Caesar. Begirt with Villains?

S[ce]. They come to play you, and your Love a Huntsup. You were told what this same whorson wenching, long agoe would come to: You are taken napping now: has not a Souldier, A time to kiss his friend, and a time to consider, But he must lye still digging, like a Pioneer, Making of mines, and burying of his honour there? 'Twere good you would think—

Dol. And time too, or you will find else A harder task, than Courting a coy Beauty.

Ant. Look out and then believe.

Sce. No, no, hang danger: Take me provoking broth, and then goe to her: Goe to your Love, and let her feel your valour; Charge her whole body, when the sword's in your throat (Sir,) You may cry, Caesar, and see if that will help ye.

Caesar. I'le be my self again, and meet their furies, Meet, and consume their mischiefs: make some shift, Sceva, To recover the Fleet, and bring me up two Legions, And you shall see me, how I'le break like thunder Amongst these beds of slimy Eeles, and scatter 'em.

Sce. Now ye speak sense I'le put my life to the hazard, Before I goe No more of this warm Lady, She will spoil your sword-hand.

Caesar. Goe: come, let's to Counsel How to prevent, and then to execute.



SCENA III.

Enter Souldiers.

1 Sold. Did ye see this Penitence?

2 Sold. Yes: I saw, and heard it.

3 Sold. And I too: look'd upon him, and observ'd it, He's the strangest Septimus now—

1 Sold. I heard he was altered, And had given away his Gold to honest uses: Cry'd monstrously.

2 Sold. He cryes abundantly: He is blind almost with weeping.

3 Sold. 'Tis most wonderfull That a hard hearted man, and an old Souldier Should have so much kind moisture: when his Mother dy'd He laugh'd aloud, and made the wickedst Ballads—

1 Sold. 'Tis like enough: he never lov'd his parents; Nor can I blame him, for they ne'r lov'd him. His Mother dream'd before she was deliver'd That she was brought abed with a Buzzard, and ever after She whistl'd him up to th' world: his brave clothes too He has flung away, and goes like one of us now: Walks with his hands in's pockets, poor and sorrowfull, And gives the best instructions.—

2 Sold. And tells stories Of honest and good people that were honour'd And how they were remembred: and runs mad If he but hear of any ungratefull person, A bloudy, or betraying man—

3 Sold. If it be possible That an Arch-Villain may ever be recovered, This penitent Rascal will put hard: 'twere worth our labour To see him once again.

Enter Septimius.

1 Sold. He spares us that labour, For here he comes.

Sep.—Bless ye my honest friends, Bless ye from base unworthy men; come not near me, For I am yet too taking for your company.

1 Sold. Did I not tell ye?

2 Sold. What book's that?

1 Sold. No doubt Some excellent Salve for a sore heart: are you Septimius, that base knave, that betray'd Pompey?

Sep. I was, and am; unless your honest thoughts Will look upon my penitence, and save me, I must be ever Villain: O good Souldiers You that have Roman hearts, take heed of falsehood: Take heed of blood; take heed of foul ingratitude. The Gods have scarce a mercy for those mischiefs, Take heed of pride, 'twas that that brought me to it.

2 Sol. This fellow would make a rare speech at the gallows.

[3] Sol. 'Tis very fit he were hang'd to edifie us:

Sep. Let all your thoughts be humble, and obedient, Love your Commanders, honour them that feed ye: Pray, that ye may be strong in honesty As in the use of arms; Labour, and diligently To keep your hearts from ease, and her base issues, Pride, and ambitious wantonness, those spoil'd me. Rather lose all your limbs, than the least honesty, You are never lame indeed, till loss of credit Benumb ye through: Scarrs, and those maims of honour Are memorable crutches, that shall bear When you are dead, your noble names to Eternity.

1 Sol. I cry.

2 Sol. And so do I.

3 Sol. An excellent villain.

1 Sol. A more sweet pious knave I never heard yet.

2 Sol. He was happie he was Rascal, to come to this.

Enter Achoreus.

Who's this? a Priest?

Sep. O stay, most holy Sir! And by the Gods of Egypt, I conjure ye, (Isis, and great Osiris) pity me, Pity a loaden man, and tell me truly With what most humble Sacrifice I may Wash off my sin, and appease the powers that hate me? Take from my heart those thousand thousand furies, That restless gnaw upon my life, and save me. Orestes bloody hands fell on his Mother, Yet, at the holy altar he was pardon'd.

Ach. Orestes out of madness did his murther, And therefore he found grace: thou (worst of all men) Out of cold blood, and hope of gain, base lucre, Slew'st thine own Feeder: come not near the altar, Nor with thy reeking hands pollute the Sacrifice, Thou art markt for shame eternal. [Exit.

Sep. Look all on me, And let me be a story left to time Of blood and Infamy, how base and ugly Ingratitude appears, with all her profits, How monstrous my hop'd grace, at Court! good souldiers Let neither flattery, nor the witching sound Of high and soft preferment, touch your goodness: To be valiant, old, and honest, O what blessedness—

1 Sold. Dost thou want any thing?

Sep. Nothing but your prayers.

2 Sol. Be thus, and let the blind Priest do his worst, We have gods as well as they, and they will hear us.

3 Sol. Come, cry no more: thou hast wep't out twenty Pompeys.

Enter Photinus, Achillas.

Pho. So penitent?

Achil. It seems so.

Pho. Yet for all this We must employ him.

1 Sol. These are the arm'd Souldier leaders: Away: and let's toth' Fort, we shall be snapt else. [Exeunt.

Pho. How now? why thus? what cause of this dejection?

Achil. Why dost thou weep?

Sep. Pray leave me, you have ruin'd me, You have made me a famous Villain.

Pho. Does that touch thee?

Achil. He will be hard to win: he feels his lewdness.

Pho. He must be won, or we shall want our right hand. This fellow dares, and knows, and must be heartned. Art thou so poor to blench at what thou hast done? Is Conscience a comrade for an old Soldier?

Achil. It is not that: it may be some disgrace That he takes heavily; and would be cherish'd, Septimius ever scorn'd to shew such weakness.

Sep. Let me alone; I am not for your purpose, I am now a new man.

Pho. We have new affairs for thee, Those that would raise thy head.

Sep. I would 'twere off, And in your bellies for the love you bear me. I'le be no more Knave: I have stings enough Already in my breast.

Pho. Thou shalt be noble: And who dares think then that thou art not honest?

Achil. Thou shalt command in Chief, all our strong Forces And if thou serv'st an use, must not all justifie it?

S[e]p. I am Rogue enough.

Pho. Thou wilt be more, and baser: A poor Rogue is all Rogues: open to all shames: Nothing to shadow him: dost thou think crying Can keep thee from the censure of the Multitude? Or to be kneeling at the altar save thee? 'Tis poor and servile: Wert thou thine own Sacrifice 'Twould seem so low, people would spit the fire out.

Achil. Keep thy self glorious still, though ne're so stain'd, And that will lessen it, if not work it out. To goe complaining thus, and thus repenting Like a poor Girl that had betrai'd her maide[n]-head—

Sep. I'le stop mine ears.

Achil. Will shew so in a Souldier, So simply, and so ridiculously, so tamely—

Pho. If people would believe thee, 'twere some honesty, And for thy penitence would not laugh at thee (As sure they will) and beat thee for thy poverty: If they would allow thy foolery, there were some hope.

Sep. My foolery?

Pho. Nay, more than that, thy misery, Thy monstrous misery.

A[c]hil. He begins to hearken: Thy misery so great, men will not bury thee.

Sep. That this were true!

Pho. Why does this conquering Caesar Labour through the worlds deep Seas of toyls and troubles, Dangers, and desperate hopes? to repent afterwards? Why does he slaughter thousands in a Battel, And whip his Country with the sword? to cry for't? Thou killd'st great Pompey; he'l kill all his kindred, And justifie it: nay raise up Trophies to it. When thou hear'st him repent, (he's held most holy too) And cry for doing daily bloody murthers, Take thou example, and go ask forgiveness, Call up the thing thou nam'st thy conscience, And let it work: then 'twill seem well Septimius.

Sep. He does all this.

Achil. Yes: and is honour'd for it; Nay call'd the honour'd Caesar, so maist thou be: Thou wert born as near a Crown as he.

Sep. He was poor.

Pho. And desperate bloody tricks got him this credit.

Sep. I am afraid you will once more—

Pho. Help to raise thee: Off with thy pining black, it dulls a Souldier, And put on resolution like a man, A noble Fate waits on thee.

Sep. I now feel My self returning Rascal speedily. O that I had the power—

Achil. Thou shalt have all: And do all through thy power, men shall admire thee, And the vices of Septimius shall turn vertues.

Sep. Off: off: thou must off: off my cowardize, Puling repentance off.

Pho. Now thou speakst nobly.

Sep. Off my dejected looks: and welcom impudence: My daring shall be Deity, to save me: Give me instructions, and put action on me: A glorious cause upon my swords point, Gentlemen, And let my wit, and valour work: you will raise me, And make me out-dare all my miseries?

Pho. All this, and all thy wishes.

Sep. Use me then, Womanish fear farewell: I'le never melt more, Lead on, to some great thing, to wake my spirit: I cut the Cedar Pompey, and I'le fell This huge Oak Caesar too.

Pho. Now thou singst sweetly: And Ptolomy shall crown thee for thy service.

Achil. He's well wrought: put him on apace for cooling. [Exeunt.



ACTUS QUINTUS. SCENA PRIMA.

Enter Caesar, Antony, Dolabella.

Ant. The tumult still encreases.

Caesar. O my fortune! My lustfull folly rather! but 'tis well, And worthily I am made a bondsmans prey, That after all my glorious victories, In which I pass'd so many Seas of dangers, When all the Elements conspir'd against me, Would yield up the dominion of this head To any mortal power: so blind and stupid, To trust these base Egyptians, that proclaim'd Their perjuries, in noble Pompeys death, And yet that could not warn me.

Dol. Be still Caesar, Who ever lov'd to exercise his fate, Where danger look't most dreadful.

Ant. If you fall, Fall not alone: let the King and his Sister Be buried in your ruines: on my life They both are guilty: reason may assure you Photinus nor Achillas durst attempt you, Or shake one Dart, or sword, aim'd at your safety, Without their warrant.

Caesar. For the young King I know not How he may be misled; but for his Sister (Unequall'd Cleopatra) 'twere a kind Of blasphemy to doubt her: ugly treason Durst never dwell in such a glorious building, Nor can so clear and great a spirit, as hers is, Admit of falsehood.

Ant. Let us seize on him then: And leave her to her fortune.

Dol. If he have power Use it to your security, and let His honesty acquit him: if he be false It is too great an honour he should dye By your victorious hand.

Caesar. He comes: and I Shall do as I find cause.

Enter Ptolomy, Achoreus, Apollodorus.

Ptol. Let not great Caesar Impute the breach of hospitality, To you (my guest) to me; I am contemn'd, And my rebellious subjects lift their hands Against my head: and would they aim'd no farther, Provided that I fell a sacrifice To gain you safety: that this is not feign'd, The boldness of my innocence may confirm you: Had I been privy to their bloody plot, I now had led them on, and given fair gloss To their bad cause, by being present with them: But I that yet taste of the punishment, In being false to Pompey, will not make A second fault to Caesar uncompel'd With such as have not yet shook off obedience, I yield my self to you, and will take part In all your dangers.

Caesar. This pleads your excuse, And I receive it.

Ach. If they have any touch Of justice, or religion, I will use The authority of our Gods, to call them back From their bad purpose.

Apo. This part of the palace Is yet defensible: we may make it good, Till your powers rescue us.

Caesar. Caesar besieg'd? O stain to my great actions: 'twas my custom, An Army routed, as my feet had wings To be first in the chase: nor walls, nor Bulworks Could guard those that escap'd the Battels fury From this strong Arm; and I to be enclos'd? My heart! my heart! but 'tis necessity, To which the Gods must yield, and I obey, 'Till I redeem it by some glorious way. [Exeunt.



SCENA II.

Enter Photinus, Achillas, Septimius, Souldiers.

Pho. There's no retiring now, we are broke in: The deed past hope of pardon: if we prosper 'Twill be stil'd lawful!, and we shall give laws To those that now command us: stop not at Or loyalty, or duty: bold ambition, To dare and power to do, gave the first difference Between the King, and subject, Caesars Motto, Aut Caesar aut Nihil, each of us must claim, And use it as our own.

Achil. The deed is bloody If we conclude in Ptolomies death.

Pho. The better, The globe of Empire must be so manur'd.

Sep. Rome, that from Romulus first took her name, Had her walls water'd with a Crimson showr Drain'd from a Brothers heart: nor was she rais'd To this prodigious height, that overlooks Three full parts of the Earth, that pay her tribute, But by enlarging of her [n]arrow bounds By the Sack of Neighbour Cities, not made hers Till they were Cemented with the Blood of those That did possess 'em: Caesar, Ptolomy, (Now I am steel'd) to me are empty names Esteem'd as Pompeys was.

Pho. Well said Septimius, Thou now art right again.

Achil. But what course take we For the Princess Cleopatra?

Pho. Let her live Awhile to make us sport: she shall authorize Our undertakings to the ignorant people, As if what we do were by her command: But our triumvirat Government once confirm'd, She bears her Brother company, that's my Province: Leave me to work her.

Achil. I will undertake For Ptolomy.

Sep. Caesar shall be my task, And as in Pompey I began a name I'le perfect it in Caesar.

Enter (above) Caesar, Ptolomy, Achoreus, Apollodorus, Antony, Dolabella.

Pho. 'Tis resolv'd then, We'll force our passage.

Achil. See, they do appear As they desir'd a Parley.

Pho. I am proud yet I have brought 'em to capitulate.

Ptol. Now, Photinus?

Pho. Now, Ptolomy?

Ptol. No addition?

Pho. We are equal, Though Caesars name were put into the scale, In which our worth is weigh'd.

Caes. Presumptuous Villain, Upon what grounds hast thou presum'd to raise Thy servile hand against the King, or me, That have a greater name?

Pho. On those, by which Thou didst presume to pass the Rubicon Against the Laws of Rome; and at the name Of Traitor smile; as thou didst when Marcellus, The Consul, with the Senates full consent Pronounc'd thee for an Enemy to thy Country, Yet thou wentst on, and thy rebellious Cause Was crown'd with fair success: Why should we fear then? Think on that, Caesar.

Caes. O the gods! be brav'd thus, And be compell'd to bear this from a Slave That would not brook Great Pompey his Superiour?

Achil. Thy glories now have toucht the highest point, And must descend.

Pho. Despair, and think we stand The Champions of Rome, to wreak her wrongs, Upon whose liberty thou hast set thy foot.

Sept. And that the Ghosts of all those noble Romans That by thy Sword fell in this Civil War Expect revenge.

Ant. Dar'st thou speak, and remember There was a Pompey?

Pho. There is no hope to 'scape us: If that against the odds we have upon you You dare come forth, and fight, receive the honour To dye like Romans, if ye faint, resolve To starve like Wretches; I disdain to change Another syllable with you. [Exeunt.

Ant. Let us dye nobly; And rather fall upon each others Sword Than come into these Villains hands.

Caes. That Fortune, Which to this hour hath been a Friend to Caesar, Though for a while she cloath her Brow with frowns, Will smile again upon me: who will pay her, Or sacrifice, or Vows, if she forsake Her best of works in me? or suffer him, Whom with a strong hand she hath led triumphant Through the whole western world, and Rome acknowledg'd Her Soveraign Lord, to end in-gloriously A life admir'd by all? The threatned danger Must by a way more horrid be avoided, And I will run the hazard; Fire the Palace, And the rich Magazines that neighbour it, In which the Wealth of Egypt is contain'd: Start not, it shall be so; that while the people Labour in quenching the ensuing flames, Like Caesar, with this handful of my friends Through Fire, and Swords I force a passage to My conquering Legions. King, if thou dar'd follow Where Caesar leads, or live or dye a Free-man; If not, stay here a Bond-man to thy Slave, And dead, be thought unworthy of a Grave. [Exeunt.



SCENE III.

Enter Septimius.

Sept. I feel my resolution melts again And that I am not Knave alone, but fool, In all my purposes. The Devil, Photinus, Employs me as a Property, and grown useless Will shake me off again; he told me so When I kill'd Pompey; nor can I hope better, When Caesar is dispatch'd; Services done For such as only study their own ends, Too great to be rewarded, are return'd With deadly hate; I learn'd this Principle In his own School, yet still he fools me, well; And yet he trusts me: Since I in my nature Was fashion'd to be false, wherefore should I That kill'd my General, and a Roman, one To whom I ow'd all nourishments of life, Be true to an Egyptian? To save Caesar, And turn Photinus's plots on his own head, As it is in my power, redeem my credit, And live to lye and swear again in fashion, Oh, 'twere a master-piece! ha!—me Caesar, How's he got off?

Enter Caesar, Ptolomy, Antony, Dolabella, Achoreus, Apollodorus, Souldiers.

Caes. The fire has took, And shews the City like a second Troy, The Navy too is scorch'd, the people greedy To save their Wealth and Houses, whilst their Souldiers Make spoil of all; only Achillas's Troops Make good their Guard, break through them, we are safe; I'll lead you like a Thunder-bolt.

Sept. Stay, Caesar.

Caes. Who's this? the Dog, Septimius?

Ant. Cut his throat.

Dol. You bark'd but now, fawn you so soon?

Sept. O hear me, What I'll deliver is for Caesars safety, For all your good.

Ant. Good from a mouth like thine, That never belch'd but blasphemy, and treason on Festival days!

Sept. I am an altered man, altered indeed, And will give you cause to say I am a Roman.

Dol. Rogue, I grant thee.

Sept. Trust me, I'll make the passage smooth, and easie For your escape.

Ant. I'll trust the Devil sooner, And make a safer Bargain.

Sept. I am trusted With all Photinus's secrets.

Ant. There's no doubt then Thou wilt be false.

Sept. Still to be true to you.

Dol. And very likely.

Caes. Be brief, the means?

Sept. Thus, Caesar, To me alone, but bound by terrible oaths Not to discover it, he hath reveal'd A dismal Vault, whose dreadful mouth does open A mile beyond the City: in this Cave Lye but two hours conceal'd.

Ant. If you believe him, He'll bury us alive.

Dol. I'll flye in the Air first.

Sept. Then in the dead of night I'll bring you back Into a private room, where you shall find Photinus, and Achillas, and the rest Of their Commanders close at Council.

Caes. Good, what follows?

Sept. Fall me fairly on their throats, Their heads cut off and shorn, the multitude Will easily disperse.

Caes. O Devil! away with him; Nor true to Friend nor Enemy? Caesar scorns To find his safety, or revenge his wrongs So base a way; or owe the means of life To such a leprous Traytor, I have towr'd For Victory like a Faulcon in the Clouds, Nor dig'd for't like a Mole; our Swords and Cause Make way for us, and that it may appear We took a noble Course, and hate base Treason, Some Souldiers that would merit Caesar's favour, Hang him on yonder Turret, and then follow The lane this Sword makes for you. [Exit.

1 Sold. Here's a Belt, Though I dye for it I'll use it.

2 Sold. 'Tis too good To truss a Cur in.

Sept. Save me, here's Gold.

1 Sold. If Rome Were offered for thy ransom, it could not help thee.

2 Sold. Hang not an arse.

1 Sold. Goad him on with thy Sword; Thou dost deserve a worser end, and may All such conclude so, that their friends betray. [Exeunt.



SCENE IV.

Enter (severally) Arsino, Eros, Cleopatra.

Ars. We are lost.

Eros. Undone.

Ars. Confusion, Fire, and Swords, And fury in the Souldiers face more horrid Circle us round.

Eros. The Kings Command they laugh at, And jeer at Caesars threats.

Ars. My Brother seiz'd on By the Roman, as thought guilty of the tumult, And forc'd to bear him company, as mark'd out For his protection or revenge.

Eros. They have broke Into my Cabinet; my Trunks are ransack'd.

Ars. I have lost my jewels too: but that's the least: The barbarous Rascals, against all humanity, Or sense of pity, have kill'd my little Dog, And broke my Monkeys Chain.

Eros. They rifled me: But that I could endure, would they proceed no further.

Ars. O my Sister!

Eros. My Queen, my Mistress!

Ars. Can you stand unmov'd When the Earth-quake of Rebellion shakes the City, And the Court trembles?

Cleo. Yes, Arsino, And with a Masculine Constancy deride Fortunes worst malice, as a Servant to My Vertues, not a Mistress; then we forsake The strong Fort of our selves, when we once yield, Or shrink at her assaults; I am still my self, And though disrob'd of Soveraignty, and ravish'd Of ceremonious duty, that attends it, Nay, grant they had slav'd my Body, my free mind Like to the Palm-tree walling fruitful Nile, Shall grow up straighter and enlarge it self 'Spight of the envious weight that loads it with: Think of thy Birth (Arsino) common burdens Fit common Shoulders; teach the multitude By suffering nobly what they fear to touch at; The greatness of thy mind does soar a pitch, Their dim eyes (darkened by their narrow souls) Cannot arrive at.

Ars. I am new created, And owe this second being to you (best Sister) For now I feel you have infus'd into me Part of your fortitude.

Eros. I still am fearful; I dare not tell a lie; you that were born Daughters and Sisters unto Kings, may nourish Great thoughts, which I, that am your humble handmaid Must not presume to rival.

Cleo. Yet (my Eros) Though thou hast profited nothing by observing The whole course of my life, learn in my death, Though not to equal, yet to imitate Thy fearless Mistress.

Enter Photinus.

Eros. O, a man in Arms! His Weapon drawn too?

Cleo. Though upon the point Death sate, I'll meet it, and outdare the danger.

Pho. Keep the Watch strong, and guard the passage sure That leads unto the Sea.

Cleo. What Sea of rudeness Breaks in upon us? or what Subjects Breath Dare raise a storm, when we command a calm? Are Duty and Obedience fled to Heaven? And in their room ambition and pride Sent into Egypt? That Face speaks thee, Photinus, A thing thy Mother brought into the World; My Brother's and my Slave: but thy behaviour, Oppos'd to that, an insolent intruder Upon that Soveraignty thou shouldst bow to. If in the Gulph of base ingratitude, All loyalty to Ptolomy the King Be swallowed up, remember who I am, Whose Daughter and whose Sister; or suppose That is forgot too; let the name of Caesar Which Nations quake at, stop the desperate madness From running headlong on to thy Confusion. Throw from thee quickly those rebellious Arms, And let me read submission in thine Eyes; Thy wrongs to us we will not only pardon, But be a ready advocate to plead for thee To Caesar, and my Brother.

Pho. Plead my Pardon? To you I bow, but scorn as much to stoop thus To Ptolomy or Caesar, Nay, the gods, As to put off the figure of a man, And change my Essence with a sensual Beast; All my designs, my counsels, and dark ends Were aim'd to purchase you.

Cleo. How durst thou, being The scorn of baseness, nourish such a thought?

Pho. They that have power are royal; and those base That live at the devotion of another. What birth gave Ptolomy, or fortune Caesar, By Engines fashion'd in this Protean Anvil I have made mine; and only stoop at you, Whom I would still preserve free to command me; For Caesar's frowns, they are below my thoughts, And but in these fair Eyes I still have read The story of a supream Monarchy, To which all hearts with mine gladly pay tribute, Photinus's Name had long since been as great As Ptolomies e'r was, or Caesars is, This made me as a weaker tye to unloose The knot of Loyalty, that chain'd my freedom, And slight the fear that Caesars threats might cause, That I and they might see no Sun appear But Cleopatra in the Egyptian Sphear.

Cleo. O Giant-like Ambition! marryed to Cymmerian darkness! inconsiderate Fool, (Though flatter'd with self-love) could'st thou believe, Were all Crowns on the Earth made into one, And that (by Kings) set on thy head; all Scepters, Within thy grasp, and laid down at my feet, I would vouchsafe a kiss to a no-man? A guelded Eunuch?

Pho. Fairest, that makes for me, And shews it is no sensual appetite, But true love to the greatness of thy Spirit, That when that you are mine shall yield me pleasures, Hymen, though blessing a new married Pair Shall blush to think on, and our certain issue, The glorious splendor of dread Majesty, Whose beams shall dazel Rome, and aw the world, My wants in that kind others shall supply, And I give way to it.

Cleo. Baser than thy Birth; Can there be gods, and hear this, and no thunder Ram thee into the Earth?

Pho. They are asleep, And cannot hear thee; Or with open Eyes, Did Jove look on us, I would laugh and swear That his artillery is cloy'd by me: Or if that they have power to hurt, his Bolts Are in my hand.

Cleo. Most impious!

Pho. They are dreams, Religious Fools shake at: yet to assure thee, If Nemesis, that scourges pride and scorn, Be any thing but a name, she lives in me; For by my self (an oath to me more dreadful Than Stix is to your gods) weak Ptolomy dead, And Caesar (both being in my toil) remov'd, The poorest Rascals that are in my Camp Shall in my presence quench their lustful heat In thee, and young Arsino, while I laugh To hear you howl in vain: I deride those gods, That you think can protect you.

Cleo. To prevent thee, In that I am the Mistress of my Fate; So hope I of my sister to confirm it. I spit at thee, and scorn thee.

Pho. I will tame That haughty courage, and make thee stoop too.

Cleo. Never, I was born to command, and will dye so.

Enter Achillas, and Souldiers, with the Body of Ptolomy.

Pho. The King dead? this is a fair entrance to Our future happiness.

Ars. Oh my dear Brother!

Cleo. Weep not, Arsino, common women do so, Nor lose a tear for him, it cannot help him; But study to dye nobly.

Pho. Caesar fled! 'Tis deadly aconite to my cold heart, It choaks my vital Spirits: where was your care? Did the Guards sleep?

Achil. He rowz'd them with his Sword; We talk of Mars, but I am sure his Courage Admits of no comparison but it self, And (as inspir'd by him) his following friends With such a confidence as young Eagles prey Under the large wing of their fiercer Dam, Brake through our Troops and scatter'd them, he went on But still pursu'd by us, when on the sudden, He turn'd his head, and from his Eyes flew terrour; Which strook in us no less fear and amazement, Than if we had encounter'd with the lightning Hurl'd from Jove's cloudy Brow.

Cleo. 'Twas like my Caesar.

Achil. We faln back, he made on, and as our fear Had parted from us with his dreadful looks, Again we follow'd; but got near the Sea; On which his Navy anchor'd; in one hand Holding a Scroll he had above the waves, And in the other grasping fast his Sword, As it had been a Trident forg'd by Vulcan To calm the raging Ocean, he made away As if he had been Neptune, his friends like So many Tritons follow'd, their bold shouts Yielding a chearful musick; we showr'd darts Upon them, but in vain, they reach'd their ships And in their safety we are sunk; for Caesar Prepares for War.

Pho. How fell the King?

Achil. Unable To follow Caesar, he was trod to death By the Pursuers, and with him the Priest Of Isis, good Achoreus.

Ars. May the Earth Lye gently on their ashes.

Pho. I feel now, That there are powers above us; and that 'tis not Within the searching policies of man To alter their decrees.

Cleo. I laugh at thee; Where are thy threats now, Fool, thy scoffs and scorns Against the gods? I see calamity Is the best Mistress of Religion, And can convert an Atheist. [Shout within.

Pho. O they come, Mountains fall on me! O for him to dye That plac'd his Heaven on Earth, is an assurance Of his descent to Hell; where shall I hide me? The greatest daring to a man dishonest, Is but a Bastard Courage, ever fainting. [Exit.

Enter Caesar, Sceva, Antony, Dolabella.

Caes. Look on your Caesar; banish fear, my fairest, You now are safe.

Sce. By Venus, not a kiss Till our work be done; the Traitors once dispatch'd To it, and we'll cry aim.

Caes. I will be speedy. [Exeunt.

Cleo. Farewel again, Arsino; how now, Eros? Ever faint-hearted?

Eros. But that I am assur'd, Your Excellency can command the General, I fear the Souldiers, for they look as if They would be nibling too.

Cleo. He is all honour, Nor do I now repent me of my favours, Nor can I think that Nature e'r made a Woman That in her prime deserv'd him.

Enter Caesar, Sceva, Antonie, Dolabella, Souldiers, with the Heads.

Ars. He's come back, Pursue no further; curb the Souldiers fury.

Caes. See (beauteous Mistris) their accursed heads That did conspire against us.

Sce. Furies plague 'em, They had too fair an end to dye like Souldiers, Pompey fell by the Sword, the Cross or Halter Should have dispatch'd them.

Caes. All is but death, good Sceva, Be therefore satisfied: and now my dearest, Look upon Caesar, as he still appear'd A Conquerour, and this unfortunate King Entomb'd with honour, we'll to Rome, where Caesar Will shew he can give Kingdoms; for the Senate, (Thy Brother dead) shall willingly decree The Crown of Egypt (that was his) to thee. [Exeunt omnes.



PROLOGUE.

New Titles warrant not a Play for new, The Subject being old; and 'tis as true, Fresh and neat matter may with ease be fram'd Out of their Stories, that have oft been nam'd With glory on the Stage; what borrows he From him that wrote old Priam's Tragedy, That writes his love to Hecuba? Sure to tell Of Caesars amorous heats, and how he fell In the Capitol, can never be the same To the Judicious; Nor will such blame Those who pen'd this, for Barrenness when they find Young Cleopatra here, and her great Mind Expressed to the height, with us a Maid, and free, And how he rated her Virginitie. We treat not of what boldness she did dye, Nor of her fatal Love to Antony. What we present and offer to your view, Upon their faiths the Stage yet never knew. Let Reason then first to your Wills give laws, And after judge of them and of their cause.



EPILOGUE.

I Now should wish another had my place, But that I hope to come off, and with Grace; And but express some sign that you are pleas'd, We of our doubts, they of their fears are eas'd. I would beg further (Gentlemen) and much say In favour of our selves, them, and the Play; Did I not rest assured, the most I see Hate Impudence, and cherish Modestie.

* * * * *



APPENDIX.

p. 300, ll. 5-39. Not in 1st folio.

p. 301, l. 3. 2nd folio] Achil. Love the K. l. 30. frequent in this. l. 31. to safe.

p. 302, l. 13. and give.

p. 303, l. 10. 2nd folio here and frequently prints] Septinius.

p. 304, ll. 3 and 4. o' these ... foole us; l. 7. 2nd folio misprints] Aeh.

p. 305. l. 7. Till they. l. 24. 2nd folio misprints] and.

p. 309, l. 30. A missing bracket has been added before Photinus.

p. 310, l. 4. Prerogatives. l. 31. 2nd folio misprints] Potolmy. l. 40. hand of.

p. 313, l. 29. a Prisoner.

p. 316, l. 2. of thy. l. 11. Omits in. l. 14. sought him.

p. 318, l. 16. A comma has been added at the end of the line.

p. 320, l. 20. tell you. l. 24. Adds the following line] I gave you no comission to performe it: l. 31. with ye. l. 32. Hangers.

p. 321, l. 23. told ye. l. 30. ye are.

p. 322, l. 33. my anger.

p. 323, l. 2. 2nd folio] Lordships.

p. 324, l. 32. Adds the following line] The rule of ill, I'le trust before the dore.

p. 325, l. 1. I sat. l. 17. Affrinius. l. 23. past now. l. 29. comes still.

p. 326, l. 9. Omits rich. l. 32. Omits that.

p. 327, l. 3. Pray.

p. 328, l. 1. I know. l. 6. on a.

p. 329, l. 14. first would.

p. 330, l. 34. 2nd folio misprints] Apollodrous.

p. 331, l. 28. loades us.

p. 332, l. 11. this rare. l. 20. cradled.

p. 333, l. 27. halfe an houre.

p. 334, l. 13. Devills are light.

p. 336, l. 1. 2nd folio] villaines. l. 10. my God. l. 12. Rude valorus. l. 28. 2nd folio] shall.

p. 337, l. 1. blood. l. 7. stuffes. l. 8. Leaper. l. 26. Omits To.

p. 338, l. 18. 2nd folio misprints] Sep. l. 23. the charities. l. 31. The infectious.

p. 340, l. 20. readiest. l. 30. Adds after treasure?] richer still?

p. 341, l. 11. Omits me.

p. 343, l. 1. hidden.

p. 344, l. 13. they would. l. 31. Pray thee be.

p. 346, l. 23. Lovers.

p. 347, l. 9. Dye not.

p. 348, l. 39. to my.

p. 349, l. 18. backe; but.

p. 350, l. 34. 2nd folio misprints] lasciciously.

p. 351, l. 20. 2nd folio misprints] Sec.

p. 353, l. 20. 2nd folio] 2 Sol. l. 27. loose all.

p. 355, l. 23. 2nd folio misprints] Sep. l. 35. 2nd folio misprints] maidend-head.

p. 356, l. 6. 2nd folio misprints] Achil. l. 16. hearest.

p. 357, l. 10. to weale my. l. 22. bondmans.

p. 359, l. 21. A will. l. 31. manur. l. 37. 2nd folio] marrow. l. 38. Cities, were made.

p. 360, l. 14. 2nd folio] Brother, company that's. l. 28. them.

p. 362, l. 9. darst. l. 17. This Devill. l. 23. rewarded, or return'd. l. 29. I owe.

p. 363, l. 6. while. l. 7. Achillas troops. l. 17. a moneth. l. 27. Photinus secrets.

p. 365, ll. 15 and 16.

They rufled me: But that I could endure, and tire 'em too, Would they proceed no further.

l. 20. When an.

p. 367, l. 6. To Ptolomy, to Caesar. l. 23. Photinus name. l. 29. th' Egyptian.

p. 368, l. 37. make it. l. 39. and I will.

p. 369, l. 6. Nor loose. l. 16. you Eagletss. l. 18. 'em.

p. 370, l. 37. Omits that.

p. 371, l. 5. Omits Caes. l. 15. for Rome. l. 20. The Prologue. l. 32. Those that penn'd.

p. 372, l. 7. The Epilogue. l. 13. In the favour.

THE END