's and Arabia's kings? Polemon of Pont, the Median king? The list would fill a book. Nay, even he, Herod of Jewery ! Where are they now? Ci eo . — n ow should I know? And what is more, I care not! Anth. — Yet even with *uin I could he reconciled. Had you not declined to baseness of dust. Smirked with a scullion, nay. gave my precious toy. That hand, to the mouth of one that feeds and thrives On Cea:-ar's rubbish ! Cleo. — The man requested it; and being from Ceasar, He whose jesture may pronounce our doom, — ■ I did consent to let him kiss my hand. Though you may call it what you like, I say 'Twas pure diplomacy. Besides, it is My hand, my hand, you understand, And no man living dare restrict it-' freedom! Anth. — Re it so : I'll none of it. henceforth. Cleo. — Ha, ha! We'll make that sure! (going) Anth. — The man gave you a writing: Might I inquire the composition of it? Cleo. — Absolutely, no. The matter therein does concern myself And Ceasar, and being our business Is there none of thine! , (Anthony groans) Hence, Trimviror ! Your insult to ourself and family Shall not be soon forgotten. Learn this much: My father have been kings whilst yours Contested for the post of alderman, (exeunt, grandly, queens. Char. & Irb i (Before exit, queens turns with mournful jesture to An i bony, resum- ing haughtier as Anthony turns.) Anth. — Er,js, dost thou hang about me still? Eros. — My noble captain ! Anth. — O. while you come, go where fortune waits you. Assuredly, remuneration from my bankrupt self To look for is mere folly. Believe me lad, I love you so, I would not Lead you such a miserable life, so mean a death! Go, leave this wreckage, for I tell you true, The idiot who hugs the sinking ship Deserves his drowning! Every one hath quit her, Nay even her commander, Cleopatra, Boards the new-launched, oblivious of the old! Eros. — Will it please yon. my lord. To let this good ship Fortune bear me where It will? Though the unthankful forsake it And deem if no more worthy of the sea,— It has borne me many a prosperous cargo, I have lived on it, let me die on it! Anth. — O, you gods, and have I found a human heart at last? (enter messenger) Eros. — Why here is some clear sky : you have misjudged the weather ! Messenyer. — Marc Anthony. Your footman on the hills ask for encouragement, ,Your fleets again unite, and yon are call for, everywhere. Eros. — And yet you say you sink ! Anth. — This is some optomistie fiction. Messen. — Facts, my lord, J swear it! Anth. — Send for Aloxas. (exit) 47 This siren hates my weakness. And vacates therefore With no more ceremony than had we never loved. (enter Alexas) Now, Alexas, for the notable commission of your life! Alex. — Command me, sir. Anth. — Herod we must make sure. In losing Herod we lose all. For as he moves the other vassals follow. Therefore to him, Alexas: Win him again from Ceasar. Pretend not to know of his treachery. Tell him my arms are ever open to him, Tell him he*s welcome, and for his former favors Anthony thanks him. Yes, Anthony thanks him : That may mean more or less, yet Anthony thanks him. If Herod be but loyal to my cause He shall not miss my bounty! You will do this for me? Alex. — Not bed nor bread will I betake me of Until it is performed. Anth. — I believe you. Go. Fros. — Come captain, let us rally the footman. Anth. — Eros, I am with you for the hills. Young Ceasar shall not have her for his love, Though i-he despise Anthonius worse than hell! (exit with Eros) Alex. — On an errant of blank idiocy he sends me. But see, here comes Ceasarion and the queen. (Enter Ceasarion & Cleopatra) Cleo. — How now, Alexas. What are you going? Alex. — Madam, to Judea, in the cause of Anthony. Cleo.— To Herod? Alex. — Yes, your majesty. Cleo. — Tell him to keep to his Jewry, but not That part which is annexed to Egypt ! Tell him too, to learn to distinguish , Between policy and familiarity. Of which he presumes to accuse me. Alex. — Madam, I will, (retires) Cleo. — Great Ceasar's son and mine, long, long farewell. If we shall meet again, my boy, Ceasarion, Refer it to the prayers of mother Isis. Travel with speed, my son. I cannot see you iii the general slaughter. I Once more farewell! Ceasa. — Mother, farewell! (exit with queen) Alex.— Anthony sends me to solicit Herod, The queen, full of her ancient hate for him. Gives me contrary orders. Which shall I obey? Why, neither one. There power is all gone. There is no profit in the pair of them. | il go to Herod, but I'll persuade him »Vith the best tongue I have to follow Ceasar, To hate the queen and hate Marc Anthony/ Then I will go to Ceasar and claim reward. This is my freedom, freedom from tyrany, 8onery. and death in Egypt. (exil ) 48 Scene Third. The curse of Cicero. Queen suspected of betrayal. Anthony seeks her life. "Five thousand perish.'' "A jewel of a wife abandoned." "All for one worthless woman!" Cleopatra reported dead. "I lived for Cleopatra." "What more is necessary?" Commands freedman to kill him. The freedman's suicide. Anthony stabs himself. "Life lingers yet." Cesarion slain. Alexas a traitor. Be- headed. False report of Queen's death. Anthony carried to her. The garden adjoining the palace. Olympus with a telescope; Pholotis. Philo. — When Lucius the golden armour got. He silently slunk off and straightaway Revolted unto Ceasar. Olyinp. — That is not strange hut very commonplace. For when the rats helieve the vessel sinks They all take to the water. But finding She is still ahove the sea they do return in droves. Philo. — Where is the emperor, row? Olyinp. — Today I'm told his footman on the hills He went to rally. Though I helieve Honorable death is ;il lhe seeks. (a noise without) That's him now ! And by his voice this is The beginning of the end! (Olympus gazes at the stars) (enter Anthony) Anth. — Ho! I'll find her, though I wreck a pyramid! What see'st thou in the stars, Olympus? Olymp. — An arm, a head. Anth. — A head, an arm! Cicero"s arm, Cicero's head! Damn thee Dellius, wheresoever thou art! Were it not for thy description of this witch This course of Cicero's I should have missed. 'Cicero's arm, Cicero's head'! Tongue of that head that spoke my father's doom ! Hand of that arm that scribbled with reproach. Yes, I will laugh again to see these witnesses Of Anthony's revenge strung up in the Forum. Tell me, Olympus, Where is this prejurous, gypsy devil? Olymp. — My gracious sir, we have no devils here. Whom does your lordship seek? Anth. — You. thou poison-mixing, star-gazing vidian! (exit Olympus) Instrument of the witch who ruined me. O, I am mad now, deeds will I do And what I do repent not ! Let my provoker answer. Bane on my youth, and robber of my prime. Where is she? (exit) Philo. — What new calamity? Eros. — Just now we watched our navy from the hills; Directly towards Ceasar's ships they rowed. We though they did manauvere for a battle. O, you gods ! But as they neared our men saluted Ceasar's And 'stead of fighting, greeted the enemy 49 Like so many Ions lost brothers! This is The witch's work and she must die for it! (re-enter Anthony) Anth. — Was it for this, five thousand perished, on the march? Ex- I would not let them east out of impatience (cedent fellows! To be with this charm. Was it for this I left a jewel of a wife grass-widowed In the West? All for one worthless woman. (enter Char.) Where is thy mistress? The young man now looks good To her; she has bargained with him, she's betray'd me! Show me I say, where she abides. Whilst yet my spleen is whet against oppression I'll weed the world of this abomination! Char. — Set up your murderous sword. You cannot Kill her twice ! My mistress had one life to give Which she too willingly surrendered for your sake. Anth.— Not dead? Char. — Dead by her own hand. Anth. — No, no, no. no. no ! Char. — And this she bid me do as she was dying. That should I find you fond to other creatures, Or in disparaging terms her dust dishonoring — As you past question think she played you false, — Anth. — And she has not played false, — has not betrayed me? Char. — Request you but to think, when lesser matters Occupy your mind. — to give a passing thought For your imprudent but ever constant queen ! And wtih her last breath murmured 'Anthony' ! Devouring Rome, now are you satisfied? (exit, weeping) Anth. — Yes. / am satisfied! What more is necessary? I lived for Cleopatra ! And for her sake, Like to a mason awkward at his trade. I builded-up the ever-tumbling wall; j made this war for her, laughed at disaster ; The hermit poet lived not more entirely For his books, than I for Cleopatra ! Off, off, mine armour! (discarding armour with great clatter) The war is o'er And Anthony's sword will threaten never more! Eros, the curtain draw, put out. put out the light. Must a woman -how me what is noble, to be done? Eros, come hither. You do recall the time you were my bondman I freed you upon one condition only. Eros. — Ye<, sir. Anth. — AVliaf was that condition? Eros. — O, emperor ! Anth. — Eros, what was that condition? Eros. — That I should kill you when yon should command me? Anth. — Exactlv. And Eros the hour is come When I require the performance of your oath. Eros. — O. pardon me! Anth. — Ero^, / command 1/011 ! Eros. — Then turn aside. I cannot strike before That god-like face. Anth. — (Turni'g.) There. I am ready. Plunge home, and make it Eros. — O, 'tis done! (stabbing himself.) (sure. Anth. — You die. Eros. Ei-os. — Rather than bruise my master/ (dies) Anth. — Noble lad ! Enough have died for me. Now Anthony must Anthony destroy! (stabs himself) Unlucky strike, unwelcome life yet lingers, 50 Death is too proud to claim me. Ho, there, my guards.! (enter guards) If ever you endeared Anthonius show it now. Finish this work and end mine agony ! Guard — Doomsday is come ! Guard. — None have so hard a heart! (enter Olympus) Olympus. — Calamity, when will you halt? O, I have seen the day in my odd eighty year. When the tumultuous havoc, 'mongst the planets Drove atheists to knees soliciting Salvation ! But never, never till now. Have I beheld fell Mischief's consumation, The handiwork of Hades! Marc Anthony slain. The queen reported dead, Eros clain, Ceasarion murdered ! Anth. — 'Ceasarion murdered.' We must expect no less. O !■ Olymp. — Dost thou live, Anthony? Alexas has betrayed you! Instead of pleading on your side to Herod, He pleaded for Augustus; but for reward Augustus put the hatchet to his neck, — Anth. — What say you, doctor? Olymp. — Augustus cut his head off! Anth. — Jove biess ins generous heart for it! 80 serve all traitors. That one act was so like his noble uncle, I am obliged to thank my conqueror! He has my partitrg breath! (enter Charmion) Char. — Murder, murder'' I am late! Which is the Emperor'' Anth. — Here, Charmion. You hate me, lor I caused Your mistress' death, (offering sword) Cm me my death witha blow. Char. — The queen had premonition of this deed, And sent me here in all haste to prevent it, Anth. — The queen sent you? When? Char.— Now ! The report of her death is false. Anth.— False ! Char. — It was devised merely to quell your fury. When she did hear you like a lion roaring, She fled to the Tomb of the Ptolomies, Where she locked with Iris and myself. Anth. — Charmion: Tell her I come! (exit Charmion) (To guards.) Honest fellows! One more command take from me, Ere I am silenced by the hand of Death: I'm feeble now, but I was strong when victories were plenty. Cleopatra lives! Li res at the Temple of Isis. Take me, take me to her ! O. haste, haste ! Now, by my soul, I thank you, lusty lad-;; Anthony dies your debtor! (exeunt; guards bearing Anthony) Scene four. Anthony hauled through windows of the Temple of Isis. Pertubation of the Queen. Anthony attempts to comfort her: "Lady no tears! even' though I leave von do not weep." "You must live for; the children.'' His great tribute. "For having met you is to know what Heaven aught to be." Cleopatra: "I met you on the Cidmis, Anthony." The 51 celebrated voyage of the Queen recalled. "You kissed me t" "That was the first, this, this the last!" "Anthony dies!" The door left unbolted by Iris. Noiseless entrance of Augustus. His grief reveals him. Cleopatra's great strategem. Makes Augustus believe she loves him. He is overcome with joy. The poisoned wine. Cleopatra drinks "The blasting dram." Tts invigorating influence; Death of Cleopatra. Arrival of Anthony's wife. Tomb of the Ptolemies; Temple of Isis. Cliarmion and Iris. (A throne in centre, rear.) Cleo. — Locked in these four gray walls shall I renin in, Not food nor drink nor sleep shall I partake, The darting shades of my deceased ancestors Shall be my only neighbors. Darkness shall reign. Iris. — Comfort, madam ! Cleo. — And they killed my poor little boy! My pool Ceasarion never harmed them In his nineteen years of life! His worst fault Was fishing. Why will they slay the innocent? Ah, do they think, because the unerring gods Are pleased to brand me for a mistress. That I have no heart? O, Heaven! They might have dragged me thro' all Rome uncovered. Of m,\ proud head they might have made a target ; They might have pitched in with thirst-crazed lions, They might have ripped me daily into ribs, And spared my poor little boy ! Where is my Anthony'.' I'm sure he'd beat these butchers to ;i rat meal. Hark ! (a tapping). Iris. — Charmion's signal. Cleo. — Let her in. Iris. Look sharply, see there is no one with her. (Iris unbolts door, enter Charmion.) Cliarmion, my girl, you're breathless, pale! Why do you stare so wildly? What new misfortune ahs befallen Egypt? Char. — O. let me sit down ! O. madam, 'tis as you prophesied : he's done Look out of the window. (it! Cleo. — Darkness and doom ! O. 'tis the general judgment! This is the day. indeed' And all the walls of horn-belt hell, are burst ! Charmion, Iris, Iris, see. my poor Anthony! Kind friends, below-, does be live? Voice Below. — He faints, your majesty. Cleo.- — I dare not <>pe the door; I have some ropes. Fasten them, friends, help me to haul him to us Ere he perish! Help me everyone! Iris. — Madam, do not lean so far out, you will fall. Cleo. — Re it so; 'tis the falling time. Would I had Hercules' arm That I might have him here, quick as a wink'! Once more, my women! O, O, O, at last! (cheers below) (Anthony is drawn in, and placed upon a couch.) 52 O. that cruel wound! Give some bandages) Some wine! What have I done, what have I done, my soldier? O, speak, my lord, my emperor, my husband! Anth. — Faintly.) Lady, no tears. Even though I leave you Do not weep. Cleo. — Yes, I will weep! Even 'till the flood eclipse the bursten Nile! O. when I think my lie provoked this deed, Remorse o'erwhelms me. Anth. — Sure you knew. I little loved to longer linger here. For you alone, did I reserve my life. But. when 'twas said that you had slain yourself, I found the land so dark and desolate, I could not tarry longer. But why lament? If I had died beneath the ruthless axe. My severed head in triumph brought to Rome, Then you might weep. But as it is, I am My own death's executer, after {he high Old fashion, even as noble Brutus. Lady, be shrewd; and it' 'tis possible To preserve your life, do so, y pray you. O, the children! You must live for them. Cleo. — Would that I might live for them! My friend Arebibius has the care of them, And has promised, so to rear them that they may Bear no unloving memory for their parents. Anth. — Tush, you will live. Pray thee, enchantress, do not ruminate Too much up >n my fallen fortunes, this end Most wretched. But rather dwell on my auspicious hours, And cherish the fond hope: you shall behold me Once again in all my brillian y, Where we shall reign with the gods colleagued, Never more to part! For who knows. Egypt, But even the gods will forgive us, too? Cleo.— At least they owe us that. Anth. — Make your peace with Ceasar. And if you have a liking for the young man, Remember ,you arc free Cleo. — Unkind, unkind! Though the sun rise on Egypt as of yore. Her widowed queen shall never more behold it! Anth. — You will not live then? Cleo. — Not whilst there are knives, snakes and poison in the East! Anth. — Then you were not with Ceasar joined against me? Cleo. — How can you be so hard? (drawing forth a writing) This I received from Ceasar. Let me read it to you. (Reading.) "Ceasar to Cleopatra: In consideration that you put "Antonius to present death, or drive him from your kingdom, "I, Ceasar, will deny Cleopatra, nothing." Think of that: He would "deny me nothing.".. Not even, to give law at Rome ! I wrote at once : Such terms were all impossible, and that He made me angry to suggest them. Mow Does it seem I was conspired again you? Anth. — Egypt, I die content ! Though we have quarrelled, sometimes bitterly, 'Twas ever so with true love. And if I had another world to lose 53 I willingly would lose it for your sake. Cleo. — My lord, my lord! Anth. — And, Cleopatra, do not grieve nor think This stern conception of the Life to come. Makes me repent the past. No, no, my lass. For having met you is to know what heaven aught to be. Not to have met you, is to have missed, more joy Than the gods can boast ! Cleo. — I met you on the Cydnus, Anthony. Anth.— O. on the Cydnus, Egypt! Such elegance, magnificence and art! Rome I forsook and there abandon seized me. The recollection fans my flickering flame, And J must talk of it. A little wine, my love, (he drinks) Embellished and elaborately carved, So glittering gold your bark, the yellow stream Was visible at bottom. The purple silken sails swelled in the wind, And bore the barge so smooth and gracefully, It seemed upon the air to glide and not Upon the water. The silver oars struck measures to sweet music Which, though 'twas soft 'twas heard both far and near, So mild and so melodious it was, The population swarmed the river-side And left the city vacant. "Venus," they cried, "Is come to visit Bacchus." And so it was, For thou wert truly Venus lying there, Under a canopy of cloth-of-gold, Respiendant in the habit of the goddess. Your waiting mails as mermaids attired Directed the sail ; tended the tackle, silk. Rose cheeked boys like dimpled Cupids Fanned you with their wings, Diffusing such aromas on the wind The people on the shore stood open-mouthed Inhaling what their greedy nostrils could not. But those light, the envy of the stars. And thou, and thou ! and — ('bar. — Madam, the gasp! Cleo. — You kissed me! Anth. — Ah, do you recall that too! That was the first; Now by the ghost. I will give thee another,— This, this, the last! (falls back, dead) Cleo.— Stay a little! Was it so dear? There's fifty for it! There there, there! (kissing him). Look, look! No life at all? O. women. Are you blind? Do you not see, Anthony dies! O. mind give way. and let my suffering Conclude with Bedlam madness ! (Hereupon enter Ceasar, Agrippa, etc., unpereeived.) Must I that am bereft of friends, nay kingdom. All ; all that ever loved, bestride henceforth This narrow girth alone? His life, my women, Even as an afternoon in June, prolonged And beautiful, was gladness itself ! And his death ! Dearer to me than Heaven's continent. Would you. could you die? Ceasar. — (Overcome with emotion.) O. the immortal gods! 54 Cleo. — (Recognizing the voice.) Ceasar! (Aside.) Charmion and Iris hasten to him, and try to persuade him to (Aside.) What simpleton was't left the door unbolted? (leave. Now I must play one supple scene, or endure The ignominy of Ceasar's triumph. Observe me. now! if the occasion be not here devised Wherein I minister this blasting dram, (,showing packet) I am not worthy to meet Anthony! (embracing corpse) Pardon, awhile, poor son of Silent City, For I must hew the oaks that stand between us. Then, I am with you always! (going to Ceasar, prostrates) ," Hail, Augustus! Absolute ruler, sole sovereign Of the entire world ! Ceas. — Rise. Egypt, Cleopatra rise! My conquest is but nought beside my grief, (going to corpse) Look on him, men; uncover! The staff is broke. And all the mettle's melted' He, who that extravagant And lustrous title wore, of earth's first soldier. Commingled with the dust ! Renoun-ed partner, 'Tis thy undaunted spirit bears the name of conqueror, And not our lesser self. My fellow ruler, and my dearest brother. Companion in the field, and cou itless exploits; — Witness, heaven ! Though it were impossible we should be friends. And rivals also. — though the wide world was not Space enough to house us, — yet I liked the man; Nay. sparing the devotion of his wife, [J My saintly sister, none loved him better! Cleo. — (Aside.) Hear this, mother Isis! Yet he was old, his lease of life had lapsed, — Indeed I found he grew so tedious of late, I scarce could tolerate him. Ceasar. — And therein was it well. For he was one to whom the obdurate And unkind gods, offered not nothing. Cleo. — Rut you and I are young : at least you are : Your manhood's rose as yet is the bud; As for myself, barring such lines As frequent tears have left, — Ceas. — 'Lines,' you have not ! Let mortal beauty wither and decay, Yours is perpetual ! Cleo. — You flatter your humble servant, (Suddenly) Are you married. Ceasar? Ceas. — 'Am I married?' If I should say I am not, wVnt of that? Cleo. — I was thinking, Ceasar, '~% When taking kingdoms waxes commonplace. And glory in profusion will want zest, A bachelor will yearn for a diversion. Ceas. — Very true, madam. Cleo. — We are known to lie such a diversion. Char. & Iris. — Madam, madam! (('ear. & Tris appear to have discovered Cleo. — (Aside.) Hush, fools ! (the ruse.) Ceas. — Egypt, you amaze me! Cleo. — Rut why? I loved you once ar>.d I thought you loved me. too. Ceas. — O, you gods! Have I realized my vaguest drrams? Cleo. — I saw you as I fled from murdered Julius. Fresh from school, so elegant and handsome. 55 Twas but a glance, and yet I was convinced That we two were created for each other. Ceas. — The gods best knuw! Cleo. — Roman. I love you still. And you will love me, won't yon, Ceasar, Just a little in return? (embracing) Ceas. — Cleopatra ! Have I not said I would deny you nothing? Cleo. — You have. And therefore I request no more, no less, than you. Ceas. — Madam, j am wholly yours ! Cleo. — Charmion, my crown put on, in royal robes Array me ; for I will go, immediately With Ceasar, anywhere he will! (Char. & Iris attire her) Ceas. — But, dearest queen, with Anthony yet warm, Such happiness seems scarce believable. Cleo. — Do you doubt me still? How shall I prove it? O, Iris bring forth wine, that I may pledge This "love" I bear Augustus! Iris, here, the keys. Iris. — (Showing a key and a packet) (aside) This to the cellarage, and this (packet) the key to DEATH, (exit) Cleo. — And, Ceasar, I have one more poor reqeust. Cear. — Make it a million! I will grant them If they lie within the power of a despot. Cleo. — In the matter of my children Our late kingdom I would for them, solicit. Ceas. — Quiet your heart, that is already granted. Fereeiving his inevitable end. And fearing that yourself would not survive him, — My sister loved her faithless lord so much, His offspring she would endear as her own. And with her own would rear and educate. Cleo. — She is so god-like kind! (enter Iris & Serves wine) I wish I knew her, and accounted her my friend. Ceas. — Madam, you shall, (they drink) Health to Cleopatra! (The queen having flung down the cup. breaks into laughter.) What, is my queen so joyful of this change So long desired? My lady as the Empress of the Empire, Shall live Cleo. — What, "live"! Live to he the laughter of the world. To walk before your grand menagerie, And decorate your miserable triumph ! These, — Charmion, — mine arms, thai have entwined The world's superior men, freighted with chains! His plebian strumpets spy us in the show. And rising from the gutters where they wallow, Point at us with their girmy thumbs and say, 'There's the bad woman, the infamous queen, The sorceress!' Consider it, sweethearts! (ascending the throne) Ceas. — A strange delirium. Agrippa. — Wrought by the unity of extreme grief and joy. Cleo. — Demui'e Octavia. Ids wife, looks on. Regarding me with scournful modesty. This is most kind, sweet charity, indeed. Exceedingly considerate to be sure! Augustus, I thank you. but must decline. Your flattering invitation at this time. My present place will suit me well enough. O. it shall suit xo well, that though my life 56 Which now has end, should linger on for ages, I should desire no better home than here. Aha, ha, ha, ha ! We grant you're wise, but tee are somewhat wiser. Green novice, to anticipate that we'd Reside upon this barren hemisphere, One hour after after Marcus. Ceas. — What have / done to merit this derision? A little while ago you vowed you loved us. Cleo. — Love! Love him who doomed to death my son, Ceasarion, And robbed him of the heritage his father, Great Julius Ceasar, — left him. Ceas. — I robbed him not ! As for his death I can but say that it was necessary You know the oracle : "Too many Ceasars are not well." Cleo. — Too many Ceasars there would never be, If there were le-s usurpers ! Forget not, — Though I lack that name of "wife" to induce The general pity, — I am no less a mo! her ! And he who would make plunder of my blood, Lives cursed by Cleopatra! (Ceasar manifests fear.) Cleo. — Apothecary's hooks have done me service. This goodly dram, kind unction of all pain, (Rising, and walking as in a trance, to the corpse) Has made my voyage to my Anthony's arms, (Char. & Iris assist her) A pleasant journey. Cold as marble! (faints) Ceas. — Poison and treason, before cur very eyes! Traitors, the queen is dying! Hark! Cleo. — Our Egypt passes ; no more a kingdom. But a province, merely. See, Alexander, The long reign of Ptolomies is o'er. I see thee again, Anthonius. Welcome, Never so welcome! Thou art the Emperor, still. Mightier far than any such below. And at thy becon doth the whole world bend. Thy fearful glare still frights poor mandkind pale. Thy voice is like the thunder and the gale; And still to me it is the heaven's nnisic Husband, al last! None dare dispute my claim. For thou, — thou, wert never more mine, than now! Bravely, sweethearts, ah. ah, ah! (dies) Ceas. — O. here is violent and unnatural death, The fairest, brightest being, from the gods Come down, and I have lost her ! Anthony, pardon my sharp rebukes, For now I see in MY infirmity, How helpless you were in her strong embrace. For all mankind were sabj >ct to her charms. Under her amourous spells, virility Became effeminate dotage. How near I came succeeding Anthony, When resolution stifled her desires, And left mine all afire. O, tell me Charmion. is she dead, indeed? Char. — In word and deed, all that was fair of the earth or the air. To the poor price of dust, is diminished. Ceas. — Thus am I cheated of my chiefest trophy And deprived the means of making known that we Can be humane and bountiful to such As seek our clemency. The gods, it mads me ! 57 How, madam, you think this is well done? Char. — It could not he done better. It is a queely deed, becoming one, Descending from so many royal kings. Ceas. — Lay hands upon her ! She shall personate the queen. Char. — Too late, too lote ! I hasten to succeed my mistress's fate ! jris. — I follow in the wake! (dies) (dies) Ceas. — Was ever Roman tricked so shamefully? (Enter Archibius with a floral offering and children.) What man is this? Aggrippa. — 'Tis one Archibius ; schoolmate of the queen's. 'Tis said he loved the queen, but never made it known. The children are those of the deceased. Ceas. — Make seizure of the men ! These shall at least commemorate my triumph. Fear not, sir, they shall have best of care ; and if you wish, You may accompany them. And we shall rear in most opulent stone A statue of this celebrated pair, Walking hand in hand as they so oft wei*e seen, Here in Alexandria. And I am sure Succeeding ages shall narrate their lives Cherish the theme in play and history, Whilst there are human hearts and other days recorded! (a noise without) 1st Voice. — Make way for Ceasar's sister' 2nd Voice. — Make way for Anthony's wife ! Octavia's Voice. — We must see him, we must see him, while he lives ! Ceasar. — My sister's voice! (enter Octavia with train) Octavia. — Which is our husband? Ceasar. — O, sister, see thy husband! Octavia, behold thy rival ! Octavia. — Heaven forgive them ! They have sinned and they have suffered! (Curtain) FINIS. f!OV 6 1911 One copy del. to Cat, Div. NOV o t9j ; LIBRARY OF CONGRESS I II III IIMI llll II llll II 015 873 905 7