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Take to you no hard thoughts:
[dreams; The record of what injuries you did us,
Though written in our flesh, we shall remem-
As things but done by chance.
Cleo.

Cleo. No matter, sir, what I have heard, or Cæs.
known.
You laugh when boys or women tell their
Is't not your trick?
Dol.

I understand not, madam. Cleo. I dream'd there was an emperor Antony:

O, such another sleep, that I might see
But such another man!

Dol.
If it might please you,
Cleo. His face was as the heavens; and
therein stuck
[lighted
A sun and moon, which kept their course, and
The little O, the earth.

Dol.

Most sovereign creature,Cleo. His legs bestrid the ocean: his rear'd

arm

Crested the world his voice was propertied
As all the tuned spheres, and that to friends;
But when he meant to quail and shake the orb,
He was as rattling thunder. For his bounty,
There was no winter in't; an autumn 'twas,
That grew the more by reaping: his delights
Were dolphin-like; they show'd his back above
The element they liv'd in; in his livery
Walk'd crowns, and crownets; realms and
islands were

As plates dropp'd from his pocket.

Cleopatra,

Dol.
Cleo. Think you there was, or might be,
As this I dream'd of?
[such a man,
Gentle madam, no.

Dol.
Cleo. You lie, up to the hearing of the gods.
But, if there be, or ever were, one such,
It's past the size of dreaming: nature wants
stuff

To vie strange forms with fancy; yet, to imagine
An Antony, were nature's piece 'gainst fancy,
Condemning shadows quite.

Dol.
Hear me, good madam.
Your loss is as yourself, great; and you bear it
As answering to the weight: would I might

never

O'ertake pursued success, but I do feel,
By the rebound of yours, a grief that smites
My very heart at root.

Cleo.
I thank you, sir.
Know you what Cæsar means to do with me?
Dol. I am loth to tell you what I would you
Cleo. Nay, pray you, sir,--
Dol.

[ber

Sole sir o' the world,
I cannot project mine own cause so well
To make it clear; but do confess I have
Been laden with like frailties, which before
Have often sham'd our sex.

Cæs.

Cleopatra, know,
We will extenuate rather than enforce :
If you apply yourself to our intents, [find
(Which towards you are most gentle,) you shall
A benefit in this change; but if you seek
To lay on me a cruelty, by taking
Antony's course, you shall bereave yourself
Of my good purposes, and put your children
To that destruction which I'll guard them from,
If thereon you rely. I'll take my leave.

Cleo. And may, through all the world: 'tis
yours; and we,
[shall
Your scutcheons, and your signs of conquest,
Hang in what place you please. Here, my
good lord.
[patra.

Cas. You shall advise me in all for Cleo-
Cleo. [Giving a Scroll.] This is the brief of
money, plate, and jewels,

I am possess'd of: 'tis exactly valu'd;
Not petty things admitted.-Where's Seleucus?
Sel. Here, madam.
[my lord;
Cleo. This is my treasurer: let him speak,
Upon his peril, that I have reserv'd
To myself nothing. Speak the truth, Seleucus.
Sel. Madam,

I had rather seal my lips, than, to my peril,
Speak that which is not.
Cleo.
What have I kept back?
Sel. Enough to purchase what you have
made known.

Cas. Nay, blush not, Cleopatra ; I approve
Your wisdom in the deed.
Cleo.

See, Cæsar! O, behold,
How pomp is follow'd! mine will now be yours;
And, should we shift estates, yours would be
The ingratitude of this Seleucus does [mine.
Even make me wild: O slave, of no more trust
Than love that's hir'd !-What, goest thou
back! thou shalt

[eyes, Go back, I warrant thee; but I'll catch thine [knew. Though they had wings: slave, soul-less [villain, dog!

Though he be honourable,-O rarely base! Cleo. He'll lead me, then, in triumph? Cæs. Good queen, let us entreat you. Dol. Madam, he will; I know it. Cleo. O Cæsar, what a wounding shame is [Within.] Make way there !-Cæsar! That thou, vouchsafing here to visit me, [this, Enter Cæsar, Gallus, Proculeius, Mecænas, Doing the honour of thy lordliness Seleucus, and Attendants.

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To one so meek, that mine own servant should
Parcel the sum of my disgraces by
Addition of his envy! Say, good Cæsar,
That I some lady trifles have reserv'd,
Immoment toys, things of such dignity
As we greet modern friends withal; and say,
Some nobler token have I kept apart
For Livia, and Octavia, to induce
Their mediation; must I be unfolded

With one that I have bred? The gods! it smites me [go hence; Beneath the fall I have. [To Sel.] Pr'ythee, Or I shall show the cinders of my spirits Through the ashes of my chance: wert thou Thou wouldst have mercy on me. [a man, Cæs. Forbear, Seleucus. [Exit Seleucus.

Cleo. Nay, 'tis most certain, Iras: saucy lictors (rhymers Will catch at us, like strumpets; and scald Ballad us out o' tune: the quick comedians Extemporally will stage us, and present Our Alexandrian revels; Antony Shall be brought drunken forth, and I shall see Some squeaking Cleopatra boy my greatness Cleo. Be it known, that we, the greatest,I' the posture of a whore. Iras. O, the good gods! Cleo. Nay, that is certain. Iras. I'll never see it; for, I am sure, my Are stronger than mine eyes. [nails Cleo.

are misthought

For things that others do; and, when we fall,
We answer others' merits in our name,
Are therefore to be pitied.

Cæs.

Cleopatra,

Why, that's the way

Not what you have reserv'd, nor what acknow-To fool their preparation, and to conquer Their most absurd intents.

ledg'd,

Put we i' the roll of conquest; still be it yours,
Bestow it at your pleasure and believe,
Cæsar's no merchant, to make prize with you
Of things that merchants sold. Therefore be
cheer'd;
[queen;
Make not your thoughts your prisons: no, dear
For we intend so to dispose you, as [sleep
Yourself shall give us counsel. Feed, and
Our care and pity is so much upon you,
That we remain your friend; and so, adieu.
Cleo. My master, and my lord!
Cæs.
Not so.
Adieu.
[Flourish. Exeunt Cæsar and his train.
Cleo. He words me, girls, he words me, that
I should not

Be noble to myself: but, hark thee, Charmian.
[Whispers Charmian.
Iras. Finish, good lady; the bright day is
And we are for the dark.
[done,
Cleo.
Hie thee again :
I have spoke already, and it is provided;
Go, put it to the haste.
Char.

Madam, I will.
Re-enter Dolabella.
Dol. Where is the queen?
Char.

Behold, sir. [Exit. Cleo. Dolabella? Dol. Madam, as thereto sworn by your command,

Which my love makes religion to obey,
I tell you this: Caesar through Syria
Intends his journey; and, within three days,
You with your children will he send before:
Make your best use of this: I have perform'd
Your pleasure, and my promise.
Cleo.

Dolabella,

1 shall remain your debtor.
Dol.
I am your servant.
Adieu, good queen; I must attend on Cæsar.
Cleo. Farewell, and thanks.-[Exit Dol.]
Now, Iras, what think'st thou ?
Thou, an Egyptian puppet, shalt be shown
In Rome, as well as I mechanic slaves,
With greasy aprons, rules, and hammers, shall
Uplift us to the view; in their thick breaths,
Rank of gross diet, shall we be enclouded,
And forced to drink their vapour.

Iras.

The gods forbid !

Re-enter Charmian.

Now, Charmian, Show me, my women, like a queen: go fetch My best attires; I am again for Cydnus, To meet Mark Antony: sirrah Iras, go;Now, noble Charmian, we'll despatch indeed; And, when thou hast done this chare, I'll give thee leave

To play till dooms-day. Bring our crown and all. [Exit Iras. A noise heard. Wherefore's this noise?

Enter one of the Guard.

Guard.
Here is a rural fellow,
That will not be denied your highness' pre-
He brings you figs.
[sence:
Cleo. Let him come in. [Exit Guard.]
What poor an instrument,
May do a noble deed! he brings me liberty.
My resolution's plac'd, and I have nothing
Of woman in me: now from head to foot
I am marble-constant; now the fleeting moon
No planet is of mine.

Re-enter Guard, with a Clown bringing in a
basket.
Guard.
This is the man.
Cleo. Avoid, and leave him. [Exit Guard.
Hast thou the pretty worm of Nilus there,
That kills and pains not?

Clown. Truly, I have him but I would not be the party that should desire you to touch him, for his biting is immortal; those that do die of it, do seldom or never recover. Cleo. Remember'st thou any that have died on't?

Clown. Very many, men and women too. I heard of one of them no longer than yesterday: a very honest woman, but something given to lie; as a woman should not do, buɛ in the way of honesty how she died of the biting of it, what pain she felt, truly, she makes a very good report o' the worm; but he that will believe all that they say, shall never be saved by half that they do but this is most fallible, the worm's an odd worm. Cleo. Get thee hence; farewell. Clown. I wish you all joy of the worm. [Sets down the basket.

Cleo. Farewell.

Clown. You must think this, look you, that O Antony !-Nay, I will take thee too. the worm will do his kind. [Applying another asp to her arm.

Cleo. Ay, ay, farewell.

Clown. Look you, the worm is not to be trusted but in the keeping of wise people; for, indeed, there is no goodness in the worm.

Cleo. Take thou no care; it shall be heeded. Clown. Very good. Give it nothing, I pray you, for it is not worth the feeding.

Cleo. Will it eat me?

Clown. You must not think I am so simple, but I know the devil himself will not eat a woman; I know that a woman is a dish for the gods, if the devil dress her not; but, truly, these same whoreson devils do the gods great harm in their women; for in every ten that they make, the devils mar five.

worm.

Cleo. Well, get thee gone; farewell.
Clown. Yes, forsooth; I wish you joy of the
[Exit.
Re-enter Iras, with a robe, crown, &c.
Cleo. Give me my robe, put on my crown ;
I have

:

Immortal longings in me now no more
The juice of Egypt's grape shall moist this lip:
Yare, yare, good Iras; quick. Methinks I hear
Antony call; I see him rouse himself
To praise my noble act; I hear him mock
The luck of Cæsar, which the gods give men
To excuse their after wrath: husband, I come
Now to that name my courage prove my title!
I am fire, and air; my other elements
I give to baser life. So, have you done? [lips.
Come then, and take the last warmth of my
Farewell, kind Charmian; Iras, long farewell.
[Kisses them. Iras falls and dies.
Dost fall?

Have I the aspic in my lips?
If thou and nature can so gently part,
The stroke of death is as a lover's pinch,

What should I stay

[Dies. Char. In this wild world?-So, fare thee well.

Now boast thee, death, in thy possession lies
A lass unparallel'd.-Downy windows, close;
And golden Phoebus never be beheld
Of eyes again so royal! Your crown's awry;
I'll mend it, and then play.

O,

Enter the Guard, rushing in. 1 Guard. Where is the queen? Char.

Speak softly, wake her not.

1 Guard. Cæsar hath sent-
Char.

Too slow a messenger.
[Applies an asp.

come apace, despatch: I partly feel thee.
1 Guard. Approach, ho! All's not well:
[sar; call him.

Cæsar's beguil'd.

2 Guard. There's Dolabella, sent from Cæ-
I Guard. What work is here! Charmian,
is this well done?

Char. It is well done, and fitting for a
Descended of so many royal kings. [princess
Ah, soldier!
[Dies.
Re-enter Dolabella.
Dol. How goes it here?
2 Guard.
Dol.

All dead.
Cæsar, thy thoughts
Touch their effects in this: thyself art coming
To see perform'd the dreaded act, which thou
So sought'st to hinder.

[Within.] A way there! a way for Cæsar!
Re-enter Cæsar and his train.
Dol. O sir, you are too sure an augurer;
That you did fear, is done.
Cæs.

Brav'st at the last;
She levell'd at our purposes, and, being royal,
Took her own way. The manner of their

Which hurts, and is desir'd. Dost thou lie I do not see them bleed.

still?

If thus thou vanishest, thou tell'st the world

It is not worth leave-taking.

Char. Dissolve, thick cloud, and rain; that
The gods themselves do weep. [I may say,
Cleo.
This proves me base;
If she first meet the curled Antony,
He'll make demand of her, and spend that kiss,
Which is my heaven to have. Come, thou
mortal wretch,

[To the asp, which she applies to her breast.
With thy sharp teeth this knot intrinsicate
Of life at once untie : poor venomous fool,
Be angry, and despatch. O, couldst thou
speak,

That I might hear thee call great Cæsar ass
Unpolicied!

Char.

Cleo.

O eastern star !

Peace, peace!
Dost thou not see my baby at my breast,
That sucks the nurse asleep?
Char.
O, break! O, break!
Cleo. As sweet as balm, as soft as air, as
gentle,-

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ACT I.

SCENE 1.-A Room of State in King Lear's

Palace.

Enter Kent, Gloster, and Edmund.

Glo. My lord of Kent : remember him hereafter as my honourable friend.

Edm. My services to your lordship. [better.
Kent. I must love you, and sue to know you
Edm. Sir, I shall study deserving.
Glo. He hath been out nine years, and away

Kent. I thought the king had more affected he shall again.-The king is coming. the duke of Albany, than Cornwall.

Glo. It did always seem so to us but now, in the division of the kingdom, it appears not which of the dukes he values most; for equalities are so weighed, that curiosity in neither can make choice of either's moiety.

Kent. Is not this your son, my lord?

Glo. His breeding, sir, hath been at my charge: I have so often blushed to acknowledge him, that now I am brazed to it.

Kent. I cannot conceive you.

Glo. Sir, this young fellow's mother could; whereupon she grew round-wombed, and had, indeed, sir, a son for her cradle ere she had a husband for her bed. Do you smell a fault? Kent. I cannot wish the fault undone, the issue of it being so proper.

[Sennet within. Enter Lear, Cornwall, Albany, Goneril,

Regan, Cordelia, and Attendants. Lear. Attend the lords of France and Bur

Glo. I shall, my liege. [gundy, Gloster.
[Exeunt Gloster and Edmund.
Lear. Meantime we shall express our dark-

er purpose.
[divided
Give me the map there.-Know, that we have
In three, our kingdom: and 'tis our fast intent
To shake all cares and business from our age:
Conferring them on younger strengths, while we
Unburden'd crawl toward death. Our son of
Cornwall,

And you, our no less loving son of Albany,
We have this hour a constant will to publish
Our daughters' several dowers, that future strife
May be prevented now. The princes, France
and Burgundy,

Glo. But I have a son, sir, by order of law, some year elder than this, who yet is no dearer in my account: though this knave came some- Great rivals in our youngest daughter's love, what saucily into the world, before he was Long in our court have made their amorous sent for, yet was his mother fair; there was (daughters, good sport at his making, and the whoreson And here are to be answer'd.-Tell me, my must be acknowledged. Do you know this (Since now we will divest us, both of rule, noble gentleman, Edmund ?

sojourn,

Interest of territory, cares of state,)

Edm. No, my lord.

Which of you, shall we say, doth love us most?

That we our largest bounty may extend
Where nature doth with merit challenge.
Our eldest born, speak first.

[Goneril, Gon. Sir, I love you more than words can

wield the matter;

Dearer than eye-sight, space, and liberty;
Beyond what can be valued, rich or rare;
No less than life, with grace, health, beauty,
honour :

Sure, I shall never marry like my sisters,
To love my father all.

Cor.

Lear. But goes thy heart with this?
Ay, good my lord.
Lear. So young, and so untender?
Cor. So young, my lord, and true. [dower :
Lear. Let it be so,-thy truth, then, be thy
For, by the sacred radiance of the sun,
The mysteries of Hecate, and the night;

As much as child e'er lov'd, or father found;By all the operation of the orbs

A love that makes breath poor, and speech From whom we do exist, and cease to be;

unable;

Beyond all manner of so much I love you.
Cor. [Aside.] What shall Cordelia do?
Love, and be silent.

Lear. Of all these bounds, even from this
line to this,

[rich'd,

Here I disclaim all my paternal care,
Propinquity and property of blood,
And, as a stranger to my heart and me,
Hold thee, from this, for ever. The barbar-
ous Scythian,

Kent.

Good my liege,

Or he that makes his generation messes With shadowy forests, and with champains To gorge his appetite, shall to my bosom With plenteous rivers and wide-skirted meads, Be as well neighbour'd, pitied, and relieved, We make thee lady to thine and Albany's As thou my sometime daughter. issue, [daughter, Be this perpetual.-What says our second Our dearest Regan, wife to Cornwall? Speak. Reg. I am made of that self metal as my sister,

And prize me at her worth. In my true heart
I find she names my very deed of love;
Only she comes too short,-that I profess
Myself an enemy to all other joys,
Which the most precious square of sense
And find I am alone felicitate [possesses;
In your dear highness' love.
Cor. [Aside.] Then, poor Cordelia!
And yet not so; since, I am sure, my love's
More richer than my tongue.

Lear. To thee and thine, hereditary ever,
Remain this ample third of our fair kingdom;
No less in space, validity, and pleasure,
Than that conferr'd on Goneril.-Now, our
joy,
[love
Although our last, not least; to whose young
The vines of France, and milk of Burgundy,
Strive to be interess'd; what can you say, to
draw

A third more opulent than your sisters? Speak.
Cor. Nothing, my lord.
Lear. Nothing!

Cor. Nothing.

Lear. Nothing will come of nothing: speak again.

Cor. Unhappy that I am, I cannot heave My heart into my mouth: I love your majesty According to my bond: nor more, nor less. Lear. How, how, Cordelia! mend your speech a little,

Lest you may mar your fortunes.

Cor.
Good my lord,
You have begot me, bred me, lov'd me: I
Return those duties back as are right fit,
Obey you, love you, and most honour you.
Why have my sisters husbands, if they say
They love you all? Haply, when I shall wed,
That lord, whose hand must take my plight,

shall carry

Half my love with him, half my care, and duty:

Lear. Peace, Kent !

Come not between the dragon and his wrath.
I lov'd her most, and thought to set my rest
On her kind nursery.-Hence, and avoid my
sight!-

So be my grave my peace, as here I give
Her father's heart from her !-Call France ;-
who stirs ?

Call Burgundy.-Cornwall, and Albany,
With my two daughters' dowers digest the
third :

Let pride, which she calls plainness, marry
I do invest you jointly with my power, [her.
Pre-eminence, and all the large effects
That troop with majesty. Ourself by monthly

course,

With reservation of a hundred knights,
By you to be sustain'd, shall our abode
Make with you by due turns. Only, we still
retain

The name, and all th' additions to a king;
The sway,

Revénue, execution of the rest,
Beloved sons, be yours: which to confirm,
This coronet part between you.

[Giving the crown.
Kent.
Royal Lear,
Whom I have ever honour'd as my king,
Lov'd as my father, as my master follow'd,
As my great patron thought on in my pray-
[from the shaft.
Lear. The bow is bent and drawn, make
Kent. Let it fall rather, though the fork in-
vade
The region of my heart be Kent unmannerly,
When Lear is mad. What wouldst thou do,

ers,

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